The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Costs balancing act

BY ABBY WALTER

AWimmera mayor is adamant alternative funding streams, other than rates, are necessary to support local governments navigating rising costs of council operations.

Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Brett Ireland said local government expenditure was significantly exceeding revenue.

“Local government inflation is running at about 14 percent for our expenditure on raw materials and fuel, while insurance has gone up by 25 percent,” he said.

“Rates have been capped for the past five years and the rate cap this year has been increased to 3.5 percent.

“We get a pool of funding federally

that keeps local governments going, but every time your expenses exceed your rate revenue, you must decrease services.

“However, I am a big believer that we can’t keep getting money from increasing rates.

“We need another funding stream or increased funding stream to cover the operational costs of local government.”

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne announced the rate cap for the 2023-24 financial year would be 3.5 percent under the Fair Go Rates system.

At the time of the announcement, Ms Horne said the cap took inflation into account and was set 0.5 percent lower than the independent advice

from the Essential Services Commission due to cost-of-living pressures.

The rate cap limits the amount a council can increase its total revenue from general rates and municipal charges for that year.

Councils set rates individually through the yearly budget process and under the Local Government Legislative Amendment – Rating and Other Matters – Act 2022, have the power to defer or waive rates, charges and interest to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.

Cr Ireland said services would diminish if expenses exceeded rate revenue.

“Within the day-to-day operations of local government, it is getting harder to stretch the dollar,” he said.

“We don’t want a situation where there is rate capping for 10 to 20 years at a low percentage and all of a sudden, they let the leash off.

“That would cause councils to try to play catch up, which we don’t want because rates are high enough.”

A Northern Grampians Shire Council spokesperson said the council experienced minimal impacts of rising costs on day-to-day operations.

“The biggest impact has been in capital works delivery, where rising construction costs have resulted in a need to reprioritise project expenditure,” the spokesperson said.

“As rates are limited by the rate cap, the draft budget has been prepared on the bases of fitting within the funding profile.

“This means new projects and service expansion proposals have been kept to a minimum to ensure council maintains its current levels of service.”

The spokesperson said the decision to set the rate cap considered inflation.

“At a council level, there is no inflation impact on budgeted rates, as rates will be set based on the cap,” the spokesperson said.

“However, if future rate caps do not keep pace with the level of inflation, the council will need to delay planned projects or reduce services.”

Cr Ireland said there was also a difficult balance with the need to spend money to maintain infrastructure and services.

Continued page 3

HISTORIC MOVE: The 2023 Horsham District league grand final will be played at Quantong Recreation Reserve after hosting rights were awarded to the venue on Friday. It will be the third time in 27 years the league’s premiership matches will not be played at Horsham City Oval. NoradjuhaQuantong president Matt Treacy and HDFNL chair Rosemary Langley visit the Quantong facilities following the announcement. Story, page 5.

Tag on your wheelie bin? Here’s what it means

Wheelie bins across the municipality will soon be ‘tagged’ with stickers to denote if the rubbish inside is what it should be.

Recyclable paper tags will be placed on bins after inspections to let residents know whether they are disposing their organic, recyclable and general waste correctly.

If contamination is found, the tag will help residents understand where they went wrong.

People correctly sorting their waste will receive a thank you tag. Streets will be chosen at random, and the system will be rolled out across the year, so not all neighbourhoods will receive tags straightaway.

Putting your waste in the right bin matters. It helps us put your waste to good use (instead of going to Dooen Landfill).

Remember: No plastic bags (of any kind) in FOGO and no cans in purple bins.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said HRCC had diverted 240 tonnes of waste from landfill since the new services started last month.

“I’m proud of what our community is achieving in this priority area and its positive impact on the environment,” she said.

“Every little bit counts when managing waste – I encourage everyone to keep up the great work.”

IDAHoBIT celebrations in Horsham

Horsham Rural City Council is supporting the Wimmera Pride Project to recognise the 2023 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBIT), which is observed annually on 17 May.

The group will today host a community breakfast at May Park from 7.30am to 8am.

In support of IDAHoBIT Council will raise the pride flag at the corner of Firebrace and Baillie Streets.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said HRCC was proud of its inclusivity and was committed to promoting equality for all.

“This day reminds us that every person should be respected and valued without judgement,” Cr Gulline said.

“Discrimination has no place in our

community. We must all work together to ensure everyone can live without fear of persecution or violence.”

“On this important day, we invite the community to join us to reflect on the challenges faced by our LGBTQIA+ community and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all,” she said.

May 17 is the date the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its classification of diseases in 1990.

There are many ways to recognise the day and champion inclusivity, including wearing rainbow colours, supporting our local LGBTQI+ community and standing up against homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, transphobia and other prejudices and stereotypes.

Trees near powerlines to be trimmed

Horsham Rural City Council contractors will undertake pruning works and possible tree removal around overhead powerlines.

The works will be undertaken in the streets of Horsham and are scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

Contractors will also carry out similar operations in Natimuk and rural areas of the municipality.

This vegetation maintenance is required for HRCC to achieve compliance to the electrical safety regulations 2020.

Council is responsible for maintaining a minimum clearance space around the powerlines to avoid the chance of trees contacting powerlines, which could lead to power outages, and in some instances, fires. Works will usually be performed during normal business hours. Changed traffic conditions and minor delays could occur.

If residents have any queries please contact (53 82 9609) Coordinator of Parks & Gardens for further information.

Next Council Meeting: Monday 22 May 2023 - 5.30pm

Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham |

| Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

PRIDE: Members and allies of the LGTBQIA+ community gathered for a breakfast last year and will be back at May Park today.

NATIMUK ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PLAN Project Advisory Committee

Members Needed

HRCC is seeking applications from Natimuk community members to join a Project Advisory Committee that will guide the implementation of the Natimuk Economic and Social Plan.

Committee positions will include:

• One Natimuk business operator

• One member with an interest in tourism

• One member with sustainability interests

• One member with recreation interests

• One older person (60 + years)

• One younger person (16-25 years)

Applications close Friday 26 May, 2023 More information and paper copy forms are available at Natimuk Post Office and the Civic Centre in Horsham.

For Terms of Reference and to apply online visit hrcc.vic. gov.au/have-your-say

TENDERS AND RFQ

S23-018

PROVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES - PANEL CONTRACT Closes 12noon, Wednesday 17 May

23-031

CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC TOILET BLOCK - HAMILTON STREET HORSHAM Closes 12noon, Thursday 18 May

Q49/2023

PUBLIC PLAY SPACE REVIEW & STRATEGY Closes 12noon, Friday 26 May

Q50/2023

DEMOLITION OF THE OLD STATION HOUSE Closes 12noon, Tuesday 23 May

23/040

OPERATION OF VARIOUS RECYCLING/ TRANSFER STATIONS Closes 12noon, Wednesday 31 May 23/039

HORSHAM & NATIMUK HOUSING DIVERSITY & AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY Closes 12noon, Friday 9 June

All tender, EOI and RFQ details online at: www.eprocure.com.au/ horsham-rural-city-council

PUBLIC MEETING Kanagulk Memorial Reserve

Notice is given of a public meeting to be held at the Kanagulk Memorial Reserve on 23 May 2023 at 7pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate between three and nine people as the Committee of Management for the Kanagulk Memorial Reserve for a term of three years.

The current committee’s term will expire on 6 July 2023.

All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night.

Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the secretary on 0437 124 003.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

For full details visit the Have Your Say section of the HRCC website

ROAD MANAGEMENT PLAN

HRCC proposes to amend its Road Management Plan. Any person proposing to make a submission on the proposed amendment must do so before 5pm Friday 26 May 2023.

TAGGED: Mayor Robyn Gulline and Acting Waste Services Coordinator Daniel Penny with the bin tags that will soon be introduced.

Roads, mental health top of mind

BY ABBY WALTER

Roads, community infrastruc-

ture and mental health are top priorities for leaders across the Lowan electorate ahead of the State Budget.

The 2023-24 State Budget will be released on Tuesday.

Horsham Rural City Council mayor

Robyn Gulline said new Horsham City Oval clubrooms and community facility and revitalising the rail corridor were on the council’s priority list ahead of the budget release.

She said the council had lobbied the Victorian government for funding assistance for many years for the rail corridor in Horsham.

“The revitalisation of this unattractive area is a high priority for the community and the council is continuing to talk with higher levels of government about the funding required to advance it.

“Remediation of the contaminated land has taken much longer than expected, and the fact that the council does not own or lease this part of the rail corridor has stalled progress until now.

“We are currently looking at options

that would give us greater control when it comes to delivering what the community and the council want to see happen.”

Cr Gulline said the Horsham North Rail Corridor Revitalisation Project was a $2 million project and the council was seeking $1.9 million in external funding.

“The rail corridor has been vacant since the relocation of freight operations from the site to Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal at Dooen in 2012,” she said.

“A landscaping plan for this project is being completed and the council has started works on the smaller parcel of land on the south side of the station that we currently lease from VicTrack.”

Cr Gulline said the council was seeking funding from state and federal governments to deliver the Horsham City Oval and Sawyer Park concept plan, adopted in 2021, in stages.

“A multipurpose events stage, netball pavilion and a second court have already been funded,” she said.

“However, support is still needed from the State Government.

“Funding commitments are required to allow the expansion of the playing

field and the construction of a new multi-purpose pavilion and clubrooms as well as covered spectator areas.”

Wesley on wish list

Cr Gulline said the council was also seeking funding for Horsham’s Wesley Performing Arts Centre.

“After its closure in 2017, the council has been working with a Wesley committee to see the Wesley Performing Arts Centre return to its place as one of Horsham’s most characterful and intimate performance spaces,” she said.

“The Wesley, following redevelopment, will be fully accessible and inclusive providing greater options for community use.

“The council is providing support to the Wesley committee as it prepares to undertake a community fundraising campaign.

“However, with a total of $1.8 million needed for the redevelopment, funding from higher levels of government is central to the building’s future.”

Hindmarsh priorities

Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Brett Ireland said the council would like to see more funding for road

maintenance in the budget. “The council is responsible for significant kilometres of roads and associated infrastructure, such as kerbs and channels, culverts and footpaths,” he said.

“The council would welcome recurrent funding that assists us to maintain our roads and associated infrastructure.

“In the absence of recurrent funding, grant funding prioritising rural roads would be welcomed.

“We are also advocating for increased childcare throughout the shire – particularly in Rainbow where there is no access to childcare.

“The council has also advocated for the strengthening of the Dimboola Overpass Bridge on the Western Highway and upgrades to State Government-managed narrow sealed roads.”

Mr Ireland said the council had several large priority projects that would also require funding to complete.

He said these included the redevelopment of Davis Park including a new community function centre, female-friendly changerooms, a new netball court and new public amenities; replacement of the near end-oflife Jeparit Weir; redevelopment of

Rainbow Caravan Park; redevelopment of Dimboola Recreation Reserve; and appropriate Early Learning Centres to facilitate the roll-out of pre-prep and childcare.

Mental health focus

Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said she urged the State Government to prioritise the mental health system in the upcoming budget.

She said the budget needed a particular focus on leveraging the mental health levy to address the sector’s workforce issues, critical infrastructure underinvestment and critical funding for the alcohol and other drugs sector.

“We know the mental health workforce is in crisis, and that’s putting the whole system into crisis,” she said.

“Victorians are right to be bitterly disappointed that yet another report shows wait times for critical mental health support continue to get worse and miss clinical targets.

“Victorians deserve to be able to get the mental health care they need when they need it.”

Funds stretched

From page 1

“Sometimes people think we spend a lot of money on some of our towns, but you can’t let your assets deteriorate to a point that it is impossible to repair them,” Cr Ireland said.

“Different assets do not come back from that – if you lose something in a regional area you very rarely get it replaced. ”

Cr Ireland said it was also a challenge to maintain a large number of assets at a council level.

“We run four sporting grounds and four pavilions through the shire as well as tennis courts, other sporting precincts and pools,” he said.

“There’s one sporting ground for every 1250 people in our shire, so that is a very concentrated person per capita situation.

“There is not the same number of people who come through as they do in metropolitan areas, yet the costs of maintaining assets are just the same. “A smaller rate-payer base to keep it maintained certainly stretches the shire’s funds.

“However, those facilities are in the forefront of our minds as we don’t want to lose any sporting grounds or any pools.”

support initiatives at the Horsham hospital. Pictured, from left, CHS Group staff members Kev Gardner, Linley Ferguson, Kelly Jewson, Ross Erivin and Sandra McDonald, with Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation member Allison Roberts, gear up for the fundraising day.

FIGHT RODENTS WITH DATA INSTEAD

Local governments will begin releasing draft budgets in coming weeks as the end of the financial year nears.

FLANNIE FRIDAY: Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation is raising money for the Wimmera Base Hospital with ‘Flannie Friday’ on June 9. The foundation is encouraging people to wear a flannelette shirt to work or school on the day and donate $5 to the group. Money raised contributes to the purchase of equipment and

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

THIS JOB IS NOT FOR YOU

UNLESS YOU ARE A PEOPLE-PERSON

UNLESS YOU ENJOY CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

UNLESS YOU ARE DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE GOALS

UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE PART OF A WINNING TEAM (WHO ENJOY HAVING FUN)

UNLESS YOU AREN’T SCARED OF GOING THE EXTRA MILE

UNLESS YOU LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE COMMUNITY

If you still think this is for you, turn to page 13 for more details and to apply today

Historic move for District league

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

For the third time in 27 years, Horsham District Football Netball League grand final will be at a different venue to Horsham City Oval.

The league announced its 2023 season finals venues on Friday.

The 2023 grand final will be hosted at Quantong Recreation Reserve on September 9.

In 2008, the league grand final was at Coughlin Park, Horsham, and in 1996 at Dimboola Recreation Reserve – the only times the final day of the season was played at a location other than Horsham City Oval in the past 27 years.

Horsham City Oval is unavailable due to a $3.2 million redevelopment project.

The project will see two new netball courts and a community pavilion built with support from the federal and state governments and Horsham Rural City Council.

The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

Horsham District league chair Rosemary Langley said the league reached out to clubs about hosting the biggest day of the season.

“We put out expressions of interest to the clubs and the majority responded that they wanted to host the grand final,” she said.

Mrs Langley said the league devised a checklist to identify suitable venues.

“Through a process of elimination, we arrived at two or three clubs,” she said.

She said Quantong Recreation Reserve was chosen due to its proximity to Horsham, the standard of the ground and its ‘excellent’ facilities.

Mrs Langley said Noradjuha-Quantong Football Netball Club would be in charge of food catering but other clubs could ‘put their hand up’ for the bar and other jobs.

“I’ve had lots of positive feedback since the announcement,” she said.

Rescue groups feel pressure

A State Government initiative providing animal desexing grants has come at a time when animal rescue organisations in the region are under increasing pressure.

Horsham’s Phoenix Animal Rescue director Carolyn Stow said adoption rates had dropped significantly in recent times, with animals staying in the shelter’s care much longer than usual.

“The numbers being surrendered to us have increased and we are now closed to cats and kittens,” she said.

“We still get calls every day for animals that we have to turn away.”

Mrs Stow said the organisation had been in discussions with Horsham Rural City Council about getting a subsidised desexing program running in the area.

A third round of pet desexing grants, funded through the State Government’s animal welfare fund, was announced this month.

Eligible councils and not-for-profit

organisations will share in $500,000 to deliver free or low-cost desexing programs for cats and dogs.

Mrs Stow said a lack of foster carers, who look after animals before they are adopted, was making the problem worse.

“We recognise there is foster care fatigue,” she said.

“Many people have fostered up to 100 kittens, with some being almost teenagers by the time they leave.”

Mrs Stow said she believed cost-ofliving pressures were affecting potential adopters.

“It’s really quiet at the moment,” she said.

“We have had kittens in Pet Stock, Horsham, for 10 days. Three are still there when they would normally be snapped up.”

Horsham PAWS president Vicki Johnstone said the organisation’s foster care numbers and adoptions were also down on previous years.

“Some people have talked about a neutral ground, but there is nothing in our rules that says this has to be the case.

“Setting the other finals early was appreciated by the clubs.”

The first elimination final on August 19 will take place at Rupanyup, before a second elimination final at Kalkee on August 20.

North Park in Stawell, Swifts’ home

“Recently, we’ve hosted a second semi-final and last year the preliminary final. Being the first league ground in many years to host the grand final is exciting and puts us on the map”

– Matt Treacy, left

ground, will host the second semifinal on August 26 to coincide with an Auskick and NetSetGo round-robin day.

The first semi-final on August 27 will be hosted by Taylors Lake at Dock Lake Reserve and Kaniva-Leeor United will host the preliminary final on September 2.

Noradjuha-Quantong president Matt Treacy said hosting the grand final was ‘reward for effort.’ He said the ground’s selection was down to both financial and volunteer investment in the club.

“We’ve just completed an irrigator and drainage project,” he said.

Mr Treacy said the project, which was made possible from a Sport and Recreation Victoria grant through Horsham Rural City Council, was ‘state-of-the-art’.

“Recently, we hosted a second semifinal and last year the preliminary final,” he said.

“Being the first league ground in many years to host the grand final is exciting and puts us on the map.”

Mr Treacy said there were some logistics to work out with the league, but the club was looking forward to it all coming together.

“A lot of people who haven’t been out to Quantong before will get to see our facilities,” he said.

“We thank the league for the opportunity, and our members and volunteers for putting us in this position.

“We have had a massive amount of support from sponsors that has allowed us to keep updating our venue.”

IN CARE:

Phoenix Animal Rescue is hoping animal desexing grants will help with a growing number of surrendered animals and a slowing rate of adoption. Director Carolyn Stow, left, is pictured with Joanna Duda and Ayva Robertson and foster pets Belle, 10, Bowie and Joey, 9 weeks.

“We’ve had 20 to 30 adoptions this year,” she said.

“We keep getting more animals and lack volunteers and foster carers.

“We’ve even had to get foster carers who are outside of Horsham.”

Mrs Johnstone encouraged potential pet owners to consider adoption in light of the government’s desexing grants.

“There is a lot of different ways you can pay it off,” she said.

“If you adopt a kitten or cat they have been health-checked, microchipped and vaccinated. “The adoption money includes desexing.” – Sean O’Connell

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Opportunities from Federal Budget

BY ABBY WALTER

AWimmera leader is looking forward to the opportunities the Federal Budget could bring to the region.

The theme of this year’s budget, released last week, was ‘Stronger foundations for a better future’.

Wimmera Development Association

chief executive Chris Sounness said the first thing in the budget to catch his eye was the ‘Powering the Regions’ fund.

The government committed $23 billion to grow and modernise the electricity grid, boosting energy performance and supporting electrification.

The government also allocated $12 billion of its $20 billion investment in ‘Rewiring the Nation’ to transformational transmission projects, putting Australia on track to build an 82 percent renewable grid by 2030.

This includes committing $1.5 billion towards Victorian Renewable Energy Zones and offshore wind.

The government also committed $17 billion to convert Australia’s renewable energy, critical minerals and

skilled workforce into broader competitive advantages.

A $1.9 billion ‘Powering the Regions’ fund will ensure net zero drives growth across regions that have traditionally powered Australia.

The budget will fund the establishment of a national Net Zero Authority, with responsibility for promoting the orderly and positive economic transformation associated with achieving net zero emissions.

“Our region is going to do a lot of heavy lifting in this space as we have mineral sands, which are essential for the transition to the electrification of Australia,” Mr Sounness said.

“We are also hosting transmission lines and have a lot of renewable energy projects planned for the region.

“Plus, we have a lot of farmers who are trying to understand the role of soils and carbon storage, so as a region we are going to be doing a lot of work to ensure Australia can transition through this electrification.

“Understanding how this powering the regions package can support this is something we are keen to know more about.”

Kaniva construction starts

Visitors to the Wimmera and Mallee will have more accommodation options following a recent development.

Construction of two new cabins at Kaniva Caravan Park, part of a $3-million project to boost accommodation in the Wimmera and Mallee, is underway.

The cabins are part of the ‘Cabins Across the Wimmera Mallee: Strengthening the Visitor Economy’ program.

The initiative was brought about through a collaboration between Wimmera Development Association and West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Buloke and Yarriambiack shires.

Wimmera Development Association received $3 million from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund for the cabins project, which will see 30 accommodation units constructed across 15 Wimmera

caravan parks. West Wimmera Shire Council is contributing $500,000 towards the Kaniva project.

The council awarded the contract for the project to Coolibah Cabins in Red Cliffs, which has since commenced construction on the cabins.

In addition to the cabins being installed in Kaniva, other recipients include Lake Charlegrark, Harrow and Goroke caravan parks.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the council was excited to be able to offer visitors a range of accommodation options.

He said there was demand for this type of accommodation in the region.

“The aim of the cabins project is to meet the well-known gaps in the region’s accommodation options by providing consistent, quality, self-contained cabins,” he said.

Mr Sounness said 20 percent of the economy in the Wimmera and southern Mallee was based on agriculture.

“Agriculture is a major industry in the region and the land is almost all owned by private individuals and businesses,” he said.

“For this transition of electrification to occur it is going to interface a lot on that land, so there’s a lot of concerns and people are worried it is going to impact their current enterprises.

“That is why having a plan for our region and ensuring our community captures the benefits as this occurs is going to be so important.

“The National Net Zero Authority and powering the regions fund is where it is going to work from, and we are very keen to understand that and the opportunities for our region to power the rest of Australia.

“I think we are going to do that, but we want to make sure we get benefits along the way for our region so our communities can grow.”

Cost of living

Labor Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said the budget helped the

vulnerable, kept an eye on the future, and committed investment where it was needed most.

“At its core, this is a compassionate and responsible budget that delivers cost of living relief for our community,” she said.

“We are making an historic investment to strengthen Medicare and tripling bulk billing incentives, so 88,617 Victorians in the Mallee can access the health care they need, no matter their postcode or bank balance.”

The government announced a new ‘energy price relief plan’ to provide relief for more than five million households.

The budget also proposed increasing the base rate of income payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Youth Disability Support Pension by $40 a fortnight.

“I know that this will make a real difference in household budgets,” Ms Stewart said.

For renters, the budget will increase the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 percent, costing $2.7 billion across five years.

The government will also offer new incentives to encourage the supply of housing in a plan to unlock 150,000 rental properties across 10 years.

The budget will reduce the withholding tax rate for eligible fund payments from managed investment trusts attributed to newly constructed buildto-rent developments from 30 to 15 percent.

It will also increase the capital works tax deduction, depreciation rate from 2.5 percent to four percent a year, increasing the after-tax returns for newly constructed build-to-rent developments.

Mr Sounness said he had a keen interest in the build-to-rent investment.

“Housing is front and centre for our region and we have a lot of opportunity to build housing, which comes back to our developments of transmission lines, critical mineral sands and renewable energy,” he said.

“A lot is happening in that space and we will need housing for the workforce we will need as this transition and growth occurs.”

HIGH TEA: Horsham

Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s year-nine Cafe 3:16 students hosted a Mother’s Day high tea on Friday to fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Students catered for parents, grandparents and friends of the school community. Performing arts students supported the event with music. Claudia Breuer, pictured, serves hot food to guests. The college’s junior campus also celebrated Mother’s Day with a picnic lunch. Picture: SEAN O’CONNELL

Davis Park start

BY ABBY WALTER

Afteryears of planning and applying for grants, the first stage of upgrades for Nhill’s Davis Park will begin.

Hindmarsh Shire Council allocated $700,000 of Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, LRCI, roundfour funding to the project. The council also contributed $525,000 to fund the first stage.

Mayor Brett Ireland said the whole Davis Park project would cost $3.6 million.

“Back in 2016 and 2017 we were rolling the dice to fund the whole project, and while we were encouraged to keep submitting for grants, they were continually unsuccessful,” he said.

“The shire had a fair amount of money to help, but grants kept being knocked back, so we agreed with the user groups to split it into stages.

“In this round of LRCI funding, we received $1.08 million for more shiny projects and $623,000 for roads. We can distribute the funding as we like because it has good flexibility and we often put it to projects we can’t get other specific grants for.”

Mr Ireland said the total cost for stage one was about $1.2 million.

“The first stage will be new AFLstyle changerooms underneath tiered grandstand-type seating,” he said.

“It’s good we finally have that project underway because it has had a chequered history.

“I think everybody was losing faith, but it’s always been in the council’s forefront.”

Mr Ireland said about 25 percent of the Nhill population was involved with the sporting club.

“It’s quite a significant number of residents who are members of the Nhill and District Sporting Club, so it’s well used with hockey, netball and footy,” he said.

“It’s a social place to meet – it’s the hub of the Nhill community – so to be able to keep their facilities upto-date and up to a standard means a lot.”

Mr Ireland said the residue of the $1.08 million was going to several other projects in the municipality.

“We are going to build a cane ball court in Nhill,” he said.

“We just built new changerooms for the tennis club, so it was decided because there is a fair bit of land around the tennis courts, we will develop a cane ball court there for the Karen community.

“Cane ball players will become members of the tennis club to use the new facility and we felt there wouldn’t be as many clashes with training nights.”

From the remaining funding, $70,000 will be put towards

Dimboola Toddler Pool upgrades, $100,000 towards shire-wide playground upgrades, $80,798 towards stage two of the Nhill Streetscape Plan Implementation and $60,000 to Dimboola Riverside Holiday Park upgrades.

“The big master plan for Nhill streetscape is to join the main street with Japex Park and the lake, which is quite a big precinct,” Mr Ireland said.

“We have a $10-million master plan, but the reason we do a master plan is because councillors and council officers will change and if you get small pieces of it come along at least there’s a plan, so there’s no hodgepodge arrangements.”

Mr Ireland said without the LRCI funding those types of projects would not be completed.

“The LRCI grants were a National Party idea, so the new government is honouring them at the moment, but there’s no guarantee they’ll continue exactly as they are now,” he said.

“They are really good grants in that we are allowed to do what we like with them, while a lot of grants are specific, and a big thing is that we don’t have to match dollar-fordollar.

“With these things being an enormous cost, it makes it awkward for the council to add extra money that matches one-for-one or two-for-one, so they’ve been fantastic and have increased the shire’s assets right through the municipality.

“The best fun of being a councillor is to sort out these projects.”

INFORMATIVE: Event organiser Faye Smith, left, oversees Horsham Combined Probus Club’s Managing the Twilight Years seminar. Financial counsellors Amy Lehmann and Ashley Rowan from Consortium Private Wealth were among those who offered advice to the 180 people who registered for the event. Mrs Smith said issues effecting ageing people were complex. She said people who attended said it was well organised, informative and necessary. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Cultural showcase in Stawell

A variety of musicians from the Vanuatu community will grace the stage at Stawell Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

Attendees will be treated to songs from The Commissioners from Vanuatu, The Vanuatu Living Testament Band and Singers, made up of Stawell musicians from the Ni-Vanuatu community, and Samoan dancers.

The Gospel Music Celebration, a collaborative partnership with representatives of the community and Stawell churches, will join the celebrations.

Northern Grampians Shire Council pro-

vided an arts and culture grant to help fund the showcase.

The Stawell Ecumenical Choir will also perform at the event, along with singers, choirs and bands from City Heart Church, Stawell Baptist Church and Stawell Seventh Day Adventist Church. Stawell Uniting Church member Scott Harrison will play a transportable Hammond Organ, joined by Ruby Page, an acclaimed Melbourne-based jazz and gospel singer.

Tickets for the 7pm show will be on sale at Shop 108 in Stawell on Friday for $10.

“We just built new changerooms for the tennis club, so it was decided because there is a fair bit of land around the tennis courts, we will develop a cane ball court there for the Karen community”

– Brett Ireland

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham’s

Morrow Motor Group is celebrating a big win, after being recognised as regional Victoria’s best large automotive business.

The awards are facilitated by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce and recognise the work of regional and metropolitan automotive businesses.

Morrow Motor Group principal dealer Gavin Morrow said the team was proud to make it to the final five.

“We were pleased to make the top five and did not think we would go any further than that,” he said.

“The award does not just cover dealerships, it also covers service centres, tyre centres, panel shops and other businesses in the industry.

“We were also up against businesses in some pretty big regional centres, including Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton.

Give, if you can

“A business is only as good as its staff, so we will celebrate with them. It’s also a shout-out to the customers who support us”

– Gavin Morrow

“We’re super proud of our staff and customers who got us to this point.”

Mr Morrow said while the business did not go out of its way to win awards, it was a good chance to acknowledge the team.

“When we sit down and reflect on who we compete against it makes us very proud,” he said.

“A business is only as good as its staff, so we will celebrate with them. It’s also a shout-out to the customers who support us.

“We were told that our business growth, customer satisfaction, unique ideas to look after our customers and environmental improvements we have made to the business is what they liked.”

What would you say if I told you Australian children are going without meals because their mothers cannot afford the weekly grocery shop?

Or are missing school because there is not enough money to put fuel in the car after paying rent?

Indeed, some mums are skipping meals almost daily, just so they can feed their children and keep a safe roof over their heads.

In such a ‘lucky’ country like Australia, this is difficult to believe, but, sadly, it is the reality for more and more people.

“I cannot afford to buy food for my kids sometimes and most times I go without food and have lost 40kgs in the last nine months because all my money goes on keeping a roof over my kids heads and trying to keep them in a safe place” – a 55-year-old female supported by The Salvation Army said.

This is just one of countless heartbreaking stories from around the country.

Loving mothers who are going without basic essentials such as food, fuel and electricity, let alone extras like new shoes, school clothes, better toothpaste, or birthday presents – these items are taken directly from stories from our clients.

“When there is nothing to eat, I sell something of my own to get by that week. I get paid fortnightly, so I shop when I get paid and always run out no matter how much I buy. All our mental health has declined. I try my hardest to make sure I have everything they need” – a

CELEBRATE: Morrow Motor Group leaders are proud of their employees after winning a best regional Victorian large automotive business award at the weekend.

28-year-old female supported by The Salvation Army said.

As I read through stories from people we have supported, one word catches my attention – a 34-year-old mum says she feels like a ‘failure’.

Imagine skipping meals, giving everything you can to your children, yet thinking yourself a failure.

She is not a failure at all. She’s a person doing the best she can with what she has, who needs a leg up to get through these tough times. Someone who shouldn’t struggle alone.

So, considering this, I would say that we, the wider Australian community, need to take action. Let’s not fail that hardworking mother.

I would ask anyone who is able to please give to this year’s Red Shield Appeal.

I know times are tough and money is tight, but sparing $10, or even $20 or $50, makes a pivotal difference.

That gift could be the reason a child does not miss a meal – or a mother does not starve so her kids can eat.

It could be the reason that nobody struggles alone – because, I think you’ll agree, nobody should.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS

– 13 72 58. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Major David Collinson

The

Salvation Army

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Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Horsham volunteers better equipped

Horsham State Emergency Service volunteers are primed to attend incidents from rescues to storm events after the arrival of a new truck.

Horsham VICSES unit deputy controller Adam Cox said the truck was allocated to Horsham as part of a fleet replacement program.

“The truck is a standardised fit-out for Horsham with better capability for rescue,” he said.

“It is a bigger truck than our most recent one and is a similar size to the truck we originally had.

“Due to body issues with the original trucks, they were all taken offline and we were given a smaller truck for temporary turnout. Now, with the replacement program, we have a newer truck.”

Mr Cox said the pod on the back of the truck was brand new and refitted to an existing truck.

“We were given an induction from state fleet members that gave us a better idea of where everything is rather than trying to find it ourselves,” he said.

“Now we also have standardisation among other units.”

Today, the SES is acknowledging its volunteers with Wear Orange Wednesday across the country, during National Volunteer Week.

In the past 12 months, VICSES volunteers have responded to more than 35,000 requests for assistance.

In the Grampians region, VICSES volunteers received more than 2000 requests for assistance in the same period.

The past three years have been three of the busiest years in VICSES history following three consecutive La Niña seasons bringing severe storms and flooding.

In October 2022, VICSES volunteers responded to 13,700 requests for assistance, as major flooding impacted the state. It was the organisation’s busiest calendar month on record.

VICSES chief executive Stephen Griffin said he admired the remarkable and relentless efforts of VICSES volunteers.

“Thank you for your time and dedication. Many of you go over and beyond and it is truly inspiring,” he said.

“In the face of adversity, our people are capable of extraordinary things.

“Whether it’s a one-in-one-

hundred-year flood event, or deployment to another part of the country to help local communities, VICSES volunteers are here for our communities.

“Wear Orange Wednesday is an opportunity for the public to say thank you, to all the volunteers who sacrifice their time away from their family, friends and loved ones, to help the community, rain, hail or shine.”

To help celebrate Wear Orange Wednesday and to thank volunteers for all of their hard work, Victorian landmarks will be ‘flooded’ in orange.

Mr Cox said Horsham SES had between 25 and 30 members and was always looking for more to join.

“We have a lot of different jobs we do. I know not everybody would be keen on the idea of attending car crashes, but we always need people for storm jobs, mountain rescue and more,” he said.

“It’s rewarding and a great way to give back to the community. One of our members moved here from Melbourne and was trying to get to know people and find something worthwhile to do, so they came along as a member. They have been able to get to know people

and do something rewarding at the same time.”

Mr Cox invited people looking to join Horsham SES to visit the SES shed on McPherson Street at 7pm on Tuesdays, or to sign up online via www. ses.vic.gov.au/join-us

‘Give us a hand’ campaign in spotlight

Country Fire Authority District 17 firefighters are appealing for volunteers to join their ranks.

The call-out is part of a new CFA volunteer recruitment campaign, ‘Give us a hand’ to engage more people with a brigade.

District 17 assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning encouraged people wanting to find a way to contribute to their community to think about joining the CFA.

“We have 3887 volunteers across our district and of those less than 1000 actively participate as firefighters. Others perform support roles that we also need,” he said.

“When people join, we pay for training and provide safety equipment and uniform to enable them to perform their roles.

“Once they meet minimum standards of training, we just ask our volunteers to set aside a few hours each year to keep their

skills current, which keeps themselves and others safe.

“For people who want to give back to their communities but do not want to fight fires, we have many administration roles that support our firefighters, too.”

There are more than 1200 CFA brigades across Victoria responding to a range of emergency incidents, including high-angle rescues, structure, grass and scrub fires, hazardous material incidents and road crash rescues, each day.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it was a great place to volunteer, meet new people and learn new skills.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the firefighting and emergency response network across Victoria,” he said.

“We are calling on all community-minded individuals who are looking for a new challenge to consider joining their lo-

Flexibility. Mobility.

cal brigade and apply their expertise and knowledge to the CFA.

“The rewards of being a CFA volunteer are immeasurable and our members make a real difference in their communities.”

Mr Gunning said this week was National Volunteer Week, a good opportunity to thank CFA volunteers and showcase the work they do.

“Volunteers play a vital role at a community level and regional Victoria relies on their volunteers every day,” he said.

“A house fire in the Wimmera is no less significant or dangerous than a house fire in Melbourne, or vice-versa. Having volunteers who give their time to serve their communities is a special thing.”

Mr Gunning said people wanting to join the CFA could visit cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Horsham team on 5362 1700 or visit the office at McLachlan Street, Horsham.

We can help you get back to your best. Horsham’s most experienced team offers hands-on therapy services with results, all in the one place!

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NEW TRUCK: From left, Horsham SES deputy controller Adam Cox, unit officer Ben Woodhart and member Will Taylor are set up to use the unit’s new rescue truck.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Shaun Casey, Sandra Casey, Erin Wallace

2 3

Run The Gap 28.5.23

6km/12km/21km

Halls Gap in the heart of the majestic Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most sunning natural features, and is again playing host to the 11th Annual “Run the Gap” event on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Participants can compete in a scenic 6km run/walk along Fyans Creek, a 12km run including a lap across the wall at stunning Lake Bellfield, or challenge themselves in the 21km trail run.

Register at runthegap.com.au

Halls Gap, VIC

Headaches - they’re common, in fact they are so common that pharmaceutical companies would have you believe that they’re normal and they have a list of pills for a quick fix so you can soldier on with your day.

So what’s the best thing to do.

1) Stop and think why you have a headache, maybe you need to have a couple of glasses of water, maybe eat something, maybe you need to sit out of the glaring hot sun, maybe you’re tired?

2) Have those 2 glasses of water and sit quietly and have a rest if you can.

3) See your chiropractor.

Chiropractors are great at looking after headaches. A good chiropractor will listen and take a comprehensive history. They will check your spine to see what stiffness and fixations are attributing to the problem. It maybe a simple adjustment that helps you or it maybe more complicated. No matter what the issue a good chiropractor can assist and guide you to have the best possible outcome and work with other professionals to the benefit of your health.

Interesting fact : children suffer headaches and migraines, however they often start off as tummy pains and as the child gets older become headaches and migraines.

Chiropractors are good at identifying these issues too.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

All proceeds go to community projects to enhance bike and walking paths. Plus $1 from each registration is donated to the "Grampians Walking Track Support Group” to help maintain walking tracks within Grampians National Park.

Focus on recruitment

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

AState Government initiative has highlighted the difficulties schools have in recruiting new teachers to regional areas.

The State Government’s Teach Rural program is sending trainee teachers to rural and regional schools, including in St Arnaud.

Educators who are part of the program, which started at the beginning of May, will receive support for relocation and cost of accommodation during their placement period.

Stawell St Patrick’s Primary School principal Chris McAloon said the number of applicants he received for teaching positions was getting smaller.

“This year we have been able to fill all our positions, but we have a shortage of relief teachers –which has been a big challenge,” he said.

“We have had a number of teachers who have retired and are not being replaced.”

Mr McAloon said a State Government program called the Tutor Learning Initiative, that was introduced because of COVID, had a mixed result on teacher numbers.

The initiative provided targeted learning support for schools to help students who fell behind during COVID restrictions.

“We have found those teachers who have become tutors would have been relief teachers,” Mr McAloon said.

He said there had been a signifi-

cant number of teachers leaving the profession recently.

“Some teachers got through COVID, and post-COVID have been looking for other opportunities,” he said.

“They are either retiring early or taking leave – especially experienced teachers.”

Mr McAloon said while the school did not have many preservice teachers employed, it recruited a graduate student at the end of last year.

“We identified them early and kept in contact,” he said.

“In the past, a graduate would be talking to schools. Now, it’s the other way around – they really have the choice,” he said.

Nhill Lutheran School principal Damon Prenzler said he had faced similar difficulties when advertising for teaching positions.

“We used the services of a recruitment agency, advertised with universities and thankfully we have been able to fill the position through part-time staff increasing their hours and I’ve increased my own teaching,” he said.

Mr Prenzler said programs such as ‘Teach Rural’ and Victorian Institute of Teaching’s Permis-

sion to Teach program were full of potential but had limitations for the Nhill school.

‘Permission to Teach’ allows Victorian schools to employ preservice teachers to address teacher shortages.

“If only teachers knew what they were getting in regional areas – smaller class sizes, wellresourced and professional development opportunities,” Mr Prenzler said.

Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College vice-principal Fiona Friberg said the school had been fortunate to fill all of its teaching positions.

“We’ve attracted some really high-quality teachers for this year,” she said. Mrs Friberg said one of the vacancies was filled by a previous student-teacher.

Algae warning

GWMWater advises people visiting Taylors Lake, near Horsham, to avoid direct contact with the water due to above-safe levels of blue-green algae.

It remains safe to boat, sightsee and enjoy other activities at the lake that do not involve direct water contact.

Warning signs have been positioned at major recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place while blue-green algae levels are elevated.

GWMWater recommends people who come into contact with affected water wash their skin immediately in clean water.

Affected water should not be used for cooking, drinking, washing or showering and boiling the affected water will not make it safe to use.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally and signs of algae contact include skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose; or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.

It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels within the lake.

Anglers wanting more information can visit vfa.vic. gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-locations/inlandangling-guide/special-articles/blue-green-algae

The lake will be monitored regularly and GWMWater will keep the community informed of any changes occur.

“We find placements are a wonderful way to have teachers join our community,” she said.

“It means we get to know them and they get to know us.

“We are also part of the Horsham Alliance of Schools between Wimmera schools and universities. We have two pre-service teachers starting with us next term as part of that alliance to attract teachers from metro and into regional areas.

“We have a teacher who joined our community this year who was part of that program a couple of years ago and worked in another school, locally.

“So, the program has brought teachers into the community.”

• Education week feature, pages 27-34

Elders Southern Wool Report

‘Mannequin’ raffle

West Wimmera Health Service is raising money to purchase a specialised resuscitation simulation mannequin, which will further the skills and experience of staff.

The service launched a raffle it claims is ‘the raffle that beats any meat tray’ with a major prize worth $2359.

Chief executive Ritchie Dodds said while the raffle was a fun way to raise money and give back to ‘some lucky prize winners’, the point of it was serious.

“We want to raise enough funds to purchase a state-ofthe-art mannequin, which closely mimics real-life scenarios, providing staff with training that prepares them for life-saving emergency situations,” he said.

There are 1000 tickets up for grabs, with a $20 ticket providing a chance to win prizes, including a Thermomix, Engel fridge, iTunes card, ‘indulge yourself’ hamper, and Oliver’s Kiosk voucher.

Tickets are available for purchase from any West Wimmera Health Service site until June 21. The raffle will be drawn on June 26.

“In the past a graduate would be talking to schools. Now, it’s the other way around – they really have the choice”

– Chris McAloon, right

Rail plan for mine

BY ABBY WALTER

Donald

Mineral Sands project is progressing towards a mid-2025 timeline to begin mining at its site near Minyip.

Mining company Astron is preparing the region to ensure its success.

The site, located 15 kilometres east of Minyip, will be a 42,636-hectare mine for two mineral sand products.

Donald Mineral Sands community liaison officer Paul Atherton said heavy mineral concentrates and rare earth concentrates would be mined.

“The heavy minerals concentrate is the product that goes into ceramics, porcelain, titanium and more,” he said.

“Rare earths are slightly radioactive and will be transported in accordance to all the rules with radioactive material.

“That material could end up overseas or even in Australia, because there is a significant investment in Australia at the moment in further rare earth processing, so that’s something to be seen later down the track.”

Mr Atherton said the plan was to use trucks and trains to transport the mineral sands to ports.

“We intend to transport the mineral sands from the mine site to the Dooen Freight Terminal, stick them on a train and the train could then take it, depending on the product, to Melbourne, Geelong or Portland,” he said.

“We know the railway line to

Portland could not support that at the moment, due to restrictions on axel loadings, because the line is in a pretty run-down state. The mineral sands are heavy, so it doesn’t make it economic for us to carry small volumes that would be permitted on that line.

“In the short term, we are not going to Portland and most likely will be going to Geelong.”

Mr Atherton said the need to transport to the freight terminal would result in road upgrades.

“There would be a significant road upgrade from the mine site to Minyip and then two roads on the south side of Minyip called Johnston and C Leach roads,” he said.

“Both those roads are planned to be upgraded to carry trucks, which will have a positive effect on Minyip.

“A lot of trucks now come up the Stawell-Warracknabeal Road and get right into town, have to turn left at the roundabout and go back out of town past schools. They won’t need to do that once the road is upgraded.”

Mr Atherton said benefits also extended to encouraging more people to move to the region.

“Our plan at this stage is not to do fly-in-fly-out, drive-in-drive-out, so

we’re looking to base the workforce here in the region,” he said.

“We know that there is a shortage of workers here and there’s a potential with higher pay rates to drag workers away from their current roles in the area, such as farming.

“There isn’t a great number of machinery operating roles anyway, potentially 20 to 30 operators because the mine will operate 24-7.

“But there is a whole heap of professional and semi-professional roles that mines engage people, so the actual machinery driving is only a small part of the workforce.

“We’re expecting most of those people will come from outside the region and that has a flow-on effect.

“If we get 50 people in Minyip, the population has grown by 10 percent and the primary school and kinder becomes more viable – then there’s a natural flow on effect of having families in town.”

Mr Atherton said Astron was also planning for when the mine finished operation.

“The site is mostly farmland and the intention is, post-mining, to return that land to productive farmland,” he said.

“We are very conscious of land rehabilitation and what needs to be done out there and that’s a constantly moving thing as technology improves and we have a greater understanding of soils.

“We often get asked what will happen to the land post mining. It will be returned to productive farmland for the most part and there might be some native vegetation planted, but that is not definite yet.”

Come Join Our Team!

Wimmera Aquatrail Shop Assistant

Wimmera Aquatrail currently has an exciting position for an energetic salesperson. This is a diverse position to work in a business that caters to the sale of irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping supplies and services in the Wimmera region.

Ideally, the applicant is great with people and physically fit. Previous experience with irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping/turf management industries would be highly valued but not essential. We will provide on-the-job and external product training from industry leaders.

WELCOME: Horsham Neighbourhood House manager Charlie Helyar, left, and administration assistant Caeleb Warren, right, assist Zoe and Graham Manwaring during Neighbourhood House Week. The role of neighbourhood and community centres across Australia was celebrated from May 8 to 14.

Horsham Neighbourhood House hosted an open day on Friday with people encouraged to visit the house’s Chatty Café. Neighbourhood houses provide a friendly place where community members can meet for a variety of activities at low cost.

Lake Buloke closed to hunting

Lake Buloke, near Donald, is closed to hunting to prevent disturbance to significant numbers of threatened bird species.

Game Management Authority, GMA, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action were monitoring Lake Buloke before the opening of the 2023 duck season.

A survey of Lake Buloke on May 4 detected a large number of threatened species including about 650 blue-billed duck, 195 freckled duck and 250 Australasian, bluewinged, shoveler.

As a result, the GMA recommended the immediate closure of Lake Buloke to hunting, to prevent disturbance to the species.

The Position:

• Irrigation and pump salesperson

• Customer service in all areas of the business

• Nursery and landscaping sales and advisor

• The position is full time, and the position incumbent will form part of a weekend roster

• Remuneration- above award rates

About you

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Willingness to learn all areas of the business

Signs will be installed at Lake Buloke alerting hunters to the closure and authorised officers will patrol the wetland to ensure compliance.

A total of 15 wetlands are now closed or partially closed to hunting for the 2023 duck hunting season.

To see all wetlands closed or partially closed to hunting for the 2023 duck season, visit gma.vic.gov.au

Wetlands will be monitored throughout the season. Hunters are advised to check the GMA website regularly for updates.

To report illegal hunting and breaches of public safety laws to the GMA, visit gma. vic.gov.au or call 136 186.

• Irrigation/pump knowledge and pump repair skills are also an advantage

If you are looking for employment security and value the importance of great customer service with good attention to detail, then this could be the perfect job for you.

To express your interest in this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to apply@chsgroup.com.au

“Our plan at this stage is not to do fly-in-fly-out, drive-in-drive-out, so we’re looking to base the workforce here in the region”

– Paul Atherton

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Classic a ‘perfect day’

About280 people walked or ran along the Wimmera River on Sunday for the Horsham Mother’s Day Classic.

The annual event raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and breast cancer research. Events were also run in Edenhope, Stawell and St Arnaud.

Horsham Classic organising committee member Jackie Exell said the crowd was ‘huge’ and it was a ‘perfect day’.

“After the walk people stayed for coffees and breakfasts because it was an amazing day,” she said.

“South West Simply Helping won the Workplace Warriors shield as the team with the most participants.

“They did an amazing job and raised close to $1000.

“We appreciate teams and people who go above and beyond to fundraise.”

Buildpro came second and New Hope Evolution Hair and Co came third.

Ms Exell said fundraising was open online until June 30.

She said people are welcome to keep donating via www. mothersdayclassic.com.au

“We saw a lot of new faces on Sunday, which was exciting,” she said.

“On behalf of the committee I want to thank everyone who came along for their support.

“We received good feedback and will debrief as a team to work through what went well and what we need to work on for next year.”

TIME IS EVERYTHING

Be prepared and confident to act quickly to save a life. CellAED® can be applied in seconds.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute reports about 20,000 Australians every year will suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital, which if that happens, has a survival rate of under 10 percent. The world’s first hand-held, smart, automated external defibrillator is your personal life-saving device.

Horsham’s Sue Miller luckily survived her cardiac arrest, but she said she ‘wished’ she had had a CellAED with her.

“I had a heavy feeling across my shoulders, and within a couple of minutes I broke into a sweat. They rang an ambulance for me and when they got there, paramedics had to do CPR on me,” she said.

“This is a small compact defibrillator that is easy to use – just ‘snap’ it and stick it on. You can put it in your handbag, your car, glovebox, caravan, keep it at home or take them anywhere. You can’t put a price on someone’s life.”

Pre-order your CellAED now at kaceykochfirstaid.com.au to secure your place in the queue.

Cardiac arrest, you don’t think it could happen to you, and if it did, you’re inclined to believe someone will be there to help. Right?

Tiana, Malik, 2, and Billy Elphinstone.

Katrina and Zachary Fraser.

Lisa Cosson warms up participants.

Lucy De Wit and Kathy De Wit, Chris Longmuir, Skye Longmuir, Julie Stewart and Emma Longmuir.

Back, from left, Felicity Williams, Annabelle Gregor, Ali Gregor and Kali Barnes, and front, Paige Williams, Natalie Gregor, Emily Gregor and Kai Barnes.

Cancer survivor Jo Koschmann sets the runners and walkers off at Horsham’s Mother’s Day Classic.

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Mobile upgrade boosts service

Afull shutdown of Telstra’s mobile base station at LedcourtDadswells Bridge concluded yesterday to allow upgrades for better 4G services and new 5G coverage in the area.

The shutdown started on Thursday and was scheduled for five days, with no coverage available during that time.

Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said there was ‘never a good time’ for the upgrades to occur.

He said the service disruption was required to perform the significant work essential to providing new technology, speed and capacity to the area.

“We are continuing to expand our 5G network across regional Victoria and nationally we are adding new sites to the network every week,” he said.

“Upgrades such as these continue to demonstrate Telstra’s ongoing commitment to regional Australia.”

The rollout of 5G connectivity for the first time in Ledcourt-Dadswells Bridge means customers with Telstra 5G mobile devices will be able to experience a better mobile experience.

The upgrade will also bring added benefits for customers on the Telstra 4G network with more capacity, providing better network connectivity.

Once completed, Ledcourt-Dadswells Bridge will join more than 4200 Telstra 5G sites on-air within selected areas of more than 400 cities and towns across Australia.

Nationally, 80 percent of residents can now access the Telstra 5G network where they live.

The upgrade is intended to improve mobile connectivity in the existing coverage footprint and will not provide additional coverage.

Customers wanting to access 5G on the Telstra network need a 5G capable device and a Telstra 5G phone plan.

During the shutdown, landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers were not impacted.

Any calls to 000 from a Telstra mobile when the site was off air were automatically diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Plans proceed for community expo

Horsham U3A has hosted preliminary meetings for a 2023 Horsham and District Community Expo.

The group, also known as Horsham and District University of the Third Age, led the expo at Horsham Town Hall last year, attracting hundreds of people wanting to learn more about and celebrate the region’s community groups, initiatives and events. This year’s expo is scheduled for Wednes-

CFA honours ‘deserving recipients’

Fifty-two Country Fire Authority staff and volunteers from District 17 were among people honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts during the 201920 Australian bushfire crisis.

Award ceremonies in Horsham, Stawell and Ballarat recognised members from CFA’s west region.

The almost 500 people awarded became the latest of more than 5500 CFA members to receive the honour.

CFA members recognised were deserving recipients.

“The National Emergency Medal is formal recognition that Australia appreciates the efforts and contributions of CFA members during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis,” they said.

“It is a great honour to receive this medal and we hope it goes a small way to thanking our members for their service.”

credibly proud of each and every one of them.”

Sebastopol Fire Brigade captain Steve Burgess, who received a medal, was master of ceremonies. He said it was humbling to be officially recognised.

“It’s an honour to receive this award, with humility and pride,” he said.

day, October 4 during Seniors Week. A meeting on July 7 will bring together more than 40 community groups, who attended last year’s event, to develop an action plan.

All registered groups will be notified of the meeting details closer to the date.

Organisers have encouraged other groups wanting to attend to register their interest via president@u3ahorsham.org.au

The National Emergency Medal comes under Australia’s honours and awards system and commemorates service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.

CFA board members Peter Shaw and Dawn Hartog presented the medals and said the

CFA deputy chief officer Brett Boatman said he was grateful for the CFA members’ efforts.

“The 2019-20 fires devastated east Gippsland and the north-east of Victoria,” he said.

“But from that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity.

“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am in-

“This medal reflects not only my service; but also acknowledges the sacrifices made by my family while I’m away from home, supporting the community.”

Mr Burgess also highlighted the role of his employer in allowing him to volunteer with the CFA.

“Employers deserve recognition for allowing their staff time away from work to support the Victorian community during times of need,” he said.

HONOUR: From left, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan, assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning, Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Peter Irving and Isabella Orszular, CFA board member Dawn Hartog and CFA deputy chief Brett Boatman at a national emergency award ceremony.

Available 7 nights a week

Also available over lunch

11.30am to 2pm, Monday to Friday

Sunnyside Bowling Club

Sunnyside Bowling Club recently received a sponsorship for $900 to address an important safety issue around their new greens. Club Secretary John Brown “With synthetic bowling greens installed at the Club in 2019, this resulted in dangerous drop from the bank to the surrounding area behind the southern end of the greens. The project erected a safety barrier behind the bank on the southern end of the greens. This safety barrier will prevent accidental falls from the bank if participants accidently step backwards, this providing a safer environment leading to an increased feeling of security for participants.

The funding provided by the Horsham Sports & Community Club is greatly appreciated.”

HSCC Club manager Glenn Carroll, “We have a strong relationship with the Sunnyside Bowling Club being able to provide over $20,000 to improve facilities around the bowling Club. Bowling Clubs in the region have been provided with over $160,000 of financial support making life a little easier for their hardworking volunteers.”

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride”

Over $3.133 Million has been donated to local communities in cash sponsorship since the club’s inception

Perinatal care partnership

Aworld-first online screening program is supporting the mental health of new and expectant mums in Ararat and across the wider region.

A new partnership between East Grampians Health Service and the Centre of Perinatal Excellence, COPE, has introduced a digital screening tool to the health service’s perinatal care.

COPE is Australia’s peak body for reducing the impacts of perinatal anxiety and depression and has developed the iCOPE digital screening tool.

It identifies mums at risk and facilitates fast and effective mental health screening during the perinatal period, pregnancy and year following birth.

iCOPE enables perinatal mental health screening to be undertaken across all clinical settings, from inperson to remote screening via a patient’s mobile phone.

COPE founder and executive director and perinatal mental health specialist Dr Nicole Highet said the COVID-19 pandemic increased the incidence and severity of perinatal depression and anxiety.

“Though restrictions are over, we’re still seeing a high demand for perinatal mental health services as calls to helplines and support services continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels,” she said.

“Becoming a parent is challenging enough, but now new and expectant parents are experiencing the additional long-lasting mental health effects of living through a global pandemic.

“It’s now more important than ever

to be using this world-leading technology to implement regular, faster and efficient perinatal mental health screening to identify those at risk and those experiencing symptoms.

Dr Highet said it was important to detect symptoms as soon as possible so treatment could begin early.

“iCOPE is changing the way perinatal mental health screening is conducted across the country to ensure all mums-to-be have the opportunity to undertake regular mental health screening, in line with the National Perinatal Mental Health Guideline,” she said.

Serious matter

East Grampians Health Service manager of acute services Tracey Walters said perinatal anxiety and depression was a serious matter.

“With more than 110 births at East Grampians Health Service each year, the iCOPE screening tool will make a real difference for our community, allowing us to provide improved mental health support to more new mums, and mums-to-be than ever before,” she said.

“East Grampians Health Service is proud to be using this world-first tool to provide every new mum in our care with regular mental health checks as an essential part of our maternal healthcare services.

“The iCOPE screening can be conducted on an iPad in the waiting room or the patient’s mobile phone at home before their health consultation, saving time and increasing privacy, which many women have told us is really important.”

Dr Highet said because suicide was

WORLD-FIRST: East Grampians Health Service manager of acute services and midwife Tracey Walters uses the iCOPE screening tool to support parents receiving perinatal care.

one of the leading causes of maternal death in Australia, mental health screening during pregnancy and the year after birth was critical.

iCOPE is available in 25 languages – Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Central Khmer, Chin Hakka, Dari, Dinka, English, French, Hazaragi, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Karen, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, PersianFarsi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

The iCOPE screening tool also includes two perinatal mental health screening tools that have been developed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – Kim-

New way to make money

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, will begin on November 1 and allow Victorians to return used drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10-cent refund.

VicReturn will be the scheme coordinator and Visy, TOMRA Cleanaway and Return-It will be network operators. The network operators will establish and maintain a network of more than 600 refund collection points across the state.

CDS Vic aims to reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate 645 jobs and turn drink containers into new recycled products.

CDS Vic will also offer charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and educational organisations a new way to raise money.

Organisations can receive container donations from the community, run a refund collection point or host a container collection drive.

berly Mum’s Mood Scale and Mt Isa Postnatal Depression Scale.

An iCOPE patient report includes access to the e-COPE directory of specialist perinatal mental health support services, ensuring that parents can get the professional support they need, where and when they need it.

More than 94,000 iCOPE perinatal mental health checks have been conducted to date in Australia.

Parents needing counselling support can call the free PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health helpline on 1300 726 306. In an emergency call 000.

Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said the CDS would be Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme, with more than 600 refund collection points across the state.

“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, put extra cash in Victorian pockets and will reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half,” she said.

Within 12 months of the scheme starting, the network operators will be required to have a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas.

Flannie Friday

Shoppers to help recycling goal

Horsham Coles customers have the opportunity to be involved with a recycling initiative until the end of May, while the supermarket also transitions to a complete plastic bag ban.

Whenever Horsham shoppers buy one of Unilever’s participating products at Coles supermarkets or online, 10 cents from each purchase will go to Clean Up Australia.

The participating products include Omo, Rexona, Dove, Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and Magnum ice-cream pints.

All products have one or more of the following characteristics: Packaging created with more than 50 percent recycled plastic or 30 percent recycled glass; recyclable packaging; made in Australia with 100 percent renewable electricity; or made with sustainably sourced ingredients.

Clean Up Australia is a not-for-profit Australian environmental conservation organisation that works with communities to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.

This is the fourth consecutive year the initiative has run and $276,000 has been donated to Clean Up Australia.

The donations fund free ‘clean up kits’ and resources for schools, youth groups and communities across Australia.

Clean Up Australia chief executive Jenny Geddes said members of the organisation often spoke of small steps individuals could take to improve the environment.

“Here it’s a matter of small 10-cent donations adding up to something big and impactful,” she said.

“Last year Coles shoppers raised $100,000 through this campaign and it would be so wonderful to see that amount increase this year.

“This donation is critical to the work we do, as it enables Australians everywhere to get out and take positive, practical action to improve the environment any day of the year.”

By the end of June, Coles will have stopped selling plastic bags in an effort to remove 230 million plastic bags from circulation within one year.

Its remaining supply of soft-plastic bags will be run down in the coming weeks.

Coles Group chief operations and sustainability officer Matt Swindells said the decision to end the sale of soft-plastic bags nationwide, both instore and online, was an important step in meeting the supermarket’s sustainability ambitions.

“The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 percent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options,” he said.

“The 100 percent recycled paper bags have been tested for use and we are confident they can hold up to six kilograms of goods.”

The announcement follows Coles’ decision to remove single-use plastic carry bags at checkouts in 2018.

Weekdays from 6am

“The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 percent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options”

– Matt Swindells

Ararat Auto & Ag

Ararat RSL

Ararat Tyrepower

Barbeques Galore Horsham

BJ’s Furniture and Bedding

Capital Horsham

Casey Kosch First Aid Training

Cellarbrations Superstore

Chris N Di’s Bakery

Clarks Furniture

Conways

Cooks of Horsham

DMD Horsham

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Exchange Hotel Horsham

Goldstar Self Storage

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore

Ferrers Tyrepower

Ararat Hotel Cafe Bistro

Hermans of Horsham

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre

Horsham Auto Glass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham Sports & Community Club

DMD Nhill

Horsham Town Hall

House & Party Stawell

Lardner Bros Ararat

Nhill Pharmacy

Oscar Care Horsham

Royal Hotel Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Snap Fitness Horsham

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Lotto

Stawell Toyota

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling

Horsham

Westonvic Waste

Westvic Spares

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

Trainee teachers embrace workforce

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Ongoing teacher shortages have resulted in a series of initiatives aimed at enticing trainee educators into the classroom earlier.

The State Government’s recently announced Teach Rural pilot program, to bring teaching students into rural and regional government schools for placement, is not the only program of this kind.

St Brigid’s College teacher Victoria McCann arrived in Horsham when she was still studying, as part of a Teach for Australia program.

The program allowed Miss McCann to teach at Horsham College four days a week, while studying one day.

“I would have only wanted to do teaching through Teach for Australia,” she said.

“You get preferences on where you go – rural, remote and interstate. You can even go to the Northern Territory.”

Hailing from Melbourne and having previously completed degrees in science and biomedicine, Miss McCann said she wanted a change from her public health job after years of living in a pandemic.

“Teaching has always been at the back of my mind,” she said.

“I think life in the city is too busy and this program allowed me to come to a smaller place and rebuild socialisation.”

Miss McCann said adjusting to life and work in a regional area was not without its difficulties.

“I found securing opportunities for

school excursions can be really challenging,” she said.

“Farm kids being away from school when it was busy on the farm was another thing to get used to.

“You have to be patient for the community to trust and embrace you.

“It is a change of lifestyle that

is all-consuming and you learn that your life is not separate from your teaching.”

Miss McCann called on the teaching profession and government to make more significant changes to the way teaching operated.

“Ultimately, you need people to be

part of the community – right now we are just filling the gaps,” she said.

Stawell St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School teacher Josh Cunningham joined permanent staff after placement at the school during his studies.

An Ararat local, Mr Cunningham completed placement at the school in 2021 when he was studying at Australian Catholic University, ACU, in Ballarat.

“I looked to do ‘Permission to Teach’ and was approached by the school,” he said.

“In the end, with my university demands, it was tricky to balance.”

The Permission to Teach program enables Victorian schools to employ education students when they have a shortage of teachers.

Mr Cunningham said returning to the school after completing his degree has had many career advantages.

“I gave a lot of consideration to moving away, but I found getting my footing at a small school was really beneficial,” he said.

“In my opinion, small schools have a greater sense of community.

“I walked in and felt embraced in a way that maybe I wouldn’t be at a bigger school.”

Transport for students

Vocational Education and Training, VET, students in the region will find it easier to get to their courses with new financial support.

Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN secured funding from the Victorian Education Department to transport students from across the Wimmera and southern Mallee to their courses.

The VET Transport Fund will cover students’ 2023 travel costs to attend Wednesday classes at Horsham College, Longerenong College and Federation University.

Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN executive officer Tim Shaw said the organisation co-ordinated VET programs for 18 schools and eight local government areas.

Students travel from up to an hour away, including from Ararat, Rainbow, Hopetoun and Birchip.

“Historically, those students have had to pay the costs to get to Horsham,” he said.

“Students from Hopetoun have had

to pay $25 for a five-and-a-half-hour round-trip every Wednesday.”

Mr Shaw said the grant, which amounts to $108,000, would assist students to attend classes, including students from Ararat and Stawell who had joined the program in the past three years.

He said the funding, paid to bus companies, had already led to the creation of two different routes from Edenhope and Murtoa to Horsham and back.

“It’s really taken the pressure off these students, and others have been enabled to enrol,” Mr Shaw said.

“Thirty weeks of VET classes at $25 a trip adds up to $750, which can be a lot for some families.”

Mr Shaw said there was a small increase in enrolments since the VET Transport Fund had come into effect.

“There are now 320 students studying across 17 VET courses on offer,” he said.

ON THE JOB: St Brigid’s College teacher Victoria McCann has been teaching in Horsham through the Teach for Australia program.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

COSTS COVERED: Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN’s David Crooks, left, with Horsham College Vocational Education and Training, VET, students Nathan Grainger, James McNeil and Harvey Mellor. Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN successfully applied for Department of Education VET Transport funding to support students’ travel costs to their courses. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Time to bridge the gap

OPINION

Regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria faces one of the greatest skills shortages in history. It is stunting growth.

The solutions are complex, but achievable.

For more than 150 years, Federation University Australia has proudly served Victorian regional communities. Each year we welcome thousands of Australian students to our campuses across regional Victoria in Ballarat, Gippsland and the Wimmera and to the fast-growing outer southeast of Melbourne at Berwick.

We have thrived with our regions because we respond to the particular needs of each community we serve.

As a dual sector university, we qualify learners from trades to world-leading PhD researchers.

Our graduates provide regional Victoria with the skilled professionals to lead economic growth throughout the state.

We are also a critical provider of the teachers, health workers, social workers and those professionals from artists to sports scientists, who help outer metropolitan and regional Victoria to thrive as communities.

But TAFEs and universities in the regions and outer metropolitan areas simply do not have enough learners for the jobs available. Why is this? Put simply,

there are too few school leavers continuing to study and qualify for the needed jobs.

It is a tragedy that regional Australia has among the lowest post-secondary attainment rates among developed countries, yet many of the barriers to study can be overcome. Students at school do not know what to study for future jobs; the further a school is from Melbourne CBD the less likely it will have specialist teachers; school leavers do not realise that there is plenty of local employment in exciting jobs at globally competitive salaries; employers do not realise that to attract and keep talent they must employ them while they learn.

We can address these issues, but only if schools, TAFEs, universities and employers work together to provide students with what they need when they need it –from earlier and better information about jobs to paid training.

We need tertiary institutions to work closely with schools to provide the courses where there are no or too few teachers with specialist skills.

We also need tertiary institutions to work with employers to provide meaningful work during study, so that school leavers can afford to keep studying and employers can help train their future employees.

At Federation University, we are working to bridge this gap for

regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.

Our ranking as the top university in Australia for first in family enrolments for the previous three years is testament to our commitment to improve access to postsecondary education, but there is still more to be done.

We know that about 70 percent of students who study in a regional area will stay to live and work there. Conversely, 74 percent of those who relocate from regional Australia do not return.

At Federation University we have found that we can only keep students learning for fulfilling local careers if we work closely with local employers. Employers need to help develop our courses and provide opportunities for students while they learn.

To address the shortages and improve the number of students

Enrolment made easy

attaining vocational or higher education in regional areas, Federation University and our employer partners have developed an Australian first co-operative education model.

From 2025, all courses will be collaboratively designed, developed and delivered with industry partners, with embedded workplace learning. Our own experience shows this model works. Our 25 year partnership with IBM is an exemplar. Threequarters of our Bachelor of IT, Professional Practice, graduates were employed by IBM, and two-thirds of these graduates stay employed with IBM for at least seven years after graduation. All students were equipped for a lifelong global career. Bridging the education gap in our regions can only be done in partnership between local schools, higher and vocational education providers, local employers and communities.

The multiple Federal Government reviews across education and skills need to acknowledge this and support regional and outer metropolitan communities to bridge the attainment gap. We know what is needed to turn our communities around. With the right tools, together we can get the job done.

– Professor Duncan Bentley Vice-chancellor, Federation University Australia

Enrolment for 2024 prep students is now open for all government schools, with a new streamlined process in place to make enrolling easier for parents and carers. The new process involves standardised dates and forms for all government schools.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the new approach to enrolling children into prep would streamline the process for families, with applications accepted from the start of term two until July 28.

Parents and carers will receive offer letters by August 11, while applications received after July 28 would be considered by schools as they were received.

As in previous years, families with children in year-six would receive a placement information pack at the start of term two and students would receive offer letters for year-seven on July 19.

Ms Hutchins said starting school was an exciting and important milestone for any family.

“That is why we are making the process simpler, easier and fairer with standardised dates and forms for enrolment in all government primary schools,” she said.

“We’re well on target to open 100 new government schools by 2026, with this year’s update to ‘Find My School’ showcasing more school options and providing all the information parents and carers need at their fingertips.”

Families applying for places at their local government school can also access the updated ‘Find My School’ website, which gives parents and carers the latest information on school zones.

First launched four years ago, the ‘Find My School’ website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other nearby government schools.

It now includes 14 new schools and campuses set to open in 2024, along with small changes to existing school zones to reflect changes in school provision and adjustments to improve accessibility for all students.

Families can search their school zone by visiting find myschool.vic.gov.au and more information on the enrolment process is available via vic.gov.au/starting-school Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.

Principal, Mr Michael Horne, joined the school at the start of Term Two:

“In the short time that I have been at The Hamilton and Alexandra College, I have seen a school at full tilt, with students involved in the dramatic arts and music, sporting teams, speaking at public events, and engaged in their learning.

In all of these, they have impressed with their humour, energy and community-mindedness.” hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au

The Hamilton and Alexandra College is an aspirational, regional community, where everyone is known, valued and challenged.

Early learning to Year 12, co-educational, day and boarding school.

Professor Duncan Bentley

ON THE JOB:

Engineering apprentices, from left, Jake Cassar, Roger Wood and Tonnis Wolthuis with Skillinvest’s Daryl Eastwell and Dooen Engineering Services supervisor Don Langley.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Supporting young workers

BY ABBY WALTER AND AYVA ROBERTSON

Skillinvest Horsham is supporting young people to learn new skills and advance into the workforce through apprenticeships.

Second-year engineering fabrication apprentice Tonnis Wolthuis said he was interested in pursuing engineering and contacted Skillinvest apprenticeship consultant Daryl Eastwell to find out what was on offer.

“I rang Daryl and asked about apprenticeships in engineering, and he told me about one at Dooen Engineering Services, so I just went for it,” he said.

“I learn a bit of everything here, so I’m not tied down to any certain role.”

Mr Wolthuis said he was happy with his decision to take on an apprenticeship.

For 35 years, Skillinvest has been working with Wimmera businesses to help them host apprentices and trainees as they learn across a wide range of industries.

Apprentices, including schoolbased apprentices, are placed with suitable host employers, where they receive practical, hands-on training and experience on the job.

Skillinvest’s qualified teachers, trainers and assessors have industry experience and can deliver

training at a workplace or training facilities.

Eligible students may receive government funding for accredited training.

Training courses are offered across various industries including automotive, business and administration, engineering, equine, civil construction and carpentry.

Skillinvest has also partnered with Longerenong College to provide specialised education in the agriculture sector.

With a fully operational farm and indoor and outdoor training facilities, Longerenong College offers an immersive learning experience.

Ready to read

Thousands of Victorian students have embarked on the Premiers’ Reading Challenge for another year.

The initiative promotes the importance of reading for children and students from early childhood to year-10, while encouraging families to be more involved with supporting reading at home.

This year’s theme is ‘Wild about Reading’ with accompanying artwork designed by Kate Isobel Scott, a Victorian-based illustrator known for colourful, quirky and endearing hand-made characters.

The challenge encourages students to read a set number of books throughout the year, depending on their level, with their reading efforts recorded online.

Picture books, short stories, poems or non-fiction books in any language can be part of the challenge.

Children who have not yet started school are set a challenge of 40 books with the help of their families as part of the Premiers’ Reading Challenge for early years.

Most of the books are from challenge book lists, while the remainder can be of the reader’s choosing.

Skillinvest’s labour hire services also connect jobseekers with employers who are looking for skilled and reliable workers.

This service helps jobseekers find work that matches their qualifications and experience.

Seasonal work is also an option for students looking to work and earn money during school holidays.

Skillinvest offers a range of employment services, including job search assistance, resume writing, and interview coaching. People wanting to learn more can call Skillinvest on 1300 135 008 or visit skillinvest.com.au to learn more.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said reading was one of the most vital skills children and young people learn from an early age.

“The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is a fantastic way of supporting this,” she said.

“The challenge is a doorway for generations of children to explore different types of books, learn exciting new things and feel inspired by their imaginations.”

The challenge was launched in February 2005 to support children and young people’s reading skills, highlight the importance of reading for literacy development and help more Victorians fall in love with reading.

In 2013, the challenge was expanded to include young children from birth to five, in recognition of the strong evidence showing that reading to young children from birth promotes brain development and language learning.

Since the challenge began in 2005, more than four million students in Victoria have read 57 million books.

Rural Northwest Health recruits Bernie O’Connor

After 50 years in the workforce, and 22 years as a Chief Executive Officer, including 11 at Woodbine Inc., Bernie O’Connor made the decision to retire in February 2022.

Bernie was then however recruited by Rural Northwest Health (RNH) in March 2023, into the position of Project Support Officer, providing ongoing and upcoming project and strategic support and assistance to the Executive team.

“RNH are delighted to have Bernie onboard. He brings a wealth of knowledge not only in the area of disability and support, but his many years of involvement in our local communities as an ambassador with his personable engagement will be invaluable,” said Chief Executive Officer Jenni Masters.

Commencing his career in the Victorian Public Service in the early 70s, Bernie worked with the Minister for Social Welfare as Victorian Secretary for International Year of the Child, followed by 10 years as the Administration Manager of Won Wron Prison in South Gippsland.

Bernie, along with his family, moved to Pomonal in the Grampians in the early 1990s to work for the Department of Human Services as the Administration Manager for services in Ararat, Stawell and Horsham

and was then recruited to the Executive Committee at Aradale where he was involved in the closure of that institution and, later, Pleasant Creek Centre in Stawell.

Taking on the position of Chief Executive Officer at Murdoch Community Services in St Arnaud, Intertwine in Stawell and then Woodbine in Warracknabeal.

After his 22 years as a Chief Executive Officer, Bernie chose to retire from the CEO role and did not take up a further contract.

Bernie and wife Karen live in Warracknabeal but retain their house in Pomonal and are very keen Essendon supporters, with Bernie being an avid cricket lover having played the game for many years.

They have two children – Ellie is a GP in Daylesford after being inspired by a university placement at Rural Northwest Health at the Warracknabeal Campus, whilst Tim is a journalist and presenter with Harness Racing Victoria and SEN radio.

Bernie can often be seen on a Friday lunchtime ordering his favorite curry from the Yarri Yak Café at RNH!

Bernie O’Connor – RNH Project Support Officer

Ph (03) 5382 1534

Rasmussen Campus 2B Rasmussen Rd Horsham 3400

Ph (03) 5382 3200

horsham.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Horsham Primary School

At Horsham Primary School, we feel that we have the balance just right. Our teaching and learning programs focus on achieving academic excellence, are flexible to meet the needs of all students, and intensive to ensure high level results are achieved. Our student support programs develop the skills and abilities of each child whilst catering for their needs beyond the classroom.

Our staff are passionate, hard-working and committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.

We know that each of our students have different abilities and experiences that they bring with them, as well as varying levels of readiness to learn. Something that our school is proud of is the level of support that we provide for all students.

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• CAFE Reading

• Jolly Phonics

• Investigations - learning through exploration & play (Prep)

• 6 plus 1 Traits of Writing

• Maths Intervention Program

• Levelled Literacy Support

• Speech Therapy Program

• Fluid Maths Groups

• Specialist Programs

o Art o Science and Technology

o PE

o Music

o AUSLAN

• Year 4-6 iPad Program

Student Leadership opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

• Junior School Council

• Student Leadership Program

Student Support

• Student Mentoring

• Student Wellbeing Support officer

• Breakfast & Milo Mornings

• Buddy Program

• Cultural Program Extracurricular

• Halls Gap Zoo Trip

• Roses Gap Camp

• Sovereign Hill Trip

• Warrnambool Camp

• Melbourne Urban Camp

• Regional and State sporting events

• School Production

• Junior Concert

• Cultural Activities

• Signing Choir

• Singing Choir

• School Band

• Swimming Program Community Involvement

• Parent Classroom Helpers

• Parents Club

• School Council

Horsham West 24 Hillary St Horsham 3400

Haven Campus 4362 Henty Hwy Haven 3401

Ph (03) 5382 3204

horsham.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Horsham West and Haven Primary School

At Horsham West and Haven Primary School, we recognise that each individual child has unique interests and talents. We are very fortunate to have wonderful staff who strive to provide breadth of experience, allowing students to pursue curiosities and expand their knowledge.

Our school provides a comprehensive sporting program, with school teams often competing in state finals.

Science and Technology have been key focus areas in the last four years. These subjects now complement exemplary Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs.

We provide opportunities for every student to achieve their personal best in a safe and inclusive environment.

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• Systematic Synthetic Phonics

• Explicit Direct Instruction Structured Literacy

• Literacy and Numeracy Intervention

• Writing Revolution

• Hands On Practical Numeracy Lessons

• Knowledge Based Concept Curriculum

• BYOD iPad Program Years 3-6

• Professional Learning Communities

• Speech Trained Assistance Program Resilience Rights and Respectful Relationships

Specialist Programs

• Visual Arts

• Performing Arts

• Physical Education

• German

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, STEAM

Student Support

• Wellbeing Support Officer

• Behaviour Support Officer

• Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing

• Student Mentoring

• Buddy Program

• School Wide Positive Behaviour Program

• Hands On Learning

Student Leadership Opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

Junior School Council

• Student Leadership Program

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Urban Camp Experience

• Adventure Camp Experience School Production

• Choir

• Group & Individual Music Lessons

Cultural Activities

• Human Powered Vehicles

• Lego Robotics

• Aero Schools

• Swimming Program

• Local, Regional and State Sporting Events

• Recorder

• School Band

• Excursions

• Incursions

• Parents Club Activities

Community Involvement

• Parent Classroom Helpers

• Parents’ Club

• School Council

Contributors in the community

Nhill Lutheran School

EARLY LEARNING

Horsham’s

Holy Trinity Lutheran College is aiming to embody this year’s Education Week theme that celebrates physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice in education.

The school has partnered with Corwin, an organisation that connects authors, educators and associations for collaborative professional learning.

Together they plan to implement evidencebased, high-impact strategies to maximise student learning.

Principal James Phillips said by giving real-life context to learning activities, students were engaged through inquiry and project-based learning to equip them to become leading contributors in the community.

“We offer a range of academic and vocational learning opportunities, to help students develop necessary skills to thrive in this ever-changing world,” he said.

“Our experimental subject choices include STEM, arts, technology, product design, outdoor education, hospitality, performing arts and visual communication.

“We provide pathways for students in their senior years of school through the Victorian Certificate of Education and Vocational Major streams of study.

“The college celebrates the achievements of our graduates.”

Mr Phillips said the school was proud of its ability to provide leadership opportunities for all students.

“Students are encouraged to share their voice

in a number of forums including through a Student Representative Council and through our Student Ambassadors program,” he said.

“We are proud to be represented throughout the community through our college captains, middle school captains and junior school captains, who are supported by house captains.”

The school has experienced recent sporting success, including successful representation in Mount Gambier for round one of the Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series and winning a national champion title for aerobics.

This week secondary students will also compete at the School Sport Victoria State Volleyball finals in Melbourne.

“HTLC is also blessed to offer an extensive sports program to students and was awarded Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly’s Sports School of the Year,” Mr Phillips said.

“Students can apply to our sports specialist program run by WestVic Academy.

“However, we recognise winning is not the only measure of success and empower our students to measure success in their own ways.

“The junior school showcased great initiative in its recent cross country and gave students the option to walk at their own pace, rather than race, recognising the success element of participating and achieving.

“We proudly promote participation in events such as Ride2School Day and National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday.”

Enrolments for 2024 are now open at Holy Trinity Lutheran College and more information regarding scholarships is available via htlc.vic. edu.au/enrolment/scholarships

Home away from home

We believe transition is important and our weekly playgroup, Get ’Em Going, caters for and provides growth and development via a Perceptual Motor Program, Music, Art and Language.

SCIENCE

When you step into our Science room, you enter a diverse and engaging environment. It encourages students to investigate and problem solve in a hands-on environment. Students have access to a range of animal species which they feed and care for on a daily basis.

GARDEN/COOKING

Grow, Harvest, Prepare, Share. These are the underlying principles of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. In weekly cooking classes, students are educated and encouraged to taste and learn about delicious food in order to form positive food habits for life.

COMMUNITY

We recognise the mutual benefit that is developed through interaction between the school and the wider community. Our students are involved in community service and are provided with opportunities to develop their personal growth.

MINI FARM

We believe in fostering creativity and exposing students to the local agricultural environment. Students develop responsibility through regular feeding and nurture animals as they grow.

CHRISTIAN STUDIES

AWal

Wal local has made a ‘home away from home’ at Hamilton and Alexandra College.

Rosie Dunn joined the college as a year-10 boarder this year, with a focus to access the equestrian facilities and other opportunities the school provides.

Rosie was able to bring one of her six horses, Rocket, to college and is undertaking equine studies.

She said she wanted to pursue a career in agriculture or equine to follow her passion for horses.

“I am really enjoying the boarding house,” she said.

“I love that I can feed and ride Rocket before and after school. Having Rocket so close to the boarding precinct has really made it a home away from home for me.

“I also participate in horsemanship lessons after school each week and the level of instructors is incredible. Everyone is friends in the boarding house, across all ages, so it is like one big family.”

The college has been providing educational opportunities for 151 years and is known for its small class sizes and specialised teachers.

Rosie is also a keen musician.

Music at Hamilton and Al-

exandra College is encouraged from an early age, with individual lessons beginning in prep and continuing through to VCE.

“Moving across to the college has provided so many opportunities, but I love that I can also stay connected to home,” she said.

“I enjoy studying music and having private guitar lessons, and I still play netball for Rupanyup.

“I train at school on Tuesday lunchtime and go home on the weekend to play and stay connected with my friends and the local community.”

Integral to Lutheran Schools are the opportunities for students to learn, develop and grow in appreciation of Jesus. Christian Studies is complemented by weekly Chapels and daily devotions where students learn about God’s message and belong to a caring community.

TECHNOLOGY

Students use a wide variety of e-learning tools including one-to-one iPads, Beebots, touch screen computers and have Technology lessons to develop these skills. Our 5/6 class uses Chromebooks to enhance learning opportunities.

CO-CURRICULAR

Where do we begin? At Nhill Lutheran School, we believe in optimising student learning by exposing them in both local and outer communities. We provide camps for years 3-6, sleepovers, many excursions including the Wimmera Field Days, visiting performances, swimming program and more, to enhance the learning program.

CONNECTION: Hamilton and Alexandra College student Rosie Dunn visits her horse Rocket after school at the college equestrian centre.

Schools join forces

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Staff from two Horsham secondary schools have joined forces to better support senior students.

Holy Trinity Lutheran College and St Brigid’s College are undertaking a new initiative, which sees their teachers working together to collaborate on assessment tools and teaching resources for VCE classes.

Teachers from the two schools met earlier this month in what is hoped will be a once-a-term arrangement.

Holy Trinity Lutheran College principal James Phillips said school leaders believed working together could create a richer learning community that benefited all students.

“As principals we are modelling this through collegiality and encouraging links between our staff,” he said.

New research into quality teaching practices that points towards the principles of ‘collective teacher efficacy’ is informing the initiative.

The joint effort is an opportunity for the schools to share resources and expertise to support the ongoing professional growth of their educators.

St Brigid’s College principal Gerard Raven said the school was excited to partner with Holy Trinity Lutheran College to enhance the teaching practices of senior school staff.

“This philosophy of continuous improvement will impact positively on student learning outcomes,” he said.

HTLC vice-principal Fiona Friberg said the school was excited to collaborate, share resources and maximise student opportunity.

The college’s senior head of school

Sally Kuchel said the new arrangement would bring staff who were teaching the same VCE subjects to-

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE Improving the health of our community

Growing Our Own

East Grampians Health Service values a learning culture that fosters training and promotes the career and skill development of our staff.

In addition, our partnerships with external stakeholders such as secondary schools, Central Grampians LLEN, universities and TAFEs create broader learning opportunities to engage with our community. This helps to build a strong and sustainable workforce within the health service.

The major theme from the VicLLENs School to Work Summit in March, 2022 was the importance of early industry engagement with schools, being the key driver to successful workforce pathways.

EGHS has always been supportive of this principle and promotes this through the ‘grow our own’ philosophy. We are committed to supporting local community members to train in a health–related profession, creating opportunities for them be able to study locally and to gain employment at EGHS. Work experience offers local secondary school students the opportunity to spend a week engaging with consumers and staff via a structured program offered by EGHS. Work experience covers career interests ranging from medicine, nursing and midwifery to radiology and hospitality. A tailored program is offered to suit the student’s career interests and for them to gain an understanding of the way we work together to deliver excellence in health care for our community.

School to industry pathways offers secondary school students the opportunity to engage in health related courses through iVET from as early as Year 10. Some students from Ararat College and Stawell Secondary College are studying a Certificate III in Health Care Assistance, which has the potential to lead to parttime employment as a Health Care Assistant, HCA, at EGHS. In 2023, EGHS in partnership with Federation TAFE, is offering a Certificate III in Individual Support which provides a qualification as a health care

Abundant books for fair

An abundance of second-hand books are available at Horsham College chaplaincy committee’s first book fair for 2023.

The fair is at Maroske Hall at Horsham College’s Dimboola Road campus from noon to 9pm on Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday.

The book fair is a major fundraiser for the school’s chaplaincy program.

“Money raised is used to pay onethird of the chaplain’s salary and funds events including breakfast clubs, egg and bacon breakfasts, hot jam doughnut morning teas, pasta bake lunches and other special year-level events for students,” Mrs Grosser said.

gether to the benefit of student outcomes.

She said meetings and resourcesharing would potentially lead to extra-curricular opportunities, excursions and professional learning opportunities for members of each school.

worker. We have continued our partnership with Federation TAFE to offer the Diploma of Nursing, which provides a qualification as an Enrolled Nurse. Undergraduate student clinical placements as well as traineeships and apprenticeships are also strongly supported and encouraged by the clinical support nurses/educators and non-clinical workplace trainer/ careers advisor, from the education department at EGHS.

EGHS is a strong supporter of the Rural Training Stream, RTS, in Deakin University’s Medical School, which supports rural and regional students to undertake medical training with the intention of returning to their communities to practice as medical doctors. EGHS is partnering with Deakin University to support students who have - or want to - train in a health-related profession to complete their initial degree and then apply to the RTS in the Deakin University Medical School to study medicine.

EGHS will support Deakin Medical School RTS applicants by providing employment opportunities in their initial degree, and to continue to provide these opportunities while they complete their medical school training.

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

Chaplain Yolande Grosser said the event involved volunteers from Rotary and Apex clubs, the services of Wastebusters to help with recycling, and energy and passion from students who help move donated books and setup display tables.

The books are sold for $1 and children’s books are priced at 50 cents.

“Our students have worked so hard moving books from the donation point to the storage and sorting area, that we now have no more available space to accept new donations.

“We greatly value the support of the community as they think of us when they have precious books to rehome, but at the moment, we cannot accept any more.

“I expect that by July we will be ready to receive more lovely books.”

Music that makes you feel good

weekdays from 6am

WORKING TOGETHER: St Brigid’s College principal Gerard Raven and Holy Trinity Lutheran College vice principal Fiona Friberg with VCE teachers from both schools who are beginning a collaborative effort.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SUPPORTING STUDENTS: Horsham College students, from left, Jack Thorne, Anthony Ralph and Ghost Sternberg are setting up donations for the upcoming book fair at Maroske Hall. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

The way forward

Itappears American and Australian buyers have a lot in common when it comes to cars.

They both love to buy a seven-seat SUV for a family of four. They get utes in case they want to tow something – one day. And they buy highly customised four-wheel drives that never leave the ‘black-top’.

It is a conundrum noted by Our Next Energy, ONE, chief executive Mujeeb Ijaz, who spoke to Automotive News about how buying for ‘what if’ situations is an issue that applies not just to SUVs, utes and four-wheel drives, but also to electric vehicles, EVs.

Mr Ijaz said buyers want long-range battery capacities in their vehicles, but

seldom, if at all, drive those distances between charging sessions.

He said the costs of such a scenario are part of what makes EVs dearer than their ICE counterparts – not only from a manufacturing standpoint, but also in the context of weight versus energy consumption.

Interestingly, and unlike suggestions proffered by other car and battery executives, Mr Ijaz’s solution is to offer a vehicle with two separate batteries: One that is small and reliable for everyday use and a second, energy-dense unit that provides power for longer trips.

“Our ambition is to have a 967 kilometre on a single-charge range so that we can offer customers the capability

to adopt electric vehicles for any use case that comes their way – temperature, speed, towing, hill climbing, etcetera,” he said.

While no manufacturer is yet to offer such technology in production form, Mr Ijaz says ONE has secured funding to pursue the dual-battery strategy, and believes the idea beats other longrange battery types for one obvious reason – cost.

The latest McKinsey and Co. report revealed the high-grade nickel and cobalt used in the production of EV batteries was not only expensive, but also raised environmental concerns related to mining and refining of the materials. There are also geopolitical issues.

Almost a third of nickel’s global production comes from China and Russia. Cobalt is similarly affected.

McKinsey and Co. says about 70 percent of the world’s production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which ‘operates without the safety standards or worker protections’ afforded in first-world countries, and allows child labour – a report from Institutional Shareholder Services says.

Mr Ijaz was also quick to note the other issue surrounding mixed chemistry batteries – the widely publicised issue of EV battery fires.

“Nickel and cobalt, when paired together, are an oxide chemistry and represent a risk of thermal runaway,”

he said. Automotive News stated several manufacturers in the United States had already recalled NMC chemistry batteries due to fire risk, including Chevrolet and Hyundai.

Mr Ijaz said the dual-battery projected, called Gemini after the astrological twins, leverages different battery chemistries to achieve lower costs, increased safety and reliability, and to provide the edge-case range consumers seek.

ONE is already reported to be working with BMW to begin field testing an electric iX SUV equipped with the Gemini battery system later this year.

– Matt Brogan

• Honda secures additional 500 Civic Type R units, reduces some wait times to nine months —

Page 37

The ‘other’ Mustang...

Ford has issued pricing and further details on its ‘other’ Mustang – the three model Mach-E fully-electric SUV.

The single-motor, rear-wheel drive Mach-E Select entry level model is listed from $79,990, the more powerful single-motor, rear-wheel drive Mach-E Premium from $92,990 and the dual-motor, all-wheel drive MachE GT range-topper from $108,990, all plus on-road costs.

In the price range, the five-seat Mach-E has a number of battery electric vehicle, BEV, competitors spanning large and medium SUV segments that include the Kia EV6 large SUV ranging from $72,590 to $99,590, the Tesla Model Y medium size SUV from $69,300 to $95,300 and perhaps Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 medium SUV from $69,900 to $77,500 – all plus on-road costs.

Other premium manufacturers offer vehicles of similar size and specification but at higher prices.

In the pricing announcement, Ford Australia does not provide a firm delivery date for the Mach-E, simply saying it will arrive ‘late this year’. However, it did provide a ‘grade

walk’ of the three variant’s specification, which customers can reserve through an online portal at Ford’s public website.

The range starts with the Mach-E Select that uses a 71kWh lithium iron phosphate, LFP, battery mated to a single electric motor which delivers 198kW and 430Nm of torque via the rear wheels.

The LFP battery is new to Ford, more durable and uses fewer highdemand, high-cost materials.

The new battery technology gives it the ability to sustain fast charging as it approaches maximum capacity that translates into a driving range of up to 470km for the Select model.

The variant scores a large 15.5-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4A system.

A 360-degree camera assists parking, while mellifluous tones are provided by a B&O sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer. The model scores wireless phone charging and generous rear seat legroom from the flat floor.

ISOFIX mounts are located on the two outboard rear seats and top tether anchors for all three back seats for easier child seat installation. The rear

seats fold 60:40 to increase rear luggage space when needed.

Mach-E Select features black onyx sensico seats, which is a ‘premium’ artificial leather upholstery. The front seats are eight-way powered.

Mach-E Select’s exterior features 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof and Ford’s E-Latch door handles, not forgetting the ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for additional luggage space.

Stepping up is the Mach-E Premium, with a bigger 91kWh battery delivering 216kW and 430Nm of torque via a single motor on the rear axle.

It has the longest potential driving range of the line-up with up to a claimed 600km of range.

Mach-E Premium adds a touch more luxury, with LED projector head-

lights, premium-finish scuff plates and pedals and interior upgrades including red contrast stitching to its Black Onyx Sensico seats black headliner and multi-colour ambient lighting as standard.

Topping out the range is the performance oriented Mach-E GT that can clock a zero to 100kmh sprint in a claimed 3.7 seconds.

The same 91kWh battery as Premium is used to power dual motors, one at the front and one at the rear, delivering a combined 358kW and 860Nm of torque to all four wheels with a driving range of up to a claimed 490km.

Ford Australia says the Mach-E GT will be their fastest accelerating model offered in Australia.

Dynamics on the Mach-E GT are uprated commensurate with the power

output starting with MagneRide active suspension, which can adjust up to 1000 times a second allowing the dampers to respond in real-time to changing road conditions or driving style. The system also automatically adjusts damping force based on the selected drive mode.

All three Mach-E provide multiple drive modes and feature one pedal drive through the accelerator pedal and FordPass connectivity, which lets owners access a range of information about the vehicle from afar via the FordPass App on a smartphone, as well as key EV connected services and charging information.

Ford Australia plans to launch at least five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024.

– Peter Barnwell

RELEASE: Ford’s ‘other’ Mustang, the Mach-E, is the first of five battery electric vehicles to be launched by the end of 2024.

Honda secures more Civic stock

Honda Australia has announced reduced wait times for customers who have placed an order for its Civic Type R. Honda said it had been continuously monitoring the situation regarding extended wait times and had ‘sought opportunities’ to minimise the impact to Civic Type R customers.

The importer has secured an additional 500 units of the Civic Type R for Australian delivery, which it states, ‘will be made available for customers in 2023’.

Estimated arrival times have been reduced by up to nine months, with ‘the latest orders now scheduled for February 2024’.

As reported by GoAuto earlier this year, wait times for the Japanese hot hatch were approaching 24 months, with more than 1000 orders on the books in Australia alone.

The delays stemmed from an overwhelming number of orders for the ‘fastest front-wheel drive Honda has ever produced’ – particularly in the United States, Europe and Japan –which forced a stop-sale order on the model in January.

Now, with production catching up on demand, wait times are beginning to return to normal.

Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon said Honda centres across

the country had already started contacting customers with an update to their specific delivery date.

She said in the case of all future model launches, Honda Australia would endeavour to ensure sufficient stock levels were acquired for customer demands, but noted production lead times were susceptible to ‘worldwide issues in the supply chain’, including the global shortage of semiconductor parts.

The Honda Civic Type R is priced

from $72,600 drive-away nationally and offers 235kW at 6500rpm and 420Nm from 2600rpm to 4000rpm to make it the most powerful yet – and also the most expensive.

Honda’s hot hatch predecessor was priced at $54,990 before on-road costs, which placed it within reach of rivals including the Hyundai i30 N, Mini JCW, Renault Megane RS Trophy, Subaru WRX tS, Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R. It is now more closely priced to rival

all-wheel drive performance hatches from German premium brands, including the Audi S3 and BMW M135i xDrive Pure.

Honda says the front-wheel drive and six-speed manual hot hatch promises a more responsive and ‘more thrilling’ drive experience than before, the K20C1 engine boasting a redesigned turbocharger and more efficient exhaust system to offer improvements of 7kW and 20Nm over the previous model.

Top safety marks for Mercedes-Benz EQE

Australasian New Car Assessment Program, ANCAP, has awarded the new Mercedes-Benz EQE electric vehicle a five-star safety rating, making it the second battery electric model in the large car segment to be rated by the safety body.

It is one of 60 battery electric vehicle, BEV, and alternative-powered models rated by ANCAP to date across the Australian and New Zealand market.

The battery-powered model was awarded high scores for the crash protection offered to vehicle occupants.

Assessed against ANCAP’s 202022 protocols, the EQE achieves the second-highest score to date for adult occupant protection, 95 percent, and equalled the second-highest score set

for child occupant protection, 92 percent. Vulnerable road user protection and safety assist scores were lower at 83 and 82 percent respectively.

The five-star rating applies to EQE 300 and EQE 350 4Matic sedans with ANCAP noting the duo’s full suite of airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag and centre airbag, and head and chest protecting airbags in both seating rows.

ANCAP noted ‘good’ protection for the head of both front seat occupants and for the prevention of excursion in the far side impact test. The EQE scored an ‘adequate’ result in the vehicle-to-pole scenario.

It further noted the passenger compartment of the EQE remained stable in the frontal offset test, stating protection of the driver’s chest and legs

was ‘adequate’, with ‘good’ protection afforded to all other body regions.

Protection of the front passenger dummy was rated as ‘good’ for all critical body regions.

However, the front structure of the EQE was said to present a ‘moderate’ risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle, and a 1.83-point penalty was applied.

In the full width frontal test, protection was marked as ‘adequate’ for the chest of both driver and the rear passenger, while ‘good’ protection was offered for all other critical body regions. In the side impact and oblique pole test, protection offered to all critical body regions was listed as ‘good’ – the EQE scoring maximum points in these tests.

For child occupants, and in the fron-

tal offset and side impact tests, ANCAP noted protection of the six and 10-year-old dummies as ‘good’ with maximum points scored.

The EQE is fitted as standard with an autonomous emergency braking system capable of recognising and reacting to pedestrians, with ANCAP noting the system shows ‘good’ performance in pedestrian test scenarios. ‘Good’ performance was also seen in cyclist test scenarios. In the safety assist area of testing, the EQE was further praised for the ability of its AEB system to function satisfactorily at highway speeds, and for the standard fitment of a lane support system with lane keep assist and emergency lane keeping functionality, and a blind spot monitoring system.

Honda says it has retuned the Civic Type R’s dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension to improve straight-line stability and steering feel, while two-piece front rotors reduce unsprung mass and improve braking performance.

The Type R rides on 19-inch matte black alloy wheels shod with 265-30 profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

On the equipment front, the Australian 2023 Honda Civic Type R will offer individual drive modes, an active exhaust valve, 10.2-inch digital driver display, a 9.0-inch infotainment array with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, Honda LogR telemetry system, sat nav, folding door mirrors and ambient door and footwell lighting.

The Civic Type R shares much of its safety equipment with the Civic VTi LX including a full complement of airbags, blind-spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limiter and driver attention monitor.

Inside, the cockpit includes the Civic Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob and a serialised Type R build plate affixed to the dashboard.

The Civic Type R is offered in a range of four paint colours including championship white, rally red, crystal black and sonic grey.

– Matt Brogan

Matt Brogan

TESTED: Protection of the front passenger dummy was rated as ‘good’ for all critical body regions.

SECURED: Honda Australia has secured an additional 500 Civic Type R units, reducing some wait times to nine months.

1. We occasionally see Alaskan malamutes in the Wimmera. What are they?

2. What prominent international leader is famously quoted as saying: “Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”

3. What is the traditional meat used in the aromatic Persian culinary dish rogan josh?

5. What famous literary character was inspired by Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia who ruled his kingdom from 1456 to 1462 and was revered as a folk hero in Romania and Bulgaria but also had a reputation for cruelty?

6. What is Victoria’s official motto?

7. What iconic Australian food brand was founded in the late 1800s and has a colourful parrot native to the many parts of the country including the Wimmera as its emblem?

www.consortiumpw.com.au

ARIES:

(March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.3.

Lotto Numbers: 9.6.12.25.40.33.

A period of great stability within the family and lots of happy periods coming up. Also a very good period for luck and hunches could be paying off.

8. How many soldiers were in a Roman legion? A. 2000

B. 4000 C. 6000 D. 8000

9. What Wimmera footballer, who started his football career at Nhill, played 23 games for VFL-AFL club Richmond during the 196566 seasons, coached a 1975 premiership with Ararat in Wimmera league and also forged a reputation as a prominent regional swimming instructor?

10. Where would you find Zygons, Cybermen, Ice Warriors, Groins, Aggedors, Drashigs, Sontarans, Wirrn and Krynoids?

TAURUS:

(April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.34.40.33. Lucky period in real estate dealings. Many will get their wishes coming true. Singles could find the love of their life and many long running love affairs could have their happy endings.

GEMINI:

(May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.7.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.24.40.39.7. Most will be feeling happier and more relaxed. New relationships could be happening to the eligible. Good time for socializing.

CANCER:

(June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7.9.6.2.

9.

8.

partium Transalpinarum. His father, known as Dracul, was a member of the Order of the Dragon. Drac is based on the word dragon. 6. Peace and prosperity. 7. Rosella.

killing enemies, wrote his name in Latin documents as Wladislaus Dragwyla, vaivoda

Dracula. Vlad, also known posthumously as ‘the impaler’ for his preferred way of

Answers: 1. Dogs. 2. Winston Churchill 3. Lamb. 4. A, B, C and D. 5. Bram Stoker’s

Lotto Numbers: 7.15.26.34.40.22. There should be some improvements in family life and maybe an increase in family size. Luck in games of chance are indicated.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.40.45. There should be greater stability in your relationships with loved ones and gains in your emotional make up. More responsibility in your working environment and better returns for hard work.

VIRGO:

(August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.8.22. Moves or travel coming up soon. Could end up overseas, maybe even for longer periods at a time. Benefits through love and marriage and more security in personal matters indicated.

LIBRA:

(September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2.6.3.5.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.39.9.11.

Time to get up and get going, so many new ideas and ventures coming up for you. You could take up studies again. Otherwise try to improve yourself. Love and companionship will find the lonely.

SCORPIO:

(October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.1.

Lotto Numbers: 9.12.26.34.40.45.

   

Good news should be reaching you soon and you should soon be in the process of achieving your aims in life. You could be regaining contacts with people from long ago. Health should improve dramatically.

SAGITTARIUS:

  a For the week May 20 - May 26(November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 4.15.12.26.35.36.

Many will travel and broaden their horizons; this could change their outlook on life. Many of your present problems could now find solutions. Some good luck should be on its way soon.

CAPRICORN:

(December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.3.11.

Many will become interested in spiritual things during the next few months. Many will be in for material gains in many ways. Some, who thought they were past it could become involved in a torrid love affair.

AQUARIUS:

(January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.40.12.

You could see the return of an old friend and many could be rekindling old love affairs. You could be taking on some added responsibility, but this should also bring in added income into your budget.

PISCES:

(February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

   

Lotto Numbers: 9.6.15.24.45.33. This should be one of the best times of the whole year and many of your wishes could come true now. Be careful with mechanical gadgets that are not new.

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

C. 6000. Each

legion was divided into 10 cohorts and each cohort has six centuria.

(03) 5382 1351 horsham@aceradio.com.au www.weeklyadvertiser.com.au/classifieds CLASSIFIEDS Let our classified team make your notice special... We can help you with all personal notices from birthdays, to engagements & weddings, death & memoriam notices!

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID S

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Crossword

Crossword

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

Home: The Story Of Earth 11:05 Australia

Remastered 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Messenger (M l) 2:00 Monsters Or Medicine? (M) 3:00 Escape From The City

4:00 Antiques Roadshow 5:00 Back Roads

(PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum

7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia

8:30 Traces (M l) 9:20 Mayfair Witches (MA15+) 10:05 Interview With The Vampire (MA15+) 10:45 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe (M l,s) 11:10 ABC Late News 11:30 The Split (PG) 12:30 Smother (M l,v) 2:15 rage (M)

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

Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “My Neighbour’s

6:00 Freshly Picked 6:30 My Market Kitchen 7:00 Farm To Fork 7:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 8:00 Everyday Gourmet 8:30 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 9:00 Judge Judy (PG) 9:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00

2:00 Jade Fever (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Pawn Stars South Africa (PG) 4:00 Pawn Stars UK

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars Texas (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:30 Movie: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (M v) (’17) Stars: Tom Holland 10:15 Movie: “Takers (M l,v) (’10) Stars: Chris Brown

2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle

Play School 4:00 Andy’s Safari

Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00

Peppa Pig 5:35 Interstellar Ella 6:05

High School

8:00 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness 8:25 Good Game Spawn

Point 8:50 Voltron: Legendary Defender (PG)

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer

(PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Traces (M l)

1:15 The North Water (M l,s,v) 2:15 The Durrells (PG) 3:05 Grand Designs Revisited:

Derbyshire 3:55 Landline 4:25 Monsters Or Medicine? (PG) 5:20 Ningaloo Nyinggulu

6:20 The ABC Of Julia Gillard (M l) 6:50

Bluey 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Sister Boniface Mysteries (PG) 8:15 The North Water (M l,v)

9:15 Ragdoll (MA15+) 10:05 The Messenger (M l) 10:55 Fires (M l) 11:50 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) 5:00 rage (MA15+)

Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks

(PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Kids Are All Right” (M) (’10) Stars: Annette Bening 10:15 Documentary Now! (M)

Boy” (PG) (’09)

Stars: Freddie Highmore 8:45 Movie: “The Dark Knight” (M v) (’08) Stars: Christian Bale 11:45 The Emily Atack Show (MA15+)

(PG)

2:00 Alpine Rally Of East Gippsland 100th Event 3:00

Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00 Last Stop

Garage (PG) 4:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 5:30

Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn

tV GuIDe

When Llewelyn Clark bought Clarks Removals off his parents in 2005 it set course for the brand to be one of the most recognised in the Wimmera.

TEXT HERE

Based in Stawell, Clarks merged with Rowe’s Removals in 2013 creating a Wimmera-based removal service that travels across Australia.

Rowe’s Removals have a great team of fulltime and casual removalists who care for your needs like their own.

They cater to private clients, corporate, government, health and social organisations guaranteeing the best in confidential service.

Distance is not a concern for Rowe’s and they can provide obligation-free quotes so you know you are in good hands.

Rowe’s also offer self-storage, warehousing and courier services so they have your needs covered.

Call Rowe’s Removals on 5358 3942 or email removals@clarksfurnture.com.au

869 919

Classifieds

HAYES, Sharon Maree

Passed away suddenly at home, Horsham on April 27, 2023, aged 58 years.

Proud mother of Shannon, sister of Peter, daughter of Norma and Des (dec) and friend to many. Funny and kind, taken too young. Forever loved.

MACKENZIE, Rex

30-5-1937 to 8-5-2023

Loved Brother of Greg and Brother-in-law of Margaret

You gave your best, Time to Rest

TEGELHUTER, Trudy

BREEN, Bill

25-4-1950 to 20-5-2022

1st Anniversary

Your classifieds team

1 male Jack Russell X mini Foxie, m/chip# 953010006017608, source# EE213320 Ph 53910224

Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic# 3NGLM058 $250ea

Ph 53585079

Border Collie pups 8 weeks old, black and white, m/c# 956000014901145, 956000014931617 Ph 0427545546

Budgerigars, show birds at pet prices

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors and Staff of West Wimmera Health Service acknowledge the passing of Trudy Tegelhuter on Monday, May 1, 2023. Trudy was an Administration Assistant within our Community Health program at Minyip and Murtoa. She was a friendly, dedicated and devoted employee who was enthusiastic about making a positive difference to the lives of others through her work. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to Darren and family.

It’s been one year since you left us, remembering you today and always.

1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy , vacc, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please $500 Ph 0481756063

Ph 0447080439

Budgies, babies available $10ea Ph 0423976711

MACKENZIE, Rex

30-5-1937 to 8-5-2023

Passed away at Ballarat Base. Loved husband of Shirley. Much loved father and fatherin-law of Julie & Jerry, Trevor & Sisi.

Pa to Kyle Tamika, Scott, Chels and his 3 great grandchildren.

Loved & Remembered Always

As is the family’s wishes, Rex will be farewelled at a private family service.

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

McDONALD, Ross

Passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 aged 88 years.

Dearly loved husband of Joy (dec).

Loving father and father-inlaw of Warren & Kate; Ewan & Kaye; Michelle & James (dec); Cameron & Joy.

Adored Grandpa to Kirsty & Stephanie; Angus, Toby & Isabel; Brady, Claye, Ned & Jada; Daniel, Matthew & Elizabeth and Great Grandpa to Herbert & Clara.

Reunited with Joy

Passed away on May 5, 2023 aged 73 years.

Dearly loved husband of Joy.

Loving father of Corey, Nicole, Nathan, Janelle, Nomes, Beck, Angie and their partners.

Adored Pa to all of his grandchildren.

“One last trip to Blanket Flats”

HAYES, Sharon Maree

The Funeral of Sharon Maree Hayes will take place at the graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, May 19, 2023 commencing at 10.30am

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

McDONALD, Ross

The Funeral of Ross McDonald will take place at the graveside, Edenhope Cemetery on Monday, May 22, 2023 commencing at 1pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

SMITH, John Francis

Requiem Mass will be offered for the Repose of the Soul of John Francis Smith at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Thursday, May 18, 2023 commencing at 10am

At the conclusion of Mass the cortege will leave for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444

Thank you

~ LAWSON ~ Donald

Margaret and the family of Don wish to acknowledge our thanks to all those who travelled to Mt Gambier to attend his funeral service, sent flowers & cards and gave their support before and after his passing.

Margaret Lawson

Love Xavier, Mary-Ellen & families SMITH, John Francis

10 Ring Neck parrots, assorted colours, 2 Rosella Parrots, 1 BHG seed $500 the lot Ph 0407821021

10wks old boy Chihuahua, black in colour with few marks, ready to go now, vacc, chipped, wormed, mc # 953010006385194 $2500 Ph 0406048840

2 Jack Russell X Mini Foxie male pups for sale, mchip# 953010006017’608/665, source#

EE213320 Ph 53910224

Birds for sale, opaline turks, Bourkes all colours inc rubino, pied, cream, pink and rosa, all young birds, ring for prices

Ph 0408535515

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

Budgies, just out of nest, pastel colours and lace wings $10ea Ph 0419505737

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea

Ph 0423182267

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel blk and tan female 12mths old entire, preferably pet only, up to date with worm and fleaing,requires a vac (no papers), m/chip# 985141004441845 $2200, Also available 6 CKCS pups 3 M, 3 F, purebred (no papers) black Tan and Tri.colours, ready to go 02/05/23, microchipped,vac, wormed, flea ‘d, collect from Horsham, 985141005200801, 75/6319851410 05201475/985141003955788, 956 source# MB113692 $2500 Ph 0409498729

Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill

Groodle Puppies, male and female, these pups have been raised in a loving family environment, they will come microchipped ,vaccinated and vet for checked, ready for their new loving homes 6/5/23, mchip# 9530100 02517042/4970175/4614317/9560000

9595265, source# MB103066 for more information phone or text 0473426843

Hungarian Vizsla puppies ready by 10th May 2023, 1 male 4 females, vet checked, vaxxed, m/chip 953010006426842/60/64/89/902, source# MB216417, both parents available to view Ph Kirsty 0413926539

Irish wolfhound puppies, 3 females

2 males, 8 weeks old ready to go to forever home, source # MB219337 m/c# 956000015736667, 956000015616879 ,956000015727358, 956000014910884,956000015735516 Ph 0447001016

Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Roosters and ducks wanted Ph 0469740723

I guess when mum made the arrangements she was thinking of us as well as herself.

Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of 5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au

Our professional staff will ensure your family is provided with the highest level of care available.

2004 Regent caravan, one owner, always shedded, immaculate condition, 19’6”, dual axle, new awning, new tv antenna, diesel heater, reverse cycle aircon, oven grill, gas cooktop, as new annexe, selling de to health reasons, view and pick up Horsham $22,500ono Ph 0429957290 # 2005 Jayco pop-top 16’, reg til 12/23, EC, island d/bed, new annex, battery, kitchen and extras $20,000ono Ph 0428854313

Safari 236 Caravan 2011 with roll out awning, 90 watt solar panel, 30amp solar regulator, 15” off road rims and tyres, elec brakes, battery pack with Anderson charge plug, 3 water tanks, air conditioning, ensuite shower, toilet, washing machine, vanity, storage, 4 burner stove, oven, microwave, 184L automatic 3 way fridge, television, CD/ DVD/AM-FM radio, “L” shape seating, q/bed, and much more, EC, as good as new, no catches, genuine sale, if you are serious this is a must see, too good to miss $63,000neg Ph 0429671764 Safari Delta 216, 21’6” 2015 build, full ensuite, q/bed, full solar independent off road suspension, full oven, large fridge, microwave, washing machine, leather seating, large oven, full length annexe, colour coded to match van, this is the van with the lot, selling due to no further use $49,700ono Ph 0429198599

Darche Hi View roof top tent with annex, EC, comes complete with large full zip on/off annex, ideal for travelling or camping $1000 Ph 0408576391

Ezytrail camper, Sterling G, Mark 2, EC $21,999ono Ph John 0427562876

Viscount pop-up caravan with safety cord and extension cord, 2-way fridge, 4-cooker, oven, collapsible kettle, compact cookware set, foldable dish drainer, microwave, air conditioner, 1 d/bed, 1 s/bed, L-shape sofa, ample storage $5700neg Text 0419600049 or 0405516207

Windsor Caravan 1998 , 19’6 Statesman, island bed, reading lights, battery pack skylight, aircon, gas stove, microwave, fridge, rollout awning, annexe walls ECT $19,500 Ph 53820505

Galaxy 2007, new Tebbs annexe, a/c, oven, fridge, rego, batteries $25,000ono Ph 0402933972

New Brooks Adrenaline men’s sneakers, size 12 $80 Ph 0427993510

Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397

Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC# 3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521

1987 16’ Pop-top stateman caravan, reg, island d/bed, canvas annex, 3 way fridge, gas stove $6000 Ph 0437852626

1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134

2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, Engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020

Jayco Outback Swan 10/2007, comes fully equipped, reg until Dec 23, all standard features, queen and double bed, sleeps 5, lots of storage, 3 way fridge/freezer, microwave, 4 burner cooktop, full annexe, roof storage rack and bike rack, Anderson plug for on road charging, inspections welcome $17,500neg Ph 0417160279

Mars Camper Trailer, hard floor annex, electric winch, GC $6000 neg Ph 0427957212

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS -

*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number

PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register

LIVESTOCK -

*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

REDUCED Mazda BT3-500

When mum said years ago she was going to make funeral arrangements, we were surprised...

caravans

caravans caravans

53844274

Inter Combine 511, 28 row, Trash

Floats,stars and plates, serviced and in working order $7000ono Ph 0407911884

Haines Hunter, 560SL, 1989 EC, Yamaha O/B 140 hp, oil injected,160lts

F/ T, cray pot winch, rod holders, lowrance fish finder, live bait tank, cutting table, HF marine radios, S/ Gear, canopy, boat cover, EPIRB, flares, life jackets, Mackay tandem axle trailer 57502, 02/2003 s/guard, boat latch $39,000 Ph Barrie 0427861004

Light blue Toyota Corolla sport 2005, 311,000kms, TRD592 $2500 Ph 0493100329

Mitsubishi 2014 Galant, auto, red, very good tyres and battery, 11mths reg, always garaged, 305,000kms

FLJ115 $2500 Ph 0402139711

Nissan Utility Twin Cab, unreg, vin# UNGD21415702 $2500ono Ph 53840235

2015 Audi A3 Attraction , style and technik package, auto, heated seats, front and back sensors, 17’ alloy wheels, 68,000kms, one owner, perfect condition 1DB 9YP $28,000 Ph 0400961401

Rare Astor roller dial console radio, ex working order and cond Ph 53824316

Lister shearing

Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 pedal kayak with motor, 50AH lithium battery and motor controller, extra hatch covers added $2,500 Ph 0407305457

2009 Chrysler Pt Cruiser GT, black, fully option car, RWC and reg supplied, EC, lady owner, 115,000kms, XMS899 $9000ono Ph 0428123694

Holden Gemini x2 , 1981 TE8TF69-188333B, 4dr sed man SL, 1983 TG8TF69-241320B, 4dr sed man SL, as is both $4300ono Ph 0427801969 no text

F250 Ute 2002 XLT Power stroke diesel V8, 284838kms, right hand column auto, tub liner, tie down points, tow bar, bucket seats, elec windows and mirrors, a/c, tyres 90%, rego 28th Aug 23 RUG765 $42,000 Ph 53826103 in business hours

REDUCED Yamaha CLP330 Clavinova Digital Piano, EC, great sound and feel, includes stool $2250 Ph0428894232

Student Cello and Bow $500 Ph 0427712331

New Omega electric oven display model, 900mm L, 800mm H, 560mm, D $1000neg Ph 0427993510

Steel fireguard/fence with gate 1mx1mx800H, very stable VGC $200ono Ph 53564225.

Speedboat, 4.8m, 202 red motor, dog clutch, reg NBO069 and trailer Q99607 $5600 Ph 0409423541

Vicking Fisherman canoe with paddles, 3.6mtrs, with wheels $900 Ph 0419590475

Invacare Comet Alpine Gopher, VGC, batteries replaced recently, charger, lights, indicators $1150 Ph 0409524112

Mobility Gopher Pathfinder 140XL as new condition with new batteries $3000 Ph 0427957212

Tyre 195 70R14, new, suits Camry Conquest $90 Ph 0407561135

2012 Mazda 3 Neo Sedan, auto, rear spoiler, full service history, one owner, reliable car, 70,000kms, ZBM052 $14,000 Ph 0428852507 2017 Holden BL Astra, 1.4l turbo petrol with auto, RWC, 4 new tyres, reg til 5/23, one owner, always shedded, full tank of petrol included, genuine reason for sale,

Ford Ranger 2015 PX MkII XLT Hi-Rider Utility super cab 4dr, spts auto 6sp, 4x2 1100kg, 3.2DT, 125,000km, white interior colour, charcoal, 6spd sports automatic, 4drs, 4 seat Ute, 5-cylinder Diesel Turbo Intercooled 3.2L, Reg July 23 TWK2HZ $29,900 Ph 53826103 in business hours

Land for lease, 860acres, cropping/ grazing, Miga Lake $70 per acre, 3yr terms and 640 acres, cropping/grazing, Douglas $65 per acre, 3yr term Ph 0429811803

Marcy exercise nike as new $100ono Ph 0458192247

Falcon Ute, BF stroke, FG, petrol, tray on tub, RWC and rego Ph 0428944462

Wooden wool table cane wool basket, rabbit traps and yabby copper Ph 0400017344

Table and 6 dining chairs, colonial style, table length 1750x1m width $300 Ph 0438064358

Honda Grom 2019, 1000 km, rego 2G3MN 24/01/24 RWC sports, exhaust factory included $4000 Murtoa Ph 0428852409

REDUCED 2017 Honda Civic VTI-L Hatch, CVT auto, pristine condition, black sports pack, apple carplay, 1.5L turbo, new tyres, 41,000 country kms, Honda 7yr warranty, roadside assist, reg May 2023, always garaged, genuine sale 1MT2IG $29,500 Ph 0408881137

2019 Evolution 600 Apex Extreme, on Dunbier rull roller deluxe alloy trailer, Mercury 225hp 3.4lt V6 four stroke engine, elec power steering, fully equipped for crayfishing in SA and is equipped with anchor maz pot puller, marine carpets, full protection mat, always garaged, new as cond, low engine hours, genuine reason for sale, private sale, interested buyers may ring obligation free for further details, boat garaged in Robe, South Australia, VK748 $128,000 Ph 0418548726

REDUCED Suzuki DRZ400 motorbike , 2020, 12mths reg, 1800kms, 2L2KO $8000 Ph 0417050612

Aria, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, EC $300 Ph 0413207022

3.7 Stacer Alum Boat, 18hp Tohatsu Motor, boat and motor covers, boat Tx874, trailer Y98760 $5000 Ph 0418810802

Suzuki Solo Intruder , 250cc, immaculate condition, 17,000kms, 2012 model IT6ZI $4750 Ph 0427361940

2001 Berlini, rego SDT063 $2700 Ph 0409144655

Original metres kilocycles megacycle short wave, 5 valve console radio, serial# 2114, EC, working order Ph 53824316

Stock crate, steel sides, 15’ x 8’ $250

Ph 0428826809

Superior Multihead slasher mower, 8’,3 PL, new condition $4000 ono Ph 53826461 or 0429309491

Table and 6 dining chairs, colonial style, table length 1750x1m width $300 Ph 0438064358

Transportable home, Bond home, 2 bedroom, VGC, includes veranda and hot water service and water tank, can arrange delivery, currently in Stawell, new $164,000 sell for $85,000 Ph Ken 0428123694

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, May 21

Edenhope 10am LR

Goroke 10am LR

Natimuk 10am LR

Vectis 10am LR

Dimboola 11am LR

Bec Hance & Cynthia Lawrance

Donald Engines

Tractors & Collectables Auction

THIS Saturday, May 20 @ 10.30am

Racecourse Rd – Industrial Shed Bid NOW, online, or live at the Auction Register & photos: lowenthalauctions.com.au

Bruce Lowenthal 0408 527 741

expressions of interest

Independent Member of Audit Risk and Finance Committee

Expressions of Interest

Wimmera CMA is seeking expressions of interest from a qualified person as an independent member of the Audit Risk and Finance Committee. This is a paid position.

For further information please contact:

Camille Butler-Pope Chief Finance Officer camille.butler@wcma.vic.gov.au

Applications close: 10am Wednesday May 24

LINEHAUL DRIVER WANTED

Required for Horsham – Melbourne – Horsham run.

Based in Horsham VIC 3400. Must have either MC or HC licence and Forklift licence preferred.

Must be neat, clean and well-presented, also must be able to work autonomously. Immediate start.

Attractive salary package for the right applicant. Please send resume to: luke@caledoniantransport.com.au

Christian Devotion

Christian Devotion

Jesus spoke in parables (stories) to make it easy for people to understand His message. One of His parables was about a woman who lost one of her 10 silver coins. So distressed was she at this loss that she turned her place upside down looking for it. When at last she found it she was so full of joy that she rushed around and told all her friends and neighbours that she had found her lost coin. (Luke 15:8-10.)

Jesus said this is how God feels about us when we are ‘lost’ to Him. He longs for us to return – that is why He sent His Son, Jesus. God’s rejoicing is unbounded when we recover our lost relationship with Him and call Him “Father” – our heavenly Father. Jesus is our Way back to the Father. In a similar parable Jesus describes Himself as a Shepherd tending His flock of sheep. One sheep goes missing so the shepherd goes to find it and restore it to the fold. (Luke 15:4-7). This is a beautiful picture of how Jesus loves us. When I was in the Middle East I saw firsthand shepherds caring for their flocks, walking along the road with them, guiding them to fresh pastures and protecting them. What a loving relationship we can have with our Father in heaven. Please embrace this wonderful gift from God.

Jennifer Pearson, City Heart Church of Christ, Stawell

Changes to the Sustainable Forests

(Timber) Act 2004 NEW LAWS RELATING TO ILLEGAL PROTEST ACTIVITIES IN TIMBER HARVESTING SAFETY ZONES ARE COMING INTO EFFECT FROM 20 MAY 2023.

The changes have been made to deter illegal and dangerous protest activities in timber harvesting safety zones and make them safer for workers and protestors. Under the new laws penalties for existing offences will be updated and new offences introduced.

From May 2023 the following changes will come into effect:

• The maximum penalties for most offences related to timber harvesting safety zones will increase. Maximum penalties for some offences increased to 120 penalty units ($21,000+) or 12 months imprisonment.

• PVC and metal pipes added to the ‘prohibited things’ list. Regulations can be established to add further items if required without legislative change.

Banning Notices can be issued to protesters engaging in dangerous activities. Banning them immediately from one or more timber harvesting safety zones.

Authorised Officers will have increased Powers of Search in timber harvesting safety zones. Clarification that individuals who interfere with timber harvesting operators or their machinery in timber harvesting safety zones may be found guilty of an offence.

Come Join Our Team!

Wimmera Aquatrail Shop Assistant

Wimmera Aquatrail currently has an exciting position for an energetic salesperson.

This is a diverse position to work in a business that caters to the sale of irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping supplies and services in the Wimmera region.

Previous experience with irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping/turf management industries would be highly valued but not essential. We will provide on-the-job and external product training from industry leaders.

The Position:

• Irrigation and pump salesperson

• Customer service in all areas of the business

• Nursery and landscaping sales and advisor

• The position is full time, and the position incumbent will form part of a weekend roster

• Remuneration- above award rates

About you

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Willingness to learn all areas of the business

• Irrigation/pump knowledge and pump repair skills are also an advantage

If you are looking for employment security and value the importance of great customer service with good attention to detail, then this could be the perfect job for you.

To express your interest in this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to apply@chsgroup.com.au or call in and see us at Wimmera Aquatrail, 2 Apricot Ave, Horsham.

“ I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.”

Supporting thriving, productive and sustainable communities, environments and industries, at DEECA we’re focused on creating a liveable, inclusive and sustainable Victoria with thriving natural environments where the community is at the centre of everything we do.

Technical Assistant

• Salary: $56,271 - $72,262 (Plus Superannuation)

• Fixed Term, (period of 3 years)

• Usual hours of work: Full Time (flexibility may be available)

• Usual work location: Horsham (flexibility may be available)

This position will fill an important technical role in the pulse breeding and research team within Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR), located in Horsham. We require someone to assist in field trial operations for the National Lentil Breeding Program that is co-funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and will contribute to a world class, technologically advanced breeding program.

The key accountabilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Establish and manage field trials on a range of crops to a high standard.

• Provide technical support for the molecular pulse breeding program under general supervision and within a defined delivery framework.

• Plan and prioritise own work program to achieve defined targets.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of crop growth and appropriate agronomic practices to ensure optimal production as well as experience in operating complex farm machinery such as tractors, seeders, harvesters and spray units. If you can work independently and as part of a team and are able to demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft office packages, then this could be the position for you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Ian Fox, Senior Technical Officer on 0420 966 328, or via email: ian.fox@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

How to Apply

Qualified Mechanic - LV or Diesel IMMEDIATE START

$35-$50 hour depending on experience Located on the Western Highway in Ararat

We are:

• A dealer for Deutz Fahr, Kioti and other machinery.

• A Repco Authorised Service Centre

• A Stihl and small engine dealership. Ideally you will have:

• A Trade Certificate – LV or Diesel

• Practical Experience

• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills

• Excellent work ethic

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Reliable, self-motivated and have attention to detail

• Ability to work in a small team

• Current driver’s licence

• Permission to work in Australia Remuneration depends on current skill level.

Ph: Terry 0417 300 548; Kerry 0407 898 974; Email: kerry@araratauto.com.au

2023 Teaching Positions

An exciting opportunity exists at Ss Michael & John’s, Horsham, for an enthusiastic Physical Education teacher who is passionate about building affirming relationships and committed to contemporary teaching and learning practices.

This position is for Terms 3 & 4, 2023

Applications for both full-time and part-time will be considered. Our community is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care.

Applications close: 31st May, 2023

Positions commence: Term 3 2023

Please include a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae and reference list and forward to: Email: principal@smjhorsham.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Andrea Cox Principal

St Michael & St John’s Primary School PO Box 791, Horsham 3402 Phone: 03 5382 3000

SITUATION VACANT Client Manager

R30970

Chasing an independent CCTV INSTALLER for a commercial installation in Warracknabeal

If interested, please email johniok@hotmail.com with your hourly rate and experience.

The

@theweeklyaddy

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

38 hours per week

$34.47 to $38.43 per hour

Contact: Ruth-Cheryl Lennie

Co-Facilitator Men’s Behaviour Change Program

15.2 hours per week

$30.63 to $45.18 per hour

Contact: Jenn Tumney

Closing: 12pm Monday 22 May 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

As a result of continued growth and expansion, Newton Financial Group requires a Client Manager to join our team. If you have the following attributes, please email your resume to shaun@newtonfg.com.au or phone 03 50 833 117 during business hours:

CA, CPA or IPA Qualified (or willing to obtain)

• Minimum of 7+ years experience working in public practice

• A friendly, professional and flexible attitude

• In depth experience in the preparation and review of financial statements and income tax returns for individuals, companies and trusts

• Ideally experience with SMSF’s but not essential

• Ideally previous experience with primary production clients but not essential

• Must have strong communication skills, excellent work ethic and have the ability to work as part of a team.

• Driven to succeed and motivated

A positive attitude and a great willingness to learn

• Be able to build strong relationships with clients

• Have a passion for business advisory

ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser are looking for a Marketing Account Manager. If you tick the boxes in this advertisement, we would love to hear from you. This position comes with an attractive salary package and includes a work vehicle or allowance, laptop and phone allowance for both business and personal use. Training will be provided. To apply for this role please email a current resume and covering letter to kellys@aceradio.com.au. For a full position description, please call 5382 1351. ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer. Reliable Accountable Driven Approachable Enjoy sales Creative Self-motivated People-person Company car or allowance Phone allowance Laptop Attractive salary package + What the successful applicant will receive... Images for illustrative purposes only Apply now!

$ $ $ $

No. 4695 closes 31/05/2023

Registered / Enrolled Nurse

Permanent Full / Part Time

Job No. 4693 closes 02/06/2023

To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/

Classroom Teacher Position St. Patrick’s School, Nhill

Applications are invited from suitably qualified teachers, including graduates, for a full time, fixed term, classroom teaching position for Terms 3 & 4 2023, commencing on 10 July 2023.

be someone making a difference for people in your community

You can be more than part of your communitybe someone making a difference for people in your community

You can be more than part of your communitybe someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

Applicants must embrace a spirit of working in partnership with colleagues, students and parents in an exciting learning environment.

Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

See our website for further information

See our website for further information

We are eager for an enthusiastic teacher who displays excellent teaching skills to join our wonderful school community.

The successful applicant will -

With extensive growth and revised structure, we have two new executive leadership positions available for committed and passionate people to lead our growing community health organisation

With extensive growth and revised structure, we have two new executive leadership positions available for committed and passionate people to lead our growing community health organisation

With extensive growth and revised structure, we have two new executive leadership positions available for committed and passionate people to lead our growing community health organisation

General Manager Community Services

General Manager Community Services

General Manager Community Services

General Manager Systems and Engagement

General Manager Systems and Engagement

General Manager Systems and Engagement

 Full time or part time by negotiation

 Full time or part time by negotiation

 Full time or part time by negotiation

 $65.17 per hour base salary

 $65.17 per hour base salary

 $65.17 per hour base salary

• Possess the skills and abilities necessary to provide students with a rich and rewarding educational experience and will embrace a collegial, team-based approach to teaching and learning.

• Be appropriately qualified, demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to a range of educational abilities, and be able to provide care and support for students whilst supporting and respecting the ethos of the school and its environment.

• Have a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children.

 Attractive remuneration package in addition to base salary

 Attractive remuneration package in addition to base salary

 Attractive remuneration package in addition to base salary

Contact: Kate Astbury

Contact: Kate Astbury

Contact: Kate Astbury

Closing: 12pm Monday 5 June 2023

Closing: 12pm Monday 5 June 2023

Closing: 12pm Monday 5 June 2023

• hold or be seeking to hold Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration.

For a position description and application form visit www.spnhill.catholic.edu.au or email principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au

This school community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

Applications Close: Wednesday 24 May, 4pm

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

CLASSIFIEDS

(03) 5382 1351 horsham@aceradio.com.au

www.weeklyadvertiser.com.au/classifieds

NDIS Support Coordinator 2 positions

Join the largest and most experienced Support Coordination team in the region. Open to candidates who hold Qualification in Community Services, Human Services, Nursing or minimum 3 years’ experience working in a similar role, or Open to candidates currently studying case management, disability or community services (or willing to undertake a traineeship in Cert IV)

Assist customers to live independently in their home, keeping them safe and connected to their community.

About us:

Just Better Care is a leading provider of in home lifestyle and social support services in Australia for the ageing or people living with a disability. For over 15 years, we have been supporting older people, and people living with disability, to live independently in their own homes and stay connected to their local community.

We offer flexible work hours to suit your lifestyle with training and career support. As a representative of the Just Better Care brand, you can be proud of being part of a strong supportive team championing the rights of our clients

The role:

We are currently looking for two (2) Full-Time NDIS Support Coordinator who are passionate about delivering high quality services. The positions are located in Horsham and will require the person to travel to other locations within the region; therefore, a current drivers licence is essential.

While qualifications and experience are important, equally as important is who you are as a person. We are looking for someone with a passion for relationship building and supporting clients. In this role you will, and not limited to:

• Research, coordinate and manage a range of supports to suit individual needs

• Coordinate access to support items in an NDIS Participant’s Plan in line with the preferences of the participant to achieve the outcomes identified in the plan

• Support participants to strengthen their ability to connect with informal, mainstream and funded supports, and to increase capacity to maintain support relationships, and resolve service delivery issues within their local communities

• Support individuals to build their capacity and networks with the aim of greater choice, control and independence in managing their personal lifestyle choices

• Ensure that service provision is informed by the participants’ individual needs and is in line with current participant protocols or individual service plans, from JBC or other services engaged through Supports Coordination

Further information about the role, including the Selection Criteria, is outlined in the NDIS Support Coordinator Position Description. To request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Just Better Care - Western Victoria on 03 5381 1432 or email hr.wv@justbettercare.com Application close Friday 2 June 2023, 5pm.

The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre is a specialist organisation that provides therapeutic counselling, advocacy and professional education regarding sexual assault and family violence across the Barwon and Wimmera Regions.

Our Wimmera service, based in Horsham, provides specialised sexual assault and family violence counselling to adults, young people and children; and to their non-offending family members and friends. We also provide services to young people who display problem sexualised behaviour or sexually abusive behaviours, and to their families.

We are seeking an experienced practitioner to join our dynamic team who is passionate about providing specialised therapeutic counselling and advocacy for adults, adolescents and children who have experienced trauma as well as assisting with the facilitation of therapeutic group programs.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification in social work, psychology or similar discipline.

• Trauma informed therapeutic experience

• A structural understanding of sexual assault, family violence and gender based violence.

The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre offers a positive and supportive organisational culture. We hold a strong client focus, highly value our staff and hold a commitment to clinical supervision and professional development. Our organisation offers attractive salary packaging and flexible working conditions.

To Apply please go to our website at www.safvcentre.org.au or further information contact Chantale Recruitment and Student Placement Coordinator on 0487 546 939.

Parts Salesperson

A position is available in our Parts Department. This role involves taking orders, ordering, receiving and fulfilling parts orders for our busy workshop, trade customers and retail customers.

Skills required-

• Able to work in a team environment

• Comfortable with operating a computer

• Can do attitude

• Friendly persona with customers

• Honesty

• Good work ethic

• Current Drivers License.

• An interest in cars

While we would give a priority to applicants with previous experience we would also be willing to look at training the right person.

Mixed bag in weekend hockey action

BY SIMON KING

Amixed bag of results came out of round four of Wimmera Hockey Association season, played on Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park on Saturday, with several big wins and a couple of evenly contested draws.

In open division, Kaniva Cobras came from two goals behind midway through the last quarter to square up their match against Warrack Hoops and finish with their best result for the season so far.

After an even first quarter, the Hoops established a lead with two goals in the second quarter, coming from a field goal by Heath Johns and a successful penalty stroke taken by Hamish Wagenknecht.

Among some rapid and free-flowing passages of play, opportunities were created at both ends of the field, but as time ticked away into the fourth quarter, it looked as if the Hoops had weathered everything the Cobras could throw at them.

With just over five minutes to play, Thomas Krelle broke through the Warrack defence and scored to keep his team in with a chance. Less than two minutes later, his brother, Noah, repeated the move to equal the scores, which set up a desperate final four minutes that culminated in a Hoops’ penalty corner played out after the

final whistle. The Cobras successfully defended this and the game finished in a draw, which is a fitting result for a very even match.

In one of the most daunting challenges in Wimmera sport, Nhill Rangers were the next to take on Yanac Tigers.

The Rangers found themselves equal at one goal apiece halfway through the first quarter. Rourkey Croot had put the Tigers ahead 10 minutes into the match, but Deegan Clark equalled the scores soon after.

Unfortunately for the struggling Rangers, this was the last time they were level with the reigning premiers.

After that, the Tigers stepped up the pressure and their sheer number of attacking moves overwhelmed the Rangers.

The Tigers finished with 12 goals and had five multiple-goalscorers including Croot and Raine Mackley, who scored twice each and were named their team’s best players.

Goalkeeper Kayden Rowe and defenders David Reichelt and Hamish Pearse were the best for Nhill.

Women

Kaniva continued its strong start to its premiership defence and remains one win clear on top of the women’s ladder after defeating Warracknabeal, who, despite conceding goals in the first three quarters, managed a small

CONTEST: Warrack Hoops’ Leah Eilola and Kaniva Cobras’ Jacob Dixon contest the ball in open division. Picture: SIMON KING

victory by keeping the reigning premiers scoreless in the last quarter.

Jenni Hauselberger scored two of Kaniva’s six goals and was judged as their best player, while reigning association best-and-fairest Brooke McMaster was Warracknabeal’s best. Although Yanac controlled more of the play in the first half of its game against Nhill Thunderbirds, strong defence meant the teams remained in a scoreless deadlock by halftime.

Yanac’s persistence yielded four goals in the next two quarters to give them the win and keep them in touch with the competition leaders.

Under-16

Kaniva Raiders continued their improvement in the under-16 competition with a win against Warracknabeal Revengers.

Nhill Leopards and Yanac Warriors fought out a scoreless draw.

The competition has a bye next weekend as the Victorian Junior Country Championship is held in Melbourne, and although no Wimmera teams will be competing, several players will participate by representing other associations.

Results –

Open: Warracknabeal Hoops 2 (goals,

H. Wagenknecht, H. Johns; best, H. Wagenknecht, C. Baldock, H. Johns, O. Nuske) drew with Kaniva Cobras 2 (N. Krelle, T. Krelle; C. Beattie, A. Wallis, N. Krelle, T. Krelle). Yanac Tigers 12 (R. Croot 2, T. Alexander 2, B. Alexander 2, Z. Dorrington 2, R. Mackley 2, K. Croot, S. Farmers; R. Croot, R. Mackley, T. Alexander) d Nhill Rangers 1 (D. Clark; K. Rowe, D. Reichelt, H. Pearse).

Women: Kaniva 6 (J. Hauselberger 2, L. Shurdington, Q. Pearse, L. Stimson, H. White; J. Hauselberger, Q. Pearse, H. Williams) d Warracknabeal 0 (B. McMaster, D. Templeton, R. Cummings). Yanac 4 (C. Alexander, C. Dickinson, S. Hedt, E. Wheaton; C. Alexander, E. Alexander, S. Hedt) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, C. Tischler, R. Clark). Under 16: Kaniva Raiders 7 (C. White 4, L. Krelle 2, F. Dodson; C. White, L. Krelle, F. Dodson) d Warracknabeal Revengers 0 (Z. Allott, Z. O’Connor, S. Williamson). Nhill Leopards 0 (D. Clark, O. Bone, T. Shue Bee) drew with Yanac Warriors 0 (S. Pedie, Annabella Zanker, C. Zanker).

Under-12 development program: –Dimboola Kookaburras 1 (R. Hadzig; encouragement award, R. Wallace, E. Ward) v Nhill Bandits 5 (A. Albrecht 2, D. Bee, B. Clark, N. Krelle; encouragement award, B. Clark, R. Wheeler). Horsham Black Hawks 1 (J. Mackereth) v Warracknabeal Avengers 2 (C. Bentley, R. Bish). Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Williams) v Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (Annabella Zanker, H. Zanker; encouragement award, Annabella Zanker).

The news you have all been waiting for ... the HDFNL wish to announce the 2023 finals venues!

Rupanyup and Kalkee will host the first week. The second week of finals will see Swifts and Taylors Lake for the semi-finals. The preliminary will be held at Kaniva. Noradjuha-Quantong will host the main event, the 2023 GRAND FINAL!

1ST ELIMINATION – Saturday, August 19, Rupanyup

2ND ELIMINATION – Sunday, August 20, Kalkee

2ND SEMI-FINAL – Saturday, August 26, Swifts (North Park Stawell). This will include the Auskick & NetSetGo round robin day.

1ST SEMI-FINAL – Sunday, August 27, Taylors Lake PRELIMINARY FINAL – Saturday, September 2, Kaniva-Leeor United

FINAL – Saturday, September 9, Quantong Recreation Reserve *The

Wimmera man wins wingless classic

BY DEAN THOMPSON

Blue Ribbon Raceway hosted a ‘terrific’ turn out of wingless sprints on Saturday night in the second last weekend of racing for the season.

Wingless sprint car counts were large. This meant three qualifying races happened in each round, with Kahn Aston from Mount Gambier the first round-one winner and a second South Australian, Sam Martin, winning straight after. Jeremy Pearson rounded out the first-round winners.

Cameron O’Brien won the opening second round qualifier leading all the way before Horsham Motor Sports Club committee member Steven Hateley took victory in the fifth qualifier and Normie Moore from South Australia claimed the last qualifier.

A last chance qualifier for those who did not accumulate direct feature race qualification during the heat racing was then run, with Chris Ansell of Hamilton, south-west born and bred Jake Warren and Robert Whiteside, a local Wimmera man, with Blake Walsh, Mark Hutchins and Tyler Bish finishing in the top six and making the big feature race.

Sam Martin led lap one before Hateley took control of the front of the field on lap two of the 20 lap final, with James Rodda from South Australia an early exit from the race after

qualifying in third spot. Making his way through the field was Walsh from the second last grid of the 20-car field and moving up him with was Ansell.

As drivers including Marcus Fraser, Rick Bailey and Whiteside all exited the race, Hateley continued to lead.

At the chequered flag, Hateley secured a home track driver victory by just .375 of a second, with Nate Trewin of South Australia second, Jeremy Beddison, the last feature winner at Blue-Ribbon Raceway and also a Wimmera local third, then came Pearson and Walsh rounding out the top five.

Baker challege

Pre-event Limited Sportsman Kev Baker Challenge favourite Nathan Baker pulled out of the challenge due to injuries from previous events he was still recovering from and handed the car over to Adam McKenzie.

With racing at Darlington cancelled for his other class of racing, South Australia number two driver Dylan Aston arrived in the pits with his Limited Sportsman and started rear of the field for qualifying.

Dillon Siely from Bairnsdale claimed victory by a massive 10 second margin in the first qualifier, before Wimmera racer Nathan McDonald pipped him at the post in the second having passed him on lap seven of 10. Anton then tore from the back of the

field to the front in the final heat race, winning from McKenzie by almost six seconds.

With the Kev Baker Challenge turning the qualifying results upside down and putting the top drivers at the back of the line-up for the feature race, top qualifier Dillon Siely began from last with McDonald, Anton, Andrew Wilson, the last feature race winner at Horsham for the class, Troy Cur-

ran, Stephen Purchase, Thomas Baker, McKenzie and Craig Ansell, from back to front was the line-up.

On lap six Anton moved to the lead with Tom Baker in behind him and Ansell in third spot.

From there, Anton was level-headed as he went on to a big win by six seconds and claimed the prestigious victory in front of Baker, McKenzie, Wilson and Curran.

Australian Motor Contest Association Nationals were in town and competing in a series event of a dozen cars arriving to do battle.

Heat race wins went to Neale Peachey, Rodney Bassett of Tasmania, and Paul Sullivan of Bacchus Marsh. Justin Richardson, who has been a front runner all season, then won a hard fought feature event from Mildura’s Darren McCarthy, Sullivan, Peachey and Garth Stevens in the 20lap final.

The competition portion of the racing was rounded out by the V8 trucks with the benchmark Luke James taking a win in the first heat race, then the second and rounded that out with a third.

There was no stopping James all evening as he led every lap in the final to win by two thirds of a lap ahead of Wes Bell, Steven Hateley, and Donald Timms.

Blue Ribbon Raceway returns to action for a final time this season on the June long weekend.

This weekend is the Mick Fitzgerald aggregate weekend honouring a club past president. Wingless sprints, junior sedans, production sedans, limited sportsman’s in the Blue Ribbon Classic V8 trucks and vintage are all classes slated to compete across both days.

– Horsham Motor Sports Club

WINNING STYLE: Steven Hateley secured a home track victory by just .375 of a second at Blue Ribbon Raceway on Saturday night.

Picture: TANYA EASTWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Charity game in Mininera match

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Finals

will be on the line for both teams at Derrinallum Recreation Reserve in this weekend’s Mininera District football.

Lismore-Derrinallum host SMW Rovers in what will be an evenly-matched contest between the ninth and 10th-placed teams.

The round-six encounter is also a charity game, with all players set to wear purple socks for 4EK to raise awareness of meningococcal disease.

Demons coach Alec Wiltshire said his team had a rocky start to the season after succumbing to Ararat Eagles in round five.

“I don’t think we’ve had our best players on the park,” he said.

“It has been an opportunity for other blokes to step up.”

Wiltshire said returning home after two consecutive away games would allow his players to pick up their performances.

He said he expected SMW Rovers would be a better side than last year, adding there was ‘no love lost’ between the two rivals.

He said he was anticipating a close contest after a five-point margin separated them when they last played during the 2022 season.

Wiltshire said early season form of ruckman Henry Walsh, midfielder Steven Ryan and James Halloran, who recently returned after

a long-term injury, was encouraging. SMW Rovers coach Jake Carr said he was disappointed with early losses to Penshurst and Great Western.

“We dug ourselves into a hole in both games, going behind by five or six goals in the first quarter,” he said.

“We’ve taken plenty of positives, but we were never really in either contest.

“It has been a feeling out process. We have played some good sides and found where we are at.”

Carr said a lack of stability in the side had made early games more difficult.

He said new recruits including Ben Boatman, of Ararat, and Ash Gray were still getting used to playing together.

“We need to win this week if we want to make finals,” he said.

“Lismore-Derrinallum is on par with us and they’ll be wanting a win as well.

“There are a few top teams. We are in that middle bracket along with seven or eight other teams.

“There’s a big difference between a record of one and five and two and four.”

Carr said assistant coach and last year’s best-and-fairest Thomas Thewlis was a consistent performer so far this season.

“Thomas McPhan has also been stellar through the midfield,” he said.

BACK TO GOROKE:

Border Districts football and netball clubs welcomed Penola to Goroke for the first Kowree-NaracoorteTatiara round at the venue since 2019. Players used Goroke Recreation Reserve’s new clubrooms for the first time on Saturday. Pictured above, Zac Richards, Border Districts, powers away from Penola’s Jordan Galpin, and left, Fraser Adams, Border Districts, looks to hand pass. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ArouND tHe leAGues

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

This week: Round six, Ararat v Southern Mallee Giants, Stawell v Nhill, Horsham v Warrack Eagles, Minyip-Murtoa v Dimboola, Horsham Saints, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Horsham Saints 15.6 (96) d Minyip-Murtoa 13.10 (88), Dimboola 14.9 (93) d Southern Mallee Giants 11.11 (77), Ararat 9.19 (73) d Stawell 5.2 (32), Horsham 10.8 (68) d Nhill 10.8 (68), Warrack Eagles, bye.

Ladder: Ararat 16 points, 366.37 percent; Dimboola 16, 121.71; Horsham Saints 16, 104.23; Southern Mallee Giants 12, 189.62; Minyip-Murtoa 8, 106.08; Nhill 6, 59.87; Stawell 4, 55.12; Horsham Demons 2, 66.36; Warrack Eagles 0, 54.08.

A Grade netball

Last week: Horsham Saints 93 d Minyip-Murtoa 47, Dimboola 44 d Southern Mallee Giants 43, Ararat 35 d Stawell 27, Horsham 52 d Nhill 28, Warrack Eagles, bye. Ladder: Horsham Saints 20 points, 157.21 percent; Horsham 16, 165.00; Stawell 12, 115.25; Dimboola 12, 88.16; Nhill 8, 106.04; Ararat 8, 89.02; Minyip-Murtoa 4, 61.26; Southern Mallee Giants 0, 84.62, Warrack Eagles 0, 56.60.

Horsham District

Ward celebrates 400 senior games

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Astandout

Pimpinio Football Netball

Club member played her 400th senior game in last weekend’s Horsham District league C Reserve netball against Noradjuha-Quantong.

Lisa Ward, who keeps Pimpino’s game records, said she believed only one other person had reached 400 senior netball appearances.

“I started playing for Pimpinio as a junior,” she said.

“I left the club and played one year with Horsham Saints, who were still in Horsham District league then, and won a grand final.”

Mrs Ward said she almost fell short of her 300th game after a spinal injury.

The condition sent her to Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne, where she was told her netball career was finished.

“After some rehab, I was adamant I was going to keep going,” Mrs Ward said.

With her own daughters playing junior netball at Pimpinio, Mrs Ward said the thought of playing with them motivated her to stay on the court.

“Last year, both girls getting into the 13-andunder grand final was a highlight,” she said.

“In about 1995 or 1996 there was a shortage of coaches at Pimpinio. I’ve always had a passion for it and I took on the A Grade job”

– Lisa Ward

In the volunteering space, Mrs Ward said she had ‘done it all’ at the club, from netball director to club secretary and A Grade coach. This year she is coaching Net Set Go, 13-and-under and C Reserve.

“In about 1995 or 1996 there was a shortage of coaches at Pimpinio. I’ve always had a passion for it and I took on the A Grade job,” Mrs Ward said.

“I’ve always coached seniors and this year was my first with the moddies and 13-andunder.”

Mrs Ward also umpires and is Pimpinio’s uniform co-ordinator. As for her playing career, Mrs Ward said she is still after an elusive premiership with Pimpinio.

“I’ve played in numerous finals throughout the years, those in the A Grade stand out,” she said.

“I have never coached or played in a grand final, but I was assistant coach for one.”

This week: Round six, Laharum v Harrow-Balmoral, Jeparit-Rainbow v Kaniva-Leeor United, Rupanyup v Kalkee, Taylors Lake v Natimuk United, Noradjuha-Quantong v Edenhope-Apsley, Pimpinio v Swifts.

Senior football

Last week: Kalkee 7.11 (53) d Laharum 3.3 (21), Harrow-Balmoral 24.13 (157) d Kaniva-Leeor United 2.2 (14), Jeparit-Rainbow 19.23 (137) d Taylors Lake 3.5 (23), Pimpinio 11.10 (76) d Noradjuha-Quantong 10.11 (71), Rupanyup 26.14 (170) d Edenhope-Apsley 2.1 (13), Swifts 21.14 (140) d Natimuk United 11.13 (79).

Ladder: Harrow-Balmoral 20 points, 387.18 percent; Jeparit-Rainbow 16, 173.93; Rupanyup 173.93; Noradjuha-Quantong 12, 151.62; Swifts 12, 134.63; Pimpinio 12, 95.89; Edenhope-Apsley 12, 87.73; KanivaLeeor United 12, 62.13; Kalkee 8, 81.36; Natimuk United 2, 55.54; Taylors Lake 0, 35.76; Laharum 0, 32.05.

A Grade netball

Last week: Laharum 64 d Kalkee 36, Harrow-Balmoral 10 d Kaniva-Leeor United 0, Jeparit-Rainbow 59 d Taylors Lake 33, Noradjuha-Quantong 60 d Pimpinio 42, Edenhope-Apsley 51 d Rupanyup 29, Natimuk United 43 d Swifts 38. Ladder: Edenhope-Apsley 20 points, 202.68 percent; Kalkee 16, 137.58; Laharum 16, 130.69; Noradjuha-Quantong 12, 126.02; Jeparit-Rainbow 12, 116.43; Rupanyup 12, 78.35; Pimpinio 12, 100.98; Natimuk 8, 78.35; Taylors Lake 4, 68.52; Swifts 4, 67.58; Harrow-Balmoral 4, 56.52; Kaniva-Leeor United 0, 0. Mininera and District

This week: Round six, Great Western v

Caramut, Penshurst v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Lismore-Derrinallum v SMW Rovers, Glenthompson-Dunkeld v Ararat Eagles, Moyston-Willaura v Hawkesdale-Macarthur, Tatyoon v Woorndoo-Mortlake.

Senior football

Last week: Moyston-Willaura 15.15 (105) d Caramut 6.12 (48), Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 21.19 (145) d Great Western 6.5 (41), Penshurst 15.15 (105) d SMW Rovers 10.9 (69), Ararat Eagles 17.9 (111) d Lismore-Derrinallum 5.5 (35), Tatyoon 19.22 (136) d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 2.9 (136), Woorndoo-Mortlake 16.16 (112) d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 5.3 (33).

Ladder: Tatyoon 20 points, 376.13 percent; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 16, 265.15; Woorndoo-Mortlake 16, 259.13; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 16, 165.48; Ararat Eagles 12, 197.45; Penshurst 12, 107.62; Great Western 12, 87.96; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 4, 102.27; Lismore-Derrinallum 4, 93.33; SMW Rovers 4, 92.01; Moyston-Willaura 4, 23.12, Caramut 0, 9.48.

A Grade netball

Last week: Caramut 44 d Moyston-Willaura 11, Woorndoo-Mortlake 38 d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 30, Penshurst 38 d SMW Rovers 26, Ararat Eagles 37 d Lismore-Derrinallum 36, Tatyoon 64 d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 30.

Ladder: Tatyoon 20, 203.85; Ararat Eagles 16, 209.3; Lismore-Derrinallum 16, 179.26; Woorndoo-Mortlake 16, 152; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 16, 100; Penshurst 12, 100.6; SMW Rovers 8, 87.68; Caramut 8, 86.77; Great Western 4, 93.55; Moyston-Willaura 4, 35.06; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 0, 68.37.

North Central

This week: Round six, Donald v St Arnaud, Wedderburn v Birchip-Watchem, Wycheproof-Narraport v Nullawil, Charlton v Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers. Boort, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Wycheproof-Narraport 15.10 (100) d St Arnaud 8.5 (53), Donald 11.9 (75) d Birchip-Watchem 10.10 (70), Wedderburn 9.15 (69) d Boort 10.7 (67), Nullawil 21.12 (138) d Charlton 7.6 (48). Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers, bye.

Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 16 points, 214.20 percent; Wycheproof-Narraport 14, 96.96; Nullawil 12, 198.51; Boort 10, 121.15; Birchip-Watchem 8, 172.79; Wedderburn 8, 104.48; Donald 8, 101.19; Charlton 4, 43.23; St Arnaud 0, 32.03.

A Grade netball

Last week: Nullawil 39 d Charlton 34, Wycheproof-Narraport 51 d St Arnaud 25, Boort 50 d Wedderburn 40, Birchip-Watchem 51 d Donald 49. Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers, bye.

Ladder: Boort 20 points, 150.6 percent; Nullawil 16, 144; Birchip-Watchem 16, 123.89; Wedderburn 12, 116.57; Wycheproof-Narraport 8, 102.94; Charlton 4, 92.71; Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 4, 71.25; Donald 0, 76.32; St Arnaud 0, 48.76.

• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

MILESTONE: Lisa Ward celebrates her 400th senior netball game on Saturday with her husband Alister and daughters Miley, Charley and Evie.

HorsHAM DIstrICt leAGue

AFTER THE SIREN

shirtfront

Senior football

The match of the round: Pimpinio’s five-point defeat of Noradjuha-Quantong was match of the round. It was exciting to see the up-and-coming Pimpinio against one of the more powerful teams in Noradjuha-Quantong. It is good to see so many junior Tigers players getting success alongside the older, diehard players who have stayed through a tough period.

The recent announcement that the grand final will be held at Quantong Recreation Reserve should provide some extra motivation for the losing team.

The standout player: Pimpinio defender Noah Jacobsen played an excellent game against Noradjuha-Quantong. Liam Jakobi provided support for Jacobsen in addition to Clint Burdett who kicked three goals to lead his team’s scorers.

The rising star: Pimpinio, as a club, is a rising star. It has been down the ladder for quite a while. Excellent junior development, bringing younger players through to senior level, has played a large part in turning its fortunes around.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: EdenhopeApsley’s 22-goal victory against Rupanyup. The Panthers came up against a super team in Edenhope-Apsley. The Saints boast as good a team as any in the Wimmera and are a force to be reckoned with. The home side used Saturday’s game in Edenhope to show Rupanyup where they need to be to compete against the top sides.

The standout player: EdenhopeApsley’s Shannon Freeman was named best player in a solid team performance against Rupanyup. Emily Burgess also featured in the best players with Lavinia Fox and Carlee Feder shooting 53 goals combined.

The rising star: Rupanyup, despite being comfortably defeated by EdenhopeApsley, is definitely a rising star. The Panthers have started the season strongly and will be looking to bounce back after Saturday. Its second disappointing defeat in as many games, after suffering a onegoal loss to Pimpinio in round four, might be the extra push it needs.

Storm sets sights on finals

Apotential upset looms in

round six of Horsham District league senior football.

Second-placed Jeparit-Rainbow will travel to face Kaniva-Leeor United at Kaniva Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The home side, sitting at ninth position after a heavy loss against the formidable Harrow-Balmoral, will be glad to be back on familiar turf.

Jeparit-Rainbow will look to continue its winning form, suffering a single loss so far this season, also against Harrow-Balmoral.

Storm co-coach Scott Driscoll put the upcoming game into the perspective of the broader season.

“We wanted to start the year on a positive note,” he said.

“We had three tough games to start the year. We achieved our target of going two and one in those games with wins against Edenhope-Apsley and Kalkee.”

Driscoll said the round three loss against benchmark side HarrowBalmoral, who he praised for their consistency, left his team with plenty to work on.

“We went into quarter time six goals down. For the next three quarters, we showed that our style can match it with anyone,” he said.

Driscoll said the challenge following that defeat was to put together a four-quarter performance and to deny the opposition any momentum.

He said last week’s 114-point

victory against Taylors Lake, did not fully meet the standard set for this season.

Driscoll said he saw this weekend’s match against Kaniva-Leeor United as a ‘bit of a danger game.’

“The results this season have been a bit all over the shop. We won’t take too much out of their last game against Harrow-Balmoral,” he said.

Driscoll said his side must be prepared for a tough contest against the Cougars.

He said round six would be about continuing to focus on game style.

“Our style of footy is tailored to running into Harrow-Balmoral in finals,” he said.

Driscoll cautioned against looking too far ahead, even if Storm would not face Harrow-Balmoral again in the regular season, and said Kaniva at home would be no pushover.

He said in the early games Matthew Synoradzki stood out for his work in the wing alongside Bradley Stokes and Thomas Long.

“Matthew Thomas will have a run in reserves this week after a calf injury,” Driscoll said.

He said the most consistent players so far this season included William Hutchinson, Daniel Batson, Thomas Clarke and veteran Ashley Clugston, who have benefitted from good collective performances.

“To play our style of footy, getting those results requires a team effort,” he said.

Lakers aiming to continue on winning way

A contest between two young teams awaits in round six of Horsham District A Grade netball.

Taylors Lake take on Natimuk United at Dock Lake Reserve in a winnable game for both sides.

Natimuk United coach Dannielle

Hanson said in the first five games this season, rebuilding the team with younger players had been as important as wins.

“Only two of us are over the age of 30,” she said.

With a knee injury keeping her out for last week’s five-goal win against Swifts, Hanson said she was able to observe from the sidelines.

“We are starting to gel really well together – despite there still being good and bad plays,” she said.

“Everyone played their part, taking on board what I had told them and working together as a team.”

Hanson said key defender Bethany Sudholz and Emily Hateley in the centre were crucial senior players for the Rams.

“Young Olivia Sudholz played a full game at wing attack against Swifts. She stood up, despite still being eligible for 17-and-under, and should take confidence from that game going forward,” she said.

Hanson also praised the attacking performances of Kyra Clarke and

Ebony Klowss, who combined for 43 goals at North Park, Stawell.

She said she hoped to get back on the court against Taylors Lake, with her side looking to start a winning run.

“I am looking forward to Saturday’s game,” she said.

“If we can play the way we did last week, coming off our win against Swifts, we can get a second win in a row.”

Hanson said Natimuk United’s round seven match against Pimpinio was another potentially winnable game, as her team attempts a push up the ladder.

Taylors Lake coach Lydia Sch-

neider said early rounds had been about learning and finding the best positions for her players.

“I’m pretty proud of the girls. It can be very hard coming up against experienced teams,” she said.

“It is nice to be coming up against a team that is more evenly matched.

“We were a bit disappointed by our loss against Jeparit-Rainbow.

“We went up against Kalkee who did a similar zone defence, but we didn’t handle it as well as against Jeparit-Rainbow.”

Schneider said Harriet Overman had been solid in defence for the Lakers and Tayla Eltze shone last week with 19 goals.

with Sean O’Connell

IN FRONT: Rupanyup’s Blake Turner gets ahead of his EdenhopeApsley opponent.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Tough contest ahead for benchmark team

Ararat remains undefeated in Wimmera league senior football and will present another big challenge for Southern Mallee Giants in round six.

The Giants are coming off their first loss of the season and Ararat their second week off.

Giants coach Kieran Delahunty said the team would learn from its loss against Dimboola.

“From what we know Dimboola plays a similar brand of football to Ararat,” he said.

“We had a few injuries last week, but that’s football and it happens to every team at some stage.

“It’s going to be a tough ask as Ararat has started the season well, but we know what we have to do and now we just have to execute it to win.”

Delahunty said the team had gelled well so far and its strength was in its clearance work.

“We have been able to convert our inside 50s for scoreboard pressure, which has been working for us,” he said.

“Josh Webster is playing well up forward, Sam White has been consistent in the backline and Jackson Fisher has been an important cog in the team in the midfield.”

Ararat coach Matt Walder said the team’s defence from both ends of the oval was good.

“We have been defending well and not letting many goals through, which has been a good sign,” he said.

“Flynn Toner and Baydn Cosgriff have been holding key roles in the backline, while Jordan Cox and Jack Ganley have been playing well up forward.

“Jake Robinson and Tom Williamson have been superb in the midfield.”

Walder said the team was re-

freshed after its week off. “There’ll be no excuses when we go up to Beulah. It will be interesting to see how they front up,” he said.

“The season has been good so far with four from four, but we haven’t played the real heavyweights of the league yet.

“We will want to lock in wins over the next month as it could shape our season.”

Horsham Demons or Warrack Eagles will secure their first win of the season this week when they battle it out at Horsham City Oval on Saturday.

Ben Lakin was instrumental in the Demons’ draw with Nhill at the weekend, while Lachie Stewart will be ready for another strong game for the Eagles after a week off.

Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola are in for a close contest against each other after the Roos caused an

AFTER THE SIREN

upset in round five and the Burras suffered their second loss.

Matt Rosier returned from injury with a good performance on Saturday that will likely continue, and Minyip-Murtoa’s Lachlan Delahunty is consistently playing well.

Stawell and Nhill will also have a tightly contested game as they both eye a second win.

Tigers’ Frazer Driscoll continues to impress while Jackson Dark is a standout for the Warriors.

Horsham Saints reserves footballers celebrated a major milestone at the weekend with Gavin Kelm notching up his 350th game for the Saints. The Saints stalwart won a Toohey medal in 1998.

Horsham Saints have a bye this week after a surprising win against Minyip-Murtoa and will return next week to face the Roos in another test for both teams.

Giants hungry for first win

Southern Mallee Giants almost tasted victory and will be hungry for their first win this weekend against Ararat.

The Rats had a break at the weekend, and with two wins and two losses, the game in round six could go either way.

Of four games the Giants have lost by two goals or fewer on two occasions, which is bound to increase their want for a win.

Ruby Fisher continues to be consistent throughout the Giants’ midcourt and is well supported by joint-coach Jodie Hayes.

Ararat attacker Laney McLoughlan is shooting consistently, while Bella Westbrook is playing well for the team in defence.

It is likely to be one of the closest match-ups for the round and a win would go a long way to boosting either team’s confidence moving forward.

Dimboola’s narrow win against the Giants will place them in good stead against Minyip-Murtoa this weekend.

The Burras also had a narrow win against the Giants earlier in the

season, so it will be a good test for both teams.

Young gun Indy Ward was strong in defence for the Roos at the weekend.

Minyip-Murtoa’s Meg Cashin was feeding well into Jessica Newell in goals against Horsham Saints.

The Burras will be looking to bounce back from a significant loss in round five.

Stawell and Nhill are both looking strong this season and it will be

a challenging venture for both to get a win this weekend.

The Warriors might have an upper hand with injuries plaguing the Tigers’ outfit in recent weeks.

However, Nhill has been gelling well as a new team and could secure a third win.

Ebony Summers has been a standout in goals for Stawell and will play against a strong Larnie Hobbs as goalkeeper for Nhill.

Horsham is likely to be too strong

with

shirtfront the

Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

The match of the round: Nhill v Horsham. Only once since 2009 have the Nhill Tigers rolled the Horsham Demons and the hoodoo continues. After giving the Demons a four-goal lead at quarter time, Nhill clawed its way back into the contest slowly and had narrowed the gap to 13 points at three-quarter time. A three-goal to nil last quarter was not enough for Nhill as both sides were locked at 10 goals, eight behinds apiece.

The standout team: Not many pundits gave Horsham Saints much of a chance of playing finals after the loss of a couple of key players and not many recruits, but Ben Knott has his team absolutely flying. After five rounds they have tasted victory four times and last week saw them claim the massive scalp of last year’s premiers Minyip-Murtoa.

FOCUS: Minyip-Murtoa centre Meg Cashin feeds the ball into goals during Saturday’s clash against Horsham Saints.

The Burras lost to the Saints 93-47.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

for Warrack Eagles and could put themselves on top of the ladder if their percentage remains higher than Horsham Saints’.

Demons’ Georgie Carberry has moved out of the goal ring this season and remains instrumental to her team’s success

The Eagles had a bye in round five and have yet to put a win on the board. Ashlynn McKenzie is playing high-quality netball throughout the midcourt.

The rising star: Ben Janetzki of Horsham is really starting to leave an imprint on the competition. With the Demons having a very young side he has become one of the on-field leaders and so far this season, only once has he not featured in the Demons’ best players list or hit the scoreboard.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Dimboola and the Southern Mallee Giants provided the best contest of the weekend. Only one goal separated them at every quarter break and in the end, it was Dimboola that took the premiership points and consigned the Giants to another heartbreaking loss.

The standout team: How could one not enjoy watching the Horsham Saints at present – methodical and clinical are just two of the words to describe the reigning premiers. To score 93 goals against a side just one game outside of the top five was a phenomenal effort and the Saints’ odds of winning another premiership must be shortening every week.

The rising star: Horsham Saints’ Jorja Clode might have been mentioned as a rising star before, but the goal shooter’s stock as a top-class netballer rises every week. Still eligible for 17-and-under, she has become a critical component in the senior side and after shooting 61 goals at 93 percent accuracy at the weekend, opposition sides will have some homework to do on how to limit her influence.

New flying field a winner

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Asmall Wimmera community club hosted two high-profile competitions at its field this month.

The Wimmera Model Aircraft Association ran the yearly ‘Midway Cup’ and Victorian state championships.

Jess Flying Field in Wonwondah, the new home of the Wimmera club, welcomed 27 entrants from across Victoria, NSW and South Australia for the competitions.

Participants competed with their radiocontrolled model gliders.

Club secretary Rolf Hedt said entrants were judged on how long they could keep their models in the air.

He said the Midway Cup started as a rivalry between Victoria and South Australia, but had evolved into a tri-state competition in recent years.

“Last year we had two guys from Sydney enter and they brought more people down this year,” he said.

In the 2023 competition, Victoria finished in first place, South Australia second and NSW third.

Mr Hedt said the Victorian championships, on the same weekend, contributed towards the selection of an Australian team.

He said that while none of the members of the Wimmera Model Aircraft Association were chosen, others who participated would represent Australia later in the year.

“Three guys who competed will be going to Bulgaria in August,” he said.

Mr Hedt said the club made the decision on its new location last month.

Water Operations Traineeship

Edenhope

Closing date: May 30, 2023

Requirements:

• Competent computer skills

Rebels back in action

Greater Western Victoria Rebels girls’ and boys’ teams return to the oval on Sunday for round seven of the Coates Talent League season.

The teams will play at Ikon Park, Melbourne, against Gold Coast Suns Academy after a monthlong break. The girls will play at 12.30pm and the boys at 2.30pm.

In the girls’ competition, the Rebels are eighth and the Suns seventh. Both teams have two wins on the board. Horsham Demons’ Olivia Brilliant and Ballarat Storm’s Brook Ward, who hails from Dimboola, are part of the Rebels squad.

In the boys’ competition, the Rebels are sitting eighth with three wins and the Suns are 15th and are yet to put a win on the board. Horsham Saint Joel Freijah, Minyip-Murtoa’s Oscar Gawith and Tyler Pidgeon, Ararat’s Hugh Toner and Rupanyup’s Connor Weidemann are part of the Rebels squad.

Sunday’s teams will be announced later in the week.

McGennisken strong

Horsham Demons under-18 girls’ team is sitting second on the ladder after a convincing win against Hamilton on Sunday.

The team played a consistent game and was in front from the beginning.

Hamilton was able to score one goal in the second quarter, and one point in the final term.

The Demons’ final score was 121, with great support from Violet McGennisken’s seven goals. Adelle Weidemann also played a strong game.

“The club has been in the process of establishing its new flying field,” he said.

“Robert Jess has been kind enough to allow us to pinch a portion of his paddock for a small fee.”

Mr Hedt said that despite being a relatively small community group, hosting the competi-

tions provided a sizeable boost to the local economy.

“A lot of those who travelled are estimating they have spent anywhere between $800 and $1200,” he said.

“Some stayed up to three days touring the Wimmera after the competition.”

Business Merchandise Traineeship

Horsham

Closing date: May 30, 2023

Requirements:

• Aptitude for working with computers and figures

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Sound verbal and written communication and able to work in a team

• Ability to follow operational policies

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Evidence of COVID 19 vaccination required

• Police check required

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.

Apprentice Diesel Mechanic

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Genuine interest or prior experience in heavy mechanics

• Drivers Licence

• Police Check

• Prior qualified Light Vehicle Mechanics encouraged to apply

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Ability to lift 20 kg products and a strong interest in Agriculture

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Air-Con & Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship

Horsham

Closing date: May 23, 2023

Requirements:

• Physically fit & good mobillity

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Medical

• Working At Heights Competency

• White Card

• This role requires staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID 19

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

This week the girls’ team has a bye, while the women’s team travels to Hamilton to face them for the second time this season.

Coming off a loss in round five, the Demons will be determined to prove themselves and return to the form that saw them beat the Kangaroos in the round one.

Apprentice Plumber

Horsham

Closing date: May 23, 2023

Requirements:

• Enjoy physical hands-on tasks

• Genuine desire to pursue career in plumbing

• White Card & Drivers Licence

• Working with Children’s Check

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

Boilermaker Welder

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Duties

• Fabricate and manufacture metal parts for later assembly

• Follow blueprints to ensure exact specifications of output

• Produce strong, clean welds

• Test output to ensure strength and tolerance of welds

To discuss this exciting opportunity further, call Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

CLUB FIRST: Hobbyist David Litche became the first pilot to fly from Wimmera Model Aircraft Association’s new Jess Flying Field location, ahead of the ‘Midway Cup’ and Victorian state championships.

Championship squad selected

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball

Horsham will send its biggest contingent to an away country championship this year with seven teams travelling to Mildura on the June long weekend.

The association will be represented across all divisions, with four male teams in men’s division one, two and three and under-17 boys, while the girls will play in women’s division one and two and under-17 girls.

With entries closing on Friday of this week, this representation will be the biggest of any association in country Victoria, something not lost on dual gold medallist and country champs veteran Kara Johnson.

“We went through a two-week selection trial process and the numbers that turned up showed us there are plenty of members out there who want to experience a country championship, which we are so excited about,” she said.

The association is looking forward to seeing how all teams handle the event, with all eyes on the women’s division one team, which has finished fourth, third and second in the past three events. The junior girls are the current gold medallists and the boys are silver medallists.

Johnson said the association’s men’s team will want to bounce back from its bronze medal loss to Sunraysia last year, while all other teams will be well and truly in the mix come medal matches on the Monday if dedication to training is any indication.

“We’ve had the senior boys helping the younger ones out during the course of this year at trainings and those younger ones have come along in leaps and bounds,” she said.

“Our men’s division two team is basically an under-20 team, except for captain Tom Roberts, while our men’s division three team is an under-18 team, except for captain-coach Matt McLoughlin, which is promising for our future.

“This will stand them in good stead, especially given the championship is played best of five sets no time limit.

“With the prospects of six or seven matches during the weekend, it will be a real test of stamina and endurance.”

With the event being hosted in Mildura for the first time, the fear was that participation might drop, but if early team nominations are any indi-

cation, this year’s event is shaping up as one of the biggest on record.

Bairnsdale and Latrobe Valley teams are flying up, which demonstrates just how much it means to those associations to be playing in the pinnacle event for country volleyballers.

The Volleyball Horsham teams will be well looked after with a contingent of volunteers already putting their hands up to be team managers and referees.

“We can’t thank them enough for giving up their time to support our teams, which will be a huge boost to captains and coaches,” Johnson said.

All players are looking forward to playing in the new Mildura South sporting venue, with seven courts under the one roof, giving all teams the opportunity to get behind each other between commitments.

The championship will be on the weekend of June 10, 11 and 12, with round-robin matches played on the Saturday and Sunday and medal matches on the Monday.

Volleyball Horsham teams are –

Men’s division one: Nathan Berry, Jack Hannan, Jack Exell, Tyler Puls, Will Saligari, Chris Hans, Jayden McQueen and Caleb Smith.

Men’s division two: Heath Warrick, Tom Roberts, Roland Brooke, Ruben Ferguson, Lewis Thomas, Alex Baker, Joey Nagorcka, Jack Snowden and Gavin Brown.

Men’s division three: Matt McLoughlin, Noah Werry, Oscar Jackman, Rhys Hemley, Archie Gawith, Jai Sartori-Billman, Jasper Ponseca, Haidyn Young and Sebastian Maggs.

Under-17 boys: Malachy O’Brien, Joel Brilliant, Zane Joseph, Kai Dodson, James Johns, Jared Ferguson, Logan and Jiedan Young.

Women’s division one: Kara Johnson, Molly Carter, Laelah Robertson, Cleo Baker, Eadie Garth-Lindsay, Anita Liu, Tamikah Dockrill and Emily Hannan.

Women’s division two: Annika McDonald, Mercedes Arnott, Pascall Patterson, Ella Van Duren, Grace Turner, Greta Van, Sophie Quick and Ellonia Barnett.

Under-17 girls: Clare Whyte, Paige Hemley, Paige Millar, Kylie Angue, Matilda Gawith, Alex Bebero, Jenel Conteh, Janay Van Buuren, Taylor Maggs and Lily Snowden.

ON YOUR MARKS: Kathleen Rickard starts Stawell Athletic Club’s team relay event.

Santucciones win team relay

Kathleen Rickard started Stawell Amateur Athletics Club’s team relay event on a beautiful Saturday morning.

Kathleen has sponsored the team trophy since its inclusion many years ago. Points are awarded at each race and the trophy presented at the conclusion of the running season.

Santuccione family runners Nash, Kade, Sienna and Paul finished first with a winning time of 52.30 minutes, with all six teams only three minutes apart.

More than 30 runners participated, with Tom Walker recording the fastest one-kilometre lap in 2.50 minutes and Elise Monaghan the fastest female one-kilometre lap in 3.58 minutes.

The club’s next race is the Kieran Ryan five kilometre handicap on Sunday with members meeting at Hodges track in Stawell’s Ironbarks.

The club’s June 4 race in the Ironbarks will be followed by a morning tea and raffle to raise money towards the ‘50k in May’ MS fundraiser.

Panther power

Edenhope-Apsley’s Emayah Young tackles Mitch Musgrove during Rupanyup’s 157-point thrashing of the Saints in Horsham District league senior football on Saturday. It was one of three round-five games with a more than 100-point margin at the final whistle. The win has propelled the Panthers to third position on the ladder, behind Jeparit-Rainbow in second and Harrow-Balmoral on top. Story, page 60.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER