The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Tourism ‘game

BY LAUREN HENRY

Four accommodation developments to be built at Ararat, Horsham, Halls Gap and Mt Langi Ghiran are set to provide a major boost to the region’s economy.

Developer Australian Tourism Group, ATG, has outlined plans to open the Ararat and Horsham hotels within two years.

ATG unveiled plans for a new 4.5-star

at Ararat and a

resort at Mt Langi Ghiran at a business breakfast in Ararat on Wednesday last week, with further details about the four developments detailed at a Grampians

Wimmera Mallee Tourism, formerly Grampians Tourism, industry event at Horsham on Thursday.

The Horsham accommodation will be built beside Horsham Golf Course – replacing Horsham Fairways Resort, which has been abandoned for the past 15 years.

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said ATG initially looked at establishing only one development in the region, but saw the opportunity for further investment.

“We’ve available land, an amazing growing visitor economy, we’re in the top three in the state for visitor expenditure after COVID and there is

a shortfall of supply – we don’t have any major new accommodation being built at the moment,” he said.

Mr Sleeman said Grampians Tourism’s investment prospectus in 2023 detailed visitor demand would outstrip the supply of accommodation by 2026.

“We identified then we had two years to fix the supply issue for our region and we’ve been actively working with both state and local government to attract private investment into the region,” he said.

“We need to make sure any development that comes to the region is done sustainably and is sensitive to the impacts on nature. ATG tick all of

those boxes. This is one of the largest single investments in tourism outside of Ballarat, so it’s a game-changing investment.

“ATG is also investing in worker accommodation, which is critical. What I love about the development and their proposal is their focus on training and educating people.

“They also understand this is an opportunity to raise the profile of a career in tourism.”

Mr Sleeman said ATG was in talks with major accommodation chains to operate the hotels.

“We’re going to be bringing the best of the best to run this accommodation,” he said.

“ATG has plans for other developments, which is also as exciting as the four launched last week.”

Mr Sleeman said ATG was a community and family-minded company, with directors living in regional Victoria.

“This isn’t the only company either – there are others lining up. We’ve other investors just as hot, who haven’t put planning applications in but it’s going to be an exciting few years in the Grampians,” he said.

“There are another 20 tourism projects requesting letters of support from me for planning and development proposals – it’s really exciting.”

Continued page 3

VIBRANT: Fijian dancers, from left, Koleta Misa, Loxy Cakau and Milly Morrell celebrate the beginning of Cultural Diversity Week with a Harmony Day event in Ararat at the weekend. The showcase was one of many events scheduled this week across the Wimmera and Grampians to share stories and showcase traditions from multicultural communities in the region. Story, page 7.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Community Leadership Program expressions of interest closing Monday

Residents interested in making a difference in the community are being encouraged to enrol in the municipality’s Community Leadership Program, beginning in the first half of 2024.

The three-month program is designed to generate an engaged, proactive and diverse pool of potential candidates for the 2024 Horsham Rural City Council Election.

Expressions of interest are open until Monday 25 March.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said the leadership program was a key recommendation of the 2023 Municipal Monitor Report and would be delivered independently from Council.

“This program is intended for existing, new and emerging leaders of community groups within our municipality,” Mr Bhalla said

“The Victorian Local Governance Association will run a series of courses between May and July 2024. There is no cost for the participants other than their time and commitment to participating fully in the program.

“Participants will learn about community leadership, communication approaches, public speaking, goal setting and monitoring, understanding community and diversity, reflection and resilience.

“We look forward to seeing participants’ leadership skills develop for the benefit of our broader community,” he said.

To achieve an effective outcome from the program, a maximum of 25 participants has been recommended.

Three members of the public with a background in community or executive leadership will make up an independent selection panel, to be announced soon.

All participants are to apply by submitting an expression of interest demonstrating how they satisfy the program criteria, as follows:

• Eighteen years or over

• An interest in developing own and other people’s leadership in the community

• Motivation to participate and engage in civic life

• Desire to use skills to make a difference and enhance the community

• The ability to commit to full attendance at all sessions.

Application forms and further information are available on the HRCC website.

SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 9:30AM - 1PM

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

For details visit the Have Your Say section of HRCC's website

ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 2024-2025

The draft Annual Action Plan dictates how Council will deliver commitments set by the four-year plan on a yearly basis. The document will be open for community feedback for four weeks with submissions then collated and presented to Council for its consideration. Council will then approve a final version, and use the document throughout the financial year to help guide its priorities, projects and activities.

The Annual Action Plan is an important feature of Council’s ongoing commitment to good governance by promoting accountability and transparency through community engagement.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT POLICY REVIEW

Council’s Community Engagement Policy was reviewed and adopted in February 2021 to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020. This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains up-to-date and compliant with all relevant legislation and best practice guidelines.

DRAFT EARLY YEARS PLAN 2024-2028

The Draft Early Years Plan is open for community feedback until Monday 8 April.

The plan will guide the direction of HRCC’s early years programs and aims to lay the groundwork for a successful future for children and families in the municipality.

HORSHAM AND NATIMUK HOUSING STRATEGY

Council will soon a develop a 15-year plan to manage growth and change across residential areas in Horsham and Natimuk.

People can find out more about the strategy and planned consultation opportunities by visiting HRCC’s website or contacting Strategic Planning Coordinator Jasmine Butler on 53829777.

The new Disability Advisory Committee had its first official meeting last week.

The committee will provide advice on issues that impact people with a disability and will provide expert advice on some of Council’s projects.

In the first meeting the members shared their opinions on accessible parking in Horsham.

The committee minutes will be sent to Council for follow up.

If you would like to raise topics for the committee to discuss at meetings you can contact Council and speak with the Community Inclusion Officer.

Lights and signs are a major factor in keeping drivers and workers safe, and ignoring them leads to unnecessary risks to yourself and others. As with all speed limits, drivers will be subject to fines if caught.

Please remember to slow down, and maintain reduced speed until another sign indicates you can return to normal speed. Keep our roads safe and slow down, be aware, drive safe and be respectful.

From left to right: Tiffany Warren, Jeremy Miles Buerfeind, Kirsten Ridgeway, Bernie O'Shannessy (seated), Matthew De Gruchy (TV monitor), Peter Bermingham (seated), Fiona Sanderson, Karl Mitton, Andrea Cartwright, Alma McKenzie (not in photo).

Several instances of drivers running red lights and not respecting signed speed limits at road work sites have been reported by HRCC's Works team.

Wimmera leading the way

BY ABBY WALTER

The Wimmera is heading for an education revolution as a new pilot program will allow education support staff in schools to study a Bachelor of Education Studies and become qualified teachers.

Federation University Wimmera campus, in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education, will run the program Grow Your Own.

After completing the first year of the course, students will be eligible to transfer to the second year of the Bachelor of Primary Education or Bachelor of Secondary Education to complete their teaching qualifications in the Wimmera.

The university hopes to eventually offer the two courses in full from its Wimmera campus.

Nathan Warrick, an education support staff member at Horsham College, will be part of the Bachelor of Education Studies cohort.

He said his studies would fit well with his current role, as he would be enabled to study with a full day off a week.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher, but going to university wasn’t possible, so this is a good opportunity,” Mr Warrick said.

“I enjoy learning. When you’re a student you never think from a teacher’s perspective and the strategies they have, so it will be interesting learning how to teach.”

Federation University institute of education, arts and community executive dean Professor Jenene Burke said she was thrilled the pilot program would proceed in semester one of 2024 with 19 enrolments.

“This is work we have been doing for more than six months coming to fruition,” she said.

Professor Burke said the pilot was the brainchild of former Horsham College principal Rob Pyers and Federation University Wimmera campus director Christine Brown.

“They came up with this idea, floated it with myself and Peter Sellings, so we made a survey and had 65 interested people,” she said.

“We managed to convert that to 19 enrolments and we’re looking at another intake mid-year to top up the numbers and we will catch them up.

“Support is particularly important for students in this program and that is what we are offering.

“Dr Sellings is the course coordinator and he is going to be driving to Horsham to teach the program, initially.”

Students enrolled hail from Horsham, Stawell, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Casterton, Moyston, Edenhope and Rainbow.

Professor Burke said the two organisations were taking a bold step together.

“I’m a passionate person who was born in the Wimmera, I went to school

in Dimboola and I think it’s important we grow our own people in regional areas,” she said.

“I don’t think the solution to workforce shortages is taking people out of the city, dumping them in the country and expecting them to stick – some do but a lot filter back, eventually.

“For me, this is the culmination of my career in making this happen and I’m proud we’ve been able to do it.”

Department of Education workforce policy and strategy division executive director David Robinson said programs such as introducing the bachelor’s degree to the Wimmera were more likely to help find teachers for the workforce.

“One of my jobs is to work with the Commonwealth government and other states and territories on the national challenges we are facing in teacher supply,” he said.

“I can hand on my heart say Victoria

is leading the way in terms of finding innovative pathways for people to come into teaching.

“This program is nation-leading in how it goes to local places and finds people with a passion for working in schools and going into teaching and providing a supportive pathway into what is an amazing profession.”

Ms Brown said the university was excited to add the degree to its growing delivery in the Wimmera.

“Using connected classrooms technology means that distance isn’t a barrier to study and people in our region can take the opportunity to enhance their careers and study locally,” she said.

“Our students are already embedded within the Wimmera community, and thanks to the support of the Victorian government, are more likely to stay in the region and teach when they’re qualified.”

Game-changing accommodation developments

From page 1

“In seven years in the role, I’ve seen nothing like what I’ve seen in the past 12 months in terms of product growth and development. It’s a great time to be in tourism,” Mr Sleeman said.

“The state and federal government has also invested about $80 million in public infrastructure in our region.

“They want to position this region as a leading nature-based destination in Victoria and with that investment, investors start looking at the key trig-

gers and that’s helped in attracting this further private investment.”

Mr Sleeman said the Mt Langi Ghiran development was set to be the first of its kind in Australia and service a high-end, luxury market.

“That’s a big missing gap in our destination – that high-end, luxury experience,” he said.

The high-quality hotel in Ararat, located near the train station, will offer not only accommodation but also serve as a hub for business events and

conferences. ATG’s Niraj Singh and Adam Butera detailed the investments at a networking business breakfast, which brought together 70 business owners and operators from the Grampians region.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said attendees were excited by the potential economic benefits the hotel venture would provide, positioning Ararat as a destination with new-found potential.

“This strategic investment has the

capacity to boost visitation, inject dollars via increased spend into the local economy, not to mention employment opportunities, positioning Ararat not only as the ‘Gateway to the Grampians’ region but also becoming an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers alike,” he said.

“The announcement of the hotel and conferencing facility signals a promising future for not only Ararat but the broader Grampians region.”

Police recover drugs, clothes

Horsham police arrested two people after designer clothes and drugs were found during a vehicle intercept in Horsham on Thursday.

Police observed a white Ford Ranger driving erratically on Stawell Road about 4.15am.

After intercepting the vehicle, police realised the occupants were wanted for questioning about a series of burglaries in the Arthur’s Seat and Rye areas, south-east of Melbourne.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly located clothes designed by Rebecca Vallance, which are estimated to be valued about $60,000.

It is alleged the clothes were stolen during a burglary on High Street in Armadale on March 10.

Police also located and seized a quantity of 1-4 butanol and methylamphetamine.

A Frankston man, 29, has been charged with burglary, theft and having possessed a drug of dependence.

A Frankston woman, 35, has been charged with having possessed a drug of dependence, handling stolen goods and driving offences.

The pair have been bailed and charged to attend Frankston Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

Driver caught

A Melbourne man, 23, has been charged with numerous driving offences.

The probationary driver was detected reaching speeds of up to 240 kilometres an hour along the Western Highway.

Horsham Highway Patrol officers detected the man speeding at 187 kmh at Gerang Gerung at about 8.40pm on Wednesday. Police attempted to intercept the Volkswagen Golf but the driver increased speed to 240kmh in a 100kmh zone before Nhill police stopped the vehicle at Nhill half an hour later.

The man, of Hughesdale, will be charged on summons with traffic offences including two counts of speeding, failing to stop on police direction, driving at a speed dangerous, reckless conduct endangering life and driving in breach of licence conditions.

The VW Golf was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1675.

March rain totals

Sunday brought March’s first notable rain event in the Wimmera.

Horsham recorded 15.4 millimetres, Nhill 16.1 millimetres, Hopetoun 8.4 millimetres and Warracknabeal 2.6 millimetres.

No rain was recorded at Ararat, Stawell or Edenhope.

GROW YOUR OWN: Front, from left, Federation University Professor Jenene Burke, Bachelor of Education Studies student Nathan Warrick, Department of Education’s David Robinson and Horsham College acting principal Meg Woolford with other students at the launch of a Bachelor of Education Studies pilot to help qualify education support staff to fill teaching job vacancies in the Wimmera. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

TRUCK NAMES:

Before Christmas, all Schools, Kinders, and Early Learning Centres in and around Ararat took part in a coloring competition and named our waste service fleet and street sweeper. We had an amazing number of entries where students won movie tickets for their amazing designs. The following names have been drawn from our young community’s entries.

Our Truck Names will be:

• Binderella

• Violet Crusher

• Rainbow Spirit

• Dumpy

• Oscar

• Bindiesel

• Swifty

Thank you to all the kids who made this a fun activity, be watching our trucks soon to have their names on them driving around Ararat and surrounding towns.

LANDFILL SITE CLOSURES

Council has recieved notification from the EPA that we are required to cease operations at our Landfill sites. From the 13th April 2024, the Streatham and Tatyoon Landfill sites will be permanently closed, with rehabilitation works to commence on Monday 15th April 2024.

The Elmhurst Landfill site will be converted to a Transfer Station similar to those at Willaura and Moyston with a skip to be installed prior to rehabilitation works commencing.

ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION:

Looking for a furry friend to bring joy into your life? Ararat Rural City Council often have animals in their care seeking their forever homes!

Whether you’re seeking a loyal companion for your daily adventures or a sweet feline to curl up with on the couch, we could have the perfect match for you. Our dedicated Local Laws team is here to guide you through the adoption process and help you find the perfect furry companion.

If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a deserving pet, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Local Laws department at 5355 0200 or visit our website and complete an adoption formwww.ararat.vic.gov.au/adopting-animal.

Hopetoun early years centre to close

BY ABBY WALTER

Hopetoun Uniting Early Learning Centre will close indefinitely next month due to staff shortages, an issue affecting childcare centres across the region.

Uniting Vic.Tas senior manager of early learning Paula Clarke said it was an unfortunate situation.

“As we will not have the necessary ratio of staff to operate the service, it will need to close indefinitely from April 1,” she said.

“Since a change of circumstances of the centre’s two educators in December, we have kept affected families informed about the staffing challenges.

“Despite actively trying to recruit for months and with the support from Yarriambiack Shire Council, early learning training institutions and the Victorian Department of Education, we’ve been unable to find suitable candidates to fill the two qualified educator roles at the centre.

“We remain committed to supporting local families and will continue our recruitment campaign while exploring alternative options so children are able to continue receiving quality early learning education and care.”

Search for volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help BlazeAid repair fencing on fireaffected properties at Dadswells Bridge and Pomonal.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with landowners in rural Australia after natural disasters.

Dadswells Bridge co-ordinator Lyn Rasmussen said there were seven volunteers on site this week – including Wimmera residents and visitors.

“Volunteers are needed out on the fence lines and to cook,” she said.

“I would anticipate we’ll be out here for a couple of months.

“In saying that, a lot of landowners are waiting for insurance – to see whether they qualify or what they get if they are insured.

“But we are also looking after Pomonal as well, so we’ll be running between the two. A lot of the Pomonal ones are smaller landholdings so they are not going to take the days that are needed on the bigger properties.”

Mrs Rasmussen said landowners were helping by assisting BlazeAid volunteers.

Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker said despite relentless dedication of Uniting staff to attract suitable candidates, the organisation was unable to fill crucial positions.

“This situation is further complicated by a widespread shortage of certified professionals holding either Certificate III or Diploma qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care,” she said.

“The rural location of Hopetoun compounds the difficulty in recruitment efforts. The geographical challenges faced by rural communities make it inherently challenging to compete for qualified professionals, especially when contending with similar shortages in large regional centres and metropolitan areas.”

Councillor Zanker encouraged qualified Early Childhood professionals, both locally and beyond, to consider joining the team at Hopetoun Uniting Early Learning Centre.

“I strongly encourage individuals with a Certificate III, Diploma, or working towards a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care to reach out to Kate Farlow, program manager for western Victoria at Unit-

ing Wimmera, and discuss the job opportunity,” she said.

“Hopetoun is a beautiful community, surrounded by an abundance of natural assets to explore, such as Lake Lascelles, and Wyperfeld National Park being within close proximity.

“The community has an active arts culture, operating from Hopetoun Powerhouse, and an abundance of sporting and recreational activities on offer.”

Huge waitlists

By Five Wimmera Southern Mallee Early Years Initiative is a community collaboration committed to ensuring every child and family has access to consistent, quality early years services.

By Five executive officer Jo Martin said there was an estimated 300 children on childcare waitlists across the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

“The estimate is only with places that have a list, so if a town doesn’t have a service, there’s no list to be on,” she said.

“We think there could be in excess of 400 children needing childcare places across the Wimmera and southern Mallee.”

Mrs Martin said early childhood education and care centres were critical.

“It’s important for early childhood development, as 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the first 2000 days,” she said.

“Early learning helps with emotional regularity, helps with lots of learning, and childcare for vulnerable children is very important.”

Mrs Martin said staffing was one of the most significant reasons for the region’s childcare shortage.

“There’s little doubt we’re a long way away from having enough staff to meet the demand,” she said.

“It’s tricky in rural areas to recruit full stop, but even harder when you also have an industry that is not renumerated well to do a pretty important job.

“A Certificate III childcare worker earns about $8 an hour less than a Certificate III aged care worker, so we’re not paying people with qualifications at a rate similar to their peers and that needs to be rectified immediately.

“The conditions in which these people work need to be improved so when they do have qualifications, workplaces can support them. We don’t blame providers because they are under enormous pressure to try and

“One of the lovely things you notice is volunteers and landowners form great friendships,” she said.

Mrs Rasmussen said the most important skill a volunteer could have was the ability to listen to the team leader.

She said people of varying levels of fitness volunteered with BlazeAid, and needed to remember to take breaks and rest during work days.

“As long as you are capable of walking along a fence line – you

don’t need to be able to run marathons,” she said.

“The day usually starts with breakfast at 7.30am, and then we get out about 8.30am and are back between 3pm and 4pm.

“Whether it be two days, a week or a fortnight – whatever people want to give would be appreciated.”

Mrs Rasmussen invited community and service clubs to contact her if they could assist.

“Even casseroles or pies that we

can re-heat would be good,” she said. Mrs Rasmussen said volunteers were shouted lunch at Horsham RSL on Sunday – their day off.

“The community has been good – we’ve had people from Stawell drop things to us and cakes from Horsham,” she said.

People interested in volunteering with BlazeAid can call Mrs Rasmussen on 0409 804 844.

deliver services on very thin budgets.”

Mrs Martin said a lack of facilities was also a challenge.

“Early childhood education and care centres are often retrofitted into kindergartens, so facilities sometimes cannot enable the growth a town or community might demand,” she said.

Mrs Martin said there was a flow-on effect on the community when it had no childcare or a shortage of places available.

“You don’t have to go far to have an employer who is desperate for staff,” she said.

“I was speaking to the hospital in Horsham and they said they would have staff who would take up roles but they can’t get childcare, so therefore they have to decline positions.

“The lack of supply has a child development impact, but it also has a huge impact on employers to recruit and for women in particular to be able to return to the workforce in a capacity if they chose to.

“It also makes some of our towns a really hard place to move to if you don’t think you can get childcare. It makes a town less liveable if you don’t have those basic services.”

Telstra outages

Telstra will undertake fault rectification work on its mobile base at One Tree Hill, Ararat, today and tomorrow.

Telstra will work on configuration of the antennas and call testing, with the work requiring temporary outages and reduction of mobile coverage during the day. Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising them of the works.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted.

Calls to triple zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off-air will automatically be diverted to a working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Algae outbreak

People are advised to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Wallace at Edenhope following detection of elevated blue-green algae levels.

Visitors can participate in recreational activities such as boating, bushwalking, sightseeing and other activities at the lake that do not involve contact with water.

Warning signs have been put at major recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place until levels drop below the threshold considered safe.

HELPING HANDS: BlazeAid volunteers at Dadswells Bridge, from left, Andrew Almond, Jan Hatcher, Wayne Richards, Kevin Velthuis, Heather McKenry, Stuart McKenry, Stan Rasmussen, Lyn Rasmussen and Andy Pitman. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Look and Play

To

The Michael Jackson History Show

An exhibition of rural life

Maydale Pavilion in Horsham will be home to superfine, fine, medium and strong sheep fleeces and woolgrowers on Sunday for the fourth annual Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show.

The event includes displays of the best merino stud sheep, a fleece competition and junior sheep judging competitions.

The Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show provides a visual exhibition of rural life and farming for the public and enables growers to compare stock and showcase their best produce.

Horsham Agricultural Society’s chief fleece steward Ian Walter encouraged Wimmera farmers to submit

fleece entries in a tradition previously linked to the annual agricultural show in September.

He said the success of last year’s fleece competition demonstrated greater accessibility to fleeces with early autumn shearing as opposed to late spring shearing.

“The fleece competition is highly regarded among woolgrowers throughout the Wimmera, with trophies and prizes awarded in the major categories,” Mr Walter said.

The fleece competition is also open for woolgrowers to donate a fleece to support a Wimmera Legacy fundraiser.

The fundraiser supports Legacy widows and their families in the Wimmera and raises up to $2000 annually.

Danni Wilson from Tamaleuca Me-

Harmony Day celebrations

More than 160 people celebrated a Harmony Day event at Ararat College on Saturday, surpassing the organisers’ expectations.

Harmony Day is marked in Australia on March 21 each year as a way to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity.

Ararat’s Harmony Day event was jointly organised by Rural Australians for Refugees Grampians-Gariwerd and Ararat Rural City Council, and featured cultural displays from several ethnic groups that call the region home.

Included in the festivities were dances and singing from Solomon Islands, Karen and Fijian groups, with the Ararat Community Church Choir also performing.

Ararat Lions Club and Ararat Anglican Church helped cater the event.

Organiser Anita San Ba said the day was a success.

“We catered for 100 people, but when we counted we had more than 160,” she said.

“We want to show how diverse the Ararat community is. We want to give the performers opportunities to showcase their cultures to the rest of the community.”

• Diversity Week and Harmony Day events, page 19.

rino and Poll Merino Stud in Ouyen worked with the Horsham Agricultural Society team ahead of the event. She was instrumental in maintaining the Fabstock Wimmera Autumn Merino Sheep Show’s reputation as a quality show for stud masters across Victoria and South Australia.

“Each year interest increases and entry numbers improve, which demonstrates sheep shows aid and support the industry in terms of showcasing genetics and the quality traits of the breed,” Ms Wilson said.

Each year, new judges are introduced to the competition and this year judging the medium and strong wool classes is Adam Bennett of Bennmann Poll Merino Stud, Everton Upper.

The fine and super fine wool judge is Alex Lewis from the Beverly Merino

Stud, Redesdale. It is expected more than 15 studs will be represented at this year’s show, which also includes a junior sheep judging competition.

The competition attracts young people on farms and students from Longerenong College to test their stock knowledge.

“Young people from the region will have the opportunity to try their hand at competing in the junior sheep judging section, with the winner going on to state level,” Mr Walter said.

In 2023, the Wimmera Merino Sheep Show was its biggest iteration to date with 160 sheep on display.

Gates open from 9am and the event is fully catered.

More details are available on the Horsham Show Facebook page.

Solomon Island performer Peter Susa at an Ararat Harmony Day celebration.

A bake sale at Lake Bolac Memorial Hall on Saturday will raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

There will also be a baking competition, with categories including childrens, decorated cakes, special cakes, cupcakes and slices, biscuits and pies, and special dietaries. Prizes up to third place will be awarded to winners. Lunch and coffee will also be available at the bake sale, and there will also be an auction of firewood to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

Willaura Committee of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal is preparing for another successful year of fundraising, with an Easter hamper raffle set to be drawn on March 28.

Entry forms for the bake sale are available at Lake Bolac Information Centre, Willaura and Lake Bolac Community Bank, Willaura supermarket and Lake Bolac Cafe and Diner.

For more information, people can call Faith on 0475 891 767 or email faithmansbridge031@gmail.com.

host an

repotting demonstration day on Sunday.

Experienced orchid growers will be in attendance to repot a maximum of three orchids an attendee, as well as answer any questions about orchid growing.

Orchids send out new roots when their full bloom is finished, and people can strengthen the mother plant as well as propagate child plants during this time.

The day will be at Cato Lake Park rotunda from 10am to 2pm and is free to attend.

People can call Mark McMillan on 0417 530 515 for more information.

The 2024 Moyston Easter Market will be on March 30, Easter Saturday.

The Weekly Advertiser article in its March 13 edition, titled ‘Easter Market at Moyston’, reported incorrect dates.

or crate in the room, along with a few toys. Turn on the TV or play some music to help mask the sounds of the fireworks.

Please note that the fireworks display is dependent on weather conditions. We have been informed that if the wind speed is greater than 20kmph on Saturday evening it will not be safe for the event to proceed. We thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter.

Easter Festival

Thursday 28 March – Monday 1 April

Easter in Northern Grampians is something to look forward to each year… a tradition of vibrancy, atmosphere and connection. Join us in Northern Grampians for the Great Western Rodeo, Stawell Gift, the Stawell Lions Club Easter Carnival and so much more! To download a copy of the Discover Northern Grampians Easter Festival brochure, scan the QR code here:

Please note that Main Street, Stawell, will be closed to traffic between Wimmera Street and London Road on Saturday 30 March from 8am-3pm.

Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-33

Council is currently seeking community feedback about the Draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-33. Could clubs, associations and groups please only submit one response on behalf of the entire club, association or group. The draft document and a short survey can be found via the QR code:

The survey will be open until Friday 29 March 2024.

The strategy is all about the who and how different spaces are used for sport and active recreation and what is needed over the next ten years to support their use. It informs the plan of how the council will need to develop these spaces over the next ten years to meet the community's needs for sport and active recreation.

This strategy works in harmony with the NGSC Open Space Strategy and Active Transport Plan 2023-33 (which is about the where and how different open spaces are, how the community get to them, and what is needed over the next ten years to support the size, number and ways to get to these open spaces) to inform the way the council plans for the development and management of open spaces, their use, and the transport to these places, across the next ten years.

Local Events

What’s on? Find out by exploring our online events calendar. Visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Events/AllEvents-Calendar

Open Space and Active Transport Strategy 2023-33

Council is currently seeking community feedback regarding the Draft Open Space Strategy and Active Transport Plan 2023-33. The draft document and survey can be found via the QR code:

The survey will be open until Friday 29 March 2024.

The strategy is all about the where and how different open spaces are, how the community get to them, and what is needed over the next ten years to support the size, number and ways to get to these open spaces.

This strategy works in harmony with the NGSC Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2023-33 (which is all about the who and how different spaces are used for sport and active recreation and what is needed over the next ten years to support their use). The strategy informs the plan of how council will need to develop these spaces over the next ten years to meet the community's needs for sport and active recreation.

It is important to refresh the strategic guidance for sport and recreation infrastructure, programming, and desired outcomes for the shire for the next ten years to ensure Northern Grampians Shire continues to progress.

Arts and Culture Grants

Open from 18 March to 29 April 2024

This round of the Arts and Culture Grants Program, in alignment with the Arts and Culture Strategy 2020-24 and the Public Art Guidelines 2023, will support projects and initiatives that focus on one of the following priority areas:

The provision of workshops and activities that provide opportunities for community members to connect and participate in arts and culture. Design and/or deliver smaller-scale public art murals to activate public spaces. Activities that help raise the profile of arts and culture in the shire.

If you would like more information about the grant, would like to check if your project idea aligns with grant priorities, or need some grant writing tips you can visit Arts and Culture Grant Program (ngshire.vic.gov.au) for information. If you would like more information, please contact Tina Baker on 03 5358 8772 or email tina.baker@ngshire.vic.gov.au

Integrated Early Years Service Stakeholder Reference Group Expressions of Interest

The council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from community members interested in participating in a St Arnaud Integrated Early Years Project Stakeholder Reference Group.

To find out more, please phone the council on 03 5358 8700 or visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projects-andConsultation/Have-Your-Say/St-ArnaudIntegrated-Early-Years-Service

Are You Bogged Mate? With Mary O’Brian

Friday 22 March at Driscoll Ag 5938 Sunraysia Hwy, St Arnaud 3pm - Spray application workshop 5pm - Are You Bogged Mate? 6pm - Free Pizza Dinner

Mary is a passionate advocate for agriculture and was raised on the land. She understands the diverse challenges faced by rural communities.

Are you bogged mate? aims to boost awareness and start conversations with the broader community about the issue of depression in rural areas. We are confronting the challenges that country people face on a daily basis, talking about mental health, and lighting the path to support.

RSVP by 19 March 2024 to Ashlee Bowen 0492 333 561, Brett Douglass 0447 162 455, or Amber Perry 0447 611 922.

Proudly supported by Northern Grampians Shire Council and Thrive 50+Healthy Ageing Hub

Building Condition Assessments

The council has arranged for council building condition assessments to be carried out over the next two months, concluding in mid-June. These assessments will assist us to understand the condition of council assets and later form part of the council’s Asset Management Plan.

The inspection and audit take between 30-60 minutes generally and involves a short inspection of the building, generally completed as a walk through and will not impact on day-to-day activities. Inspectors will wear high visibility clothing with identifiable logos while conducting the assessments. Impacted tenants should have received a formal notification. This information is provided as a courtesy to the general public. Should you require further information, please reach out to the council on 03 5358 8700.

Work begins on new art gallery

Construction on Australia’s first dedicated art and environment precinct at Halls Gap has begun, with plans to open to the public by early next year.

Australia’s National+ Centre for Environmental Art, a state-of-the-art art gallery and botanical precinct on a 16-hectare site near the Grampians National Park, will support artists from across Australia.

The State Government will contribute $6.75 million to the $9 million project.

More than 13 jobs will be created during construction, while the project will also support local Victorian suppliers.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos last week announced construction had begun on the Where Art Meets Nature, WAMA, precinct, dedicated to art inspired by the natural environment.

“We’re proud to support the construction of this visionary project, which will showcase the spectacular natural surroundings of the Grampians and entice art lovers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide,” he said.

“We’re backing unique cultural experiences such as the WAMA project across the state because they attract visitors to the regions and support local businesses and jobs.”

The precinct will be home to a new climate controlled state-of-the-art art gallery, café, retail space and multipurpose room for workshops and events.

In celebration of the connection between art, science and nature, the gallery will host artist workshops and educational sessions for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The gallery will host major exhibitions in-

“The facility will be a welcome addition to tourism in the Grampians, broadening the cultural experience for visitors and locals. And importantly, building and operating Australia’s National Centre for Environmental Art will bring significant benefits to the local economy”

– Greg Lewin

spired by the natural environment and loan artwork collections from leading galleries in Australia and internationally.

The new precinct will also feature restored native bushlands and landscaped botanic gardens with paths, signs and gathering places to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

WAMA Foundation chairman Greg Lewin said the funding would take WAMA from vision to realisation.

“The facility will be a welcome addition to tourism in the Grampians, broadening the cultural experience for visitors and locals. And importantly, building and operating Australia’s National Centre for Environmental Art will bring significant benefits to the local economy,” he said.

Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said the precinct would give visitors and locals an unforgettable art and nature experience.

“The Grampians are such an iconic regional location and home to an incredibly rich environment – we’re thrilled to support this project,” she said.

Album launch sparks Wimmera tour

Horsham-based musician TB Whiteside is preparing for a tour of the Wimmera-Mallee region as he launches his new album entitled ‘Tales From The Greenhills Tavern’.

TB Whiteside is the stage name of Paul Drendel, who was born and raised in Rainbow before relocating to Horsham.

His tour will start at the Rainbow Lounge on Friday night, with further shows at Murtoa Hall on April 5, Dooen Hotel on April 6, Rupanyup Dirt Music

Festival on April 7, Horsham’s

Bull and Mouth Hotel on April 12 and Warracknabeal’s Creekside Hotel on April 14.

Drendel said the shows would be a ‘stripped-back, acoustic affair’, featuring songs from the new album, along with covers and other new songs.

He will be joined by two former bandmates – Christopher Leskie on bass guitar and Selwyn Hatherell on 12-string guitar –both of whom feature on the album.

Drendel said ‘Tales From The Greenhills Tavern’, his debut album, was 25 years in the making. United States-based music blog Obscure Sound labelled it a ‘consistently engaging folk album’ and ‘a striking debut’.

People can download and listen to the album by visiting linktr.ee/tbwhiteside.

More information about the tour is available by calling 0481 481 910 or emailing tbwhiteside33@ gmail.com.

Headspace education session invitation

Headspace Horsham is hosting a family and friends information session tonight for people to speak to the team about tips and tricks for helping students manage school holidays and return to school. During the event, headspace will

cover common challenges and experiences young people face, along with ways family and friends can help them support their mental health and wellbeing.

Headspace aims for participants who attend this night to gain con-

fidence to recognise themes and have tools for tough times.

People can register for the event by calling headspace Horsham on 5381 1543 or emailing info.head spacehorsham@vt.uniting.org.

ON TRACK: Musician TB Whiteside, also known as Paul Drendel, will play at various Wimmera events across the next month to launch his new album.

Prepare for the winter chill with Wade’s

The temperature is dropping across the Wimmera and now is the time for people to think about the best way to heat their homes.

The team at Wade’s Horsham believe the best way to beat the consistently cold and frosty Wimmera mornings is to ensure houses are set up with well-suited heating and climate-control systems.

Owner Adam Jolley said the expertise and range of products available at Wade’s was ‘next to none’ and the Pynsent Street store was the place to go this winter to tap into a great deal on wood heaters.

Mr Jolley said wood heaters provided a different form of heat to gas or electric.

“They also provide a nice ambience to homes,” he said.

“Wood heaters are more sustainable too, as they use less energy than gas or electric heaters and wood is a renewable product.”

AF Gason Pty Ltd, the parent company of Jindara Woodheating is a family-owned company spanning three generations; the manufacturing plant is located on a 3.2 hectare site and employs in excess of 100 people.

Wade’s are ecstatic to be in partnership with a company that is local and situated in Ararat in Western Victoria.

Jindara Woodheating has been a market leader for 25 years, and has an Australia-wide network comprising 150 dealers to service your needs.

Wade’s offers a range of wood heaters from Gason, Nectre, Quadra-Fire, VisionLine and Kemlan Industries.

Mr Jolley said Australian made Kemlan Industries slow combustion wood heaters featured an advanced ‘air wash’ that circulates hot air for a clean glass window.

“The design of the Kemlan range provides quick heat when needed and long burn times to suit Australian wood types and climate conditions,” he said

American manufactured Quadra-Fire offers a range of wood heaters ‘built to last in all shapes and sizes, creating clean burning in an easy to operate heater’.

Mr Jolley said modern design and long burn times were key to VisionLine products, manufactured in the Czech Republic.

“The team at Wade’s invites everyone to check out the range of heating products in-store before the weather cools much more,” he said.

Heat your home with Wade’s

Adam Jolley invites you to check out Wade’s large range of wood heaters.

Pyrenees Freestanding

Millenium

Big Bakers Oven

Taurus

Reduce speed – a sign of the times

While still in a period of transition of moving across to Horsham, I am clocking up thousands of kilometres on Victorian roads.

Driving back and forth to Horsham most weeks, it is about a seven-hour round trip.

Other than going through Bendigo, there is not a whole lot to see along the way.

But what has been obvious along the Wimmera Highway, and then the Northern Highway, is the lack of road maintenance.

Like most roads across regional Victoria, the condition has deteriorated.

While weather conditions, particularly flooding, no doubt played a part in hampering roads, the lack of government spending has also been well highlighted.

The tightening of the purse strings at a State Government level is to some point understandable – but it is coming at a cost to our roads.

Any regional MP across Victoria will tell you that it is one of the first issues raised with them when speaking to constituents.

It has been a trend in recent years to delay fixing the issues, whether it be potholes, the road surface or some other problem, and instead erect signs directing drivers to reduce their speed.

This is acceptable, and necessary for safety reasons, but should only be a short-term fix.

However, we’re seeing more and more of these signs staying up for longer and longer.

Last week, the Coalition said there were more than 540 stretches of road across Victoria, 480 in the regions, that are subject to speed limit reductions and driver warnings due to the poor state of the road surface.

Information provided by the Department

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

of Transport to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee showed the sites totalled more than 830 kilometres of road subject to condition-based speed-limit reductions – either ‘rough surface’ warning signs or ‘additional inspection’ arrangements.

The signs seem to be the Department of Transport’s default solution while they park the problem and wait for the resources to fix it.

Another trend we are seeing more and more is ‘patch-up’ jobs, rather than properly fixing the problem.

It is common to see the same, or similar, problem occur in the same spot within several years.

While it is annoying and concerning for everyone travelling on regional roads, it is in some instances actually very dangerous.

On a particular stretch of the Wimmera Highway, east of St Arnaud, there are signs directing drivers to reduce speed due to a very large pothole in the middle of the road.

On more than one occasion on my travels I have seen at least one of these warning signs over on the ground and not able to be seen by drivers.

I pity the poor driver who hits the sizeable hole in the road – it could damage your car, or worse, cause an accident.

TRADITION: Australia’s longest-running sheep dog trials attracted spectators, workers and their sheepdogs to Moyston at the weekend. In its 96th year, the Moyston Annual Sheep Dog Trials saw three categories of competition across three days. Rebecca Humphrey with Beccles Spotz won the novice final and with TK Alpha won the improvers final. Pictured, Colin Reid, of Glenrowan, with his dog El’Shamah Mighty was runner-up in the improvers final. Mike Deppeler with Deppeler’s Cap won the open final and six-year-old Ernie Davies won the encouragement trial. Picture:

Movie fundraiser for mental health

Horsham Centre Cinema is hosting a fundraiser to coincide with the release of a movie filmed at Tatyoon.

‘Just a Farmer’ will be screened at Horsham tomorrow and the cinema is welcoming people to come and view the film at 6.30pm and stay for supper if they wish to speak about the contents of the movie.

There will also be a raffle, with

Office Administration

Green Taylor Partners are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Administration team to support our current team on a full-time basis, however part-time is an option for the right candidate. Ideally, the successful candidate will be working in our office each weekday between 9am and 5pm, however this is negotiable for the successful candidate.

Our firm enjoys assisting a diverse group of fantastic clients throughout the Wimmera, greater Victoria and nationally. Our Vision is ‘to build relationships so that we enrich the lives of others’.

The successful candidate will be working in a team environment where caring for our clients is key. The role includes being a friendly face for our clients and key contacts (including the Australian Taxation Office), administration support for our accounting team and performing general office administration tasks.

Ideally, candidates will have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills, including ability to be discreet with confidential matters.

• A team orientated focus, while being able to work autonomously when required.

• Ability to work to deadlines and effectively prioritise multiple tasks.

• Experience using Microsoft Office suite of software.

The following will be considered, but are not essential requirements:

• Administrative or secretarial studies

• Experience in previous Administration roles.

• Experience with social media for business.

To apply, please email your resume and covering letter to careers@greentaylor.com.au. Please include “Office Administration Application” in the subject line. Any further information required contact Vicky McClure on 5382 4761.

Green Taylor Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

tickets available from the cinema, operating for about a month to raise funds for Healthy Minds Horsham.

The film aims to drive conversation about mental health, break down stigmas and raise awareness, as every 10 days a farmer dies by suicide in Australia.

The cinema aims to support the film and spread its message as much as possible.

Tatyoon farmer Leila McDougall wrote, executive produced and acted in ‘Just a Farmer’, which was mostly filmed on her and her husband Sean’s property.

Mr McDougall was also an executive producer.

The film also demonstrates resilience in rural communities and families as they face various challenges.

Richard, Penelope and Dean

like:

• When can I retire?

• Do I have enough funds to retire?

• When and how can I access my super?

• Where will my income come from in retirement?

• Will I qualify for any government assistance?

We specialise in retirement advice, and can answer your questions, to help you find peace of mind.

PAUL CARRACHER

Natimuk show combating rabbits

BY ABBY WALTER

Afeature of this year’s Natimuk Agriculture Show will be an opportunity to learn about best practice rabbit management.

Other entertainment at Saturday’s show includes shearing and wool handling competitions, horse events, yard dog trials, Natimuk Brass Band and market stalls.

Environment First’s Tim Bloomfield will attend the show as a member of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network. He said he would be available to speak to show attendees about best practice for managing rabbits, which had been a significant problem in the

region, for urban and farming communities.

“In towns, rabbits dig under decking, sheds and houses – they dig into services and infrastructure,” Mr Bloomfield said.

“Rabbits are good at wrecking telecommunication lines and digging up foundations of houses, because the ground is softer where the posts are.

“A rabbit consumes 150 grams of food a night, so 10 rabbits could eat an entire round bale in a year, and people would have more than 10 rabbits on their properties.”

Mr Bloomfield said rabbits also posed a significant biosecurity threat.

“They contribute to endangering 328

native species, particularly acacia and orchid species,” he said.

“They can spread up to 500 weed seeds a day through their dung, and some weed species benefit from passing through a rabbit’s intestines.

“Rabbits make up between 40 and 60 percent of a fox’s diet, so if you have rabbits you have foxes, too.”

Mr Bloomfield said best practice for rabbit control was baiting and modifying burrows.

“For every dollar you spend on control measures you get $10 in return,” he said.

“What makes all the difference is modifying burrow systems so the rabbits cannot breed.

Students experience tradie life

A group of students from Ararat’s Marian College and Lake Bolac College donned safety goggles and hit the tools as part of a Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen, SALT, workshop in Ararat earlier this month.

With the support of Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network and in conjunction with the National Career Institute, SALT visited Alexandra Hall to encourage young women to consider a career in a trade.

SALT co-ordinator Fi Shewring said the workshop was designed to inspire girls to pursue hands-on occupations and encourage local employers to think about taking on more women as apprentices in industries that were traditionally male-dominated.

“The workshops are run by experienced tradespeople and aim to give young women an idea of what it takes to be a tradeswoman and the myriad of job opportunities available,” Ms Shewring said.

“Students are given hands-on experience of tools used in most trades and gain great skills,

which will help them in the future for their own lives. The tradespeople also mentor the students about making positive career choices, which will enable them to earn a reasonable wage and build their self-esteem and confidence.

“We hope local employers take notice that there are young women in their area who are seriously interested in a trade career.”

Central Grampians LLEN executive officer Jane Moriarty said the SALT workshop helped breakdown stereotypes and reinforce to students jobs do not have a gender.

“This was a fabulous initiative for our region and really helped expose young, local women to career pathways they wouldn’t normally consider. There was such a positive vibe in the room and we had great feedback from the students who participated,” she said.

“We would like to thank SALT and the National Careers Institute for bringing this unique program to rural and remote areas and providing students with positive role models that encourage them to build their career aspirations.”

“Culling methods have little effect on rabbit populations because their evolutionary advantage is breeding.

“To be successful in controlling rabbits we must make them unsuccessful at breeding.

“Rabbits have a 28-day gestation and can mate again two hours after a litter drops – young can mate from three months old.

“Making breeding unsuccessful is the key.”

Mr Bloomfield said he would speak at the show about the different methods of rabbit control.

“My role is to provide information about best practice and why some methods appear to work because there

are dead rabbits, but may not be working to lower the population,” he said. “People will turn up to chat with me because they have a problem and we will aim to solve it with information they can use.”

Mr Bloomfield said he would be at the Natimuk showground all day for people to speak to him about the issue, which has had a significant impact on communities since rabbits were introduced to Australia.

People can access more information about attractions at the show via the Facebook page ‘Natimuk Show’.

Outbreak linked to Donald festival

People who attended the Esoteric Festival at Donald from March 8 to 12 are being urged to get tested for shigella immediately if they experience gastro symptoms.

The warning follows a confirmed outbreak of the disease at the Donald event, with preliminary results suggesting it was an antimicrobial resistant strain.

Victoria’s acting chief health officer Ben Cowie said the bowel infection was highly contagious and mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, or contaminated food.

“Symptoms may include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting,” he said.

“Symptoms usually develop one to three days following exposure, but can occur as early as 12 hours to as late as one week afterwards in some cases.”

People with symptoms should maintain good hygiene, practice handwashing, avoid preparing food for others and practice safe sex.

Those with shigellosis who work as food han-

dlers, childcare workers, health care workers, or workers in a residential facility should not return to work until advised.

The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit has been working with the Department of Health, Buloke Shire Council, health staff, festival management, and other stakeholders to manage the outbreak since its onset and implement appropriate public health measures.

As of Thursday last week, only a small number of cases had been confirmed as shigella, but the Department of Health was aware of at least 120 individuals with gastroenteritis symptoms.

Shigella gastroenteritis is a bowel infection characterised by an acute onset of diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Dr Cowie said it was important people with symptoms kept drinking fluids and practiced good hygiene.

Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, at the Donald festival were also hospitalised with expected substance use over the long weekend.

HANDS-ON: Ararat Marian College students, from left, Tia, Zoe and Ashleigh had the opportunity to test their carpentry skills under the guidance of SALT tradesperson Jess.

Horsham Primary School

At Horsham Primary School, we feel that we have the balance just right. Our teaching and learning programs focus on achieving academic excellence, are flexible to meet the needs of all students, and intensive to ensure high level results are achieved.

Our student support programs develop the skills and abilities of each child whilst catering for their needs beyond the classroom.

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

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

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• CAFÉ Reading/Structured Literacy

• Systematic Synthetic Phonics

• Investigations – learning through exploration and play (Prep)

• 6+1 Traits of Writing

• Balanced approach to teaching mathematics

- Explicit instruction - Real life problem solving tasks

• Maths Intervention Program

• Levelled Literacy Support

• Speech Therapy Assistant Program

• Specialist Programs - Art - Science and Technology - PE - Music - Auslan

• Yr. 4-6 iPad Program

Student Leadership opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

• Junior School Council

• Student Leadership Program

Student Support

• Student Mentoring

• Student Wellbeing Support

• Breakfast Program

• Buddy Program

• Cultural Experiences Program

Extracurricular

• Halls Gap Zoo Excursion

• Roses Gap Camp

• Sovereign Hill Excursion

• Warrnambool Camp

• Melbourne Urban Camp

• Regional and State sporting events

• School Production

• Junior Concert

• Swimming Program

Community Involvement

• Parent Classroom Helpers

• Parents Club

• School Council

Horsham West and Haven

Primary School

Horsham West and Haven Primary School is renowned for its commitment to evidence-based teaching practices that foster academic excellence and holistic development. At the heart of its pedagogical approach is Structured Literacy and Direct Instruction, ensuring that students receive systematic and explicit instruction in reading, writing, numeracy and language skills.

The school prides itself on its knowledge-based curriculum, designed to instil a deep understanding of foundational concepts across various subject areas. With a passionate and dedicated staff, Horsham West and Haven Primary School excel in challenging and engaging learners through meticulously planned lessons tailored to individual needs. Teachers inspire students to reach their full potential through unwavering dedication, nurturing a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• Systematic Synthetic Phonics

• Explicit Direct Instruction

• Structured Literacy

• Tutor Learning Initiative

• Spelling Mastery

• Writing Revolution

• Hands-on Practical Numeracy Lessons

• Knowledge-Based Concept Curriculum

• BYOD iPad Program Years 4-6

• Speech Trained Assistance Program

• Resilence Rights & Respectful Relationships

• Literacy Learning Specialist

• Numeracy Learning Specialist

• Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

Specialist Programs

• Visual Arts

• Performing Arts

• Physical Education

• German

• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)

• ICT (Information, Communication, Technology)

• Year 3-6 Sporting Program

Student Support

• Wellbeing Officers x 2

• Behaviour Support Officer

• Buddy Program

• School Wide Positive Behaviours

• Hands-on Learning

• Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing and Engagement

• Disability Inclusion

Student Leadership Opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

• Junior School Council Captains

• Education Captains

• Student Leadership Program

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Adventure Camp Experiences

• School Production

• Choir

• Cultural Activities

• Aero Schools

• Swimming Program

• Local, Regional & State Sporting Events

• Excursions

• Incursions

• Parents’ Club Activities

Community Involvement

• Open Days

• Parent Classroom Helpers

• School Council

• Parents’ Club

Police: Results a wake-up call

Victoria Police found one in 10 drivers caught speeding during the Labour Day long weekend were travelling at more than 25kmh over the posted limit.

Operation Arid targeted excessive speed, fatigue and other impaired driving across the long weekend.

In the Northern Grampians Police Service Area, police detected two drink drivers, four drug drivers, two disqualified drivers, one unlicensed driver, 21 speeding offences, one mobile phone offence and nine unregistered vehicles.

In the Horsham Police Service Area, police detected two drink drivers, one drug driver, one disqualified driver, two unlicensed drivers, 40 speeding offences, one who disobeyed signs or signals, 10 unregistered vehicles, one impoundment and two cyclist offences.

Operation Arid recorded a total 6488 traffic offences across Victoria.

Police data showed 2843 speeding drivers were detected during the statewide operation, with 369 travelling at more than 25kmh above the limit.

A further 2161 drivers were travelling between 10kmh and 25kmh above the posted speed.

Statewide, 203 drink drivers were detected from 76,060 preliminary breath tests, a strike rate of one in 375.

There were 166 drug drivers detected from 3115 tests, a strike rate of

one in 19. The number of motorists failing to wear a seat belt or not wearing one properly was 117.

Almost 400 drivers should not have been on the road because they were either unlicensed, disqualified or suspended from getting behind the wheel.

To date this year, 57 people have died on Victoria’s roads compared with 69 at the same time last year.

‘Unacceptable’

Road Policing acting assistant commissioner John Fitzpatrick said the number of drivers speeding during the long weekend was unacceptable.

“To think so many people were driving at extreme speeds is even more worrying,” he said.

“At high speed there is little room for error and the consequences of a mistake are magnified.

“To put it bluntly, it’s a recipe for disaster.

“We’re also seeing too many people getting behind the wheel when they should not – be it for drinking, taking drugs or not having a licence.

“To find so many people driving around without a seatbelt is mindboggling. A seatbelt can’t save you if you’re not wearing it.

“These results should serve as a wake-up call to anyone doing the wrong thing on our roads.

“Police aren’t just out in holiday periods. We can be out anywhere, anytime, stopping anyone.”

Returning

Horsham Probus club calling for members

A Horsham group is calling for new members to enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people at its regular gatherings.

The Ladies Probus Club of Horsham East hosts monthly meetings at Horsham RSL.

Guest speakers are often invited to share life experiences, including medical professionals, police and people speaking on council issues.

Carolyn Sonego was re-elected for her second term as president at the club’s annual meeting this month.

Gay Baker was elected as secretary and Bev Reynolds, treasurer.

All 12 committee positions were filled.

People interested in joining the club can call Mrs Sonego on 0418 504 522.

Opportunity to assist GWMWater

GWMWater customers can have their say via a customer and stakeholder workshop on Friday.

The workshop will be between 10am and noon on Friday at West Side Horsham, with an option to join online.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the organisation was committed to engaging customers and stakeholders to meet their expectations

now and in the future. “The March workshop includes a presentation and engagement session on our digital initiatives,” he said.

“The workshops are a key component of our broader engagement program. It’s an opportunity for us to share important information about our water outlook and the initiatives we are working on to ensure a secure

water supply and reliable wastewater services.”

GWMWater will also seek input from participants about its online presence, with demonstrations of the customer portal and the new e-notices platform.

More information, including an agenda and registration details, is available at gwmwater.org.au/stakeholder workshop.

WELCOME:

Ladies Probus Club of Horsham East president Carolyn Sonego, left, welcomes the new committee for 2024.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Norton Estate

Elders Horsham invites you to the Norton Estate Open Home

Saturday, March 23, 10am until 11.30am 758 Plush Hannans Road, Lower Norton

Registration required on arrival

Elders Horsham | Mat Taylor 0437 018 787

HORSHAM.ELDERSREALESTATE.COM.AU

Council backs Australia Day

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Northern Grampians Shire Council has resolved to continue hosting Australia Day community events on January 26, despite recognising the difficulty the date presents for many Indigenous Australians.

The council received a community petition in February, with more than 4900 signatories urging it to ‘leave Australia Day alone’ and continue hosting its annual awards and citizenship ceremonies on January 26.

In recent years a movement to change the date of Australia’s national celebration has gained momentum, with detractors noting January 26 –the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove – commemorates the beginning of British colonisation of Australia, and subsequent dispossession, death and loss of culture of many Indigenous Australians.

About 40 local governments across Australia have decided to shift their citizenship awards and ceremonies to other dates, including 19 Victorian councils.

The petition argued changing Australia Day celebrations was beyond council’s purview.

“Australia Day means different things for many,” the petition said.

“For some Australia Day may be painful.

“We believe the debate about Australia Day is not the role of local councils, who should be focused on local issues.”

Northern Grampians Shire councillors said the petition showed there was still strong community support for staging celebrations on January 26.

At this month’s council meeting, Cr Trevor Gready moved the council continue to host events in Stawell and St Arnaud.

“After this year’s Australia Day celebrations in

Stawell and St Arnaud, we had a great turnout at both events, and we had very good feedback from everyone who was present,” he said.

“We didn’t get any negative reports about it at all, so I think it’s a great thing to keep going, and to welcome our new citizens, especially on Australia Day, is a really special thing to do.”

Cr Kevin Erwin said Australia Day events at Marnoo and Navarre were also well received.

“I, too, haven’t heard people totally opposed to Australia Day, and I think it’s a great opportunity to recognise the contribution many Australians make to their communities,” he said.

However, Cr Lauren Dempsey argued councillors were unlikely to hear dissenting opinions at Australia Day festivities, because those opposed to celebrating the date were not in attendance.

“I would ask how many councillors have spoken to members of the community this day does negatively impact on,” she said.

“Or are councillors just basing their views on those who did attend the event, rather than those who find the day hurtful?

“Changing the date of the events that occur on January 26 has been proposed for several reasons, including acknowledging the painful history and ongoing impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians, promoting inclusivity and reconciliation, and fostering a sense of national unity.

“The core values of Northern Grampians Shire Council talk about continuous improvement and best practice, respect and inclusivity of diversity.”

Cr Gready’s motion to continue hosting council events on January 26 passed, with Crs Erwin, Gready, Rob Haswell, Karen Hyslop, Murray Emerson and Eddy Ostarcevic in favour and Cr Dempsey opposed.

HAPPY COUPLE:

Horsham’s Bob and Joyce Wirth celebrated 70 years of marriage last week. Picture:

PAUL CARRACHER

Celebrating a special milestone

Bob and Joyce Wirth have been looking after each other for 70 years.

The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 13, and spent time with family on Saturday to mark the occasion. Mr and Mrs Wirth were married at the Horsham Methodist Church in 1954, with a reception to follow in the Horsham Town Hall supper room.

The couple lived on a farm at Greenland

Dam, north of Horsham, before moving to the regional city in about 1985.

Mrs Wirth said they had raised two wonderful sons together, Colin and Brian.

The couple now has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr Wirth said in 70 years they had a lot of good times and fun together.

“The secret is to look after one another, it’s give and take,” he said.

Invitation to join Iftar dinner in Ararat

With the support of Ararat Rural City Council, the Ararat Islamic Welfare Association, AIWA, and the Islamic Council of Victoria, ICV, will host a fast-breaking event on Saturday.

The Islamic community started the holy month of Ramadan on March 12, with Muslims observing fasting from early morning until sunset for one lunar month, fostering spiritual reflection and unity within the community. Community members are invited to join the If-

tar dinner at Ararat Town Hall on March 23. The event, expecting about 200 people from diverse faiths, aims to reinforce family and community bonds, fostering engagement with other faith communities.

The program includes a

The Board of the Horsham Sports & Community Club has decided to distribute a minimum of $130,000 in sponsorships to local sporting and community groups from the current financial years trading. This brings the grand total to in excess of $3.3 million in cash sponsorships since the Clubs’ inception in 1992 and certainly makes life easier for many hardworking sporting and community group workers.

Organisations who believe they may qualify for a sponsorship are able to access the relevant criteria and application forms by logging on to the Clubs website at www.hscc.org.au Applications for sponsorships open on Thursday 29th February 2024 close on Thursday 4th April 2024 at 5pm.

For further information please contact the Club during office hours.

everyone happy!

We’re a community team working together to keep kids off the streets and give them something to do on the weekends. If you’d like to sign up you can check us out at our website.

I would recommend supporting the Horsham Sports and Community Club. It’s not hard to sign up for the grant, get your boxes ticked and you might be fortunate enough to receive funding too!

Good Growing Wergaia language

B G L C ’ s N a t i v e N u r s e r y +

C o f f e e V a n i s n o w o p e n t h e F i r s t F r i d a y a n d S a t u r d a y o f e v e r y m o n t h .

D i s c o v e r n a t i v e t r e e s a n d s h r u b s o f t h e W o t j o b a l u k N a t i o n s a n d s h a r e i n o u r k n o w l e d g e .

9 a m - 3 p m | 1 2 7 W a i l R o a d , W a i l

D a l k i G a r r i n g a N a t i v e N u r s e r y i s 1 0 0 % o w n e d a n d o p e r a t e d b y B a r e n g i G a d j i n L a n d C o u n c i l w w w b g l c c o

Uniting in celebration

The many flavours, colours, traditions, dances, songs and stories of the Wimmera will be celebrated at various Cultural Diversity Week activities this week.

Events will mark Cultural Diversity Week, Harmony Day, and Cultural Diversity Day during the week leading up to March 24.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Settlement Services, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, WSMD, regional partners and multicultural community groups bring together people from across the world to share stories and showcase traditions and talents.

Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Burma, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chile, Columbia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Greece, India, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timoreste, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Ukraine and the United Kingdom will be part of the events.

Events, supported by WSMD and partners, and funded by the Victoria Multicultural Commission and State Government, include a Harmony Day Shared Lunch in Horsham tomorrow, Harmony Evening Event in Nhill tomorrow night and a Harmony Festival in Stawell on Saturday.

WSMD settlement and migration program manager Sara Barron said this year’s theme was ‘Our Shared Stories’.

“This year we are able to return to Horsham Town Hall for the finale, Diversity Day, after a week of incredible celebrations in Horsham, Nhill and Stawell,” she said.

Diversity Week and Harmony Day events

Thursday, 11am-2pm – Harmony Day shared lunch

Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart Street, Horsham. Celebrate together. Share stories, food and friendship.

Thursday, from 6pm – Harmony

Evening Event – Nhill

Nhill Community Memorial Hall. An evening of celebration, multicultural food, performers and speakers. Bring a plate and dress in traditional costume.

Saturday, 2.30pm-6.30pm –Harmony Festival, International Food and Cultural Performance – Stawell

communities that have come to call the Wimmera ‘home’.

“Our celebrations are always full of energy, colour and incredible food. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us.”

Charlie Helyar, of Horsham Neighbourhood House, encouraged everyone to attend events to support and celebrate Diversity Week and Harmony Day.

“Our communities are rich with people from varied cultures and this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate this by showcasing the diversity of people and cultures in our communities,” he said.

“We will be there to help celebrate in Horsham at the Diversity Day event at Horsham Town Hall.

Stawell Entertainment Centre, 63 Main Street, Stawell. One world, many flavours. Experience culture through food, dance and music performances in a celebration of Northern Grampians’ multicultural communities.

Sunday, 11am-3pm – Diversity Day event – Horsham

Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent Street. Diversity Day is back. International communities of the Wimmera unite in a spectacular day of performance, food, live music, kids’ activities, guest speakers and more. Free event but bookings essential. Book tickets at www.horshamtownhall.com.au.

Oasis Wimmera president Anubha Jalla encouraged people to embrace differences.

“Cultural diversity is not a barrier, but rather a bridge that connects us all, enriching our lives with vibrant colors of traditions, languages and perspectives,” she said.

“In a world where diversity is celebrated, unity becomes our strength.”

Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club president Janeth Rebarbas welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Diversity Week and Diversity Day celebrations at Horsham Town Hall on Sunday.

TOGETHER: Students from Nhill Lutheran School, St Peter’s Dimboola and Holy Trinity Horsham attended a Lutheran Western Hub Leadership Camp at Halls Gap to enhance their leadership skills. Pictured, from left, Barrett Clark, Nixon Beattie and Chelsea Elliott test an obstacle course.

Students hone leadership skills

The Wimmera’s next generation of leaders came together as students from three Lutheran primary schools honed their skills at a leadership camp at Halls Gap.

Grade six students from Nhill Lutheran School, St Peter’s Dimboola and Holy Trinity Horsham attended the Lutheran Western Hub Leadership Camp with four other schools at Tandara last month.

Students learnt about the four S’s of leadership: Spiritual leadership; significant qualities; servant leadership; and support in leadership.

trust and teamwork and learnt how they could support their fellow students in the year ahead.

St Peter’s Dimboola school captain Chelsea Elliott, 11, said her favourite aspect of leadership camp was the outdoor activities because they were fun, and the group had to work together as a team.

“I learnt communication is key when working as a part of a team and in leadership,” she said.

“We will hear about people’s journeys to the Wimmera throughout the week, to better understand the richness of our

“There will be some great performances, amazing food, with activities for everyone and lots of colour.”

“This event is embraced by our members and is one we have participated in over the years and have missed since COVID,” she said.

AUCTIONREMINDER:

Thursday,March21(thisweek)@1pm

Miga Lake District

Cropping & Grazing Land Auction

Total area 856.12 ha / 2115.53 acres

To be offered in 2 Lots

LOT 1: “POLPARA” Home Block - 379.23ha / 937.09 acres in 6 titles

Property address 127 R Ridlers Road Wombelano - located on the Nhill Harrow Road at Wombelano. Improvements include. 2 X Solar Bores, tanks & troughs, 1 Electric Submersible Pump, 1 catchment Dam, 3 Bedroom farmhouse, 3 Stand Shearing Shed, Sheep Yards, Workshop & Machinery Shed.

LOT 2: “CAFFYNS” - 476.89 ha / 1178.44 acres in 4 titles

700 acres has been regularly cropped. Improvements include: 1 x Solar Bore, 12 Catchment Dams, Original house site, Power connected.

AUCTION: Thursday 21st March 2024 - 1.00 PM

VENUE: Miga Lake CFA Shed – 7422 Nhill-Harrow Rd, Wombelano Vic 3409

Mark Clyne

Students reflected on the effect of role models in their own lives and how they can be role models in their own schools.

They looked at the importance of

Holy Trinity Lutheran College junior school captain Nixon Beattie, 11, said he enjoyed making new friends and trying new things at the camp, and he would aim to set a positive example for the junior school in 2024.

Brimpaen

SALE

3 1 3

1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road

A great opportunity to secure Southern cropping /grazing land all in the same location in 6 titles. Gently rolling land, well drained with brown loam soil types with a good clover history, soil tests show plenty of stored nitrogen in the soil. Excellent water assets and fencing along with a good 3 bedroom home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. Located 40kms ( 25 mins South of Horsham) with handy views of the Grampians.

If you have been looking for a quality Southern Cropping/grazing block, priced realistically this one should tick the boxes.

PRICED @ $4800 per acre

Mark Clyne

M 0417 568 200

Become a Berry Street foster carer and support a local child

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a young life?

Berry Street urgently needs more foster carer households in Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and surrounding areas to support local children.

Every year, over 11,000 Victorian children and young people are unable to live safely with their families and enter the care system, including foster care.

This is where foster carers play a crucial role by providing vital support and a safe home for these children.

Unfortunately, a decline in foster carer numbers has plunged the care system into crisis.

Last year, foster carer enquiries across the sector reached a twodecade low.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for more foster carers in Victoria to support local children and young people in need.

“More children are coming into our care now than we can nd safe homes for; it’s really a devastating situation,” said Jenny McNaughton, Acting CEO of Berry Street

Berry Street is seeking ve foster carer households in our area to provide our kids with a local, safe and nurturing place to live.

wellbeing and development,” said Ms McNaughton.

an environment not suited for younger children.

point in their journey that they need help.

“Childhood is a journey, but not every child has the same opportunities, which is why we need foster carers to play an empowering role in a child’s or young person’s life,” said Jessica Murphy, Berry Street’s Assistant Director, of Western Victoria.

“We are encouraging residents across the local area to start their foster care journey – you never know where it will take you.

“The team and I will be there to support you every step of the way, as you learn and grow in your new caring role,” she said.

Foster carers are supported by Berry Street’s team to provide trauma-informed care to children and young people in need.

Berry Street welcomes foster carers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

Foster care is temporary, with the goal of reunifying children with their birth families when it is safe to do so.

Often, children unable to stay with their families must leave our region, sometimes as far as Melbourne, to nd a safe home.

“Every act of care, whether it’s offering respite care once a month or providing emergency, shortterm, or long-term care, plays a crucial role in providing stability and support for children and young people, contributing to their overall

However, the shortage of foster carers is forcing agencies to make dif cult choices, such as placing children hours away from their homes or in residential care—

As one of Victoria’s largest providers of out-of-home care, Berry Street provides children and young people who have experienced trauma with a safe and secure place to live.

For over 145 years, they’ve supported children and young people in Victoria at whatever

It doesn’t matter if you work, rent, or own your home, or if you have kids. You can be single or partnered.

If you are over 21 years old and have a spare bedroom for a child, you can apply to be a foster carer.

For more information and to start your foster care journey, visit www.berrystreet.org.au/fostercare.

History challenge to boost Harrow

Harrow Bush Nursing Centre will host a new fun and family-friendly fundraiser – the Harrow Hilltops and History car navigation challenge.

On Sunday, April 14, Harrow will host the challenge for the first time.

Entrants will receive a mix of navigational challenges, location-based history questions and general trivia knowledge questions, all directing them along a winding course throughout the west Wimmera region.

Contestants can seek sponsorships, with sponsors pledging to donate money for each correct answer. All proceeds will support Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, HBNC.

Starting at the Harrow Hall, entrants will commence the challenge in staggered starts between 11am and 2pm.

Organisers expect the course to take about three hours. The challenge will include light walking and an afternoon tea pitstop where tea, coffee, scones and toilet facilities will be available.

HBNC health services manager Ann Vaughan encouraged children to take part and help their parents with answers. A mini-challenge for children will also be included as part of the course.

“This is going to be a really fun way to experience our beautiful region, support local businesses and learn a little bit of local history along the way,” Ms Vaughan said.

“We have a lot of local people who think they

SUCCESS:

Grampians

Health’s Clinician 2 Manager Emerging Leaders Program is inspiring professional development of staff across all campuses including Kelly Lee.

know the backroads better than anyone, but people from out of town have just as much chance of taking out the top honours, because the real competition is in getting the most sponsors and then getting all of the questions right along the route.

“So, as well as calling on people to enter and come along for some fun, we are really calling on their friends and family to put the pressure on by sponsoring them for $2 or $5 a correct answer.”

The contest includes prizes for the greatest number of individual sponsors at $2 or more a question, as well as the most money raised in total, along with a raffle and a children’s challenge.

Local businesses will offer discounts for entrants, with the event concluding at Harrow Hermitage Hotel.

HBNC is a non-profit charitable association with a mission to provide positive health and wellbeing outcomes for communities in the Harrow region.

The centre is funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing but also relies on membership contributions, grant funding and donations.

Registrations for the Harrow Hilltops and History car navigation challenge opened last week.

People can find full event details by following the Harrow Hilltops and History Facebook page or calling the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre on 5588 2000 or emailing info@hbnc.org.au.

Nurturing the next generation

When Grampians Health’s Tricia McInnes chose to attend a Clinician 2 Manager Emerging Leaders Program in 2022, she already had a long professional record in nursing.

Having worked for 24 years as a registered nurse at Grampians Health’s acute and aged-care wards at Edenhope, she was a manager when she opted to take advantage of the leadership course offered by her employer.

For more than six months, Ms McInnes and colleagues from Grampians Health’s Stawell and Edenhope campuses attended sessions about the basics of leadership, with a focus on transitioning to a leadership role.

Led by consultant Dr Elise Sullivan, the course focused on ways to help clinicians transition to a leadership role and equipped them to deal with daily situations managers face.

Now a director of nursing at Grampians Health Edenhope, Ms McInnes attributed her professional growth to some of the lessons she learned through the program.

“The emerging leaders course has given me more confidence in my own ability,” she said.

“It has been instrumental in helping me familiarise myself with strategies to have difficult conversations and deal differently with difficult situations. The resources were great.”

Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods said the Clinician 2 Manager Emerging Leaders Program was one of several learning and development programs available for staff members.

“Many of our clinical staff have years of valuable experience, and as a health service, providing them access to resources such as the Clini-

cian 2 Manager Emerging Leaders Program can help uncover the next generation of leaders who are familiar with our values, ethos and goals and those of the communities they serve,” she said.

“While we are focused on attracting new people to live and work in the region, we are also constantly looking at ways to engage with our existing staff members and equip them with skills and resources so they make a real difference in the delivery of care.”

For Kelly Lee, the course attendance gave her confidence to take on a bigger role at Grampians Health.

Ms Lee initially joined Grampians Health’s administration department at Stawell, but soon progressed to other roles.

After attending the Clinician 2 Manager Emerging Leaders Program, Ms Lee applied for and attained a bigger role as a practice manager at Stawell Medical Centre.

“The emerging leaders course taught me to recognise my strengths, weaknesses, and has boosted my confidence as a leader. It has helped me in my new role by providing new perspectives on skills such as effective communication, problem solving, decision making and time management,” Ms Lee said.

Ms Woods said providing learning and development opportunities for staff members was a key focus of Grampians Health.

“We are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve and by fostering a culture of growth for our people, we hope to continue to excel in providing exceptional care,” she said.

community.

The council is calling for St Arnaud residents to consider lodging an expression of interest to take part in the group, which will consist of three community representatives.

The group will discuss topics including an opportunity for an early years integrated service model, a prospective location for pre-prep modular buildings and a future operating model of these services.

The council currently operates a licensed 90-place early learning centre in St Arnaud, delivering sessional kindergarten programs and long day care.

The centre is the only early childhood education and care service in St Arnaud, providing support to families, employees and the community.

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Rob Haswell said a key challenge was unmet demand for long day care services.

Cr Haswell said the role of the stakeholder reference group would be to engage with the community to ensure its views, concerns and aspirations were understood and considered throughout the process.

“This project is about resetting and undergoing a robust and rigorous process to identify a permanent site for two modular pre-prep buildings with consideration to other early years services,” he said.

“The stakeholder reference group will be made up of stakeholder representatives within the St Arnaud community as well as professionals working in the early years field.

“At the heart of this project is supporting our children to get the best start in life.

“A thorough process is important, not only to consider all options but also to demonstrate the preferred recommendation going forward has been well considered and achieves the best overall outcome for St Arnaud.”

The council can use two modular buildings to assist with the rollout of pre-prep and accommodate 66 licensed kindergarten places in St Arnaud.

An initial recommendation to place the modular buildings within Market Square was discarded last year and the council decided to identify an alternative site.

People can learn more about the stakeholder reference group and submit an expression of interest form via website ngshire.vic.gov. au.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm on March 27.

CELEBRATION:

Tegan Harvey with baby Cooper and midwife Steph Wallis as Grampians Health reocgnises one-year of the Maternity Outpatients Clinic at Horsham.

Maternity health team delivering

Grampians Health’s Maternity Outpatients Clinic at Horsham is celebrating its first birthday.

Grampians Health regional director of hospitals west Carolyn Robertson said the Maternity Outpatients Clinic was the first example of Grampians Health enhancing local services in the region and improving the way services are delivered.

Maternity clinic manager Jane Rentsch said inclusion of a dedicated clinic made a big difference to how Grampians Health delivered services.

“The midwifery team are thriving in the environment and that reverberates through to the families as well,” she said.

Horsham mother-of-three Tegan Harvey used specialist services at the clinic during her recent pregnancy with Cooper and said she wished the clinic had been in place earlier for her

daughters Paige and Rylee. “This time around has definitely been more convenient,” she said.

“With our two daughters, we had to visit the Read Street clinic for some appointments and then the hospital for others, but now having it all under the one roof is much less stressful and so much more convenient.

“All the doctors and midwives are here under the one roof and if you need immunisations done, they will do it here for you.

“If you need an extra appointment with the doctor, they are here ready to go and you could check things with them if you were having any issues.

“Plus, parking is a thousand times easier than at the hospital.”

Mrs Harvey said another great advantage of the maternity clinic was an improved lactation service introduced early last year.

“Now they have post-natal breastfeeding classes whereas before there were only antenatal classes, so that’s a huge plus and super handy as well,” she said.

“I haven’t needed that this time with Cooper, but I definitely would have used it with Paige and Rylee had the new classes been available then because it was hard to get in before that.”

Mrs Harvey said she visited the clinic regularly throughout her pregnancy with Cooper.

“I would come and see the midwives every four weeks and then every two weeks as it got closer to my due date,” she said.

“I had a mix of midwives, but got to know them all well, which was nice.

“They were all really helpful and had all my notes in the system so I felt reassured.”

Jailhouse rock festival

CELEBRATION: Ararat celebrated another instalment of its annual Jailhouse Rock Festival, with four days of music, dancing, food, drinks and movies. The festival, which began in 1995, is a celebration of the rock’n’roll music and culture of the 1950s and ’60s, and draws thousands of people to the region each year. Pictured enjoying the festivities on offer on Saturday are, clockwise from left: Janelle Owen-Campbell and Gregor Campbell with their 1954 Oldsmobile; Ray Marino entertaining; Joyce and Kelly Boyle; Sage Richards, Lakyn McLoughlin and Airlie McLachlan on ‘Wirly’ Wilson’s Southern Cloud; Kathy Toth with her 1960 FB Holden; and Tim Conlan.

Anniversary model

Abarth Australia is now taking orders for its 695 75 Anniversario Edition.

Priced from $52,695 plus on-road costs, just 75 examples of the model will be offered in Australia, and just 1368 globally – the number a fitting nod to the cubic capacity of the model’s fire-breathing 1368cc T-Jet engine.

Developing 132kW of power and 250Nm of torque, the special edition Abarth 695 is force fed by a Garrett GT 1446 turbocharger. It can accelerate the car from standstill to 100kmh in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 225kmh.

Fittingly, the sporty model features Abarth’s scintillating Record Monza exhaust system with active valving and Koni-souced FSD dampers front and rear. Unique 17-inch alloy wheels, finished in gold, and a high performance Brembo braking system round out the mechanical upgrades.

The 2024 Abarth 695 75 Anniversario Edition is further characterised by its own livery replete with a logo at each door aperture and a scorpion motif across the roof panel. The black and gold theme of the special model is further paired with privacy glass and

a decal in the shape of a piston head.

Inside, the charismatic pocket rocket is upholstered in black Alcantara on the dashboard and market-specific embroidered black fabric on the seats.

Equipment is unchanged from the derivative model, and includes a seven-inch instrumentation screen, a seven-inch infotainment array, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Beats premium audio system, and climate-controlled air-conditioning.

It is expected the Abarth 695 75 Anniversario Edition will be one of the last petrol-powered models to be offered, as the all-electric 500e makes its mark Down Under.

The hard-charging EV, which is priced in Australia from $58,900 plus on-road costs, is now available to order, and is, according to Abarth Australia, the most responsive and exciting in the brand’s celebrated history.

The EV alternative is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 114kW and 235Nm, or enough to accelerate the vehicle from zero to 100kmh in seven seconds. Driving range is listed at 252km.

Abarth says ‘electric is the perfect technology to enhance the driving experience by bringing better accelera-

tion, greater balance, better handling, more stability, and better roadholding’ – all massive claims given the competence of the much-loved turbocharged petrol predecessor.

Featuring a reproduction of the iconic Monza exhaust ‘roar’, via a cleverly engineered sound generator, the characterful hatch will be available in five vivid paint hues: acid green, poison blue, antidote white, venom black and adrenalin red.

Later this year, Abarth will introduce the limited edition 500e Scorpionissima to Australian showrooms – just 219 examples will be made available locally of the 1949 produced – with the ‘standard’ Turismo trim to follow in early 2024. Additional features include unique decals and a digital certificate of authenticity.

Each supports three different charging modes and is equipped with a CCS Combo Type 2 socket that ena-

bles both AC and DC charging. The maximum DC charge rate is listed at 85kW, meaning it should be possible to charge the 500e’s 42kWh battery from zero to 80 percent in about 35 minutes.

Highlights of the local specification include 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery, and sports seats with contrasting double stitching.

– Matt Brogan

2021

2017 Ford Ranger XL

2021

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rivian to debut new SUV models

Making

good on a promise to build more affordable models than the R1T pick-up, Amazon and Ford backed specialist BEV manufacturer Rivian has announced the early 2026 production of three new SUVs – the R2, R3 and R3X that start in price from $68,000 for the R2, with the R3 expected to be priced lower.

All share Rivian styling cues including the cartoonish face and boxy body.

And all three five-seat, mid-size SUVs share the same new platform that consolidates and eliminates parts thanks to ‘intelligent design’ including the use of high pressure die castings, a structural battery unit where the top of the pack also serves as the floor, and closure systems that dramatically reduce complexity and cost.

The new models also use Rivian’s drive unit platform and internally developed network architecture, computer topology and software stack.

The first new model to roll off Rivian’s normal, Illinois production line will be the R2 for which Rivian claims it is holding 68,000 reservations of $100.

Rivian says the R2 delivers a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimised for big adventures and everyday use.

It says the silhouette and face of R2

OPTIONS: Rivian says its new models deliver a combination of performance, capability and utility optimised for big adventures and everyday use.

are ‘distinctly Rivian’ and the powered rear glass ‘fully drops into the liftgate for carrying all types of gear, enabling a unique open air driving experience’.

Rivian literature details the R2’s interior ‘is designed for ease-of-use, while being uniquely Rivian through a combination of inviting design and premium, sustainable materials that are easy to clean’.

The R2’s first and second row seats fold completely flat, for gear, cargo, and even car camping.

The R3 is a smaller, sportier midsize crossover that is ‘tidy on dimen-

TIMING: Australian delivery timing, pricing and specifications of the updated Audi A3 are yet to be advised. The current A3 range is available from $50,600 plus on-road costs in hatchback format and from $53,100 plus on-road for the four-door sedan.

sions but delivers big in terms of performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage’, while the R3X is a performance variant of R3 offering even more dynamic abilities both on and off road.

Two battery sizes will be available, with the larger pack claimed to be capable of a 480km range on a single charge and facilitate a zero to 100kmh acceleration time circa three seconds or better for the quickest powertrain configuration.

Three motor variants will be available leveraging Rivian’s existing pow-

ertrains: a single-motor rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and tri-motor – two motors in rear and one in front– all-wheel drive, with the quickest configuration delivering that rapid zero to 100kmh time.

The structural battery uses a new 4695-cell offering that delivers significant improvements in energy density and output, estimated to deliver more than 480km for both R2 and R3.

The models have claimed charging from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

Other technologies aboard the new

Rivians include self-driving capability using Rivian’s new perception stack featuring 11 cameras, five radars and a more powerful computer platform that might allow the R2 and R3 to provide dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities.

Additional to that are improving and expanding features accessed through Rivian’s network architecture, the topology of computers and associated full software platform to facilitate frequent software updates and provide the ‘headroom’ for feature growth over time.

Rivian’s cheaper pricing is designed to make its vehicles more accessible to more people, unerringly targeting Tesla models and other BEV makers.

In the new model announcement last week, Rivian said its development teams had been intensely focused on cost through manufacturing, design innovation and robust supply chain development, while at the same time working to ensure a smooth launch and rapid ramp of R2 and supplementary models.

It is intended the R2, R3 and R3X will be available internationally following their North American launch. No clarity as to their availability

Down Under has been proffered.

– Peter Barnwell

Last petrol-powered Audi A3 unveiled

Audi revealed its updated 2025 A3 range in Europe last week, the small premium offering understood to be the last petrol-powered model to come from the four-ring brand before an all-electric replacement debuts in 2027.

Based on the current fourth-generation A3, the revision sees new frontal styling – including updated four-mode LED headlights, singleframe grille and bumper – paired with a tweaked lower grille treatment, a new rear bumper cover, new tail-lights, and a selection of new exterior colours.

In profile, the 2025 Audi A3 is characterised by dark-painted rocker covers exaggerating the increased ride height of the new allstreet variant. Alloy wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.

Audi exterior design team leader

Stephan Fahr-Becker said the Audi A3 allstreet ‘stands out from the rest of the A3 family from the very first impression’.

“The aim was to use specific design elements to emphasise the vehicle’s higher ground clearance,” he said.

Inside, the A3 allstreet is said to offer easier ingress and egress as well as a better view of the road ahead.

Joining the remaining A3 range, the model offers 380 litres of cargo space and up to 1200 litres with the rear seats folded.

Further forward the Audi A3 sees fewer changes, with a 10.5-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen remaining front and centre. DAB+ digital audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity remain, while the

shift-by-wire gear selector scores a new bezel, and a rectangular steering wheel centre and airbag cover replaces the circular unit of the outgoing model.

Safety equipment carries over from the previous A3 and continues to include adaptive cruise control, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, exit warning, high beam assist, lane departure and keeping technology, park assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Under the bonnet the A3 continues to offer a choice of 1.5-litre mild hybrid or two-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engines. Outputs are rated at 110kW and 140kW, respectively.

Production of the newest A3 hatch and sedan range will begin in Ingolstadt, Germany from this month.

– Matt Brogan

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID S

582 180602

Quick Crossword

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.

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS.

TODAY’S Good: 14 words

FOCUS Very good: 21 words

Excellent: 31 words

Spot the 5 Differences

Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

deer denier dero derro diner dire direr doer drier drone eider ender erode erred iron ironed ironer jeer joinder joiner nerd nereid noir order reed rein reined rejoin REJOINDER rejoined rend render ride rider rind rode roid

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3910

the Dots

on this Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: March 21, 2002 –Horsham Fire Brigade volunteer Bill Johnson accepts a donation from his daughters Cheree and Kara. The girls will be helping their father for the annual Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and the Horsham Fire Brigade will be out in force collecting donations.

pilot program.

Five years ago: March 20, 2019

Horsham mayor Mark Radford has urged people to use the ‘final’ Horsham Country Music Festival this weekend to consider whether they want the annual event to continue. Cr Radford said an enormous amount of work had gone into establishing the fourday celebration of traditional country music and people needed to assess its worth to the municipality.

One year ago: March 22, 2023

The Wimmera is no stranger to years of below-average rain. After three consecutive La Niña events, Wimmera residents will likely experience a ‘significant change’ to weather patterns as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports signs of El Niño forming in late 2023.

take a Break

1. Specifically, what are Prospect, Yanco and Boolara strains of?

2. Rakali is the accepted Aboriginal name for what creature native to waterways in the Wimmera?

3. In modern pharmaceutical uses, parts of Australian rainforest native plants Solanum aviculare and Solanum laciniatum or kangaroo apples, can be used to prevent what in people?

4. The Crimean War of 1853 and 1856 had many regional Victorians at the time concerned about invasion from what country?

5. Curiously, what frustrating biological pest of today was responsible for changing the earth’s atmosphere about 2.4-billion years ago, creating a mass extinction of anaerobic inhabitants but flooding the planet with oxygen and allowing creatures like us to develop?

6. Australia Post, Australian Postal Corporation, Telecom Australia, Telstra and the Australian Communication and Media Authority all had their origins from what department known by a three-letter acronym from 1901 to 1975?

7. What type of cable invented by English engineer Oliver Heaviside in 1880 is surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, which is then surrounded by a tubular conducting shield and is used to carry low-frequency radio, audio and television signals?

8. The Wimmera is home to many species that make up the largest family of lizards in the world. What is the name of this family which makes up about half of Australia’s lizard species?

9. Which Wimmera Football League club holds the league record highest score of 46.28 (304)?

10. Teams from what three towns formed the first Wimmera Football Association in 1902?

5. Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. 6. Postmaster-General’s Department or PMG. 7. Coaxical cable or coax. 8. Skinks. Australia has 389 of about 1300 species worldwide. 9. Ararat. It kicked the score against Jeparit, 2.2 (14), in 1989. 10. Ararat, Horsham and Stawell.

4. Russia. The conflict was between the Russian Empire and an alliance of French, British and Ottoman empires and the Kingdom of Sardinia.

3. Pregnancy. The steroid part of the plant is used in a contraceptive pill.

FOR THE WEEK MARCH 23 TO MARCH 29

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4,5,6,7

Lotto Numbers: 1,4,12,23,34,41,

It is generally not advisable to mix business with pleasure. Regarding your assets, being cautious and keeping your friends at a distance is best. Seeking expert advice can help handle any issues that arise professionally.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 4,23,31,23,34,49,

The universe is working in your favour, and you can expect abundant, favourable opportunities to come your way. Your friendships during this period will be significant, and you may develop strong bonds with those around you.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,9

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5

This is a time of financial success and prosperity, but it’s essential to carefully examine all the details before signing any agreements or contracts. It’s wise to discuss any significant moves or plans with other parties impacted.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5,

This time frame doesn’t necessarily have to be ridden with misfortune. However, verifying everything you hear or are told by seeing it with your own eyes is advisable. Positively, you should encounter fewer financial challenges.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,41,11,

The upcoming period promises to be bustling with many invitations and friendly contacts. For those who trust their intuition, it may lead to fortunate outcomes, especially for those who take calculated risks. Tread carefully with colleagues.

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

1. Strains of noxious carp, Cyprinus carpio, that have become established in Australia. 2. The water rat or Hydromus chrysogaster, a -na tive rodent with copper-coloured water-proof fur with webbed hind feet.

Answers:

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,36,41,22,

A reminder to take a moment and focus on tasks that have been waiting for your attention. Keep your priorities in order and avoid potential mistakes by clarifying instructions. Be on the lookout for new career opportunities.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

As the stars align, now is an opportune moment to tackle those lingering tasks that have been put on the back burner. It is essential to maintain the status quo within the household and refrain from making any sudden changes.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4.

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,22,

It may not be as thrilling or eventful as you might hope during this time. However, it presents an opportunity to assess and manage your finances effectively. It’s possible that an unforeseen occurrence might cause significant disruption.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1,4,5,2

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,32,5,8,

^ _ ` a b c d e f

To maintain a harmonious environment, it’s imperative to put in the effort to keep the peace at home. It’s essential to prioritise your health and well-being by committing to a fitness program that works for you.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3,

Lotto Numbers: 1,12,23,34,41,22,

With careful planning and a thoughtful approach, any investment has the potential to be profitable. You may be engrossed in exciting travel and outdoor activities, leaving little room for anything else.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

To avoid any potential legal trouble, spending only on essential items and not taking any unnecessary risks is advisable. Your romantic relationships appear to be shrouded in mystery, but you may attract a lot of attention.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,34,41,11,

During this period, you can expect to enjoy engaging in social activities and reconnecting with friends and family. It’s an opportune time to complete any unfinished tasks or projects that have been hanging over your head.

Harmony Day Shared Lunch – Horsham

21 March 2024, 11am-2pm

Venue: Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart St, Horsham VIC 3400

Share stories, food and friendship at this Diversity Week Celebration.

Harmony Evening Event – Nhill

21 March 2024, from 6pm

Venue: Nhill Community Memorial Hall

An evening of celebration, multicultural food, performers and speakers.

Harmony Food & Performance – Stawell

23 March 2024, 2.30-6.30pm

Venue: Stawell Entertainment Centre (Stawell Town Hall), 63 Main St, Stawell VIC 3380

One world, many flavours! Experience culture through food, dance and music.

Diversity Day Event – Horsham

24 March 2024, 11am-3pm

Venue: Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent St, Horsham, 3400

Diversity Day is back! International communities of the Wimmera unite in this spectacular day of celebration. Tickets are FREE but bookings are essential.

DINGWALL, Dawn Patricia

8-3-1952 to 16-3-2024

For Dawn

The absence of you is a heartache that will never mend, but your determination, strength and will to stay with us for as long as you did was a gift of time we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We are so devastated by our loss, but we take some comfort in knowing that your pain and suffering has ended, and you may now rest in peace. We are so thankful to have had you as the extraordinary wife, mum and nannie that you were. You will forever be missed, we love you Dawn/Mum/ Nannie

Love Geoff, Leah, Lily, Stella, Jason & Kara.

DINGWALL, Dawn Patricia

8-3-1952 to 16-3-2024

Anthony Dominic “Tony”

Passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024 aged 85 years.

Dearly loved husband of Betty (dec).

Loving father of Catherine.

Adored Pa to Riley, Nicholas and Shae.

Cherished Great Grandpa to Clay.

Requiescat In Pace

DINGWALL, Dawn Patricia

Passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness on March 16, 2024 aged 72 years.

Dearly loved wife of Geoff.

Loving mother and motherin-law of Leah; Jason & Kara.

Adored Nannie to Lily and Stella. Now At Peace

Tears are softly falling as gentle as the rain, Falling on the heartache that will never ease the pain,

The pain of having lost you Dawn, but you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

So dearly loved and so sadly missed, Your loving sister Heather, brother Doug, brother-inlaw Wayne.

Loved Aunt of Timothy; Jade & Cassie.

~ KIRSOPP ~ Mavis

23-3-34 to 13-3-24

Civil Celebrant, Honorary Justice of the Peace, Electoral Returning Officer, wife, mother, mentor and friend.

Mavis loved her family, her friends and her extended community who, over many years and in so many ways, welcomed her into their own families. Wedding celebrations led to naming ceremonies and eventually funeral services as strangers became life-long friends.

Mavis shared a deeply funny and loving relationship with her beloved Bobby. They were a rock to each other and gave the other strength to face adversity and create and laugh at shared adventures.

Mavis got her energy from people. She was a people person, trusting, caring and understanding that we sometimes stumble and need a helping hand.

In her public life, Mavis was known for her detailed planning, attention to detail, patience and confidence. She had little tolerance of arrogance or ego.

Mavis is deeply loved, highly respected and greatly missed.

KRAUSE,

Val

Passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024 aged 90 years.

STONEHOUSE (nee Miller), Mavis Jean Of Dimboola formerly Mt Gambier on March 12, 2024

Loved wife of Laurie (dec).

Loved mother & mother-inlaw of Steve & Sherree, Helen & Chris (dec).

Loved grandmother & great grandmother to their families.

In keeping with Mavis’s wishes a private cremation has been held.

With a request of No flowers or cards.

W.B. Gardiner & Son

Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

TAIG, Eddie

I am so proud to have had a brother who did so much for so many.

You never ran out of time, pride, laughter and love. We will all miss you and love you forever. Memories are the legacy of love.

Beloved brother and brother-in-law of Annette and Bob Hill.

Much loved uncle of Steve, Mick, Chris, Belinda and families.

TAIG, Eddie

22.10.1947 - 07.03.2024

A life that touches others goes on forever.

Treasured memories, Maureen

TAIG, Edwin Arthur Charles

You are a beloved Brother-in-Law.

You were such a big part of the McMillan and Jolley families.

The special bond you had with our four boys, Michael, Steven, Tim and Gavin from when they were very young. You would stay at our place after being out with Joy on a Saturday night.

Now they’re all married with their families, they have wonderful memories of their own of a special and loved uncle.

The great times we all had at family gatherings, birthdays, morning teas, or our trips away with you and Joy in our caravans, and also with the Friday Night Group, has given us treasured memories to keep.

You will be forever in our hearts, Love you.

Alan, Venie Micheal, Kaye, Cass, Rory and Cora

Steven, Katrina, Ashlee, Elliot and Maisy Tim, Bern, Ethan Gavin Tamara, Julian, Fabienne and Vanessa

YOUNG, Margaret Mathieson

Passed away on March 13, 2024 aged 100 years.

Dearly loved wife of Harry (dec).

Loving mother of Richard, Alison and Hendry, and mother-in-law to Debra.

Grandmother to Harry and Oliver.

In God’s Care BROOKS, Heather Anne

As was her wish, Heather Anne Brooks was farewelled at a private gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

CAMPESATO, Anthony Dominic “Tony”

The funeral of Tony Campesato will leave Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/@ smjchurchhorsham/streams

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KIRSOPP, Mavis Joy

A celebration of the life of Mavis Joy Kirsopp will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 commencing at 2pm Privately cremated.

The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KRAUSE, Val

The Funeral of Val Krause will leave the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Thursday, 21 March 2024 after a service commencing at 10am for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Please wear something floral.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/ channel/UCazLsHP0NcC2AP Lqg5dil0Q

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MIDGLEY

A graveside service for Mr Eric David Midgley will be held at the Minyip Cemetery on Friday, March 22, 2024 commencing at 1pm

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

KIRSOPP, Mavis

Joy

Mavis passed away in Horsham on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Mavis and Bob shared a devoted friendship and a wonderful marriage for 67 years until Bob’s death in 2023. Mavis is now reunited with her Bobby.

Mavis was the loved and loving mother of Mandy (partner John) and Glenn (dec).

Mavis was loved and cherished by her grandchildren Ben, Tim and Emma, their partners, Megan, Latna and Adam and great grandchildren

Oliver, Harrison and Millie.

Mavis was an inspiration, role model and friend to a great many people throughout our community. A life well lived.

Dearly loved wife of Lindsay (dec).

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Ruth & Arthur; Barry & Ellen; Kerri & David.

Adored Grandma to William and Travis; Nathan and Courtney; Nick, Danielle, Rebekah and Elliana.

Forever In Our Hearts

MIDGLEY, Eric David

Of Minyip on March 16, 2024

Loved husband of Janice.

Loved father & father-in-law of Shannon & Shaun, Kristin & Nick, Clinton & Hannah.

Loved Pa of Kade, Brody, Arli, Judd, Emmett, Georgia, Broughton, Will, Nahla, Beau.

DINGWALL, Dawn Patricia

The funeral of Dawn Patricia Dingwall will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Thursday, March 28, 2024 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

YOUNG, Margaret Mathieson

The Funeral of Margaret Mathieson Young will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Friday, March 22, 2024 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Blackheath (Sailors Home) Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

5 puppies for sale, born 10/12 2023

S/N MB144958, 95301101004795 4,953010100477382,953010100626 418,953010100427224,9530101006 84594 $1000ono Ph 0490532271

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies, assorted colours, pastels $10 each Ph 0419505737

Cocker spaniel pups, 4 tan 1 black& tan 1 black both parents reg with dogs victoria vet checked vaccinated microchipped & wormed ready for their new homes, m/chip# 956000016725032 956000016330824, source# RB185238 Ph 0429912620

Doberman pups, 4x girls black/ tan, 4x boys 3 black/tan and 1 brown/tan, ready to go, m/c # 956000014813157/14702252 /14697789/14699139/14845771/14 850566/14817621/14810773 $2000 Ph 0431982052

Female desexed mini dachshund, I like kids, dogs, cats, I am toilet trained, love walks and snuggles, microchip# 900141000504012, source# MB197522 $1400ono Nhill Ph 0431725487

Ferrets x3, 15 mo, good workers regretful sale $25 each Ph 0439666016

Kelpie Pup, Mack from 2 good working parents, intelligent, gentle pup, Bobtailed, MC 9851141006234859, SN EE 232038 Ph 0427861437

Kelpie x Coolie Pup, ready to go, born 15.10.23, raised with kids, female with white marking, m/ chip 953010006206891, source # MB238326, $250 Ph Jo 0410331573

Parrots for sale, hand raised, young green cheek conures, extremely friendly, young aviary bred bourkes/ turks Ph 0408535515

Pups Kelp-Collie x St Poodle well loved, ready, suit family w kids, source:MB223023 vet-checked mchip 953010006636005,006, 953010006635755,857,861,870,874 ,994, visits welcome Ph 0458169182

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

Purebred German Shepherd , 8wks, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and three girls, source# MB115424, m/chip# 95600001658 6733/687289/6693126/6668157/668

1104 Ph 0421018631

Pure-bred Labrador puppies ready to go early April, vet checked and will be vaccinated, 1 gold bitch microchip# 985141007305071,1 black male microchip# 985141007305077,1 gold male microchip# 985141007305074, source# MB182447$2200, female $2000 males, Ph Nathan for more information 0418657247

Suffolk Rams, 18 months old,fully vaccinated, OB accredited, PIC3SGP010, ready to work, good bloodlines, well grown, $8000 plus GST, can arrange delivery Ph 0429196337

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

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 538cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

Goldstream RV Off Road 2007 solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $18,000 Ph 0409967815, Horsham

Jayco Finch pop top caravan, 2 double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat racks and an annex, $15,000 Ph 53582560 Stawell Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition,

Seeking Individual Support Worker (Ageing) to provide in-home care, Horsham based, duties include, dressing, bathing, toileting, minimum 1 overnight + 1 day shift per week, male or strong female ideal, Italian/English language skills ideal, more detail on enquiry Ph 0439307176

3x Ajax wool press $100ea plus Gst ono Ph 0428894258

Air Seeder, 12,000L 3 bin Simplicity tow behind, variable rate plus tubulator, spare control and loom $75,000 plus Gst Ph 0428894258

Case IH 2144 Harvester, 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $50,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

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

Header NH TR88 with 36’ McDon front 960, ready to go $25,000, Jaeske field bin, 28 tonne $5500 Ph 0428946395

Heaslip grouper, VGC, 2 bins, 4200L each capacity, Honda motor, new bearings in elevator, adjustable legs, always shedded $7700 inc Gst Ph 0427330078

John Deere 3010 tractor with cab, 1965 model, rear tires 40 % front tires 60%, runs well $8000 Ph 0438951101

Macey Field Bin in GO $3000 Ph 0429857207

MF tea 20 with 2 spare rear wheel rims 1 with tyre Ph $2500 0419574884

REDUCED Chamberlain C670

Tractor starts and runs well $3600, Morton Baker Wool Press $2500, New Holland Small Bale Pick Up Loader $600, all in working order excess to requirements, all prices plus Gst Ph 0400603022

REDUCED Field Bins, 2 Jaeschke 32t field bins, one with square top lids with and sight glasses $9000, large round top one with normal lids $8000, 2 Macey 28t $2500, all prices plus Gst Ph0400603022

Sherwell auger 33ft by 9 inches, 20hp, van guard, electric start motor, no fertiliser used, easy to handle, always shedded, VGO $7500 plus Gst Ph 0429979100

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, $80,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409

Murtoa

2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer , registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

Cattle scales Gallagher, never used, still in box, load bars, 600ml, 2500kgs, stainless steel platform, best offer over $2000 Ph 0438096662

Chicken manure, ex sheds or composted available now The Good Dirt Company Lethbridge Vic Ph 0409889250

Chipper mulcher mobile heavy duty, GX390, 12hp, honda motor $2800 Ph 0448826464

18.6 tandem cylmic caravan, full length annexe, elec brakes, heating / cooling b/d $27,750 Ph 53911050

Nhill 1998 Jayco Westport, full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $22,000ono Ph 0419514118

2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top, alum frame, tandem, elec brakes, 12V sys, light truck tyres, island d/bed, new mattress, m/wave, upright engel fridge/ freezer(270), r/out awning & annexe & extras, $16,900ono Ph 0400894020

2009 Windsor Genesis caravan semi off road, 19.6 with shower and toilet, air con, diesel heater and solar system, VGC $28,000 Ph 0439809490 or 0411120780

2014 Majestic Knight, tandem axel, full ensuite, self contained, full annex, new awning $49,500 Ph 0418506271

2016 Jayco Journey Outback, pop-top, 17.5’, ensuite, separate toilet and shower, EC, always shedded, $42,000ono Ph 0418991140 Kaniva

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 $22,000 Ph Ray 0413445347

Dog Trailer, 1984 two axle gorski, grain top with roll tarp, always in a shed, no registration, needs work, best offer Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

Fergy Tractor with roll frame, 4’ slasher and carryall, all in good working order $4100ono Ph 0419134855

Fire-fighting tank, poly 3000L, GC $1760 Ph 0427716088

Fuel trailer , 650ltr $2200 Ph 0427716088

Sherwell Auger 50’, 9”, runs well $15,000 plus Gst ono Ph 0429911201

Silos Vennings, 10 tonne, GC $1760 each Ph 0427716088

Chook house , 1500mm long 1400mm wide 1800mm high, nest box attached keep your chickens safe from predators $350 Ph 53583400

Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

Fencing

Full

Home

Horse

Jumbuck

Lavour

Massage

King single trundle latex bed, spotless, pull out latex mattresses, top quality, $550ono Ph 0427042750 Nhill

17’ speedboat Caribbean 150 V6 Yamaha on a Brooker tilt trailer, dual axle, motor has done 230hrs, VGC, all ski gear with the boat including boat cover, priced to sell $10,000 Ph 0407084235

3.7 Boat and cover, on aussie trailer with a yamaha 15HP motor, $5000 Ph 53582560 Stawell

3.8 Savage aluminium boat, new 18 hp Tohatsu motor, Biminis, Eagle fish finder, Mackay galvanised trailer, GC, $3700 Ph 0428826113

0448826464

ML880

Roll

Simpson

Strombeg

Table

Workshop

0419821563

Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

3.8 Stacer Kippa boat ,15hp, 2 stroke Mercury, trailer A77849, cover, canopy, extras, boat reg J0296 $3900 Ph 5382 4210 Stacer 400 bass EVO aluminium hull GN915, 25HP mercury 2 stroke, dunbier trailer P72-007, no salt water, all EC, $7500 Ph 0428825864

Single electric/adjustable bed includes mattress,used but in EC, Includes as new Health Flex mattress topped with bamboo fabric, designed for pressure redistribution, purchase price $5000, sell for $2500ono Ph0435787449

Walker ,4 wheels with seat, adjustable, light weight, EC $80 Ph 0419560817

Wheelchair and Compression cushion, VGO $600ono Ph 0427857510

Harley Davidson , custom 1956 frame black, 200 rear end, stretched tanks 3-inch belt drive primary RevTech 4 speed ratchet, with extras, will go quick $18,000 Ph 0423859198

5x Hankook Dynapro ATM Tyres, 31.10, 5OR, 15 lt, 95% thread with black Sunraysia wheels, 6 stud, will not seperate $800 ono Ph 0418203511 Dave anytime

Load Leveller Weight Distribution kit for towing, suitable for caravans, horse floats etc. Ball weight 165kg, new never been used, $250 Ph 0407046864 Horsham

Dehavaland 4MT tinnie 25 HP 2/S

yamaha electric start, power trim tilt nav lights, bilge pump windscreen, AM-FM radio, reg no FX-104, 8 months rego, tilt trailer with electric winch, 12 months rego, rego ZPZ-415, $4,000 Ph 0427825986

2011 BMW X3, 6 cylinder, diesel turbo, white, 11 months rego, lovely car, 290,000km, YPC367 $10,000 Ph 0411502510

2011 Holden Cruze CDX Sedan, green, auto, just serviced, excellent running order, some external dents, Vin# 6G1PESES1BL550662,

137600km 1HO9DL $5900

0434557919

2011 Holden VE1 SV6 Commodore Sedan, GC, serviced every 6 months, auto, runs well, 330,358kms, YXP477 $7200 Ph 0407542856

2011 Toyota Camry, auto, VGC, RWC, genuine reason for selling, 226,000

2018 Toyota Landcruiser

, Crystal Pearl, beige interior, EC, 7 seater, many extras, 98,000kms, 1MQ2IT $100,000neg Ph 0428982514

Antique German violin, bow and case, excellent playing condition $550 Ph 0417886268

Honda

Fender copy guitar, near new $350 Ph 0419509335

Mitsubishi Triton CLX 4x4, MR MY23, DT,

6SP auto, double cab, model MR4V47, build date 20/12/2022, 18 inch back alloy wheels,

mats, tub liner, T

bar, side steps, mud flaps, RWC, rego till March 2025, 27,000kms, 1WH7UP $46,500 Ph 0419007741

REDUCED 2017 Toyota Fortuner Crusade 4WD 2.8L TD, 7 Seats, excellent condition for age, bull bar, tow bar, spotlights & UHF radio included, fully serviced at Horsham Toyota, RWC included, 137000km, 1KQ9HU $40,500 neg please call or text for more information 0423024026

3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899

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The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement.

A snapshot of your obligations are as follows:

BOATSAll advertisements for boats must include:

Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396 2010

• Hull number or registration number of the boat If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include:

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Aspire Wheelchair , extremely comfortable, padded headrest, additional padded section for leg support, barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913

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Roho Brand Permobill dry floatation pressure cushion and cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph 0435787499

CLEARANCE SALE

It’s

Dimboola

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, March

Saturday, March 30 to

April 7 from 10am to 3pm.

More vintage buttons and laces.

*60 years of private collection, Glorious glass buttons incl. Featherstone and Bimini.

*Linen, fabrics, motifs, doll buttons, Disney buttons, collectables.

*Large collection of biscuit tins.

To apply, contact The Weekly Advertiser distributor Shannon by emailing horsham.distribution@gmail.com or phone/text 0438 064 269

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Procurement Officer

(Fixed Term 12 months)

Position number VG/2204B

The Procurement Officer is responsible for the administration and processing of contracts and purchase orders for GWMWater and has the responsibility for monitoring compliance with our Procurement Strategy and Purchasing Policy.

If you have an eye for detail and strong organisational and time management skills, this may be the role for you!

Applications close: Friday 5 April 2024

GWMWater contact: Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

Management Accountant

Position number VG/2203

The Management Accountant will be involved in a variety of tasks including ensuring that there are adequate controls over the recording of financial information in respect of GWMWater’s funded capital programs, preparation of monthly business performance reports, and reviewing of revenue in preparation for reporting and budgeting.

Applications close: Friday 5 April 2024

GWMWater contact: Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

GWMWater is an EEO employer and is committed to continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems.

Practice Makes Perfect

Many years ago, I decided to take up the piano. We had an old upright pianola around the church, and I’d head down and play for about 20 minutes a couple of times a day. I had a lovely piano teacher, and pretty soon I could see I was making progress. I’d been playing for about three months, when my teacher decided to list me on the end of year concert. I diligently beavered away at the two concert pieces, quietly excited about the recitation to come. I turned up and to my shock, there were about 300 family members of the other students. I climbed on the piano stool and noticed that all the keys on the Bosendorf Concert Grand Piano were immaculately white. I froze, and my performance was… how shall I put this… not flawless. I moved towns not long after, and wasn’t able to continue, to my regret. Here’s the thing… while I was practicing, I was definitely getting better. Sure, I had stage fright, but that moment didn’t define my skill, only my capability under pressure. If I’d gone another year, that would not have happened again. But when I stopped learning and practicing, all the skill I had gained was gone within 12 months. If we want to grow strong in our life, we need to keep learning… Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with all of your strength and lean not on your own understanding.” Trusting is learning! And we also need to keep practicing. The next verse says “In all your ways submit to Him and He shall make your paths straight”. Practice makes us better.

PS. I’ve since taken up the piano again and am learning every time I play.

Paster Dave Tolputt – Life Links Church Ararat

To receive information in relation to these vacancies in an accessible format such as large print, please contact our People Talent and Culture team during business hours on 1300 659 961.

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams

11 McLachlan Street Horsham gwmwater.org.au

Christian Devotion

Job Opportunities

We offer great conditions, modern equipment, job security & all uniform provided. Will reward your hard work with career progression opportunities and above Award rates.

Agitator Operator - Wim Mix Concrete

On Road Truck Driver - Highway Haulage Western Delivering pre-mixed concrete or quarry materials to our customer sites. Do you have what it takes?

• HR Licence required

• Demonstrated knowledge of current road and traffic rules

• Experience driving an agitator truck preferred but not essential.

How to apply:

Submit resume in person (Selkirk Dr, Horsham) or email personnel@conholdings.com.au

For site safety information, company overview and career opportunities visit our website at: www.conholdings.com.au/careers

Opportunity This Way

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire.

New Vacancies!

Free From Violence Project Officer

wanted: chainsaw operators/contractors

NORTHERN GRAMPIANS REGION

SMALL TO MEDIUM SAWS ARE SUITABLE

Task involves fruit tree pruning –long-term project, 12 to 18 months

Must have own equipment/ABN/Insurance

Also wanted: Support labourer/farm hands

Call or text the manager on 0499 467 742 for preliminary discussion

IMMEDIATE START FOR RIGHT CANDIDATES

Wanted, casual cleaners

Send your resumes to karolynsampson@ yahoo.com

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

Diabetes Connect Case Manager

30.4 hours per week

$36.00 to $51.76 per hour

Contact: Kristy Price

Closing: 12pm Monday 8 April 2024

Funded through the Local Government Free from Violence Program, you will be integral in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community and organisation through engaging in primary prevention activities that reduce gender-based and family violence and promote gender equality.

Plant Operator Labourer, Jeparit Council is seeking an experienced machinery operator or truck driver who takes pride in their work and wants to contribute to the community. HR Licence is essential, a team oriented and hardworking attitude an advantage!

Applications close Wednesday 3 April 2024 at 12noon.

Scan the QR code for details about these roles and how to apply, visit our website www. hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council or contact our Customer Service Centre on 03 5391 4444.

•

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

Due to company growth, JT Johnson & Sons is on the lookout for some suitably qualified and talented individuals to join our dynamic team in the Dooen facility on a full-time basis.

WE ARE HIRING

*Quality Control & Logistics Coordinator *Grower Liaison / Procurement Officer

With a rich history spanning 100 years, JT Johnson & Sons has been at the forefront of the livestock feed production industry.As a family-owned business, we take pride in our heritage and are committed to maintaining the highest standards.Our success is built on a foundation of genuine care for our customers and staff which has led to an exceptional work environment with high staff retention.

If you are ready to be part of our legacy and contribute to this thriving company, join us at JT Johnson & Sons, where your skills and dedication will be celebrated.Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary!

Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to increasing diversity across the organisation. We encourage anyone to apply for our vacancies regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Please send your resume to hr@jtj.com.au and include “Quality Control” or “Grower Liaison” in the subject line.

For inquiries phone Tony Huebner 0447 722 669 This position pays above award rates.

A family-owned network, ACE Radio Broadcasters is a prominent regional Victorian media company, encompassing 21 radio stations, The Weekly Advertiser newspaper, ACE Digital, and ACE Direct Sales, and employing over 200 people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The Horsham base is home to newspaper; The Weekly Advertiser and two radio stations; 3WM and MIXX FM, delivering quality content and news to the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians regions.

Join our team by applying for this exciting job opportunity:

Journalist

The Weekly Advertiser is a free weekly newspaper featuring news and sport from across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians regions and is seeking a journalist to join its awardwinning team.

This is a full-time position but comes with highly flexible arrangements for the right applicant. Newsgathering would include hard news, features, agriculture and sport.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to research, create and submit a body of factually accurate stories daily, guided by experienced mentors.

• Work efficiently to deliver news stories on time, and adhere to tight deadlines.

• Craft compelling and clear articles, reports, or broadcasts for print and digital media.

• Conduct interviews and fact-check information.

• Edit and adapt content for various platforms.

• Uphold ethical standards of journalism.

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Strong writing and communication skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Familiarity with journalistic principles and ethics.

Remuneration for this position: Salary per annum will be commensurate with experience.

To apply:

For further information or if you’re ready to take on this exciting opportunity, send your resume and cover letter to: Brendan O’Loughlin, General Manager brendano@aceradio.com.au

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

CRUNCH

Central Wimmera Tennis Association action at the weekend decided who would head into grand finals on Saturday. Pictured on the court are, clockwise from above: Drung South pennant player Logan Casey; Willow Sainsbury, Central Park, pennant; Reece Harman, Central Park, pennant; Anna Exell, Kalkee, A Special; Ella Thompson, Horsham Lawn Gillespie, A Special; Meaghan Pohlner, Kalkee, A Special; and centre, Kate-Lyn Perkin, Drung South, pennant. Tennis results, page 45.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Brought to you by The Morning Crew

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

sport

Premiership honours await

BY ABBY WALTER

Three of four senior preliminary finals came down to games with Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant, A Special and B Special teams winning the same number of sets.

A matter of 13 games separated Central Park and Drung South in the preliminary final as both teams won six sets each.

Central Park proved too strong with Matt Jones winning his three sets, including a convincing six-game win in singles.

Adele Joseph also won her singles by eight games and Brendan Nitschke’s seven-game singles win went a long way to ensuring Central Park had the games to win the final.

Hayley Reid played well for Drung South as she won three sets for the day.

Central Park will now face Horsham Lawn in the grand final on Saturday.

Horsham Lawn defeated Central Park by two sets in the first semi-final, while during the season Central Park defeated Horsham Lawn by two sets in round three, and four in round 15, while Horsham Lawn won by four sets in round six and by six sets in round 12.

In A Special, Kalkee will come up against Natimuk in the grand final after defeating Horsham Lawn Gillespie in the preliminary final.

Kalkee won on games after both teams won seven sets each in a tight contest for

a chance in the big game. The biggest wins for Kalkee to secure the games it needed came in the doubles.

Aiden Richardson and Luke Byrne won their doubles by six games, while Meaghan Pohlner and Anna Exell won theirs by seven games.

Exell and Emily Polack won all three of their sets for Kalkee, while Horsham Lawn Gillespie’s Shane Gillespie also won all his sets.

The last time Kalkee and Natimuk met, Natimuk was victorious by 10 games, with both teams winning seven sets each.

It will be the first time the teams face each other in this finals series.

The A Grade preliminary final was the least contested as St Michaels Red was able to win by four sets and 25 games against Horsham Lawn Bardell.

It was a team effort by St Michaels, with strong performances from Rebecca Pohlner and Brendan Ward, who won three sets apiece.

St Michaels will now play Central Park in the grand final. The last time the teams met St Michaels Red won by two sets.

B Special was another close final with both teams winning eight sets each.

Laharum was stronger in the end and defeated Horsham Lawn by 17 games. Laharum’s consistent players were Oli-

ver Sykes, Reuben Launder and Tony Sykes.

Central Park will be Laharum’s opponent in the grand final.

Due to forfeits and washouts, the last time Central Park and Laharum met was round four when Laharum won by two sets.

Season awards

Central Wimmera Tennis Association hosted its senior awards presentations at the weekend.

Awards were presented to players for most games won based on a percentage of how many games the person played.

St Michaels’ Peter Hayes won pennant men, followed by Matt Jones of Central Park, while Hayley Reid of Drung South won pennant ladies followed by Horsham Lawn’s Tahlia Thompson.

Horsham Lawn’s Joel Boyd won A Special men and runner-up was Richard Goudie of Haven, and Maree Thompson won A Special ladies and Cheryl Sudholz of Natimuk was runner-up.

Central Park’s Rod Shurdington won A Grade men, with runner-up Jay Guzarem of Horsham Lawn, while Pauline Amos of Horsham Lawn won ladies and runner-up was Kerrie Duxson, also of Horsham Lawn.

Jayke Greig of Laharum won B Special men and runner-up was Tony Sykes, also of Laharum, while Fiona Jones won B Special ladies with runner-up Emily Clough, both of Central Park.

final results

Seniors

Pennant: Central Park 6-79 d Drung South 6-66.

A Special: Kalkee 7-93 d Horsham Lawn Gillespie 7-83.

A Grade: St. Michaels Red 8-85 d Horsham Lawn Bardell 4-60.

B Special: Laharum 8-76 d Horsham Lawn 8-59.

Juniors

Open: Brimpaen 5-32 d

Quantong 1-16.

Section 1 Boys: Central Park White 6-36 d Central Park Blue 0-22.

Section 1 Girls: Horsham

Lawn White 6-36 d Homers 0-7.

Section 2 Boys: Homers 3-28 d Haven 3-27.

Section 2 Girls: Haven 4-30 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-20.

Section 3 Boys: Central Park 3-26 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-25.

Section 3 Girls: Horsham

Lawn Gold 5-35 d Horsham Lawn White 1-23.

Section 4 Boys: Central Park 3-28 d Horsham Lawn Gold 3-25.

Section 4 Girls: Horsham

Lawn White 3-26 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-24.

Match Play Section 5: Horsham Lawn White 3-17 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-15.

Match Play Section 6:

Central Park 4-19 d Haven 2-16.

IN FORM: Central Park’s Matt Jones leads his team to victory on Saturday against Drung South. Jones was also awarded runner-up pennant season champion.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Training with con fidence

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Game knowledge, positional versatility and a few well-placed recruits are factors new Pimpinio senior football coach Guy Smith hopes will vault the Tigers into finals contention in 2024.

Pimpinio was among three teams that recorded six wins last season, and finished the year on the outside looking in at the finals race.

But Smith, who takes the reins from Clint Burdett, said the Tigers’ sights were now firmly on post-season action after a solid recruiting campaign.

Heading the list of inclusions for 2024 are midfielder Matt Rosier, who crosses from Wimmera league team Dimboola with previous experience at former North East Australian Football League club NT Thunder, as well as key forward Adam Westley from South Australian club Loxton North, who joins his brother Jason at the Tigers.

Smith said an influx of youth from Pimpinio’s 2023 under-17 premiership team would also bolster senior ranks.

“We’ll gain some under-17 players who have come off a premiership year. Some of them

CoaChes

Seniors: Guy Smith

Reserves: Danny Hammerston

Under-17s: Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas

Under-14s: Adrian Wade

Under-11s: Luke Walker and Bernard Ward

Auskick: Josh Friend

have already previously played several senior games, but they’re coming in now as permanent senior players,” he said.

“Tom Baker is a fairly tall athletic kid, and he’s a ready-made senior player.

“Tyler Filcock is a solid midfielder and defender, and he’s had some senior experience as well, so we expect them to step up and fill roles.”

Pimpinio is set to lose some senior experience, with ruckman Reece McNally departing for Ballarat club Sebastopol, while Dylan Avery will move to Kalkee.

But Smith said their losses would be offset by the return of a pair of veterans.

“Daniel Baker and Dylan Arnott are really experienced senior players who haven’t played for a couple of years due to long-term injuries,” he said.

“They’re back doing solid preseasons, and it’ll be great to have them back in at senior level.”

Burdett also remains on the Tigers’ list as he recovers from an ACL injury, and is likely to be available for selection in May.

Smith said situational awareness, adaptability and game knowledge would be key focuses for the Tigers this season.

“Our overall strategy is there to accommodate any opposition we’ll face. There will be tweaks and changes based on things like conditions and possibly even match-ups, but we are training for all that at the moment,” he said.

“We’re making every player adaptable so they’re able to handle any sort of shift at short notice.

“The fact that they have a better knowledge of the game and a few more strategies up their sleeves to work with means they’re going to play with a lot more confidence.”

Dylan Bates in action for Pimpinio last season.

Ready to take ne xt step Pimpinio YoUr CLUB in 2024

BY COLIN

MacGILLIVRAY

After two premiership points were all that separated Pimpinio’s A Grade netballers from a finals appearance in 2023, the Tigers are ready to take the next step.

Returning head coach Jayde Ellis described her team as ‘hungry’ for a finals appearance.

She said a pair of new recruits, added to a core of players that remains largely intact from last season, could help it get there.

In a recruiting coup, Pimpinio will add young defender Holly Ross from Dimboola.

Ross was named the Wimmera league’s best under-21 player in each of the past two seasons.

Joining her at the defensive end of the court will be Steph Runciman from Kerang.

Goal attack Tahlia Thompson will depart, as will depth players Makai Smith and Tegan Rudolph, but Ellis said the rest of the team would remain the same.

“You always look to improve, so we want to keep

building on what we did last year,” she said.

“We have retained a lot of players from last season, so it will be about adding a couple of new players to that core group and seeing if we can improve on what we have already done.”

Among the key returning players are midcourters Annie Felini and Emily Hannan, while Tahnee Brown will step up to A Grade permanently after gaining senior experience as a 17-and-under player last year.

With Pimpinio’s two key recruits set to play at the defensive end of the court, Ellis said the team would look to shut opponents down and generate quick transition opportunities from turnovers.

“Having a strong defensive end obviously shuts down your opposition and is a key factor, so if we can have a strong defensive unit, it’s super important,” she said.

“If we can stop the opposition and get a quick turnaround, it’s hugely beneficial, so we’re looking at that to be a strong point for us this year.”

Ellis said narrowly missing last year’s finals campaign

CoaChes

A Grade: Jayde Ellis

B Grade: Annie Felini

C Grade: Nicola Martin

C Reserve: To be confirmed

17-and-under: Maree Thompson

15-and-under: Maree Thompson

13-and-under: Lisa Ward

NetSetGo: Lana Ellis and Renee Clarkson

would spur the Tigers to greater heights this season.

“Finals are always what you have your sights set on from a coaching point of view,” she said.

“After just missing out last year, it makes you hungrier to try to fight for that spot even harder, so that’s a big goal of ours going into the 2024 season. The pointy end of the season is always in the back of everyone’s mind, but we’re also aware it is still six months away.

“It’s also about getting a good group of girls on the court, having some fun and hopefully having success along the way.”

A Grade playing coach Jayde Ellis is hungry for a finals appearance this season.

YoUr CLUB in 2024

Youth driving numbers

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Afocus on developing youth and strong numbers at preseason training has spirits high within Kalkee’s senior football program, despite the loss of some key players from 2023.

Under the guidance of newly appointed co-coaches Steve Schultz and Andy Devereaux, the Kees will look to promote a crop of promising players rising from the under-17 ranks, who Schultz said had been flocking to training in droves.

“I think the keenness of the youth has probably given us a few more numbers than what we’ve had in pre-season for a few years,” he said.

“That’s been really positive and made it a lot more enjoyable and interesting on the track.

“They will get plenty of opportunities this year if they train hard and play well, so that’s what we’re concentrating on for the long-term.”

Schultz said the club was disappointed to lose some regular senior players, with stalwart Simon Hobbs retiring, Jasper and Harvey Gunn transferring to Wimmera league team Horsham, and Jacob Harris electing to remain in the Geelong region this season.

“We’ve lost a few good players from last year who were sort of at their prime age, but at the end of the

CoaChes

Seniors: Steve Schultz and Andy Devereaux

Reserves: Nick Mumford

Under-17s: Ben Lawson

Under-14s: Adam Carter

Under-11s: To be confirmed

Auskick: Andrew Brown

day it will give our younger players some opportunities,” Schultz said.

“We haven’t picked up a lot, but we have a fair few players coming out of the under-17s this year who might not otherwise have got senior games.

“Charlie Millar won our best and fairest in the under-17s, so he’s going to get a fair bit of opportunity this year.

“Josh Milbourne will definitely get opportunities, and there are a few regulars at training from the under17s, such as Brodi Dolan, Tarkyn Benbow and a few other blokes.”

Kalkee president Josh Beddison said there was a strong sense of unity at the club after it decided to host joint training sessions between its football and netball squads before and after Christmas.

“There’s very much a good vibe

A club where family-friendly is our culture

at the club. We pride ourselves on how inclusive we are at Kalkee, and from junior right through to senior level, we like to have good cohesion,” he said.

“We like everyone to be involved in everything that goes on.”

Schultz agreed joint training sessions had been a great initiative.

“There were nights when we’d have more than 50 at training between netballers, footballers and juniors, and the vibe around was fantastic,” he said.

“Because we started that way, we’re getting 30-odd at our football training sessions now the netballers have split off and are doing their own thing, and I think that’s because everyone was enjoying themselves and having a good time.”

Schultz said Kalkee’s main goal on the football field was to improve, but stopped short of labelling it a rebuilding year after last season’s 6-10 finish.

“We’d have to see a fair bit of improvement to really challenge for the top of the ladder, but we don’t want to rule anything out,” he said.

“The main things we’re concentrating on are, A, getting better and, B, having fun while we’re doing it. That’s what country footy is about, and we’ll see where that takes us.

“If we’re doing those things well, then we could be anything.”

Andy Devereaux

RESERVES: Nick Mumford

17&Under: Ben Lawson

14&Under: Adam Carter

11&Under: TBA

Auskick: Andrew Brown

Netball Coaches

A GRADE: Paula Wiedermann

B GRADE: Mel Beddison

C GRADE: Bec Hudson

C RESERVE: Emma Kemp

17&Under: Meaghan Pohlner & Katie Ruwoldt

15&Under: Mel Schultz

13&Under: Amy Beddison

Modifieds: Emma Kemp & Emma Bigham

2024 FIXTURE

Kalkee

Kalkee’s Jacob Butcher in action last season.

Young, strong an d versatile Kalkee YoUr CLUB in 2024

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

After a successful season across the board for Kalkee’s netball program in 2023, returning A Grade coach Paula Wiedermann believes the development of the club’s younger players will prime the Kees’ senior teams for more success this season.

Every Kalkee team across the junior and senior ranks played finals last year, with its B Grade and 15-and-under teams winning premierships.

Kalkee’s A Grade team finished third on the ladder, but was upset by Rupanyup in an elimination final to crash out in the first week.

Wiedermann said belief remained strong among the players that they could once again finish near the top of the table and set themselves for a deep finals run.

“We have a young, strong team, and we’re definitely looking to be among the top teams again this year,” she said.

“Our goal for 2024 is to grow and develop our juniors through senior grades with the mentorship of senior players.

Each year if we are building on what we are implementing, then the outcome should speak for itself.”

Wiedermann said the Kees’ potent attacking set-up would remain intact, with current club and former league best and fairest Jenna Bywaters returning, alongside emerging young player Jarrah Martin, who played nine A Grade games as a junior-age player in 2023.

Wiedermann said the team would also maintain a ‘strong, versatile defence’, with Clair McDonald, Molly Lakin and Emily Polack returning.

The team will also be bolstered by recruits Lily Johnson and Kirrily Jackson, who Wiedermann said would cross from South Australia.

“We have maintained most of our team from last year with a couple of players out due to working away, pregnancy or travelling,” Weidermann said.

“We have recruited a couple of players who will be great inclusions in our team.

“They are both versatile and can play anywhere on the court.

“We will have great flexibility all over the court.”

CoaChes

A Grade: Paula Wiedermann

B Grade: Mel Beddison

C Grade: Bec Hudson

C Reserve: Emma Kemp

17-and-under: Meaghan Pohlner

15-and-under: Mel Schultz

13-and-under: Amy Beddison

NetSetGo: Emma Kemp and Emma Bigham

Kalkee president Josh Beddison said the club was aiming for another season of success on the netball courts.

“I expect our netball program will probably carry on where it’s been for a long time, where we’ll hopefully be pretty strong across the board,” he said.

“We’d like to wish everyone the best for the season. We hope everyone has an injuryfree year and we have some success going forward.

“We want football and netball to succeed for the longevity of the whole league, so we hope everyone is successful in their own right and has a safe and enjoyable year.”

Kalkee’s Katie Ruwoldt will return to the court this season.

Warrack Eagles

YoUr CLUB in 2024

Eagles ready for take -off

BY ABBY WALTER

Player development will be a key focus of the Warrack Eagles’ senior football team in season 2024.

With just one win in 2023 against Southern Mallee Giants by two points in round 17, the team finished at the bottom of the ladder.

The club’s first step to rebuilding in 2024 was to appoint Wimmera league premiership coach Matt Walder.

Walder led Ararat to a grand-final victory last year and has a solid resume, having coached at the Eagles from 2001 to 2004, winning the 2002 premiership.

Walder said he was looking forward to watching his players develop and improve after finishing down the order last season.

“It will be good to see how the recruits and young players mould together, to see how they respond to the challenges of the season and how quickly we improve and climb the ladder,” he said.

Walder said while it was still early in the year, there were signs of the team’s strengths emerging.

“As far as strengths, it would be the inclusion of some experience in the young group,” he said.

“They were a young squad last year so hopefully the injection of some fellows, who have played some suc-

CoaChes

Seniors: Matt Walder

Reserves: Daniel Westerland and Greg McKenzie

Under-17s: Kyle George and Declan Powell

Under-14s: Nathan Dunne and Daniel Penny

Under-12s: Chris Roche and Beau Duthie

Under-9s: Daniel Keam and Ben Spicer

cessful football and are now in their mid to late-20s, can add leadership and experience in the game for the young ones.

“We have some players coming out of Adelaide and some home-grown players who are returning and coming from Melbourne.

“So, there will be a bit of a mix of boys who were born and bred here and are now in their 20s and want to be back and part of it again, which will be good, plus some experienced Adelaide boys.”

Eagles’ 2023 best and fairest Kyle Cheney recommitted to the team for season 2024, while runner-up Matt Johns, most consistent Lachie Stewart and best under-21 player Dylan Watts are also ready for another go in the maroon-and-gold.

Walder said training was slowly escalating as the season approached and

a bigger contingent of players was out on the track training, as the players were keen to get their boots on and get into it.

“The under-17s are fired up and training well and we have a few of those footballers who are training up in the senior squad,” he said.

“The players have been good, they have been working hard and have been captivated with what we are doing.

“We’ll have practice matches against Wycheproof and Lake Boga, so we’ll have a couple of games before round one.

“We’re still five weeks away from the first round, so there’s still a way to go before we get it right – we just have to get out there, do it and see how we look.”

Club president Paul Rowe said numbers were good on the oval and the netball court.

“We’re looking forward to the season,” he said.

“We’re filling all teams and we have good numbers in juniors and really good numbers in the netball.

“We’re hoping for a bit of success on the netball court and football oval this year.”

The Eagles will be the first to travel to one of the new grounds added to the Wimmera league when they come up against Southern Mallee Thunder at Jeparit in round one.

2023 club best and fairest Kyle Cheney has committed to another season.

New leaders, new ideas Warrack Eagles YoUr CLUB in 2024

TBY ABBY WALTER

eam and player development is a focus for Warrack Eagles heading into the 2024 Wimmera league senior netball season.

The A Grade team will play under new leadership this year with Leiah McKenzie and Jess Erhardt taking on the coaching role together.

McKenzie said it would be her first A Grade coaching gig in Wimmera league.

“Jess and I are co-coaching, and she is also our 17-and-under coach, so it works well with us moving juniors through into senior teams and working hard on their development,” she said.

“I am really excited about the season ahead.

“Warrack Eagles is the club I grew up playing at, so I am excited to bring a different style and new game plans to our team.

“I am also looking forward to being able to boost our juniors to get them looking good for future years ahead.”

McKenzie said training to date was operating well with great numbers on the track for all grades.

“We have done our trials and our teams have been selected, so now we’re really going to ramp up and

hit preseason hard before the season starts,” she said.

“We have a practice match coming up against Wycheproof and we’ll have some intra-club practice matches as well before round one.”

The Eagles drew with Stawell last season and won one game against Minyip-Murtoa in round 18, finishing at the bottom of the ladder.

Last year’s Eagles captain and best-and-fairest winner Briodi McKenzie will not take the court in maroon-and-gold this season, however, the majority of the senior team will remain similar to 2023.

The Eagles coach said losing McKenzie was a big out, but the team had gained some juniors moving into the senior ranks to bolster the squad.

“Our juniors have really stepped up this year and we have a few who have come up out of junior teams into senior teams, which is really exciting,” she said.

“It’s good to see how those juniors have progressed in their netball.

“Apart from those small changes we have stayed pretty steady, which is nice moving into a new season.” McKenzie said her goal was to improve on last year and develop junior players.

She said she wanted to foster a

CoaChes

A Grade: Leiah McKenzie and Jess Erhardt

B Grade: Rikki Nitschke

C Grade: Kirrilee Rowe and Mikayla Annett

C Reserve: Kirrilee Rowe and Mikayla Annett

17-and-under: Jess Erhardt

15-and-under: Brooke Holland and Jonti George

13-and-under: Bonnie Gunn

NetSetGo: Sarah Spicer and Kristy Holland

strong team bond, which would translate to strong performances on court.

“Week-in and week-out, we want to work together and win some more games, which would be nice,” McKenzie said.

“We’re looking forward to the season and giving it a red-hot crack in 2024.”

The Eagles will face the newest kids on the block in round one, travelling to Jeparit to play against the newly-amalgamated Southern Mallee Thunder.

Ava Koschitzke in action for Warrack Eagles last season.

Pigeon Perry praised

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Homers is eyeing further success after dethroning West Wimmera to claim a Horsham Cricket Association A Grade premiership at the weekend.

Bowler Baxter Perry was the hero for the Pigeons, claiming 6-17 from 14.2 overs in the first innings to silence the dangerous West Wimmera bats.

The 213-centimetre Perry wasted no time getting stuck into the Warriors’ line-up after they won the toss and elected to bat at Horsham City Oval.

The pace bowler claimed the wicket of consistent West Wimmera opener Brad Alexander in his second over before tightening the screws, surrendering only two singles from his next 26 deliveries.

The rest of the Pigeons’ bowling attack also kept pressure on their opponents, with Jobe Dickinson, 15, falling to Oliver Potter in the 13th over as the Warriors’ run rate sat below two.

West Wimmera skipper Jeremy Weeks and Nathan Alexander formed a stabilising partnership, adding 41 runs before Alexander was caught off the bowling of Chaminda Gamage. From there Perry feasted on the Warriors’ middle order and tail, striking twice in the 30th over to bowl Brett Jensz, 2, and Luke Smith, duck, before trapping Trevor Polkinghorne, duck, leg before wicket four overs lat-

er. Weeks continued to bat valiantly as partners fell around him, but the Warriors’ skipper was finally dismissed for 41 – fittingly by Perry – to end the innings, with his team all out for 92.

In addition to Perry’s six wickets, Gamage was superb with 3-18 from 13 overs.

Perry paid tribute to the efforts of the entire Homers bowling attack.

“It was good team bowling at the start. We all pitched in and I gained the rewards from everyone else’s hard work really,” he said.

“We just wanted to bowl good areas and try to keep them quiet as much as we could. We know how well they can play.

“Both the Alexanders are dangerous players that we knew we had to keep an eye out for.

“It definitely helped with my confidence to get Brad Alexander out early, but they still have plenty of others who can hold the stick, so we were just worried about getting the rest of them out.”

Perry said Homers felt confident after their strong start, but took nothing for granted as they prepared to bat.

“We felt pretty good to have them all out for less than 100,” he said.

“Then it was about trying to convert with our batting so we could get a first-innings lead, which was key for us.”

The Pigeons’ run chase got off to a shaky start when opener Luke Miller

was bowled by Xavier Bone for a golden duck, and when Nathan Alexander had Logan Millar, one, leg before wicket only three overs later the Pigeons were 2-9.

It fell to Paddy Mills to steady the ship for Homers, which he did by soaking up deliveries alongside skipper Adam Atwood.

The pair batted patiently to build a 26-run partnership before Luke Smith struck to remove Atwood for 10, followed shortly by Luke Deutscher for a duck.

Homers’ run chase appeared to be floundering at 4-35, but Gamage again chimed in with a vital contribution by adding 20 valuable runs, while Monty Wynne notched a team-high 39, including three fours and a six.

Wynne and Gamage sent Homers racing past the 100 mark, with 11 handy runs from tailender Joey Nagorcka enough to get the team to a total of 120 all out.

With the first innings complete, an outright win was West Wimmera’s only hope of defending its premiership, and the Warriors gave themselves a chance when Brad Alexander blasted 83 from only 52 deliveries in the second innings, smashing seven fours and five sixes.

Nathan Alexander also did damage, with 30 from just 13 balls to send the side racing to 3-141 in only 17 overs before declaring.

It set Homers a target of 114 for

outright victory, but the Pigeons only faced one over before rain set in on Sunday, halting play and delivering them a first-innings win.

Perry, who claimed one wicket in the second innings to finish with seven for the match, said the team was thrilled with its victory, and harboured ambitions of further success.

He said his man-of-the-match honour was insignificant compared to the club’s goal of a premiership.

“Being a young team, we’re all trying our best to succeed together, and to get one like that is pretty exciting,” he said.

“Being named man of the match was pretty cool, but I was more worried about the team to be honest. Man of the match doesn’t really matter if you lose.

“I reckon we’ll have a similar team next year, so hopefully we can have a bit more success.”

CAUGHT: Chaminda Gamage, right, celebrates getting Nathan Alexander out with his Homers teammates. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Other grades

Rupanyup-Minyip is celebrating a B Grade premiership after a matchwinning innings of 118 not out from Daniel Schaper handed minor premier Colts their first loss of the season.

Schaper paired with Clinton Midgeley, 32, and Gavin Young, 37 not out, to torch the Colts’ bowling attack, with the Blue Panthers finishing their allotted 65 overs at 5-243.

The Colts were all out for 140 in reply, with Midgley claiming matchbest figures of 5-48.

In C Grade, Natimuk successfully chased a Colts total of 72, with Ben Garwood, 21, and captain Jeremy Schmidt, 19, doing enough in the middle order to ensure victory with four wickets in hand.

Schmidt was also among the Rams’ best bowlers, finishing with 3-13, while Lachlan Hutchinson had 3-12.

sport

ACTION APLENTY:

The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER went to the West Wimmera and Homers A Grade grand final and Rupanyup-Minyip and Colts B Grade grand final at the weekend. Pictured are, clockwise from below: Jeremy Weeks, West Wimmera; Daniel Schaper, RupanyupMinyip; batter Brett Jensz, West Wimmera; and Clinton Midgley, Rupanyup-Minyip.

sport

Tournament bound

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham will be well represented at this weekend’s annual Ballarat Skins Tournament, spearheaded by a women’s division one team, who will begin preparations for Country Championships and a women’s division three team.

The tournament has followed the trend that both the Horsham and Warrnambool tournaments experienced, with record numbers participating.

Fifty-seven teams have entered across six divisions, with 10 courts in operation across three venues – Ballarat Minerdome, Phoenix and Loreto colleges, making for a huge weekend for all participants.

Volleyball Horsham’s women’s division one team will be up against some tough opposition in Heidelberg, Volley Friends United, Phantoms, Latrobe Uni and McKinnon Volley.

They will be missing Tamikah Dockrill, who will captain the Phantoms team in division one, Paige Hemley, who will play in the Phantoms division two team, and Molly Carter and Emily Hannan, who are both unavailable.

The women’s division three team will be out to go one better than their Horsham tournament runners-up result when they renew acquaintances with Volley Friends United, Renegades and two young Phantoms teams.

Captain Lydia Schneider has a strong team for the tournament, with Kymberley Murray and Kayla Kelm both in good form to start the season.

Other members playing for Phantoms include Mercedes Arnott and Ella Van Duren who are both playing in women’s division three.

On the men’s team, Jack Hannan, Matthew Berry, Cam Robinson and Nick Adamson will play in the division one black team, with Tyler Puls and Brady King in the purple team.

Tyler Snowden and Noah Werry will play in division two, while Oscar Jackman, Haidyn Young and Jack Snowden will play division three.

While Volleyball Horsham teams will use the event as preparation for the Country Championships, Phantoms coaches will get their final chance to see players before settling on personnel for the state league season, which starts on April 6.

Premier two men’s coach Matthew Berry said with four teams playing across three divisions representing 40plus players, all participants would get the opportunity to stake their claim before round one.

“The numbers, especially in the men, have been great, with the standard much higher than last year, meaning that as a coaching group we have some tough decisions to make,” he said.

“We know with young players they can improve at a rapid rate, and that is what playing state league is all

Business Traineeship

Warracknabeal

Closing date: ASAP

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• Excellent communication and able to work in a team

• Willingness to commit to work and study

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about, we want them to improve and in turn bring back great skills to their associations.

“Tournaments such as Ballarat and Warrnambool give those players plenty of court time and experience playing against different opposition, which doesn’t happen very often.

“What we are doing is basically squeezing 12 weeks of training and playing together into a three-week period so we can get the players ready for round one.”

Games start at 8am both days with finals on Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm.

Ride for Alzheimers

On Monday night, Volleyball Horsham will support Hall of Fame Legend David Abud when he completes his ride for Alzheimers.

Abud will ride from Ballarat to Ararat on Saturday, Ararat to Dunkeld on Sunday and then Dunkeld to Horsham on Monday as he raises money and awareness for Alzheimers disease.

Abud has raised more than $35,000 during the past four years as he shines a light on the disease that has affected his father Dr Rodney Abud, who used to practice in Horsham.

Volleyball Horsham Monday night participants, families and friends will be asked to make a donation when they attend to play. Volleyball Horsham will match the funds raised and present to Abud on the night.

Brought to you by The Morning Rush

Weekdays from 6am

PODIUM FINISH: Horsham Little Athletics Club members Jack Sawyer and Jett Hill won medals at state track and field championships.

State carnival success

Horsham athletes returned home with placings from State Track and Field Championships at Knox Park Athletics Centre, Melbourne.

The athletes were up against a field of 24 for each running, jumping or throwing event from eight athletics regions in the state.

Asha Meek, Georgia Foster, Maya Smith, Peter White, Jett Hill, Jack Sawyer and Tom Warner competed for Horsham Little Athletics Club.

Podium finishers were Hill in third

for 12-year-old male 400-metres and Sawyer in third for 11-year-old male 200-metres.

Meek qualified for five events, the limit athletes can enter, and finished between fourth and 11th.

Darcy Venn, Austin Giusa, Kynan Stasinowsky, Campbell Stasinowsky and Xyrus Gragasin competed for Stawell Athletics Club.

Gragasin finished on the podium in second for 13-year-old male long jump.

Aged Care Support Traineeship

Stawell

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Caring & patient individual with passion for industry

• Positive attitude and able to adapt to varying situations

• Physically fit and enjoy being active

• Current National Police Check Clearance

• This role requires staff to be fully vaccinated against Influenza & Covid-19

For a confidential discussion, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

PA to General Manager at Longerenong College

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

12 months maternity position

Attributes:

• Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills

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• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, while maintaining discretion and confidentiality

• Excellent administration and organisational skills

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Carpentry Apprentice (2nd, 3rd or 4th Year)

Horsham

Closing date: March 26, 2024

Requirements:

• Good at working with their hands and 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

• Pre apprenticeship or relevant industry experience (highly regarded)

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

RTO Training Resource Developer

Horsham

Closing date: March 26, 2024

About you:

• Previous experience in a similar role.

• Negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.

• Strong ethical and collaborative focus

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

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To obtain a copy of the Position Description, please email tamira.cullinan@skillinvest.com.au.

in south-west Victoria, however no suitable options were available due to current racing schedules and planned track renovations.

The trials scheduled for Horsham today have been transferred to Donald, with distances adjusted.

GUESTS: AFL umpires John Howorth, left, and Simon Blight, right, are pictured with St Brigid’s College students during a visit to Horsham last week. The umpires visited the Wimmera to launch AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires’ recruitment and retention campaign. As well as visiting schools, the umpires joined AFL Victoria’s recruitment and retention, and women and girls’ staff at a training session at Horsham City Oval. Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can visit play.afl/umpire.

Picture:

PAUL CARRACHER

Rookie Me sports clinics

Horsham City Bowling Club completed its ladies’ and men’s Championship Pairs titles at the weekend.

Betty Cozens and Cheryl McDonald won the ladies’ section after defeating Marie Lehmann and Beverley Bretag in the final.

Gary Knight and Derek Ballinger won the men’s final of the championship pairs after defeating Kevin Clyne and Brian Avory in a high standard game of bowls.

President Colin Morrell said the weekend competition was some of the best seen for many years with the lead changing during the finals two or three times each end.

Horsham District Football Netball League is hosting a series of clinics in partnership with Rookie Me for sports development across a range of age groups.

The football and netball clinics for junior and youth player development are mixed programs, while the open-age program is specific for netball.

All clinics will be hosted at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College on April 6.

The junior program for mixed 13-and-under will start at 9am and conclude at 3pm, while the youth program for mixed 14-and-older will be-

gin at 11am and conclude at 5pm. The netball clinic for open age women starts at 9.30am to 1pm.

More information is available at the Horsham District Football Netball League Facebook page.

The league has also announced its 2024 netball representative coaches.

Brooklyn Fraser will coach 13-and-under, Sonia Webb will coach 15-and-under and Sharon Fedke will coach 17-and-under.

The league is also seeking nominations for under-13, under-15 and under-17 football representative coaches.

Perry power

Homers’ 213-centimetre opening bowler Baxter Perry tore through West Wimmera’s batting line-up at the weekend, leading the Pigeons to Horsham Cricket Association’s A Grade premiership with a match-winning six-wicket haul. Perry took 6-17 off 14.2 overs to set up a first innings win at Horsham City Oval. Finals wrap, pages 52-53. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER