SHOW FUN: Milea Clugston, 4, enjoys a ride at Rainbow’s annual agricultural and pastoral show yesterday. Specialty demonstrations, traditional sideshow alley and attractions, and children’s games entertained the crowd. The community supported the show with more than 1860 entries across all sections, with more than 620 photography entries, 474 student entries, 164 cut flowers, and a combined 260 home industries, culinary and craftwork entries. More pictures, page 16. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
BY LAUREN HENRY
Wimmera-Mallee farmers are under increasing pressure from energy organisations who want to build infrastructure on their land.
Renewable energy companies, such as wind farms, along with Transmission Company Victoria’s VNI West transmission line project, which is currently informing landowners of its preferred route, are putting pressure on farmers to use their agricultural land.
More than 70 people gathered at a public meeting at Brim Hall on September 30 to address a lack of information available about a proposed construction of the Warracknabeal and
Wilkur energy parks, and associated transmission lines.
The Warracknabeal Energy Park, a project of energy company WestWind Energy, could include up to 230 turbines nearby the Murra Warra Wind Farm, if approvals are granted.
The Wilkur Energy Park, if approved, will consist of 97 turbines, on 10,554 hectares of agricultural cropping farm land, 11 kilometres southwest of Birchip.
Newly-appointed secretary Janet Addinsall said after a unanimous vote, an incorporated group called the Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association was formed.
She said topics discussed at the meeting included fire danger and im-
pact on the nearby landowners, and concern about a lack of aerial support for firefighting due to the proximity to the proposed turbines.
Other topics included the availability and cost of insurance for landowners and the neighbours of the energy parks; the possibility of compulsory acquisition of land for transmission lines; whether turbines could interrupt radar signals affecting accurate weather reporting; and the effect on private development on land within a one-kilometre buffer zone of the energy parks.
The group will have its next meeting on October 28.
Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking said he had been contacted by 12 different renewable companies wanting
to build wind turbines on his property.
“Our property has pulled out the short straw and we’ve been intersected by the VNI West transmission project,” he said.
“What that brought with it was our country suddenly became fertile for wind development and energy development, so we’ve had countless different companies, effectively prospecting, cold calling us at home, at work, my wife at work, my parents at their home, and wanting to engage and explore the opportunity to build turbines on our property.
“We’re still under this little bit of cloud of uncertainty ... the whole future of wind development in our area relies on this transmission line coming through – but we haven’t been
able to get clear information around exactly how that transmission line will impact us.
“We don’t know what the size of towers are, what the scale of towers are, what the impact on our farming environment will be, so it’s very hard to then say ‘well actually we want to sign up to other infrastructure at the same time’.
“To be perfectly honest, I think if we could go back two years and we were just growing crops and running sheep and cattle, then we would be so, so happy just to do that and not have to think about all these other things – which are good opportunities if people choose to – but for us, we love farming.”
Continued page 5
Ballot packs for the upcoming local government elections will be mailed to you this week by The Victorian Electoral Commission and should reach you this week.
For more information, please visit vec.vic.gov.au or visit the election office opposite the Civic Centre.
Close of Voting
6pm on Friday 25 October 2024 (postal ballots must be in the mail by this time for your vote to be counted).
Election Day
Saturday 26 October 2024 (no in person voting).
Results
Election to be declared by no later than Friday 15 November.
Help celebrate what’s great about our community by nominating someone you know for an Australia Day Award.
Council’s Australia Day Awards recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to our local community.
HRCC is on the lookout for the next:
•Community Event of the Year
•Citizen of the Year
•Young Citizen of the Year
To nominate someone, complete the online form or a hard copy available at the Civic Centre.
Nominations close Monday 2 December.
Awards will be presented at the Australia Day Celebration on Sunday January 26, 2025 at Horsham’s Sawyer Park.
shelter project completed in Natimuk
Council is pleased to announce the completion of the new bus shelter on the northern side of the Wimmera Highway in Natimuk.
The project, driven by the advocacy of the Natimuk Economic and Social Committee, addresses community requests for improved public transport facilities.
In 2023, HRCC sought community feedback on several proposed locations for relocating the bus stop and installing the new shelter.
This feedback, along with flood level considerations, guided the decision to proceed with the installation near the town’s public toilets, where buses had already routinely stopped.
The new bus stop features an accessible bus shelter with a concrete pathway leading to the public toilet, enhancing convenience and accessibility for all users.
Work on the project was expected to be completed by the end of October, but it has been finished ahead of schedule. The bus stop is now ready for use, providing a much-needed improvement to Natimuk’s public transport infrastructure.
The Victorian Government has launched Round 2 of the Tiny Towns program to support local projects in the state’s smallest communities.
The Tiny Towns Fund aims to enhance the quality of life and attract more visitors to towns and communities with a population of up to 5,000 people.
The fund offers grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for projects that deliver infrastructure, facilities, and capability-building projects for our small communities.
Council has expressed its gratitude to firefighters and the community for its cooperation following Wednesday’s fire that destroyed Farmhouse Providore and Cafe.
“We thank the community for its cooperation in helping agencies keep the area safe during what was a precariously dangerous fire scene, including in the aftermath as the building was demolished,” Interim Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said.
“Most importantly, a special thanks goes out to the CFA volunteers from Horsham and several neighbouring towns as well as the firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria who came from as far away as Ballarat.
These dedicated individuals worked long hours to ensure the safety of the area, demonstrating remarkable commitment.
“Despite the severity of the fire, most nearby businesses that were closed on Wednesday have now reopened and we encourage the community to keep supporting them during this challenging time,” he said.
HRCC is assisting business operators immediately impacted by the fire. Other retailers with questions are encouraged to contact 53829777 or email business@hrcc.vic.gov.au
25-010
SUPPLY OF FUEL (DIESEL, ADBLUE AND UNLEADED PETROL) Closes Friday 18 October
25-009
SUPPLY OF AGGREGATES, PRECOATED AGGREGATES, CRUSHED ROCKS, GRAVEL AND SAND Closes Wednesday 16 October
Q05-2025
CONCRETING SERVICES, HORSHAM CITY OVAL EVENTS STAGE Closes Thursday 17 October
All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au
Following an increase in complaints from the community, Council is reminding residents of the strict regulations regarding open-air burning in urban areas.
Under the current guidelines, lighting fires in the open air within urban areas is prohibited unless specifically approved under an Act or prescribed by the Council.
Exceptions are made only for fires intended for meal preparation or personal comfort, provided they comply with the conditions outlined in section 38A(1)(a) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.
Smoke and ash from open-air burning are increasingly unacceptable due to their negative impact on health and the environment.
HRCC encourages residents to consider alternatives to burning, such as mulching and reusing wood, to help maintain air quality and community well-being.
Council has received numerous complaints from residents about the adverse effects of smoke from openair burning, highlighting the importance of adhering to these regulations.
By following these guidelines, the community can contribute to a healthier and more pleasant living environment for everyone.
Are you burning off safely?
Did you know that you can now register your burnoff online?
Registering online can free up triple-zero (000) call takers, enabling them to focus on urgent emergency calls.
If you’re getting your property ready for summer, plan ahead and visit www.firepermits.vic.gov.au to register your burn.
Next Council Meeting: October 21, 2024 - 5.30pm 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 October 16, 2024 edition
Rural Northwest Health is one step closer to re-opening its Hopetoun urgent care centre following the receipt of a $1.25-million grant to build accommodation for skilled workers.
Three housing projects to attract workers in the Wimmera-Mallee will come to life after receiving State Government funding from the $150-million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
The grants will support regional businesses to attract and retain staff with new homes for thousands of workers and their families across regional Victoria.
Respect Group will proceed with a $780,045 worker accommodation project to build four new one-bedroom units to attract and retain healthcare workers at its Avonlea aged care facility in Nhill.
Buloke Shire Council’s $1.9-million Regional Worker Accommodation project will include seven new two-
bedroom self-contained cabins for key workers across all sectors at seven council-owned caravan parks, including at Charlton, Green Lake, Sea Lake, Tchum Lake, Watchem Lake, Wooroonook Lake and Wycheproof.
The $2-million project at Hopetoun includes building four new three-bedroom units between Phillips Street and Roberts Lane, with the aim of attracting and retaining staff, including nurses.
Rural Northwest Health, RNH, will commit $750,000 toward the project.
RNH chief executive Jenni Masters said the funding would help provide appropriate and affordable housing for regional communities, such as Hopetoun, where key workers and their families struggled to find places to live.
“Worker retention has long been a challenge for all rural health services,” she said.
“These duplexes will give our teams secure, ongoing accommodation for their families, which we hope will
ACE Radio Broadcasters’ newsreader Emma Clark was recognised for her work when she won an Australian Commercial Radio and Audio award on Saturday night.
Mrs Clark won best news presenter for AM non-metropolitan radio stations at the national awards, presented at a gala ceremony at The Star, in Sydney.
The Horsham-based newsreader works across 3WM and MIXX FM stations.
ACE Radio won six awards at the ACRAs, including Courtney McIntyre, MIXX FM Hamilton, winning individual talent of the year, country; Sarah Grigg, MIXX FM Swan Hill, best music host, country; MIXX Brekky with Jimmi and Lippi, Colac, won best on air team, country; 3CS and MIXX FM Colac’s Christmas by the Lake won best community campaign, country; and TRFM Traralgon won best station-produced commercial campaign, non-metro.
The ACRAs recognise and celebrate the wealth of talent that drives the Australian commercial radio industry.
The awards recognise excellence in all areas of radio broadcasting on and off air including news, talk, sport, music, entertainment, sales and programming.
It was Mrs Clark’s second solo ACRA after winning in 2021, and she has also been a finalist many times
before. “It was a wonderful night for the company all up, I was so surprised to win but also super happy to have my name called out,” she said.
“I’m very lucky to absolutely love my job and to work for a general manager, chief executive and company that supports my family life and gives me the flexibility I need – and my husband and kids are also pretty understanding with my work and I’m grateful to have such a wonderful little family.”
General manager of 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser, Brendan O’Loughlin, congratulated Mrs Clark on her win.
“It’s not by chance that Emma continues to be a finalist in this category – it’s really an indication of her skillset shining through,” he said.
The Weekly Advertiser received a commendation at the Victorian Rural Press Club awards in Bendigo on Friday night.
The Wimmera-based newspaper was a finalist in the media outlet of the year category, which was won by the Warrnambool Standard.
The 2024 Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards received 281 entries from 109 journalists and 20 photographers across 68 media outlets in Victoria and Tasmania.
lead to the families integrating into the Hopetoun community and settling in our region.
“It will also cut down on our agency staff expenditure which, while necessary to retain services at our Hopetoun campus, does have significant budget implications.
“We are committed to improving community health and support by increasing the accommodation options available to our teams.
“Closing urgent care was not something we took lightly, but it was necessary at the time due to severe staff shortages.
“We’re hopeful the new accommodation will attract staff and bring us closer to being able to safely reopen it for the community.”
Round one of the fund will support more than 20 projects, which involved co-investment from private businesses, industries or community groups – unlocking nearly $250-million in combined private and public investment in new regional housing.
Each local housing project will be unique to the area – from self-contained units, worker villages, family dwellings, shared accommodation, and studios – and will be built to meet the skill needs of key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and tourism.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan said the fund was part of the government’s $45-billion investment since 2014 to make regional and rural towns better places to live, work and visit.
“You can’t work in a regional community if you can’t find a place to live. By helping essential workers find affordable accommodation, we’re also making it easier for employers to attract and keep their staff,” she said.
“These projects will mean Victorians can live close to where they work and our incredible regional towns are attracting the skilled workers they need to keep their local economies booming.”
HONOUR: 3WM newsreader Emma Clark received an Australian Commercial Radio and Audio award in Sydney on Saturday night for best news presenter for AM non-metropolitan radio stations. Picture: LP COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
MISSING: Police have released images of Warrnambool man Troy, above, in the hope the public has information about his whereabouts.
The family of a missing Warrnambool man believe he could be in the Grampians National Park area.
Troy, 44, left Adriana Crescent, Warrnambool, about 3am on Saturday, October 5 and has not been heard from since.
His sister Tina Lewis said Troy was last seen in Dunkeld and Pomonal on October 5 and 7.
“His family and friends are missing him and his school-aged children are missing their dad very much,” she said.
“We just ask everyone to keep a look out for him and his vehicle.”
Police and family are concerned about Troy due to a medical condition and his disappearance being out of character.
Troy left in his vehicle, a black Mitsubishi Triton, with a standard nudge bar on the front and registration WDO032, which is believed to have been captured on CCTV in Dunkeld at 4.30am the same morning he left Warrnambool on October 5.
Police are appealing for people who may have dashcam vision or CCTV in three specific areas to come forward:
• The Glenelg Highway between the intersection of Templeton Street, Dunkeld and the township of Glenthompson between the hours of 4am and 8am, on October 5;
• The Victoria Valley Road between the intersection of Glenelg Highway, Dunkeld and the township of Victoria Valley between the hours of 4am and 8am on October 5;
• The Pomonal township between October 5 and 7.
He is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 185 centimetres tall, medium build, with short, cropped brown/grey hair and goatee beard.
Anyone who sees Troy is urged to contact Warrnambool Police Station on 5560 1333. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
took Astron representatives and independent specialists to task at a Donald Mineral Sands project information session at Minyip on Friday. It was one of three community walk-in information sessions last week, with the others at Donald and Rupanyup.
Specialists in geology, radiation safety, air quality, noise reduction, soil science, sustainability, and community engagement presented data and information to the public.
Farmers asked an array of questions, particularly about land rehabilitation and radiation.
Horsham-based geologist David Whitworth, who has worked in mining for 30 years including 20 years in mineral sands, has been working with the Donald Mineral Sands project since November.
Mr Whitworth said the first 100-hectare paddock had 114 1.5-metre soil test pits, which have shown subsoil layers of varying qualities and physical and chemical characteristics, which was being used as the baseline.
He said the subsoils would be stock-
A caravan in the front yard of an Oak Court, Horsham property has been destroyed by fire.
Four Horsham CFA units responded at about 9.40am yesterday, finding the caravan engulfed and threatening the nearby home.
The fire did not spread into the nearby house or neighbouring homes and was deemed under control within 25 minutes of the call.
Police, paramedics, and gas and power representatives also attended the scene.
piled for the life of the mine then reinstated, returning to their original biological state over time with the application of gypsum, crops, pastures and fertilisers.
Mr Whitworth said there were more work plans to be approved before the DMS mine was deemed viable and signed off on.
Measures, such as dust collected and analysed for radiation levels quarterly, and reported to Department of Health annually, will also need to be undertaken.
Radiation specialist Daniel Emes has completed modelling on the potential radiation dose rates to workers and members of the public.
“Doses for workers range from about one millisievert to five millisieverts,” he said.
“In terms of members of public doses, they’re below about 0.1 millisieverts per year. To give a bit of context about what that means, the dose you receive on average per year just living in Australia is about 1.5 to two millisieverts per year.
“Generally, a mining project such as this wouldn’t even need to consider radiation – if you were just mining that ore and sending it out in the
truck. It is being considered because it’s taken into a processing shed and in that process of refining and extracting the heavy mineral concentrates, it goes above the threshold for what’s considered radioactive.”
Mr Emes said in the event of spillage outside the mine, the doses would be below one millisievert to the exposed public.
He said there were eight monitoring stations set up at the mine site in all wind directions to determine a baseline, and that would continue throughout the project.
Astron Corporation general manager of sustainability Jessica Reid, who is responsible for approvals, community engagement, health and safety, said powerlines, a water pipeline and roads infrastructure were still being finalised with relevant authorities.
Ms Reid said Astron’s intent was for landholders to continue farming.
“We want this community to prosper. We have plans to do a very good job rehabilitating,” she said.
Fifth-generation Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate, who lives three kilometres north of the proposed mining site, said it was the unknown that concerned him most.
“I don’t know what our future really looks like, for my farming, my business and my boys,” he said.
“It is my understanding that pulses and lentils can build up thorium in the plant, there can be a residue –what if we end up in a position that our lentils have detectable levels, who’s liable and what happens, it could potentially mean rejection of shipments and our area could become a no-go zone for buyers.
“If I’ve got lentils no one will buy, not only does it affect that crop, if affects how I can farm and where I go in the future.”
Mr Milgate said rehabilitation of the land and devaluation of his land were also concerns.
“I would like to know what kind of guarantee we have that the land will be rehabilitated, if there is a watchdog who will enforce that,” he said.
“I know every business goes through cycles, but will the mine influence my interest rates and my equity position – I don’t know if anyone has the answers, but that really worries me.”
The next community consultation sessions are scheduled for February.
From page 1
Mr Hosking said the wind farm companies’ proposals were dependent on survey work to access soil suitability for large structures and an environmental study.
“All of them have a disclaimer around the transmission line. If it doesn’t go ahead, their project probably won’t proceed,” he said.
Wallalloo farmer Ben Duxon, who has farmland neighbouring the proposed transmission line route, said he believed about 90 per cent of landowners along the preferred route did not want the project on their land.
A group in the north-east of Northern Grampians Shire has formed, called the Wallalloo and Gre Gre District Alliance, WAGDA, to oppose the project, which proposes a high-capacity double-circuit overhead transmission line cutting across agricultural land, forming a conduit between the Western Renewables Link project at Bulgana, east of Stawell, to New South Wales.
Mr Duxon said landowners would continue to prevent TCV staff from accessing their land.
“At the end of the day, they’re going to have to come and compulsorily acquire land, so if they’ve got an appetite for that – that’s basically where the battle lines are drawn,” he said.
“We’ll go to war with them.”
Mr Duxson said farmers believed the proposed transmission lines would devalue their land, and pose a bushfire risk.
“We’ve seriously got generational farmers out there who are just beside themselves and saying ‘No, we’re not putting up with this. This is not right’,” he said.
“They’ll have to come and compulsorily acquire our land and even when it gets to that, we’ll still fight them at the gate.”
Mr Duxon said he believed governments needed to change existing energy policies.
“This energy policy they’re trying to roll out is no good for Australia,” he said.
“There is alternatives that we’ve given to be part of the solution. It’s getting nuclear going down existing easements and using existing infrastructure, so this whole project is actually not necessarily needed.”
Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.
No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing.
For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms
It’s never you, until it is.
BY LAUREN HENRY
After its premises burnt down last week, Farmhouse Providore and Café staff were back on Monday to serve their customers at its sister store Café Jas.
The Firebrace Street, Horsham, building was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Wednesday, with authorities suspecting an electrical fault was the cause.
The two-storey building was wellalight when firefighters were alerted to the fire via a triple zero call at about 2am.
Ten units from the Country Fire Authority, CFA, and a specialist Fire Rescue Victoria unit from Ballarat attended the fire.
Cleaning up from the fire and the demolition of the building forced Firebrace Street, between Roberts Avenue and McLachlan Street, to be closed to traffic for the remainder of Wednesday as the area was made safe.
Adjacent buildings also suffered damage from the fire, falling debris, smoke, and water, with neighbouring business Exquisit forced to close and find alternative premises.
Bradbury Lane also remains closed.
Farmhouse owner Sharron Keating said she was now on the lookout for a new premises to reopen the café and providore.
But in the meantime, the Farmhouse staff would work out of her and her husband Mat’s other business, Café Jas in Roberts Avenue, with extended opening hours.
“We’ll definitely be coming back,” she said.
“We have created such a great little community of customers, so we just
want to continue serving everyone.”
Mrs Keating said the Farmhouse staff would serve from Café Jas from 6am to cater for Horsham’s early-risers.
“We really want to continue to look after our regulars who come in at 6am, so our team will be here at 6am Monday to Friday to serve all of our tradies and early-risers,” she said.
“It’s also really great for our team to be able to feel like they’re still contributing as well.
“The Café Jas team have been amazing ... they’ve just all just been so flexible and it’s been great.”
Mrs Keating said it had been a whirlwind of emotions since she received a 2.30am phone call from police alerting her to the fire.
“Their main concern was that they needed to make sure there was no one residing upstairs, which there wasn’t
– it’s not a used space,” she said. “So I just went down there and then had a chat to them.
“The CFA guys were amazing, and the police, they just let me go in and they talked me through what was happening.
“I was there for three hours, and then thought I’d better go home for a shower.
“I came back to Jas and we opened up and cooked brekkie for all the emergency services.
“The one thing I would really love to get across is volunteers, the CFA volunteers. Oh my gosh, they were just so amazing.
“They were working all night and then they had to front up to their day jobs the next day.”
Mrs Keating said while she was devastated about the fire, the outpour-
ing from the community had been ‘amazing’.
“I’ve just been so overwhelmed with the support and the care – it’s just been amazing,” she said.
“We’ve had so many offers of support and help, and everyone has been asking what they can do to help to try and make our life a bit easier at the moment, so it’s just beautiful to see.”
Exquisit owner Shana Miatke said the fire also severely impacted her clothing store, with significant damage to the roof structure and all products damaged by smoke, water, and fire.
“From the front window, the store does not paint a true picture of what
remains, the smell and devastation is evident as you enter,” she said.
“Sadly, we won’t be able to fully restock our inventory until closer to Christmas, as many of our products cannot be replaced until then.
“Our staff are grappling with this loss, and we share in their distress as we navigate this challenging time.”
Ms Miatke said she was thankful for the quick response from emergency services and for the outpouring of support from the community.
“Despite this setback, we remain committed to rebuilding and continuing to serve our loyal customers with the quality and style they’ve come to expect from Exquisit,” she said.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Australia’s longest-serving councillor is finally ready for a well-earned break, with Ararat Rural City Council’s Gwenda Allgood stepping down from her post at this month’s council elections after 42 years.
When Cr Allgood first stood for the then City of Ararat in the early 1980s, she had little idea of what lay in store for her – she simply wanted to see some netball courts built.
“I wanted netball courts, and I would go to the meetings and ask questions saying ‘this is what I would like to see happen’,” she said.
“Nobody would listen, and they were all a bit older than I was. When they wouldn’t listen I said one night that if you don’t listen to what I’m saying, then you might find that I’m at the table debating with you.”
Cr Allgood made good on that promise, winning a council seat in her first attempt and holding it ever since.
But while a dogmatic approach to the issue of netball courts was what earned her a place on the council, she believes a willingness to compromise and listen to the community is what has kept her there.
“When I first started I always had an open door policy. If somebody rang up or had a query or a wish, I always tried to listen and even if I didn’t like the idea, I’d try to even it out and find a compromise,” she said.
“I always tried to do whatever other people wanted me to do. That’s what you’re there for. You don’t go in with set ideas of what you want, apart from the netball courts.”
Among the projects Cr Allgood is
most proud of is the reopening of J Ward – a former Ararat jail and psychiatric facility – as a museum in the 1990s.
“When we wanted to open J Ward, some people said it couldn’t be done. But I could see the potential in it even though on the first night we went up there the grass was about a foot long and we had a torch and no lights,” she said.
“I could see the possibility for the town, and all these years later it’s still going from strength to strength.
“I’m pretty proud of that. It wasn’t
my idea, but it was something that when people rang me and said ‘why don’t we give this a try?’ I always believed it was worth it.”
Cr Allgood remains involved in community organisations including the Green Hill Lake Development Board and ambulance and fire auxiliary groups. She said she still had passion for community service and many projects she wanted to follow through, but that seeking another council term was not the right thing to do.
“If I’d stayed on for another term I
would have been 86 when I finished, and that’s too much. It’s not fair to anybody. It’s not fair to me, the family or anybody else,” she said.
“At some stage you’ve got to say enough is enough and just give it away.
“I’m a bit shattered. You can’t be there for as long as what I have and not have some sort of feeling about it.
“I’ve loved it. In some ways it’s a thankless task, but in other ways it’s a thing that gets in your blood and you don’t want to give it away.”
The R U OK? Conversation Convoy will visit Stawell on Wednesday next week as part of the organisation’s campaign to connect with regional communities.
The free public events will allow R U OK? to share practical tools and tips to encourage people to stay connected and have conversations any day of the year to help those close to them through difficult times.
At 10am there will be a ‘Locals Know Best’ workshop, followed by a barbecue lunch at Stawell Town Hall car park at noon.
There will also be other community events in Geelong, Warrnambool, Colac and Bendigo, offering a free cuppa and a chance to learn more about the role everyone can play in looking out for friends, family and colleagues.
R U OK? chief executive Katherine Newton said during the convoy, R U OK? linked in with local services, visited community organisations, schools, and workplaces, provided resources, and listened to feedback.
“Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day,” she said.
“So, while R U OK? Day in September is our National Day of Action, we’re encouraging people to Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation can change a life.”
A full schedule of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy public events, and resources can be found at ruok.org.au.
For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support by phoning 13 11 14, texting 0477 13 11 14 or chatting online at lifeline.org.au.
The State Government is backing new methods to speed up local housing and planning approvals across Victoria’s Wimmera and Mallee regions – unlocking much needed supply.
Yarriambiack, Buloke and Hindmarsh shire councils will partner on a pilot project to enable more building surveyor services to speed up housing and planning approvals.
The three councils will work in partnership with Loddon shire and Swan Hill Rural City Council on the project, backed by a $200,000 State Government grant.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney at a housing development in Murtoa on Monday to announce a feasibility study and shared services pilot, with the aim to bring more municipal building surveyor services to councils.
Building surveyors work across Victoria to assess building permit applications, conduct building inspections at mandatory stages and issue occupancy permits and certificates of final inspection.
Small rural councils often face chal-
lenges in engaging the municipal building surveying services needed for timely housing and planning approvals.
The project will be delivered in three phases. It will first identify the challenges and opportunities around sharing surveying services between councils, before establishing a ‘Shared Service Hub’ to support the participating councils with more cost-effective access to surveying services.
The hub will provide a municipal building surveyor service that can be engaged in a shared manner by all five councils, instead of councils needing to engage individual services.
The third phase will evaluate the program and lead to recommendations that can potentially be replicated across other regional councils.
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith said the business case would explore where the surveyor would be based and how the service would be delivered across each municipality.
municipal building surveyors across the state, and we recognise this and effectively what happens is rural councils are the ones that miss out because those surveyors tend to go to large regional centres or metropolitan areas where there’s more diversity of building work.
“We’re looking at a model and a business case in which there is an alternative around qualifications and experience required to be a municipal building surveyor in a rural council, and then seeing if we can establish a hub to support the five councils to effectively roll that out.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Monica Revell said Hindmarsh currently used contractors for its municipal building surveying, MBS, services who were not located within the shire.
Ms Settle said the feasibility study would look at new and innovative ways to attract building surveyors into rural and regional Victoria.
processes and unlock those really important housing stocks.
“Our aim is to really establish a hub that supports all of us to deliver on a lot of our housing initiatives effectively and also support economic development across our regions,” she said.
“There’s a significant shortage of
“To have a hub where we have access to inspectors and MBS available to come in when needed, particularly during an emergency where you might have a house fire and you need that MBS on the ground to work with that affected resident, to have access to somebody to be able to come and support our community will be certainly a fantastic outcome for Hindmarsh,” she said.
“Municipal building surveyors play a crucial role in supporting the safe and timely delivery of commercial and residential buildings, and this project promises to bring more of these services to the Wimmera and Mallee,” she said.
“The aim really is by expanding the building municipal services through a shared model, we hope that we can assist councils to speed up planning
“From supporting the provision of housing to driving economic growth, this project will support these five councils to continue helping the development of thriving businesses and communities.”
The feasibility study will run until early 2026, and the outcomes will then be shared widely with all rural and regional councils, so other regions can consider setting up their own hubs to speed up approvals.
NHILL 95-97 Nelson Street, Nhill (03) 53 912 106 nhill@dmdagents.com.au
HORSHAM 105 River Road, Horsham (03) 53 812 828 horsham@dmdagents.com.au STAWELL Nev Routley 0428 584 333 nevilleroutley@dmdagents.com.au
Elections will be held for Green Park Ward, Horsham North Ward, May Park Ward, Oatlands Ward and Pine Lake Ward in Horsham Rural City Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material were mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
Former Kindergarten 23 Roberts Avenue
Horsham
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Let’s talk about the new ward structures at a local government level.
When Local Government Minister Melissa Horne announced in February that the State Government had accepted the recommendation of the Electoral Representation Advisory Panels to change 30 councils across Victoria to single-member ward structures, the full extent of what that meant at a local level had not been explored.
Although in the Wimmera, the three affected councils – Horsham, Yarriambiack and Northern Grampians – had made submissions to oppose the move, as had some residents, it was seemingly ignored.
At the time, Ms Horne said it was to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 2020 because ‘having an uneven number of councillors across each ward is not compliant’.
The panels made recommendations for the total number of councillors for each municipality, the ward structure, the number of wards, number of councillors per ward, ward boundaries and names.
For Horsham Rural City Council, it resulted in seven single-councillor wards – the first time the council has had wards since amalgamation in 1994.
So what has this meant for the current council election?
Each of the wards – Green Park, Horsham North, Kalimna, May Park, Oatlands, Pine Lake, and Wyn Wyn – had varying numbers of candidates.
Kalimna and Wyn Wyn had just one candidate nominate in each.
By Lauren Henry
Even these candidates, who will be elected unopposed, admitted at last week’s Horsham candidates forum that it was not how they wanted to be elected.
They would rather have been voted in by residents, rather than given a ‘free pass’.
Without a requirement for a councillor to live in the ward they represent, any candidate could nominate for any ward.
For those playing the game, candidates could have waited until the last minute to nominate in a specific ward, therefore seeing who, if any, opposition they were going to have. It could also mean we have more than one quality candidate standing against each other in a ward where only one will be elected.
Or on the flipside, the community could end up with three ordinary candidates in the same ward, with one of them elected as a councillor.
How is this electing our best representatives?
In rural and regional municipalities where there is often a lower number of candidates and the municipality is centred on one major town, a ward structure simply does not work.
It’s understandable to have a ward structure if the municipality has more than one major town – such as Northern Grampians or Hindmarsh
– but when most of the population lives in Horsham and uses services throughout the city, it is not needed. In fact it’s counterproductive. Horsham is not the only council where the new ward structures have not been welcomed.
In Mildura, former independent state MP and current candidate for Mildura, Ali Cupper, pointed out last week that it ‘was far better insurance to have nine councillors responsible for everyone’.
“The argument that having one dedicated councillor for each dedicated area will enhance representation falls apart when you realise that your one councillor will be automatically outnumbered 1-8 on every micro issue that relates to your ward,” she said.
“We have close combat, winnertakes-all races in other wards, which have made the whole experience unnecessarily desperate and divisive.”
Ms Cupper quoted the Final Report of the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel for Mildura which admitted ‘… the recommended model is the result of necessary compromise to adhere to the narrow structures of the Act’; and some candidates could be deterred from standing in the larger wards – ‘increasing the risk of uncontested or failed elections’.
If elected, Ms Cupper said she would ‘be fighting to have this stupid system overturned, and the unsubdivided structure restored’ in time for the next election in 2028.
Hopefully Horsham councillors join the fight.
Did you know that disposable cups DO NOT belong in recycling bins at home or in public?
Did you know that disposable cups DO NOT belong in recycling bins at home or in public?
This is because cardboard coffee cups have a plastic lining that makes them hard to recycle. So they must go in general rubbish bins.
This is because cardboard coffee cups have a plastic lining that makes them hard to recycle. So they must go in general rubbish bins.
Dingo investment
I am writing in response to Bronwyn Hasting’s article, ‘Dingo decision divides’, published on October 2.
As a local researcher dedicated to studying the dingo population in the Big Desert for over four years, I feel compelled to address the inaccuracies and misconceptions presented in the article.
Firstly, the term ‘wild dog’ is a misnomer. It is important to clarify the animals in question are dingoes, specifically pure dingoes with no recent dog ancestry, as confirmed by extensive genetic testing conducted by Dr Kylie Cairns and Cesar Australia.
Mr Bennett’s (Lawloit farmer Alan Bennett) assertion regarding limited population research is unfounded and misleading.
I have personally invested significant time and resources into studying dingoes in the Big Desert, including the deployment and management of over 50 trail cameras.
The recent population estimates are based on a comprehensive approach involving multiple research methods, including genetic analysis and camera studies.
The genetic research has revealed a concerning level of inbreeding among the dingoes in the Big Desert, posing a significant threat to their survival.
This inbreeding suggests a limited breeding population, reinforcing the need for conservation measures.
Mr Bennett’s claim that trappers do not use lures is inaccurate.
While baits may not be the primary method for attracting dingoes to traps, leg-hold traps are often used in conjunction with lures to increase their effectiveness.
Both methods cause immense suffering for dingoes and non-target species.
Leg-hold traps can cause broken limbs, while 1080 baits take hours to kill, causing prolonged agony.
It is crucial to consider the broader ecological implications of removing dingoes.
Their presence helps regulate populations of herbivores like kangaroos and emus, mitigating potential damage to crops and overgrazing of native grasses. Additionally, dingoes play a vital role in controlling feral animals, such as goats, foxes, and feral cats, which can have detrimental effects on our smaller native mammal populations.
Another consideration that livestock producers are failing to acknowledge is the cultural significance of Wilkerr (dingoes) for the People of the Wotjobaluk Nations, the local Traditional Owners. As a totem species, Wilkerr hold deep cultural value for the Wotjobaluk People. Their public opposition to the lethal control of Wilkerr should be respected by livestock producers.
Ellisha Martion Founder Big
Desert Dingo Research
welcomes your letters and contributions.
Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: LHenry@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.
East Grampians Health Service
has recognised the work and support of its 150 volunteers at the 19th Volunteer Service Recognition Awards, including 50 years of service by Marg Young.
At the awards, 25 volunteers were recognised for five, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35 and 50 years.
Mrs Young said volunteering had been incredibly rewarding.
“I knew from the age of 16 when I was a volunteer for the Red Cross in Maryborough, that I wanted to be involved with the elderly,” she said.
“I have volunteered at EGHS in Pyrenees House, Pickford House, 70 Lowe Street, Garden View Court, Meals on Wheels and the EGHS Residents’ Support Group.
“The many lovely people you meet on your way and the love and support has been amazing.
“To walk into an aged care facility or deliver meals to community members, the beautiful smile you leave behind knowing you had made someone happy for a short time is rewarding.”
During her years of volunteering, Mrs Young has not missed one year in 50 years of delivering Easter Eggs
on Easter Sunday to residents in aged care in Ararat, often accompanied by her grandson.
Thirty-five-year service awards were presented to two long-serving mem-
volunteers at the Patricia Hinchey Centre.
Guest speakers at the awards were a panel of community members from Pomonal, including Russ Kellett, Colin Macaffer, Barb Venn and Pep Atchison, who spoke about their experiences during and in the aftermath following the Pomonal bushfires earlier this year.
They provided a moving insight into the community and how they have coped with the impact of the fires, demonstrating the true spirit of volunteerism and community resilience.
The event was emceed by volunteer coordinator Hannah Jennings and attended by EGHS executive, staff and volunteers and hosted by board director Lisa Davidson, with awards presented by board directors Cam Evans and Megan Shea.
Chief executive Nick Bush paid tribute to the 150 volunteers who work across many different areas of the health service.
“Our extraordinary volunteers are an integral part of our EGHS community, and we are here to celebrate their outstanding efforts,” he said.
“Volunteers dedicate countless hours to enrich the lives of our patients, residents and consumers and our staff appreciate their support.
“They provide comfort and care to those in need, and this does not go unnoticed.
“They have become part of the fabric of East Grampians Health Service.”
Other awards
Other awards presented included: 20 years’ service: Graham Bull, Murray to Moyne; Pauline Weeks, Red Cross; Jasmine Chalmers, Patricia Hinchey Centre – Vale; 15 years’ service: Ceal Gubbins, Ark Toy and Activity Library; Ian Carman, Meals on Wheels; Merren McIntosh, EGHS Auxiliary; Charlie Reid, Murray to Moyne; Wayne Klauss, Murray to Moyne; Graeme Foster, Murray to Moyne; 10 years’ service: Gary Brumby, Murray to Moyne; Lisa Haddow, Murray to Moyne; Rick Klauss, Patricia Hinchey Centre; five years’ service – Bernadette Fitzpatrick, 70 Lowe Street; Dianne Carr, Ark Toy and Activity Library; Lee Kaleta, Ark Toy and Activity Library; Laura White, Murray to Moyne; Kerry Coone, Residents’ Support Group; Jeanette Hawley, Residents’ Support Group; Linda Kerr, Residents’ Support Group; Julie Kuchel, Residents’ Support Group; Liz Arbon-Ellis, Meals on Wheels.
Are you sick of feeling like you’re stuck behind bars in a job that doesn’t inspire you?
Break free and step into a role where your creativity and passion can soar!
Wimmera Mallee Ag is looking for a Sales/Spare Parts Person who is looking for a job with variety, flexibility and a family-friendly package.
Enquiries to the business manager, email admin@wimmeramalleeag.com.au or call Jodie on (03) 5382 6103.
8 Hamilton Road Horsham 3400
Phone: (03) 5382 6103
Website: www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au
Scan here to find out more about your dream job!
An election will be held for Northern Grampians Shire Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
Media Centre, Grandstand 1, Central Park 14 - 18 Main Street
Stawell
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Dimboola show
Saturday, October 19
From poultry to science experiment-based explosions, Dimboola Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s annual show has a range of activities and experiences for the whole family.
Society president and secretary Harvey McKinnon said Fizzics Education will feature at the event, with demonstrations and free science activities during the day.
“We will also have tiny goats, an animal nursery, horse events, pavilion and poultry – we’re probably one of the few shows that are having poultry this year because of the virus, but it hasn’t really affected us up here,” he said.
“Naturally we have food stands coming, as well as showbags, rides, vintage cars and tractors, dirt bikes, stationary motors, and lots of things kids can get involved in.
“The pavilion will feature about 150 cookery entries from our high school students – we like to have all our schools involved in the show.
“There will also be whip cracking, facepainting, emergency services displays with VICSES demonstrations, the Nhill Dimboola Brass Band, and Hindmarsh Shire chief executive Monica Revell will open the show before the showgirl and boy competitions.”
Mr McKinnon said the society would provide a luncheon, with Country Women’s Association hosting afternoon tea, and Dimboola Progress Association putting on an evening meal.
“We will also have a small auction during the evening meal with a few vouchers, including wood and a night’s accommodation at Whispering Pines,” he said.
Entries for show exhibits are being taken in the front room of Dimboola Old Shire Hall until Friday.
Jeparit show
Sunday, October 20
Jousting demonstrations, the return of horse events, a car and all-things-motor show, and a petting zoo are set to entertain people at Jeparit Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s annual show.
Show secretary Tracey Starr said people could expect ‘all the favourites’ at the event.
“We will have the makers’ pavilion, poultry, sheep, a range of children’s activities, and Georgina Downer from Menzies Foundation will open the show,” she said.
“Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council is coming on board with us this year, they will host retro games for the kids in a dedicated kids’ corner.
“Family daycare groups from Dimboola and Warracknabeal will have games and things for kids to do, too.”
Ms Starr said the society had a new organising committee this year.
“We have had previous committee members stay on to help us organise the show, which is great, and it’s great to have new people with fresh ideas.”
Saturday, October 26
A mullet competition, animal nursery, all-ages hall exhibits, woodchop competition and MXW pro wrestling are among the features of Stawell Agricultural Society’s annual show.
Show secretary Emma Bourke said the mullet competition would follow the show’s official opening and showgirl and boy competitions.
“We have best mullets in sections of age group – up to five years, six to 12, and 13 to 17, as well as men’s, women’s, the longest mullet, messiest mullet, and most team members with a mullet,” she said.
“This year we will also have lots of animals with Grubby Gumboots mobile farm, Fair Dinkum Fauna, Grampians Feathers and Things’ sheep that people can take photos with, as well as a pony, goats, Fred the cocky, mini goats and some calves.
“We also have a woodchop competition, Professor Wallace puppet show, face painting, a jumping castle, MXW pro wrestling, a ‘beaut ute’ competition, carnival rides, showbags and local food vans.”
The show committee welcomes people to have a market stall or information stand, as well as entrants into the fleece, photography, and produce and handcraft competitions.
Entries are being taken at Stawell Library on Friday, October 18 from 10am to 5.30pm and Saturday, October 19 from 10am to noon.
People who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or infant are invited to participate in community remembrance events and observations during October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Representatives from West Wimmera Shire Council, Grampians Health and Be Your Best Counselling identified a need to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, which is on October 15.
Council’s perinatal emotional health practitioner Adrienne Caldow will host ‘Wave of Light’ ceremonies in Edenhope and Kaniva later this month, inviting community members to light a candle in memory of a loved one.
“I’d say nearly all of us have been affected by the loss of a baby, because miscarriage still happens in one out of four pregnancies,” Ms Caldow said.
“This day covers so many kinds of loss, from miscarriages and terminations for medical reasons, to stillbirth and accidental death; every loss is valid and it’s so common, but not often spoken about.
“We want to give people the space to grieve and remember and reflect.”
Should people wish to mark the occasion in private, free candles can be collected from council offices in Kaniva and Edenhope.
Grampians Health Rural Outreach worker
Murray McInnes said silent grieving was far more common in this community than anyone would expect.
“There are legal definitions and processes, which sometimes mean a baby’s death is not legitamised enough,” he said.
“No matter how many weeks a baby is, the emotional toll can extend forever.
“Realistically, people are dealing with trauma
and grief all at the same time and often they need support through that.”
Mr McInnes said families dealt with grief differently, but all reactions were valid.
“Often young men will respond with anger and they can feel really helpless,” he said.
“Awareness is important for men, because they can be really affected and don’t necessarily deal with it well, or get the support they need.”
Counsellor Carine Bezuidenhout said she hoped the ceremonies would draw community members together.
“It can be very powerful to realise you’re not alone in your grief, that others have some understanding,” she said.
“For many babies there is no gravesite or funeral service and that can impact the grieving process. This will be our collective service, to honour all of our precious little ones.”
Ms Caldow, Mr McInnes and Ms Bezuidenhout have all been affected by the loss of a baby and hope, by speaking up, others will feel comfortable seeking support.
“The more we talk about it, as a community, the more people will feel like they, too, can speak about it,” Ms Bezuidenhout said.
“This is not something we should be silent about.”
At Kaniva Shire Hall from 7pm on October 28 and Edenhope and District Community Centre from 7pm on October 29, attendees will have the opportunity to light a candle and share tributes to their little ones.
People are also welcome to share personal tributes and photos of loved ones to be included in a summary at the end of the month – email communications@westwimmera.vic.gov.au or send it to council’s Facebook page.
People can contact Ms Caldow on 0418 818 127 for more information.
SUCCESS: Baillie Farley’s ‘Shrouded Summit’ was declared best photograph by guest judge Pippa Mott at Rotary Club of Horsham East’s annual art fair last week – Judy Askew and Sandra Lawes are pictured among Mr Farley’s work. Organisers declared the fair a success, attracting more than 320 people and raising about $8500 for The Wesley project, both figures up on last year. Twenty-eight paintings were sold, and more than 250 volunteer hours were put into selling raffle tickets and manning the fair. Megan Lonsdale’s ‘Pull up a Perch’ was judged best artwork, while Leanne Onley had the best bay, and Peter Hill’s ‘Early Morning Departure’ received an honourable mention. Gayle Newcombe’s ‘Are you home yet?’ was the people’s choice winner. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Residents are encouraged to prepare their properties as parts of Victoria are facing an early start to the fire season.
Following a dry autumn and winter an increased fire risk has been predicted, with CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan stressing the importance of early fire prevention preparation.
“An earlier start to the fire season means community mem-
bers need to start preparations now,” he said.
“By removing light and heavy fuels around your home, you’re protecting your property and helping firefighters defend it.
“Simple tasks such as clearing gutters, pruning overhanging branches, maintaining grass to a safe height, and moving wood piles away from your house or shed can greatly improve your
property’s chances of withstanding a bushfire.”
Ahead of fire season, people should also test anything that is part of a fire plan, such as sprinklers, pumps and generators, and make sure a bushfire survival plan is in place.
More information can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ bushfireplan.
JOYFUL: The Wimmera is in the midst of its annual show season, with communities gathering to enjoy all on offer, from sideshow alley to pavillions filled with craft and gourmet goodies. Pictured, clockwise from above, are: Oaklee Rowe with his prize-winning cake at Warracknabeal Show; Ruby Bardell, 4, gets her face painted by Millie Carter at Warracknabeal Show; Louis Glen, Riley Bainbridge and Will Glen enjoy a ride at Rainbow show; Kirsty Keys with a duckling at Warracknabeal; Ellie Ogilvie, Ivy Benton-Huebner and Lily Ata at Warracknabeal; Russell Eckermann with his prize-winning crop at Rainbow show; and centre, Stef Newton with Eli Simpson, Evie Simpson and Xavier Newton at Rainbow.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival organisers are already planning next year’s two-day event after the proven successes and feedback from the weekend’s event.
Organiser Graham Gerlach said the festival was ‘great overall’.
“The weather was perfect, there was good food, and good fun,” he said.
“The exhibitors all did their very best, some of the features of the show being Ambulance Victoria and the CFA, who gave out lots of practical advice,” he said.
Mr Gerlach said paramedics demonstrated CPR and defibrillation as part of their October Call Push Shock campaign, and showed how to treat snakebite.
“The CFA did their presentation on fire preparation too, the coming fire season and the appropriate plants to have to minimise fire danger around the home,” he said.
“Fair Dinkum Fauna had kids everywhere, they talked about the good things native animals can do for your garden – they said you’ll never need to buy snail bait if you have a bluetongue lizard in your garden.
“That was all really good, relevant to lifestyle.”
Mr Gerlach said the native flower bunches and nursery plants were popular, amidst a nursery shortage.
“There are very few nurseries in our area – in about a 100-kilometre radius, they just don’t exist anymore, they’re shutting down,” he said.
Mr Gerlach said the venue – ‘Hor-
sham’s best-kept secret’ was part of the event’s success.
“We’re so lucky to have the botanic gardens. They’re so well-kept,” he said Mr Gerlach said some exhibitors had already booked a site for next year’s festival, and invites feedback from the public for its planning.
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. What’s your favourite go to? And how many? Is it Panadol, Nurofen, advil, etc?
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 may be 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.
Astatue honouring Stawell-born disability rights advocate and journalist Stella Young is set to become more accessible through a $100,000 upgrade to parking and footpaths at Stawell’s Cato Park.
Ms Young, who was born with the condition osteogenesis imperfecta and used a wheelchair for most of her life, became one of Australia’s leading disability campaigners before her death in 2014.
Northern Grampians Shire Council last year unveiled a bronze statue of Ms Young at Cato Park.
Chief executive Brent McAlister said a $100,000 support package grant from Regional Development Victoria would enable the council to make the memorial more accessible for all people. The grant will enable the extension of footpaths from two accessible car parks to both the statue and accessible toilets, along with sign and landscaping upgrades.
Mr McAlister said the statue and subsequent accessibility upgrades were part of a Remembering Stella Young project.
“The statue is a popular fixture of Cato Park, which of course is a muchloved community asset,” he said.
“This latest upgrade is a fitting extension of the Remembering Stella Young project, which aims to continue Stella’s legacy – to challenge and educate society and its perception of disability, and to strive for a ‘world where disability is not the exception, but the norm’.”
Ms Young was born in Stawell in 1982 and lived in the town with her family until moving to Geelong to study a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations at Deakin University.
She later completed a Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne.
Active in the disability community, her roles included membership of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council, Ministerial Advisory Council for the Department of Victorian Communities and Women With Disabilities Victoria.
Ms Young was the editor of Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s disability-focused online portal, Ramp Up, from 2010 to 2013, and often shared her expertise on television programs on the ABC, SBS and Channel 10.
“One of the project outcomes of the universal access upgrade is supporting community cohesion and pride, and we are certainly proud of what Stella achieved throughout her remarkable life,” Mr McAlister said.
“Thank you to Regional Development Victoria for recognising the importance of this statue to our community and how vital it is that all people have the opportunity to access it.”
Mr McAlister said works at Cato Park would begin this month and people could keep an eye on the council’s Facebook page for more information.
People can visit website stellayoung. com.au for more information about Ms Young.
Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre will purchase a commercial van to support its work after being announced the recipient of the Horsham Sports and Community Club’s $50,000 major community grants program.
Centre client assessment manager Bev Miatke said a new vehicle would assist the centre’s volunteers in their daily work.
“It means so much to the volunteers who would normally use their own vehicles to pick up food from our generous community partners all around Horsham,” she said.
“Volunteers pick up food daily from supermarkets and bakeries and ferry purchased and stored goods to and from the centre.
“A van will streamline this process considerably.”
Ms Miatke thanked the club for its sponsorship, and the club members who voted for the centre.
Club president Dan Smith said both projects eligible for the grant, the food centre transport and Lake Marma innovative water playground, were extremely worthy and very well supported by voters.
“The club is so proud to support
its community in many ways and we thank the 639 members who participated by voting for their favourite project,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing the amazing work Christian Emergency Food Centre does for the community, and we are proud to be able to assist them in the purchasing of a commercial van to transport food to those in need.”
The announcement was made at the club’s 33rd annual meeting by Mr Smith and general manager Glenn Carroll.
The Weekly Advertiser invited all six candidates for Yarriambiack Shire Council to provide profiles ahead of the local government elections.
Two candidates, Andrew McLean and Chris Lehmann, both for the Hopetoun Ward, did not submit information.
Candidates were emailed a questionnaire to fill out, with a 200-word limit, and asked to supply a photo.
Some candidates chose to answer the questions specifically, while others submitted their candidate statements.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has six vacancies across its three wards, so all candidates will be sworn in as councillors after results are declared on Friday, November 15.
Warracknabeal Ward: Karly Kirk
Background: I’m
a proud fifth generation Warracknabealian and mother of two, so I understand the challenges and appreciate the good bits of living in Warracknabeal.
As a first-term councillor I have learned the only way anything gets achieved is by working together with the other councillors, chief executive, staff and especially our community.
Have you stood, been on council before? I am currently in my first term as councillor. Reasons for nominating: To be a voice for my community.
Particular platforms: No.
Why should people vote for you? Because I’m honest and fair.
Contact: Email karlyleith@yahoo.com or call 0407 273 487.
Occupation: Parttime position in the NDIS sector.
Background:
Ward: Kylie Zanker
Sixteen years as a councillor and five years as mayor, coupled with many communitybased roles and professional employment within the community services sector. I have received the 10-year and 15-year Municipal Association Victoria, MAV, service awards and in 2024, the Mayor Emeritus award.
I’ve completed the AICD Company Directors Course, public speaking, and dealing with difficult conversations training.
Have you stood, been on council before? Yes. I started as a councillor with Yarriambiack Shire Council in 2008.
Reasons for nominating: I understand our community’s critical issues, including agricultural challenges and changes, rate capping, cost of living, housing availability, road conditions, education, health and delivery of essential council services.
Particular platforms: I’m standing for council to listen, support and advocate for our communities focusing on delivering the best outcomes.
Why should people vote for you? I have experience in the role as councillor and can listen well, communicate and advocate for the needs of our community.
Contact: Email kyliezanker1@gmail.com or call 0428 349 058.
Dunmunkle
Dunmunkle Ward: Corinne Heintz
Reasons for nominating: We face the usual challenges of limited finances and increasing expenses. On top of that, both state and federal governments wish to dump renewables, transmission lines and mining on us. So far they are not putting anything on the table to convince communities this is a good idea.
The power imbalance between farming and mining is feudal and morally wrong. Mineral sands lie under over 400 square kilometres of productive farmland in Yarriambiack and farmers have no assurance that mining won’t rapidly expand. There are many questions about land rehabilitation, and of course, the profits will leave the area. No government would allow mining in a national park, so why on prime farmland? Legislation on where mining can take place needs to change.
Why are governments continuing to allow multinational companies to control our energy? The subsidies to gas and coal are enormous, but what is now being offered to renewable companies is even bigger. We have the technology to produce much of our own energy in the form of solar and batteries, locally, and in cities, suburbs and country towns, alike. This would mean most of our energy dollars stay in our communities instead of disappearing offshore. Local energy would also minimise the need for industrial landscapes invading and disrupting rural areas.
I realise councils have no control where this infrastructure goes, but if it is to happen, councils can lobby and influence governments for fairer outcomes for rural communities, and this is my intention.
Reasons for nominating: I decided to nominate after hearing that current councillor, Tom Hamilton chose to step down after two terms.
I am a born and bred Murtoa local, I’m married to Jason and have two adult boys, Riley and Darcy. Growing up in a small country community had its challenges but also many positives. In Murtoa I knew most of the residents, we shopped at our local shops and everyone looked out for each other and supported one another.
Over the years I have seen many changes – businesses have closed, population has declined but slightly increased again and services have altered or stopped running altogether.
I believe it’s important for Dunmunkle Ward to have a voice and to be represented on council. The seat I was contending was unopposed, which means I was awarded the seat without going to election.
I am proud and excited to have the opportunity to be that voice and to represent the people of our communities.
I have been involved in the Murtoa community for a long time, holding office on many committees and organisations, also volunteering for several groups.
This involvement has allowed me to gain the understanding of how our community works and what is important to the people of our community.
I would like to see our communities grow, economically, residentially and socially.
All these things go hand in hand and I will do my best over the next four years to help this happen.
The Weekly Advertiser invited all six candidates for West Wimmera Shire Council to provide profiles ahead of the local government elections.
One candidate, Jodie Pretlove, did not submit information.
West Wimmera Shire Council has five vacancies for the municipality – it does not have wards.
Candidates were emailed a questionnaire to fill out, with a 200-word limit, and asked to supply a photo.
Some candidates chose to answer the questions specifically, while others submitted their candidate statements.
The questions were:
Name:
Municipality/ward:
Occupation:
Please provide a brief background in the context of why you would make a good councillor?
Have you stood for/been on council before? If so, outline details of when?
Please outline your reasons for nominating for council?
Do you have any particular platforms that you are standing for/?
Why should people vote for you?
How can voters contact you for more information?
Key voting dates
Monday, October 7: Ballot pack mail-out begins.
Friday, October 25: Voting closes at 6pm.
Friday, November 1: All postal votes must be received by noon.
Friday, November 15: All election results are declared.
Bruce Meyer
Occupation: Farmer.
Background: My family have been district farmers for five generations, and have always been involved in community activities. By taking leadership roles in council and many other organisations, I have extensive knowledge of the whole shire and numerous contacts across the region.
Have you stood, been on council before?
I have spent 29 years on council, and been mayor nine times.
Reasons for nominating: To make sure that the strong financial management of the shire continues. It is important to concentrate on the issues relevant to local government.
I have been able to get things done, working with people, rather then against them, and still delivering the lowest rates of any council in Victoria.
Particular platforms: To direct as much money as possible to maintain the road network. We are a rural council where the farming community pays 95 per cent of the rates and our roads are vital for the agricultural economy.
To continue the support given to community infrastructure to make our towns desirable places that people are proud to live in.
To continue generous grants to volunteer organisations to assist them to maintain their facilities.
To support the elderly through community programs, families through playground upgrades, kindergarten and other services.
To make new footpaths to encourage people to remain in our towns, and have good access to the shopping centres.
Helen Hobbs
Occupation: Self employed and community advocate.
Background: My family has farmed in this region since 1882 and I’ve called West Wimmera home since 1994, building broad connections across the entire Wimmera. I have been involved in many community groups including Kaniva and District Progress Association.
Have you stood, been on council before? No, but running many ‘Meet The Candidate’ nights and co-ordinating politician visits has given me valuable insight into how the system works and what needs to change. I recently graduated with a ‘Certificate of Community Leadership and Governance Local Government’.
Reasons for nominating: I’m standing to improve transparency and community consultation. Too many decisions are being made without real input from the people. I want to make sure the community’s voice is genuinely heard.
Particular platforms: My vision is to support economic vitality by growing local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs, ensuring West Wimmera progresses. I will endeavour to improve transparency in council decisions and advocate for better delivery of basic services.
Why should people vote for you? I am committed to representing all of West Wimmera, making decisions that are fair and transparent. I am committed to seeing our council’s limited resources are managed responsibly and effectively.
Contact: Visit www.helenhobbs.com or phone 0429 888 250.
Background: I am the fourth generation of my family to live in Harrow, Victoria’s oldest inland town.
I attended Harrow State School, St Malachy’s School Edenhope, and Monivae College in Hamilton as a boarder.
I have four children, am a single parent, with my three daughters in the Victorian Regional Netball Academy and my son playing for AFL’s West Coast Eagles.
I am a wool classer by trade, have shorn in every state of Australia except Tasmania and have also worked in New Guinea, the USA and England.
In 2012 I was awarded the West Wimmera Citizen of the Year.
I am a life member of Horsham and District Football Netball League and HarrowBalmoral Football Netball Club and was president of football-netball clubs for seven years and president of the Harrow Recreation Reserve for 20 years.
I worked with present State Government to introduce female-friendly sporting facilities.
In 2021, I won the AFL Country Award.
I have served two terms as a councillor and one year as deputy mayor, and am now seeking a third term.
My long-term plan for the West Wimmera Shire is to halt the population decline, work to use the pipeline for agricultural and tourism economy, best use of our limited budget for best use on our roads, and support volunteer organisations such as cemeteries, halls and foreshores. Contact: 0427 881 236.
Richard
Hicks Occupation: Farmer
and international consultant.
Background: My extensive background in multifaceted international agricultural and community development and international executive positions in complex project implementation and economic management, teamed with my Bachelor and Master degrees in agriculture, equip me with a unique skill set to benefit our shire and to support our residents. Have you stood, been on council before? I have been on council for five of the past eight years.
Reasons for nominating: To provide fair and equitable representation for all residents, without bias or discrimination.
Particular platforms: Prioritise road repairs and reconstruction; advocate for upgraded telecommunications to eliminate ‘black-spots’; develop and promote tourism, supporting local providers and boosting our local economies; push for rezoning and releasing more housing blocks, thereby encouraging housing investment, benefitting schools and sporting clubs; proactively lobby for our fair share of government grants, ensuring support for childcare, aged care, hospitals, medical facilities, and recreational activities.
My background in international agricultural and community development, combined with international project management experience and two degrees in agriculture, equips me to benefit our shire.
Why should people vote for you? For over five of the past eight years, I have been privileged to have served as a councillor, striving to be a strong voice advocating for fair and equitable support for all residents.
Contact: hicksrw2002@yahoo.com
Tim Meyer Occupation: Farmer.
Background: I have been actively involved with numerous community groups, often in leadership roles and am invested in our community.
I have worked in high levels of government. Additionally, over the last four years I have made a number of strong relationships, both locally and with state and federal bodies, and believe I am well placed to leverage those relationships to continue to gain additional improvements.
Have you stood, been on council before? I’ve just finished my first term of council, which included two years as mayor.
Reasons for nominating: I am passionate about rural communities and believe we deserve a better and a fairer share of funding. I want our communities to be places where families want to live and work, where it is easy to build a home, and establish a business.
Particular platforms: Roads will continue to be a strong focus, along with improvements to community infrastructure, such as kindergartens, playgrounds and sporting facilities. Last term we commenced the process of overhauling our planning scheme, and I would like to see that finalised, knowing that it will help make it easier for people to build homes and businesses to become established. Why should people vote for you? I remain committed to serving our community with integrity, dedication, and a passion for making a positive difference. I am passionate about our region, and will continue to make sensible financial decisions and ensure ratepayers in the West Wimmera continue to pay the lowest rates in the state.
Contact: 0418 307 176.
Anew partnership between the Victorian and South Australian government will help support border residents, aiming to make it easier to develop common approaches between the neighbouring states.
The Victorian and South Australian Governments announced a threeyear Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Victorian and South Australian cross border commissioners to support border communities.
The announcement of the MoU comes as Victoria’s cross border commissioner Brett Davis last week met with his South Australian counterpart Kelly-Anne Saffin and New South Wales cross border commissioner Kalina Koloff.
The commissioners joined representatives from health organisations including the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, Victorian Department of Health, and border hospitals for the VIC/NSW/SA Health Border Forum in Renmark.
From
trip.
The forum involved collaboration with health sector leaders and builds upon shared knowledge and experiences of working in a border community environment.
Opportunities discussed included ways to strengthen health services in border towns, ranging from ambulance services, telehealth, workforce development and aged care.
The MoU outlines key priorities for Victoria and South Australia’s border communities, including support for health service planning, border policing, skills and training and emergency management.
From improving accessibility to essential services to enabling more job opportunities, the agreement will continue to work on championing locals’ ideas to make towns better places to live, work, stay and play.
Examples of projects include Mt Gambier benefitting from Victoria’s free nursing scholarship program, which helps locals build their careers with scholarships when nurses go on
to work in Victorian public health services for two years.
Another example is at Murrayville, where a new fuel station allows the Victorian town’s residents to fill up with fuel without having to travel across the border to South Australia.
The new station, which opened this year, was made possible through a $400,000 Victorian Government investment.
The Victorian regional fares cap for public transport has also extended to border locations such as Mt Gambier, supporting workers who cross between Victoria and South Australia each week and use V-Line services.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said border towns played an important role in supporting the state’s economy through major industries including agriculture and freight.
“This new partnership between Victoria and South Australia will make a real difference for border communities by creating more jobs, strengthening health services, improving access to
essential services and delivering better outcomes for busy families across the region,” she said.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas welcomed the agreement, and said it would provide an important resource for businesses and communities that live near or frequently travel across the border.
“I’ve long maintained our regional border communities must be listened and responded to regarding their unique circumstances, and this Memorandum of Understanding lays the groundwork for this to occur in a more co-ordinated and efficient way,” he said.
Mr Davis said he looked forward to working with the South Australian cross border commissioner to help progress the needs of border regions and communities.
“Supporting our border communities and industries means helping governments understand the unique challenges and opportunities within border towns,” he said.
Volunteers from Horsham’s Harvest Church will visit two Ugandan locations to contribute to projects in partnership with Operation Uganda.
Senior Pastor Andrew Cartledge said the trip to Kampala and Abim would aim to improve hygiene and meal preparation facilities.
“This missions trip is about much more than building structures and practical work; it’s about tangibly showing the love of God,” he said.
“We want to empower these communities, and we pray that the impact will be felt for generations to come, but we know this trip will be life-changing more for our team and church than the people we go to serve.”
The team will work in Kampala to build an amenities block at a school to improve sanitation and hygiene for hundreds of students, before going to Abim, in northern Uganda, to
construct a kitchen that will provide proper facilities for meal preparation, benefiting children and families.
The team will also be involved in teaching programs, and will visit people in their homes.
In the lead-up to the trip, Harvest Church community collected items such as baby blankets, clothing, toys, books, and sports equipment to be distributed during the visit.
The Harvest Church congregation
raised $52,000 to fund both the Kampala and Abim projects, covering construction costs and ensuring longterm sustainability.
Operation Uganda is an Australian faith-based charity that aims to bring hope and dignity to orphaned and vulnerable children while creating sustainable development projects in Uganda.
– Bronwyn Hastings
Northern Grampians Shire Council is shining a spotlight on its senior residents this month, offering an action-packed calendar of activities and events.
The council is a long-time supporter of the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is from October 1 to 31 each year.
The festival creates opportunities for older Victorians to participate in free or low-cost entertainment and events across the state.
Staff from the council’s Thrive 50plus Healthy Ageing Hubs, Community Care and Northern Grampians Libraries teams have compiled an event calendar with support from Western Victoria Primary Health Network.
Council chief executive Brent McAlister said Seniors Month had been a great success so far, with positive feedback from staff and participants.
“We think it’s vitally important to increase the social connectedness of older people and their communities. This year’s theme is ‘Explore. Engage. Evolve.’ – and what better place to do that than in our fantastic shire?” he said.
“I encourage any senior resident who does not have a Seniors Month brochure to pick one up to ensure they don’t miss out on all the free and lowcost entertainment on offer.”
Brochures are available from Thrive 50-plus hubs, libraries and customer service offices in Stawell and St Arnaud, along with Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Seniors Month events in the shire so far have included classes, gym and pool access, and morning tea at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, two seniors concerts in St Arnaud and a community expo at Stawell Entertainment Centre.
Upcoming activities in Stawell include orchid club open days, pickleball sessions, and active and Hoy card game sessions, while St Arnaud activities include man therapy, active for life classes and a movie screening. Activities in both towns will conclude with ‘Talking about your generation’ documentary screenings on October 31.
‘Get Online Week’ coincides with the festival and operates to October 20, allowing seniors to access activities such as cyber safety sessions, iPad basics and Canva lessons and how to search for music or recipes online.
People can call the council on 5358 8700 to make an event booking or inquiry.
I am an INDEPENDENT LOCAL Candidate with 8 years’ experience in council. I have lived in Horsham for 48 years and within the ward for the past 20.
I stand for honesty, transparency in all community engagement and continuing the progress of previous councils to promote and sell Horsham to the world outside.
ü Promote future development and employment.
ü Listen to the entire community, not be run by a minority outside of council.
ü Clear vision for encouraging state and federal governments to invest in the municipality of Horsham.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
WorkSafe representatives spoke of workplace hazards, from the physical to the mental, as part of WorkSafe’s annual roadshow during Health and Safety Month, at an event in Horsham.
About 40 people heard from professionals on the risks of welding fumes and occupational hygiene, psychosocial hazards, and the value of health and safety representatives.
WorkSafe representatives also presented a session on WorkSafe’s purpose and role in harm prevention and enforcement.
The annual workplace health and safety tour includes 25 face-to-face events with experts sharing information and advice, highlighting current trends, and encouraging conversations about workplace safety.
WorkSafe executive officer Joe Calafiore, who will present a webinar on October 29, encouraged employers and workers to view the full program of events online.
“This year’s program is packed with a range
of sessions that will appeal to people across industries looking for the latest information and advice on workplace health and safety – there really is something for everyone,” he said.
“When it comes to health and safety, there is always something more to learn, so I encourage you to visit the website and sign up for the sessions that would be useful to you.”
Registrations are now open for all events and webinars, with every session including a question-and-answer segment for participants to get advice on any workplace health and safety issues or concerns.
The 15 online events include sessions on supporting and supervising apprentices; preventing gendered violence in healthcare; safe use of elevated work platforms; preventing exposure to welding fumes; treatment pathways for mental injury; high-risk crystalline silica work and the ban on engineered stone; and preventing and managing psychosocial hazards.
Webinars are from October 28 to November 1 – people can find out more by visiting www. worksafe.vic.gov.au/events.
celebrate Woolworths customers raising $4167 from The Blue Ribbon Foundation raffle and merchandise sales.
The Horsham community has raised $4167 for the Blue Ribbon Foundation by buying tickets and merchandise for the annual grocery raffle at Woolworths.
Foundation president Paul Margetts said he was delighted by the support given by Woolworths.
“The way they support our branch with fundraising activities during September is just an amazing effort by all the team,” he said.
“All that money goes into life-saving projects that the Blue Ribbon Foundation takes care of in partnership with Horsham’s hospital.”
Mr Margetts said the foundation had already deployed two oxygen machines to Horsham hospital’s emergency department.
Last week we started reaching out to landholders to discuss the refined route for the new VNI West transmission line.
We have narrowed down the draft corridor for VNI West to a preferred easement around 70 metres wide along most of the route.
TCV’s dedicated Landholder Liaisons are contacting people in the preferred easement to share details, including an individual map showing the location of the easement on their land. We are seeking to meet in person to listen to concerns, answer questions and discuss the next steps.
Meaningful conversations with landholders are our priority. We understand that in some cases confirmation of the impacts to properties will be challenging, and we respect and appreciate the time taken to engage with us.
Conversations with landholders are important to identify opportunities to minimise the impact to their farm operations, views, day-to-day movements, plans for future property improvements - and to answer any questions they may have.
We will also contact those people with properties neighbouring the preferred easement, as well as those whose property will no longer be directly impacted –acknowledging the time taken by many people across the draft corridor to engage with TCV and share information.
We have worked hard over the past two years to listen to landholders and the community, to better understand the project area and find a preferred easement with the least impact to landholders, community and farming, balanced with consideration of the environment, heritage and site constraints. The preferred easement will be assessed and confirmed under a comprehensive Environment Effects Statement process over the next 12 months.
We will share a Preferred Easement Report later this month that will outline the process of route refinement including environmental and other constraints considered in identifying the easement and how feedback from landholders, Traditional Owners, communities and authorities has helped shaped that path.
“We also have some exciting announcements coming up soon with some new pieces of equipment that we’re about to purchase,” he said.
Woolworths manager Danny Hamerston said Horsham Woolworths’ partnership with Blue Ribbon Foundation was ongoing.
“The partnership has been going for over 13 years and during that time we’ve raised quite a considerable amount of money for our hospital, which our team is really passionate about,” he said.
“But it can’t happen without the community.”
A packaged wheelbarrow and grocery items were raffled; the proceeds will go towards the purchase of two pieces of emergency department equipment valued at more than $15,000.
Landholders are welcome to contact their dedicated Landholder Liaisons directly to arrange a time to discuss the preferred easement, or call TCV on 1800 824 221.
Contact the TCV team
Freecall: 1800 824 221
Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au
Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au
The University of Melbourne’s Professor of Carbon Farming Richard Eckard will speak at BCG’s Chair’s Breakfast tomorrow.
Prof Eckard’s presentation ‘The science behind carbon farming’ will provide growers and industry with an overview of what they expect from a net zero policy and actionable steps they can take on their own farm.
Professor Eckard is based in Melbourne and is the science leader in the Net Zero Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre.
His research focuses on carbon farming and accounting towards carbon neutral agriculture, as well as strategies for agriculture to respond to a changing climate.
BCG chair John Ferrier said the impending requirements of a Net Zero Plan would have a direct impact on broadacre cropping practices.
“I’m thrilled to welcome someone with Richard’s knowledge and experience to Birchip. Growers and industry members will gain valuable insights into practical steps they can take to manage ‘their number’,” he said.
Prof Eckard said the grains industry was already well positioned to reduce greenhouse gas, GHG, emissions according to the net zero by 2025 target.
“The Australian grains industry is already one of the lowest GHG emitting in the world compared with other grain growing countries,” he said.
“Growers should expect emission measurements will take account of existing efficient practices including management of inputs like nitrogen and fungicide in response to the seasonal outlook.”
Recently named on the Rueters list of the world’s 1000 most influential climate scientists, Prof Eckard developed the first greenhouse gas accounting tools, for all sectors of agriculture in Australia, that now form an agreed national standard for agriculture.
INFORMATIVE: Professor Richard Eckard will provide growers and industry with an overview of what they expect from a net zero policy and actionable steps they can take on their farm at the BCG Chair’s Breakfast on Thursday.
He is a science advisor to the Victorian, Australian, New Zealand, United Kingdom and European Union governments, the International Livestock Research Institute and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation on climate change adaptation, mitigation and policy development in agriculture.
Held at BCG, the free event, at 8am, is designed to offer attendees the opportunity to hear an inspiring and informative guest speaker, enjoy breakfast and meet with friends and colleagues before work.
Online registration is essential by visiting www.bcg.org.au/events or enquiring at the BCG office on 5492 2787.
A new book about regional towns across Australia will feature Horsham.
‘Our Streets’ celebrates Australia’s regional towns and their heritage, offering a snapshot of the country’s iconic architectural styles and streetscapes.
The book features more than 100 black and white images from the National Library’s Regional Cities and Major Towns Project, taking readers on a nostalgic journey through the diverse towns of Australia.
From Warrnambool to Broome, each photograph captures the essence of the local climate, history, landscape and people.
Other Victorian towns included in the book are Wycheproof, Swan Hill, Warrnambool, Echuca, Geelong, Hamilton, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Comedian and architecture enthusiast Tim Ross provides the foreword that sets the tone for the exploration of Australia’s regions.
Editor Amelia Hartney said the architectural language of Australia’s towns was a reflection of the country’s unique identity.
“Whether it’s the modernist RSL club, the art deco cinema, the stilted Queenslander or the elaborate Edwardian, these buildings hold a special place in our hearts,” she said.
“Our Streets is a celebration of our architectural heritage and a testament to the enduring charm of Australia’s regional towns.
“It is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the beauty and character of our country’s built environment.”
Our Streets will be released in November 2024.
to 2pm & 5.30pm to 8pm (8.30pm on Fri & Sat)
Rupanyup RSL, Anne Matheson:
We received $1500 to purchase a laptop and a computer to create an interactive visual display.
We believe that we’ve got to remember and commemorate all those who served our country and this project will address that and we also want the next generation to remember the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
The display will be set up at Wood’s Museum in Rupanyup and will be available to the public to research and add information to.
It was very easy to apply for this grant, you can do it online or with a hard copy in the post. The application is not too complicated to write, it’s great.
Internationally renowned violinist Jonathon Glonek will perform at Ararat Town Hall on Monday, as part of a series of concerts aimed at bringing little-heard classical music to regional Australia.
Glonek will perform a piece specifically written for him by late Ukrainian composer Mikhail Shukh titled Scheherezade’s Dreams, in addition to famous works by historical composers including Bach, Paganini and Ysaye.
It will mark the eighth time Glonek, who lives in Adelaide, has toured regional Australia. He began touring internationally at the age of 12 and has performed solo in Europe, the United States, south-east Asia and Australia.
Glonek said performing the work of a Ukrainian composer had added significance in light of Russia’s invasion of the country.
“I am always thrilled by the reception the work receives there and I am particularly excited this time to bring something truly unique – especially at this critical time for Ukraine,” he said.
Scheherazade’s Dreams is a series of variations on the
themes of the work Scheherazade – a four-movement symphonic work originally written by Rimsky Korsakov. Glonek said the work showed the way classical music could remain relevant in modern times.
“There has been a real crisis in contemporary composition for some time as artists struggle to see where to head next
Jonathon Glonek
year’s
Friday, concluding at 10am the following morning, at Coughlin Park,
compositionally as culture evolves,” he said.
Glonek’s October 21 performance will begin at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets are $40 for adults and free for children and students, and can be booked at ararattownhall.com.au/event/ the-bendoc-philharmonicpresents-solo-violin-withjonathon-glonek.
Telecommunications provider Vodafone has announced plans to expand its mobile network Australia-wide in a move that will see it provide 4G and 5G services to Horsham for the first time.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, ACCC, last month approved Vodafone’s plans to share its regional network with fellow telco Optus, effectively expanding its coverage by more than one million square kilometres across Australia.
Under the plan, Vodafone will increase its number of mobile
sites in Horsham from two to three.
Vodafone consumer group executive Kieren Cooney described the expansion as ‘the biggest boost to mobile competition in 30 years’ and said it would introduce more competition into regional markets.
“This is a huge win for customers and regional Australia, with our award-winning mobile services soon to be available in thousands of holiday destinations and regional communities across the country,” he said.
“This will be a game-changer for the millions of Australians
in our cities and regions who want great value and mobile coverage when travelling to all the places we love to visit.
“With this network expansion we will break the mobile duopoly that has limited customer choice in regional Australia for too long. We’ve listened to our customers and are excited to say Vodafone’s coming to town.”
Vodafone estimated the network would switch on in early 2025 and reach more than 98 per cent of Australia’s population.
Mr Cooney said the new network would also benefit tourists visiting regional areas.
With the cost of living rising across Australia and energy bills on the up, Australians shouldn’t have to sacrifice a cool home this summer to save a budget.
Efficiency is everything in this modern world and that extends to Australian advances in cooling.
Because it is not just about keeping the house cool.
It is about keeping it cool for long periods of time without breaking the bank – allowing us to make the most of amazing western Victorian summers the way only we know how.
Making use of the environment and the tools at our disposal makes sense in the search for efficiency.
Evaporative cooling does this. Based on the principles of evaporation, hot and dry outside air is pumped through water-soaked cooling pads.
As the air is pushed through the cooling pads, the water evaporates and the heat in the air is absorbed, which lowers the air temperature.
All it takes then is a fan to push the cool air throughout a house via a network of ducts.
With plenty of heat available in the midst of an Australian summer, evaporative cooling remains the
pinnacle of working with what is abundant.
But it still takes a company with efficiency in mind, to take this concept and apply it to the entire task of home cooling.
Seeley International has been keeping up with the Australian
climate for 50 years, designing and manufacturing world-leading air conditioning products for Australians here at home and abroad.
And it makes sense why the world continues to rely on Seeley products – they trust the Aussies to get it right.
Energy-efficiency remains one of Seeley International’s top priorities, a priority Australians agree with given the brand is the country’s largest air conditioning manufacturer.
Their evaporative units remain the benchmark in efficient temperature control – smoothly using
evaporation to cool the air. But it takes an entire air-conditioning industry to keep Australian’s comfortable in the heat and the team at Wade’s are happy to rely on Seeley International air conditioners because they know their customers are getting an efficient, Australian-built machine.
Because Wade’s are a Seeley Climate Master Dealer, Wade’s can offer a 5 to 7-year warranty on Seeley evaporative units – more than three times the warranty length compared with some air-conditioning manufacturers.
Organising an evaporative cooling service is simple and easy with Wade’s.
Our servicing teams will ensure the unit continues to run at peak efficiency and maintain its low evaporative running costs.
Just ask and Wade’s can add you to their annual servicing calendar, which means they automatically schedule and contact you when it is time to run an eye over everything.
Just like Wade’s, Seeley International is passionate and dedicated to Australian manufacturing – a guarantee that makes it possible to keep your family living their best life this summer.
People who are burning off ahead of the fire season are warned to take extra precautions to avoid penalties and unnecessary use of emergency services’ resources.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said last year’s CFA response numbers were ‘far too high’ – 819 callouts for escaped burn-offs for the year, with 396 of those incidents occurring in September, October and November.
“Last year’s numbers, especially during spring, placed an unnecessary strain on CFA crews, neighbouring properties and the community,” he said.
In what seems to be a similar trend this year, firefighters responded to 37 incidents in the first three weeks of September.
“Letting a burn-off escape during the fire danger period can result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and liability for damages caused,” Mr Heffernan said.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing a burn-off to escape during a declared fire dan-
“Last year’s numbers, especially during spring, placed an unnecessary strain on CFA crews, neighbouring properties and the community”
–
Jason Heffernan
ger period can include fines up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
The penalty is doubled if an escape occurs on a Total Fire Ban day.
Before burning off, people need to ensure: they follow CFA and local council regulations or laws; neighbours are notified of the generation of fire and smoke; the weather forecast is checked for the day of the burn and the following few days; a gap in vegetation is established around the fire; there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively; and that the burn is registered.
People can register planned burns online or by phone at any time – people can visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/registeryour-burn-off for more information or to register.
IN
Alanis Williams as Penelope Pennywise, the proprietor of Public
Number # 9, and Grayson
as Hope Cladwell, a naïve girl who believes there is good in everyone.
Stawell Performing Arts Company Incorporated, SPACi, will present Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown to audiences from this week.
Directed by Tyler Wineberg, the entertaining musical package tackles timely issues such as corporate greed and water usage, along with rebellion, and a love that defies the odds.
SPACi president Ian Mitchell said Grayson Savic and Logan Todd were ‘incredible’ in the lead roles.
“Their chemistry lights up the stage – audi-
ences will be captivated by their performances as they lead this hilarious and poignant charge for freedom,” he said.
“This production is packed with laughter, passion, and thought-provoking moments.”
The first of six performances at Stawell Neighbourhood House is at 7.30pm on Friday, then 7.30pm Saturday, 1.30pm Sunday, 7.30pm Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, and 1.30pm on Sunday, October 27. For tickets, people can search for Urinetown online at Trybooking or buy at the door.
Wetting agent, water retention.
FOUR SEASONS
Slow release fertiliser, nitrogen and potassium to promote growth and health.
Promotes soil structure & stimulates growth.
WEEK 1
Launch+ 50ml
Specifically formulated for stimulating growth.
Root Builder+ 50ml
Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.
Promotes lateral turfgrass growth, enhance colour.
Root Builder+ 50ml
Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.
Four Country Fire Authority brigades will receive new ultra heavy tankers as part of a fleet of 29 ultra heavy tankers rolling out across regional Victoria.
Hopetoun, Berriwillock, Watchem and Waitchie in CFA’s District 18 will receive the new tankers, providing a boost to the capability of the brigades ahead of the upcoming fire season. Valued at $440,000 each, the ultra heavy tankers have a 10,000-litre water tank, improving the ability to fight fires in rural areas with open grasslands.
The tankers also have a 100-litre foam tank to allow crews to work ahead of fire fronts, and improved crew and vehicle roll over and burn-over protection to keep firefighters safe in extreme heat.
Another eight ultraheavy tankers will be deliv-
ered to Victoria’s north-west region over coming months.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said the tankers were part of a $12.8-million investment from the State Government.
“We are ensuring our volunteer firefighters receive the resources they need to carry out their vital role safely and efficiently, and I look forward to seeing the benefits these tankers will bring to district 18 brigades,” she said.
“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these new tankers will provide improved safety outcomes for communities and volunteer firefighters across the state for years to come.
“With the potential risk of an early fire season, Victorians are urged to have their fire plan ready and prepare for the risks of grass and bushfires.”
WEEK 3
Launch+ 50ml
Specifically formulated for stimulating growth.
Root Builder+ 50ml
Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.
WEEK 4
Formulated with a high balanced Nitrogen and added Iron to give your lawn a deep green.
Root Builder+ 50ml
Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.
OTHER SPECIALISED TURF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT
For more info, call the office or email info@wadesgp.com.au
“We install and service what we sell” Ph: 03 5382 3823 • www.wadesgp.com.au your Ararat & Stawell specialist Now in Ararat & Stawell daily MEET JAYDEN
‘Examining the
Adrian Roles JMAJ Precision
As Victoria enters the annual grass pollen season, people are encouraged to prepare for high-risk thunderstorm asthma days by using a forecast system, website or app.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, in promoting the use of the state’s world-leading Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecast System, said it provided Victorians with the most up-to-date information they needed to stay healthy and safe.
“We want everyone to be protected during thunderstorm asthma events this pollen season,” she said.
The forecast system will operate throughout the peak of the season from now until December 31.
Providing a three-day forecast across Victoria’s nine weather districts, the system will indicate a low, moderate or high-risk forecast – alerting those with asthma or hayfever when they should avoid exposure outdoors.
The epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast is available daily through the VicEmergency website and app – Victorians can set up a watch zone to receive advice and warnings for their area.
The forecast is also on health.vic. gov.au and melbournepollen.com. au or the Melbourne Pollen app.
“All Victorians who have even the mildest asthma or seasonal hay fever symptoms should download the VicEmergency app and set up a
watch zone, so they are alerted on a high-risk day,” Ms Thomas said.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma occurs when many people develop asthma symptoms over a short time caused by high amounts of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm.
Ambulance Victoria emergency management director Justin Dunlop said creating an asthma plan was easy and potentially lifesaving.
“It’s simple – visit your GP and they can create a plan with you,” he said.
“Everyone’s asthma action plan will look different, and it will help you manage your condition, ensuring you don’t find yourself in an emergency.”
Adults should update their asthma action plan yearly, while every six months is recommended for children.
“Follow your asthma action plan, and most importantly, if a person is having difficulty breathing and their reliever medicine is not working, don’t delay in calling triple zero,” he said.
Ambulance Victoria is also encouraging all Victorians to know where to go for timely medical care and health advice to help save triple zero for emergencies.
For more information on thunderstorm asthma, people can visit the betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma.
Thirty students and four staff members from Stawell Secondary College have returned from a three-week journey through China.
The trip, from September 3 to 23, allowed students to improve their Chinese language skills and immerse themselves in the country’s culture.
Assistant principal Dean Greenhalgh, one of the supervising teachers, said the trip was a tremendous success.
“The tour was split into two main parts. The first was a short stay at the Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Foreign Languages School, Stawell Secondary College’s sister school, where students attended classes and participated in excursions around Shanghai,” he said.
The college’s Chinese teacher and trip organiser Ling Zhao said the Shanghai school, located in one of China’s fastest-growing cities, had a strong connection with Stawell Secondary College since its involvement in the Victorian Young Leaders to China Program in 2016.
“This visit further enhanced our short-stay exchange program, offering an excellent opportunity for our students to strengthen their language skills and cultural knowledge,” she said.
“The school’s location, culture, and hospitality helped our students immerse themselves in modern Chinese society and understand the benefits of learning Chinese for their future.”
Students were excited to visit Disneyland, explore iconic sites such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Mercedes-Benz Arena, taste delicious Shanghai cuisine such as Xiaolongbao – soup dumplings – and experience China’s blend of traditional and modern elements.
Ms Zhao said the second part of the journey took place at the Beijing Language and Culture University.
“The university provided a unique experience, combining language and cultural immersion with a vibrant campus life, where students had the opportunity to interact with people from around the world,” she said.
No experience running a project?
We support you through it from start to finish
Have an idea but not sure it fits the terms of these grants?
We're here to help you figure it out
Abbey Johnson, who visited China in 2019 as a Stawell Secondary College student and returned as one of the supervising staff, said the group also climbed the Great Wall, visited the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and many other historical landmarks.
Chinese teacher Royce Bao said the group was also fortunate to be funded for a three-day visit to Chengdu, where the students had the chance to see pandas.
Mr Bao said the experience inspired students in numerous ways, broadening their perspectives as global citizens, fostering personal growth, and enhancing leadership skills.
“The trip has also deepened their appreciation for other cultures and ways of life,” he said.
Principal Murray Hart expressed pride in the students’ achievements.
“The Chinese program at Stawell Secondary is thriving,” he said.
“Through this program, students have become more resilient, openminded, and inspiring.”
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: October 21, 2004 –Renowned performer Kamahl called in at the MIXX FM radio station after he heard his CD was being used as a booby prize during the ‘What’s in Chris’s Sack?’ segment of the breakfast show. Kamahl, pictured with hosts Paul Fidler and Chris Creasey, was in Horsham to perform at the town’s sports and community club.
10 years ago: October 15, 2014
Horsham was earmarked for one of 15 new Australian ‘headspace’ centres designed to help with a variety of health issues in people aged from 12 to 25. The centre would extend the early intervention work of the network of 100 National Youth Mental Health Foundation headspace centres, in areas such as depression, anxiety, bullying, exam stress and problems with alcohol and drugs.
Five years ago: October 9, 2019 Nhill community theatre group Piggery Lane Players presented its annual production, Captain Hook’s Revenge, in two shows. The ‘very silly pantomime’ was helmed by first-time director Matt Sherwell. Piggery Lane Players had about 16 people in the cast. The group was looking forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary the following year.
One year ago: October 18, 2023
Horsham Angling Club partnered with Wimmera Catchment Management Authority to reignite Lake Toolondo as a premier fishing destination, by limiting the impact of carp in the lake. Angling club members organised a community get-together to coincide with an intensive carp-harvesting operation to remove tonnes of the fish from the lake.
1. Born on this day in 1925 and dying in 2022, was which Irish-British-American actress, most famous for her roles in Gaslight; The Manchurian Candidate; Mame; and Murder, She Wrote?
2. What colours are on the finishing flag in Formula One racing?
3. What is the name of the sugar stored in the body for energy?
4. Australian psychiatrist Dr John Cade, 1912-1980, is credited with the 1948 discovery of lithium carbonate as a mood stabiliser in the breakthrough treatment of the mental illness bipolar disorder. He was born in which Wimmera town?
5. Juno was the Roman Goddess of what?
6. Which artist holds the record for a solo teenage musician by selling 37 million records?
7. Which baseball team does Stephen King support and often mention in his work?
8. Which American actress, best known for her work in Veronica Mars and The Good Place, married Dax Shepard on this day in 2013 at the Beverly Hills County Clerk’s office in California?
9. The ‘soft spot’ on an infant’s head is also known as what?
10. What deficiency in their diet caused pirates – and other seafarers – to contract the disease scurvy?
4. Murtoa. There are some suggestions Cade was born in Horsham, but his son Jack Cade has written that Murtoa was his birthplace. 5. Marriage and childbirth. 6. Britney Spears. 7. Boston Red Sox. 8. Kristen Bell. 9. Fontanelle. 10. Vitamin C deficiency.
Answers: 1. Angela Lansbury. 2. Black and white. 3. Glucose.
Getting in touch with The
Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351
Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au
Brought to you by AFTERNOONS WITH KAYLA Weekdays, noon until 3pm on
with Kerry KULKenS
FOR THE WEEK OCTOBER 19 TO OCTOBER 25
ARIES: (March 21-April 20)
Lucky Colour: Silver
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1-2-1-9
Lotto Numbers: 1-12-19-25-28-37
There are more opportunities and scope to push career plans. Some may have doubts about existing relationships. It is wise to leave things the way they are for the moment. The social scene brings some unusual invitations.
TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-4-3-4
Lotto Numbers: 4-13-22-31-39-40
Friends could try to meddle in your private affairs if you let them. Your ideas could be spot on, so use your intuition for the best results. Most will be more in demand on the social scene.
GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)
Lucky Colour Pink
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4-5-3-2
Lotto Numbers: 4-13-22-31-32-42
Don’t rush into romantic encounters on the side, or you will be found out. Health is essential, so look after you. Most will feel more aggressive and push their own point of view across at work, which could make things happen.
CANCER: (June 22-July 22)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5-1-6-5
Lotto Numbers: 5-14-23-26-35-41
It is an emotionally intense period, and most are inclined to overspend to keep their loved ones happy. New opportunities to gain financially are indicated.
LEO: (July 23-August 22)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-4-6-4
Lotto Numbers: 5-14-25-30-32-44
New friends could bring opportunities to mix business with pleasure, and love relationships should be more enjoyable. Most can expect a few surprises while travelling.
VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-4-1-7
Lotto Numbers: 1-10-14-17-27-33
It’s a good time to ask for favours, start new ventures, and make investments. Romantic opportunities are about, and someone you meet during this period will take your interest.
LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1-1-3-4
Lotto Numbers: 1-11-25-35-40-43
Something in your past is likely to surface. Answers to mysteries and tying up loose ends are indicated. Ask favours from those in a position to further your ambitions. Many will set off on entirely new paths.
SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-7-4-3
Lotto Numbers: 3-7-16-30-37-43
Most will be overcoming obstacles in family relationships, however, make sure others are paying their way and not relying too heavily on you.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2-2-7-6
Lotto Numbers: 2-11-20-27-29-38
Many will be renewing relationships and friendships. Many will be attracted to the unusual, and someone with a hint of mystery could take your attention. However, some may not be able to handle the pace.
CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3-3-2-1
Lotto Numbers: 3-12-21-26-30-39
Friends could provide an excellent financial opportunity. Old friends get in touch, and most will feel more like socialising. Financially, now is a lucky period.
AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-8-9-2
Lotto Numbers: 9-18-24-34-36-42
Now is a period of rewards and surprises. Most will gain more responsibility and complex work, but the rewards should be worth the effort, and some could expect a financial windfall.
PISCES: (February 20-March 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 3-2-8-3
Lotto Numbers: 12-21-30-38-39-40
^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i
Others will try to influence you with their ideas. However, you could surprise everyone with your ability to expand your business and aims. Believe in yourself when it comes to pursuing your ambitions.
F
ord has unveiled its new fifthgeneration Expedition SUV for the North American market, again sparking questions about its potential as a rival in Australia to GM’s incoming new Yukon.
The Expedition has been on sale in North America for almost 30 years, and while it has never officially been sold here, the factory-backed arrival of its F-150 sibling – along with a renewed interest in big, powerful American vehicles – could finally see the huge three-row SUV come to Australia.
Along with the Yukon, its arrival here would see the Expedition compete on price with models such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and its premium Lexus LX cousin, along with the new-generation Nissan Patrol. Officially, Ford Australia has no plans for the Expedition.
“The Ford Expedition remains lefthand drive only and unavailable for Australia. We have no news to share in regards to any plans to introduce the vehicle locally,” a spokesperson told GoAuto.
Of course, the F-150 was once a ‘no plans’ model, so measure your grains of salt accordingly.
If the Expedition does reach our roads, sealed or otherwise, it should be well-equipped for the job.
For 2025, the Expedition gets entirely new front and rear styling, a comprehensively redesigned cabin with a wealth of modern tech, and a version of the ladder-chassis architecture that underpins its truck sibling, the F-150. Ford has not offered specific details on any changes to that platform, but it has been plenty loud about its new Expedition Tremor model – ‘the most off-road capable Expedition ever’ –
with underbody shielding, 33-inch all-terrain tyres, claimed best-in-class ground clearance, an electronic locking rear-differential and off-roading control systems to help keep the big family SUV on course.
All of this, along with the de rigueur niceties like a massive 24-inch panoramic display, would seem to make the Expedition a shoo-in if Ford Australia decides to take on the Yukon as it has done by throwing the F-150 up against GM’s Chevrolet Silverado and the Ram 150 – all newly launched as Australian-converted offerings to buyers hungry for more power, noise, towing muscle and presence than our usual utes can offer.
The Yukon, due here in 2025, will be offered with a 313kW-624Nm 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine or a more efficient 227kW-673Nm turbo 3.0-litre petrol six, with a braked tow rat-
ing of up to 3800kg. The Expedition misses out on a V8, offering instead a 300kW-650Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6 in regular trims, while the Tremor gets the high output version with 328kW and 690Nm.
For interior space, the Yukon rides on a 3075mm wheelbase, compared to the Expedition’s longer 3115mm SWB and stretched 3352mm LWB options.
Ford’s big SUV ticks the right boxes for a local fight, then, leaving only the question of whether the Blue Oval’s local arm wants it and whether headquarters can spare the production capacity. And, like the F-150, it would need to be converted locally – a job for conversion partner RMA.
The company’s 21,000sqm Melbourne facility can remanufacture 20 F-150 trucks each day on a single shift for about 5000 units per year,
and Ford has sold 1634 F-150s so far in 2024 – although it has suffered a handful of recalls already this year.
Launching the Expedition in Australia would require the usual engineering, testing, compliance and factory tooling work – so any potential debut is unlikely to occur soon, and Ford may choose to watch Yukon sales before moving on a decision.
Ford has also sold nearly 19,000 of its new-generation, Ranger-based Everest SUVs in 2024 – a comfortably segment-leading position that could bolster the Expedition’s appeal further as a bigger and more powerful ‘upgrade’ for buyers already impressed by the Everest’s success and styling.
And, unlike the unrelated but deeply unlucky Endura SUV – known in the US as the Edge – Ford already owns the Expedition trademark in Australia. – Mike Stevens
Volkswagen’s next generation Multivan large people mover is slated for arrival Down Under early in 2025 with what the German importer says is a new level of driveability, versatility and technology – including a high level of specification as standard.
The first bus off the rank will be the Multivan Life, expected to be priced above the current kick off at a smidge under $70,000 excluding onroad costs.
The current range runs up to a smidge under $100,000 plus on-road costs, so once again, expect the range topper to cost more.
Balanced against this is a big uptick in technology and features in the newgeneration seven model, with goodies such as tri-zone climate control, dual power sliding side doors, a power tailgate, LED lights and of course, the new styling inside and out.
Leveraging other people mover activity within the group, VW says the all-new Multivan Life perfectly complements the more compact Caddy Maxi Life and the fully electric ID. Buzz seven seaters.
Built on VW’s MQB passenger car platform shared with Golf and Tiguan instead of the previous model’s commercial vehicle chassis, the new Multivan is said to deliver a new benchmark in people mover driveabil-
ity including the comfort of a 17-inch wheel and tyre package.
That statement will likely be contested by Kia, which sells the new VW’s main competitor, the market leading Kia Carnival that includes an economical hybrid variant in the line-up.
The Multivan Life model runs a version of Volkswagen’s venerable 2.0litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 110kW and 360Nm output and returns a claimed 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres combined fuel consumption leading to a possible 1200km range from its 80-litre tank.
Inside is a totally new cabin said to elevate the level of interior quality and technology while offering innovative storage solutions and flexibility with a choice of front-middle-rear rows folding to a multitude of configurations.
Key to this is a new modular, multifunction seat system with reduced individual seat weight by 25 per cent with extensive possible configurations.
The seating design includes power adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, folding tables on the front seat backrests, removable and reposition-
STYLE:
able second row armrests, a trio of individually movable third row seats, drawers under the outer seats in the passenger compartment – plus a load compartment partition and waste bins.
Other kit includes keyless entry and ignition, surround lighting for the tailgate, 30 colour interior ambient lighting including second row footwall lamps, a digital cockpit and 10-inch centre touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight speakers and six USB-C ports including four for rear passengers all as standard equipment.
Safety features entail extensive ADAS technologies and the usual array of dual front, centre front, front side and curtain airbags extending to all three rows of seats.
The model also gains a feature called semi-autonomous travel assist as part of the ADAS package.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles head of product and marketing Michelle Rowney said the new Multivan would appeal to families who valued high efficiency and technology, and advanced people mover engineering.
“The all-new Multivan takes the people mover away from being commercial van based and rides on a platform renowned as being a benchmark for steering, ride and handling,” she said.
“Including a long-range diesel fuel tank, it is this new standard of drivability that meets increased seven-seat functionality and the highest level of interior and safety technology in the next-generation Volkswagen Multivan.
“We will directly target flagship versions of the top selling seven seaters in the Australian market with this highly specified, engineering high watermark.”
The Multivan range will be expanded in late 2025 with an even more highly specified ‘Style’ variant featuring a second powertrain option.
The Morrow family is proud to mark a
For half a century, we’ve been committed to delivering top-notch vehicles, unparalleled service, and innovative solutions to keep you on the road with confidence. Join us as we celebrate this golden anniversary, we’re rolling out exclusive deals and exciting giveaways throughout the month. Come by and be part of the celebration! Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Here’s to 50 years of driving forward – and many more to come!
We would be nowhere without our clients, so to show our appreciation, DURING OCTOBER we will give everyone who has their vehicle serviced with us a small gift. And, anyone who purchases a new or used car will go into the draw to
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.
Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon.
© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features
Aaron Dean has over 29 years’ experience in tree trimming, removal clearing. Having worked for the local council, Powercor and various other businesses, Aaron decided to branch out into his own business, Lop The Top – Tree Service. The business first started out as a weekend operation but soon became a full-time job when more and more people contacted Aaron for a variety of work.
Tree trimming and tree removal are the main sectors of Lop The Top – Tree Service, but Aaron also specialises in tight access removals and pruning for homes or business. With insurance to climb to unlimited heights, Aaron can tame all those tall trees such as palms and large gums using the most up-to-date arborist equipment. He can also supply eucalypt garden mulch by request.
Lop The Top specialises in storm damage and can manage any insurance jobs you may have. Aaron can work weekends, after hours, as well as emergency callouts.
Lop The Top – Tree Service works within a 100km radius of Horsham. For a free, no-obligation quote contact Aaron at Lop The Top – Tree Service today on 0428 195 090.
Dylan & Amity
Hartwich, along with sister Sienna & brother
Ronnie are delighted to announce the birth of Knox Victor Hartwich
Born October 8th 2024 at 9.11am weighing 3.2kg.
A special thank you to Dr Jagath Ranasinghe & the midwives at the Wimmera Base Hospital for safely delivering our much loved boy & for your care and support during this special time.
Proud parents
Heath Pohl and Lauren Smith announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Hannah Louise Pohl
Born 3 October 2024 at 3.15pm, weighing 4.06kgs - 9lb
A healthy and happy baby girl to complete our family.
BAKER, Leslie “Tige”
2-7-1934 to 9-10-2024
Passed away peacefully on October 9. Loving husband to Margaret.
Loved father of Ashley and Lynda.
Adored Pa to Candice, Jodie, Andy, Matt and their respective partners.
Great pa to Emerald, Leo, Beau, Ellie and Silayah Forever in our hearts.
DEMPSEY, Shannon Lorna Iris
Passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024 aged 36 years.
Dearly loved partner of Michael Levy.
Missed greatly by Harley and Brooklyn.
A proud Auntie to many
DUMESNY, Sandra May
Passed away on October 9, 2024 aged 73 years.
Dearly loved mother of Keith, Jo-Anne and Jason (dec).
Adored Nan to Nathan, David and Adam. Now At Peace
GRAY, Alex
Passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2024 aged 96 years.
Dearly loved husband of Maud (dec).
Loving father of Sharon.
A special thank you to Dr Kannon and staff, Wimmera Palliative Care team, District Nursing Services and the Natimuk Nursing Home.
Forever In Our Hearts
~ GRAY ~ Alec
A smiling face, a heart of gold,
The dearest man this world could hold, On earth you toiled, in heaven you rest, God bless you Alec, you were the best.
As long as life and memories last, You will live forever in our hearts.
Our thoughts are with Sharon at this time of sorrow.
Dean, Tracey, Caleb & Ruby
~ GRAY, Alex ~ 11-2-1928 to 7-10-2024
Passed away peacefully at home, with is devoted daughter ‘Sharon’ by his side.
A dear friend for over 72 years, and a highly respected former employee and farm neighbour of ‘The Tregenza Family’.
Reunited with his beloved Maud.
Rest peacefully dear Alex.
We will miss our chats, and you will be sadly missed by us all.
Thanks for the memories, Max, Lynette and family xx
KUCHEL, Brian David 3-7-1934 to 8-10-2024
Brian, My wonderful Husband for 67 years.
I loved you for all these years and you loved me.
Thank you.
Beth.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
KUCHEL, Brian David
3-7-1934 to 8-10-2024
To my darling Dad, You were so proud of your family. How lucky am I to have the beautiful memories of our times together, especially our trips and spending time with the four generations.
You have been an inspiration and great role model for your family. Your devotion to mum, your caring gentle nature, cheeky sense of humour, love for a chat and catch-up, one of life’s true gentlemen.
You have been the best Dad, Pa, and Great Grandpa we could have.
Love you heaps, Julie, Daryl, Amalia, Karly, Bonnie, Mat, Tylan, Brodey, and Hadley.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
KUCHEL, Brian
Always so loving, thoughtful and kind,
What beautiful memories you leave behind, You may have left this world behind,
But you will never leave our hearts and mind. We will miss you so very much Dad. Karen and Bruce. Words are few, thoughts are deep, Memories of you are ours to keep.
Special Pa to Sam and Tayla, Adored Great Pa to Hudson and Mackenzie. Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, We will always remember you.
Wonderful Pa to Darcy and Gus.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
KUCHEL, Brian
3-7-1934 to 8-10-2024
Aged 90
Dad, in your final moments I held your hand, It was a moment of sadness, but also of peace.
I will never forget the time we shared in your last few days. You told me you loved me and I told you how much I loved you.
Dad, a true gentleman with the biggest heart who loved us all.
The most wonderful father we could have asked for. You will be loved and missed forever.
Fiona, Greg, Macy, Shallan and Daniel. Always in our hearts.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
LUPTON, Jean Lillian (nee McDonald)
Passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024. Aged 97 years.
Loved wife of Leslie (dec).
Loving mother and mother in law of Don & Joy; Chris & Lyn; Wendy & Russell.
Adored Nana to Adrianne and Daniel; Rachael & Luke, Corey & Sarah, and Simone; Kirsty & Tristan, Brooke & Chris, Alana & Brad, Kira & Jake.
Great Nana to Bella, Allie, Leiam, Archie, Wyatt, Beau and Mila. In God’s Care
MITCHELL, Gordon Robert
17-8-1941 to 9-10-2024
Passed away on October 9, 2024 at Lakeside Living Edenhope. Formerly residing at “Oak Park” Karnak. Aged 83 years Funeral service details to follow.
VENDY, John Joseph. 19/2/1954- 4/10/2024
Dearly loved son of late John and Patricia Vendy. Much loved brother of Monica, Daniel and Catherine.
Ver y special Uncle and Great Uncle. At peace
DEMPSEY, Shannon Lorna Iris
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Shannon Lorna Iris Dempsey will take place at St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham on Friday, 18 October 2024 commencing at 2pm.
The service may also be viewed online at vimeo.com/event/4634514 Privately cremated.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
DUMESNY, Sandra May
Sandra May Dumesny will be farewelled at a private family gathering.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
GRAY, Alex
The Funeral of Alex Gray will take place at The Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, 18 October 2024 commencing at 11am.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
LUPTON, Jean Lillian (nee McDonald)
The Funeral of Jean Lillian Lupton will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
VENDY
Funeral Prayers for the repose of the soul of the late John Joseph Vendy will be held in St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Landsborough (76 McKinlay St) on TUESDAY (Oct. 22 nd) at 1:00 pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Prayers for the Landsborough Cemetery.
JOHN DUNN FUNERAL SERVICES Ararat 5352 1047
1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666706/6579578
source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456
Thank you
~ HOLLAND ~ Alfred (Boyce)
4-2-1940 to 23-8-2024
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us in any way since Boyce’s passing. In particular thank you to Dr Franklin Butuyuyu and staff at Dunmunkle Lodge Minyip and Rural North West Health Warracknabeal. Gwen, David & Graeme and families.
3 Mini Dachshund x Mini Foxy
Male Pups, born May 23, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, 1 brown dapple 953010006753667, source no MB255251, $1600 ONO Ph 0400083880
Birds for sale, princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell
Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579
Budgies, pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham German (Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated /microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984 /17181902/17166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996 Ararat
Kelpie pups, both parents are good workers, 1 black/tan female & male, 2 red/tan male, dob 23/6/24, microchip# 956000018884980 /6575 /2051 /7524, source# MB256359 $500 each Ph 0488303725
Kildare Border Collies have a one remaining pure bred black and white female puppy for sale from our current litter at $1650, we have been breeding border collies for over 60 years, our puppies are bred true to type and have calm natures, they make excellent working dogs or family pets, she is 7 weeks of age, has a fun-loving nature and ready to find her forever home, she has been microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated and wormed, source# MB196330, microchip# 985141007722113, Ph Brendan Hogan, or Juls on 0429826899 for further information
Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola
Pembroke Corgi Pups , male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264
REDUCED Border Collie pups, 3 male tan and white, microchip# 985141007722107/22108/21629,
source# MB260070 $400 Ph 0407852509
Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267
Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723
Very pretty & young budgies assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267
Working Kelpie pups , 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 978142000129103 //937/1520/1099
source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301
1998 Jayco Westport, full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $18,000ono Ph 0419514118
REDUCED 2006 Concept Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763
$18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347
Tractor
Tradesman
Trailing Grain Feeder , with canopy, good condition, $1100 Ph 0400894020
AMC Ride on Mower, latest model, excellent condition $1900ono Ph 0427822909
$25 Ph 0400085025
2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230
2013 Jurgens Lunagzer J24 , 6.3m/21’, J2403, 2 berth, shower/ toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445
2016 New Age Desert Rose, full off-road built tough, separate shower/toilet, big fridge, lots of storage inside and out, solar power, loads of extras, diesel heater, full annexe, 20’ plus draw bar, EC, $70,000 neg Ph 0409257256
2016 Supreme Spirit Limited Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24’6”, long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit
$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363
2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796
CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition $24,800 Ph 0490532715
Galaxy Scenic caravan, 2004, 19’, EC, shower on outside $24,000ono Ph 0400603022
Majestic Knight Caravan 10/2013, queen bed, ensuite, full annex, free camp ready, many extras, $45,000 Ph 0418506271
New Age 2013, queen bed, TV,
Ph 0427778747
REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank, sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2025, U28090 $6,500ono Ph 0429942936
REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212
REDUCED Isuzu Outback
Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham
REDUCED MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $11,500 Ph 0493394223
REDUCED Vintage 1964 Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $7500 ono Ph 0431820493
Royal Flair caravan 2012, 20ft, full ensuite, 3 way fridge, electric/ gas hot water, TV, diesel heater, solar panel, 2 batteries, washing machine, A/C,
Carryall 6’ x 3’, suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426 New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408
Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335
Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053
Fuel tank , 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693
1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre , R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $50 Ph0428504558
2 hand made Kennett step ladders, 4.2m high Ph 0419359501
4KW 240V Generator, gauges and trolley $650 Ph 0428504558
A livemor electric massage chair and a proflex slider, $1100 ono for both Ph 0494077845
Hot potato mobile van, bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164
Kuvings whole slow juicer, very good condition, no further use $300 Ph 0408823136
Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510
Large quantity of second hand Merbau decking timber, 70mm, GC Ph 0353836242
Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000
Rare 1895 Furphy tank, both casts are in good condition $6000 Ph 0428519879
REDUCED Firescreen, 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $150 Ph 0408504633
REDUCED LG Top Loading washing machine works well $160, Treadmill hardly used GC $480, pair of directors chairs with side tables new $100 Ph 0409799375
REDUCED Stylish vintage 1930’s/1940’s radiogram , in need of restoration $50 ono Ph 0427545424
Honda CTX200 Ag Bike , as new, 2900 kms, $2750 inc Gst Ph 0428405228
Contract Number: C01338
GWMWater invites tender submissions for the Morson Pump
4.0m
BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602
Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola Walker, 210kg, wider than normal, GC $220 Ph 0423967449
BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491
REDUCED BMW RT1200 Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961 Yamaha Scooter, excellent condition, 6100km, RWC, 6 months reg, ideal for learner, $1800ono Ph 0408824739
2014 GL Suzuki Swift 4 door, 5spd, reg til 3/25, one owner, reg services, selling due to relocating interstate, 109,500kms, 1EF17V
$8000 Ph 0428894258
Mitsubishi Delica Diesel van, 4x4, 1998, 260k kms, camper conversion, GC, ubu692, reg till 4/25 $4500 Ph 0409954491
1987 XF Falcon sedan S pack manual, 5 speed gearbox, power steering. 181,000km, eng JG23HE97665C, $2500 Ph 0428501109
Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109
Ford XF Wagon,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109
Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic, aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109
1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109
2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220
2004 Honda Accord, 3.0L V6 auto, well equipped including sunroof and cruise control, rego til 28/1/25, good tyres, 132,000kms, SQW278 $6999 Ph 0409998004
2006 Nissan Navara 4WD , diesel, dual cab, manual, bull bar, vin# JMICNUD22A0050448, RWC, 200,000km, $8500ono Ph 0419821563
2010 Holden Cruze CDX, auto, EC, reg til Jan 25, RWC, its a beauty, 71,XXXkms, YET476, $7200 Ph 0437561900
2011 Holden Commodore VE SV6 II sedan, colour ‘Sizzle’ red, tow bar, tinted windows, reversing camera, bluetooth, EC, 198,XXXkms, YNV016 $10,000 neg Ph Glenn 0447799547
2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009
2013 Jeep Compass, reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms 1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555
Price reduced to sell Ute 2012 Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12 RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so “as new”, solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520
2004 VY SS Commodore , collectors item, black, RWC, immaculate cond, YKW598
$20,000ono Ph 0400603022
REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $13,500 Ph 0400728252
VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto, silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towing done, VGC, new tyres, reg till 2/25, YVD520 $10,500 Ph 0428528990
2003 Landcruiser, auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379
2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448
2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609
Station Contaminated Soil Removal project.
This Contract includes the following scope:
> Excavation and disposal of stockpiled contaminated soil.
> Excavation and disposal of an area of contaminated soil to a depth of 200 mm.
> Installation of A14 geofabric across the site (approx. 7600m2).
> Reinstatement of works area, including reusing topsoil, importing topsoil, profiling and re-seeding of the site.
A compulsory site meeting will be held 11 am Tuesday
29 October 2024 at Morson Pump Station Old Hamilton Road, Horsham. Tenderers who wish to attend are to register with GWMWater’s Graduate Engineer Avin James.
More information regarding this tender is available from GWMWater’s website at gwmwater.org.au/tenders. Enquiries may be directed to Avin James, Graduate Engineer on avin.james@gwmwater.org.au
Tenders close 2 pm, Wednesday 13 November 2024.
GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part.
The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
Mark Williams Managing Director
GWMWater is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria.
11 McLachlan Street Horsham Call: 1300 659 961 (business hours) info@gwmwater.org.au | gwmwater.org.au
Design and Construction Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Battery Energy Storage
Contract Number: C01343
GWMWater invites tender submissions for the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and performance verification of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at four (4) sites, with a total storage capacity of 1.05 MWh. All four sites have existing behind-the-meter (BTM) solar photovoltaic (PV) generation systems.
The scope of work will include the following:
> Design and construction of BTM BESS infrastructure at four (4) GWMWater facility sites, with storage capacities ranging from 100 to 600 kWh.
> Integration of the BESS with existing on-site solar PV systems to enable fully integrated market-deployable Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
> Establishment of on-site DER control systems capable of operating within the National Electricity Market (NEM), and the Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) markets.
> System testing and commissioning to verify functionality, performance and compliance.
> 24-month system maintenance and performance monitoring to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.
An online tender briefing session via Microsoft Teams will be held at 10 am on Thursday 24 October 2024. A pre-tender visit to the project sites will be held at 9 am on Thursday 31 October 2024. To register for these sessions, please contact Senior Project Engineer Thiago Franca.
More information regarding this tender is available from the Buying for Victoria website, www.tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries may be directed to Thiago Franca on 1300 659 961.
Tenders close 2pm on Tuesday 19th November 2024. GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part.
The lowest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.
Mark Williams Managing Director
But
Start with a good ‘mind diet’. I’ve been reading the Bible for decades, and it is the most influential reading in my life. Reading and praying, praying and reading! Prayer isn’t so hard. At its simplest, it’s reflecting. Read and reflect. Do it with someone else. That’s a start.
2. Live generously. Putting in place practices that emphasise others is good for our souls. The other day, I mentioned generosity to a young person. She looked at me like I had two heads! But deliberate kindness to others keeps ur lives in good nick. ‘Tis more blessed to give than receive.
3. Stay connected to people. There are dark forces at play in our world trying to drive wedges in humanity. It can be hard to trust others and easy to retreat into isolation. Fight the urge to disappear.
Now… when I take my car to the mechanic and he tells me that something needs to be done, I don’t think to myself “what would you know?” That would lead to regret later on. I don’t want my car to fail. So, treat me like your soul mechanic. This is important! But is a healthy, long, fruitful spiritual life important to you?
Dave Tolputt, Life Links Church - Ararat
Current Employment Opportunities:
- Wimmera Support Jobs
(Private + NDIS)
- Private cleaning (Local porperties: From showcasing properties to squalor & lovely Airbnb’s)
- SW Cleaning Roles
- Support Worker/s for Personal Assistance work & NDIS shifts.
- Social support, daily living, advocating and multi tasking capacities.
- Require a reliable car; to take participants and locals to appointments, shopping and community inclusion activities.
- Most shifts between 9-3 Weekdays & potential SIL shifts.
- Experience within the disability field preferable.
- Basic computer knowledge preferable.
- Good communication skills.
Due to the continuing growth of BCH Accountants, we have a great opportunity for a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious person to join our professional team of accountants.
Benefits:
• Enjoyable and supportive work environment
• Career development and ongoing training
• Flexible working arrangements • Productivity bonuses
Key attributes:
• Focus on Client Service.
• A passion for accounting and attention to detail.
• 2-5 years accounting experience working in public practice.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• CPA/CA Qualification - preferred but not necessary.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Experience with Xero, MYOB, Agri master, BGL 360 & MYOB Accountants Enterprise would also be advantageous.
dallas@bchaccountants.com.au
sharon@bchaccountants.com.au
Applications close the 25th of October 2024
Wimmera Area (Horsham) – 1 x position available
South West Area (Warrnambool, Portland or Hamilton) – 1 x position available
$121,250 - $132,764 p.a. pro rata (+superannuation)
Fixed Term until 30/06/2025 / Part time (38hrs/fortnight)
The Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Advisor provides advice to and builds awareness of Child Protection practitioners working with Aboriginal children and engages with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community services organisations to improve outcomes through progression of self-determination reforms for Aboriginal children, families, and communities. While the role does not develop cultural plans, it provides important cultural expertise and guidance which supports child protection practitioners with the cultural planning process, and cultural plan compliance.
This crucial role enables Aboriginal children to remain connected to community, build resilience and support them remaining with family. The role will also focus on area improvement and implementation processes, aligning outcomes to relevant divisional policies and processes.
Contact for further information: Jenna Denniss, jenna.denniss@dffh.vic.gov.au
Reference number: DFFH/WWD/732249 & 732250
Applications close: Sunday 3 November 2024
Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are eligible to apply as these positions are exempt under the SPECIAL MEASURES PROVISION of S12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (VIC).
For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments. RS2273
GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.
Position number VG/4408A
This exciting role within the Assets, Standards and Development Team provides support in dam safety compliance and the management of reservoirs, dams and water storages.
The Graduate Engineer – Dams and Structures will assist in:
• reviewing, improving, and implementing our dam safety program and managing assets,
• maintaining safety and functionality through our inspection programs,
• managing dam safety assessments by specialist consultants,
• scoping technical options and recommending solutions, and
• supporting our operations and capital works teams with technical input.
In this role you will have the opportunity to grow your technical and project management skills as you engage with internal experts and leading dam safety consultants.
•
•
•
•
Do
Become part of a talented and passionate team, managing some of the most significant infrastructure in the region.
Position number VG/4303A
If you’re ready for a challenge and keen to make a real difference, then this role offers an exciting opportunity.
We are seeking an energetic Graduate Planning and Development Engineer to undertake planning for a range of water projects to support our region’s development.
You will be part of a diverse and committed team, working with multiple business groups and stakeholders to achieve great outcomes for the organisation, our customers and the community.
If you think you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply!
Applications close: Wednesday 23 October 2024
GWMWater contact:
Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer
To
Mark Williams
Managing Director
If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check
Waste Transfer Operator
• Band 3 ($66,283 - $69,498 per annum)
• Permanent part -time
• Weekend and Public Holiday is required
Concrete Worker/Labourer
• Band 3 ($66,283 - $69,498 per annum, plus allowances)
• Permanent full-time
• 8 day working fortnight
– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. Telephone (03) 5382 1351 Email horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au Place your situation vacant advertisement in
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join one of the largest and most diverse companies in the region. This is an outstanding opportunity for a committed and experienced workshop service manager to manage our busy workshop in a great environment.
CHS Trucks (Bigham Truck Repairs) provides continual improvement in the form of training, equipment and workplace satisfaction.
Applicants must cover the following criteria:
• Certificate 3 heavy diesel
• A highly motivated individual who is honest and reliable
• Exhibits excellent work ethic
• Sound computer knowledge and willingness to learn
• Car license/HR license is desirable
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Monitor and assist with all duties required in the workshop
• Working with Large Vehicles / Trucks & Trailers
• Schedule and distribute work orders
• Maintain, service and repair heavy vehicles as per the daily requirements
• Diagnose/fault-find breakdowns
• Perform inspections and assessments on vehicles and complete relevant documentation
• Setting and obtaining business productivity goals
• Monitoring and managing quality standards and adhering to policies and procedure
• Monitoring and managing our commitment to safety
Working with
further details, please contact:
from 6am to 9am
BY DAVID BERRY
Asecondbronze medal in two years has left a sense of unfinished business for the Melbourne Vipers men’s team in the Mahindra Australian Volleyball Superleague.
A five set victory over Adelaide Storm was bittersweet for the team, who saw a two sets to love lead over Perth in the gold medal qualifier on Saturday evaporate in front of their very eyes.
To bounce back to win the bronze showed great character by the team.
In one of the sets of the tournament, the Vipers won the bronze medal in a set that saw firstly Adelaide hold four match points, only to see all four disappear in some Vipers brilliance, and then the Vipers had four match points, with young Monash star James Kay able to seal the deal with a power hit, winning 27-25.
Captain Paul Sanderson said after the match the team learnt plenty from their qualifier loss against Perth.
“The team took control in that fifth set and it was player driven that we weren’t going to let this opportunity slip, like what happened on Saturday,” he said.
“When the players take control and ownership of their own destiny, positive things can happen.
“The win was one for a coaching group that knew they had the players to figure deep in this competition, but the format, being volleyball played at what appeared like lightning speed, did not allow you to sit back and think too long about the moves you were going to make.”
In his role as assistant coach, former Volleyball Horsham member Matthew Berry said the team was well led by their younger players.
“We knew what we were going to get with our senior players, such as Sanderson, Kanwar and setter
Damien Whitburn, but to coach Josh Cowan’s credit, he went with his gut and started Hunter Hopkins in the key setting role in the bronze medal
match and it paid off in spades, with the youngster displaying great skills,” he said.
“Then throw in Noah Van Gemst who came on for Dylan Lucchesi early in the first set and held his own, and James Kay who replaced Darcy Taig and won the game for us, it was a bronze medal win for the youngsters.”
Marked improvement
Berry said the Superleague, now in its second year, saw a marked improvement in the quality of play by both the men and the women, with clubs putting the emphasis on the format that a national competition should have.
“When you get the likes of current and former Volleyroos such as Harrison Peacock, Nathan Roberts, Thomas Heptinstall, Ben Bell, Caitlin Tipping, Karley Hines, Caitlin Waterfall, Tessa Browne and Beth Carey who all lift the standard, you get games that go to a much higher level, and that is what we experienced, especially in the finals,” he said.
The key to taking that next step for the men’s team is keeping the majority of the group together, something Berry believes will not be too difficult.
“I think over the past two years we have learnt so much about this format and how best to use it to your greatest advantage, and this will help us put together a strong group that will be able to figure prominently next year,” he said.
“We won’t need to make too many changes, except in the setting department, but I think there is enough drive and desire by the senior members of the group to get everyone involved again to give us the best shot at claiming that elusive bit of silverware we all crave.”
Berry will now set his sights on the Bendigo and Horsham tournaments over the course of the next month as well as taking his Mazenod honors teams to the Gold Coast to tackle the National Schools Cup.
Four local trainers led in winners last week, the highlight being the win of the inform Cortez Bale who took out the Free for All event at Warrnambool, beating a quality line up for trainer Andrea Gurry of Nhill.
Horsham’s event produced three individual winners – Paul and Doug Hammerstein of Ararat, Greg Turnbull and Tracey Salter of Crowlands and Garry George of Beulah.
But it was Cortez Bale who was the standout out for the week.
Displaying his customary early speed, he speared straight to the front setting up an early lead, but the very talented Mr Beets set off in chase of Cortez and it was a battle of two going to the line.
Cortez was put under enormous pressure all the way to the post, but he held strong and won by half a length
in the smart time of 22:10 seconds, to back up last week’s flying 21:93 seconds.
Turnbull and Salter’s Lightning Jedda continued her love affair with the Horsham circuit winning her eighth race at the track.
Jedda displayed her customary early pace, positioning up second going through the turn.
On straightening it was Lightning
Jedda’s strength that came to the fore
as she ran over the top of early leader Let’s Win Ollie to win by one length in the quick time of 23:26 seconds.
George added to his list of recent winners also at Horsham when Scooba Steve made it three wins from his past four starts.
Steve showed pace early to corner in second position, on straightening for home he had a fight on his hands, but knuckling down to the challenge he grabbed the early leaders in the
shadows of the post to win by a neck in 23:50 seconds.
Is He Lucky for the Hammersteins was a massive last to first victor at Horsham.
Missing the start from the wide draw, Is He Lucky mustered up brilliantly to be second through the turn and third on straightening.
Holding his line he swept down the outside to win by near on one length in the smart time of 23:43 seconds.
Ararat Redbacks were unable to break through for their first win of the Country Basketball League season despite patches of strong play in a road double-header at the weekend.
The Redbacks faced one of the toughest tasks in the league’s southwest division – a South Australian back-to-back against Millicent Magic and Mount Gambier Lakers.
Against the Magic on Saturday night, Ararat fell into an early hole and trailed by 13 points at quarter time.
But with playing coach Josh Fiegert earning repeated trips to the freethrow line and Adan Wisby showcasing his ability to score in a variety of ways, the Redbacks clawed the margin back to seven by half time.
In the third quarter the Magic re-established their dominance, and while Ararat worked hard to win the final term, it was unable to make up the deficit in an 82-75 loss.
Fiegert was the Redbacks’ top scorer with 26 in the game, knocking down four three-pointers in addition to his work at the free-throw line, while Oliver Lindeblad had 15 and Wisby had 14.
With only seven available players against the reigning premier Lakers on Sunday, Ararat was playing with its back firmly against the wall.
The Redbacks’ task was made more difficult when Mount Gambier raced to a 25-14 lead at quarter time, and from that point Ararat never seriously threatened to retake the lead.
Fiegert and Oliver Lindeblad had 15 points apiece to lead the Redbacks, with Farrell Maharaj adding seven.
Mount Gambier showcased its impressive depth in the game, with 10 of its 11 players scoring at least two points.
Ararat will play another road game this weekend, travelling to Terang at 6pm on Saturday.
The Horsham Hornets will return from a bye to host Mount Gambier in a rematch of last season’s south-west grand final at Horsham Basketball Stadium at 6pm on Saturday.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
After a partial washout in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s first round of the season, round two was played with pennant success for Central Park and Horsham Lawn.
Central Park played Drung South at home, defeating them 14-112 to 0-38, and Kalkee was defeated by Horsham Lawn at Kalkee, 7-83 to 7-91. St Michaels had the bye. In the men’s singles matches, Central Park’s Matt Jones defeated Aaron Jennings 8-5, while Harry Allan defeated Harrison Daniell 8-4.
The women’s singles saw Central Park’s Willow Sainsbury continue her good form, defeating Yolande Molineaux 8-5. Adele Joseph defeated Sandra Casey 8-0.
The men’s doubles saw Jones pair with Reece Harman to defeat Jennings and Jayce Broadbent 8-0, while Allan and Brendan Nitschke defeated Harrison Daniell and Thomas Daniell 8-2.
Harman and Nitschke went on to defeat Broadbent and Thomas Daniell 8-1, with Jones and Nitschke claiming victory over Jennings and Thomas Daniell 8-4, and Allan and Harman continuing the doubles’ winning streak against Harrison Daniell and Broadbent 8-4.
Sainsbury paired with Eve Wear to defeat Molineaux and Shiloh Walls 8-4, while Joseph and Tara McIntyre won the first eight sets to defeat Casey and Jodie Grainger. Wear and McIntyre defeated Walls and Grainger 8-2, with Sainsbury and McIntyre winning 8-3 against Molineaux and Grainger. Joseph and Wear also proved to be a winning combination, defeating Casey and Walls 8-4.
Kalkee played a competitive day against Horsham Lawn, with Jeff Friberg winning 8-3 against Lachlan Punchard, and Jordan Friberg victorious 8-4 against D’Artagnan Walls.
Kees’ Emily Polack was defeated by Tahlia Thompson 3-8, and Meaghan Pohlner, Kalkee, won 8-3 against Gemma Walker.
Jeff Friberg and Aiden Richardson were defeated by Punchard and Graeme Wood 5-8, Jordan Friberg and Grant Schultz won 8-6 over Walls and Andrew Dorman.
Richardson and Schultz lost to Wood and Dorman 4-8, while Jeff Friberg and Schultz won in a tiebreak against Punchard and Dorman. Jordan Friberg and Richardson were victorious over Walls and Wood, 8-6.
Polack and Anna Exell lost to Cherie Wood and Thompson 3-8,
FOCUS: Drung South pennant player Thomas Daniell in action on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Pohlner and Keeley Schultz lost in a 7-8 tie-break to Walker and Ella Thompson, and the combination of Exell and Schultz did not match Wood and Ella Thompson, with the result 2-8.
Polack and Schultz were defeated by the Thompsons 3-8, and Pohlner and Exell came out on top against Walker and Wood 8-6.
AO on the Road
In the lead-up to the Australian Open in January, AO on the Road will bring two trophies to 18 communities across regional Victoria.
The Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup will visit schools and tennis clubs, including Pomonal
on Sunday, October 27. Tennis legends, including John Fitzgerald, will make special appearances during the tour, while people will have the opportunity to pose with the AO silverware.
Supported by the State Government through Visit Victoria, the tour will include activities for people, from Hot Shots sessions to free court hire.
AO on the Road will conclude at the inter-regional championships at Creswick in January before the trophies return to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
For more information, people can visit the Facebook page facebook. com/events/1051203623174872.
Homers 3-22; Central Park White 4-28 d Quantong 2-15.
Section 1 Boys: Horsham Lawn Green 3-31 d Haven 3-29; Central Park Blue 5-33 d Central Park White 1-11; Horsham Lawn White 5-33 d Homers 1-17. Section 1 Girls:
from 6am to 9am
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Horsham woman Vicki Tyler is now a Spartan.
No, not an ancient Greek warrior, but part of a group every bit as tough – those who have completed at least 10 Melbourne Marathons.
Tyler joined the marathon’s official Spartan club on Sunday when she crossed the finish line at the MCG, with friends and family present to cheer her on.
Tyler said for much of her life she had ‘never dreamt’ of taking up running as a hobby, let alone running marathons.
“I was always asthmatic, so I never got into running at all in my younger days. I always admired people who could run but never did it myself,” she said.
“When I had my three kids I’d sort of had enough of playing netball and my husband was doing a bit of running, so I decided I’d have a go at it.
“I started off running around the block and then increased that and got into the Stawell Athletic Club with the kids.
“Now we’ve got a group of people who run in Horsham along the river. It’s such an inspiring group of people and there are great friendships formed.”
Tyler said there were times when she
Melbourne Storm rugby league star
Josh King spoke to several school students in Horsham and Ararat early this week, talking about his career both in the National Rugby League and as an apprentice tradesman.
He said he enjoyed getting to share some of his life experiences with a young audience.
“I’ve just come out to have a little bit of a chat to some of the kids about my journey to professional sport and some of the obstacles that I’ve faced through my career so far,” he said.
“Early on in my career it took a fair bit of resilience to make the NRL and also be able to finish my apprenticeship.
“I’ve had my ups and downs with mental health and wellbeing, and I think it’s important that young kids especially know that it’s okay if you have times when you’re unhappy.
“It’s about how you manage that and how you get yourself back on the right track.
“I also speak a bit about self belief and the fact that if you’re willing to
put in the work and make sacrifices, then you can achieve whatever it is that you want in life.”
King, who is from the regional New South Wales town of Singleton, said he hoped his message resonated with children of the Wimmera.
“I think it’s important that kids from rural areas that might not have everything that the big cities do, know that anything you want is achievable,” he said.
“I came from a family that wasn’t destined to play rugby league or anything like that, so a lot of where I am now is through hard work, not just through talent.”
While acknowledging that some students were unfamiliar with rugby league in a region where football is the predominant winter sport, he said all students gave the drills he ran an enthusiastic try.
He said the Storm’s success – narrowly losing this season’s grand final against Penrith – was helping grow the game in Victoria.
“I do a couple of rugby league drills
doubted she would earn her Spartan qualification – especially in 2023.
“Last year was pretty tough because the Wednesday before the marathon I stubbed my little toe in the bathroom. I didn’t realise it then, but I’d broken
my toe,” she said. “That was to be my ninth Melbourne Marathon and I thought ‘oh no, I’ve got to get this done’. I just thought I’d bruised it, so on the Friday I went to the chemist and got some painkillers.
“I also had a fibroid, which I found out about after my training that was giving me a bit of trouble.
“I was dealing with that and I also had Morton’s neuroma in my left foot, which I suffered with for quite a few years running.
“At the end of that marathon I ended up having surgery on my foot, I had a hysterectomy and I realised I had broken my toe. I was glad I didn’t find out before I ran.”
But Tyler credited the support of her family for keeping her going.
“I’ve had my daughter Bianca run three of them with me, and she came along on Sunday,” she said.
“My husband Kelvin has been an amazing support. He knows where I’m going to be at each corner and tracks me. The support from him is unbelievable.”
Appropriately, Tyler had plenty of
support from friends and family as she ticked off her 10th Melbourne Marathon.
“I had a couple of other Horsham girls run it with me. Donna Harris did her 20th marathon total, Kerri Chequer did her second Melbourne Marathon and my daughter Bianca did her third,” she said.
“I had all my family and my grandkids there, who I didn’t know were going to be there. It was lovely. It was such a fabulous day and I was on such a high.”
With her Spartan goal achieved, Tyler said she would continue to run but was happy to leave marathons behind.
“It’s a bit like childbirth – you’re hurting when you run and then a bit of time goes by and you think ‘I’ll have another go’,” she said.
“But I’m not doing any more. I’ve said all along the way I’m not doing any more of them after I do my 10th.
“It’s definitely time to stop now. I’m happy to reach my 10 Melbourne Marathons and get my green Spartan singlet.”
with them and that always gets a little bit hectic because it’s AFL country out here, so it’s always enjoyable watching them try to pass a rugby league ball,” he said.
“Melbourne certainly turned it on towards the back of the year.
“We had a couple of sellout crowds at AAMI Park, which was lovely to see.
“All year we’ve averaged close to 20,000 people a game, which is outstanding.
“You can see how much the game is growing here.”
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
An historic first-up win for competition newcomer BrimKellalac-Sheep Hills headlined the first round of Horsham Cricket Association’s 2024-25 A Grade season at the weekend.
The Eagles joined the Horsham association partially owing to a desire to play two-day cricket, but proved more than capable in the one-day format as they knocked off 2023-24 semi-finalist Noradjuha-Toolondo by 39 runs on Saturday.
The visiting Bullants won the toss and elected to bowl, and while Matthew Combe picked up the early wicket of Mark McPherson for only five runs, the Eagles remained steady.
Leigh Dovaston formed two valuable partnerships, first with skipper Isaac McPherson for 45 runs and then with veteran Tim Bell for 65.
When Dovaston finally fell for a team-high total of 58 in an innings that included nine boundaries, BrimKellalac-Sheel Hills was in a commanding position at 3-122.
Bell nearly posted a half-century of his own, falling to Bullant bowler Angus Slatter on 48, but while Tony Caccaviello picked up three late wickets, the Eagles’ tailenders did enough to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The home side batted out its 45 overs, finishing 9-192, with Caccaviello the pick of the Bullant bowlers as he posted 3-30 with one maiden in nine overs.
Dovaston said the Eagles were confident as they prepared to defend their total.
“It was just about trying to get a competitive total on the board. About 150 would have been what we were aiming for, so to get to almost 200 was a little bit of a bonus,” he said.
“To get around 150, you always give yourself a chance to bowl towards that target. To have that little bit extra up our sleeves was great.”
The Eagles’ confidence proved well founded.
Although Bullant skipper Justtin Combe led the way for his side with 66 runs at the top of the order, the rest of the Noradjuha-Toolondo bats struggled to make noise.
Besides Combe only Troy Dumesny, 34 runs, and Caccaviello, 15, reached double figures, with four Bullants falling for ducks as Eagle bowlers Kobe Macgregor, 4-24, and Bell, 3-31, ripped through the middle order and tail.
Dovaston said disciplined fielding and bowling helped the Eagles dismiss the visitors for 153.
“The Brim oval is looking fantastic. They’ve just relevelled and reseeded it this year, so you get a lot of value for your shots. Anything that beat the infield was basically a boundary, so we just had to make sure we got our bodies behind the ball,” he said.
“Everyone fielded fantastically, got behind the ball and cut off all the boundaries.”
Dovaston said Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills was ecstatic to pick up its first win in the new competition.
“Going into the game we wanted to make sure we were competitive and just wanted to see where we were at compared to other teams, so to get the win is an absolute bonus,” he said.
“There was a bit of the unknown coming in. A couple of the boys might have played representative cricket with or against a few of them before, but with most of the team we didn’t really know what to expect from any players.”
In other results, Laharum held on for a thrilling six-run win against Horsham Tigers at Cameron Oval.
The Demons batted after winning the toss and posted a competitive 4/170 from their 45 overs, with an unbeaten 56 from captain Josh Mahoney leading the way.
In reply, Tiger openers Conor Lawson and Dom Rose posted a 50-run partnership before wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
Laharum bowler Jim McInnes was in superb form, finishing with 5-19 from eight overs, but the Tigers clawed their way back into the game thanks to an unbeaten 47 from Angus Adams in the middle order.
Requiring 12 runs from the final over for an unlikely victory, the Tigers started well with two runs to David Puls, who promptly fell to McInnes two balls later to put Laharum back in the driver’s seat.
But a run through on a wide delivery on the penultimate ball, followed by a single to Adams when McInnes was forced to retake the delivery, left Horsham with a chance to tie the scores with a six on the final ball.
Instead, McInnes bowled Martyn Knight to have the Tigers all out for 164.
At Dudley Cornell Park, the Colts batted first and were all out for 175, thanks largely to 79 runs at the top of the order from vice-captain Josh Colbert.
Homers chased the total down with three overs to spare and four wickets in hand, with Patrick Mills blasting 68 runs from only 56 deliveries and opener Luke Miller chiming in with 32. Lubeck-Murtoa had little trouble reaching its target after bowling Horsham Saints out 98, taking little over
25 overs to score a relatively stressfree 4-100.
Five of the six Mudlarks bowlers picked up at least one wicket, while opener Shannon Reddie’s 48 not out guided them to the winning total. This weekend Lubeck-Murtoa will host Noradjuha-Toolondo at Murtoa, Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills will be at Brim again to host Horsham Saints, Colts will play Horsham Tigers at Dimboola Road Oval and West Wimmera will play its first game of the season against Laharum at Cameron Oval.
BY LAUREN HENRY
The track is looking primed, the weather forecast is for a sunny day of 24 degrees and party plans are all set for the Horsham Cup on Sunday.
The eight-race card, including the Horsham Cup, will attract those interested in horse racing, with plenty of local trainers looking set to nominate runners.
But for those just looking for a great day out, there is plenty on offer.
Four-time Geelong and Hawthorn premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith will be on course to mix with race-goers, and he will be interviewed by 3WM’s Shirtfront Team.
While tickets are sold out to the ‘Giddy Up’ Marquee, which includes a food and drinks package, as well as the MIXX FM silent disco, there will be plenty of entertainment on course for all cup attendees.
Gates open at 11.30am for the race meeting, which will also feature a Fashions on the Field competition.
Horsham Racing Club manager Charmayne Parry said the Horsham Cup presented an opportunity for all to attend – even if people weren’t racing fans.
“It’s looking fantastic down at the track, and bookings are really good, so we’re pretty excited about the day,” she said.
“The Melbourne Cup is also coming. That’s a great inclusion, we love having it there, it adds another aspect to the day.
“You’ll get your people who love racing and a bit of a punt, but there’s a lot of us who love to get dressed up, go out, just have a bit of fun, and mingle.
“We’re really on this message of ‘why not’? You go there for the afternoon, you’re home in time for tea, why not go?
“It’s here in Horsham and it’s a lot of fun to be had.”
While nominations for the race
fields are yet to be finalised, Horsham trainer Paul Preusker plans to have at least two horses run in the cup, but said some rain to soften the track would increase their chances of a win.
“Stand Up For Me probably should be going for the St Arnaud Cup, but this is his home track and there’s a bit of rain forecast, so if we get a bit of excess in the track it probably helps his chances,” he said.
“Hot Suspect is going good – 2100 metres, track suits him at home – but again probably more of a 2500-metre horse.”
Christine Puls, on Golden Mickey, Ryan Houston on Budjik Boy, trainer Paul Preusker and Horsham Racing Club manager Charmayne Parry with the 2024 Horsham Cup. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Preusker said he planned to have a few runners in other races on the day.
“All the ones I’ve got probably need good barrier draws, so that’s really going to hinge on that,” he said.
“There’s a couple of nice horses kicking off, in the heats of the finals, there’s two nice horses there that are primed, ready to go, so hopefully we’ve got something right on the day.”
There are various ticket options available, and children 17 and under can enter free of cost. For more information, visit https://country.racing. com/horsham/calendar/horsham-cup.
Chalambar Cricket Club has folded, leaving Grampians Cricket Association with only five teams and one senior competition in 2024-25.
Senior and junior competitions of the Grampians Cricket Association, GCA, will start next weekend.
GCA president Marc Brilliant said the five-team competition meant the likelihood of this season being the last senior competition was high.
But on a positive note, Stawell’s Central Park will be ready to be played on in round one and Ararat’s Gordon Street Reserve will be up and running.
“This season sees the senior cricket at a precarious point in its survival with only five teams remaining,” Brilliant said.
“It is disappointing to be at this point, after having more than 50 people in attendance at a crisis meeting in August, to only having a handful show up to the league annual general meeting.
“But the clubs who are passionate about cricket in our area have committees to roll their sleeves up and have a crack this year irrespective of the team numbers, which will make for a small but even competition.”
Brilliant said the senior competition would consist of twenty-20 matches and one-day games.
The T-20 matches are set to kick off the season with some double-headers being played in the first three weeks.
“Teams will play at two venues, for example North Park and Central Park, and then swap,” he said.
“Ultimately this will decide teams that will play for the Henry Gunston Cup.”
ASAP Requirements:
• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient
• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages
• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance
• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations
•
• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)
• Construction Induction White Card
• Enjoy hands-on physical work
• Great attitude and willingness to learn
• Responsible and good initiative
For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654. St Arnaud Closing date: October 22, 2024 Requirements:
Closing date: ASAP
Skills and Experience:
• Current Working with Children’s Check
• First Aid Certificate advantageous
• Driver’s Licence and own vehicle
• Demonstrated experience in a cleaning position
• Good personal hygiene What’s on Offer:
• Casual role, attractive $29 p/h
•
• School hours available 9am - 2pm • Mon - Fri shifts
date: ASAP Skills & Requirements:
• Lifeguard Certificate (paid
Closing date: ASAP
Duties:
• General Labouring
• Repair & patch potholes
• Erect signs
• Removal of obstructions
Requirements:
• Driver’s Licence
• Construction Induction White Card
•
CRICKET CELEBRATED: David Holland with his book ‘A History of Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association 2001-2024’ at the former Kelllac cricket ground.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
More than 20 years of Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association history is detailed in a new book out now.
‘A History of Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association 2001-2024’ was compiled by David Holland in an attempt to preserve the association’s history.
Mr Holland described the book as ‘a celebration of the Wimmera Mallee rural communities that have had clubs participating since season 2001-02’.
He said it detailed significant events in the league’s history, including Watchem starting a team from scratch in 2015-16, Marnoo developing its facilities, Charlton recovering from floods, Wycheproof-Narraport and Southern Mallee Giants returning from recess, and St Mary’s, St Arnaud and Birchip returning to fielding two teams after being reduced to one.
The book also celebrates the history of BrimKellalac-Sheep Hills, which departed the association during the recent off-season to play in the Horsham Cricket Association.
The Eagles maintained A and B Grade sides throughout their history in the Wimmera-Mallee association and never forfeited a match.
Mr Holland said the book also covered the decline and amalgamation of some clubs.
“It’s interesting to see how when the WMCA began, Rich Avon Services had three teams, ANA Boolite had two teams and Jeffcott also had two teams,” he said.
“These seven teams were effectively reduced to two with one club, Donald-Jeffcott, at the end of the 2023-24 season.”
Mr Holland said the association had navigated many challenges in its history, including droughts, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said he wanted to preserve the story of cricket in the region as the association changed its website.
Since 2014 the WMCA has used the platform MyCricket to record match results, as well as local rules, premiership photos, minutes of meetings and other historical information.
In February 2023 Cricket Australia decided to replace MyCricket with the PlayHQ platform, meaning the old website would no longer function.
“I don’t think people looked much at the website anyway, but I thought the photos and statistics that were on the website deserved to be preserved and I felt a responsibility to do this,”
Mr Holland said.
The book includes teams of the season, premiership photos of all 23 A and B Grade premiership teams, a table of information showing office bearers and cricketers of the year each season, a season-by-season summary from 200910 onward and an A-to-Z of Wimmera Mallee cricket.
Mr Holland said with the association changing again in 2024-25, he was likely to produce a second edition in the future.
A History of Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association 2001-2024 is published and printed by North West Press in Warracknabeal. Copies of the book are available for loan at local libraries.
Mr Holland said people interested in ordering personal copies could contact him directly by calling 0429 699 229.
Gary Devlin was Horsham Golf Croquet division one winner on Saturday with three games and 24 hoops, ahead of runner-up Ian Rees with 2/21.
Robyn Devlin won division two with 2/23. Sue Nicholls was runner-up with 2/21, while June Liddy won division three with 2/21 ahead of Rachel Cousins with 2/19.
Thursday’s games saw Marj Weidermann win division one with 2/21 with Shirley Price the runner-up with 2/19.
Brian Drendel’s 3/22 put him ahead of runnerup Elaine Nicholls’ 3/21 to win division two, with Bev Keogh winning division three with 2/22 and Rachel Cousins runner-up with 2/20. Fay Pearson won division one on Tuesday last week with 1/12, followed by Joan Hiscock with 1/7.
Greg Phillips won division two with 2/20, with Jennie Mitchell the runner-up with 1/17. Rachel Cousins won division three with 3/28, ahead of runner-up Lorna Mills with 3/23.
Vol. 27 No. 16 Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Homers medium pacer Oliver Potter follows through during his team’s four wicket win against Colts in Horsham Cricket Association’s opening round on Saturday. Potter took 3-50 off six expensive overs against an attacking Colts lineup. Colts vice-captain Josh Colbert made 79 of their 175. Homers passed the score in the 42nd over with Patty Mills top scoring with 68. Story page 53.
