The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Candidates

BY LAUREN HENRY

Council candidate nominations were confirmed yesterday, revealing that four Horsham councillors have renominated, as Mayor Robyn Gulline and Cr Penny Flynn step down.

Crs David Bowe, Claudia Haenel, Les Power and Ian Ross will all stand again – this time in a new structure of one councillor for each of the seven wards.

Ten other community members have put up their hand to stand for council, with Brian Klowss the only candidate in the Wyn Wyn ward; and Rebecca Sluggett in Kalimna.

Other wards include the following candidates: Green Park: Dean O’Loughlin and Brian Basham; Horsham North: Todd Wilson and Claudia Haenel; May Park: Cam McDonald

and Les Power; Oatlands: Angela Munn, Dylan Hesselberg and David Bowe; Pine Lake: Toby Haynes, Michael Bond and Ian Ross.

Ballot draws for all councils, conducted today, Wednesday, will decide what order the candidates will appear on the ballot paper.

Ballot packs will be mailed out to voters from October 7 with voting to close October 25 before results are declared on November 15.

Outgoing Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline said it had been her honour and privilege to serve as a councillor and mayor for the past four years.

“Supporting our community, in any way possible, has been my priority every day. In 2020, I promised good governance, strong financial management and to deliver on the priorities identified by our community. I believe

that I have achieved my commitment,” she said.

“Hand on heart, I can honestly say that every decision that I made in the chamber was in what I believed to be the best interest of the entire community, now and into the future.”

Cr Gulline thanked her fellow Councillors, former chief executive Sunil Bhalla and council staff who work tirelessly for the benefit of the municipality.

But she also took a whack at her detractors.

“Years of personal vilification of councillors and divisive tactics undermining council’s standing in the community continues to deter prospective candidates from nominating and in turn, harming our local democracy,” she said.

“The campaign of relentless attacks

on me, which began when I announced my intention to nominate four years ago, has taken its toll so it is with sadness and regret that I advise that my name will not appear on a ballot this election.

“Instead, I will find other ways to serve and support our community.”

Other councils

In Ararat, 11 candidates have nominated for seven vacancies, including current mayor Bob Sanders, and deputy mayor Jo Armstrong, and councillors Rob Armstrong, Peter Beales and Bill Waterson.

Cr Gwenda Allgood is stepping down after 43 years on council and Cr Henry Burridge will also not stand. Other candidates are Fiona Tipping, Daryl Scherger, Peter Joyce, Osman Kokcu, Teli Kaur, and Amanda Mead. Continued page 3

A SPLASH OF COLOUR: Wimmera Spas and Pools owner Melissa Watts is among Horsham traders decorating shop window displays with purple for the launch of this year’s Relay for Life cancer fundraiser. The relay, at Horsham’s Coughlin Park on October 18, is an overnight event that raises money for Cancer Council Victoria. Story, page 3.

HRCC NEWS

New council road tool: Whose road is it?

Horsham Rural City has launched a Whose Road Is It? tool, designed to provide residents with an interactive map that easily identifies the responsible authority of each road within the municipality.

Accessible via Council’s website, the tool offers residents a user-friendly interface to pinpoint road authorities, whether they fall under the jurisdiction of HRCC, Regional Roads Victoria or other government departments, simply by typing in the name of a road or zooming in directly on the map.

Infrastructure Director John Martin said the new tool had the potential to streamline road maintenance queries and enhance community engagement.

“This tool marks a significant step forward in how we manage and communicate road responsibilities,” he said.

“Users of the tool can now quickly and easily find out who is responsible for the upkeep of any given road, improving transparency and efficiency in our road management processes.

“By simplifying the process of identifying road authorities, we can better address maintenance issues.”

Mr Martin acknowledged that some roads in the municipality needed repair.

“We recognise the concerns about the condition of certain roads and are dedicated to addressing them promptly,” he said.

“But it is important that concerns with roads are raised with the right authority, whether that be Council, Regional Roads Victoria or someone else.

“Our teams are consistently on the ground, inspecting and repairing potholes and other road issues to ensure safety and smooth travel for all residents.

“However, we know we can’t be everywhere. We encourage the community to report roads issues to the relevant authority, so they can be investigated and addressed promptly,” Mr Martin said.

To access the Whose Road Is It? tool, please visit: hrcc.vic.gov.au/whose-road or scan the QR code.

Grants available for youth projects

Youth grants aim to support community activities and projects that benefit young people who live, work or study in our municipality.

Grant funding through this stream will remain open until fully allocated.

Minimum grant request is $200.

Maximum grant request is $2,500.

The funding priorities for the Youth Grants stream align with Council’s Youth Strategy. To apply for a youth grant, please visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/communitygrants

Waste tip - have you considered composting?

Have you ever considered composting?

Separating your FOGO waste has seen a massive decrease in waste sent to landfill, but your green waste can do a lot for your garden.

Your green waste scraps are rich in nutrients that can enrich your soil.

Composting is easy, and can give your scraps a second life.

Council is installing a new bus shelter on the northern side of the Wimmera Highway in Natimuk.

This project is a response to the advocacy of the Natimuk Economic and Social Committee, which has been addressing community requests for improved public transport facilities.

Currently, there is a bus stop opposite the art gallery, but buses do not stop there. Instead, the bus stops in front of the public toilet on Main Street.

In 2023, HRCC sought community feedback on several proposed locations for relocating the bus stop and installing the new shelter.

This feedback, along with considerations related to flood levels, has guided the decision to proceed with the installation at the chosen location.

The new bus stop will feature an accessible bus shelter with a concrete pathway leading to the public toilet.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

During this period, there may be disruptions to parking and traffic flow in the area. All interruptions will be clearly signed and/or barricaded.

HRCC acknowledges the potential inconvenience to businesses and visitors on Main St during this time and thanks everyone for their understanding.

Taylors Lake rubbish dumper caught

Another rubbish dumper has been caught polluting our public spaces, this time targeting Taylor’s Lake.

A Horsham man was found to have violated the EPA Act Section 115(1) by leaving a large stack of styrofoam boxes along the bank of the lake.

The fines totalled $395.

The consequences of illegal rubbish dumping are felt by the entire community. Not only does it cost Council hundreds of man-hours each year, but the cost of cleanup is also a burden on ratepayers.

There are also consequences for the Wimmera’s waterways and wildlife, which are valuable assets to the region.

Council believes that there are several repeat offenders in the area.

The public are encouraged to contact Council on 5382 9777 if they have information that may lead to a rubbish dumper being caught.

It should be noted that foam, the main waste component in this case, can be recycled free of charge at any transfer station.

Be aware of swooping birds this spring

It's that time of year again.

As we head into nesting season, it is important to be aware of swooping birds. If possible, it is best to:

• Avoid the area

• Walk in a group

• Keep children close and pets leashed

• Wear a large hat or head covering and sunglasses

• Don't approach nests

Swooping is a defensive scare tactic and birds will rarely make contact. If you encounter a swooping area, you can mark it on Wildlife Victoria's swooping map.

A roughly 10-month old male tabby was found on Kalkee Road. There is no microchip.

A ferret was found in the Albert/Crump Street area. Age unknown. There is no microchip.

If you recognise any of these animals, please call Council on 5382 9777.

Notice of rescheduled Council meeting

Notice is given that the 23 September 2024 Council Meeting has been rescheduled to Monday 30 September 2024 starting at 5.30pm. The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham.

It will also be livestreamed on the Horsham Rural City Council website at www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

A 2-year old male white cat with black patches and brown ears was found on Rissman Drive. There is no microchip.

Natimuk bus shelter under construction

CONCEPT: Artist's render of the updated Natimuk bus shelter.

Rupanyup crew amid service drop

R

upanyup ambulance crew was one of 50 across the state dropped on Saturday night due to high levels of sick leave.

At least 30 ambulance crews across Melbourne and 20 in regional Victoria were dropped, with the Victorian Ambulance Union saying it left ‘a significant shortfall of ambulance resources’.

There are normally about 120 ambulances working night shifts each night in metropolitan Melbourne, but only 90 were in action on Saturday night. Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said members reported dropped rural ambulances in

Question time for candidates

The Greater Ararat Business Network and Ararat Advocate will host a public forum on Tuesday night, giving ratepayers the chance to question candidates ahead of October’s election.

At least 11 candidates appear likely to nominate for seven positions on Ararat Rural City Council.

The forum will give candidates a chance to introduce themselves to the public and articulate the policies and ideas they have to improve and grow the municipality.

Greater Ararat Business Network president Tom Clark said it was also an important opportunity for voters to ask questions of those hoping to represent the municipality.

“The forum is a way for members of the public to come together and ask the important questions before they vote,” he said.

The forum will be at 7pm in the function room at Ararat RSL.

People attending are encouraged to book in for a meal prior to the event by calling the RSL on 5352 2794.

All ages playgroup

Organisers of a pop-up intergenerational playgroup at St Arnaud hope the event will help bridge the gap between the region’s youngest and oldest residents.

The pop-up community event will be in Stewart Hall, St Arnaud Town Hall, from 10.30am to noon on Wednesday next week.

The event is free of charge and no RSVP is required.

People can visit www.ngshire.vic. gov.au/Community/Family-andchildrens services/playgroup for more information about Northern Grampians Shire playgroups.

Rupanyup, Hamilton, and Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance crews at Ballarat.

Other regional places listed included Warrnambool, Traralgon, Morwell, Warragul, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Heathcote, Bendigo and Mildura.

Mr Hill said multiple crews called for intensive care back-up for critically unwell patients but were told none were available.

He said code one cases were held for more than an hour for available crews, while some crews drove 60 kilometres or more to get to code one cases.

“The members rarely get breaks, almost never finish on time and they

are exhausted and burnt out. So, this is the reality we are facing,” he said.

“We have been warning about the need to better support the workforce, so we have a healthy and well supported workforce.

“If you don’t support the workforce, then the response to the community suffers.”

The union has been locked in negotiations over its next enterprise agreement with the State Government for months, with pay and conditions including unreasonable overtime major issues.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the health system was extremely busy due to seasonal ill-

ness circulating in the community and workforce, and acknowledged the workload of paramedics across the state.

“We have as many crews on the road as possible and our priority will always be responding to the sickest and most time-critical patients,” the spokesperson said.

“We use a dynamic operating model that relocates resources as necessary to minimise rostering impacts.”

Government minister Colin Brooks told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday the effects of the pandemic continued to flow on to the state’s ambulance service.

“Our ambulance services are some-

GOOD BOY: Horsham Dog Obedience Club is hosting a demonstration at Haven Market next month for prospective students and the public to enjoy. The demonstration, on October 5, will showcase agility, obedience and tricks the canine students have mastered, with two shows – the first at 9am and the second at 10am. Club members Tina Gust and Amelia Hobbs are pictured with St Bernard Liberty and kelpie Tanner. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Painting it purple for launch

Horsham traders are painting the town purple this week, to launch Horsham and District Relay for Life, while also raising awareness of cancer.

The relay event raises money for Cancer Council Victoria’s research, prevention, and patient support programs.

Wimmera Spas and Pools owner

Melissa Watts said they had been part of the Paint The Town Purple promotion for about four years.

“It’s a great cause for everybody,” she said.

“But it’s extra-stressful for us this year because my husband Gary has gone through cancer treatment and had surgery, so it is more important than ever that we participate and get involved.

“We encourage all businesses to get involved and raise awareness.”

Paint the Town Purple Week is from September 16 to 22, when all busi-

nesses are encouraged to dress their windows in purple to promote Relay for Life, and be in the running for a ‘best dressed window’ prize. Winners will be announced on Friday.

The Horsham community raised about $44,000 during last year’s relay campaign.

Horsham and District Relay for Life starts at 6pm on Friday, October 18, concluding at 10am the following morning, at Coughlin Park, Horsham.

times stretched and we can’t determine when people are going to be genuinely sick,” he said.

“But we’re making the investments in our ambulances to make sure they continue to operate even under the stress.”

In August, Ambulance Victoria’s chief executive Jane Miller resigned after 18 months in the role, a few weeks after the paramedic union passed a vote of no confidence in the executive board.

Former Emergency Management Victoria commissioner Andrew Crisp is the interim chief executive during the search for a permanent replacement.

Run for council

From page 1

In Hindmarsh, only enough candidates to fill the six vacancies across the three wards have nominated.

Mayor Brett Ireland, and councillors Wendy Bywaters, Melanie Albrecht and Rob Gersch will not stand again, while Crs Debra Nelson and Ron Ismay have nominated.

The candidates are: East: Debra Nelson and Chan Uoy; North: Roger Aitken and Tony Clark; West: Rosie Barker and Ron Ismay.

Northern Grampians Shire Council will have a new three-ward structure with two councillors for each.

Mayor Rob Haswell, and Crs Lauren Dempsey, Murray Emerson, Kevin Erwin and Karen Hyslop have all nominated, while Crs Trevor Gready and Eddy Ostarcevic will not stand.

The 15 candidates are: Central: Lauren Dempsey, Jenny Greenberger, Rob Haswell, Kevin Erwin, Karen Hyslop, Lachlan Eckert; Grampians: Lisa Whyte, Jack Blake, Trevor Gready, Justine Hide; Kara Kara: John Farrell, Karen Probst, Ross Hudson, Murray Emerson, and Terence Robertson. West Wimmera Shire Council has six candidates, including Mayor Tim Meyer, deputy mayor Tom Houlihan, and Crs Jodie Pretlove, Bruce Meyer and Richard Hicks. The other candidate in the race is Helen Hobbs.

Yarriambiack Shire Council will have only enough candidates to fill the two vacancies in each of the three wards, with Mayor Kylie Zanker and Crs Karly Kirk, Corinne Heintze, Chris Lehmann and Andrew McLean all renominating. Crs Graeme Massey and Tom Hamilton have not nominated.

A full list of candidates are: Dunmunkle: Melinda Keel, Corrine Heintze; Hopetoun: Andrew McLean, Chris Lehmann; Warracknabeal: Karly Kirk, Kylie Zanker.

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE | ONCOLOGY UNIT

East Grampians Health Service Oncology Unit services are available to private and public patients.

The Oncology Unit operates every Wednesday, however also has capability for multi-day treatments when required.

An Oncologist visits the Unit every second Wednesday (second and fourth Wednesday of each month). A Haematologist visits on alternative Wednesdays. Multiple treatments are available to patients who attend the Unit.

For further information, please call Kate Pitcher, Manager Acute Services 5352 9434.

Natimuk weir project complete

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

E

ight years after construction began on a new weir at the northern end of Lake Natimuk, Parks Victoria has completed the project.

The Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee of Management initiated construction of the weir in 2016, but Parks Victoria assumed control of the project shortly thereafter.

Progress stalled until last year, when Parks Victoria committed to finishing the weir.

Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee of Management secretary Brenda Strudwick said she was glad to see the weir finally finished, but believed the project had been unnecessarily delayed.

“There was an old wooden structure at the northern end of the lake that had been put there by volunteers decades ago,” she said.

“It was agreed by the committee that we should look at constructing a weir so that when we got big rains and the lake filled, we would be able to hold the water back and if there were a couple of dry seasons, we’d be able to have water for those seasons instead of waiting for rains intermittently.

“At the time, all of the permits with the council, with [Barengi Gadjin Land Council] were gained, and so the construction commenced and the wall went up.”

But shortly after construction began, Ms Strudwick said Parks Victoria disputed the committee’s authority to build the weir and halted the project order to assess its potential environmental impacts.

“What they’re saying to us is that our only responsibility at the lake is the cara-

van park and camping ground, but we are the trustees of the Otto Spehr trust, which gives us an income each year,” she said.

“He was one of the original German settlers who lived around the lake, and he bequeathed his entire estate to the ongoing development and beautification of the entire lake and its surrounds.”

Ms Strudwick said relations between the committee and Parks Victoria soured further when the state body attempted to access money from the trust to complete the weir in 2020.

“They contacted the Perpetual trustees to see if they could get hold of money from our trust,” she said.

“They sought a legal opinion about that, and the legal advice was and still is that the trust money cannot be used to fund government projects.

“They didn’t tell us they were going to do it. We found out after the event. It’s created a bit of bad blood I suppose. There is a bit of mistrust.”

Parks Victoria district manager Michael Smith said Parks Victoria, and not the committee, was ultimately responsible for managing Lake Natimuk and the Natimuk Creek lake reserve.

He said the weir works commencing on Parks Victoria-managed land triggered a formal approval process involving several agencies and organisations, and that Parks Victoria was obligated to ensure the process was adhered to.

“Parks Victoria is very pleased to have completed the Natimuk Weir project. It was important to get this right to ensure a long-term outcome that would be beneficial for both the community and environment,” he said.

Ms Strudwick estimated the delays in

building the weir had more than doubled the project’s cost.

“We were going to build it for about $60,000, and the last I heard was that it was going to take $130,000 for them to finish it, but that was more than a year ago so I think you could easily add another $10,000 or $20,000 on top of that,” she said.

Mr Smith did not confirm the final cost of the weir, but said funding for the project came through the State Government’s $24.76 million Asset Regeneration Program.

Ms Strudwick said despite the tension between the committee of management and Parks Victoria during the weir’s construction, the completion of the project was good for the lake and the Natimuk township.

“If we can have water in that lake, that provides for recreational water sports, fishing, yabbying and birdwatching – people come from all over the world to look at our birdlife,” she said.

“The lake used to be the hub of activity for all of Natimuk back in the day with the big festivals, kids learning how to swim and water skiing.

“The long game for us now is to get a sustainable water supply in, like they’ve done at Green Lake near Horsham, and also up at Hopetoun and Ouyen. There are a number of lakes around that have got access to pipeline water, and we want to be part of that.

“For us to be in a position to restore it to some of its former glory in terms of its usage and patronage by the community, I see that as being the most valuable asset that we could give.”

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WELCOME: Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, left, and outgoing Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline, back right, with new citizens at a citizenship ceremony at Horsham council chambers yesterday afternoon.

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Look and Play

Horsham housing project stalls

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has called on the State Government to confirm when a planned housing development in Stawell Road, Horsham will go ahead.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Kealy questioned the Housing Minister Harriet Shing about why – despite promises of shovels being in the ground by the end of 2021 – a planned 31-home project at the former Toy’s Restaurant site had still not progressed.

“Labor has failed to be upfront with the community about this project from the very start. Despite being labelled ‘shovelready’, it wasn’t until six months after development was due to start that the government actually acquired the land,” she said.

“We are now more than two years on from that, and still nothing has happened at the site, which is overgrown with grass and surrounded by security fencing.

BIG QUESTION:

Horsham

College chaplain

Yolande Grosser with year seven students Sarina Macchia, Zarnie Sudholz, LilyAnne Couch and Matilda Hardy at the college’s R U OK? Day expo on Thursday.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

“It is simply not good enough, and the minister must come clean about exactly when Labor will deliver on its promise to local residents who are in desperate need of housing.”

A State Government spokesperson did not address the Stawell Road project due to the nature of the planned development.

“We promised to build 31 homes in Horsham, and we’ve far exceeded this – with 76 homes already complete or underway in the area,” she said.

The spokersperson said the government’s $6.3-billion investment in housing was delivering more than 13,300 new homes across Victoria, with more than 25 per cent dedicated for rural and regional Victoria.

She said the government had invested $30-million to build 76 new homes in Horsham, with 49 already complete and the remainder of the new homes underway.

“We are also investing $1-million in the

renewal and upgrade of 71 existing social housing dwellings so that homes are better for renters,” she said.

Ms Kealy said the government’s priority housing waiting list statewide had increased 70-plus per cent, from 19,279 applicants at the time the Stawell Road project was announced in 2021 to 33,255 in March this year.

Priority applicants include the most vulnerable community members such as those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, escaping family violence, or living with a disability or special housing need.

In the Horsham area, there are more than 230 people on the priority list for social housing.

“Labor promised to deliver new social housing for Horsham, but that is now cold comfort for those who are still waiting for a roof over their head and safety for their family three years later,” Ms Kealy said.

MENS SHED OPEN DAY GOROKE

College champions wellbeing day

Horsham College has joined with other schools, workplaces, community groups and suicide prevention networks to champion the annual R U OK? Day, with the message to ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’ and encourage meaningful conversations throughout the year.

College chaplain Yolande Grosser said it was the college’s second wellbeing expo, and included outside agencies headspace, Horsham CrossFit, Horsham Rural City Council, and Mind Australia.

“We’ve got a robust wellbeing team at Horsham College,” she said.

“We often have visitors to school to try and connect with our community support as well, to keep those relationships going so students have a familiar face when they

do pop to headspace or see their doctor.”

Mrs Grosser said the school has dedicated wellbeing officers across year levels seven and eight, nine and 10, 11 and 12, and alternate programs, as well as a chaplaincy program.

“We’re really lucky students have got, as well as their year level co-ordinators, all those different people to touch base with about their wellbeing,” she said.

“We hope they will actually go away today with some information or a contact who they can turn to in relation to their wellbeing.”

R U OK? chief executive Katherine

Newton said the initiative started as a national day of action, but it had grown into an ongoing ‘conversation movement’.

“People are acknowledging that you shouldn’t wait until R U OK? Day to have this conversation. Asking ‘R U OK? Any Day’ can help ensure the people you care about feel supported and connected,” she said.

Free R U OK? resources are available for all education settings, workplaces, sporting communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies, and those who are neurodiverse to ensure tailored approaches are relevant and easily accessed.

Lifeline also provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night on 13 11 14, and 24-hour crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available at 13 92 76.

us for a FREE two-day Changemaker Workshop – Natimuk 14–15 November 2024 8.30am – 4.30pm Natimuk

Bistro Open 7 Days

Bus

Sponsorships

“We received $900 for the Horsham Sports and Community Club to go towards new flags and markers.”

“It makes the club look well cared for and the new markers and flags make it easy to see.”

“Applying was very easy, all online.”

“We’ll apply again but understand there are lots of clubs needing grants so we’ll sit back for a while and then throw our hat back into the ring later.”

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Festival seeking additional cash

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Kannamaroo

Festival Commit-

tee members have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for additional activities and attractions at this year’s event, including fireworks.

Festival committee president Di Bell said Kannamaroo would go ahead, but the prescribed annual funding would not cover all the costs of the festival.

“Horsham Rural City Council provides an $8000 grant to cover most of the costs,” she said.

“We thank council for the grant being provided again this year, but we need to raise more money to cover the fireworks and additional free activities.

“It is most important the festival remains free for all to attend and that there’s plenty for families and others to enjoy.”

Mrs Bell said paying for the added costs of conducting the festival had become the biggest challenge for the committee.

“We are now trying to stretch the budget to provide the entertainment, fireworks and free activities the community has come to know and love,” she said.

“It’s always been free, to include everyone, so people can have some time out

and connect with others in their community.”

Since its beginning in 1980, Kannamaroo festival has taken place across a variety of locations, depending on weather or the desire to showcase particular areas of Horsham.

“We even ran the event through COVID19 restrictions, people were able to view fireworks from their homes or vehicles,”

Mrs Bell said.

The committee is expecting between 3000 and 4000 people this year.

“We really appreciate any donations, even $10 a family will make a difference – 300 families each giving $10 would get us to our goal, but we do understand many are struggling with living expenses,” Mrs Bell said.

Kannamaroo will be at Maydale Reserve from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24.

People who would like to donate can visit gofund.me/e2e92dd2.

“The whole point is that nobody is excluded. This year it’s even more important, with people unable to go to other community events because they are strapped for cash. It will be good,” Mrs Bell said.

Livestock truck rollover at Kiata

A truck driver was taken to hospital for assessment after the stock-carrying Bdouble he was driving left the Western Highway and overturned at Kiata on Sunday morning.

Police, ambulance and fire crews attended, along with Agriculture Victoria who assisted with deceased and injured sheep.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing – anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage, or information, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Ethan Ridge, front,

track.

Fun and learning on the track

A purpose-built bike track is giving all students at Horsham Special School the opportunity to practise safe riding while being active.

Principal Ben Tait said the project was ‘a long time in the coming, and two years in the planning’.

“It’s a great opportunity to teach our students independent transport, safe riding, safe transport in the roads, and also a whole lot of fun in getting kids active and out

of the classroom, off screens, all of the above – it’s been great,” he said.

“It’s been made possible thanks to Sports Victoria for some of their funding and the Department of Education for supporting, Wimmera Aquatrail for the work they’ve done here to build the track, and Horsham Cyclery for sponsoring some of the gifts the students made during the opening.

“School council also allocated funds to ensure the track was com-

pleted to a high standard in one stage, rather than being spread across a longer time frame.”

The school has bicycles and tricycles in all sizes.

“We’ve got little trikes from double seats to single seats, we’ve got a balance bike, two wheelers, and then the big trike – bikes for all abilities,” Mr Tait said.

“We want everyone to get out, enjoy the track and have some fun.”

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Patyah farmer guilty of cruelty

AWest Wimmera farmer pleaded guilty at Horsham Magistrates Court last week to animal cruelty and was fined $10,000 with conviction.

In response to a complaint, Agriculture Victoria officers visited a property at Patyah, near Edenhope in July 2022, and were faced with more than 100 deceased sheep that had died within the fortnight prior to the visit.

Norbert Wende was the owner and manager of 440 sheep that were split into two mobs on the property.

Officers reported the pasture

was short and there was no supplementary feed.

The sheep were in an emaciated condition, suffering from parasitic burdens and bottle jaw.

The magistrate considered the plea of guilty, the absence of a criminal history, and Wende’s cooperation with Agriculture Victoria officers, plus taking of remedial action and there having been no further offending since 2022.

But the magistrate also commented it was a serious case of neglect for which a conviction was warranted.

Agriculture Victoria acting compliance manager Penny Lu-

cas said the weight of the fine with conviction sent a clear message to livestock producers that animal cruelty would not be tolerated by the State Government or the community.

“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers,” she said.

People wanting to make a complaint can call Agriculture Victoria on 136186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic. gov.au.

Horsham rubbish dumpers caught, fined

A Horsham man has been fined $395 for dumping rubbish at Taylors Lake.

The man was found to have violated the EPA Act Section 115(1) by leaving a large stack of styrofoam boxes along the bank of the lake.

A Horsham Rural City Council spokesman said the consequences of illegal rubbish dumping were felt by the entire community.

“Not only does it cost council hundreds of man-hours each year, but the cost of cleanup is also a burden on ratepayers,” he said.

“There are also consequences for the Wimmera’s waterways and wildlife, which are valuable assets to the region.

“It should be noted that foam, the main waste component in this case, can be recycled free of charge at any transfer station.”

Council believes there are several repeat offenders who dump rubbish in the area.

Last month, a serial rubbish dumper who had been using the banks of the Wimmera River as a personal tip was caught and fined.

The Horsham woman, 41, received a $1976 infringement un-

der the EPA Act Section 115(4) and will pay clean-up costs of $849. The total fines amounted to $2825.

The dumping occurred near the Riverside Road bridge, an area that has become a hotspot for offenders.

The cost of tipping general waste at transfer stations starts at $19, and many items are recycled at no cost to residents.

The public are encouraged to contact council on 5382 9777 if they have information that might lead to a rubbish dumper being caught.

DEDICATION:

Space honours former mayor

Northern Grampians Shire Council honoured former mayor Tony Driscoll this week by naming a social space at St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park in his honour.

Mr Driscoll died in July 2022, during the current council term, after an illness.

An official naming ceremony for the space was at Lord Nelson Park on Monday afternoon.

Since its construction in 2023, the social space at Lord Nelson Park provided a place for community gatherings and social interactions, making it an ideal location to commemorate a leader who was connected to the people he served.

Mr Driscoll’s former colleague Rob Haswell said councillors wanted to honour Cr Driscoll’s legacy before the end of their four-year term.

“The decision to name the social space in his honour reflects the deep admiration and respect the council and community hold for the late mayor, who dedicated many years of his life to public service,” he said.

Mr Driscoll represented Kara Kara ward on the council from October 2012 until his death, serving two terms as mayor in 201617 and 2017-18.

“Tony was a beloved leader known for his unwavering commitment to the residents of Northern Grampians Shire,” Mr Haswell said.

“His legacy is marked by numerous initiatives and projects that have shaped the community.

“Naming the social space at Lord Nelson Park in his honour is a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to serving others.”

A gathering at St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park celebrates the naming of a social space in honour of former mayor Tony Driscoll.

Stepping stones to social media limits

The Federal Government announcement last week to mandate a minimum age for social media use must be welcomed by most parents across Australia.

But will it go far enough?

The age limit is yet to be set – and it will be interesting to see what specific age is selected.

The Coalition has committed to introducing legislation to limit social media use to 16 years of age and older, and also require social media companies to use age verification technology.

In her most recent Parliamentary speech, Member for Mallee Anne Webster hit out at the tech giants’ lack of social responsibility in Australia, compounded by their tax avoidance.

“Social media companies currently have no obligation to try to stop underage users from accessing their products, which is unacceptable,” Dr Webster said.

“The Coalition also committed in November 2023 to invest in age verification technology if we are elected, to address growing concerns of extreme, offensive and denigrating images online, particularly concerning women and girls.”

Dr Webster said the March 2022 report by the Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety, which she was a member, recommended stronger default privacy and safety settings for children and requiring technology manufacturers to ensure devices have parental control functions.

The State Government has also vowed to work with South Australia and the Commonwealth to introduce age limits for social media – to protect children from harm and help parents push back against the tech giants.

The South Australian government has led the way in this space but needs buy-in from governments at a national level and its state counterparts to make any real change.

Further detail on age limits and definitions are

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

to be determined through national-level consultation. As a starting point for the national laws, Victoria will point to the model outlined by Robert French in his legal examination prepared for the South Australian government.

Under the model, social media access would be prohibited for children aged under 14 and would require parental consent for children aged 14 and 15 to access.

Under this model, a mechanism would be provided for social media services to be exempt if they pose little risk and support healthy development – such as educational sites.

There is no doubt more needs to be done to address issues with social media use.

A complete blackout for young people may be going too far as they do need to learn the right way to use it, and be educated in this space.

But without proper monitoring and functions to allow parents, carers and teachers to assist, how will they learn?

As a parent, I know first-hand about the challenges of teenagers using social media.

There needs to be more conversations between parents, carers, teachers and teens in order for young people to be educated about the use, consequences and real-life dangers that can come from inappropriate social media use.

It’s a topic that is not going away and the sooner governments can provide funding and resources to address it, the better off our young people will be.

Decade of greening Warracknabeal

Warracknabeal has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its community garden with a sustainability workshop, carrot cake, and a visit from television host and environmental educator Costa Georgiadis.

Community garden secretary Marie Aitken said more than 100 people attended the celebration.

“It’s quite an achievement,” she said.

Paul and La Vergne Lehmann, along with Mr Georgiadis, hosted a sustainability, waste-reduction and money-saving workshop.

“Eight years ago Costa visited the garden when it was in its early days, and today we were very lucky he was in the region and able to join us for our 10th anniversary celebration,” Mrs Aitken said.

“The garden has given our town a lovely, welcoming green space in the main street of town.

“People use it to just pop in and enjoy what we’re growing, and some of us sit down and have a coffee. It’s a welcoming place for everyone – adults and children.”

Corinne Heintze said the garden gave people the opportunity to share gardening tips.

“A lot of gardening skills are shared, particularly with composting and fruit and vegetable growing,” she said.

When the garden’s future was threatened by its land being put up for sale, Mrs Heintze said council came together to preserve its future.

“Earlier on in the year, the person who owned the block

was looking to sell it and the community garden,” she said.

“The committee didn’t really know what they were going to do because to buy a block of land they may need $40,000 or $50,000.

“I could see how valuable the garden was to the town, you see people coming in and out of here all the time.”

Yarriambiack council donated some money towards buying the land, and other money was raised by the community.

“Everybody got in because they really wanted this to happen, and I think that’s just so important,” Mrs Heintze said.

“This should be here now for perpetuity, for everybody to enjoy and learn gardening skills.”

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CELEBRATION: Gardening guru Costa Georgiadis with long-time members Bruce and Avril Hein at Warracknabeal Community Garden. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

High growth rams for bigger lambs.

High growth rams for bigger lambs.

High growth rams for bigger lambs.

16th

ANNUAL

Ram Sale

Monday, S e p te m ber 19, 2022 690 3LK Road, Rupanyu p 2% rebate to agents in attendance Inspection from 10am 1pm sharp

Inspection from 10am 1pm sharp

Monday, S e p te m ber 23, 2024

Monday, S e p te m ber 23, 2024 690 3LK Road, Rupanyu p 2% rebate to agents in attendance

690 3LK Road, Rupanyu p 2% rebate to agents in attendance

70 rams on o er in this year’s sale.

6-IN -1, Eryvac,

& Gudair Vaccinated

Andrew & Rodney Weidemann

Andrew & Rodney Weidemann

690 3LK Road, Rupanyup Victoria 3388 E weidpast@wimmera.com.au

690 3LK Road, Rupanyup Victoria 3388 E weidpast@wimmera.com.au

Andrew: 0428 504 544 Rodney: 0428 855 232 More Details @Sunnydalewhitesu olks on Facebook.

Andrew: 0428 504 544 Rodney: 0428 855 232

www.sunnydalewhitesu olks.com.au

More Details @Sunnydalewhitesu olks on Facebook.

Aaron Zwar: 0407 979 866

Aaron Zwar: 0407 979 866

Ovine Brucellosis Accredited No 2360, Vaccinated

Lambplan Figures, Backlined, Drenched

Ovine Brucellosis Accredited No 2360, Vaccinated 6-IN -1,

Ovine Brucellosis Accredited No 2360, Vaccinated 6-IN -1, Eryvac, Lambplan Figures, Backlined, Drenched & Gudair Vaccinated

United to achieve greater outcomes

BY LAUREN HENRY

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism has launched its first Wimmera Mallee Industry Partnership Program, enhancing links with businesses across the region.

The 2024-25 program, the first since the amalgamation of Grampians Tourism with WimmeraMallee Tourism, provides the region’s tourism businesses with cost-effective opportunities to grow their business and to take advantage of GWM Tourism’s marketing and industry development activities.

Participating businesses not only have the opportunity to strengthen their own business but also make an investment in the future of tourism in the region.

GWM Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the new visitor economy partnership was launched in March following the amalgamation.

“It’s the first time businesses in the Wimmera Mallee have been given the opportunity to work strategically and lever off our activities,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said the program enabled the tourism body ‘to scale up our activities’.

“By combining our marketing and industry development activities in partnership with a multitude of businesses, it enables us to target and amplify our activities with the support of lots of businesses,” he said.

“As a region, for us to have maximum impact in our key markets to attract visitors here, to do it in partnership, we know we can achieve much greater outcomes.”

Mr Sleeman said from a business perspective,

joining the program meant they could benefit from GWM Tourism’s marketing activities.

“We have a $1.8-million budget that industry across the broader region leverage, and we’ve got lots of marketing activities,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said collectively the tourism body had 150,000 followers and an extensive consumer databases.

He said he would like to see as many businesses as possible join the program.

“With more businesses supporting activities, we have a greater chance of success and benefiting communities right across the broader Wimmera Mallee region,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said there were different levels businesses could sign up to, offering varying benefits.

“We’ve provided some really quite unique value propositions, for example in the gold partnership, we include a photo shoot for businesses,” he said.

“We know businesses often don’t have the time to outsource their own industry development activities, so throughout the year, we’ll be putting on digital marketing training sessions for businesses, mentoring programs to help businesses achieve better outcomes in their activities.”

“So not only is it about leveraging off our marketing activities, but we’ll also be supporting our industry partners through a full range of industry development programs to help them deliver great experiences that keep visitors coming back and supporting the economic growth of tourism across lots of communities.”

and

Free SUPA club for children

Horsham-based Scripture Union Primary Age, SUPA, Club leaders are inviting children to a free end-of-term celebration, which will include a friendship theme and a shared barbecue tea.

Group leader Del Ward said children in grades two to six were welcome to attend the event.

“We are organising games and activities in the theme of friends and friendship,” she said.

“It’s geared on how we treat friends, how friends are important in our lives, and that it wouldn’t be much fun if we didn’t have friends.

Children can register for free bus transport to the event from their schools.

Starting at 2.45pm on Friday at The Station in Pynsent Street, families are invited to attend from 5pm to share a barbecue tea.

“We have a great team of volunteers who provide a safe and caring environment for both Kidzone and SUPA Club,” Mrs Ward said.

“We welcome everyone – we’d love to see old and new faces come along to enjoy the activities.”

For more information people can call Helen on 0429 821 171.

“Children will make friendship bracelets, postcards, and play a few games during the session.”

Investigation into a Horsham car fire

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released further CCTV footage as part of their investigation into a suspicious car fire in Horsham earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to reports of a car fire in the driveway of a home on Albert Street at about 5.10am on Saturday, July 27.

The unoccupied vehicle was destroyed, and the property’s carport badly damaged by the blaze. No one was injured during the incident. Investigators have released further CCTV foot-

age showing a white Volkswagen station wagon stopped at the intersection of McPherson and Palk streets in Horsham at about 4.45am.

The footage shows a person detectives believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

HAPPY: James

Codi enjoying the activities at the SUPA Club session last term. The club complements Kidzone, which runs throughout each school term at Salvation Army’s Kids Church.

Public Place Recycling

Public Place Recycling

Coffee Cups

Coffee Cups

Recycle the lid but NOT the cup

Recycle the lid but NOT the cup

Did you know that disposable cups DO NOT belong in recycling bins at home or in public?

Did you know that disposable cups DO NOT belong in recycling bins at home or in public?

This is because cardboard coffee cups have a plastic lining that makes them hard to recycle. So they must go in general rubbish bins.

This is because cardboard coffee cups have a plastic lining that makes them hard to recycle. So they must go in general rubbish bins.

Ararat op shop closes doors

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Ararat’s Save the Children Op Shop closed on Friday, with it ‘no longer being viable’ after 35 years of service to the Ararat community and beyond.

Save the Children Australia’s director of retail Andrena Nowlan said the charity had ‘loved being a part of the Ararat community’.

“We have had to make the tough decision to close its doors, as it is no longer financially or operationally viable for us to continue operating the store,” she said.

Volunteer Judy Bonner said she had enjoyed her time at the shop.

“My sister worked here for 18 years, she encouraged me to work here too,” she said.

“I love meeting the people who come in here – we get more out-oftowners, people going through, and they say this is a lovely shop.

“So, I tell them about Ararat, because I was born here. I tell them to go and see the art gallery and the Chinese museum.”

The shop raised money for various Ararat community groups and events, before Save the Children took over.

Volunteer Bert Siersema said the shop was run by about 12 volunteers.

“We are gut-wrenched actually, to see it all going,” he said.

“All the ladies here, they’re all exbusiness people more than anything else. Everybody that comes onto a shift runs the shop as they want to run it, they change the windows how they want.

“But it’s a community thing, not just a business, we’re very social.

“I feel sad for all the people who donated all these lovely clothes and everything like that, because they did it in good faith.”

Senior’s trip

Men from all walks of life have the unique opportunity to tour three prominent Telopea Downs properties during Seniors Month. The free tour, which includes lunch, will leave from Nhill at 9am on October 10. Connecting buses from Rainbow, Jeparit and Dimboola are available.

Participants will travel by bus to Darryl Dodson’s racehorse training facility Bindarra Park, before visiting McBride’s Woolshed, and Oasis Olives.

Registrations are essential for the tour and can be booked by emailing info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or calling council’s customer service centre on 5391 4444.

Places are only available to Hindmarsh Shire residents, and a wait list will be established if the tour if fully booked.

Lee to perform

Lonnie Lee, Australian performer and ‘last man standing of the original Australian rock and roll era’, will perform in the 2024 Seniors Concert at Nhill next month.

Tickets are free, but must be reserved at Hindmarsh Shire Council service centres or by calling 5391 4444, and there is free bus travel from Rainbow, Jeparit and Dimboola. The concert is at Nhill Memorial Community Centre, at 11am on October 9.

Ms Nowlan said Save the Children was a global organisation, which reached millions of vulnerable children across more than 100 countries each year. “The funds raised through the sale of donated items in our op shops support lifesaving programs that help children when they need it most,” she said.

store, which has supported and enabled the work Save the Children does to protect and support children across Australia and around the world.”

“We thank the Ararat community for their patronage and donations to the

Ararat’s Save the Children Op Shop, one of seven in Victoria, is the only one outside Melbourne.

Outgoing Hindmarsh Mayor Brett Ireland encouraged people to book early to avoid disappointment.

“This is one of my favourite calendar events – a morning of fun for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

CLOSED: Ararat’s Save the Children Op Shop volunteers, from left, Gwen Fisher, Trish Wood and Judy Bonner are disappointed to see the store close.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Shedding light on post-war nursing

Dawn Scott’s nursing career began more than 70 years ago, in a time when a nurse’s everyday practice differed greatly to that of today, but the motivation to care and treat was the same.

Caring for returned soldiers and tuberculosis sufferers, preparing the matron’s supper, and working outside the scope of prescribed duties, were all in a day’s work.

Mrs Scott said she started at Wimmera Base Hospital two weeks before her 17th birthday, leaving her role as a proofreader at a Horsham newspaper, before completing her training two weeks before her 20th birthday.

“In those days you had to be 21 to register,” she said.

“So, for the first year, I had to work as a staff nurse, tutor and theatre assistant, and I ended up tutoring a lot of the girls I had trained with.”

During her training, Mrs Scott met senior clerk Max Scott, who worked in the hospital office with her brother Bill. They started courting and married in 1949. In 1952, they moved to Ouyen when Mr Scott was appointed chief officer at Ouyen Hospital. The couple’s youngest son, Chris, would become Wimmera Heath Care Group chief executive in later years.

Mrs Scott remembers working with Matron Gil Arthur, the namesake of the nursing home wing, and making her coffee and supper.

“She was a fantastic lady. She was quite small,

and her cap tails were very limp, and she’d sail along the corridors with her cap tails floating behind her,” she said.

“When you were a junior nursing in the female ward, every lunchtime you had to make Matron Arthur’s coffee and she liked the coffee beans ground in gauze and then dunked in the milk.

“The multi-storey hospital was relatively new then and Matron Arthur’s lodgings were on one end of the fourth floor and the resident doctors lived at the other end.

“If you were on night duty on the third floor you were responsible for making Matron Arthur’s supper and she always liked having toast with finely sliced onion.” In those days, nurses

worked one of three shifts and carried out duties such as washing bedpans and soiled linen by hand, serving meals, washing dishes, mopping floors, in addition to directly caring for patients.

“I would also cut tuberculosis patients’ hair –the local barbers refused to go into the TB chalet, for fear of catching it,” Mrs Scott said.

Mrs Scott recalls Horsham’s biggest disaster, the collision of a bus and train on Dimboola Road in 1951, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injured 12 others.

“There was a callout on the radio for all trained nursing staff in Horsham to help, and for blood donors,” she said.

“Max and I were living in a flat and getting ready to go out to a friend’s for dinner, but I went straight to the hospital.

“When I got there, trolleys were lined all along the corridor and it was just a terrible sight.”

Mrs Scott said it was a time when there was no professional counselling, but support was found among colleagues.

“When you went off duty, you just talked among yourselves. Matron Arthur was always good to talk to and she was very protective of her nurses,” she said.

Mrs Scott remembers incidents of cancer, but not as commonly as today – the most regular ailments were of the heart.

In a time before pureed food, elderly patients would receive a bowl of pieces of bread with warm milk poured into it for their evening meal.

In theatre, general anaesthetics were often given by Matron Arthur – ether was the main choice then.

“After any operation, you had to wash your gloves then powder them and they were auto-

claved and used again for the next operation,” Mrs Scott said.

“There was a lot of general surgery, and it was mainly gall bladders, hernias, tonsils and appendixes and we also performed mastectomies and bowel cancer operations. We didn’t do many caesareans.”

Visiting honourities included doctors Felsted, Forsyth, Hutton-Jones, Henderson and Wolpolle.

“There was one resident doctor that became a little infamous – Howard Whittaker and his girlfriend or fiancee at the time was sister Elizabeth Black and she worked as a nurse,” Mrs Smith said.

“Later on, in the 1960s and ’70s, Howard and Elizabeth became involved in a cult called The Family in Olinda. They would bleach the children’s hair – I saw a documentary on it on Netflix.”

The cult ended after the compound was raided by police in 1987. The Family’s leader Ann Hamilton-Byrne was investigated, along with the Whittakers and others.

Mrs Scott nursed in Warracknabeal in the 1960s and returned to Wimmera Base Hospital to train as a radiographer.

“I travelled to Horsham and I did a crash course at taking x-rays and then I became the radiographer at Warracknabeal on call 24-7 while I worked in theatre there,” Mrs Scott said.

“That would never happen now.”

After living in Bateman’s Bay, Mrs Smith returned to Horsham in 2006, where her time is now consumed by family, friends, brain games, and reading books.

Dawn Scott

A DIFFERENT ERA: Dawn Scott, third from the right, with nurse trainees at Wimmera Base Hospital at their final exam in 1949.

Collaborative Karen service

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development has teamed with Werribee’s Comfort Care Community Services to provide a new service connecting Karen families to aged and disability support.

Multicultural community service provider, Comfort Care Community Services, CCCS’s, team of Karen carers support the aged and those with a disability with showering and personal care, as well as assistance with tasks including shopping and housework.

The initiative also involves Grampians Community Health, GCH, and West Wimmera Health Service, WWHS, enabling CCCS staff to connect Karen clients with counselling services and healthcare.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development’s migration and settlement program manager Sara Barron said Grampians Community Health and West Wimmera Health Service had supported multicultural communities in the region for many years, but that cultural and language barriers had been a significant problem.

“It’s been difficult for families with English as a second language to understand what aged and disability support services are available to them because of these barriers,” she said.

“This often means they miss out on services because they don’t understand what’s available or feel unable to communicate their real needs.

“We are confident this ground-breaking partnership will greatly improve the quality of life for Karen and other multicultural community members who may be suffering in silence.”

CCCS director Maung Hnin said her team understood the difficulties Karen families experienced trying to access the right services for their loved ones.

“We have years of experience supporting clients from different cultural backgrounds and we train our staff to provide culturally responsive services,” she said.

“We look forward to extending our services to regional Victoria and being part of this new program.”

Ms Barron said another exciting element to the new partnership was the opportunity for Karen residents from across the region to train as personal carers to be part of the CCCS team.

“Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and Federation University have partnered to deliver free training in the care industry over the next two years and a Certificate III in Individual Support course will start on October 17,” she said.

“We see a powerful opportunity for Karen locals to take part in this training and we will do what we can to support them throughout the course duration, including translation services, access to a laptop and assistance with travel.”

WSM Development chief executive Chris Sounness said the partnership between his organisation, Comfort Care, Grampians Community Health and West Wimmera Health Service would help grow regional capability and capacity to support vulnerable multicultural communities.

“To be able to provide culturally sensitive training and placements for students with English as a second language will be critical to growing and diversifying our local workforce,”

INFORMED: Nhill resident May Than attends an information event about Comfort Care Community Services new networking program with Grampians Community Health and West Wimmera Health Service.

he said. “Ultimately, we want to see our valued Karen families getting the support they need and for a wave of qualified Karen carers filling a gap in the care workforce in the near future.”

ELDERS STUD STOCK

UPCOMING 2024 RAM SALES

S E P T E M B E R

THUR 19TH MARNOO GROUP – Inspection Day WALLALOO PARK / OAKBANK ON PROPERTY, 10-5pm

MON 23RD SUNNYDALE WHITE SUFFOLK RAM SALE RUPANYUP, 1pm

MON 23RD CURLEW MERINO RAMS – Inspection Day CHARAM

WED 25TH OAKBANK MERINO AND POLL RAM SALE GRE GRE NORTH, 1pm

THUR 26TH WALLALOO PARK MERINO RAM SALE MARNOO, 1pm

THUR 26TH WESTLEIGH WHITE SUFFOLK RAM SALE LAKE WONGAN, 1.30pm O C T O B E R

MON 7TH CURLEW MERINO RAM SALE CHARAM, 1pm

WED 9TH MELROSE MERINO AND POLL MERINO SALE NURRABIEL, 1pm

THUR 10TH DETPA GROVE WHITE SUFFOLK SALE JEPARIT, 1pm

FRI 11TH GLENPAEN MERINO AND POLL MERINO SALE BRIMPAEN, 1pm

WED 16TH CONNEWARREN MERINO RAM SALE MORTLAKE, 1pm

THUR 17TH JACKSON FARMING BORDER LEICESTER

& POLL DORSET RAM SALE MOYSTON, 1pm

FRI 18TH WEST WAIL WHITE SUFFOLK SALE HORSHAM, 1pm

FRI 18TH SOUTHERN VICTORIAL MERINO FIELD DAY ARARAT REG., 9am-4pm

TUES 22ND STUD PARK SOUTH MERINO RAM SALE WILLAURA, 1pm

For further information about accessing care or becoming a trained carer, people can call Ms Barron on 0418 964 050 or email sara.barron@wsm. org.au.

Money for businesses

Businesses within Hindmarsh Shire will benefit from round one of a Business Assistance Grants program, with a combined $20,000 going towards projects within the categories of streetscapes and business development.

Seven businesses received grants up to $3000 in streetscape funding –Rainbow Sweets, $1400 to activate streetfront windows, with signage to be completed by a local artist; Nhill Thai Massage, $1346 for signage; K’nyaw Asian Grocery in Nhill, $631 for shopfront signage; Rainbow’s Turbo Gallery, $3000 towards a sculpture garden next to its Federal Street premises; Nhill’s Lots of Laughter, $599 towards a new pergola; Rainbow’s Hayden’s Café, $3000 towards upgrades; and Nhill’s Lowana, $2170 to upgrade shopfront signage.

Business development funding, up to $2000, was awarded to three businesses – Cat Clarke Catering, $2000 for a commercial kitchen upgrade; Big Bertha Coffee Van, $1998 for a refrigeration upgrade; and Partners in Ag, $1679 for personal development for its local executive officer.

The Business Assistance Grants program was established in 2016 to generate new employment opportunities, support existing business growth and to attract new business to Hindmarsh Shire.

All successful applicants are also contributing to these projects.

Cash reserve for energy proposals

N

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

orthern Grampians Shire Council will call on $300,000 of reserve cash to help assess renewable energy and power line development proposals in the region during the next two years.

The money will fund a role supporting council staff efforts to address legislative requirements of current and future energy-related proposals.

At this month’s meeting councillors approved a motion to draw the money from the council’s development reserve, which under its financial reserves policy, is used to assist with social infrastructure initiatives.

Council chief executive Brent McAlister said with several renewable energy developments and transmission line proposals on the horizon, it was crucial the council was equipped to handle the projects’ complexities.

“We are currently witnessing 10 transmission or renewable projects in various stages, with only five approved so far,” he said.

“This marks just the beginning of a journey and it’s imperative we stay ahead to influence, advocate and ensure our community’s interests are protected.”

Mr McAlister said the council would advocate for the mitigation of community impacts associated with the projects and to ensure the projects benefitted Northern Grampians communities.

“The community’s expectation is the council will take an active role in these developments. We are committed to meeting these expectations by ensuring we are fully resourced to manage all aspects, from advocacy and compliance to communication and co-ordination,” he said.

“We will act as the central point of contact, ensuring that all stakeholders – including the community, State Government and industry players

– are well-informed and engaged throughout the process.”

Mr McAlister said the council would engage with industry and government about projects within the shire.

“As a vital link between our community, renewable energy proponents and government, the council is committed to protecting our agricultural industry and unique natural values, while also setting clear expectations for industry and government to engage with our community early, with clarity and respect,” he said.

“Our role is not just limited to the planning and development stages. As the responsible authority, we will be involved throughout the construction and operational phases, ensuring compliance, managing complaints and enforcing permits.”

The $300,000 from the development reserve is a one-off, two-year allocation.

Mr McAlister said the allocation would have no bearing on ratepayers and any money unspent at the end of the two-year period would be returned to the development reserve.

“Should project proponents contribute funds for assessing proposals, all probity aspects will be strictly adhered to, maintaining transparency and accountability,” he said.

“It’s important to emphasise this strategic allocation of resources is designed to minimise the long-term impact on ratepayers while enabling council to effectively manage and advocate for the community during these developments.

“Northern Grampians Shire Council will continue to advocate strongly, ensuring the benefits of these projects are captured and shared, while any potential impacts are carefully mitigated –all while safeguarding the financial interests of our ratepayers.”

Toy

Library hosts movie day

East Grampians Health Service Ark Toy and Activity Library will host a movie day tomorrow, featuring Australian movie ‘Runt’.

The movie day is at Astor Cinema, at 1.30pm.

Based on Craig Silvey’s acclaimed novel, Runt is a heart-warming and humorous Australian family film set in the charming town of Upson Downs.

The story revolves around a resourceful girl with a knack for fixing things, and her best friend Runt, an adopted stray dog with remarkable speed and agility.

Their journey begins with a simple act of kindness that

cements an unbreakable bond and follows them as they attempt to win an agility course championship in London, in order to save their family’s drought-ridden farm.

Toy Library president Bo Munro said the annual movie day was always popular.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Astor Cinema for our annual movie day to enjoy ‘Runt’, a fantastic Australian movie that everyone will love,” she said.

Tickets are $20, including afternoon tea, and are available at CAS Footwear, Barkly Street Ararat.

The event raises funds for new toys and equipment for

the Toy Library, which is based at EGHS Community Health Centre.

The toy library is open to all families, with a huge range of toys, games, puzzles and activities, to borrow.

Entry to the toy library is free, as is monthly toy borrowing.

The Toy Library is also open for play time, with parents encouraged to bring along their babies and pre-schoolers and meet other mums, dads and carers, with a purpose-built indoor play area, as well as a great outdoor play area with new outdoor play equipment.

ALL WELCOME: From left, Robyn Sleep, Lee Kaleta and Di Pickering promote the East Grampians Health Service Ark Toy and Activity Library’s annual movie day.

VNI West consultation criticised

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy says the State Government is trying to sneak through consultation on the VNI West project during council elections.

Transmission Company Victoria’s, TCV, VNI West project proposes a high-capacity double-circuit overhead transmission line that will cut across agricultural land, forming a conduit between the Western Renewables Link project at Bulgana, east of Stawell, to New South Wales.

TCV has applied for an electricity transmission licence in Victoria to the Essential Services Commission, ESC, which is responsible for deciding whether to grant or refuse a licence application.

The ESC is inviting public submissions about TCV’s application for an electricity transmission licence in Victoria during its public consultation period from September 5 to October 21. Councils entered caretaker periods from yesterday to October 26, while elections are underway.

As part of the consultation there will be two online forums on tomorrow,

Thursday, and October 8. ESC chairperson Gerard Brody said the public submission process was a crucial part of Victoria’s electricity licencing process, and encouraged people – whether they were affected landowners, community representatives, or just people interested in energy infrastructure development – to contribute to the process.

“We will consider all public submissions in our assessment of TCV’s licence application,” he said.

The commission has a role to promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services and may grant a licence if satisfied the applicant has the technical capacity to comply with the conditions of the licence, including that it has the capacity to operate and manage the business, comply with licence conditions and comply with relevant regulatory obligations; that the applicant is financially viable; and that the applicant is ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence.

The project has been met with opposition by landowners since it was first

announced in 2022, including farmers rallying in Melbourne’s CBD last year to urge the government to look at alternatives.

‘Devious tactic’

Ms Kealy said the consultation period falling during councils’ caretaker period in the lead-up to elections was a deliberate and devious tactic.

“This is just another example of Labor failing to listen to communities and trying to stealthily push consultation through when locals’ focus is elsewhere,” she said.

“Just this week we found out Labor failed to engage with our community about the Joel Joel battery project, which was rushed through the planning process in just nine weeks.

“Make no mistake, the timing of the VNI West consultation is another deliberate tactic to stifle local voices.

“We are talking about large-scale industrial infrastructure on prime agricultural land, yet Labor has continually neglected to engage with farmers, or consider alternatives.

“Our farmers are the cornerstone of our communities and economies – they keep food on our tables and

Nhill sterile services unit welcomed

Nhill hospital’s central sterile services department, where theatre equipment is sterilised, has undergone a major renovation and now boasts modern technology and machines.

West Wimmera Health Service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the machines – two new sterilisers, a pass-thru automated endoscope reprocessor, an endodry cabinet and

pass-through drying cabinet – were essential in providing care for patients.

“These machines are vital to ensure medical equipment is not only clean, but also disinfected and in the case of surgical instruments, sterilised, to destroy micro-organisms and prevent infection when clinicians such as surgeons, dentists and podiatrists use

them in providing care for patients,” he said.

“These renovations were an important project, resulting in West Wimmera Health Service continuing to meet the high standards required for sterilisation into the future.

“It means our community will continue to have access to high quality care.”

clothes on our backs – and yet they continue to be treated with contempt by this government.

“Building new power lines is unnecessary and expensive, and Labor should instead be looking at the Victorian Energy Policy Centre’s proposal to upgrade existing lines to help unlock renewables, rather than trampling through our communities and our livelihoods.”

Ms Kealy urged residents to visit engage.vic.gov.au/transmissioncompany-victoria-pty-ltd-electricitytransmission-licence to lodge a submission.

Parliamentary Inquiry

There will also be a Parliamentary Inquiry into the expansion of transmission lines across Victoria.

The committee will inquire into, consider and report on the matter by December 19, 2025.

Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur asked the Legislative Council’s Environment Infrastructure Committee to investigate the expansion of Victoria’s high-voltage grid.

The committee’s terms of reference include: the suitability of the existing

plan for development of the Victorian power grid, including predictions for future electrical demand, and the accuracy and adequacy of economic modelling used in the costbenefit analyses undertaken to date; the predicted impact on the uptake of Victorian lower emissions energy generation and the predicted impact of Victoria’s renewable energy zones; the longer-term necessity or otherwise of interconnectors and augmented high-voltage transmission networks; and investigation of best practice in construction of new high-voltage transmission systems, including the re-use and/or sharing of easements, alternating versus direct current, and the feasibility of undergrounding, with reference to national and international experience.

Other terms of reference include improvement of the planning rules and processes and adoption of best-practice planning principles, whether the proposed compensation schemes are adequate, and initial project approval evaluations, which capture and assess the full environmental, economic, social, risk reduction and health impact.

CLEAN CUT: West Wimmera Health Service staff Lochie Pilgrim, Lynne Lynch, Justine Stephens and Trish Heinrich officially opening the new central sterile services department.

Legacy of Quality

Horsham’s Royal Hotel was first licensed in 1881, during very different times to today – the Victorian gold rush was in living memory, Bushrangers Captain Moonlite and Ned Kelly were hanged the year before, and the population of Australia was 2.25 million people.

Architecture was detailed and full of high-end finishes, and structures were built to last.

An appreciation of this history, paired with dedication to quality and a desire to provide an excellent customer experience drives Horsham’s Royal Hotel staff.

Publican Grant Fiedler and his team offer seasonal and chef-specialised menus. Dishes are prepared by chefs who have worked at venues around the world and bring that experience and level of quality to the Royal Hotel.

The Australian seafood is fresh, and produce is sourced from local suppliers – including the local

butcher’s meat tray, which is up for grabs during Friday night’s happy hour.

Friendly bar staff offer a range of tapped beers, including three of the hotel’s own – an IPA, a lager and a midstrength – from the ‘ants’ pants’ of beer systems. Grant’s personal favourite is the mid-strength, it’s ‘full of flavour’ and unlike any other beer on the market. The brass-finished tapware aligns with the hotel’s tradition for quality and an appreciation of the finer things.

A part of Horsham’s ongoing history, the hotel was the backdrop to a formal portrait of the first contingent of World War I servicemen - this image features in the hotel’s dining room. Some of the men have been identified, and Grant is keen to identify more.

Marine dealer Jack Pearson is pictured in the white shirt on the far left, with garage founder Wilson Bolton second from left. Stock and station agent Thomas Young is seated centre, with bowler hat and white beard; on his right

Drung farmer Lieutenant Ern Varley. Fifth from left in the front row is councillor Frank Millar, Len Hutchinson is seated third from left in sailor’s uniform.

Historians believe the four men standing on the right are, from left, Horsham town clerk James Hocking, store proprietor Frank Langlands,

H

People are invited to come into the hotel to enjoy the ambience and surrounds of a bygone era, for a warm fire, and a cold beer with a great meal, cooked with care and using the most modern methods and skill by qualified chefs.

is

solicitor

Balfour Cathcart, and Wimmera shire secretary George Ray.

Grant Fiedler next to wall print of historic photograph showing 1914 contingent soldiers bound for WW1.

Picture - Bronwyn Hastings

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PURPOSE:

Cardio rehab

nurse Jo Carroll with auxiliary secretary Pat Uytdehaag, treasurer Elaine Morrison and president Denise Queale are shown the previous treadmill by physiotherapist

Zara Humphreys.

Walking a path to health

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera Base Hospital La-

dies’ Auxiliary has made its single largest contribution to Grampians Health Horsham –$74,000, which has funded a new ultrasound for the Yandilla ward and a new treadmill for the Arapiles gymnasium.

Grampians Health cardiac rehabilitation nurse Jo Carroll said the treadmill was already being used by a variety of groups.

“It’s used by clients every day of the week,” she said.

“The clients are from various groups including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehab, osteo arthritis, gait and balance, heart failure and others involved with exercise physiologists and various allied health professionals.

“It’s fantastic to get a new one because the last one was beyond repair.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the ladies’ auxiliary, and we are very thankful for their hard work.”

Auxiliary president Denise Queale said the committee was ‘delighted’ to be able to buy the treadmill.

“We actually learned from one of our committee members that the previous treadmill was broken down, so we jumped at the opportunity to fund a new one,” she said.

“We have also donated a new ultrasound to Yandilla, which is yet to arrive. The reason we are able to fund such big-ticket items is mainly thanks to our hard working ladies at the opportunity shop in Darlot Street.

“They enjoy volunteering there, but they also love to see the result of their work, and this is another example.”

Water security for Donald

GWMWater upgrades underway at Donald Wastewater Treatment Plant, WWTP, are aimed at providing better service to a growing Donald industrial district, while enhancing water security and keeping open spaces green.

Work began earlier this year to modify the plant’s treatment lagoons and storages.

Together with the construction of a new mechanical plant, the lagoons will provide additional wastewater treatment and storage capacity.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the new mechanical plant would be energy efficient, require less maintenance and enhance the water treatment process, resulting in better outcomes for customers while maintaining water and service costs.

“This project signifies a substantial investment in the region,” he said.

“The enhanced treatment process and use of the technology marks a first for GWMWater, and we envision the Donald WWTP will be the blueprint for future wastewater treatment plants in our service region.”

Work at the plant is scheduled for completion during the summer.

Mr Williams said residents might notice an increase in road traffic while work was underway. He discouraged members of the public from entering the active construction site for their own safety.

Mr Williams said the upgraded Donald WWTP would produce a higher-quality recycled water suitable for irrigating turf, flower and tree lots, golf courses, sporting fields and community areas, reducing pressure on drinking water supplies and enhancing water security.

Customers in the area will be able to express their interest in receiving a recycled water supply.

More information is available by calling 1300 659 961 or emailing info@gwmwater.org.au.

REHABILITATION: Exercise physiologist Michael Pohlner and cardiac rehabilitation nurse Jo Carroll set a program for pulmonary rehab client Judy Garwood.

TaKE a BREaK

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: September 16, 2004 –The second stage of Horsham’s Group Self-Build project was beginning in Shiralee Crescent and Burnlea Drive, with prices starting at $140,000 for a four-bedroom home with garage. Each stage consisted of 12 homes, with a total of 46 sites available for self-build. On-site advisor Ian Ballinger is pictured discussing the plans with participants during the first round of building.

10 years ago: September 17, 2014

Stawell’s Little Athletics members were celebrating the completion of the track at North Park – state and federal government money funded the repair of the track after it was damaged during the 2011 floods. Club member Sarah Little said she had competed at athletics facilities across the state and Stawell’s was then ‘second to none’.

Five years ago: September 18, 2019

St Arnaud’s heritage-listed and freshly renovated railway station was to be showcased at a community open day with a range of attractions. The upgraded centre included community meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, accessible toilet, indoor market space, community art gallery, artists library lounge, and outdoor entertainment areas. Built in 1878, the station’s renovations were funded by VicTrack’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program.

One year ago: September 20, 2023

Funding for duplication of the Western Highway to Stawell was to be confirmed, following a 90-day review to allow all levels of government time to consider the infrastructure projects of highest priority, and assess their cost and ability to deliver. The review included a $360-million duplication of the highway between Ararat and Stawell. Western Highway Action Committee chair Kevin Irwin said the duplication to Stawell was supposed to be completed in 2016.

1. Coffee was the first food to undergo what process for cold-temperature long-term preservation?

2. Dying on this day, and joining ‘the 27 club’ in 1970 was which American rock guitarist, who played Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock?

3. In a 1977 referendum to choose the Australian national anthem, ‘Advance Australia Fair’ won with three-million votes – which song was second-most popular, with 1.9 million votes?

4. Which bird cannot move their eyeballs?

5. First airing on this day in 1964, was which television sitcom series starring John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan and Ted Cassidy?

6. Which British band released the album Synchronicity in 1983?

7. Celebrated for its ability to improve athletic capacity and glucose metabolism, HIIT is typically a cardiovascular exercise strategy alternating periods of intense exercise with recovery. What does HIIT stand for?

8. What is the name of the character played by Geena Davis in the 1991 movie ‘Thelma and Louise’?

9. Who features on the Australian $10 note?

10. Which golf tournament did Tiger Woods win by 12 strokes, cementing his first-ever major championship win? Answers: 1. Freeze-dried. 2. Jimi Hendrix. 3. Waltzing Matilda 4. Owls. 5. The Addams Family. 6. The Police. 7. High-Intensity Interval Training. 8. Thelma. 9. Journalist, bush poet and author Banjo Paterson. 10. The Masters.

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

Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

Brought to you by MORNINGS WITH KAYCEE Weekdays, 9am until noon on

yOUR

LUCKy sTaRs WiTh KERRy KULKEns

FOR THE WEEK SEPTEMBER 21 TO SEPTEMBER 27

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2,4,5,6 Lotto Numbers: 2,14,34,42,22,1

You may receive more approval and recognition from your superiors and have improved chances of improving your financial situation. Some long-distance travel plans and contacts could please you.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 8,9,5,6

Lotto Numbers: 8,9,34,42,33,5

You may gain what you have been hoping for a long time now. Do not let your impulsiveness ruin your chances of improvement in your career matters.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,3 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,22

Some surprise gains from unexpected directions could be the first thing you notice. Your love life should be improving, and you should be successful in what you have been aiming for.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7,9,2,4

Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,41,22

It’s not the time to get involved with other people’s problems. You might have to make extra effort to finish your workload on time—some luck with objects of art.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,1

Lotto Numbers: 1,12,23,34,37,45

People you thought you knew well may surprise you. Something nice and delightful could happen soon. Try with loved ones.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5,7,6,2 Lotto Numbers: 1,16,26,39,41,3

Plenty is expected of you at this time. However, you will come through with flying colours and reap the rewards. A friendship could turn into something more serious.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2,6,7,9, Lotto Numbers: 1,6,23,37,7,22,

Ensure everyone concerned knows what you are talking about. Otherwise, you could create quite a stir. Romance could be a slow-burning affair.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7,9,2,4 Lotto Numbers: 1,6,23,38,36,30

Friends and relatives should be giving your life a boost. Make sure you get enough rest. Some of your planned work may have to be postponed.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4

Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,45,5

It is one of those periods in which you must do things yourself to ensure everything is done correctly. You might be pushed into making decisions when you are not ready.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1,4,1,7

Lotto Numbers: 1,17,23,38,36,5

Things may not work out the way you want them to, but you will enjoy yourself nonetheless. Do not let other people’s ideas worry you; do your own thing.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4,7,8,9, Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,35,45,11, Most could be more interested in distant places and people than existing friendships, even if they could strengthen and, for some, become romantically involved. Some are likely to meet an old love about now.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 4,7,2,4

Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,36,41,9

With those in authority, a better understanding could be reached; most have a reason to feel confident. Now is a good time to be more adventurous.

Australia has sliced thousands of dollars from the drive-away price of its HR-V, adding more kit and a new hybrid variant into the bargain.

The three-variant small SUV lineup now comprises the entry level Vi X listed at $34,490 driveaway, previously $36,700 driveaway, the new e:HEV X hybrid at $39,900 driveaway, and the e:HEV:L hybrid now $42,900 driveaway, previously $47,000 driveaway.

Looked at another way, and not factoring in the new range-wide features, the Vi X has had $2210 shaved from its sticker and the e:HEV L has had a substantial $4100 haircut, with the new e:HEV X hybrid model sitting in between. narrowing the price gap be-

tween each model. Each grade is bestowed with advanced driving, safety, and interior and exterior specification upgrades.

The petrol variant, Vi X, features a 1.5-litre VTEC engine and the hybrid variants – e:HEV X and e:HEV L –sport a dual-motor hybrid system with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine.

The reduced prices might give Honda increased market penetration as it brings the HR-V more into line with its main competitors.

Honda is currently languishing in 15th place in the small SUV sales race.

But the Honda is a desirable little wagon that is now more accessible and with more standard kit. It will start arriving in Honda partner outlets from October 1.

Range-wide advanced technology additions include Honda Sensing ADAS suite and Honda Connect. All variants come as standard with five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assist, five fixed-price services, and a five-year Honda Connect subscription.

Balanced against that is the recently announced market leading warranty of 10 years or 250,000-kilometres from competitor MG.

Honda Australia says the HR-V offers outstanding style, comfort and utility, as well as advanced safety and technology features, all within a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form.

Honda Australia vice-president and director Carolyn McMahon said the launch of the new HR-V to the Australian market included the long-

New hybrid variant added to lower-priced, feature-enhanced Honda HR-V range

awaited arrival of a new hybrid grade.

“The expansion of our hybrid options has been a hot topic for some time, and we are very excited to be able to extend this new e:HEV X to our already popular hybrid offering across the Honda range,” she said.

Minor changes have been implemented to the HR-V’s exterior styling centred on the grille, head and taillights, while inside has a simplified centre console which has been redesigned for better all-round access.

The upper tray has been extended to house a large smartphone and a lower tray which is more accessible from the passenger position. Both USB-A and C ports are positioned in the front cabin.

Dynamic enhancements include revised power steering with better high-

speed stability and more predictable steering feel. The hybrids also benefit from revised front and rear damper tuning for improved ride control and compliance.

NVH has also been moderated with higher density cabin soundproofing, reducing engine and road noise. The hybrid powertrain has revised power control unit software with optimised mode switching algorithms for more seamless transitions between EV and hybrid modes, in addition to improving EV throttle response.

The hybrid mode charge strategy has also been improved to reduce sudden rises in petrol engine revs in hybrid mode for a more predictable driving feel and even greater levels of refinement.

– Peter Barnwell

Carpet Cleaning

Carma Wright from New Hope Evolution Hair, at We Love Horsham.

Brock, Ruben, Hudson and Breanna Dyke at the 2023 We Love Horsham promotion.

Hugh Dougherty, Heidi Higginson, Kaycee Bould and Danica Cutter at We Love Horsham.

John Latimer and Kelly Smithyman from Cooks at We Love Horsham.

Toby King with a prize he won at last year’s We Love Horsham.

Participating Businesses

Bj’s Furniture & Bedding

Cafe Chickpea

Cooks of Horsham

DMD Horsham

Emma Kealy

Emmetts Horsham

Forty Winks

Gold Star Self Storage

Harvey Norman Horsham

Horsham Family Footwear

Horsham Motor Co

Horsham Paint Right

Horsham RSL

Horsham Sports & Community Club

Horsham Toyworld

Lili Vogue

Living

Macchia Jewellers

Mackay’s Family Jewellers

Maria Da Ros

McLardy McShane

Thomas

Moe’s Mexican Bar & Grill

New Hope Evolution Hair & Co

Onya Back Furniture & Bedding

Plant Passion Poolwerx

Shelton & Lane Stationery

Spotlight Horsham

The Athlete’s Foot Horsham

The Gums Dental and Health

The One Cleaning Service

The Victoria Hotel Horsham

WebbCon Marine

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Outdoors

Geely enters Australian market

Geely Auto Group is set to enter the Australian market in the first half of next year, debuting its latest model, the EX5 SUV, as its local opener.

The Chinese manufacturer – and the parent of Lotus, Polestar, Volvo and Zeekr – says its arrival Down Under forms a strategic part of its global expansion, bringing what it describes as ‘cutting-edge electric vehicles to Australian consumers’.

Geely says it is committed to a continued roll-out of diverse, high-quality and accessible vehicles tailored for the Australian market, adding it is positioned to make a significant impact by offering ‘cutting-edge technology and innovative features, providing vehicles that truly cater to Australian users’ needs and expectations’.

According to its maker, the EX5 is offered in both right- and left-hand drive configurations, meeting the regulatory requirements of 89 countries globally.

Pricing for the Geely EX5 is yet to be advised, however it is expected to significantly undercut the similarly sized Tesla Model Y, which is priced from $55,900 plus on-road costs.

The Geely EX5 measures 4615mm in length, 1901mm in width, 1670mm in height and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase.

Geely Electric Architecture platform and suspended by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear arrangement.

The model lists a drag coefficient of just 0.27.

The news comes just months after Geely announced its intention to sell the Riddara, RD6, electric ute Down Under, the brand saying in May the model would be available in the Australian market soon.

Geely has spoken openly about wanting to roll out the ute globally and there are other hints that Australia is hot on its radar.

The Riddara name was trademarked in Australia by Geely early last year, which clearly signals its intent.

The right-hand drive model will be rear-wheel drive and will use a single 200kW-384Nm motor with either a 63kWh or 86kWh battery.

All variants are powered by a front-mounted electric motor offering 160kW and 320Nm to the front wheels.

Geely claims a zero to 100-kilometre-

It is offered in other markets with a choice of 50kWh and 60kWh lithium ion phosphate, LFP, battery packs offering a driving range of 440km and 530km on the CLTC scale.

an-hour time of 6.9 seconds. While equipment and specification details for the Australian market are yet to be announced, GoAuto understands the Geely EX5 features 19-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather upholstery with front-seat heating, massage, and ventilation functions, head-up display, LED ambient cabin lighting, a

10.2-inch digital instrument panel, a 15.4-inch infotainment array, and a powered tailgate.

Safety technologies include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency breaking, AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.

The EX5 is underpinned by the firm’s

A driving range of 385km for the standard 63kWh battery and 517km for the 86kWh long-range option puts the mid-size ute ahead of its one competitor, the LDV eT60 with its 330km of range.

The Riddara uses Geely’s SEA monocoque architecture, as opposed to the ladder-frame chassis design usually found on utes, which means a braked towing capacity of about 2500kg and a payload of about 755 kilograms depending on battery type.

– Matt Brogan

OPENER: Chinese manufacturer Geely is expected to brings it EX5 SUV to Australia early next year.

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

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.

must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

Good: 18 words FOCUS Very good: 28 words Excellent: 40 words

The

In

Mick

the company continued to stay at the forefront of recycling technologies to lead the Wimmera in waste management solutions.

The family-run business boasts a team of four and handle most recyclables.

“Jai McCall has joined the team and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in waste management. He is a great asset to Waste Busters.”

“We collect paper and cardboard and offer a documentation destruction service,” he said.

Waste Busters have solutions for commercial and private recycling.

“Businesses can call us for a free waste and recycling appraisal to get the best deal for you.”

Waste Busters are open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm and at weekends by appointment.

Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional tradebased businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory. The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multi-media platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians. It’s affordable and effective! For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Classifieds

BLOCK (nee Plush), Morva

Passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024 aged 95 years.

Loved wife of Lindsay (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Robert & Heather; Jenny & William.

Adored Nana to Paul, Glenn & Margaret, Mark & Millie, and Tony; Koby & Darcy, Jude, and Coen.

Great Nana to Oliver and Blair.

In God’s Care

CASTLES (nee Downey), Cheryl Heather

Passed away suddenly at home on September 15, 2024 aged 74 years.

Dearly loved wife of David for 50 golden years.

Loving mother and motherin-law of Fiona & David; and Bronwyn.

Adored Grandma to Benjamin and Amy; and Lily.

Rest eternal grant unto her Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them

FINCH, Valrie Joyce

Valrie Joyce Finch (Williams) of Melbourne, formerly of Vectis, aged 92.

Daughter of the late Arthur and Daisy Williams of Sandsmere.

Dearest wife of Alan (dec).

Beloved mother of Sue, Chris, Tim (dec) and Jon.

HASSE, Jeffrey Leonard

24-09-1938 – 16-09-24

Passed away peacefully at Wimmera Base Hospital

Loved husband of Judith.

Adored father & father-in-law of Graham & Tina and Kim.

Grandfather to Tim, Carly, Laura, Louis & Mikayla.

‘Forever Loved’

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

HEINRICH,

Marie Christine

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors and Staff of West Wimmera Health Service acknowledge the passing of Marie Heinrich on 22 August 2024 at Rainbow.

As a Registered Nurse, Marie was a cherished member of the nursing team at Rainbow and Jeparit for over twenty years until her retirement in 2011. Renowned for her exemplary care, she dedicated herself to her patients and residents during night shifts, often providing comfort and companionship to those in palliative care.

Her kindness extended beyond her professional duties; she was known for her heart of gold and often brought treats for both her patients and colleagues, brightening their days with her thoughtful gestures.

Our deepest sympathy to Trish and family.

O’CONNOR, Basil George 20th September 1945 - 10th September 2024

Dearly loved Husband of Leila.

Father of Graham (dec), Darren (dec) & Gregory. Grandfather of William, Spencer & Charlie Sarah. Now at rest. Basil will be privately cremated.

OVERALL, Robert Donald “Don”

Robert Donald Overall known as Don, 91 years.

Husband of Riona.

Father and Father-in-law of Rodney & Gayle, Joanne, Susan & Richard, Daryl (Dec), Timothy & Cheryl, and Jay.

Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Late of Dooen and Horsham.

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

OVERALL,

Robert Donald ‘Don’

4-1-1933 – 12-9-2024

Aged 91 years

Passed away peacefully at the Freemasons Homes, Monash Gardens, Mulgrave.

Dearly loved husband of our Mother, Riona.

Wonderful and loved

Father of Son, Rodney and daughter in law, Gayle.

Adored Pa of his Grand Children, Jordan and Tayla & her partner, Matt.

A life long fan & supporter of the Geelong Football Club. ‘Go Geelong Cats’

WEBSTER,

Elaine Margaret

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors and Staff of West Wimmera Health Service acknowledge the passing of Elaine Webster on 23 August 2024 at Rainbow.

Elaine was a valued member of the Catering and General Services team at Rainbow for 28 years until her retirement in 2014. She was a passionate cook and her food was enjoyed by all and made a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of those she cooked for.

Nothing was a bother for Elaine and she was renowned for her special treats for patients, residents and staff she cooked on the weekend shift including her Anzac biscuits.

Our deepest sympathy to Megan and family.

CASTLES (nee Downey), Cheryl Heather

Please see future edition for funeral details.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

FINCH

Valrie Joyce

An Informal Gathering to Celebrate the Life of Valrie Joyce Finch will take place at the Horsham Church of Christ on Thursday, 19 September 2024 commencing at 11am.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/live/xc0t3qYokDQ Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Valrie may be made to Save The Children Australia.

Donation envelopes will be available at the service.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HASSE, Jeffrey Leonard

The funeral service for the late Mr Jeffrey Leonard Hasse will be held at Ss Michael & John Catholic Church Horsham, Tuesday, September 24, 2024 commencing at 1pm Live stream link: https:// www.youtube.com/@ smjchurchhorsham/streams Privately interred.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

BLOCK

(nee Plush), Morva

The Funeral of Morva Block will leave St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham next Thursday, 26 September 2024 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

OVERALL, Robert Donald ‘Don’

The funeral service to farewell the late Mr. Robert Donald Overall “Don” will be held at St. Andrews Uniting Church, Horsham on Monday the 23rd of September commencing at 1:30pm.

Interment to follow at Horsham cemetery.

Live Stream Link: https://www.horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

Thank you

BIBBY, L. Jean

Please accept our thanks for your messages of sympathy and comfort on the passing of our loved mother.

Joanne, Stephen Derek and families.

Thank you

~ WALLIS ~ Noel Maxwell

19-11-1932 to 26-07-2024

We wish to thank all for your care and support on the passing of Noel.

Special thanks to the staff on Oxley Ward.

Thank you

The family of the late ~ Judy Jackson ~ wish to extend their thanks to all who supported them at the time of the loss of their wife, mother and grandmother. Our thanks to our relatives, neighbours, friends and medical staff who helped and supported us prior to and after Judy’s funeral in so many ways. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

Please accept this as our personal thanks. Dorothy Wallis & Families

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666706/6579578

source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

3 mini Dachshund x mini Foxy male pups, 3 months, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, source no MB255251 Ph 0400083880

Australian Cattle dogs, Heelers, 4 blue females, 5 red males, vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated, great nature, can view mum and dad m/chip# 953010 006857591/62701/57592/62729/5 7870/57596/57595/62709/57636

source# MB259122 Ph or text 0429417372

Birds for sale, princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Border Collie pups, 3 male tan and white, microchip# 985141007722107/22108/21629, source# MB260070 $800 Ph 0407852509

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

LANDRIGAN, Margaret Elizabeth “Maggie”

The Funeral of Maggie Landrigan will leave Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, 20 September 2024 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

Budgies, pastel and standards

$10 each Ph 0428010996

Horsham

Cocker Spaniel pups ,1 choc male, 1 black girl and 1 choc girl available from August 25th, both parents reg with Dogs Vic, m/ chop# 956000018888816/188154 99/18844391, souce# RB185238 ph 0429912620

German (Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 95600 0017131984/17181902/17166

017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996 Ararat

Horse rug, 6 foot wanted Ph 0427361940

Kelpie pups, both parents are good workers, 1 black/ tan female & male, 2 red/tan male, dob 23/6/24, microchip# 956000018884980 /6575 /2051 /7524, source# MB256359 $500 each Ph 0488303725

Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola

Purebred black faced Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Self shedding sheep for sale, $60 each, pick # 3HSDH097 Ph 0419293500

Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940

Working Kelpie pups, 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 9781420001 29103//937/1520/1099 source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

Young Muscovy ducks, available now, $15 each Ph 0429912620

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24’6”, long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand

new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535

$18,500ono Ph 0407360212

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras

$20,000 Ph 0438722796

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition $24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan, 2004, 19’, EC, shower on outside

$18,000 Ph 0400603022

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 53cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries

4080 Tractor, 3pl, GC

$11,000 Ph 0419389693

Brandt 46’ auger , 8” super charge, new battery, new motor 3rd wheel drive $14,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

CAT, 955 K traxcavator DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097

1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $50 Ph0428504558

2 hand made Kennett step ladders , 4.2m high Ph 0419359501

2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

Fuel tank , 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510

Large quantity of second hand

Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729

Motorhome Jayco Conquest 2021, 25’, satellite system, diesel, heater, 7625knms, 1UU2JX

$168,000 Ph 0429821461

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230 2013 Jurgens Lunagzer J24 , 6.3m/21’, J2403, 2 berth, shower/ toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445

New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/ electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $45,000 Ph 0427778747

Paramount Caravan , VGC, registered, rollout awning, full kitchen $22,000 Ph 0407542856

2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2025, U28090 $8,000ono Ph 0429942936 REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards

Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer , all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832

REDUCED Case IH 2144

Harvester , 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer $40,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

4 x Falken 2 65=60R=18, as new $800 Ph 0423967449 4KW 240V Generator, gauges and trolley $650 Ph 0428504558

$20,000ono, Ph 0427467622

Kaniva

REDUCED Concept Ascot

caravan, 2006, 18’, pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $20,000 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale,

2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

REDUCED MDC Highside

Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition

$11,500 Ph 0493394223

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more

$40,000 Ph 0418325662

Vintage 1964 Viscount

Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $9500 ono Ph 0431820493

REDUCED Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/operator $70,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

REDUCED Versatile 555 Tractor, good working order $15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

Sunbeam twin box electric wool press, good order, $1000 plus Gst Ph 55877233 evenings please

Tractor Tyre , 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097

Trailing Grain Feeder , with canopy, good condition, $1100 Ph 0400894020

A livemor electric massage chair and a proflex slider, $1100 ono for both Ph 0494077845

Aluminium windows, 4 x double approx 6’x6’, 2 x single approx 6’x3’, other smaller sizes, VGC, also quantity of timber louvre wardrobe doors, make an offer Ph 0437754474

Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335

Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs $220 inc Ph 0428579838

Merbau decking timber, 70mm, GC Ph 0353836242

Massage Machine , duo MKII

Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692

Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000

REDUCED Firescreen, 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $200 Ph 0408504633

REDUCED McCormick deering

2236 tractor, front wheel $80ono Ph 0407911884

Ryobi router $100, Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200, band saw small $50, angle grinder $40, air compressor

$100, plasma cutter $180, Ryobi drill press $120 Ph 0499769869

Stramit roller door, series A, woodland grey, 3050H x 3000W, brand new, unopened $1,100 Ph 0491033643 Nhill

Stylish vintage 1930’s/1940’s radiogram, in need of restoration $100 ono Ph 0427545424

Sunwagon Food Trailer, fully equipped for electric and gas cooking $16,500 Ph 0437581171

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899 Mattress $250 , single bed blackwood $250, as

barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913

Antiques

Walker, 210kg, wider than normal, GC $220 Ph 0423967449

REDUCED BMW RT1200 Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961

Yamaha Scooter, excellent condition, 6100km, RWC, 6 months reg, ideal for learner, $1800ono Ph 0408824739

1987 XF Falcon sedan S pack, manual, 5 speed gearbox, power steering. 181,000km, eng JG23HE97665C, $2500 Ph 0428501109

Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

Ford XF Wagon,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109

Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic, aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109

Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396

1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109

2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220

2004 Honda Accord, 3.0L V6 auto, well equipped including sunroof and cruise control, rego til 28/1/25, good tyres, 132,000kms, SQW278 $6,999 Ph 0409998004

2010 Holden Cruze CDX, auto, EC, reg til Jan 25, RWC, its a beauty, 71,XXXkms, YET476, $7200 Ph 0437561900

2011 Holden Commodore VE SV6 II sedan, colour ‘Sizzle’ red, tow bar, tinted windows, reversing camera, bluetooth, EC, 198,XXXkms, YNV016 $10,000 neg Ph Glenn 0447799547

2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009

2013 Holden Cruze SRI , full service history, rego until mid November 2024, RWC, 6 speed automatic, touchscreen, bluetooth, cruise control, reverse sensors, brand new tyres and windscreen, only selling due to upgrade, 203,xxx km, AKH160 $9000 ono Call or text 0438405429

2013 Jeep Compass , reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms 1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555

Price reduced to sell Ute 2012 Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12 RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so “as new”, solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520

REDUCED 2010 Hyundai i30 diesel wagon, GC, RWC, economical, XWS504 $5500 Ph 0419132137 Ararat

2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609

Housemate wanted , clean home in Haven, large furnished bedroom, double carport, private yard, no pets, $200 per week includes bills Ph 0407043917

Palm tree for removal , free, located Goroke Ph Mick 0400005266

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $26000ono Ph 0427822909

Massage Service , full body massage, 1 or 2 masseuses available, call for a quote and booking Ph 0460500827

2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry SL sedan, with all the luxury features of a top of the range Toyota, pearl white, full service history, RWC, 2AM8IL, $32,250 Ph Eddy 0428922335

2022 Isuzu Dmax X terrain

Valencia orange for sale, 25,318 kms,still under new vehicle warranty until 2028 or 150,000 kms, 7 months rego, RWC, BVI103 $60,000 Ph 0438918240

Mazda BT 50 2021 dual cab, silver, fitted with ARB bull bar, driving lights, ascent canopy, rear step towbar, warranty 4/26, reg til 4/25, 4000kms 1NB5DX $48,500 Ph 0428528990

Nissan Navarra, STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2” lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms, $39,500 Ph 0413992594

2004 VY SS Commodore, black, RWC, VGC, YKW598 $16,000 Ph 0400603022

2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $14,000 Ph 0400728252

VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto, silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towing done, VGC, new tyres, reg till 2/25, YVD520 $10,500 Ph 0428528990

2003 Landcruiser, auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379

REDUCED 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0i PHEV Auto, plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi serviced, superb condition throughout, near new tyres, 30-40km electric range, reg to April 2025, RWC supplied, 100,732 kms, 1XN2NP $22,500 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat area

Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264

Set of 4 Landcruiser GXL silver rims, 17”, GC Ph 0417320470

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David- 0427864628

Wanted, Land to “Share-Farm” , anywhere south of Horsham and across to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya

>

>

A compulsory site meeting will be held in Laidlaw Street, Apsley at 11 am, Tuesday 8 October 2024.

Tenderers who do not attend pre-tender site meeting and do not make prior contact with GWMWater’s Graduate Engineer Avin James with a valid reason for not attending will not be considered for tender evaluation or award.

More information regarding this tender is available from GWMWater’s website at gwmwater.org.au/tenders

Enquiries may be directed to Avin James, Graduate Engineer at avin.james@gwmwater.org.au

Tenders close 2 pm Wednesday 16 October 2024.

GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part.

The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Mark Williams

Managing Director

You

You

**Attractive

**Attractive

**Attractive

We

We

We

Food Services Chef (64 hours fortnight, Horsham)

This

Contact Stephen Hill, Food Services - Manager / Food Services on 03 53819238 or stephen.hill@gh.org.au

Family

Family

Family

38

38

$33.41

$33.41 to $43.08 per

$33.41

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Electrician (2 positions available, Horsham & Dimboola)

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Multidisciplinary Counsellor (Aged Care)

Multidisciplinary

Multidisciplinary Counsellor (Aged Care)

30.4 hours per week

30.4

30.4

$43.08 to $46.35 per

$43.08

$43.08 to $46.35 per hour

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Closing: 12pm Monday 30 September

Closing: 12pm Monday 30 September 2024

To

To

Contact: Sarah Sargeant For

Contact: Sarah Sargeant Closing: 12pm

This permanent full-time position with a monthly ADO is available for an immediate start and the successful applicant will be involved in working a rotating roster including afternoon & weekend shifts, public holidays and participation in an oncall roster. The primary purpose of this position is to provide electrical maintenance and installation services to Grampians Health facilities, to relevant Australian Standards and Regulations and ensuring facilities and equipment are maintained and operated in a safe, compliant and efficient condition.

Contact Terry Cameron, Engineering Manager on 03 5381 9224 or Terry.Cameron@gh.org.au

We

Alcohol

38

$33.41 to $49.28 per

Contact: Nicole Jhureea

30.4

$49.28 to $51.76 per

Contact: Nicole Jhureea

To

Catchment Management Graduate

W immera CMA Horsham, Victoria 2 year fixed term, full-time Salary: $63,293 pa

Are you looking for a career development pathway?

Have you considered Natural Wimmera CMA is seeking a recent in science, natural resource management engineering related fields to join

Catchment Management Graduate

The successful candidate will be a lead agency for natural resource management and undertake training professional development, with guidance provided by senior CMA staff. The position will develop skills and knowledge in regional catchment management.

W immera CMA Horsham, Victoria 2 year fixed term, full-time Salary: $63,293 pa

Are you looking for a career development pathway?

Are you looking for a career development pathway?

Have you considered Natural Resource Management?

Have you considered Natural Resource Management?

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, respects and promotes the diversity our community and supports inclusion participation for all.

Wimmera CMA is seeking a recent raduate in science, natural resource management or engineering related fields to join its vibrant and modern workplace.

Wimmera CMA is seeking a recent raduate in science, natural resource management or engineering related fields to join its vibrant and modern workplace.

Visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download position description and key selection criteria.

Applications close 10.00am Monday September 30 2024.

The successful candidate will be joining a lead agency for natural resource management and undertake training and professional development, with guidance provided by senior CMA staff.

The successful candidate will be joining a lead agency for natural resource management and undertake training and professional development, with guidance provided by senior CMA staff.

Phone: 03 5382 1544 24 Darlot St Horsham www.wcma.vic.gov.au

The position will develop skills and knowledge in regional catchment management.

The position will develop skills and knowledge in regional catchment management.

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, reflects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, reflects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

Visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download a position description and key selection criteria.

Visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download a position description and key selection criteria.

Applications close 10.00am Monday September 30 2024.

Applications close 10.00am Monday September 30 2024.

Phone:

District league

Premiership posters for senior football and A Grade netball, see middle pages.

FLYING: Michael Close tries to mark under pressure from Jack Vague.

RIGHT: NoradjuhaQuantong’s Connor O’Beirne looks to avoid Rhys Daffey.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER, COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

FOCUS: Anna Sudholz in the A Grade grand final.

SEARCH: Rupanyup’s Victoria Taylor.

HANDS: Jason Kerr lays a tackle as Will Burbury dishes out the ball.

GOAL: Harrow-Balmoral forward Peter Staude celebrates a goal.

FAMILY: Lahraum stars Maddie and Ema Iredell celebrate with family.

CELEBRATE: Anthony Close and son Oliver.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

SUCCESS:

Yanac Tigers open division players following their win on Saturday. It was Yanac’s 21st premiership in Wimmera Hockey Association’s 35 seasons.

Picture: RACHEL CLARK

Brought to you by

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

sport

Premiers crowned

BY SIMON KING

Three big grand finals brought the Wimmera Hockey Association season to an end in style at Dimboola on Saturday, with Yanac Tigers continuing their dominance of the open competition, Kaniva Women earning their second premiership in three seasons, and Yanac Warriors completing the season undefeated in the under-16s division.

Open

Another chapter was written for one of the Wimmera’s longest-running sporting dynasties, with Yanac Tigers winning their 21st premiership in the 35 seasons of the competition, defeating long-time rival Warrack Hoops.

The Tigers started strongly, with Todd Alexander converting a penalty corner midway through the first quarter to put the reigning premiers in the lead, and in a worrying sign for the challengers, their key midfielder Tim Jorgensen left the field minutes later, struggling with a hamstring injury.

A second goal just before quarter time, when Raine Mackley got onto a pass from Brad Alexander, saw the Tigers hold a comfortable lead at the first break.

Although the Tigers continued to control much of the play in the second quarter, the Hoops’ game picked up with some solid defence, preventing any further scoring again before halftime.

This continued into the third quarter, with the Hoops taking the challenge up to the Tigers, but they could not breach the leaders’ defence.

The Tigers took a firm grip on the title when Rourkey Croot, who would be later selected as player of the match, scored their third goal late in the quarter.

The momentum of the last quarter was halted when a player was struck by the ball, but after a brief delay, the game continued with the Hoops fighting desperately to get onto the scoreboard.

They fought the game out to the end but could not reduce the deficit, and the game finished as a three-goal victory for the Tigers.

Along with Rourkey Croot, Todd Alexander and veteran Kim Croot were selected as the premiers’ best players, and the Hoops’ consistent captain Sandon Schultz, Jayden Smith, and reliable defender Caleb Baldock were the runner-ups’ best.

This extends the Tigers’ current streak to eight consecutive grand final victories, plus one minor premiership title in the COVID-interrupted 2021 season, while the Hoops, who boast the nextbest record in the competition, remain on five premierships from 17 season deciders against the Tigers.

Women

In a game that promised to be the most closely contested for the day, Kaniva and Yanac teams did not disappoint in the women’s grand final. The scene was set perfectly with a head-to-head record of two wins to Yanac, one to Kaniva, and one drawn encounter in their four meetings in 2024 before Saturday, and on the scoreboard, a total of only one goal separated the two across these four games.

Kaniva captain Lisa Stimson opened the scoring with a goal in the first quarter, and one each to her teammate Imogen Williams and Yanac centrehalf back Erin Alexander, saw Kaniva hold a onegoal lead at halftime.

In a very even third quarter in which both teams

earned and successfully defended two penalty corners each, the scores did not change going into the last period of play.

The last quarter saw a fierce battle as both teams struggled to gain control. It was an intense 17 minutes of hockey that ultimately ended with no further scoring and Kaniva winning the title.

Yanac’s Mikayla Mackley was awarded the Jane Gregson Memorial medal as best on ground, but had some strong challengers in Kaniva full back Sharon Williams, forwards Lisa Stimson and Sigourney Williams, and from her own team, Erin Alexander played a strong game in the midfield and Caitlyn Alexander dominated from centre-forward.

After several seasons of struggling to field a team and enduring many significant losses, the Kaniva team is now beginning to make its presence felt with a third consecutive grand final appearance since COVID restrictions denied them another in 2021. From this, they have won two premierships and finished runner-up twice, making them the most successful team in this division in the past five seasons.

Under-16

The leading two teams in the under-16 competition set the standard for the day with a remarkable display of hockey skills and teamwork.

Nhill Leopards were always facing a tough challenge when they ran onto the field to take on the undefeated Yanac Warriors, but they took the game right up to their more fancied opponents.

The younger Leopards started strongly and were first on the scoreboard when Oliver Bone found the goals from a penalty corner in the second quarter.

In a competitive third quarter, the Warriors slowly began to take control with goals to Nathan Pedie and Sean Pedie to take the lead at the last break, but only by one goal.

The scores were again tied early in the last quarter when Oliver Bone scored his second goal, but goals to Yanac’s Henry Zanker and then Archie Zanker saw them move back into the lead several minutes later. A second score for the match by Nathan Pedie gave the Warriors a three-goal lead with five minutes of play remaining.

A late goal to the Leopard’s captain, Deegan Clark, reduced the margin back to two goals with several minutes to play, but despite their best efforts, they could not score again, and the Warriors finished with the win.

Archie Zanker topped off an excellent personal season with the Peter Colbert medal as best on ground, while Henry Zanker and Nathan Pedie also made significant contributions and regular leaders in the Leopards’ team, Deegan Clark, Oliver Bone, and Thar Shu Bee stood out.

This was the Warriors’ sixth title since 2018, and the Leopards’ first grand final appearance.

Grand final results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 3 (goals, Todd Alexander, Rourkey Croot, Raine Mackley; best, Rourkey Croot, Todd Alexander, Kim Croot) d Warrack Hoops (Sandon Schultz, Jayden Smith, Caleb Baldock).

Women: Kaniva 2 (Imogen Williams, Lisa Stimson; Sharon Williams, Lisa Stimson, Sigourney Williams) d Yanac 1 (Erin Alexander; Mikayla Mackley, Erin Alexander, Caitlyn Alexander).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 5 (Nathan Pedie 2, Henry Zanker, Archie Zanker, Sean Pedie; Archie Zanker, Henry Zanker, Nathan Pedie) d Nhill Leopards 3 (Oliver Bone 2, Deegan Clark; Deegan Clark, Oliver Bone, Thar Shue Bee).

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AFL LIVE ON

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Brothers finalists

Horsham’s Jarrod and Thomas Berry are two of five finalists in this year’s AFL Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

Now in its 13th year, the award is for the player who has best demonstrated the values of late Melbourne champion Jim Stynes, including their commitment to helping others, making a difference in the community, and the way they represent the game on and off the field.

Jarrod, who plays for Brisbane, and Thomas, Gold Coast, were recognised for their work in raising money for breast cancer, in honour of their late mother Jedda.

Since 2017, Jarrod has raised more than $140,000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia, BCNA, through several campaigns, including the ‘Marathon for Mum’ in November 2023 where he, his brothers and a group of friends completed a full marathon in their home town of Horsham, which raised $80,000 for the charity.

In 2018, Jarrod raised more than $60,000 for BCNA by hosting an event in Horsham, where he, his brothers and friends shaved their heads for breast cancer awareness, bring-

ing in donations from the wider Horsham community and $5000 from Jarrod’s Lions team-mates.

He has used his profile to create events and participate in activities that engage local communities, the broader Brisbane Lions fan base and corporate sector to draw attention to BCNA and encourage families impacted by breast cancer to explore the many services they have to offer.

National scale

Thomas has dedicated the past decade to using his platform as an AFL player to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, including the flagship event, ‘Marathon for Mum’.

Other initiatives led by Thomas include head shaving events and PLAY4BNCA, where schools and sporting associations hosted a Pink Sports Day to drive ongoing community awareness and raise funds for BCNA on a national scale, and Ride for Hayley initiative, encouraging the Gold Coast community to ride 10 kilometres and donate $10.

As an active ambassador for BCNA, Thomas organised for his Gold Coast Suns team-mates to wear pink socks for breast cancer awareness in the round

20 AFL QClash match against his brother’s side the Brisbane Lions earlier this year.

Other finalists are Reilly O’Brien, Adelaide; Bailey Banfield, Fremantle; and Harry Cunningham, Sydney.

The award will be presented during the broadcast of the 2024 Brownlow Medal on Monday night.

The winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the AFL was always proud to honour the late Stynes through the award.

“One of the things I love most about our game is the impact that it has beyond the football field. We are incredibly proud of the work our players do in the community to raise awareness for worthy causes and positively impact the lives of so many people,” he said.

“Our nominees have all displayed great compassion, leadership and commitment in their volunteer work, all values that are at the core of this award.

“We are so lucky to have them as role models within the footy world and the wider community, and acknowledge the contribution they’ve made over years.”

months. McRae, right, had the trophy named in her honour after winning a total of 24 club championships.

Trainers continue winning ways

BOX ONE

Wimmera trainers continued their winning ways last week with Heather Baxter and her able strapper Molly Parfett, Murtoa, taking honors with two victories, with Garry George, Beulah, and Andrea Gurry, Nhill, both training winners at Warrnambool.

Baxter began the week with a bang at Ballarat on Monday when Art Cadeaux broke through for her maiden victory.

Art Cadeaux found herself in all sorts of bother early, buried in a heap of traffic, but the brindle chaser used great field sense to work her way through the field and straighten for home in third position. Still looking up against it, she knuckled down and went to work and produced a superb finish to pull off a super victory.

George travelled to Warrnambool with kennel star Our Titan and the highly promising chaser did not disappoint. Exploding away early, Our

Titan was simply brilliant, breaking the magical 22 second barrier, stopping the clock in a flying 21:89sec over the 390m trip, with the Andrea Gurry trained Spring Port running second to land a local quinella.

Gurry then saluted in the next race when Xylus Bale returned to form with a nice win in what was the last event on the 13-race card. Xylus began well from the inside draw and went straight to the front and was never troubled, winning in 22:36sec.

Baxter then backed up her Monday victory with a dominant five-length victory with Suntory Lisa at Horsham on Sunday night.

Suntory Lisa exploded from the wide draw and crossed the field to lead clearly through the corner. Straightening for home it was only a matter of time and margins and Lisa went home close to a five-length victor.

Proven Success: Our seasoned players and winning record speak volumes about our dedication and skill. But it’s not just about the trophies; it’s about creating lasting memories!

Family-Friendly Fun: At the Bullants, we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. Our relaxed atmosphere ensures everyone enjoys the game, while our professional coaching guarantees you’ll improve your skills!

Junior Program Excellence: We prioritize nurturing young talent with our top-notch junior program. It’s the perfect opportunity for your kids to develop their skills and love for the game in a supportive environment.

Easy to Get Here: Located in the Noradjuha Recreation Reserve, our club is just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle. Escape to a community where cricket is more than just a game – it’s a way of life!

CRICKET CLUB

HONOUR: Heather Greenaway, left, is the winner of the Jenny McRae Medallist Cup for 2024. Greenaway won with a score of 77 net in the playoff, competing against the monthly medallists for the previous 12

– With Peter Carter

HorsHam District league

Demons rise to fly the reserves flag

Laharum capped a giantkilling run in the Horsham District league reserves competition with a 7.5 (47) to 4.6 (30) win over Swifts in the grand final.

The Demons finished the season third on the ladder but defeated minor premier Noradjuha-Quantong in the preliminary final before dispatching the Baggies, with midfielder Hayden De Graaf winning the best-on-ground medal.

Veteran forward Phil Butsch and Daniel Down were also among the standouts.

Pimpinio claimed back-toback under-17 premierships, defeating a Laharum side that combined with Harrow-Balmoral to field a team this season.

The Tigers won 12.18 (90) to 7.14 (56), with Austin Simpson awarded the best-on-ground medal.

Edenhope-Apsley won the under-14 grand final, defeating Noradjuha-Quantong 8.3 (51) to 3.11 (29).

It was just the third loss of the year for the Bombers, who were unable to overcome a matchwinning three-goal performance from Saint Marcus McIntyre who deservedly was awarded best on ground.

RESERVES: Laharum 7.5 (47) defeated Swifts 4.6 (30) to win Horsham District football league’s reserves grand final at North Park, Stawell, on Saturday.

UNDER-17: Pimpinio 12.18 (90) defeated Laharum 7.14 (56). Best on ground, Austin Simpson, Pimpinio.

HorsHam District league

13-AND-UNDER: Kalkee 23 defeated Laharum 19. Best on court, Ella Schultz, Kalkee.

17-AND-UNDER: Pimpinio 43 defeated Kalkee 35. Best on court, Ava Fitzgerald, Pimpinio. C RESERVE: Kalkee 38 defeated Noradjuha-Quantong 22. Best on court, Sophie Pietsch, Kalkee.

15-AND-UNDER: Rupanyup 48 defeated Kalkee 32. Best on court, Ilze Van Zyl, Rupanyup.

C GRADE: Natimuk United 35 defeated Noradjuha-Quantong 32. Best on court, Courtney Cameron. B GRADE: Kalkee 30 defeated Natimuk United 28. Best on court, Lisa Fulton.

HorsHam District league

Demons undefeated

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

In the week leading up to the Horsham District A Grade netball grand final, Laharum coach Rebecca McIntyre preached a zenlike message of accepting and embracing the moment to her players.

With a minute remaining on Saturday and the Demons clinging to a two-goal lead amid a fierce Rupanyup comeback, McIntyre admitted that mindset was difficult to maintain.

“I was stressed,” she said.

But the Demons, who set the bar all season with an undefeated home-andaway campaign, kept their heads when it mattered most, executing clean passes to kill the clock and preserve a 40-38 win that thrilled the many spectators at Stawell’s North Park.

Entering the grand final as favourites, the Demons looked nervous early.

Their first two possessions ended in an uncharacteristic miss by star goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story and an equally uncharacteristic turnover by goal attack Maddie Iredell.

At the other end Rupanyup got a perfect start, with goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen netting four quick goals as the Panthers raced to a 5-0 lead.

But just as quickly as they had fallen behind, the Demons got themselves back in the game, with captain Olivia Jones-Story applying defensive pressure through the midcourt to turn the ball over and Caitlin Jones-Story and Iredell finding their range.

At quarter time Laharum had worked its way to a 12-10 lead, and the Demons extended it to 22-17 by half time as rain set in alongside the persistent wind.

McIntyre, defending Bergen at goal keeper, began to get on top in the match-up, rebounding strongly when Bergen missed.

Laharum’s speed and physicality also came to the fore, with goal defence Ema Iredell flying into Rupanyup’s passing lanes to create deflections and interceptions.

Rupanyup coach Jedda Heard, who remained on the bench throughout the game, brought Bergen to the bench in the second quarter as Maddison Morgan rotated into goals.

Morgan, Bergen and Bianca Drum continued to rotate through goals for the remainder of the game as the Panthers sought to create favourable

match-ups, while Laharum’s line-up remained unchanged throughout the game.

In the third quarter the Demons’ defensive pressure reached its zenith, with Rupanyup scoring only six goals in the quarter as the margin ballooned to 11 goals at the final change.

Laharum looked set to run away with the contest, but the Panthers showed why it was billed all season as one of the Demons’ top threats.

Defenders Lucy Bussenschutt and Victoria Taylor began to stifle Caitlin Jones-Story and Maddie Iredell, with Taylor securing several crucial rebounds.

Meg Cashin and captain Ally Hiscock worked hard to apply defensive pressure for Rupanyup and feed the ball to Drum and Morgan as the Panthers scored the first five goals of the quarter to trim the margin to six.

During the next frantic few minutes the teams were locked in an arm wrestle, with Rupanyup unable to draw any closer than six goals while Laharum could not push the margin further than seven, with both teams trading goals and turnovers in equal measure. With time becoming a factor, Rupanyup mounted one last, desperate

McIntyre lauded team captain Olivia Jones-Story, who was awarded the best-on-court medal for her strong two-way play at centre.

“She is an exceptional leader. She’s a very different leader to me, which is great. What I bring is the pump up and the inspiration and the loudness, and what her and ‘Caito’ bring is really tactical, smart netball,” she said.

push, cutting the margin to two goals as rain again began to pelt down.

But after Laharum regained possession, both Iredells, Rylee Hateley, Melanie Russell and Olivia JonesStory played a game of keepings off with their Rupanyup opponents in the centre third, passing the ball around in an unbroken chain of possession until time expired.

Laharum supporters rushed onto the court to embrace their team at the final horn, celebrating a second Demons A Grade premiership from five straight grand final appearances.

McIntyre was full of praise for her players for keeping their composure as the clock ran down.

“We talked all week about making sure we had a lead going into the last quarter, because we knew if the weather was going to turn, then we’d have a better time trying to hold it,” she said.

“They came back hard, and we knew they would – they’re a quality team. Thankfully we worked hard for three quarters, which saved us in that last.

“In the last minute when we knew we had to pass it around, we kept our heads, chipped away, didn’t try to rush it in and we knew we could hold it.”

“They do it in a way in which the three of us together as a group –coach, assistant coach and captain – make the ultimate trio. It means we can be there for everyone in the team.”

Olivia Jones-Story said she was simply happy to win after being part of multiple losing grand final sides for Laharum and the Wimmera league’s Horsham Demons in the past decade.

“It was really nice. My dad has never seen me win one, because the year that I did win, in 2015, my brother was playing for North Ballarat in the seniors and he was at the footy,” she said.

“He said to me this morning, ‘just get the job done, will you?’”

Heard was proud of her Rupanyup side, which held its head high in defeat.

“We did a really good job of not losing our heads and kept coming back, but I think we just left it a little bit late,” she said.

“They’re a very physical team, and we knew that coming in, but it’s always something you have to adjust to.

“We came out well at the start, but they were more physical than us and I think that came into it. We did adjust eventually, but it took us too long.”

Heard said she believed most of Ru-

panyup’s A Grade side would return next season.

“We’ll have a bit of a break, and I think when we come back we’ll be very motivated and keen to get going,” she said.

As for Laharum, McIntyre said the players would focus on enjoying their premiership before concentrating on 2025.

“I’d like to hope that we all come back. Caito and Liv have done a monumental effort travelling back and forth from Ballarat, so we’ll see how we go,” she said.

“We’re just going to be present, soak in the moment now and not worry too much about next year until after we celebrate this one.”

Other grades

In the B Grade grand final, Kalkee handed Natimuk United just its second loss of the year to win a 30-28 thriller, with Lisa Fulton claiming best-on-court honours.

The C Grade grand final went to Natimuk United, which upset minor premier Noradjuha-Quantong 35-32, while Kalkee cruised to a 38-22 victory in the C Reserve grand final. Pimpinio caused a boilover in the 17-and-under grand final, beating previously undefeated Kalkee 43-35 behind the efforts of defender Ava Fitzgerald, with Rupanyup winning the 15-and-under grand final 48-32 against the Kees and Kalkee taking the 13-and-under grand final 23-19 against Laharum.

• See middle pages for A Grade premiership poster.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

Growing Pains and Leg Pain in Teenagers

In these fast growing years, teenagers can suffer a lot of pain in their legs and it’s often dismissed as simple growing pains. Now that’s not completely correct. As teenagers grow so rapidly their muscles and ligaments have trouble keeping up and the rapidly growing joint puts pressure on these areas causing pain. Also, a very real issue is that areas are out of alignment or have been jammed up for awhile. Whilst teenagers have been growing slowly it’s not so noticeable, however with sudden growth spurts it highlights a hidden problem. This is what a parent doesn’t want to miss, because it can set teenagers up for ongoing issues that can be dismissed as simple growing pains.

A chiropractor can also see a teenager with bilateral knee pain and heading for surgery for that knee that keeps dislocating, discovers that they have a sacral problem which is undiagnosed, because it’s knee pain. The sacrum is often thought as a solid tail bone. Well in young children it is five individual bones which don’t start to join to form one bone until they are around 13yrs of age. Each one can misalign or jam up

As a chiropractor we look at all areas of the spine and check all joints in the legs to find out what is not moving properly and the best way to correct it. Keeping teenagers moving well helps them grow straighter, stronger and assists them to perform better at their activities. Dr. Pauline Walsh

CLOSE ENCOUNTER: Laharum defender Rylee Hateley works hard to block Rupanyup’s Ally Hiscock. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ON TARGET: Rupanyup goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen shot 15 goals for her team in Saturday’s grand final. Laharum’s Ema Iredell defends.

HorsHam District league

Roos go back-to-back

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Harrow-Balmoral wrote another chapter in its storied history on Saturday as it captured its second successive Horsham District Football Netball League senior premiership – and fourth in the past five complete seasons.

The Roos confirmed their status as the league’s pre-eminent powerhouse in an often scrappy but always engrossing 7.10 (52) to 5.9 (39) win over a gallant Noradjuha-Quantong.

Former premiership coach and two-time Dellar medallist Nick Pekin burnished his already impressive legacy by claiming the best-on-ground medal after kicking three goals and setting up multiple others for the Roos.

But while another Harrow-Balmoral premiership seemed fait accompli to some spectators at Stawell’s North Park before the opening bounce, it was Noradjuha-Quantong that started strongly.

The Bombers won the first centre clearance after the mercurial Brock Orval drew high contact, and his subsequent launch inside forward 50 was nearly controlled by leading NoradjuhaQuantong coach Damian Cameron.

Orval had a chance to put the first goal on the board with his third touch inside the first minute, grabbing the ball from a throw-in in the forward pocket and dribbling it towards goal, but his kick was to the near side.

Orval and Cameron’s efforts typified much of the game for the Bombers – their endeavour could not be faulted, but they often struggled to finish off their good work.

The contest was brought to a grinding halt only five minutes into the first quarter when Cameron collided with Harrow-Balmoral midfielder Will Plush, leaving Plush heavily concussed.

Both teams huddled together as Plush left the ground on a stretcher, and for the remainder of the game Harrow-Balmoral’s leaders could be heard exhorting their team-mates to ‘do it for Plushy’.

“That was a massive out for us, not only losing that rotation through the midfield, but because he’s an incredible player and has been for a long time,” Roo coach Jai Thompson said after the game.

“He gives us a lot of drive and he’s a courageous player. He showed that today in that contest.”

With Noradjuha-Quantong continuing to press and Harrow-Balmoral missing a key midfielder for the rest of the contest, the reigning premiers suddenly looked vulnerable.

It was Harrow-Balmoral vice-captain Peter Staude who finally broke through for the game’s first major with a long range set shot in the 16th minute, seemingly opening the floodgates.

Pekin followed with his first minutes later, and after Cody Deutscher barged his way through two would-be tacklers and delivered long into the forward line, Pekin had his second and the Roos’ third shortly before quarter time.

Leading by 22 points, the game was going largely according to script for Harrow-Balmoral despite Plush’s absence, but the Bombers dug their heels in in the second quarter.

Veteran Jason Kerr kicked their first goal after a downfield free kick, and while Deutscher answered with a brilliant snap for Harrow-Balmoral minutes later, scoring opportunities became increasingly rare for both sides as defenders came to the fore.

Noradjuha-Quantong’s Dylan Shelley spent the first three quarters checking Harrow-Balmoral key forward Michael Close, holding Close goalless for only the second time all year, while Connor O’Beirne, who played most of the season as a forward for the Bombers, kept Roo goalsneak Rhys Daffey quiet.

At the other end, Stuart Macfarlane blanketed Bomber Judah Hobbs, with Clinton Robinson was similarly effective against Cameron.

In the middle of the ground Staude was superb, shouldering a huge workload in the absence of

LAUNCH:

Noradjuha-Quantong’s

Dylan Sherry leaps above Harrow-Balmoral’s

Michael Close. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Plush and continually winning the ball on the ground and in the air.

Trailing by 27 points at half time, the Bombers did what no other side had been able to achieve in 2024, holding Harrow-Balmoral goalless for a quarter.

Noradjuha-Quantong midfielder Jayden Besford, who had started quietly, began to work his way into the game, while Jack Vague’s ruck work against Harrow-Balmoral captain Anthony Close remained strong.

But, as had been the case for most of the afternoon, the Bombers struggled to put their own score on the board, with a brilliant Declan Bushby snap producing the third quarter’s only goal just seconds before the siren.

At the final change Thompson urged the Roos to push through the pain barrier and give everything they had for one more quarter.

The coach practiced what he preached, taking a juggling mark and converting from directly in front to deliver what proved to be the matchwinning goal.

Noradjuha-Quantong moved Shelley forward in the final term and he narrowly missed two goal opportunities, the second of which would have trimmed the margin to eight points inside the final minute but was touched on the line by desperate Roo defender Dalton Burns.

At the final siren the Roos threw their arms in the air in celebration, while the Bombers consoled each other after coming closer than any other team to beating Harrow-Balmoral in 2024.

“I’m in a bit of shock. It hasn’t sunk in yet what we’ve just achieved as a group,” Pekin said after the game.

“To not lose a game for a couple of seasons and to fight the game out as we did in trying conditions against a quality opposition, I’m super proud of the group. What we’ve been able to achieve together is immense.”

shirtfront the AFTER THE SIREN

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh Match in review

Harrow-Balmoral

Thompson was also full of praise for his side, particularly the performances of Pekin and Staude.

“It could have gone either way with Pekin and Pete for best on, because around the ground Pete was sensational. He’s such a grunt player for us and he takes some fantastic marks too,” he said.

“‘Peko’ is unbelievable. He’s a superstar of the league. He’s been so good for so long at this level and he showed again why he’s one of the best.”

Thompson also lauded the Roos’ less-heralded defensive unit.

“I think our back six saved us in that last half when the pressure was on. Clinton Robinson came in halfway through the season and at 39 years of age I thought he was phenomenal playing on our last line of defence,” he said.

“Stuey Macfarlane has done the job on Judah Hobbs a couple of times. Judah is a fantastic player and he’s kicked a lot of goals this year, and Stuey does an incredible job on him down back.

“For George Austin off of half back, at only 18 years of age, to be so strong and so confident in his footy is absolutely phenomenal.

“You can also throw in Josh Dawson, who has been a stalwart for us the last two years at centre half back. He really holds down the fort and his voice is tremendous.”

Cameron rued the Bombers’ missed opportunities, but was proud of his group’s effort.

“I think there were a few small things in the first half that allowed them to hit the scoreboard a bit harder than we would have liked, and that was the area we struggled – on the scoreboard,” he said.

“I’m proud of the boys in the second half, because it was a massive effort just to pressure and tackle and be able to score our fair share of goals in that half.

“We were just painfully short in the end.”

7.10 (52) d Noradjuha-Quantong

5.9 (39)

It was cold, windy and wet, but it was a hard, close, physical contest.

The loss of Will Plush early threw Harrow-Balmoral out a little bit, but they were able to adjust and ultimately they had a bit more class.

Their match-winners in Peter Staude, Nick Pekin and Jai Thompson just had a bit more class than Noradjuha-Quantong.

The Bombers’ slow start in the first quarter ultimately cost them, because they outscored Harrow-Balmoral after quarter time.

Noradjuha-Quantong had opportunities to win it, there was no doubt, but a bit more polish in front of goals meant the Roos took a few more of their opportunities, and that got them over the line. There were six or seven Bombers who, when you look back on the game, didn’t do a lot, whereas there were only one or two in Harrow-Balmoral’s side who didn’t bob up at some stage.

The player of the game: Peter Staude was outstanding. He was in everything. In our post-game votes we had Staude receiving three votes, Pekin getting two and Dylan Shelley from NoradjuhaQuantong getting one.

There were a couple more who could have received votes – Stuart Macfarlane in the back line was brilliant for HarrowBalmoral and Cody Deutscher was good. The rising star: George Austin was very serviceable in the back line, and along the way he and his father became the first father-son premiership players at Harrow-Balmoral.

He’s very good and has gotten better as the year has gone on. He’s in his first year out of under-17s and played every game this season and slotted straight into the senior side.

Ararat Eagles fly

Ararat Eagles confirmed their status as Mininera and District Netball Association’s top side, atoning for a shock semi-final loss against Tatyoon with an eight-goal win against the Hawks in Saturday’s grand final.

The Eagles set the pace all season in the A Grade competition, going undefeated in the home-and-away campaign to top the ladder.

But in a semi-final on August 31 they faltered against Tatyoon, losing by 11 goals and being forced into a preliminary final against Woorndoo-Mortlake rather than enjoying a week off.

Given Tatyoon defeated Ararat by four goals in last season’s A Grade grand final, nerves were evident among Eagles players and supporters as scores were tied at 28 halfway through the final quarter.

But Ararat came through with flying colours, scoring 11 of the game’s final 14 goals to win 39-31, with goal defence Paige Biddle judged best on court for her superb intercepting and rebounding work.

It was Ararat’s second netball premiership of the day, after its B Grade side also triumphed 45-27 over Woorndoo-Mortlake, with Emily Kelly the best player.

Football

Penshurst and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac played yet another thriller in the Mininera and District Football League grand final, with the Bombers fighting back from a 15-point deficit at threequarter time to win 8.5 (53) to 7.6 (48).

Wimmera league

Glory for Grace

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham Saints captain Ashlee Grace won her first Hatcher Medal, winning the Wimmera league A Grade netball best and fairest after coming runner-up on three occasions.

Grace polled 30 votes, six ahead of Horsham’s Georgie Carberry, 24 votes, while Grace’s team-mate Maddison Bethune was equal third with Southern Mallee Thunder coach Steph Thomson, on 22 votes.

Bethune, who also plays 17 and under netball for the Saints, was awarded best under 21 player for the competition.

Grace said it was an amazing feeling to win the medal in her own right.

She polled votes from the outset, with three votes in four of the first five matches.

“At least I can say that it’s been consistent in the last five or six years ... it’s so good to finally have one of my own,” she said.

“After the past I don’t think about polling votes anymore, it was more this year just to go out and have a really good year.

“In the past I’ve known that I’ve had a good season, then I come out and don’t win it, and it just breaks your heart.

“Every week I’d rather go out there

and play a really good game and get a premiership at the end of the year, over a personal accolade.”

Grace polled in all but four games this season showing her consistency as the league’s dominant centre court player.

She said her performances all came down to putting in the hard work at training.

“Our team over the last five or six years has been very consistent and very diverse with all of our abilities, which has been great,” she said.

“It’s all just the hard work. You’ve got to put the hard yards in to be that consistent, and to play that well.

“So it is a lot of hard work – but you train how you play.”

The four-time premiership player will take the court this Saturday for her beloved Horsham Saints, where she is also coach of the 17 and under team who will also be playing in the grand final.

She said she was excited to play in another grand final.

“It’s always going to be a good

game between Horsham and Horsham Saints, so whatever the day brings its always going to be competitive and a good game to watch,” she said.

Another of Grace’s team-mates, Saints goal shooter Jorja Clode, was awarded the leading goal-scorer award after scoring 599 goals in the home-and-away season.

The league announced a team of the year, with coach of the year awarded to Demons’ Ebonie Salter – the full team is on page 64.

Other grades

Saints superstar Zeena Kelm won the B Grade best and fairest with 26 votes, with Stawell’s Jade Cross runner-up on 22 votes.

Saints’ Holly Combe was awarded the goal-scoring award with 541 goals.

In C Grade, Saints’ Leah Adams won the best and fairest, polling 35 votes, ahead of Minyip-Murtoa’s Angie Clark, on 24 votes.

Michelle Beaton, Stawell, was the leading goalscorer with 487 in C Grade.

While in C Reserve, Lorinda Stewart, Horsham Demons, polled 33 votes to win the best and fairest, and Ashlee Ison for Horsham Saints was runnerup with 19 votes.

Stawell’s Tara Ahern was C Reserve’s leading goal-scorer with 413 goals.

CROWNED: Horsham Saints’ Ashlee Grace, left, is the Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade Hatcher Medallist for 2024. Past winner Georgie Carberry, Horsham Demons, was runner-up.

BEST: Horsham Saints’ Zeena Kelm, right, is the Wimmera Football Netball League B Grade best player for 2024. Jade Cross, Stawell Warriors, was runner-up. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

BY LAUREN HENRY

Ararat co-coach Tom Williamson was fittingly crowned the Wimmera league’s best senior footballer, winning his first Toohey medal on Monday night.

The league hosted its annual awards night at Horsham Showground’s Maydale Pavilion, with more than 200 guests present.

Williamson polled 26 votes, ahead of Stawell coach Tom Eckel on 23 votes, while Horsham Demons’ Brody Pope won the best under 21 player.

Williamson also won the senior goal-kicking award with 57 goals.

The former Carlton player who returned to play at Ararat last year paid tribute to his home club.

“I’ve come back, obviously being down in Melbourne and went through a challenging time in my life and the Ararat footy club has been there from the word go for me,” he said.

“It’s been pretty emotional and the footy club as a whole has wrapped their arms around me – I love the place and can’t thank them enough.”

Williamson also thanked his partner Arabelle and his family for their support, the league and the sponsors.

He said it was a ‘massive honour’ to win the league’s best and fairest.

Williamson has played most of the season in the midfield and then sent forward to ‘rest’.

“It’s worked quite well. With my height, I felt like I could play a role up forward,” he said.

Williamson said he felt he had a better season this year due to being more relaxed and accustomed to the Wimmera league.

He polled in 10 of 16 games, with seven best-on-grounds, two sets of two votes and one single vote.

“Obviously the standard dropped a little bit from AFL/VFL, but in Melbourne, I was never the centre of attention out on the footy field – I was just there playing my role – but I came back here and got a little bit

more attention,” he said. “I guess it was just adapting to that side of the game that I probably didn’t have down in Melbourne.”

Williamson polled the most votes in last year’s Toohey medal but was ineligible due to suspension.

“Obviously you don’t play footy for these awards, but they’re nice when they come along,” he said.

“Last year, I missed out through suspension, and obviously learnt the hard way about it that way, and could back it up with an okay year this year.”

Williamson stepped up into the

league

coaching role this year, sharing the role with Tom Mills – the pair have committed to continue on in season 2025.

“As coaches, we’ve got to worry about playing the best way we can first and foremost, and if we do that, the team will go a long way to winning,” he said.

“We just control what we can control and put in the amount of work in the pre-season, so just rely on things like that to get you through games and get you through the season.”

Saints footballer Matthew Combe won the reserves’ Hank Neil medal

22 votes,

Saints veteran Gavin Kelm won the reserves’ goal-kicking on 77 goals. Trevor Albrecht and Amanda Cole were inducted as life members of the Wimmera league for their great service, while Horsham Saints were named champion club for 2024.

Nhill’s Jake McQueen was awarded coach of the year, while the league also announced a team of the year, which is on page 65.

polling

ahead of Brodie Mines, Horsham Demons, and Adrianne Lupton, Horsham Saints, on 13 votes.

AWARDED: Ararat’s Tom Williamson, centre, is Wimmera Football Netball League Toohey Medallist for 2024. Stawell Warriors’ Tom Eckel, left, was runner-up and Horsham Demons’ Brody Pope the best under 21 player.

LIFE MEMBERS: Trevor Albrecht and Amanda Cole were awarded Wimmera Football Netball League life memberships on Monday evening. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera league

Clash of powerhouses

BY LAUREN HENRY

Selecting the winner of this year’s Wimmera league A

Grade netball premiership is akin to tossing a coin.

Once again, Horsham Saints take on Horsham Demons, and who wins is anyone’s guess.

Each time the two teams take the court, it promises to be a close match. They won one game each during the home-and-away season, while the Saints won a thriller in the second semi-final, coming back to steal the game by one goal.

Some of the league’s most elite netballers, including this year’s Hatcher medallist and Saints captain Ash Grace and league runner-up and Demons captain Georgie Carberry, will be relied upon to lead their respective sides to victory.

The Saints boast some of the rising stars of the competition – Saints’ Maddison Bethune, who won the league’s best under 21 player and gun goaler Jorja Clode, who won the league’s goal-shooting award with 599 goals, have cemented themselves as key A Grade players this season, while still playing in the 17 and under competition.

Whereas the Demons will look to their consistent performers – Carberry, Tahlia Thompson, Romi Miller and Imogen Worthy – all of whom polled in the top 10 of the Hatcher medal.

Both sides enter the grand final at full strength, and are expected to start with their usual starting seven.

Horsham Saints coach Jess Cannane said it was part of the Saints’ brand to commit to a settled starting seven line-up.

“It just allows the girls to weather some storms, work out what needs to be done on court and then really sort of extend from there,” she said.

The settled line-up had seen Cannane on the interchange bench for much of the second half of the season.

“I think sometimes you can see the game a little bit better off court, and we’re in a fantastic position having seven under 17s in our squad,” she said.

“That ability to be able to bring in a lot more youthful players definitely allows us to keep up with teams and particularly when you’re playing the Demons – they’re very quick in attack – so I get pretty exposed as being a bit long in the tooth.”

Cannane said she fully expected to face Demons in the grand final, given their history of meeting in finals and them being the top two sides this season.

“I think that was pretty evident throughout the season that it would most likely be us and the Demons in the grand final, but who knows with regards to finals – they can be funny things,” she said.

“Coming off back-to-back premierships last season, we had a pretty unchanged playing group, so we wouldn’t really have been expecting anything less than playing in another grand final.

“It’s a nice reward for all the hard work that we’ve put in, both during off-season and in the season.

“It’s been really nice to be able to just have that week off, refresh our bodies, and everyone’s 100 percent ready to go.”

The Demons have faced two tough finals matches after having the first week of the finals off due to finishing on top of the ladder.

Dimboola put up a fight in Sunday’s preliminary final at Murtoa, but the

Demons ran out eventual winners 4841.

The Roos trailed 17-25 at half time, but some positional changes sparked a comeback to bring the scoreline to 32-33 at three quarter time.

Horsham wing defence Keely Pope dominated and Romi Miller was also strong at goal defence, and for Dimboola, Maddison Marra and Bridget Dorrington excelled.

“Dimboola came out really firing, which we expected as we had a really tough match against them only about a month or so ago, and we probably surprised ourselves having the lead at halftime,” Horsham Demons coach Ebonie Salter said.

“They made some really great

ARARAT FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

The AFNC wish our U14’s & Seniors players all the best for the Grand Final

The AFNC would like to sincerely thank our players, club volunteers and Corporate Sponsors for their generous support during the 2024 season.

changes, they were coached very well I thought, and they came back to bring it to one at three quarter time, so it was tight.

“It was really great preparation for us. I think we proved the week before that we can play three and a half solid quarters.

“It probably wasn’t our finest game, but we proved that when we were a bit down, we could come through in that last quarter, which was really important for us.”

Salter said she expected if both sides played to their full potential, it would be another close game.

“I think our defensive pressure all year has been what’s getting the scores on the board for us as well as keeping the opposition low,” she said.

“They’re a very strong attacking unit. We need to really shut them down, and we need to just keep fighting and keep going all game.

“We’re excited, ready to show what we’ve got and hopefully it’ll be a good match for the spectators.” In other senior grades, Horsham will play Stawell in B Grade; Saints take on the Warriors in C Grade, while in C Reserve it’s the netball powerhouses Demons and Saints.

All three junior grades, 17 and under, 15 and under and 13 and under will be contested by the Demons and Saints.

Inter: Imogen Worthy (Demons)

Ellen Bennett (Nhill)

Romi Miller (Demons)

GS: Jorja Clode (Horsham Saints)

Coach: Ebonie Salter (Demons)

Wimmera netball team of the year

GA: Steph Thomson (Southern Mallee Thunder)

WA: Georgie Carberry (Horsham Demons)

C: Ashlee Grace (Horsham Saints)

WD: Tamika Mentha (Minyip-Murtoa)

GD: Maddison Bethune (Horsham Saints)

GK: Lisa Considine (Stawell)

EYES ON THE PRIZE:

Saints A Grade captain Ashlee Grace and Demons skipper Georgie Carberry.

SHARP: Horsham goal attack Georgia Batson shot 21 goals in her team’s win against Dimboola. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera league

Teams at full strength

TBY LAUREN HENRY

he two best Wimmera league football teams this year – Ararat and Southern Mallee Thunder – will face off in Saturday’s grand final.

The reigning premiers will enter the grand final as favourites after having the wood over the Thunder on all three occasions this season.

The Rats have won by 15 points in round three; 47 points in round 12 and 34 points in the qualifying final.

But the Thunder, who finished on the top of the ladder with 14 wins, two points ahead of Ararat, will put up a fight to claim the premiership in their first year as a merged club.

Coming off winning the league best and fairest, Ararat co-coach Tom Williamson said he and his side were eagerly awaiting Saturday’s grand final.

“I can’t wait for it, obviously we’ll be ready and firing, and waiting for a pretty strong Thunder side,” he said.

Unlike last season, Ararat earnt a week off during the finals series after scoring a strong win over the Thunder in the qualifying final.

They were able to sit back, enjoy a week off and watch the preliminary final between Southern Mallee Thunder and Stawell at the weekend.

“We obviously got the chance to freshen up slightly. We had a run around Saturday, and got moving,” Williamson said.

“We’ll just prepare as normal this week, but it was obviously nice to freshen up a few blokes.”

The Thunder has also had a week off during finals, skipping the first week after finishing on top of the ladder.

Both teams enter the grand final fit and primed to win the premiership –and at full strength.

In fact, Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty will have a selection headache this week with Nick Yarran available to come back into the side.

“I think it’s going to be a good battle in the midfield. I think last time both teams showed to have firepower up in the forward line, so whoever can look after their forwards the most and get the best entries will go a long way,” he said.

“Last time we stuck with them for three-and-a-half quarters and they ran away with it, but each time we’ve had a few different learnings and hopefully we can change a couple things and get

the win. You only have to beat them once to win the premiership.”

Delahunty said Sunday’s preliminary final against Stawell was the ideal hitout for the Thunder.

The Thunder was in control for most of the 50-point win at Murtoa – following a four-point margin at the first break, the minor premiers skipped out to a 43-15 lead by half-time.

Jackson Fisher and Thomas Clarke with two goals apiece were impressive for the Thunder, as was Bradley Lowe who booted five goals.

“It was a pretty physical game. Stawell obviously came to play and certainly made us earn the win, but to our boys’ credit, they fought hard and it was very pleasing to get through to a grand final,” Delahunty said.

“Having the week off, we were probably a little bit fumbly early on, but

we’ll be ready to go on Saturday now.” And ready the Thunder will need to be – they will have to try and tame the Rats’ elite group of Williamson, his co-coach Tom Mills, Jack Ganley, Jake Robinson, and Cody Lindsay. While the Thunder will look to its usual suspects of Delahunty, Billy Lloyd and Coleman Schache to lead the way.

Meanwhile for the Warriors, who bowed out of the premiership race in a credible season, the lack of firepower up forward was evident as they had no multiple goal-kickers.

In reserves football, Horsham Saints play the Demons; while the junior grades will see the same two clubs contest the under 17s match, and in the under 14s, the Demons will play Ararat.

CONTEST: Stawell’s James Sclanders tackles Thunder player Jackson Fisher in the preliminary final at Murtoa on Sunday.

HB: Hugo Papst (Horsham)

HB: Jackson Dark (Stawell)

FP: Baydn Cosgriff (Ararat)

Coach: Kieran Delahunty (Southern Mallee)

Foll: Kieran Delahunty (SMT), Tom Williamson (Ararat) (c), Tom Eckel

BP: Henry Shea (Ararat)

Wimmera league team of the year

FP: Tanner Smith (Minyip-Murtoa)

HF: Brody Pope

Cody

FP: Ryan Kemp (Horsham)

W: Kade Petering (Minyip-Murtoa)

HB: Liam Albrecht (Nhill)

BP: Sam Clyne (Horsham Saints)

Coach: Jake McQueen (Nhill)

C: Tom Williamson (Ararat)

CHB: Sam White (Southern Mallee)

FB: Jackson Dark (Stawell)

Foll: Kieran Delahunty (SMT), Billy Lloyd (SMT), Tom Eckel (Stawell) (c)

W: Jackson Fisher (Warracknabeal)

HB: Liam Nelson (Southern Mallee)

WFNL selectors: Gavin Morrow, Neil King and Chris Graetz

BP: Ash Clugston (Dimboola)

Inter: Andrew Moore (Dimboola), Jake Robinson (Ararat), Jack Ganley (Ararat)

(Horsham)

CHF: Josh Fowkes (Stawell)

HF: Jake McQueen (Nhill)

FF:

Driscoll (Stawell)

(Stawell)

CHB: Sam White (Ararat)

HB: Tyler Blake (Horsham)

W: Liam Nelson (Southern Mallee)

C: Billy Lloyd (Southern Mallee)

W: Jake McQueen (Nhill) (vc)

Inter: Jake Robinson (Ararat), Andrew Moore (Dimboola), Cody Lindsay (Ararat), Brody Pope (Horsham)

HF: Coleman Schache (Southern Mallee)

CHF: Oscar Gawith (Minyip-Murtoa)

HF: Jack Ganley (Ararat)

FF: Jackson Calder (Dimboola)

FP: Ryan Kemp (Horsham)

FP: Ben Taylor (Ararat)

Selectors: The Shirtfront’s Grant Kuchel, Brian Cassidy, Daryl Eastwell Criteria: Must have played 10 home and away games.

COUNTDOWN: Southern Mallee Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty and Ararat’s co-coach Tom Williamson ahead of this Saturday’s senior football grand final. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Teams locked in for season

T

wenty-five senior teams will compete in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s season, starting on Saturday, October 5. Match play five and six, and junior competitions will begin on Saturday, October 12.

Association president Rod Shurdington said the amount of teams entered was consistent with last season.

“We have 25 senior teams entered – five teams in pennant, one more than last season, with Kalkee joining the premier league after winning the A Special grand final last season,” he said.

“They will be joined by Horsham Lawn, Central Park, St Michael’s, and Drung South.

“A Special has seven teams entered, A Grade has six teams, and B Special has seven teams.”

Mr Shurdington said last season the association trialled match play five and six matches at 5pm on Fridays, which would continue this season, starting October 11.

Match play is a beginner competition in which players learn the basics of game play as well as scoring.

The matches are played on modified courts with low compression balls.

“The section three and four girls will combine this season due to the number of teams entered, meaning there is no section four girls for this season”

– Rod Shurdington

“All match play teams will compete at the one venue, rotated between Haven, Horsham Lawn, and Central Park tennis clubs, which makes it a fun night for our younger tennis players and families,” Mr Shurdington said.

He said junior open and sections one to four were played Saturday mornings.

Junior open has seven teams in the 2024-2025 season, which will be contested by two teams each from Central Park and Horsham Lawn, and one each for Homers, Natimuk and Quantong.

There are a total of 62 junior teams, which is an increase of three teams on the 2023-24 season.

“The section three and four girls will combine this season due to the number of teams entered, meaning there is no section four girls for this season,” Mr Shurdington said.

Ararat

Closing date: ASAP

• We are committed to increasing the number of apprentices within the region and are looking for new starters or recommencements in the industry to complete a Certificate III in Carpentry.

Requirements:

• Good at working with their hands & enjoy practical work

• Able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• Good at mathematics

• Good sense of balance and ability to work at heights

• Willingness to commit to work and study

Apply online today or for more information, please contact us on 1300 135 008.

Lucky day for Lewis brother trainers

Friday the 13th was far from being unlucky for Horsham-Hamilton brothers Terry and David Lewis with their seven-year-old gelding Kowalski Analysis taking out the $20,000 AC Air Pace at Geelong.

As a younger horse, ‘Kowalski’

mixed it with the best around, being placed in the Chariots Of Fire Group One, Paleface Adios Group Two, Four-Year-Old Bonanza Group One and Hamilton Pacing Cup Group Three.

Illness and injury have derailed

his campaigns on a number of occasions, but trainer David Lewis’ faith, time and effort with the son of Roll

With Joe USA and Dream Away Jo sees a record to date of 10 wins, 19 minors and $181,692 from 45 starts.

Howlett wins day at Dimboola

Dimboola Golf Club hosted 18 players in a stableford event on Saturday – Ross Howlett won the day with 37 points, ahead of Bill Hutchinson, the runner-up, on 35 points.

There were no nearest the pins on the fourth or the 18th, Ian Moorhead was nearest the pin on the 13th, winning the money hole. The final round of the singles

knockout was played, with Jesse Day defeating Jake Miller. Sunday’s event at Dimboola is stableford.

• Good communication skills

• Patient and tolerant

• Aptitude for technical activities

• Strong focus and genuine desire to assist

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Working with Children Check prior to commencement

• Gain and maintain AGSVA (Government Security) clearance

Individual Support Traineeship

Warracknabeal

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient

• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages

• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate

• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.

Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Apprenticeship

Horsham

Closing date: October 1, 2024

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

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890

• Clean camp facilities/amenities

• Assist in preparing/serving meals for participants

• Other duties as required Skills and Experience:

• Current Working with Children’s Check

• First Aid Certificate advantageous

• Drivers Licence and own vehicle

• Demonstrated experience in a cleaning position

• Good personal hygiene

Delivery Driver

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Medium Rigid Truck Licence

• Physically fit and equipped to undertake manual tasks

• Honest and reliable with a positive attitude

• Customer service focused

Delivery route:

• Mon, Tues & Thurs, 3am-11:30am Horsham to Hamilton run

• Fri - 2:30am-11:00am delivering to Stawell/Ararat

• Wed, 6am-2:30pm coolroom work pick & packing orders

To learn more about this role, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

TOP RUN: Kowalski Analysis in action at Geelong.

Picture: Claire Weston Photography

Race for O’Brien to championships

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham under-19 boys’ captain Malachy O’Brien is in a race to be fully fit for the junior country championships next week.

O’Brien suffered an ankle injury during an A Grade game last month and has been working overtime with his physio to be right for the championships, which start Thursday next week. He returned to training on Sunday last week, participating in all drills except spiking to ensure he found his court sense, before returning to the court in his A Grade game as a libero. He will attend Sunday’s final training session, where the plan is to do more work at the net.

Under-19 boys’ coach Jack Hannan is confident but cautious when assessing O’Brien’s chances of making it in time.

“You can’t hide an ankle injury when it comes to volleyball and in Malachy’s case, being a key attacker, we need to make sure he ticks all the boxes before he can fulfill his place in the team,” he said.

“Best case scenario is he can pick up where he left off before he got injured, with the worst-case scenario being he plays a backcourt defensive role, which he is more than capable of.”

Volleyball Victoria has been granted an exemption for Haidyn Young to participate as an over-age player to cover for O’Brien should he not make it.

Fixture released

Volleyball Victoria has released the fixture for next week’s championships, with Volleyball Horsham under-19 boys and girls featuring in the opening matches.

The boys will open the championships on the night of Thursday, September 26, with a match up against Warrnambool, while the girls will feature against Mildura Academy.

Volleyball Horsham vice-president Matt

McLoughlin was excited for the two teams as they were rewarded with the feature matches.

“I think it is great for our two teams to have the focus on them in these two opening night matches, in a nice move by Volleyball Victoria to shine the spotlight on the home teams,” he said.

“From a Volleyball Horsham perspective, we thank both Warrnambool and Mildura Academy for agreeing to the fixture and sharing in the spotlight.”

McLoughlin said Volleyball Victoria was going all out for the championships to give the participants the opportunity to experience everything a championship has to offer, with courtside signage being developed specifically for the event as well as familiar signage teams and spectators see at elite level matches.

“The stadium is going to look fantastic and hopefully the participants enjoy playing in such a great environment,” he said.

Another feature of the championships will be the staging of an opening ceremony on Friday from 1.30pm.

The ceremony will feature a march of all the teams, the national anthem by Horsham performer Sienna Walsgott, and player, coach and referee oaths delivered by Volleyball Horsham representatives.

The championships open with the two feature matches on Thursday night, then continue Friday and Saturday with games starting at 8.30am each morning, with medal matches from 8.30am on Sunday morning.

A closing ceremony, where medals will be presented by Volleyball Horsham Hall of Fame members, will be on Sunday from 12.30pm.

Volleyball Horsham is looking forward to delivering this event on behalf of Volleyball Victoria for the next three years and hope athletes enjoy the experience.

Price enjoys golf croquet success

Glenn Price was Saturday’s Horsham Golf Croquet division one winner with three games and 23 hoops; Gary Devlin was runner-up with 2/24. Marg Pope and Robyn Devlin won division two with 2/21, with June Revere runner-up with 1/11.

Kerrie Brody and Leanda Elliott won division three with 2/22, with Yvonne Warrick the runnerup with 2/20.

On Tuesday, September 10, Marj Weidermann won division one with 1/19, Gary Devlin was runner-up with -/17.

Jennie Mitchell won division two with 2/22, Marg Pope was runner-up with 2/20.

Bev Meyer and Allan Meyer won division three with 3/22, with both Rob Bahr and Rachel Cousins the runners-up with 2/20.

On Thursday, Shirley Price won division one with 3/25, with David Wortley runner-up, 2/17. Brian Drendel won division two with 3/25, Robyn Devlin was runner-up with 2/20. In division three, Rachel Cousins won with 3/23, and Yvonne Warrick was runner-up with 2/22.

Vol. 27 No. 12

September 18, 2024

Wimmera Football Netball League Toohey Medallist Tom Williamson and Hatcher Medallist Ashlee Grace were crowned the league’s best players on Monday night at Horsham’s Maydale Pavillion. Ararat co-coach Williamson scored 26 votes to win by three over outgoing Stawell coach and last year’s winner Tom Eckel. Horsham Saints captain Grace, who has been runner-up three times, scored 30 votes to win convincingly from past winner Horsham’s Georgie Carberry, 24 votes.

Premiership team: Back, from left, Michael Close, Easton Burns, Dalton Burns, Will Plush, Jack Robinson, Noah Hildebrand, Clint Robinson, Josh Grant, Matt Jones, Jai Thompson, Stuart Macfarlane, Anthony Close, Cody Deutscher; middle, Pete Staude, Josh Dawson, George Austin, Mitchel Grant, Harry Close, Simon Close; and front, Jack Pekin, Blake Pekin, Tex Pekin, Nick Pekin, Rhys Daffey, Ethan Appleton, Jai’s son Campbel Thompson, Scott Addinsall, Lachie Stevenson, Will Burbury, Grant Little, Brait Headon.

NICK PEKIN

JAI THOMPSON

PETER STAUDE

Best on ground

Robinson, George Appleton,

Goals: Harrow-Balmoral, Nick Pekin 3, Rhys Daffey 1, Cody Deutscher 1, Peter Staude 1, Jai Thompson 1; Noradjuha-Quantong, Declan Bushby 1, Damien Cameron 1, Jason Kerr 1, Connor O’Beirne 1, Alex Ross 1.

Best: Harrow-Balmoral, Peter Staude, Matt Jones, Jai Thompson, Nick Pekin, Clinton Robinson, Josh Dawson; Noradjuha-Quantong, Dylan Shelley, Jayden Besford, James Hallett, Jack Vague, Dyson Parish, Connor O’Beirne.

Best-on-ground medal: Nick Pekin, Harrow-Balmoral.

Pictures:

Premiership team: Back, from left, Sophie Quick, Caitlin Jones-Story, Rebecca McIntyre, Rylee Hateley; Keely Elliott, Ashlea Bylsma; and front, Emalie Iredell, Olivia Jones-Story, Melanie Russell, Kara Johnson, Maddison Iredell.

10 17 23 38

Goals: Laharum, Caitlin Jones-Story 25, Maddison Iredell 15; Rupanyup, Bianca Drum 16, Zanaiya Bergen 15, Maddison Morgan 7. Best on court: Olivia Jones-Story, Laharum.

CAITLIN JONES-STORY

MADDISON IREDELL