PROGRESS: Horsham West and Haven Primary School west campus community reached a fundraising milestone in its campaign to redevelop the west campus courtyard – resulting in the sliming of two staff members. For every $5000 raised, a staff member will be slimed. Teacher Chris Versteegen and education supporter Maddi O’Neil were slimed last week by Ryder Rintoule and Oscar March, who have individually raised the most money so far.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Seven people were arrested as part of a targeted four-day police operation across the Wimmera.
Operation Encompass involved police officers from the Wimmera teaming up with specialist units from Melbourne such as the Public Order Response Team, PORT, the dog squad and State Liquor Unit, to saturate Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and smaller towns across the region.
Police also issued 22 penalty notices as part of the operation, from Friday to Monday, mostly related to traffic offences including speeding, drink and drug driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
A total of about 35 officers were highly visible to the public, detecting and deterring crime and enhancing
public safety. Police executed four search warrants and five firearm prohibition order searches.
A Stawell man, 76, was charged for possession of drugs, including heroin, methylamphetamine and cannabis, weapons and cash.
The man faced Horsham Magistrates Court on Monday, and was further remanded in custody until September 24.
Other arrests included a Gerang Gerung man, 49, for firearm offences; a Horsham woman, 27, for handling stolen goods; a Stawell woman, 30, wanted for an outstanding warrant; an Ararat man, 52, wanted over an outstanding warrant; and an Ararat man, 51, for numerous deception and fraud-related offences.
In terms of traffic-related offences, three defect notices were issued to
drivers after safety risks were identified on vehicles, and more than 1300 breath tests conducted.
Acting Inspector Brendan Broadbent said specific tasks were in place across the weekend to focus on heavy vehicles, drink-driving, and behaviour at licensed venues.
He said covert police were used to check licensed establishments, a police drone used for both traffic and surveillance purposes, and a canine unit used to locate firearms, money and drugs.
The State Liquor Unit issued two infringement notices and two official warnings to licensed venues.
Act Insp Broadbent said police would continue to focus on drinkdriving, which had resulted in recent car crashes in Horsham. Earlier this month, five people died in a 36-hour
period on western Victorian roads.
“We don’t shy away from the enforcement side of road policing when we’re dealing with drink-driving because we understand that people’s lives are at risk,” he said.
“Given those high readings that we’ve had, we understand that if we catch one person with a high reading, there’s probably five or six or even 10 others out there that might not be located, but at the same time, we need to send a clear message that it’s not on.
“Because we had so many units that focus on public order, we were certainly looking at areas like Nhill, Dimboola, Warracknabeal, some of those smaller towns, and some of the smaller football clubs in outlying areas.”
Continued page 3
BY LAUREN HENRY
Wimmera farmers will lead a planned rally at Bendigo on Friday, pleading to Premier Jacinta Allan to value and prioritise agriculture.
The Reset Victoria Rally will be at the All Season Resort Hotel, on the McIvor Highway at Strathdale, where Ms Allan is set to be a guest speaker at a Rural Press Club of Victoria event.
Ben Duxson, a farmer at Wallaloo, near Marnoo, is one of the organisers of the rally and is calling on not just farmers but anyone concerned about the future of Victoria to support the protest.
“It’s to do with all of Victoria.
Horsham will host the first of four allages concerts in November as part of an Always Live and triple j Unearthed program.
The Push All-Ages Tour will feature performances from The Rions, South Summit and Jem Cassar Daley, plus local support acts as chosen by the FReeZA All-Ages Events Team and triple j Unearthed.
Following the concert at Maydale Pavilion, which starts at 5pm on Friday, November 22, the tour moves to Wangaratta, Geelong and Bendigo.
The events will be organised and run by local FReeZA All-Ages Events Teams, who will work with triple j Unearthed to select supporting bands from the local areas, potentially providing musicians with their first chance to get in front of an audience.
The event is also supported by Grampians Community Health.
Horsham Rural City Council acting youth and early years co-ordinator Alicia Drew said following a successful application from Horsham Youth, Horsham was chosen as a venue.
“We are excited to be bringing Australian bands of this calibre to the young people of the Wimmera, as we recognise that attending live music in places like Melbourne and Adelaide is not always accessible,” she said.
“We are also excited to present opportunities for young people to be involved in the running of the day and gain industry experience.”
All events on The Push All Ages tour are supervised in a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free environment.
For full details of the program and to buy tickets, which cost $30, people can visit www.alwayslive.com.au.
We’ve decided that enough is enough. We’re fed up with the way we’re being treated and how agriculture is being portrayed by this government,” he said.
Mr Duxson said representatives from other industries who had issues with the State Government were welcome to join the rally.
“We’d love other industries to come on board – transport, hospitality, nurses, the education system and everyone that’s just finding it difficult here in Victoria.
“We’ve got a number of businesses that are really struggling to make things work here in Victoria, and the way they’re going, there’ll be no one left here if they continue.”
Mr Duxson said farmers felt ‘backed
into a corner’ to rally against the government.
He said issues with agricultural land being threatened by transmission lines, alternative energy options and mineral sands minds were a driving force behind organising the rally.
“It’s just a massive hindrance for any farming production, so of course we’re not happy about that,” he said.
“Farmers just want to farm and be out there producing for Australia and the world.
“We want to do it without the hindrance of all this in the background.”
Mr Duxson said he had a first-hand experience in dealing with proposed VNI West transmission lines with his property one of those potentially affected.
He encouraged those interested to attend the rally, starting at 10am on Friday.
“Obviously there’ll be media there and that’s what we want, and we just want to get people on board and show people power, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
“We don’t want to be seen as whinging farmers.
“We’ve got to put alternatives through, which we have on VNI West, and we probably do need to get out there and make sure we’ve got alternatives to government to help protect agriculture as it’s the main industry here.
“We need to make sure that our voices are heard and we can get on with producing.”
ENFORCERS: From left, Public Order Response Team, PORT, Senior Sergeant Pat Ryle, Horsham police Acting Inspector Brendan Broadbent and PORT Sergeant Greg Pearson at Horsham during the four-day Operation Encompass campaign across the region.
From page 1
Act Insp Broadbent said the operation was also about making people in the region feel safe.
“People do feel safe if they see police out and about on the streets, whether it be on foot or whether it be in a police vehicle, if they need police to attend then we are certainly around,” he said.
PORT Senior Sergeant Pat Ryle said a lot of intelligence data had been collected by Wimmera police, including detectives, highway patrol and family violence unit members.
“It’s a very broad spectrum of cur-
rent intelligence that’s formed a template for the state with the amount of work they’ve done and the currency and the value of the information they’ve provided us so that we can go and start knocking on doors,” he said.
Snr Sgt Ryle said while the police resources for the region were adequate, the size of the region made it difficult for police to geographically cover all areas.
“If you’re not wanted by the police, you won’t be disturbed, but if you are wanted by the police or if you are drunk or drink driving, or
if you’re driving trucks and you’re using drugs, then you will be caught, he said.
Snr Sgt Ryle said the operation also allowed police to learn new skills from each other.
“This is not just a four-day operation that’s going to stop. It’s about sustainability, it’s about building that capacity,” he said.
“We’re already talking about the next operation that we’re going to run.
“We’re already talking about the fire season.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council’s next instalment of business networking sessions is at Dimboola tonight, and includes presenters Donald Mineral Sands’ Paul Atherton and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism’s Ian Gumela and David Jochinke.
Speakers will present to the evening’s theme of ‘opportunities’, explaining how businesses can support projects and programs in the region to grow.
Mr Atherton will give a brief overview of the Donald Mineral Sands project, located between Minyip and Donald, and discuss how businesses might be able to assist with the delivery of the project, during both the construction phase and ongoing operations, as well as potential staffing opportunities.
Mr Jochinke and Mr Gumela will discuss how the new Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism partnership is being rolled out, as well as the opportunities for businesses in attracting visitation to the region.
Council manager of economic development and tourism Mark Fletcher will highlight several areas of the newly-adopted Hindmarsh Shire Council Economic Development Strategy that are being worked through to strengthen business development across the shire.
Since commencing in the role, Mr Fletcher has visited many businesses and is continuing to engage with owners and stakeholders in the service, retail and tourism sectors.
Businesses that have not already spoken to Mr Fletcher are encouraged to make contact to discuss future opportunities via email mfletcher@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or by calling 5391 4444.
For further details and to register attendance for the 6.30pm event at Dimboola Rowing Club, people can call the council’s customer service centre on 5391 4444 or email business@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Police arrested a 19-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault at an event at Kalkee on Saturday.
It’s alleged a 16-year-old female was approached by a male, unknown to her, at the Blue Ribbon Road location and sexually assaulted.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the male was arrested at the scene and had been released pending further enquiries.
Horsham Rural City Council has entered into an agreement with One Tree Community Services, paving the way for 91 new long day care places to be available in Horsham later this year.
The development is part of the Council’s plan to lessen the severe childcare shortage in the Wimmera region.
“One Tree Community Services has a rich history of providing quality early years services. Their commitment to community and dedication to nurturing young minds aligns with our vision for the children of Horsham,” Chief Executive Sunil Bhalla said.
One Tree, which has been operating in Victoria since 2016, has signed a lease to use rooms at the Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub for long day care.
“With three rooms at the Hub now vacant, we are pleased that One Tree is stepping in to provide much-needed long day care at the Hub,” Mr Bhalla added.
“This is not just about providing care. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where our children can grow, learn, and thrive. We are confident that One Tree Community Services will bring this vision to life.”
One Tree will provide the service independently from Council, including managing enrolments and staffing.
Despite the new arrangement, maternal and child health services and supported playgroup will continue to operate from the Hub alongside the long day care.
“The Kalkee Road Hub remains a cornerstone of our community, providing essential early years and immunisation services. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our families,” Mr Bhalla said.
E-waste should not go in your bins.
Items like old computers, smartphones, tablets, televisions, whitegoods and other electronic devices are composed of items that require special disposal.
Electronic devices can contain materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium which are extremely toxic to humans and the environment and require specific handling for their safe disposal.
Devices can also contain small amounts of reusable material such as copper and gold plating which can be recycled back into the manufacturing process of new electronics.
Instead of throwing these devices in the bin, they can be disposed of at any of the transfer stations around the municipality for free.
The Push have announced that their All-Ages Tour will be coming to Horsham this November.
This collaboration between Triple J Unearthed and Always Live Victoria will see a range of acclaimed bands put on a show at the Maydale Pavilion.
Following a successful application from Horsham Youth, Horsham was chosen as one of the four locations for the tour, offering a rare opportunity for young music fans to attend a touring event without hours of travel.
The events will be organised and run by local FReeZA All-Ages Events Teams.
These teams will also be working with Triple J Unearthed to select supporting bands from the local area, potentially providing musicians with their first chance to get in front of an audience.
The event is also supported by Grampians Community Health.
“We are excited to be bringing Australian bands of this calibre to the young people of the Wimmera, as we recognise that attending live music in places like Melbourne and Adelaide is not always accessible,” said Acting Coordinator Youth & Early Years, Alicia Drew.
“We are also excited to present opportunities for young people to be involved in the running of the day and gain industry experience.”
All events on this tour are fully supervised in a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free environment. If you would like to get involved with the event, contact horsham.youth.@hrcc.vic.gov.au
The reconstruction of North East Wonwondah Road has re-started with stage five now underway.
This significant project, spanning two kilometers, involves the removal of large trees to enhance road safety and productivity.
The initiative is part of the federally funded Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program.
The works are expected to be completed by November, weather permitting
25-004
RECONSTRUCTION OF NORTH EAST WONWONDAH ROAD STAGE 4 Major road reconstruction of North East Wonwonduh Road. Closes Wednesday 4 September 25-007 SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF BITUMINOUS PRODUCT Closes Friday 6 September All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au
Next Council Meeting: August 26, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO
The draft plan is available on the Council’s website, social media channels, and in hard copy at the Civic Centre. Submissions will close Wednesday 21 August at 5pm.
Cr Bob Redden commemoration recording now available
A public commemoration for the late Cr Bob Redden was held at the Civic Centre on Friday 16 August.
The entire recording is available on the HRCC website for a limited time. A condolences book is available at the Civic Centre until Friday 23 August.
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Available formats: Book at Horsham Library, eBook and eAudiobook.
Abstract: From #1 New York Times
bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a captivating blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore. When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre slays a wolf in the woods, she incurs the wrath of a fearsome creature. Dragged into a mystical realm from legends, Feyre discovers her captor, Tamlin, is no mere beast but an immortal faerie. As she navigates this perilous world, Feyre's initial animosity towards Tamlin transforms into a passionate bond. Yet a malevolent force threatens their world, forcing Feyre to confront it to save Tamlin and his realm.
Why we recommend it: Sarah J Maas crafts compelling characters in fantastical settings. Featuring a strong female lead and equally captivating female side characters, her series offers rich storylines and deep backstories. The books are so engrossing that some of our staff are on their second read-through, uncovering new secrets each time. Often overlooked, young adult fiction distinguishes itself with its brisk pace, edgy themes, and distinctive style, standing out in the crowded adult fiction landscape.
| Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au
BY LAUREN HENRY
Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline has welcomed the appointment of a municipal monitor to the council.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne announced last week the appointment of Steven Kingshott as municipal monitor, following governance concerns raised about council.
Ms Horne said the council’s failure to meet the statutory deadline for adoption of its Budget before the June 30 deadline was ‘unprecedented in recent years’.
The council applied to Ms Horne for an extension to the June 30 deadline but the minister did not grant the exemption.
The council adopted its Budget at its July 22 meeting.
The failure for a council to adopt its Budget before June 30 is a breach of the Local Government Act 2020.
Horsham Rural City Council has also been referred to the Chief Municipal Inspector over the matter.
Cr Gulline said Mr Kingshott would support good governance processes and practices at council, starting from September 2.
He is to remain in the position until June 30, 2025.
“I would like to thank Minister Horne and executive director of Local Government Victoria, Mike Gooey for their support on this issue – we are all eager to ensure the best outcome for Horsham Rural City Council and appreciate any guidance that assists us in achieving this,” Cr Gulline said.
“I encourage our community, staff, and councillors to assist the monitor in his duties.
“The terms of reference to Mr Kingshott’s appointment make it clear he has been appointed to assess council’s ability to function properly.
“I look forward to working with Mr
Kingshott and council to ensure we can continue delivering great things for our community.”
Mr Kingshott’s appointment is the second monitor to work with council in two years.
The first monitor, Jude Holt, finished her appointment in January 2023 and her report called for action to encourage more community leaders to consider becoming a councillor.
“Ms Holt provided council with invaluable learnings and support,” Cr Gulline said.
“She provided an extra layer of education for council in our pursuit of good governance.”
However, Cr Gulline said, in appointing Mr Kingshott, the Minster was responding to serious concerns about governance and conduct.
Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the operations of council would continue as usual during the monitor’s term.
“The community should be reassured that bins will still be collected, maternal and child health appointments will still take place, lost pets will still be rescued and depot crews will still be out and about undertaking their works programs,” he said.
“Likewise, projects and budget initiatives currently being undertaken by council staff will not be impacted by this process, and council’s day to day operations will not change.”
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy reiterated the needs for an administrator to be appointed, not just a municipal monitor.
She said she was disappointed the State Government had not gone further to address systemic issues within the council.
Ms Kealy had called for dismissal of the council and to appoint administrators, which would see planned October local government elections forgone to allow time to work through
Live music event Big Al’s Cabaret is making a return after a 20-year hiatus, to bring fun and entertainment back to Horsham while raising money for children’s charity Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK.
Bands Limited Edition, Derailed, Fahrenheit and Last Stand, with a mash-up from these forming to create a Def Leppard tribute act, will perform.
Fahrenheit’s Mark Kellett said the bands’ combined styles give a range of genres.
“We’ve got so much versatility in the music – we’ve got Derailed doing 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, then Last Stand with pub rock and music like AC/DC, Fahrenheit is more ’80s pop, then a Def Leppard tribute band,” he said.
“Then you’ve got Pete Miller, Mav Cottrell and myself doing acoustic stuff as Limited Edition.”
Mr Kellett said his own experience showed the difference WACK makes in times of need.
“My little boy was born early, so we had to go to the Royal Melbourne, and we got into our room and there were vouchers from WACK for accommodation and different things,” he said.
“We knew nothing about it until we needed it.”
Mr Kellett said the money raised at the cabaret will all go to WACK.
“There’s no ‘head honcho’ that has to be paid, and the bands are all doing it off their own bats,” he said.
Big Al’s was originally defined as
a regular dance and social cabaret at Horsham Town Hall in the 1960s, before being revived by Robin Strauss, Peter Miller, Phil Batchelor and Peter Hammond in the 1990s as a fundraiser for local charities.
It was headlined by regular bands Bitz and Pieces, Rusty Springs, The Roomers and Two Up, who also volunteered their time.
Derailed’s Dean Lawson said the
1980s dress-up theme was another chance to sport mullets, shoulder pads, neons and double denim.
“The ’80s is a very appropriate theme, considering at the time, live music in Horsham was at its zenith,” he said.
“The cabaret is for the people who miss the pub rock era, and for the people who missed the pub rock era – we’ll show them what it was like.
“It’s a good chance for those who still have hair, to let it down, and for those who don’t to pretend.
“Dressing up is not compulsory, but you’ll look out of place if you don’t.”
An 18 years-plus event, people can bring their own nibbles. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Tickets for the August 31 cabaret are available from Horsham Town Hall website and box office.
operational issues and give council an opportunity to regain the trust and respect of the community before new councillors were elected.
Local government elections will still go ahead while a monitor is in place.
“Ratepayers deserve a highly-functioning council that meets the needs of its residents and delivers services in the way local people expect, and today’s announcement must feel a little like Groundhog Day for Horsham Rural City residents,” Ms Kealy said.
“It would be fair to say that the first time a monitor was appointed in July 2022, there was limited success in improving the functionality of Horsham Rural City Council.
“It’s clear that things have escalated to a point where significant change is needed within the council to ensure it is delivering for its community, and an administrator would allow for a complete reset.”
Horsham Sports and Community Club’s $50,000 major community grants program is open, and people are encouraged to submit ideas for projects.
Club manager Glenn Carroll said the money could be allocated to one or more projects, depending on the submissions.
“This money is for the wider use of the community, not a single organisation. It’s for facilities or equipment – we have granted money for a barbecue shelter at Dock Lake, shade sails at Horsham skate park, and donated $30,000 to the hospital for a lung function testing unit,” he said.
“Last year we gave $50,000 to the Horsham Cemetery Trust to extend the watering system to the lawn area.” Mr Carroll said people and groups in the community could submit ideas via the club’s website.
“It’s a very simple process – there are 10 questions people need to answer, including the project cost and the benefit to the wider community. After submissions close, the board will narrow it down to about six finalists, before the financial members vote for who gets the money,” he said.
Submissions are open until September 8, voting will take place from September 11 to October 6, with the recipients announced at the club’s annual meeting on October 7.
People can visit www.hscc.org.au/ voting for more information.
Here’s a brief update on some key activities as we move into the next phase of planning, design and approvals for the VNI West transmission project.
Conversations with landholders, engineering studies and field surveys are part of the ongoing work to narrow down the VNI West draft corridor to a preferred easement 70-120 metres wide. We expect to have more detail to share soon with communications planned for September, subject to the EES process. We will do our best to make sure that landholders with property in the preferred easement are informed first, ahead of a public announcement.
The regulatory EES assessment process is now underway, overseen by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). We are working with DTP on the “draft scoping requirements”, a document that outlines the technical studies to be carried out on a range of matters as part of the project impact assessment. In coming months, the draft scoping requirements will be released by DTP for public comment, providing the community with the opportunity to provide feedback. We will communicate more details once the consultation timing is confirmed.
TCV continues to seek access to land in the corridor to carry out field surveys, which are important to inform project planning by providing us with a better understanding of the local environment. If we need to access private property, we will request consent from landholders. Any terms for access or farm rules will be set out in a formal land access agreement with the property owner. TCV follows strict biosecurity protocols including thorough boot, equipment and vehicle washdowns using disinfectant cleaner on entry and exit from properties.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Shire councillor Rob
Gersch will not stand at the next local government elections, after nearly 40 years serving on council.
The Nhill born and bred councillor will soon turn 83 years old – a factor that played into his decision to not stand again as a councillor.
Cr Gersch was first elected in 1983, but missed a couple of years when councils were run by commissioners as local governments across Victoria underwent amalgamations.
His time in local government includes six years as mayor, once as shire president, and being a driving force behind establishing Rural Councils Victoria – a body representing all small, rural shires in a bid for more equable government funding.
“With all due respects to the President of America, every time I look at him – and I’m a fraction older than Joe – I think at the moment that I’m going out on a high and I’d hate to go out on that level,” Cr Gersch said, with a wry smile.
“I still enjoy it. I probably still feel I could contribute with my experience and I’m hopefully still pretty switched on with things, but like most things, you’ve got to come to an end somewhere.
“I’ve got no great plans to do anything, but we’ll play that by ear.”
Cr Gersch was originally elected to the Lowan Shire via a by-election in 1983.
Coincidentally, 1983 was also the same year that Cr Gersch became a justice of the peace.
“Nearly 40 years later, I’m still here –except for amalgamations when the commissioners were running councils for two years in 1995 to ’97,” Cr Gersch said.
Cr Gersch put his hand up again in 1997 when amalgamated shires held councillor elections.
“It was quite different of course, after amalgamating with the Dimboola Shire.
We had 24 councillors between us and after amalgamations, it went back to six councillors so there was a huge increase in the workload,” he said.
“It was a bit more demanding after the amalgamations because the number of councillors dropped.
“But it was one of those things that I guess you put your money where your mouth is.
“I had a young family and I was happy living in Nhill and naturally wanted to see the community thrive.”
Cr Gersch said council amalgamations had presented the biggest challenge in his time as a councillor, but his involvement with the Karen community in Nhill had been a highlight.
“Being a justice of the peace, having a huge involvement with paperwork to as-
sist the Karen people, and the success of the Karen community and being a part of that, it’s been tremendous,” he said.
“It’s been a win-win for the Karen community, but it’s also been a win-win for the community in general.
“Whether it is at my footy club with the juniors – we’ve got a lot of young lads and girls playing, and Luv-A-Duck itself probably would have closed because they just couldn’t get workforce, so it’s been a win-win.”
Cr Gersch said having worked with countless councillors, chief executives and council staff over four decades, he had made many friends.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support over the 40 years. It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he said.
• More on Cr Gersch, editorial on page 11.
Horsham Taxi Service has reduced its wheelchair-accessible services, forced by staffing shortages.
Owner Russell Carter said he was disappointed he could no longer provide a full wheelchair taxi service to the community, now only offering it between 8am and 7pm each day.
“We’ve tried our best to serve the community, but now we just don’t have the capability – we’re doing as well as we can with what we’ve got,” he said.
Manager Robert Taylor said at its most recent peak, there were 22 drivers, but now there are about 14 – the business had lost four drivers in the past month.
“They were absolutely brilliant, we wish they were still here, but there’s nothing
you can do about it. We just physically can’t provide a service after 7pm,” he said.
“We provide for our regulars who are with us every day between 8am and 7pm, as that’s where our maximum business is.
“We’ve looked at the history and it’s not something that we’ve decided lightly.
“Some of our clients can have their wheelchairs folded up and put in the back of the taxi, so we can accommodate just about everybody out of defined hours.
“We have let the people who would be most affected know, and because they’re regular with their appointments and can pre-book a taxi, they can work with the new changes.”
The service has about seven drivers available during the day, two at night,
three on Friday night and five on Saturday night.
Mr Carter said obtaining wheelchair accreditation had become more difficult.
“There was an accreditation officer at Castlemaine that would travel to us, but they’ve since retired,” he said.
“Our nearest accreditation officer is at Geelong.
“To now be an assessor, you need a Certificate IV in training and assessment.
“Once the certificate is obtained, you have to justify to Safe Transport Victoria what you are training in.
“With the cost of the course, fuel and accommodation, no one’s prepared to do it.”
“I just want to thank everybody for their support over the 40 years” –
Rapid rises in the cost of living are hitting communities hard — and Wade’s Horsham has a longterm solution to save money on both energy bills and running costs in a residential or commercial setting.
A heat pump hot water system collects heat from the air surrounding the unit to use as energy to heat a pressurised refrigerant, which is ozone friendly CO2 — in turn, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly hot and cold water solution.
It uses less energy, compared to conventional electric and gas systems, and can generate a higher thermal output, yearround.
Australian designed, for our unique conditions, a range of heat pump hot water systems can also be customised to meet family needs and changing seasons, including built-in frost, freeze and legionella controls.
A typical heat pump hot water system comprises a heat pump – that being, a compressor – and a storage tank.
Wade’s offers multiple brand options including: Apricus and Reclaim.
The Apricus system can reduce your energy costs by up to three times, compared to conventional options, and its dual heating technology with incorporated electric element provides hot water up to 70 degrees Celsius for six people.
A six-year warranty on parts and 1 year labour, and 10-year warranty on the tank itself, is available.
The Reclaim system is a top-down heat pump, return heating design that ensures quick water recovery.
It is whisper quiet and up to 200 percent more environmentally friendly than systems using stand refrigerants.
A Reclaim system can save people an average running cost of $360 a year, based on individual circumstances — up to 80 percent off their existing hot water bill.
A six-year warranty on parts and 1 year labour is also available on Reclaim systems, along with a 15-year warranty on stainless steel tanks.
Installation is simple and can be completed within a day, including electrical wiring works.
As an added benefit and incentive to adopt the technology, people can access a range of rebate schemes, relative to their circumstances and the use of the system; terms and conditions apply.
These include rebate schemes such as Small-scale Technology Certificates, STC, that can offset the initial cost of the system; Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates, VEEC, awarded for installing a heat pump to replace less efficient systems; and Solar Victoria, which assists with rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of changing over your existing hot water service.
People can contact Wade’s, in Pynsent Street, Horsham on 5382 3823 to discuss their options, or to find out how we can help you with the process of applying for your rebate.
Reduce energy costs up to 3 times.
Registered Clean Energy product.
Real time power usage monitoring capability means households can now take control of their power bills.
Integrate and maximise your PV with in-built timer controlled heat up cycles.
Dual heating technology with incorporated electric element to provide hot water up to 70°c.
Smart touch screen controller makes optimising the system easier than ever.
Eligible for solar and heat pump water heater rebates.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Emerge Early Years Services staff are exploring options for placing a potential influx of three-year-old kindergarten children into Horsham services next year.
Emerge acting executive officer Elicia Napoli said there were almost as many three-year-old children as four-year-olds seeking kindergarten places, at the first stage of offers.
“It’s a big birth increase, I think, looking at the data,” she said.
“We are looking at different options next year, and we’re just waiting for first round offers to be finalised, which will be in the next week or two.
“Before we get to second-round offers, we will look at numbers because we’re exploring other opportunities to have increased three-year-old places.
“It might not be at people’s first preference, but we’re looking at providing options in case parents are interested, as well as looking at our staffing arrangements.”
Ms Napoli said families were encouraged to put in first, second and third preferences during the application process.
“Unfortunately, families won’t always get their first preference, and we understand that can be really frustrating, particularly if they’re close to that service, but kindergartens are not zoned,” she said.
Ms Napoli said there was an influx of families wanting to go to a particular service, exceeding the licensed capacity of 27 children.
“Our enrolments team will work with those families to secure their second, or even third, preference,” she said.
Within Horsham, Emerge offers five hours’ funded kindergarten for three-year-olds, owing to the limitations of infrastructure and teaching staff.
“That will increase as we move forward with the
“Unfortunately, families won’t always get their first preference, and we understand that can be really frustrating, particularly if they’re close to that service, but kindergartens are not zoned”
– Elicia Napoli
Best Start, Best Life pre-prep reforms of 15 hours of funded kindergarten, but we’re not at that place yet,” she said.
“Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians start next year, but from 2026 in Horsham, we will need to roll out anywhere between 16 and 30 hours of funded kindergarten.
“We’re working with Horsham council, Department of Education, and other stakeholders because of our challenges with infrastructure and staffing.
“That’s been the biggest challenge even at our current services that are rolling that out as of next year – we came up with 20 hours of funded kinder because we can currently staff that.
“Anything more, we just don’t have the staffing arrangements for that and it’s not just in this area, not just Emerge, it’s statewide, nationwide.”
Emerge’s services offer rotating kindergarten groups, increasing capacities at each centre five days each week, making the most of the available infrastructure.
Despite a nation wide shortage of teachers and educators, Emerge has a full permanent staff, with some vacancies in casual positions.
“Being new into Emerge and Horsham, I’ve had lots of feedback – people say Emerge is really great to work for. We want to keep that positive culture and build on that as we move forward. Without the staff, we don’t have anything,” Ms Napoli said.
Wimmera artists can learn the
artist Emi K
Wimmera artists and creatives who are interested in trying a new artform have the chance to learn the Japanese art of Sumi-E painting with award-winning artist Emi K Kinran.
Kinran learned painting and calligraphy as a child in Japan and then studied the art of Sumi-E in Melbourne and Tokyo.
She is also highly-accomplished in the Japanese arts of Ikebana and tea ceremony and is a Certified Advanced Lecturer of International Sumi-E Association.
Kinran’s art works have been exhibited in galleries in France, United Kingdom, Estonia, Chile, China, Singapore, Japan and Australia.
Currently living in Horsham, Kinran is offering Sumi-E workshops for Wimmera residents, where they will be guided through
the process of creating works of art with ink and brush on paper.
“All the materials you need are provided, and you will take home at least one complete work suitable for display,” Kinran said.
“You will receive individual attention and support while you learn the basic techniques and strokes of Sumi-E.”
The first workshop was in Horsham on Sunday, with the next at The Goat Gallery in Natimuk on Saturday, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
The cost is $40 and includes all materials and morning tea.
It is recommended people wear comfortable dark-coloured clothes.
Limited places are available. To reserve a place email Emi at kinran.k@icloud.com or visit www.emikamataki.com.
Sign up to Council’s official e-newsletter to receive important info about our community, including infrastructure updates, upcoming events, and the latest Council news stories.
Scan the QR code to join via Engage Ararat.
If you're struggling through tough times, there is help available within our community.
Ararat Neighbourhood House's Food Hub operates by appointment between 12pm and 2pm, Tuesday to Friday. Appointments can be made by calling (03) 5352 1511.
Ararat Emergency Relief is open weekdays between 1pm - 2pm and offers groceries, vouchers, personal items, counselling, and crisis accommodation. Please see below for upcoming dates and locations:
Dates Location
Aug 19th – 23rd St Vincent de Paul 264 Barkly St, Ararat
Aug 26th – 30th Uniting Church Outreach
Cnr King & Barkly St, Ararat
Sep 2nd – 6th Anglican Church 49 High St, Ararat
Sep 9th – 13th Salvation Army
Cnr Vincent & High St, Ararat
Sep 16th – 20th Life Links Church 86 High St, Ararat
Sep 23rd – 27th St Vincent de Paul
264 Barkly St, Ararat
Council have launched a survey for users of (and residents who live close to) Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, seeking the community’s thoughts on all aspects of the upgrade which is currently underway.
The survey covers topics of how, when, and why residents are using BuangorBen Nevis Road, modes of travel, what types of concerns users of the road have about its condition, and residents’ thoughts on how the road’s upgrade may impact their daily lives. To complete the survey, scan the QR code or visit Engage Ararat (engage.ararat.vic.gov.au).
Registrations are now open for families who wish to enrol their children into the future Lake Bolac Childcare Centre. Your registration details will help the childcare provider plan the education and care needs of the children, as well as develop its body of staff. The Centre's official opening date is slated for late 2025, subject to planning and service approvals.
Families can register their children for places at the future Lake Bolac Childcare Centre via scanning the QR code above or visiting www.trybooking.com/CULSG
Rob Gersch has spent nearly half his life serving as a councillor for Hindmarsh Shire Council, and prior to that Lowan Shire.
Cr Gersch has decided to not stand at the next council elections after nearly 40 years in the role. He started in 1983 – an era when councillors weren’t paid.
They just did it for the love of their community and to make their shire a better place to live.
It’s hard to imagine anyone serving as a councillor in a voluntary role in our current times.
In fact, in some municipalities, there is a fear that no one would want to stand as a candidate in the next local government elections in October.
The saddest part about the controversies surrounding some councils in the Wimmera is that it will put-off some good quality candidates from wanting to be involved.
Candidates need to be prepared to put in the time, effort and sacrifices in the role.
The councillor allowances are just that – allowances. It is not a job, but often has the demands of a job, and people need to have the flexibility and time to be able dedicate what is required of the role.
Councillors in category one – which includes Ararat, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera – receive set allowances of $27,291 a year, while the mayors in those shires receive $84,498.
In Horsham, category two, councillors receive $34,028 and the mayor $109,114.
But make no mistake – to do the role properly those allowances do not translate to a great
By Lauren Henry
hourly rate. It shows through pretty quick that some councillors perform better than others, and that is largely due to the time and effort they put into the often voluntary role.
The public perception that councillors are highly paid to run our shires and rural cities is simply not true.
Sure, the mayors receive a decent allowance –but that is because it is basically a full-time job.
For our councils to function properly, make key decisions on the municipality’s financial and infrastructure needs, and advocate for government funding to improve community facilities, we need intelligent, open-minded, team players to step up to the plate.
When I look back at the councillors at councils I have covered during the past 20 years, they were great civic-minded people whose priorities mostly lied with bettering the community they loved and lived in.
I don’t think we’ll ever see a councillor like Rob Gersch again – not only his longevity in the role, but his dedication, commitment and ability to work with others, at community, council and higher government levels, is unmatched.
Of all the issues affecting producers, the control of wild dogs is rapidly reaching the red-alert stage.
As concerns mount, it is imperative producers unite and ensure their voices are heard by the Allan Labor government.
The Nationals are in the fight for the long haul after the government alarmingly revoked an unprotection order on wild dogs in the north-west of the state in March this year with only a few hours’ notice – and without consultation.
The government also declared it expects land managers to assume anything previously considered to be a wild dog is now a protected dingo. Producers, simply, have no means of protecting their stock. Sadly, as a result, we have witnessed extensive wild dog attacks on stock.
This is now a massive looming concern across the state and should be a massive wake-up call for Labor, which continues to show a lack of intent to consult with producers despite last year promising to have open dialogue.
Labor is sending a survey on wild dogs protec-
tion to select producers, and the framing of questions is designed to ensure answers don’t provide the brutal truth.
Producers, in reality, have been stonewalled amid stealth tactics designed to achieve a desired result. Farmers voices must be heard, and The Nationals will ensure they are.
Labor can’t manage agriculture and Victorians are paying the price.
Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan
welcomes your letters and contributions.
Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: LHenry@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.
Horsham Rural City Council invited people to give feedback on the planning and design of projects slated for the municipality at a two-day expo.
More than 100 people attended across August 9 and 10 – mayor Robyn Gulline said she was grateful people took the time to participate in the event.
“We had a great response to the expo, with people chatting with staff and councillors about some of our current
projects such as the City Oval redevelopment, pedestrian crossings and major roadworks,” she said.
“We also had many people pass on their condolences and pay tribute to Cr Bob Redden following his passing.
“The expo has given people the chance to have an equal voice in planning the future priorities of council.”
The event included information, displays and selected topics for discussion, designed to provide a transparent process that gave all members of the community a voice in planning for future priorities of council.
Council staff are now collating all feedback provided during the expo, which will be provided to councillors in an engagement report. The report will be made available to the community and considered by council when developing its 20252026 Budget.
Training now available
All candidates in any council election in Victoria are required to complete the online Local Government Candidate Training. All candidates must also declare to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) when they have completed the training in order to nominate.
The online Candidate Training is available to complete now on the Local Government Victoria website and takes around one hour to complete.
For more information on the Local Government Candidate Training visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/councilgovernance/candidate-training
Keep up-to-date with the latest news!
If you’d like to keep up-to-date with council activities, please keep an eye out for our council news by subscribing to Latest News via the council website at www ngshire vic gov au/latestnews
St Arnaud Kindergarten Modular - Coming soon!
We are very excited to announce that construction of our new Modular Kindergarten will commence very soon.
The new kindergarten will have two kindergarten rooms and an outdoor play area, allowing the service to offer kindergarten to up to 66 children at a time.
For more information on the project please visit www.schoolbuildings .vic.gov.au/st-arnaud-modularkindergarten-interim-name or scan the QR code.
Positions VacantFacility and Building Maintenance Support Officer
Permanent Full Time
$32 05 per hour (including industry and maintenance allowances) plus superannuation
As a Facility and Building Maintenance Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective upkeep and maintenance of council buildings and assets
Apply now: https://applynow net au/jobs/NGSC439
Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.
It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.
From agriculture to construction, health to clean energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.
Maternal and Child Health Drop-in Sessions
Worried your baby isn’t feeding well? Wondering how to switch to solids? Baby/toddler not sleeping?
Visit our Maternal and Child Health drop-in sessions where our nurses can help you with these questions and any others you have about sleeping settling and all things feeding including breastfeeding
This support is available for parents/carers of babies and children up to 6 years of age
St Arnaud
First Wednesday of each month between 2pm and 3 30pm St Arnaud Maternal and Child Health Office 7 Walker Street St Arnaud
Stawell
Second and third Wednesday of each month 2pm and 3 30pm, Stawell Maternal and Child Health Office, 87 D Arcy Street Stawell
Grants are now open!
A range of grants are now open! Visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Grants to find out more information or contact our Community Development Team on 03 5358 0512 to discuss a project idea and they will assist you to select the most suitable funding stream.
The VLGA recently launched the Local Women Leading Change - Your campaign toolkit, a resource designed to equip women with the tools that they need when considering running in local government elections The handbook can be found www vlga org au/resources/women-in-local-government/local-womenleading-change-your-campaign-toolkit
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Asharp disparity between Stawell and St Arnaud headlined Northern Grampians Shire Council’s 2024 community satisfaction survey, with overall satisfaction slightly up from 2023.
The council has taken part in State Government-organised community surveys each year since 2018, with firm JWS Research interviewing more than 400 Northern Grampians Shire residents to gauge their opinions on the council.
The survey results ranked the council in overall performance, as well as categories including value for money, community consultation, roads, waste management and customer service on an index from 0-100.
While Northern Grampians Shire’s overall satisfaction rate improved to a score of 56 – three points higher than the statewide average for small rural councils – there was a marked difference in satisfaction rates between the municipality’s two largest towns of Stawell and St Arnaud.
Stawell residents rated the council’s performance at 60 overall, while St Arnaud locals rated it 45.
Stawell residents were most satisfied in the category of overall council direction, scoring Northern Grampians Shire 51, while St Arnaud residents were least satisfied, scoring the council only 36.
The council’s best-performing categories were waste management, consultation and engagement, and community decisions, while roads were the lowest-rated category with a score of 47.
Cr Kevin Erwin said while the disparity between Stawell and St Arnaud was notable, the council’s overall performance had improved.
“We can always do better, but I think this is going in the right direction,” he said.
“Every year sealed roads cop a bit of a flogging, and it’s always a bit of a question around
‘are they the state’s roads or are they council roads?’
“We will always strive to do better and I think we’ve improved our position somewhat.”
Cr Eddy Ostarcevic said it was important to recognise ‘the elephant in the room’ when it came to community satisfaction.
“At the St Arnaud end of the shire we had a divisive issue, which was around the location of the pre-prep buildings as part of the early learning centre,” he said. “It’s incumbent on us to recognise the voice that was delivered by the community to us, and equally important to recognise that there are two sides to every story.
“The community has spoken. The area is subject to localised flooding, so it was therefore not available.
“Hopefully going forward next year with the new council, everything will change and that will be much better than it has been.”
Mayor Rob Haswell said the council would use the survey data to improve its performance.
“We get a picture of our overall performance according to the 400 people in the shire who were surveyed, and we get a picture of how we are performing on a statewide basis and compared to other small rural councils,” he said.
“We were very pleased with the results, while noting some room for improvement.
“Our overall performance score improved from last year and exceeded the small rural group average.
“We had strong results in delivering value for money and overall direction compared to both the Small Rural Group and statewide averages; significant improvement in waste management and strong customer service with a score above the statewide average.”
People can download and view a copy of the community satisfaction survey by visiting www. ngshire.vic.gov.au/Council/Governance-andtransparency/Council-publications/CommunitySatisfaction-Surveys.
Greater Ararat Business Network members met for their quarterly business breakfast last week, at Gason, where business owners had the opportunity to network with each other before touring the factory.
Network president Tom Clark said any business owners in Ararat Rural City could be involved in the network.
“People with small businesses or from bigger organisations can apply – a representative from Ararat prison came and spoke to me just yesterday, to ask how they could get involved,” he said.
“People know they can use the network to recruit people to work, or they can find suppliers in the Greater Ararat Business Network, whether it’s florists who can do a function for them, or caterers, or whatever it happens to be, it opens doors for discussion.”
About 100 businesses are part of the network.
“It doesn’t have to be a physical shop-front business, it can be any kind, we have big and small businesses in a range of areas,” Mr Clark
said. “The tagline is ‘network, share and learn’, it’s learning about each others’ businesses and how we can collaborate for mutual success, and also make Ararat city and the business network stronger.
“We also represent Ararat Rural City and the Regional Business Network at the Victorian Regional Chamber of Commerce – it’s amazing how well Ararat and our chambers are going now. Out of all the regions in all of Victoria, we’re held up as the gold-plated solution, which is amazing.
“Last month, Ararat Rural City chief executive Dr Tim Harrison was invited to speak at the Victorian Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting to talk about how the network works so closely together and why we’re so successful in this area.
“We just take Ararat for granted, when we’re actually doing really, really well – well above the average across the state, which is fantastic.”
People can find out more about Greater Ararat Business Network at www.gabn.org.au.
At a place described simply as ‘homestead paddock’, racing started at Sheep Hills in 1866. On that first race day the owners arrived to find a publican had set up a beverage stop on the proposed track.
Not to be deterred, the track was moved to accommodate the publican and not surprisingly the locals enjoyed the short walk to him during the day!
Rural Northwest Health Board of Directors would like to recognise people who have made a significant contribution to the organisation through voluntary, philanthropic and/or professional service.
The Board of Directors believe to be recognised as a Life Governor of Rural Northwest Health, nominees will need to exhibit the following attributes:
• Undertook their role selflessly and worked toward the greatest betterment of Rural Northwest Health
• Excellence of service as a volunteer over an extended time
• Displayed significant philanthropy
• Outstanding professional service
• Exceptional contribution throughout years of service
• Initiated a new and/or innovative idea that has made a significant improvement to our service and/or clients
• Made a contribution significantly above and beyond expectations of their role
Life Governor Awards will be issued in accordance with Rural Northwest Health’s Standing Orders, Section 18 and every appointed Life Governor shall be enrolled on the books of Rural Northwest Health.
Nominations are now invited from the community for Life Governors and/or Award of Excellence.
For a nomination form please call or email Carolyn Conners on 5396 1221 or carolyn.conners@rnh.net.au
Nominations close Friday 6 September 2024
The Horsham Ag Society’s 150km Feast at Maydale Reserve is an annual event in Horsham, showcasing the region’s produce to give a taste experience of the Wimmera’s food and wine.
The Sheep Hills Cup was previously raced on a dirt track at the town’s recreation reserve until the last event in February, 1966.
Rather than disband due to declining resources, the Sheep Hills Turf Club relocated and hosted racing at Warracknabeal racecourse until 2009.
Connecting and being social continues to be a feature of the event and, in 2024, we are collaborating with the 150km Feast, presenting a pop-up version to give spectators an opportunity to connect with local producers and enjoy delicious harvest fare at the race day.
The Sheep Hills Cup is now held annually to recognise the history of Sheep Hills Turf Club.
Horsham Rural City Council has entered into an agreement with One Tree Community Services, paving the way for 91 new long day care places to be available in Horsham later this year.
One Tree Community Services has signed a lease to use rooms at the Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub to provide long day care for children aged up to six years.
One Tree will provide the service independently from council, including managing enrolments and staffing.
Council’s maternal and child health services and supported playgroup will continue to operate from the hub, alongside the long day care program.
Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the development was part of the council’s plan to lessen the severe childcare shortage in the Wimmera region.
“One Tree Community Services has a rich history of providing quality early years services. Their commitment to community and dedication to nurturing young minds aligns with our vision for the children of Horsham,” he said.
“With three rooms at the hub now vacant, we are pleased that One Tree is stepping in to provide muchneeded long day care at the hub.
“This is not just about providing care.
“It’s about creating a nurturing environment where our children can grow, learn, and thrive.
“We are confident that One Tree
Community Services will bring this vision to life.”
One Tree executive director Coral Callan said the service, operating in Victoria since 2016 but based in Western Australia prior to that, was excited to provide much-needed children’s services.
“We understand how important these services are in rural communities,” she said.
“Quality early education and care
not only supports children’s development, but also helps to build a stronger community, enabling parents to re-enter the workforce.”
Ms Callan said One Tree was an experienced childcare provider working in rural and remote regions.
“We’ve been providing long day care and kindergarten solutions for communities in the metropolitan area, but primarily before that we
Horsham branch of Australian Red Cross is hosting a get-together on August 27 to mark the organisation’s 110th anniversary.
The Australian Red Cross celebrated 110 years of service on August 13.
The Horsham branch also began in 1914, disbanding after World War I, then reforming on September 28, 1938.
Horsham branch chair Jill Sinclair said current and past members and volunteers were invited to join in a shared lunch at Horsham Senior Citizens’ building in Roberts Avenue, starting at noon.
“We would like to share stories and experiences of the Red Cross,” she said.
When the Horsham branch resumed after the outbreak of World War II, work began immediately at the Public Library Hall, where about 2000 pairs of pyjamas, socks, hospital shirts, scarves, helmets, caps and face washers were made, packed and despatched to troops.
A Red Cross shop was opened in Firebrace Street to raise money, regularly making donations to Red Cross headquarters.
The Horsham branch, assisted by sub-branches Drung South, Quantong, Riverside, Burnt Creek and Wonwondah North, raised a total of 20,000 pounds in cash during World War II.
The Horsham branch also provided regular visits to Wimmera Base Hospital and installed a library.
were working in Western Australia in remote mining industry areas up north in the Kimberley,” she said.
“We will be putting out brochures and flyers to inform parents on how they can enrol, and the same with local employment opportunities.
“We’ll be looking for a number of staff, and we’ll also be providing training opportunities for local people who are interested in establishing their career in early childhood.”
Other major fundraisers were for floods in Mildura in 1956 and 1957 bushfires in Brimpaen. 1957 also marked the opening of the Regional Blood Bank at Wimmera Base Hospital.
Australian Red Cross chief executive Andrew Colvin said humanitarian charity had played a pivotal role in supporting Australians for more than a century.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and members, many of whom have been with Australian Red Cross for more than 60 years,” he said.
Stawell Apex Arboretum has returned to its former glory following restoration efforts by Stawell Urban Landcare with the support of Northern Grampians Shire Council.
The arboretum, which was opened in 1960 by Stawell Apex Club, was created by lan McCann with support from the Stawell Field Naturalists Club to raise awareness of the advantage of growing Australian native trees and shrubs suitable for Stawell’s climate, as well as providing a recreational facility.
The arboretum had become neglected, but work by Stawell Urban Landcare in the past three years helped to restore it.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Rob Haswell said it was ‘wonderful’ to see the arboretum restored.
“It has come back to life with walks, restored native gardens and picnic facilities in the plans. Tourists and local people alike will have an opportunity to see Australia’s flora within the historic precinct of Stawell’s gold-mining history,” Cr Haswell said.
Stawell Urban Landcare president John Pye said the group had a memorandum of understanding with the council to lease the land and provide expertise and support.
“We are grateful for their support and that of the prison land crew, Landmate, and Stawell Urban Landcare members who have contributed more than 345 volunteer hours over the past 12 months, removing more than 180 cubic metres of dead vegetation, upgrading walking tracks and remediation of
Edenhope will be at the centre of a debate for the ages, in a bid to answer the question: ‘are men from Mars and women from Venus – or is that just an excuse?’ when Grampians Health hosts ‘The Great Debate’.
Three men and three women will endeavour to untangle the age-old notion in a light-hearted exploration of gender and heterosexual relationships.
Grampians Health social worker June Spencer said the event was ‘going to be a laugh’.
“We all know these conversations tend to uncover some home truths,” she said.
“Whether we are fundamentally different or not, there are patterns in relationships that don’t do either party any good. By holding a mirror up to ourselves – even if it’s one of those fun house mirrors – we can all stop and reflect on our differences and maybe re-frame our partners in a new light.”
Participants will untangle the baffling, infuriating and often comical customs of the opposite sex – do men really lack the gene to fold clothes and change nappies? Do women’s brains process maps back-tofront? And, what is the true cause of man flu?
further erosion due to four wheel drive damage,” he said.
“Now we’re working towards adding a bit of infrastructure to the place.
“We’re putting 50 signs up around the site for the various plants, and there’ll be a couple about birds, some on the mining history, some on the general history.”
Mr Pye said work to restore the arboretum was far from finished, with weeding and revegetation work still to be done.
“We’ve applied for a grant to put some picnic tables and seats
around, and we’re working with the council on a car park design. We’ll also put other car parks around the site, including a disability one and make it much more accessible for visitors,” he said.
“The original aim of providing educational and cultural experiences as well as a recreational facility is back on track and as a community, we are excited and proud.”
Mr Pye said the hope was for the garden to become a tourist attraction again.
“As a whole concept, we’re trying to create a nice space for
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
PROUD: Stawell Urban Landcare president John Pye is excited to see Stawell Apex Arboretum returned to its former glory following restoration efforts by the Landcare group with the support of Northern Grampians Shire Council.
people to walk, for people to learn, and for it to be an asset to Stawell once again,” he said.
“There’s a whole range of incredibly wonderful plants here, wonderful trees and there’s also a bit of history – there’s a Californian redwood, and there’s a whole series of pines that were planted in the 1930s, all different species, and then there’s some other introduced species as well.”
People can contact Mr Pye for further information or to volunteer for the project by calling 0432 867 387.
During a tough farming season, Ms Spencer said communication and support between partners was essential.
“Stress can bring out the worst in all of us and it’s easy to shut down and forget our partners are dealing with their own inner struggles,” she said.
“When the farmers are suffering, the whole community suffers, and the effects of that often show up in the home. We hope this event will bring the community together for a laugh, but also open the door to better communication and personal reflection.”
Ms Spencer – who will be ‘Judge Juney’ during the event – will keep the speakers in line, but audience members will cast their votes to put an historical end to ‘the great debate’.
Edenhope Lions Club has funded venue hire and finger food for the free event, at 7pm on Friday August 23, at Edenhope Golf Club.
People with enquiries can call 5585 9830.
BY ANDREW SCHREYER, COUNTRY PRESS AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT
In the first half of 2024, one-third of Australians accessed Facebook for news, a new study reveals.
The finding contradicts Meta’s long-standing assertion that news content is a minor part of the Facebook experience for most Australian users.
Meta has previously used this claim to justify its decision to abandon commercial agreements with local publishers.
The implications of this are significant for the local journalism landscape, especially for the more than 230 newspapers who are part of Country Press Australia, the association representing the interests of regional and rural newspapers across the country.
The research emphasises the essential role that news media plays in Australia, particularly how regional newspapers contribute to offering balanced and precise news coverage.
More than 40 per cent of Australians cited news access as a key motivator for their daily social media activity, with this tendency more noticeable among Gen Z and millennials at 60 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively.
There are significant industry challenges ahead, and forecast potential closures of up to 50 member outlets as current agreements under the News Media Bargaining Code with Meta near their expiration.
The study also found that while overall Facebook usage is waning, half of Australians still turn to social media for news, with 25 per cent using it as their primary news source.
These findings starkly contradict Meta’s position that news is a minimal component of the content seen by Australians on its platforms, which Meta claimed represents less than three per cent of the total.
This study, initiated by News Corp and conducted by Dynata, refutes those statements.
This research release aligns with the media industry’s wait on the Federal Government’s deci-
sion regarding Meta’s obligations under the News Media Bargaining Code, which might compel Meta to negotiate compensation for content with news providers.
Meta has threatened to block Australian news content should these costs be enforced.
In an article published in The Australian earlier this month, News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller expressed concerns over Meta’s threats to remove news content, potentially replacing it with less reliable sources.
He also criticised Meta for its lack of accountability.
The study shows strong public support for social media responsibility, with 85 per cent of Australians agreeing that platforms should prevent the spread of false or harmful information.
Without trustworthy journalism, 66 per cent believe the societal impact would be negative, anticipating increases in misinformation and decreased media diversity.
Mr Miller highlighted the significant impact these findings have on public understanding and the obligations of large tech companies, criticising Meta for avoiding transparency.
This analysis of 2500 Australians confirms the integral role of social media in their news consumption habits, countering Meta’s underestimations of news relevance on its platform, and exposing the misleading nature of its claims.
There will be further implications for democracy.
Democracy in areas without local news is lost.
Who is going to stand up to a council decision that doesn’t meet the pub test? Who is going to shine a light on issues when people don’t have a big enough voice to get their message out?
The research underscores the vital role that regional newspapers play in providing accurate and diverse perspectives.
As Australians show a growing dissatisfaction with Meta, the study reaffirms the importance of maintaining a strong and independent local press to ensure accountability and transparency within communities.
Twenty-five volunteers planted 1500 native trees and shrubs across two hectares of cleared land near Warrak last month.
Project Platypus organised the plantout at Jon Kennedy’s property to celebrate National Tree Day, giving the community an opportunity to contribute to conservation.
The plantout involved volunteers planting native species into a recently battered and repaired erosion control site in the Mt Cole Creek catchment.
The plantout, sponsored by GJ Gardner, highlighted the community’s commitment to environmental conservation
and sustainable practices, while the erosion control works were co-funded by the Federal Government’s Healthy Rivers program and Mr Kennedy.
Project Platypus staff organised the day, setting up parking, preparing meals, a fire, and chairs to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants.
Project Platypus manager Mark McLean said it was an enjoyable day, assisted by the group preparing protective guards.
“The battered banks of the erosion gully made the soil compacted and were also covered with mulch, which made digging difficult,” he
said. “However, the volunteers worked diligently to dig with handheld mattocks, then plant seedlings into the soil.
“All plants were protected with guards and treated with browse deterrents to minimise chances of damage from browsing animals while the seedlings grow.”
Mr McLean said volunteers worked throughout the day in teams of two or three in chilly weather conditions.
“This plant out is a significant step towards restoring the natural habitat and controlling erosion in the Mt Cole Creek catchment area,” he said.
It’s that time of year again.
It’s cold and you’re playing sport. You’ve warmed up and you’re running around playing on the netball court or football field and you feel that Oh so familiar twinge, in your hamstring. Or maybe the hamstring injury has already occurred and you’ve done the recovery exercises and something still isn’t right.
Often this is because the pelvis where the hamstring attaches to is out of alignment. It causes the muscles to shorten and increases the risk of injury or delay in recovery. This can also change the rest of the spinal movements as the body tries to compensate for the unusual movement of the pelvis.
When chiropractors are looking at your back, we’re looking at all of it seeing what’s working and what’s not.
Chiropractic can help you move better and get more out of your game.
Dr. Pauline Walsh
Australia’s first art and environment gallery, located in Halls Gap, has appointed its chief executive.
The board of Where Art Meets Nature, WAMA, announced Pippa Mott will start in the role in September.
Construction works for the WAMA building and surrounds are well progressed, with the launch exhibition currently being curated and the opening planned for April, 2025.
Ms Mott joins WAMA after leading the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, New South Wales, throughout its second and third years of operation.
She is an experienced curator and cultural leader with a career spanning over a decade.
The state-of-the-art art gallery and botanical precinct on a 16-hectare site near the Grampians National Park is expected to open early next year.
Ms Mott’s expertise has been cultivated through roles at leading institutions such as the Museum of Old and New Art, Mona, Mona Foma, Artist Profile, Art + Australia, and the Australian Museum, complemented by academic training at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Curatorial Practice Program.
WAMA Foundation board chair Greg Lewin said Ms Mott’s outstanding leadership qualities, energy and expertise would be invaluable in guiding WAMA through its growth and development. With a demonstrated commitment to
environmental art and the cultivation of holistic cultural experiences, Ms Mott said she was excited about championing a unique destination for art and nature in the Grampians.
“Cradled by the Grampians, Gariwerd, National Park at Halls Gap is an unreal setting for an environmental art museum,” she said.
“With expansive endemic gardens, great food and diverse programming, I envision it as a space for tourists and locals alike.”
Ms Mott will be moving to the Grampians region with her partner Håvard Sagen, who is a photographer, videographer and artist hailing from Norway.
“We are so excited for this new chapter in western Victoria, which will mark a return to rugged landscapes and regional life for us both,” she said.
“I expect that so many of the elements that drew me to, and sustained me in Tassie – community, culture and natural beauty – will be offered in abundance.”
Ss Michael and John’s Primary School in Horsham.
Georgia Consedine has always known she wanted to be a teacher, following in her mother’s literal footsteps now they are both teaching at Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School.
Simone Consedine said it was ‘really good’ to see her daughter walking through the school as a new teacher.
“It’s wonderful – she pops in and says hello, then we get home of a night and check in with each other
and see what the day’s been like,”
Mrs Consedine said.
Ms Consedine said she attended the school as a student, and although her mother had taught there for 25 years, she was not in any of her classes.
“I’ve always loved this school, it’s a really beautiful community,” she said.
“I have so many mentors around me that were my teachers, too.”
Ms Consedine, now 22, is in her
final year of study and is working under a ‘permission to teach’ from the Victorian Institute of Teaching – an initiative to alleviate the state-wide teacher shortage.
“I’m teaching in the years threefour space, and the children are just beautiful,” she said.
“The whole school community is like a big family.
“I love it here, I can’t see myself anywhere else.”
A Grampians Health study is looking at treatments for heart failure, with a clinical trial led by head of cardiology, Associate Professor Ernesto Oqueli, set to give regional Victorian patients access to high quality research and medical care. The multi-national study involves 18 countries, investigating a new medication to improve symptoms and physical capacity in heart failure patients.
“We’re still in the study phase with this, looking at how the new medication works to reduce the symptoms of heart failure,” Associate Professor Oqueli said. “We’re confident this research will give us more answers for treating heart failure with more medication options – it will be a great step forward for many.”
Citroën Australia will cease selling new vehicles from November 1.
The French importer said in consideration of its performance Down Under, it had made the decision to withdraw from the sales race within a matter of months.
Citroën will continue to support the vehicle maintenance and service requirements of Australian customers into the future, ensuring owners are supported via its 35-strong national dealer network.
The news comes less than a fortnight after GoAuto predicted slow-selling Stellantis Group brands would depart the Australian new car market.
Citroën Australia general manager David Owen said the brand must consider its future in what he described as a rapidly evolving and competitive market.
“Whilst we acknowledge and celebrate Citroën’s rich history in the Australian market, we must look to the future and consider the rapidly evolving, dynamic and competitive nature of the industry and the local market, alongside changing consumer demands,” he said.
“The decision for Citroën Australia to cease new vehicle sales was not
made lightly; it was made after careful consideration of the current and future product available for our country, in the context of the local market and the preferences and requirements of Australian new vehicle buyers.
“Our dedication to putting our customers at the centre of everything we do remains resolute.
“We know there will continue to be Citroën owners in Australia, with many vehicles still on the road, and our passionate Citroën Australia team and retailer network are committed to supporting the continued vehicle maintenance needs of our customers.”
Mr Owen said new vehicle orders placed by customers before November 1 would be fulfilled.
He said the brand would continue to support new vehicle customers with its five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and pre-paid servicing plans remaining in place.
Citroën holds the honour of being the longest running vehicle importer in the country, with a continuous presence stretching back 105 years.
Co-operative Motors in Hobart was the first Australian importer of Citroën vehicles, advertising its agency to the public in 1919 – the same year Andre Citroën built his first Type A. Preston Motors Melbourne followed
in March of 1920, then Moncrieff Engineering Company of Adelaide eight months later.
Distribution of the French brand has passed through many hands since –Citroën models at one time able to be purchased in Europe on the proviso you owned the car for a period of three months.
It could then be shipped back to Australia and registered as a ‘tourist delivery car’.
Most recently, the Inchcape Group has handled importation and distribution of Citroën vehicles, the company now selling just four models locally – the C3, C4, C5 Aircross, and C5 X SUV.
Sadly, recent sales of the venerated French brand have fallen well short of expectation, with VFACTS numbers indicating just 87 registrations between January 1 and July 31.
– Matt Brogan
Chery’s first fully-electric vehicle, the Omoda E5 small SUV, arrives in Australia next month at an undisclosed price.
Potentially reflecting its main competitor MG, which has the three-model ZS electric small SUV range spanning $39,990 to $49,990 drive-away and the five-model MG 4 hatch pitched from the same kick-off price, the Omoda E5 could also be considered a rival to the Nissan Leaf, $50,990, BYD Dolphin, $38,990, and even the GWM Ora hatch, $35,990, adding to the choice of smaller EVs now available at an ever-sharpening price point.
The Omoda E5 will arrive in two grades, BX and EX, both with premium features across the range.
Chery says the entry level BX model will feature among other goodies dual 12.3-inch screens, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 50W wireless phone charger.
They share the same attractive styling and front-wheel drive single electric motor powertrain that produces 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque claimed to be capable of up to 430 kilometres.
Accelerating from zero to 100km in 7.6 seconds, the Omoda E5 offers what could be termed brisk performance consuming neutrons at the claimed rate of 15.5kW-100km.
Chery says range anxiety is a thing of the past with the E5’s range, with the vehicle able to be DC recharged from 30 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes to its 61kWh battery.
The model’s maximum towing capacity is 750kg.
Chery Australia chief executive Lewis Lu said the company was thrilled to introduce its first electric vehicle.
“We’re proud to offer a vehicle that not only delivers outstanding performance and range, but also helps reduce our carbon footprint. This launch is a significant milestone in our journey towards a greener and more sus-
tainable future,” he said. The Omoda E5 BX is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, 18 advanced driver aids, dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, inbuilt sat-nav, three drive modes, intelligent voice command, six-speaker Sony sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, wireless hone charger, LED exterior lighting, fabric seats with synthetic leather bolsters and a full-size spare wheel. Moving to the better equipped EX, there is a power tailgate, eightspeaker Sony sound system, puddle lamps, ambient interior lighting, black synthetic leather seats, 360-degree
camera, heated front and rear seats, synthetic leather steering wheel with heating and a powered sunroof.
The tech offering includes equipment already mentioned as well as dual 12.3-inch screens, offline navigation and the availability of multicolour ambient lighting.
Chery’s voice command system is also fitted with drivers able to control features such as changing radio stations, opening windows and setting the climate without taking their hands off the wheel.
Safety is enhanced with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features, including seven
airbags as well as an extensive array of ADAS features. These include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assistance, to mention a few.
Adding a welcome measure of practicality is the Omoda E5’s full-size spare wheel – a rarity in this class of vehicle.
Chery provides an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on the battery with a ‘comprehensive’ seven-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty, sevenyear capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside assistance.
The handsome newcomer builds on the petrol-powered Omoda 5 with a blanked-out visage as per EV convention with neatly integrated CCS2 charging port.
Specific to the E5 are 18-inch alloy wheels, twin rear spoilers, LED head and taillights, plus DRLs.
The model is available in five new colours – titan green, lunar white, saturn silver, space black and martian red – which Chery says further enhance the E5’s road presence. A black roof is also optional on the EX model, in titan green and lunar white.
The Omoda E5 will join the petrolpowered Omoda 5, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro Max in showrooms, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
– Peter Barnwell
announced
Priced from $36,000 plus on-road costs, the European-made i30 N Line MHEV will be offered in two grades –N Line and N Line Premium – the latter featuring dual 10.25-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens and an array of SmartSense and Bluelink connectivity features.
Powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor assistance, the i30 N Line MHEV is characterised Hyundai says by a boldly restyled body, premium finishes and N Line features.
Locally, the Hyundai i30 N Line MHEV range will rival five-door hatch models including the Kia Cerato GT Turbo priced from $36,860, Mazda 3 G25 GT, from $38,570, Peugeot 308 GT from $43,990, Subaru Impreza 2.0S from $37,990, Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid from $39,100, and Volkswagen Golf Life from $39,190.
Headlining the refreshed i30 N Line visage is a new-look grille with floating dark metal wings and a revised air intake design flanked with multi-face reflector LED headlights with high beam assist and integrated V-shaped daytime running lights.
The frontal treatment is complemented by remoulded side skirts with a darkened garnish, and a ‘dynamic’ rear bumper with widened diffusers and twin exhaust outlets.
The changes are finished off by new 18-inch alloy wheel designs, 2D badging, rear privacy glass and a choice of seven exterior colours: abyss black, atlas white, cypress green, sailing blue, shadow grey, shimmering silver, and ultimate red. Premium hues attract a $595 surcharge.
Moving inside, updated décor includes the aforementioned 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, soft-painted dashboard, gloss black centre console garnish, and red detailing on the upholstery and ignition bezel.
A new sliding centre console armrest also features, as does twin rear USB-C charging ports, and 2D aluminum steering wheel badging.
Updated N Line Sport Seats are trimmed in oceanids black synthetic suede and leather combination and
Volkswagen is reportedly delaying the launch of its Trinity EV flagship until the end of 2032 – the advanced new model originally slated for launch in 2026 – as it works to better amortise existing electric vehicle platforms.
According to German outlet Handelsblatt, and citing Volkswagen sources, the German manufacturer will bring forward the launch of its all-electric Golf and extend the lifespan of modular electric drive matrix, MEB, and premium platform electric, PPE, based models to plug the sixyear gap.
The postponement is part of a reallocation of product launch investments by Volkswagen Group chief executive Olive Blume, that aims to reduce investment costs over the medium term.
The report indicates the measures would not only see the Trinity project delayed, but also alter EV milestones.
These include the upgrade of the MEB platform in 2026, a software upgrade to the PPE platform with partner Rivian in ‘the next 36 months’, and the introduction of the fully electric Golf ‘in 2029 or sooner’.
The latter point means the ID Golf will become the first Volkswagen brand car to use the new softwareled scalable systems platform, SSP, instead of the Trinity.
Handelsblatt further indicates that Volkswagen’s SSP architecture will underpin the next-generation and allelectric Audi A4, Volkswagen ID.4 successor, and Volkswagen T-Sport all-electric SUV before the Trinity arrives.
When it was announced in 2022, Trinity was billed as the Volkswagen ‘to take on Tesla’, setting new standards in range, charging speed, and self-driving capabilities.
At the time, information suggested Trinity would be offered in both single-motor, rear-wheel drive and dualmotor all-wheel drive configurations with a driving range of up to 700 kilometres and a zero to 100kmh time of ‘less the five seconds’.
As well as being level four autonomous driving ready, the Tesla Model 3 sized Trinity would also be capable of receiving over-the-air software updates and feature an advanced 800-volt powertrain system that offers higher performance and faster charging than its key American rival.
Matt Brogan
DETAILS: Hyundai’s i30 N Line hatchback is priced from $36,000 plus on-road costs.
feature power lumbar support and an extendable seat cushion.
The N Line Premium variant adds a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over the Air, OTA, update capability, a 12-way powered driver’s seat with position memory, front seat heating, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
Under the bonnet, the 2025 Hyundai i30 N Line hatchback range features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
petrol engine with 48-volt assistance. The combination delivers 117kW of power and 253Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel economy and CO2 figures have not been quoted by Hyundai Motor Company Australia.
As is the case with other i30 variants, the N Line MHEV features an extensive list of standard safety equipment and technologies, including adaptive cruise control, AEB, blind spot monitoring, driver attention warning, lane following and keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, and traffic sign recognition, to name a few.
Hyundai passenger vehicles are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with included roadside assist, Bluelink subscription, and lifetime servicing plan.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer Ted Lee said with its new mild hybrid powertrain, refreshed styling, and richly equipped N Line and N Line Premium grades, the sporty and economical 2025 i30 is ‘certain to delight our small-car customers’.
– Matt Brogan
POSTPONED: Volkswagen is reportedly delaying the launch of its Trinity EV flagship until the end of 2032.
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Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon
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Excellent: 26 words
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 26, 2004 –Ararat’s St Andrew’s Kindergarten students Patrick, Jarrod and Allison lift the cover on the sandpit for a day’s play. The cover, installed to prevent animals from entering the sandpit, was funded by a $627 donation from the Commonwealth Bank.
10 years ago: August 20, 2014
CFA was celebrating a new fire station, the handover of a new $335,000 medium tanker, and the recognition of volunteers’ years of service. The new station, east of Edenhope at Charam, was opened by Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty and featured a two-bay motor room, car parking and rainwater tank. It cost $291,000 to build. Mr Delahunty presented the tanker to Pigeon Ponds, while also recognising Tiger Wettenhall’s 55 years’ service, Charles McDonald and Grant Colins’ 50 years, and the 40 years served by Charles Duguid, Ian Plush and John Dean.
Five years ago: August 21, 2019
Coojar man Tim Leeming was to be awarded a bravery medal, one of 74 to receive the Australian Bravery Award, for the rescue of an elderly woman in a motor vehicle accident in 2015. In the accident, near Pigeon Ponds, the woman hit a tree after losing control of her vehicle, turning it onto its roof. Mr Leeming arrived on the scene and entered the vehicle, releasing the woman from her seatbelt and carrying her free before it was engulfed in flames.
One year ago: August 23, 2023
Horsham police sergeant Michael Salter retired after 44 years with Victoria Police, with almost 40 of those years served in the Wimmera. He did a short stint at Melbourne stations, including training station City West, Russell Street, and South Melbourne, before returning to the Wimmera – he was born and educated at Dimboola.
1. What number is the meaning of life, the universe and everything in ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’?
2. Louis Armstrong was a master of which brass instrument?
3. According to a famous 1940s story that appeared in the National Press, how many rabbits did it take to create an Aussie slouch hat – two, seven, 10 or 14?
4. How many presidents’ faces are carved into Mount Rushmore?
5. Saying the name of what dried fruit was used to encourage people to smile before taking a photo in the 1800s, before the phrase ‘cheese’?
6. Which reddish-brown colour gets its name from a pigment extracted from cuttlefish?
7. Which 1981 Journey song failed to crack the UK Top 40 on release, then reached number six in 2009?
8. The Wimmera and Mallee are renowned as good places to study astronomical dwarfs. What is the common name for a red dwarf?
9. Which chemical element has the symbol Pt on the periodic table?
10. Banksy is an artist known for working in which theme?
Lincoln. 5. Prunes. 6. Sepia. 7. Don’t Stop Believin’. 8. A
1. 42. 2. The trumpet. 3. Seven. 4. Four – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and -Abra
is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351 Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified
yOUr LUCKy sTars WiTh KErry KULKEns
FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 24 TO AUGUST 30
ARIES: (March 21-April 20)
Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,15,21,34,42,11
Don’t overspend on things that you don’t really want. You should be in a more generous mood, and time should pass pleasantly in your romantic partnership. The pace is up to you.
TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)
Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,4,3,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,42,11
A somewhat restless period, don’t get caught gossiping or repeating hearsay. In the romantic sense, this could be the start of something big. Career-wise, there is no limit to how far you can go if you apply yourself.
GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 8,4,5,23,31,22
During the next few weeks, you could receive vital information to help with your career matters. Further, your romantic ties indicate much better opportunities, and someone special could return.
CANCER: (June 22-July 22)
Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,24,34,45,33
Reasonable period for real estate matters and selling and buying. You might not find time to do much else than work during this period, but you should get great satisfaction from your achievements.
LEO: (July 23-August 22)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6,7,3,4
Lotto Numbers: 3,5,23,31,11,10
You might want to learn something new, or maybe take a course on something related to your work or that interests you otherwise. With some luck in money matters, your hunches could come true.
VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4
Lotto Numbers: 2,4,5,6,14,45
Love can come in strange ways and unexpected places. Some surprises are in store, or your recognition of your career efforts is forthcoming, although you should follow up on important information.
LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4 Lotto Numbers: 1,15,24,28,35,45
This should start an excellent period for you. Take whatever comes your way and let others organize it. Double-check any financial schemes that involve partnership money.
SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,2,334,42,33
Promises made under present aspects may not be relied upon. Make sure you know what you are doing and what you want before embarking on any new venture. Luck can come in many ways and could be at the right time.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,45,5
Romance looks excellent for singles and family extensions for married couples—bargains for home shoppers. Your concentration could be off-centre at work, so take each task carefully.
CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 6,4,7,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,45,5
Be careful in all financial dealings; plan carefully, and you will succeed. Your ability to talk anybody into anything can advance your career prospects. Contacts from the past can return favours owed.
AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,41,22
Curb that spending urge and think carefully about what you need; some problems could occur with the wares you buy, so keep your eyes open to deception. Some fun in social circles should keep you happy.
PISCES: (February 20-March 20)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22
h i
A pleasant period should prevail in your personal life, and your workplace should run smoothly. You might need to ask for help or assistance, which will be given to you.
~ BIBBY ~ Jean
9-8-1925 to 11-8-2024
Mum, you have been my guiding light, my rock.
My heart is aching, and I will miss you forever.
Your loved and loving daughter, Joanne.
EDGAR, Therese ‘Joan’
Passed away 15-8-24
Condolences to Michael & Ann and family, Susie & Ralph. Now at peace.
Fondly remembered by the Butler Family
NICHOLS (Devlin), Jan Christine Of Camperdown, formerly of Horsham.
Passed away August 17 2024
Aged 74
Loved wife of Tony for 54 years.
Loved and adored Mum to Andrew (Albury), and Courtney (Horsham).
Cherished Mama to Leilani and Kassim, Edie and Violet.
No words can express how much we’ll miss you Mum.
We love you forever Janny boys.
Court, Ede &Viley xxx
NICHOLS, Jan Christine
Aged 74. Passed away on Saturday 17th of August.
Younger daughter of the late Bob and Jean Devlin.
Sister to John (dec) and Carolyn Kirkwood.
Much loved aunty to the Kirkwood clan.
Sheridan & Chris English, Matt & Jane Kirkwood, Millie, Sam, Alex & Jack.
Wing your way to heaven, Jan” Peace, perfect peace
POLACK, Ivan Eric
13/08/1943 - 11/08/2024 Of Antwerp
Loved Husband of Sue
Loved Father & Father-InLaw of Neil & Julie, Trina & Jamie, Donna (dec)
Pa of Corey & Simon
Passed away at home after a short illness, will be sadly missed. I will always be by your side.
Miss you heaps darling, till we meet in God’s Heavenly Home with Donna.
Your Loving Wife Sue
We never had a chance to say Goodbye to you Dad.
Your memory will stay with us, though now you’re gone, beyond the sky, your spirit stays by us.
Neil & Julie Polack
Dad we love you. Sometimes you made me angry,
Sometimes you yelled so loud I thought your head would explode,
Sometimes we laughed so hard we cried, You will always be my dad.
Love Trina, Jamie, Corey & Simon Forever in Our Hearts.
RURADE, John William
Passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 aged 90 years.
Dearly loved husband of Annette.
Loving father and father in law of Kristin & Dave; Heidi & Mike.
Now safely Home
SAUNDERS (nee Cheers), Vikki
8-9-1961 to 6-8-2024
Sadly, passed away
To be privately cremated.
Emiley & Mathew Bone
Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva
District Funerals 0419 008 464
SCOTT ~ Angus
Passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, aged 101.
Loved husband of Pat (dec), mother and mother-in-law of Gary (dec) & Julie, Terry & Kaylee, Robyn & Bruce.
Pop to Shannyn & Drew, Megan & Daniel, Josh & Laura, Fallon & Ross and Poppy to his four great grandchildren, Isabella, Layla, Addison and Zara.
He will be forever in hearts, always loved and remembered.
Now together with Pat
A special thanks to all the staff at SLRV and Amity & Dylan from H&DF for their care and support.
SCOTT, Angus Keith
12-11-1922 to 14-08-2024
Passed away peacefully at the age of 101.
At Sunny Side retirement village on August 14th 2024.
A Private cremation will be held as requested by Angus, An informal gathering will be held at a date to be confirmed.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
Theresa Joan
13-5-1937 to 15-8-2024
The Requiem Mass for the repose of the late Mrs Theresa Joan Edgar is to be held at Ss. Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, August 23, 2024 commencing at 11am Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
Ivan Eric
The Funeral of Mr Ivan Eric Polack will leave the Lutheran Church Warracknabeal on Wednesday August 21st, 2024 after a Service commencing at 11am for the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery.
W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
RURADE, John William
Please see next edition for funeral details.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
~ SCOTT ~
Please join us in honour of Pat and Angus Scott on Sunday, August 25 at 11am to 2pm at the Victoria Hotel, Dimboola Road, Horsham.
Nibbles and refreshments will be served.
DUNLOP, Richie
18-8-2000
Loved and remembered always. Miss you everyday. Mum, Meredith, Paul, Jordy and Jessie.
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source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456
Birds for sale, princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell
Border Collie pups , brown & white, male & female, microchipped and vaccinated, microchip# 98514 1007305923,98514100730 5924, 985141007305925, 985141007305926, source no E231600, $850 each Ph or text 0493111730
Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579
Budgies, pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham
Cocker Spaniel pups,1 choc male, 1 black girl and 1 choc girl available from August 25th, both parents reg with Dogs Vic, m/chop# 956000018888816/ 18815499/18844391, souce# RB185238 ph 0429912620
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
German( Aust) Koolie pups
2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip#
956000017131984/17181902/1
7166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996 Ararat
Horse rug, 6 foot wanted Ph 0427361940
Merino Sheep, 1 Suffolk merino cross, 1 whether suffolk merino cross, $600 and no separation Ph 0481756063
Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola
Purebred black faced Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267
Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723
Self shedding sheep for sale, $60 each, pick # 3HSDH097 Ph 0419293500
Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940
WILLIAMS (Hageni), Mervyn David
Born 6-6-55, Passed away in his house in Murtoa, 6-8-24
Mother and Father (dec) in Rupanyup.
Merv’s loving sister Linda (Hageni) Williams, Giles in Horsham.
Merv’s other sister Rosanne in Geelong.
He loves his Bulldogs, hope they are in the finals.
The service with Merv’s ashes is Friday, August 23, 1pm at the Railway Pub, Murtoa.
Working Kelpie pups , 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 978142000129103 /937/1520 /1099 source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301 Young Muscovy duck s, available now, $15 each Ph 0429912620
for
Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729
MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $15,500 Ph 0493394223
2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230
2013 Jurgens Lunagzer J24, 6.3m/21’, J2403, 2 berth, shower/toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445
2016 Supreme Spirit Limited
Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24’6”, long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit $70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363
2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $18,500ono Ph 0407360212
2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796
CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition $24,800 Ph 0490532715
Galaxy Scenic caravan, 2004, 19’, EC, shower on outside $18,000 Ph 0400603022
REDUCED 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, $14,750 Ph 0409967815, Horsham
Motorhome Jayco Conquest 2021, 25’, satellite system, diesel, heater, 7625knms, 1UU2JX
$168,000 Ph 0429821461
New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $45,000 Ph 0427778747
Paramount Caravan , VGC, registered, rollout awning, full kitchen $22,000 Ph 0407542856
REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2024, U28090 $9,000ono Ph 0429942936
REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards, $20,000ono, Ph 0427467622
Kaniva
REDUCED Concept Ascot caravan, 2006, 18’, pop-top, tare 1420,
REDUCED Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/operator, $70,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa
Falken 2 65=60R=18, as new $950 Ph 0423967449
Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs $220 inc Ph 0428579838
REDUCED Isuzu Outback
Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham
Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more
$40,000 Ph 0418325662
Vintage 1964 Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $9500 ono Ph 0431820493
1984 Inter Acco 1830A, 18’ tray with bulk bin and double deck sheep crate, 02697P $16,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022
4080 Tractor, 3pl, GC $11,000 Ph 0419389693
Brandt 46’ auger, 8” super charge, new battery, new motor 3rd wheel drive $14,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022
CAT, 955 K traxcavator DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022
Chamberlain Countryman 354 plus cabin & front end loader, 1960s, going well/good tyres Ph 0447275737
Connor Shea, 18 plate disc, hydraulic lift and fold $850ono,Southern cross pump jack, electric motor, working $80, Asuc wool table $120ono Ph 0407911884
Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097
Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer, all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832
REDUCED Case IH 2144
Harvester, 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $40,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa
Sunbeam twin box electric wool press, good order, $1000 plus Gst Ph 55877233 evenings please
Tractor Tyre , 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478
Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097
Trailing Grain Feeder, with canopy, good condition, $1100, Ph 0400894020
Versatile 555 Tractor, good working order $23,000 ono Ph 0493394223
Carryall 6’ x 3’, suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426
New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408
Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693
Half size pool/billiard table, slate top, folds for storage, comes with balls, cues & racks $100 cash Ph 0427545424
Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510
Marking cradle, GC $300 Ph 0419389693
Massage Machine, duo MKII
Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692
Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000
REDUCED Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $200 Ph 0408504633
REDUCED Horse hames, old, 8 pairs $10 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884
Ryobi router $100, Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200, band saw small $50, angle grinder $40, air compressor $100, plasma cutter $180, Ryobi drill press $120 Ph 0499769869
Slasher , GC $2000 Ph 0419389693
Stramit roller door, series A, woodland grey, 3050H x 3000W, brand new, unopened $1,100 Ph 0491033643 Nhill
3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899
Mattress $250 , single bed blackwood $250, as new Ph 0437688336
Old wood burning stove, GC, located in Goroke, $500 ono Ph Mick 0400005266
Outdoor spa, sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097
2001 Savage 418 Kestrel SF, reg GG970, exp 18 Sep 2024, 30Hp, 2S Mercury motor, cover and canopy, dunbier gal trailer zeg U57972, exp 18 Sep 2024 all in very good condition $8250 Ph 0429924704
3.8 Savage aluminium boat, new 18 hp Tohatsu motor, Biminis, Eagle fish finder, Mackay galvanised trailer, GC, $3700 Ph 0428826113
4.0m Stessl Aluminium Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP
Week
contribution of our nation’s volunteers. At this feel that it is more important than ever to acknowledge Australia’s volunteers.
Ford XA 1972 era Panel
Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109
Week begins Monday May 18 and runs until years theme is ‘Changing Communities. atimewhenwetipourcollectivehatsand tireless,wonderfulworkofvolunteers said Julie Pettet, CEO at the Centre for
Ford XF Wagon,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109
Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic,aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109
Kia Cerato Koup 2 door 2013, 1.6L turbo, 6 speed auto, 7L/100km, bluetooth, reverse camera, new tyres, VGC, RWC, 3mths rego, 285,000kms, ZTD649, $6800 Ph 0429857255
the Centre for Participation and the Volunteer Network have published a series of postcards. Administrators Network, Edenhope Memorial Rural City Council, Wimmera Southern Mallee Northwest Health, West Wimmera Shire Council, and Grampians Community Health have postcards to volunteers across our communities.
Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396
celebration on Zoom... from across the Wimmera to come together May for an online morning tea to celebrate would like to join in, call 5382 5607 or email info@centreforparticipation to get a Zoom link and password.
1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109
2011 Holden Commodore VE SV6 II sedan, colour ‘Sizzle’ red, tow bar, tinted windows, reversing camera, bluetooth, EC, 198,XXXkms, YNV016 $10,000 neg Ph Glenn 0447799547
2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009
2013 Holden Cruze SRI, full service history, rego until mid November 2024, RWC, 6 speed automatic, touchscreen, bluetooth, cruise control, reverse sensors, brand new tyres and windscreen, only selling due to upgrade, 203,xxx km, AKH160 $9000 ono Call or text 0438405429
2013 Jeep Compass , reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms 1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555
2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry SL sedan, with all the luxury features of a top of the range Toyota, pearl white, full service history, RWC, 2AM8IL, $32,250 Ph Eddy 0428922335
If you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start, Julie Pettet, CEO of the Centre for Participation in Horsham has a few ideas to help you on your way.
> Follow your passion - you’ll be happier and more effective volunteering in something you love
Price reduced to sell Ute 2012
> Know what you want out of it - to meet people? change the world? care for animals? share skills? get a job?
Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12
RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so “as new”, solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520
> Contact Centre for Participation or a community group near you, to match your skills and needs, with volunteering vacancies Happy Volunteering!
2022 Isuzu Dmax X terrain
Valencia orange for sale, 25,318 kms,still under new vehicle warranty until 2028 or 150,000 kms, 7 months rego, RWC, BVI103 $60,000 Ph 0438918240
REDUCED 2010 Hyundai i30 diesel wagon, GC, RWC, economical, XWS504 $5500 Ph 0419132137 Ararat
Mazda BT 50 2021 dual cab, silver, fitted with ARB bull bar, driving lights, ascent canopy, rear step towbar, warranty 4/26, reg til 4/25, 4000kms 1NB5DX $48,500 Ph 0428528990
2004 VY SS Commodore, black, RWC, VGC, YKW598 $16,000 Ph 0400603022
2009 Holden Colorado, auto, 3.0 diesel, tow bar, steel tray, toolboxes, Sept 2024 rego, RWC, tub with hard lid included, 312,000 kms, XBV738 $12,000 Ph 0458991202
VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto, silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towning done, VGC, new tyres, reg till 2/25, YVD520 $10,500 Ph 0428528990
2 bedroom house for rent in Horsham Ph 0432774645
2BR unit for rent - Kaniva, suit professional or retiree with good history, quality rental, excellent brick unit, single garage, 2BR with BIR, walk in shower, neutral decor, open plan living kitchen with dishwasher, lounge, split system, secure backyard, $1256 p/month, bond req Ph 0419546410
Housemate wanted , clean home in Haven, large furnished bedroom, double carport, private yard, no pets, $200 per week includes bills Ph 0407043917
Are you passionate about governance, strategic oversight, and making a difference in your community? We’re seeking dynamic and experienced individuals to fill three (3) vacancies on our Board of Directors. Our Board, comprised of members with diverse skills and backgrounds, plays a vital role in steering our organisation towards success. We are particularly interested in leaders with expertise in the Disability or Aged Care sectors, fundraising, financial sustainability, and a deep understanding of the Wimmera Southern Mallee region. As a Director, you’ll play a key role in shaping our organisation’s future while collaborating with a dedicated team in a supportive, inclusive environment. You’ll participate in developing our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and attend Board meetings, with the option for virtual participation. We seek candidates with strong governance experience and a commitment to our local community. Directors are covered by Officers & Directors Insurance and are eligible for reimbursement of official travel exceeding 60km.
If you’re ready to contribute your skills and passion to a forward-thinking organisation, please download the expression of interest document from www.cfp.org.au/our-vacancies. All submissions must be returned to the Nominations Committee by COB Monday, 9 September 2024.
If you have any points of clarification, please contact the Board Secretary Robbie Millar on 0427 503 679 or secretary@cfp.org.au
2003 Landcruiser, auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379
2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0i PHEV Auto, plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi serviced, superb condition throughout, near new tyres, 30-40km electric range, reg to April 2025, RWC supplied, 100,732 kms, 1XN2NP $24,500 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat area
2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $26000 ono Ph 0427822909
Dimboola Natimuk
Lutheran Parish
Sunday, August 25
Edenhope 10am LR
Goroke 10am LR
Natimuk 9am HC
Vectis Join Natimuk
Dimboola 11am HC
150 Years of Wimmera Base Hospital
Grampians Health invites past and present board directors, staff and volunteers to join us as we celebrate our hospital’s 150th anniversary.
When: 1.30pm, Monday 26 August
Location: Education Centre Lawn of the Wimmera Base Hospital (enter via Read Street, Horsham). RSVP by Friday 23 August Horsham150@gh.org.au
Notice is given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the HORSHAM &DISTRICT RACING CLUB will be held at Committee Room, Bennett Rd, Horsham on Thursday 3rd October 2024 6pm – AGM 6:30pm – Pizza Night
The agenda will include nomination of committee members and to receive the financial statements & annual report for 2023/2024.
Eligible members are invited to nominate for election to the Committee. These nominations must be made in writing, signed by two voting members and be received by the Club Manager by 5pm Friday 27 September 2024.
For nomination forms and RSVP’s contact Club Manager, Charmayne Parry on 0417 404 185 or email c.parry@countryracing.com.au
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) is responsible for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients who are dealing with health-related issues across the acute/ sub-acute/community and Mental Health settings at Grampians Health.
The role aims to strengthen the relationship between Grampians region First Nations communities and Grampians Health mainstream and Mental Health Services. The ideal candidate is required to be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Contact Jessica Payne, First Nations Health Advisor on 0491 445 515 or jessica.payne@gh.org.au
We
We
race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. be someone making a
and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation Employment Opportunities
Program
$53.84 per hour
Contact: Brad Tarr
Contact: Nicole Jhureea
you to volunteers across Western Victoria for being the ‘heartbeat’ of our communities.
National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. At this uncertain time we feel that it is more important than ever to recognise and acknowledge Australia’s volunteers.
National Volunteer Week begins Monday May 18 and runs until Sunday 24 May. This years theme is ‘Changing Communities. Changing Lives’. ‘It’satimewhenwetipourcollectivehatsand saythankyouforthetireless,wonderfulworkofvolunteers in our communities,’ said Julie Pettet, CEO at the Centre for Participation.
As a mark of thanks, the Centre for Participation and the Volunteer Coordinators Network have published a series of postcards. WRSA Female Administrators Network, Edenhope Memorial Hospital, Horsham Rural City Council, Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, Rural Northwest Health, West Wimmera Shire Council, Emma Kealy’s Office and Grampians Community Health have joined us to send postcards to volunteers across our communities.
Join the celebration on Zoom...
We invite volunteers from across the Wimmera to come together at 10am on Friday 22 May for an online morning tea to celebrate volunteers. If you would like to join in, call 5382 5607 or email info@centreforparticipation to get a Zoom link and password.
Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.
Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.
If you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start, Julie Pettet, CEO of the Centre for Participation in Horsham has a few ideas to help you on your way.
We are looking for GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SPECIALIST TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2025 Fulltime, part time and ongoing positions available
> Follow your passion - you’ll be happier and more effective volunteering in something you love
> Know what you want out of it - to meet people? change the world? care for animals? share skills? get a job?
If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au
> Contact Centre for Participation or a community group near you, to match your skills and needs, with volunteering vacancies
Happy Volunteering!
Employment Opportunities
Inroads are seeking to recruit the following positions
The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:
• Previous experience in the civil construction industry – highly regarded but not essential.
• A strong attention to detail
• Effective organisational & time management skills
• Pro cient in Microsoft Of ce suite
The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:
• Experience in an Administration role.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritisation of key requirements.
• A strong work ethic to operate autonomously when required.
• Pro cient in Microsoft Of ce suite
Please send applications, including cover letter and current CV to reception@inroads.com.au
Area: Horsham Ph: 03 5382 4406
Email: reception@inroads.com.au
The Home Help Mentor role is dedicated to providing essential asset maintenance services, including gardening, cleaning, and home maintenance, to support people with disabilities and older adults in maintaining their independence. This role is crucial in enabling participants to live comfortably and safely in their own homes, fostering their autonomy and well-being.
As a Home Help Mentor, you will train, mentor, and supervise Home Help Workers and learning participants, ensuring they acquire the skills necessary to deliver high-quality maintenance services. Your guidance will be key in empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the community, particularly those facing barriers to employment and social inclusion.
In this role, you will make a significant impact by enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults, helping them remain independent in their homes. This position is ideal for someone passionate about community service, with a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in leading fulfilling, selfsufficient lives. If you are driven by the desire to make a real difference, this role offers a rewarding and impactful career path.
To find out more please visit www.cfp.org. au/our-vacancies/ or contact Robbie Millar on 0427 503 679 or at vacany@cfp.org.au
BY TONY LOGAN
Great Western’s training team of Michelle and Craig Wight celebrated their four-year-old mare
Minimez’s win in the $6000 Ridley Animal Nutrition Trotters Handicap at Terang last week.
First up from a four-month layoff, Minimez began safely from the 20-metre handicap and worked past a couple of early gallopers to settle in fourth spot on the pegs after they had gone half a lap.
Heading to the bell, Michelle eased her charge out into the running line, then three wide down the back with 600 metres to go.
Minimez trotted solidly round the home turn to eyeball the leader Salski, James Herbertson, at the top of the home straight.
The pair cleared away from the rest as they fought it out and, at the post, it was Minimez the strongest to score by a half-head, with Sonarmi Joh, Jackie Barker, some 15 metres away in third.
It was an extra-special win for team Wight as they bred, raised and educated the result
SUCCESS: Michelle and Craig Wight with Minimez after their win at Terang last week.
of the mating of former smart racemare Frances Annie – 15 wins, $105,000 – with Aldebaran Park stallion Skyvalley. A Rocknroll Jet
Birchip owner-trainer Gary Living has enjoyed a terrific 2024 with his small team and posted another victory with eight-year-old gelding A Rocknroll Jet at Terang last week. Drawn gate five on the front line, with Jackie Barker in the sulky, A Rocknroll Jet was not pushed at the start and had settled towards the tail of the field as they passed the post with two laps to go.
Shortly after, Barker headed
to the pegs in clean air, as the rest of the field was content to sit out in the one wide line.
Four back and boxed up at the bell, Barker seized the golden opportunity to switch away from the markers into the oneoff train and began to weave a forward passage to be in striking distance approaching the home straight.
After a mad charge to the line, A Rocknroll Jet got the judge’s nod in a blanket finish from You Beauty, Michael Bellman, and Nosweetsforyou, Michelle Wight, with the fourth, fifth and sixth placed horses within a length of the winner.
From 40 starts this season
Get proven dependability, accuracy and control with Bourgault seeding equipment.
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with his two-horse team, Living has posted seven wins and seven minors and will chase another with A Rocknroll Jet at Bendigo tonight.
Training quinella
Horsham horseman Aaron Dunn landed a training quinella at Melton on Friday when his three-year-old gelding Komodo held off a late charge from stablemate Maxy Wants To Play, Kerryn Manning, in the 2240 metre $10,000 IRT Pace.
Drawn the second line, Dunn was able to spear through the front-row runners and claim the lead when Love Ina Chevy, Leilani Justice, wanted to run off the track as they headed the first turn.
Komodo travelled kindly at the head of affairs with the redhot, $1.30 favourite Best Deal, Mark Pitt, content to park on his outside.
After a leisurely mid-race half, Komodo pulled out plenty and had Best Deal’s measure at the top of the straight.
Maxi Wants To Play rattled home out wide to just miss out in a photo and Komodo notched up his sixth career victory at start number 14 and gave the Dunn stable its 30th win for the season.
PROUD AMBASSADORS: Greg Sugars and Michael Bellman have joined forces as ambassadors for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Reinsmen Michael Bellman and Greg Sugars will join forces over the month of September as ambassadors for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
The duo will wear special silks emblazoned with the logo of the charity partner throughout the month in a bid to bring awareness to a cancer that more than 25,000 men are diagnosed with each year.
“It is always a good cause and we are always happy to support the charity,” Bellman, 43, said.
“I have represented Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia before with John
Caldow and we had a really good year.
“It’s good to bring awareness to prostate cancer.”
The winner of more than 1900 races has had a close connection with the cancer that kills about 10 men every day.
“I lost a mate, Fabian Bigmore, who won a Kilmore Cup. He was only 40, so it is not an old man’s disease,” he said.
Harness Racing Victoria will donate $200 to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for every winner Bellman and Sugars drive throughout the month of September.
BY SIMON KING
The last round of the Wimmera Hockey Association regular season will be played at Dimboola this weekend, and there is still plenty to play for across senior grades.
While the semi-final match-ups in the under-16 competition have already been set, three teams are still fighting for the last two places in the women’s finals, and the all-important ‘double chance’ is still on the line in the open division.
Both games on Saturday can influence which team will join Yanac Tigers in the top two going into the finals.
A drawn game last weekend between Warrack Hoops and Kaniva Cobras kept the Hoops in second place, but the Cobras are still close enough to overtake them and earn the double chance.
The Hoops take on Horsham Hurricanes in the twilight on Saturday evening in a match where a win will ensure they will finish in second place, and courtesy of their superior goal difference, even a tie should be enough for them to finish above the Cobras.
Although Horsham Hurricanes have had an inconsistent season, they play the artificial surface at Dimboola well and will not be an easy opponent, but with the prize on offer, the Hoops should have the motivation needed for a win.
When the Cobras take to the field in the following match, they will know if they are still in the running for second place. Their opponent is Nhill Rangers, who have shown significant improvement over the latter part of the season and, with the incentive of ending their season on a high, will mount a serious challenge for the Cobras.
However, if the incentive of moving up the ladder is still on offer, the Kaniva team will be hard to beat.
As Yanac Tigers have the bye this week their players can sit back and watch the action in the knowledge that they cannot drop from the top of the ladder.
As with the open division, every game in the women’s competition this
round can influence who will pack away their gear for the season and who will line up the following weekend in the semi-finals.
On Friday evening, Dimboola Roos’ season will be on the line when they take on the competition-leading Yanac team, which cannot be deposed from the top spot, regardless of the result.
The Roos have impressed in their return to the competition this season, but having to defeat the dominant Yanac to ensure a finals berth is a big ask.
With an unlikely win or a draw, Dimboola is in the finals, but a loss will see them have to wait for the results of the matches on Saturday to confirm their fate.
Horsham Jets tackle Warracknabeal in a must-win game if they are to progress.
A loss or draw would immediately end their season, regardless of other results, and while a win will not guarantee a place in the semi-finals, it will keep them in the running, depending upon the result of the last match.
Warracknabeal cannot make the finals but has been improving over the second half of the season, and the opportunity to deny a place in the finals to Horsham, the team they leapfrogged into the semi-finals last year,
on the result of the last game of the season, could see them lift and record their first win for the year.
A tie with or victory over Kaniva in the last women’s match will ensure Nhill Thunderbirds qualify for a semi-final, but even with a loss, they could progress, depending upon other results.
Regardless of the results this weekend, the semi-final matchups have already been set and no changes are possible on the ladder before the finals, but there are still a couple of games that could provide some interest.
Although second-placed Kaniva Raiders should have the edge over
third-placed Nhill Leopards, this could be a close match considering the scare the Leopards gave Yanac Warriors last weekend, and while Horsham Bombers are safe in fourth place, Warrack Revengers have nothing to lose and could put in a big one in their last game for the season.
The competition-leading Yanac Warriors should tune-up for the finals with a win over Dimboola Kangaroos.
Development program
The under-12 development program will conclude for the season on Saturday with the last round of games and the presentation of certificates and encouragement awards.
Round-14 results –
Open: Yanac Tigers 3 (Goals, S. Alexander, Z. Dorrington, J. Cramer; best, T. Alexander, L. Reichenbach, S. Farmers) d Nhill Rangers 0 (D. Reichelt, K. Rowe, L. Marra). Kaniva Cobras 1 (L. Mills; L. Mills, C. Beattie, A. Wallis) drew with Warrack Hoops 1 (T. Jorgensen; T. Jorgensen, E. Schilling, R. Bennett).
Women: Yanac 4 (A. Farmers 2, E. Alexander, S. Hedt; E. Alexander, C. Alexander, M. Mackley) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (N. Kuhnell, C. Kessler, C. Shurdington). Kaniva 5 (J. Braisby 2, Z. Smith 2, H. Pearse; H. Braisby, N. Hutchins, L. Stimson) d Warracknabeal 0 (E. Eichberger, E. Bull, Melanie Bentley). Dimboola Roos 2 (V. Elliott, L. Graham; J. Hauselberger, C. Hadzig, A. Baker) d Horsham Jets 1 (H. Werner; H. Werner, S. Schwarz, L. Schilling). Under-16: Yanac Warriors 1 (S. Pedie; Archie Zanker, S. Pedie, Asher Zanker) d Nhill Leopards 0 (D. Clark, L. Clark, T. Bee, O. Bone). Kaniva Raiders 5 (C. White 2, L. Krelle, J. White, L. Williams; L. Krelle, C. White, C. Bedford) d Warrack Revengers 0 (E. Williamson, J. Nuske, R. Johnstone). Horsham Bombers 1 (J. Schwarz; J. Schwarz, H. Knoop, H. Mackereth) drew with Dimboola Kangaroos 1 (J. Ward; J. Ward, R. Hadzig, C. Elliott). Under-12 development program: Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (M. Campbell, A. Cramer) v Nhill Bandits 5 (N. Krelle 3, D. Bee 2). Kaniva Rampagers 1 (A. Curtis) v Warrack Avengers 1 (C. Peters). Dimboola Kookaburras 0 v Horsham Black Hawks 3 (H. Mills, L. Rose, L. Hobbs).
BY DAVID BERRY
We know them as BBJSC Pakenham when they play in the annual Horsham Tournament, but when they play in the Victorian Volleyball League, they play under the Heidelberg banner.
Whichever way you look at it, the team is one of the most successful teams in Victoria after going back-to-back in the premier one men’s grand final. But they had to do it the hard way, trailing Melbourne Uni Renegades two sets to one, the Heidelberg team managed to pull something out of their bountiful bag of tricks and record a memorable win.
Key players Manjot and Kanwar were unstoppable in the fourth and fifth sets as setter Pawan managed to find them on a more consistent basis, while key Renegades players in Alex Bye and Liam Van Gemst lacked their early dominance and were noticeably tired towards the end of the two hour five setter.
The team, representing the Indian community in the Pakenham region, have won just about everything worth win-
ning over the past three years.
We saw them first at the Horsham tournament in 2021 when they took the Champions division over Renegades in five sets, then in 2022 defeated our very own Good Ol’ Boys in three sets and then made it a hat-trick when they accounted for Monash in five set in 2023.
In between all that success they have managed to record wins at the National Club Championships, Warrnambool tournament and now the most sought after one of all, the premier division of the Victorian Volleyball League.
Full credit to the team and their management, as they continue to be the benchmark team in the state.
The Black Ranges year seven and eight qualifying rounds will be held today at Horsham Basketball Stadium, with the majority of young students starting their school volleyball representative journey.
The boys’ division will be a wide-open affair with teams representing Holy Trinity Lutheran College and Horsham College likely to figure predominantly, while the girls’ section
will be very closely contested. Horsham College will be favoured to progress in the girls’ year-seven division on the back of a strong contingent of players who have been competing consistently in the Volleyball Horsham junior competition.
HTLC will be the team to beat in the year-eight girls’ division as they have a strong group who play consistently and are members of the Volleyball Horsham academy program.
The winners will progress to the Greater Western Region finals in October, with wins there qualifying teams for School Sport Victoria state finals in November.
Last week saw years five and six volleyball played at Horsham 298 Primary school gymnasium, with teams from HTLC, Horsham West, Horsham 298, Murtoa and Donald competing.
Some great talent was on display in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, with winning teams Horsham 298 in the boys/ mixed, Murtoa and HTLC all progressing to Greater Western Region finals in October.
A group of Horsham St Brigid’s College students are competing in an all-schools girls’ netball challenge in Bendigo this week.
College opportunities officer Brydie Hutchinson said teams from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria had entered the event.
“Our team of 10 students from years nine, 10 and 11 will compete against eight teams in
their division, playing in seven games across three days before going into finals,” she said.
The first time the school has entered a team, Ms Hutchinson said it was a great opportunity.
“Any school can enter, we just thought we’d enter and do something different,” she said.
“Hopefully our girls learn something to better their netball and, more importantly, meet lots of kids and socialise.”
WIMMERA LEAGUE: The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER went to Central Park, Stawell on Saturday to capture all the action from the Warriors versus Southern Mallee Thunder.
Stawell’s senior footballers lost 7.3 (45) to the Thunder 15.16 (106), while in A Grade netball competition, Stawell scored a crucial 51-47 win over the Thunder. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above:
Thunders’ Leigh Stewart wore Stawell coach Tom Eckel like a glove; Stawell goal shooter Ayva Mitchell; Rachel Wood guards Codie Robins; Thunder goaler Sydney Thorogood; Stawell’s Marlon Motlop; Warrior Mitch Taylor marks ahead of Kieran Delahunty; Sam Williams tackles Coleman Schache; and centre, Thunder midcourter Connie Rule.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Ararat Eagles will set their sights on a deep Mininera and District Football League finals run after concluding their home-and-away season at the weekend.
The Eagles were soundly beaten by Penshurst on Saturday, losing 23.23 (161) to 4.9 (33), but their overall 10-6 win-loss record was enough to carry them back to the finals after missing out with an identical record last season.
Ararat will need to quickly put the 128-point loss behind it as it prepares for a do-or-die elimination final against Hawkesdale-Macarthur at Lake Bolac on Sunday.
The sides met only once this season, with Hawkesdale-Macarthur coming back from a half-time deficit to win by 12 points.
If Ararat is to win the rematch, it will need big efforts from its cocaptains – Naish McRoberts and
Jackson Taurau. McRoberts has been outstanding in 2024, kicking a career-high 32 goals, including a haul of nine against GlenthompsonDunkeld earlier this month.
Tom Cousins has been an important addition after crossing from the Wimmera Football Netball League’s Ararat Rats, with the likes of Ryan Weppner and Adrian Reid also playing key roles.
Kade Bohner could also provide a finals boost if available, having played only six games for Ararat this season, most recently in round 15 against Glenthompson-Dunkeld.
An Eagles victory on Sunday would set Ararat up against the loser of Saturday’s qualifying final between Penshurst and LismoreDerrinallum in week two of the finals.
Elsewhere, Tatyoon’s premiership defence officially came to an end against Glenthompson-Dunkeld, the Hawks finishing their season on a high note with an 18.10 (118)
Wimmera league footballer Allistair McKinnon has played the most senior games on record, playing his 439th game – surpassing the previous 419.
McKinnon started his senior career at Dimboola when he was 15, before moving to Rainbow for work and playing district league for about five years.
“After Lauren and I got married in 2003 we moved back to Dimboola – not long before my parents’ café was lost to fire along with the pub, and they ended up moving in with us,” McKinnon said.
McKinnon’s father Harvey also played more than 330 senior games for Dimboola, as well as coaching.
“I have followed in the old man’s footsteps to a degree, I eventually coached Dimboola too, which was a privilege,” he said.
“I enjoyed playing alongside the old man for a handful of years – not many people get to do that.”
McKinnon also lists two club best-and-fairest awards and captaining the 2013 premiership team during his 10-year stint as captain among his career highlights.
“The interleague games were good fun – it was great to play with some of the league’s best players,” he said.
McKinnon played 353 games at Dimboola and 15 interleague games before moving to Horsham Demons, where he has so far played 71 senior games, while also coaching the reserves.
“I appreciate the Demons for seeing my value in coming to the club, and for helping me achieve the record,” he said.
McKinnon has enjoyed a relatively injury-free career, suffering only a hyperextended elbow during the past 29 seasons.
“I have played with and against a lot of good players – too many to mention – but Clancy Bennett at Dimboola got me to another level,” he said.
“His professionalism and the way he looked after himself changed my thought process and how I approached my game.”
Looking to next season, McKinnon is going to ‘see what happens’.
Being able to play alongside his son, Eli – the youngest at six years
to 16.8 (104) win. The Hawks recovered well after a slow start to the season, but a draw against the Rams earlier in the season ultimately doomed them.
Tatyoon finished the season in sixth place – two premiership points and less than two percentage points behind Ararat.
Hawk Marcus Darmody finished just short of the league goal-kicking crown, doing his best to pip Penshurst spearhead Josh Rentsch at the post with 11 majors in the final round.
Darmody finished the year with 87 goals from 12 games, only two short of Rentsch’s 89, which he kicked in 15 appearances for the Bombers.
Great Western battled hard but came up just short of a win against SMW Rovers in its final game.
The Lions trailed the Bulldogs by five goals at the final break but finished with four goals to none in the last quarter, losing 11.12 (78) to
10.10 (70). While Great Western’s on-field results have failed to match pre-season hopes and expectations, progress on the club’s new pavilion should have players, officials and supporters excited for next year.
Moyston-Willaura also closed its account for 2024, losing to Woorndoo-Mortlake 15.14 (104) to 11.5 (71).
Although the Pumas endured a difficult season, a 71-point win over Caramut gave their senior side something to hang their hats on.
Other results at the weekend saw Lismore-Derrinallum beat Hawkesdale-Macarthur 105-50, while Wickliffe-Lake Bolac put the finishing touches on an undefeated season with a 219-24 thumping of winless Caramut.
The Magpies have a bye in the first week of the finals and will play the winner of Saturday’s qualifying final.
old and the only one of his four children who has taken up football – may not be achievable.
“My family is supportive either way – it’s been a long road for Lauren and I. I’m not there a lot during the week with training and going away for work, but she’s always been there, she’s on my team,” he said.
“She probably would like to see
with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh Match
The Thunder got out of the blocks lightning-fast and kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter.
Stawell was probably lucky they didn’t kick 10 or 11, because they missed a couple of easy ones.
From there the Thunder was in cruise control. At the time they thought percentage was going to be important, so weren’t taking the foot off the throttle.
But after Ararat’s draw with Nhill, as long as the Thunder win this weekend, they’ve got top spot.
Keiran Delahunty put on a clinic. He was at his Toohey Medal-best. He dominated the ruck contest.
Leigh Stewart went to Stawell’s Tom Eckel and shut him right out of the game. That meant the Warriors’ key playmaker wasn’t anywhere near as influential as he has been.
Southern Mallee’s midfielders like Liam Nelson and Jackson Fisher were very good, and their back line, led by Sam White and Heath Smith shut down anything that went their way.
Coleman Schache and Billy Lloyd were cruising around. Schache kicked four goals rotating through the midfield and up forward, and Stawell didn’t have any answers.
There weren’t many standouts for the Warriors.
Cody Driscoll kicked two goals from limited opportunities, and Sean Mantell and Jakob Salmi were handy in the middle, but they had too many players who were down on form.
The standout player: Keiran Delanhunty was easily the best on the ground. He controlled the ruck and had a willingness to push back behind the play, block holes and take marks.
me wind it back, but I would still like to be active. I probably need to do some exercise, I’m always sitting in the car or on my computer for work.”
McKinnon’s milestone celebrations included a slideshow presentation of pictures at the club on Saturday.
– Bronwyn Hastings
He finished with three goals as well. You probably wouldn’t see a better game from a ruckman this year.
The rising star: It’s hard to pick one because there weren’t too many really young players on either side
He’s not a young player, but Leigh Stewart’s job on Eckel was first rate. He wore him like a glove.
Eckel is a barometer for Stawell, and Stewart’s job on him went a long way to winning the game for Southern Mallee.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
After 88 games of football across more than four months, only six games remain before a Horsham District Football Netball League premier is crowned for 2024.
Harrow-Balmoral enters the finals as a deserving premiership favourite, having followed up last season’s undefeated premiership campaign with another flawless home-and-away season.
The Roos put the finishing touches on their minor premiership with an 18.26 (134) to 3.2 (20) dismantling of Rupanyup at the weekend – a team some saw as Harrow-Balmoral’s biggest challenge in the first half of the season.
Yet despite their undefeated record, the Roos have looked more vulnerable this year than they did last season.
Only twice in 2023 did a side finish within 35 points of Harrow-Balmoral, while teams have come within that margin six times already this season.
The Roos will have a week off before playing a qualifying final against Swifts, which finished its own season strongly with a 30.15 (195) to 9.5
(59) thrashing of Natimuk United.
The Baggies enter the finals as one of the league’s best attacking sides, with 11 goals to Cameron Wickham and 10 to league-leading goal-kicker Paul Summers at the weekend showcasing the potency of their forward set-up.
Noradjuha-Quantong also looms as a potential challenger for HarrowBalmoral, having finished its season in style with a 15.13 (103) to 5.4 (34) drubbing of Pimpinio.
The Bombers now prepare for a do-or-die elimination final showdown with Rupanyup – a team they knocked out in a semi final last season.
With Dylan Shelley and Judah Hobbs combining well in front of goals, kicking four each at the weekend, and skipper Wade Francis playing well in his second game back after missing most of season, Noradjuha-Quantong looks in dangerous form.
They will need to be at their best against Rupanyup however, with the Panthers remaining capable of mixing it with the league’s top sides at their best.
With Panther coach Brayden Ison a perennial threat in front of goals and a strong onball division headed by reigning Dellar medallist Mitch
Gleeson and Bill Hansen, Saturday’s game at Harrow could be decided by which midfield group can assert its ascendancy.
The final match of round 18 pitted Kalkee against Taylors Lake, with the Kees prevailing 11.8 (74) to 10.6 (66).
Although both sides will miss the finals this season, each showed improvement in 2024, with the Lakers increasing their win total by two compared to 2023 and the Kees matching theirs.
Sunday’s second elimination final at Pimpinio will pit the Tigers against Laharum, which closed its account with its biggest win of the season – an 18.10 (118) to 2.8 (20) annihilation of Edenhope-Apsley.
Laharum’s trademark this season has been its stifling defence, but co-coach Shannon Argall said he was pleased
to see his team execute well in attack against the Saints.
“We won’t be taking for granted that just because we scored well on the weekend that it’s going to be as easy coming into the first final, but maybe we’re getting a couple of structures right going forward, which we’ve had some question marks around,” he said.
The two meetings between Pimpinio and Laharum this season were decided by single-digit margins, with Pimpinio winning the first and Laharum the second.
Both Argall and Pimpinio coach Guy Smith said they expected a similarly fierce encounter this weekend.
“I think we both match up really well against each other. Pimpinio has got a really small and quite mobile forward line, so that does present its
GOTCHA:
Rupanyup’s Will Hemley and Dylan Eats tackle HarrowBalmoral’s Mitch Grant during Saturday’s clash.
challenges,” Argall said.
“Pimp rely heavily on their midfield rotations to score, so for us it’s about understanding that’s a key part of their scoring prowess.
“We want to make sure we’ve got communication through the midfield and defensive groups to make sure we’ve got the right match-ups.”
Smith said the inclusion of key players would give the Tigers a boost.
“The last time we played them where we lost, we were missing another one of our best midfielders and our best key defender, and he usually stops four goals a game,” he said.
“We’ve got them back this time around, so we’re going to be playing them pretty much at our best. Hopefully that’s enough to get us over the line.”
• Full preview, see finals lift-out.
Horsham District A Grade netball finals will get underway this weekend, with four teams set to play in do-ordie elimination finals.
Which teams would finish in the top six was all but finalised prior to the last round, but results from Saturday’s matches were needed before the order was finalised.
While the top two teams Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong have earnt themselves a rest in the first week of finals, and a double chance, the teams from third to sixth face finals this weekend that will result in the season ending for two teams.
The first elimination final will be on Saturday at Harrow, when thirdplaced Rupanyup, who only just missed out on second place by a nar-
row percentage, will take on KanivaLeeor United, who finished in sixth.
Despite achieving a convincing 6630 win against Harrow-Balmoral on Saturday, the Panthers’ percentage fell just .65 short of Noradjuha-Quantong, who scored their own strong win, beating Pimpinio 54-22.
Although having a bye in round 18, Kaniva-Leeor United needed to keep a close eye on the Swifts versus Natimuk United match, which resulted in a 44-41 win Natimuk’s way, and ensuring the Cougars held onto sixth spot.
In the two games that Rupanyup and Kaniva-Leeor United played this season, the Panthers won – in round four by four goals, and then by 18 goals in round 15.
“They have had our measure each time, but I think if our players can string four consistent quarters together, we’ll be really dangerous,” King said. “I think we can do the job.” King said while Laharum was hot favourites to win the flag, anything could happen in finals.
other – it’s going to be who will be best under pressure for the next few weeks.”
Rupanyup coach Jedda Heard said the Panthers were hoping to play deep into the finals series, but their sights were first set on overcoming the Cougars on Saturday.
Kalkee match up against last year’s premier Edenhope-Apsley, who this year finished in fifth position.
After losing 27 senior players in the off-season, the Saints have done well to rebuild and make finals.
Despite suffering a heavy loss to Laharum on Saturday, going down 75-20, Edenhope-Apsley will have its best side available against Kalkee, who are coming off a strong 62-19 win over Taylors Lake.
But having now achieved their goal of making finals, Cougars coach Kylie King is optimistic about her side’s chances, despite coming against the highly-touted Rupanyup.
“I’ll be predicting that Laharum will be in the grand final. Who they are going to meet in that grand final, it’s probably anyone’s guess,” she said.
“I think it is pretty even. I think on a good day, any one of those remaining five teams can probably beat each
“I think we’re looking pretty good. We’ve had a bit of a slow patch the last few weeks, but I feel like against Harrow, we picked it up again and we’re looking pretty good heading into finals,” she said.
“It hasn’t been easy to beat Kaniva. It was a decent margin on the scoreboard, but it probably didn’t really feel like that.”
Sunday’s elimination final at Pimpinio will see fourth-placed
The last time Kalkee and EdenhopeApsley played was in round 10 when the Kees won 45-36.
The top two teams, Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong, will play each other in a second semi-final the following Saturday, August 31, at Edenhope. – Lauren Henry
BY LAUREN HENRY
draw between Ararat and Nhill has impacted ladder positions in Wimmera league senior football.
Playing at Nhill’s Davis Park, the Rats took a 14-point lead into halftime, but with a finals spot on the line, the home side kept chipping away.
Having kicked 7.11 (53) to threequarter time against Nhill’s 6.9 (45), the eight-point buffer gave the Tigers a sniff late in the game and, urged on by a home crowd, Nhill kicked four goals to Ararat’s two to almost steal the match.
Ararat co-coach Tom Mills, who did not play due to a two-week suspension, said the draw was a disappointing result for Ararat.
“Nhill had really good pressure all game and I suppose they just never gave up and I guess we probably thought we had it in the bag,” he said.
“They just scored a couple of late goals and that was about it really.”
Mills said midfielders Ben Taylor and Jack Ganley were Ararat’s best players against Nhill, who were well led by coach Jake McQueen, and Daniel Batson and Deek Roberts.
“Ben, in the midfield, and Jack, who plays mid or forward but probably played more midfield on Saturday, they were probably our two most composed players for the day,” he said.
Mills will return to the team for the match against Stawell, along with Luke Spalding.
“I’m pretty confident really ... but, especially after last week, it some-
times takes a bit of a rough game to sort of get everyone back on track,” Mills said.
“We won’t be at full strength but we’ve just got to have confidence.”
As a result of its round nine match being played as a showcase game on Good Friday, the two teams haven’t played each other since March when the Warriors upset the reigning pre-
The top five of Wimmera league A Grade netball is all but decided for finals.
It would take an unlikely loss by Stawell to Ararat in the final round this weekend, and Southern Mallee Thunder to upset Horsham Demons to change fifth spot.
Currently Stawell sits fifth on 28 points, after a four-goal thrilling win over the Thunder in an almost finalslike game.
The Thunder, in sixth position on 24 points, needed to beat Stawell to grab fifth spot and rely on their higher percentage to ensure a finals position.
But the Warriors, led by defender Meg Walker and goal shooter Ayva Mitchell, who shot 36 of Stawell’s 51 goals, proved too experienced on their home court.
Thunder coach Steph Thomson, in goal-attack, was again her side’s best, along with consistent defender Abby White.
It was a close match throughout as
Stawell took the early three-goal lead into quarter time before just one goal separated the teams at the main break.
The Thunder’s third quarter was impressive, and they shot out to a four-goal lead before the Warriors, spurred on by their home crowd, put the jets on in the final term to outscore the visitors 16 goals to eight.
Horsham looks set to retain top spot on the ladder after a 52-goal win over Warrack Eagles.
Key defender Romi Miller and goal attack Georgia Batson were strong in the Demons’ win as the home side continued to build on its 11-goal lead at the first break, as the Eagles struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard.
Horsham will travel to Beulah on Saturday to finish the home-and-away season against the Thunder, who have been the competition’s big improvers.
Another interesting watch this round will be between Horsham Saints, coming off a 31-goal victory over
Dimboola, set to play Nhill in what will be a second versus third clash.
If ladder positions remain the same, the Saints and Nhill will play each other the following week in a qualifying final.
The Saints were back to their goalscoring best against the Roos on Saturday, taking a 77-46 win as defenders Maddison Bethune and Elly Barnett shut down the home side’s attack.
If Dimboola is able to get back on the winners’ list this Saturday against Minyip-Murtoa, the Roos might move up to third place on the ladder.
But the Burras, who had a bye last round, will be no pushover at Murtoa, and will be keen to finish their season on a high despite missing finals.
Ararat will also be hoping to put in a good showing as it wraps up its season against old rivals Stawell.
The Rats went down to Nhill 30-65 on Saturday, with the Tigers determined to find some good form ahead of finals.
miers by 14 points. And if ladder positions remain the same, the Rats will face Stawell again the following week in a qualifying final.
“It’s kind of hard, you want to win though. It’s probably going to be a big battle in the midfield,” Mills said.
It will be the second week in a row that Stawell have faced a top-two side, after it went down to Southern Mallee Thunder by 61 points.
The Thunder came out of the blocks firing to lead by 42 points by quarter time.
The home side struggled to claw its way back into the game, as Thunder coach Kieran Delahunty played a crucial role in the ruck to give his team first look at the ball.
Delahunty and Coleman Schache combined to kick seven goals as the Thunder achieved their aim of a percentage-boosting win to help ensure top spot.
However, the Thunder will need to win this week against Horsham to retain top of the ladder, and the right to the first week off in the finals series.
If the Thunder loses and Ararat beats Stawell, the Rats will happily claim the week off to their injury-affected side.
Horsham will gain nothing except crucial confidence if it can score a win over the Thunder – the Demons have proved they can beat the top sides after wins over Stawell and Ararat this year, but went down by 21 points to the Thunder in round nine.
The Demons scored a 95-point win over Warrack Eagles with Ryan Kemp, with six goals, Jasper Gunn and Zac Smith instrumental.
Demon Jordan Motton also booted seven goals in the win as the Eagles struggled to maintain scoreboard pressure at Horsham City Oval.
After finishing bottom of the ladder with just one win this year, the Eagles’ season is now finished as it has a bye in the final round.
Another two teams to be finishing its season this week is Dimboola and Minyip-Murtoa.
After a disappointing season, the Roos, coming off a 21-point loss to Horsham Saints on Saturday, will face the Burras, fresh from a bye.
Horsham Saints will host Nhill, now secure in fifth spot, who will be keen to show good form in the last homeand-away match before Wimmera league finals start on August 31.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Natimuk and District Gym-
nastic Club is hosting a major women’s artistic gymnastics competition next week.
The Regional West event is expected to attract more than 200 competitors aiming to qualify for state championships later this year.
Club president Kara Puls said the event, for gymnasts in levels three to seven, was usually in centres such as Ballarat and Warrnambool.
“This is the first time Natimuk –or a town of its size – will be hosting such an event,” she said.
“The competition is a unique opportunity to showcase both our talented, award-winning gymnasts, and our club, its facilities and the leadership role it has in the region.
“We use the highest quality equipment we can get, and we’re a very friendly club, very familyoriented.”
Open to girls and women of all ages in levels three to seven, the competition will run in five different sessions across two days, on August 31 and September 1.
“Entrants will compete in floor,
“The competition is a unique opportunity to showcase both our talented, award-winning gymnasts, and our club, its facilities and the leadership role it has in the region”
– Kara Puls
uneven bars, vault and beam events to qualify for the Victorian Championships, which are in October in Geelong,” Mrs Puls said.
“We have 20 to 25 Natimuk members competing against gymnasts from clubs including Mildura, Bendigo, Swan Hill, Cohuna, Moama, Portland, Sea Lake, Ballarat and Warrnambool.”
Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club has about 250 members and offers programs from kinder gym for toddlers, to men’s and women’s competitive programs, as well as skill development classes and adult gym.
Spectators are invited to attend the Regional West event at Natimuk, with entry $5.
Horsham Calisthenics College will host hundreds of competitors from across regional Victoria at its annual competition this weekend.
Principal coach Kylie Hermans said competitors would compete across three days, starting on Friday morning.
“We’re excited to welcome about 350 competitors to our major highlight of the year,” she said.
The competition will feature both
team and solo competitions, with soloists on Friday, sub-junior and intermediate teams on Saturday, and junior and senior teams on Sunday.
Mrs Hermans said a special highlight of the weekend would be a display by Horsham’s tinies, many of whom would be performing on stage for the first time.
“It’s always a thrilling experience for our youngest performers,” she said.
Mrs Hermans also expressed her
gratitude to the volunteers who made the event possible.
“We couldn’t do it without the dedicated help of our volunteers, and I sincerely thank everyone who has stepped up to support this event,” she said.
Tickets for single sessions, or the weekend, are available from Horsham Town Hall website and box office.
date: ASAP Requirements:
• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient
• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages
• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance
• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821
•
•
•
•
study
• Current Manual driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable but not essential)
Horsham
Closing date: August 27, 2024
Requirements:
• Assist and work with other team members
• Good communication skills
• Be able to work in a busy environment
• Willingness to commit to work and study
• Have a passion for the hospitality field of work
• Be able to undertake and follow instructions
For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.
Horsham
Closing date: September 11, 2024
Duties:
• Undertake supervision, management and surveillance of infrastructure construction projects
• Liaise with developers and construction supervisors to ensure infrastructure requirements/permits are met
• Examine plans & specifications of development works
• Undertake road pavement design, including geotechnical testing
• Issue and manage the Works Within a Road Reserve permits process
To discuss this opportunity further, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.
Stawell
Closing date: August 27, 2024
Requirements:
• Genuine interest in Hydraulic & Mechanical repairs
• Willingness to commit to work, study & learn
• Require to get own way to and from work and on time
• Initiative and responsible attitude
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures & work independently
For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.
Horsham
Closing date: ASAP About you:
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Able to work independently & in team
• Strong attention to detail
• Drivers licence or reliable transport to/from work
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions
• Physically fit and able to meet manual requirements
Apply online today!
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Horsham Amateur Basketball Association officials have vowed to re-establish a women’s side for the 2025-26 Country Basketball League season after deciding to withdraw the team from the upcoming 2024-25 competition.
The association announced on Friday that player availability issues meant fielding a women’s team this season would not be viable.
HABA president Matt Grace said the decision to withdraw the women’s team was a difficult one.
“We lost essentially our starting five of Ema and Maddie Iredell, Liv and Caitlin Jones-Story and Tamara Ludekens, who has moved back to Melbourne. You lose your starting five and it leaves a massive hole to fill,” he said.
“It was a very tough decision to have to make, because we like having our women’s and men’s programs together.
“We thought the cons of putting a women’s team in this season probably outweighed the pros unfortunately.”
Mr Grace said the association would strive to keep its younger female representative players involved with a special training program this season.
“In the under-18 girls and under-16 girls there are some top-agers who would have featured in training and potentially been getting some games, so we’ll keep them involved by setting up extra sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the women were training,” he said.
“There are even a couple of bottom-age under-
16s like Ruby Bethune and Rani Potter, who are two of our up-and-coming stars in that age group, that we’ll be looking to keep involved as well.
“It’s probably at the stage where those ladies who have served us so well over the past few years are unavailable this year, and there’s a transition where we have to look at the younger ones now.”
Mr Grace thanked the Horsham basketball community for its understanding of the situation.
“A lot of people in the community will be disappointed, and we’re quite disappointed as well that we’ve had to make this decision, but we’re positive that they’ll be back next year and we’ll be working our butts off to make sure it happens, because having the women’s program is very important,” he said.
Men’s coaches reappointed
Meanwhile, the Hornets’ men’s CBL side will continue in 2024-25, with coach Scott Benbow and playing assistant Matt Lovel reappointed to their positions.
Mr Grace said the team would be on the hunt for further success after last season’s grand final appearance.
“In the past three years they’ve won a championship, got knocked out in the first final and then lost in the grand final, so they’ve had a very good three years,” he said.
“It was a no-brainer to put Benbow and Lovel back in and have another crack at trying to win another CBL championship.
“They’re both looking forward to it, and it looks like we’ll have a pretty similar team with a couple of new players coming along.”
Entries are now open for the annual Arapiles Cycling Event, a community bike ride that raises money for Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK.
There are four distance circuits for riders of all ages and abilities – 20, 50, 75 and 100-kilometre tracks.
All start and finish in Natimuk, with the 20-kilometre route following the Big Sky Bike Trail. Following staggered starts, the first at 8am, riders can stop along the way for food, drinks, shelter and toilets.
People can find more information about the Saturday, October 5 event at the ACE Ride website www.aceride.com.au, on Facebook or by calling Mark Radford on 0427 840 324.
people can visit www. vorra.org.au/rainbow-rises-240.html.
Vol. 27 No. 8
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Southern Mallee Thunder have one hand on the Wimmera Football Netball League senior minor premiership after defeating a lacklustre Stawell at Central Park on Saturday as Ararat drew with Nhill. Thunder star Coleman Schache, competing with Warriors coach Tom Eckel, kicked four goals for the winners. Thunder leads the competition by two points over Ararat. The only change possible to the Wimmera League final five ladder is if the Rats beat Stawell and the Thunder go down to Horsham this week. Story, page 45.
(94). Home.
Round 3: W. 17.11 (113) d Kalkee 5.11 (41). Away.
Round 4: W. 20.18 (138) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.8 (44). Home.*
Round 5: W. 14.11 (95) d Taylors Lake 5.14 (44). Away.
Round 6: W. 12.13 (85) d Noradjuha-Quantong 9.7 (61). Home.
Round 7: L. 11.11 (77) to Harrow-Balmoral 13.19 (97). Away.
Round 8: W. 11.13 (79) d Edenhope-Apsley 6.10 (46). Home.
Round 9: W. 15.14 (104) d Natimuk United 8.9 (57). Away.
Round 10: L. 8.9 (57) to Swifts 18.22 (130). Home.
Round 11: L. 6.11 (47) to Laharum 6.12 (48). Away.
Round 12: L. 8.6 (54) to Pimpinio 16.13 (109). Away.
Round 13: Bye.
Round 14: W. 11.11 (77) d Kalkee 6.3 (39). Home.
Round 15: L. 9.10 (64) to Kaniva-Leeor United 10.8.68. Away.
Round 16: W. 14.23 (107) d Taylors Lake 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 17: L. 11.6 (72) to Noradjuha-Quantong 21.13 (139). Away.
Round 18: L. 3.2 (20) to Harrow-Balmoral 18.26 (134). Home.**
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1248. Against: 1194. Points: 32. Percentage: 104.52.
Leading goal-kickers
Brayden Ison 39, Blake Downer 23, Blake Turner 19, Chris Schaper 12.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
nly two years removed from a senior premiership, Rupanyup enters the 2024 Horsham District Football Netball League finals as a team in flux.
Just four players from that 2022 premiership – Daniel Schaper, Blake Turner, Mitch Gleeson and coach Brayden Ison – have played regularly at senior level this season, while others such as Andy Phelan, Zach Robinson and Scott Niewand have made three or fewer appearances.
Rupanyup, after a surprise loss to Pimpinio in its first game, appeared to be one of the sides most likely to challenge reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral, winning six of its next seven games, with the only loss in that span coming to the Roos by just 20 points.
But after that, the Panthers cooled significantly, winning just two of their final eight games, including a 114-point thrashing at the hands of Harrow-Balmoral in a round 18 rematch.
But, however rocky its past two months have been, Rupanyup has achieved the primary aim set by Ison at the start of the season – to make the finals.
Now, as Ison well knows, the season starts afresh.
“I think anyone can beat anyone on their day. You get one or two injuries to your top five in any side and it changes things completely,” he said.
“No one has got super depth once they’ve got injuries to their key players, so that’s probably where it’s going to be decided in finals – having a healthy list and not missing any of your top six to eight players.”
Unfortunately for Ison, missing top players has been a theme of the season.
In addition to the former premiership players who have appeared sparingly this year, young gun Connor Weide mann has been largely unavailable due to commitments with the Talent League’s Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
The AFL draft hopeful has pulled on a Rupanyup jumper only three times this season, his availability after this weekend is uncertain thanks to the Talent League’s convo luted finals format.
But Ison said he believed his team had talent capable of winning finals whether or not Weidemann played.
“Our best player this year has been Bill Hansen. We had a comment from an opposition player a couple of weeks ago about how good he is,” Ison said.
“He came back from a knee injury last year and showed us glimpses, but he’s had a full crack at it with a full preseason, and I believe he’s our best player.
“Then you’ve got guys like Kieran Sait, Jacob Chris tie, Kane Timmins and Mitch Gleeson, who has won the Dellar medal, right in line behind him.”
Rupanyup has also injected some youth into its line-up, with Jimmy Finnigan stepping up from the under-17s last season to play every senior game this year.
Rupanyup’s elimination final meeting with NoradjuhaQuantong this weekend presents an interesting challenge.
Their first meeting in round six yielded a 24-point win for Rupanyup in which their opposition failed to goal in the first and last quarters, but their round 17 rematch ended in a 67-point Bomber win.
But Ison’s side is right where it wanted to be at the start of the year. As he told The Weekly Advertiser round one:
“I think if we make finals that’s our pass mark, and then anything can happen from there.”
The reigning Dellar Medallist is arguably one of the most dangerous players in the competition. Whether in the ruck or on the ball, the bullocking red-head has a long kick in his arsenal that he uses to devas-
Brayden Ison
The tall forward and coach could possibly hold Rupanyup’s finals fortunes on his boot. Normally a lovely long kick of the football, if he gets his confidence up he is extremely hard to
Hansen is a tough onballer who enjoys winning the hard ball in the contest. He is often seen extracting the ball out of stoppages and gives his outside runners plenty of opportunities.
Kane Timmins
Timmins has filled out Rupanyup’s midfield this year after crossing from the Golden Rivers league in northern Victoria. He adds strength and explosiveness around the ball and has shown an ability to hit the scoreboard.
Coach: Guy Smith
Round 1: W. 9.11 (65) d Laharum 8.9 (57). Home.
Round 2: W. 14.10 (94) d Rupanyup 9.5 (59). Away.
Round 3: Bye.
Round 4: W. 15.17 (107) d Kalkee 7.9 (51). Home.
Round 5: W. 13.9 (87) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.6 (42). Away.
Round 6: W. 16.9 (105) d Taylors Lake 11.7 (73). Home.
Round 7: L. 8.5 (53) to Noradjuha-Quantong 14.12 (96). Away.
Round 8: L. 8.12 (60) to Harrow-Balmoral 21.12 (138). Home.
Round 9: L. 9.7 (61) to Edenhope-Apsley 15.11 (101). Away.
Round 10: W. 17.7 (109) d Natimuk United 6.6 (42). Home.*
Round 11: L. 5.13 (43) to Swifts 11.12 (78). Away.
Round 12: W 16.13 (109) d Rupanyup 8.6 (54). Home.*
Round 13: L. 7.9 (51) to Laharum 8.9 (57). Away.
Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: L. 6.11 (47) to Kalkee 13.6 (84). Away.
Round 16: W. 23.15 (153) d Kaniva-Leeor United 8.6 (54). Home.
Round 17: L. 13.18 (96) to Taylors Lake 17.10 (112). Away.
Round 18: L. 5.4 (34) to Noradjuha-Quantong 15.13 (103). Home.**
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1274. Against: 1201. Points: 32. Percentage: 106.08.
Leading goal-kickers
Nick Groves 45, Jason Westley 28, Brock Hamerston 18, Dylan Bates 14, Adam Westley 12.
GILLIVRAY
he last time Pimpinio’s senior football side played finals, Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister of Australia, Victoria was just beginning to recover from the Black Saturday bushfires and reality television show MasterChef hit screens
Since a 32-point elimination final loss to Laharum on August 30, 2009, Pimpinio has endured 5470 consecutive days without a finals appearance –a streak that will be broken, ironically, in another elimination final against
In that time the Tigers have collected five wooden spoons, winning more than four games just once – last year,
Coach Guy Smith, who led the Tigers to an 8-8 record this season, said players, officials and supporters were delighted to take part in post-season action after such a lengthy absence.
“This is the first time in 15 years that the senior side has been in the finals, so the club itself is really upbeat and stoked about that,” he said.
“That’s been a real motivating factor for us this year.”
Leading the charge back to the finals has been captain Jason Westley, who in his second season with Pimpinio has entrenched himself among the league’s elite.
Westley, along with Dylan Thomas and recruit Matt Rosier, has shored up the Tigers’ midfield, while Nick Groves has had a career-best season in front of goals with 45.
While Pimpinio’s second half of the season, which saw it drop eight of its final 11 games after winning its first five, left something to be desired, Smith said his side would enter the finals with a clean slate and a full list to choose from.
“The second half of the season hasn’t been brilliant for us, but we’re still learning,” he said.
“They’re not overly happy with the way they’ve been playing.
“They know they can perform a lot better.
“Coming into this finals series, it doesn’t matter how many games you’ve won or lost, it’s just about making it.
“It starts afresh and goes to a different pace now.
“We’re upbeat, and they’re stoked about finishing in the position that they’re in.”
Pimpinio’s two meetings with Laharum this season have both gone down to the wire, with the Tigers triumphing by eight points in round one before the Demons earned payback with a sixpoint win in round 13.
Anticipating another close encounter, Smith challenged his senior players to produce their best when the pressure was on.
“Jason Westley is huge for us and Dylan Thomas is a big-game player. They’re both midfielders who always rise to the occasion,” he said.
“Our key forwards have got to respond and perform on the big stage, so Brock Hammerston and Nick Groves have probably got to go to another level now.
“Matt Rosier has been leading by example for us.
“He often starts in defence but finishes up in the midfield.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them go to that next level, because the pressure’s on them now – there’s no tomorrow.
“We all need to perform or we’re gone, so I’m hoping they respond to it pretty well.”
Jason Westley
Captain Westley will return from concussion protocols for the first final. He is pivotal to winning the ball out of the centre and enjoys the physicality of the contest. In his 14 games for Pimpinio this season, he has been named in the best 11 times, and kicked 28 goals.
Matt Rosier
Rosier is small in stature but as skillful user of the football you would see. The veteran left-footer runs hard all day and his pinpoint use of the football and experience will be crucial to the young Tiger outfit. Rosier has been a key recruit for Pimpinio after crossing over from Dimboola in the Wimmera
Nick Groves
Groves doesn’t have the height of a key forward but is dangerous on the lead and normally extremely accurate in front of goal. He needs to have a big finals series if the Tigers are to progress further than week one.
Dylan Bates
Bates has not hit the scoreboard with the same regularity as he did last season, in which he kicked 29 goals for the Tigers, but he remains a vital part of the Pimpinio onball division. Has been in strong form in the back half of the season and could be a key player against Laharum after missing the Tigers’ most recent clash with the Demons.
Round 1: L. 8.9 (57) to Pimpinio 9.11 (65). Away.
Round 2: W. 9.11 (65) d Kalkee 7.2 (44). Home.
Round 3: W. 12.22 (94) d Kaniva-Leeor United 3.5 (23). Away.
Round 4: W. 11.10 (76) d Taylors Lake 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 5: L. 7.9 (51) to Noradjuha-Quantong 18.14 (122). Away.
Round 6: L. 6.2 (38) to Harrow-Balmoral 8.6 (54). Home.**
Round 7: W. 9.11 (65) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.7 (49). Away.
Round 8: W. 18.9 (117) d Natimuk United 4.2 (26). Home.
Round 9: L. 7.7 (49) to Swifts 18.7 (115). Away.
Round 10: Bye.
Round 11: W. 6.12 (48) d Rupanyup 6.11 (47). Home.
Round 12: W. 9.10 (64) d Kalkee 2.2 (14). Away.
Round 13: W. 8.9 (57) d Pimpinio 7.9 (51). Home.
Round 14: W. 11.6 (72) d Kaniva-Leeor Unit ed 2.1 (13). Home.
Round 15: W. 13.15 (93) d Taylors Lake 4.8 (32). Away.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: L. 7.8 (50) to Harrow-Balmoral 9.10 (64). Away.
Round 18: W. 18.10 (118) d Edenhope-Apsley 2.8 (20). Home.*
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1114. Against: 782. Points: 44. Percentage: 142.46.
Leading goal-kickers
Robbie Miller 30, Shannon Argall 20, Josh Hutchinson 17, Daniel Easson 13.
Making
That’s
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
n the eve of the 2024 finals series, there is one thing Laharum co-coach Shannon Argall is certain of – few teams will relish the prospect of facing the Demons.
Laharum has returned to the finals for the first time since 2017, rebounding strongly from a winless wooden spoon campaign last year, thanks largely to its stifling defence.
The Demons are second only to undefeated reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral in limiting opposition scoring.
“Defensive pressure is our strength and that’s what we lean into. We’re a highly structured side defensively,”
“In terms of our personnel, we’ve got guys like Brett Ervin, Cody Richards and Jackson Price down there who do a fantastic job.
“We can try to go into a shootout, but at what cost? We just lean into the fact that we are a defensive side and we don’t normally kick huge scores ourselves, but that has been successful for us this year.”
Also aiding Laharum’s success has been a formidable on-ball unit that includes co-coach Robbie Miller, Daniel Easson and Reuben Launder, with Argall rucking.
Argall is also able to push forward to add height to a forward line that includes veteran Phil Butsch alongside emerging young players such as Pat Lattanzio. Argall said the finals series would be a learning experience for Laharum’s younger players.
“There’s a few guys who are really starting to get to that stage where they’ve got 50 senior games under their belt,” he said.
“This will be their first finals in Demons colours, but they’re really starting to grow and mature as players.”
Laharum will play an elimination final against Pimpinio on Sunday.
Their two previous encounters this season were decided by single-digit margins, and Argall said he expected the final to be no different.
But Argall said neither Pimpinio nor any other team in the finals would look forward to playing the Demons.
He said his young side would draw plenty of confidence from the fact that it has come closest to dealing HarrowBalmoral a loss this season in both of their encounters.
Laharum went down by only 16 points in their round six meeting with the Roos, and 14 points in round 17.
“We’ve been the closest to HarrowBalmoral out of all the sides this year, not only once, but twice, so we know we’re only a couple of goals off them in that particular matchup,” Argall said.
“That gives us confidence that we can compete with the best, and we haven’t had those aspira tions in previous years.
“It’s going to be a real coming of age for our young side.
“I think we’ve grown a hell of a lot this year.
“If we were to get a first final win, I don’t think anyone would be too enthu siastic about playing us, because there is a level of uncer tainty about playing Laharum.
Ervin
“We are a challenging and difficult side.”
Round 1: L. 8.7 (55) to Harrow-Balmoral 12.7 (79).
Round 2: W. 12.13 (85) d Edenhope-Apsley 3.5 (23).
Round 3: W. 14.9 (93) d Natimuk United 7.6 (48). Home.
Round 4: L. 8.15 (63) to Swifts 14.10 (94). Away.
Round 5: W. 18.14 (122) d Laharum 7.9 (51). Home.
Round 6: L. 9.7 (61) to Rupanyup 12.13 (85). Away.
Round 7: W. 14.12 (96) d Pimpinio 8.5 (53). Home.
Round 8: W. 10.5 (65) d Kalkee 7.12 (54). Away.
Round 9: W. 34.14 (218) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.4 (40). Home.*
Round 10: W. 22.15 (147) d Taylors Lake 4.8 (32). Away. Round 11: Bye.
Round 12: W. 24.16 (160) d Edenhope-Apsley 2.7 (19). Home.
Round 13: L. 4.6 (30) to Harrow-Balmoral 19.22 (136). Away.**
Round 14: W. 12.11 (83) d Natimuk United 1.4 (10). Away.
Round 15: W. 12.9 (81) d Swifts 7.11 (53). Home.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: W. 21.13 (139) d Rupanyup 11.6 (72). Home.
Round 18: W. 15.13 (103) d Pimpinio 5.4 (34). Away.
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1601. Against: 883. Points: 48. Percentage: 181.31.
Judah Hobbs 56, Brock Orval 27, Dawson Cross 25, Connor O’Beirne 20, James Gregg 17, Alex Ross 17.
BY LAUREN HENRY
It was another injury-plagued season, but this year Noradjuha-Quantong was blessed with more depth, which has held the Bombers in good stead ahead of finals.
The Bombers won 12 matches and lost four games in season 2024, with two losses coming against HarrowBalmoral, one by 106 points in round 13, and one each against Swifts and Rupanyup.
But it is the win against the Swifts in round 15 that stands out in senior coach Damian Cameron’s mind.
“I guess having a decent win over the Swifts a few weeks ago was a big one for us. It didn’t change ladder positioning or anything like that, but I guess it just puts a lot of confidence within the group that we are in among those top couple of teams and hopefully come finals we can have a good crack at doing something special,” he said.
Cameron said this season had presented its challenges along the way, but had panned out well as the year progressed.
“We dropped three games in the early part of the year, and we had a few injuries, which hurt in the end, but since we started getting guys back and getting some consistency within our team, we’re pretty happy with the way it’s finished off,” he said.
“I don’t think any particular guys have really been the standout throughout the whole year.
“It’s been a good spread across the team, which is sort of the way we set ourselves up – we don’t rely on one guy or two guys.”
However, Cameron did mention Judah Hobbs – a young player who played a variety of roles and kicked more than 50 goals this season.
“Dawson Cross is always super reliable, that’s huge for us also,” he said.
The Bombers’ injury curse continued in 2024 – continuing on from the past couple of seasons, but this year didn’t prove as costly due to the club’s depth.
“We’ve had some shocking luck with injuries for a few years now,” Cameron said.
“Even this year, through the middle part of the year, we were missing up to six or seven good players from our senior side.
“But we’re lucky we’ve a good seconds side as well, and the guys that come in played their roles for the senior team as well.
“It was hard to manage when you’re playing against the good sides and you’re missing half a dozen key players.”
Cameron said with the Bombers finishing third, it meant no second chances in the finals.
“With the top six if you don’t finish top two, there’s no second chance,” he said.
“So, I think it’s just week at a time and looking at who you are playing and making sure you are setting up well against that opposition.”
Noradjuha-Quantong will face Rupanyup in an elimination final on Saturday – a team the Bombers beat by 67 points earlier this month.
Cameron said the Bombers would take confidence from their recent match into the finals.
“We don’t really have a goal as to how far we want to go, but there has been some confidence through the group after beating Swifts, who
are a clear second on the ladder,” he said.
“If we can have those kind of per formances come finals, hopefully we can play three or four finals.”
But, there is no doubt HarrowBalmoral is the top dog in district league, after not losing a game so far this season.
“We gave them a bit of a run for their money earlier in the season, and we felt like we had a lot of improvement to do from there,” Cameron said.
“This sort of gave us hope, but then through the middle of the year, they give us a fair old touch up.
“That brought us back down to earth a bit, I guess, and made us realise how much hard work is in volved if you want to match it with the likes of Harrow.
“Since then, we’ve some guys back from injury who have played some better footy, and I think that kick in the bum maybe came at a good time, so we know there was a bit of a gap to close.
“But come finals time, if you play the right type of footy, then any thing’s possible.”
suited to a role across half forward than in the middle as he is capable of turning a game in a hurry. Orval will be hoping to add to his tally of 27 goals this season and be a key factor in Noradjuha-Quantong’s finals
Judah Hobbs
The youngster, who has returned football after a four-year absence, has become a deep key forward for the Bombers. He has managed to kick more than 50 goals this season and has given the Bombers something they have missed for a number of years – a key
Dylan Shelley Shelley joined the club this season but unfortunately had a lengthy lay-off due to injury. He is an extremely versatile player who can play on key forwards but also has the ability to go forward if required.
Hallett has had another good season, named in the best players in 12 of his 16 games this season. His pressure on opponents and ability to win the footy are key assets to the Bombers.
Swifts’ road to the finals
Coach: Brett Hargreaves
Round 1: W. 22.13 (145) d Kalkee 12.5 (77). Away.
Round 2: W. 23.17 (155) d Kaniva-Leeor United 5.3 (33). Home.
Round 3: W. 29.15 (189) d Taylors Lake 3.3 (21). Away.
Round 4: W. 14.10 (94) d Noradjuha-Quantong 8.15 (63). Home.
Round 5: L. 14.6 (90) d Harrow-Balmoral 18.7 (115). Away.
Round 6: W. 10.11 (71) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.6 (48). Home.
Round 7: W. 23.15 (153) d Natimuk United 6.7 (43). Away.
Round 8: Bye.
Round 9: W. 18.7 (115) d Laharum 7.7 (49). Home.
Round 10: W. 18.22 (130) d Rupanyup 8.9 (57). Away.
Round 11: W. 11.12 (78) d Pimpinio 5.13 (43). Home.
Round 12: W. 14.10 (94) d Kaniva-Leeor United 4.3 (27). Away.
Round 13: W. 17.16 (118) d Kalkee 7.5 (47). Home.
Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: L. 7.11 (53) to Noradjuha-Quantong 12.9 (81). Away.**
Round 16: L. 12.6 (78) to Harrow-Balmoral 16.14 (110). Home.
Round 17: W. 24.14 (158) d Edenhope-Apsley 6.6 (42). Away.
Round 18: W. 30.15 (195) d Natimuk United 9.5 (59). Home.*
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 1916. Against: 915. Points: 52. Percentage: 309.18.
Leading goal-kickers
Paul Summers 115, Cameron Wickham 34, Kobe Lowe 18, Ryan Folkes 18, Noah Stirling 16.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Astrongstart followed by a consistent season and a secondplace finish on the Horsham District ladder has pleased Swifts’ senior football personnel.
The 2024 season has seen the Swifts win 13 matches, and lose just three – two of which were against the undefeated Harrow-Balmoral.
The Baggies’ wins were all by convincing margins – a feat that was helped by the fact their full forward Paul Summers kicked 115 goals this year.
Swifts senior coach Brett Hargreaves said with such a consistent season he had long been preparing for a second semi-final against Harrow-Balmoral.
“I’m trying to make sure that it’s not lost on the blokes what an opportunity it is, like these opportunities don’t come around very often,” he said.
“Players go through their whole careers without playing finals or winning a final, so I’m just trying to instil that into them – that what they’ve got in front of them is a bit special.”
Ryan Folkes
Hargreaves said Harrow-Balmoral had been the benchmark of the Horsham District league, but finals matches could often throw up unexpected results.
“Obviously they haven’t lost for two years, and Noradjuha-Quantong are a hard match up on their day, but I’m just hoping we can get in there and give it our best shot against Harrow,” he said.
“History is littered with plenty of undefeated teams getting rolled.”
Hargreaves pinpointed one match in particular during the season that was crucial to the Swifts’ season.
“Trying to get the double chance, especially with Noradjuha-Quantong being the third-placed side, beating them at home when they came to play us the first time was critical,” he said.
“We took the four points off them and gave them to ourselves, so I was really pleased we got that over the line.
“That probably stands out as one that we really needed to win to keep that double chance.
“Teams over the last probably 10 or whatever years, I don’t know if any teams have won the flag without the double chance.”
Hargreaves said the Swifts have been hit by injuries and suspensions to key position players – which at times had hurt them.
“We’ve had a few players get suspended for chunks of time,” he said.
“It’s probably nothing malicious in those either – it’s just the way the rules are interpreted now with the tackling. “If they get hurt, you’re in trouble.
“We’ve had some injuries to some key players that we’ve had to manage as well.
“But the thing about us this year is we actually had some depth, which has been good.
“We’ve had some really good re serves players able to come into the senior lineup and fill a role.
“Years gone by, you might just be picking your best reserves player, but we’ve built up depth now ... which has been pretty handy for us.”
Hargreaves named the Swifts best players this season as Summers and Ryan Folkes.
“They’re equally as important,” he said.
“Paul, he’s the leading goal-kicker in the league and I think Ryan will go close to winning the league medal.
“He’s been on ball and he’s just an ab solute beast, the way he’s been explod ing away from packs.
“He’s been a Swift player his whole life, but he’s come and gone a little bit between us and Great Western, and he came back this year and I just knew there was something special going on.”
Paul Summers
Summers was the first key forward to pass the century for goals in a number of years. His total of 115 goals during the home and away season has won him the goal-kicking award for the league, well and truely ahead of the next best on 56 goals. He has kicked 10 goals or more on four occasions this season, including the past two matches leading into finals, and has been named in the best in 12 games. He gives the Swifts a real focal point up forward and has kicked big bags of goals against the top teams. If this continues in finals, the Baggies are a real threat.
Ryan Folkes
The key midfielder returned to the club this season. Folkes is explosive out of the contest and uses the football extremely well, often hitting his leading forwards. He has been named in the best in 12 of the 14 games he has played this season. Folkes has proved himself as one of the league’s best in season 2024.
Scott Carey
The veteran rarely plays a bad game. Carey is a three-time Dellar Medallist. He is a silky skilled left-footer who is the heart and soul of the team.
The playing coach not only provides on-field leadership to the Swifts, but is a pretty handy player himself. His desire to win the flag will inspire the Baggies during finals.
Coach: Jai Thompson
Round 1: W. 12.7 (79) d Noradjuha-Quantong 8.7 (55). Away.
Round 2: Bye.
Round 3: W. 24.16 (160) d Edenhope-Apsley 3.8 (26). Home.
Round 4: W. 22.12 (144) d Natimuk United 10.9 (69). Away.
Round 5: W. 18.7 (115) d Swifts 14.6 (90). Home.
Round 6: W. 8.6 (54) d Laharum 6.2 (38). Away.**
Round 7: W. 13.19 (97) d Rupanyup 11.11 (77). Home.
Round 8: W. 21.12 (138) d Pimpinio 8.12 (60). Away.
Round 9: W. 26.12 (168) d Kalkee 3.8 (26). Home.
Round 10: W. 32.14 (206) d Kaniva-Leeor United 2.4 (16). Away.
Round 11: W. 28.26 (194) d Taylors Lake 2.4 (16). Home.
Round 12: Bye.
Round 13: W. 19.22 (136) d Noradjuha-Quantong 4.6 (30). Home.
Round 14: W. 21.19 (145) d Edenhope-Apsley 2.3 (15). Away.
Round 15: W. 32.19 (211) d Natimuk United 5.1 (31). Home.*
Round 16: W. 16.14 (110) d Swifts 12.6 (78). Away.
Round 17: W. 9.10 (64) d Laharum 7.8 (50). Home.
Round 18: W. 18.26 (134) d Rupanyup 3.2 (20). Away.
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 2155. Against: 697. Points: 64. Percentage: 309.18.
Leading goal-kickers
Jai Thompson 52, Cody Deutscher 46, Nick Pekin 45, Michael Close 34, Rhys Daffey 29, Mitchell Grant 26, Ethan Appleton 22.
Jai Thompson
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
It would be fair to reason that Harrow-Balmoral – the Horsham District league’s reigning premier, which just completed a second straight undefeated home-and-away campaign – enters the 2024 finals with the most expectations on its shoulders.
But coach Jai Thompson maintains that his side sees itself as the hunter, not the hunted.
For Thompson, this year has been about integrating a key group of young players into the Roos’ line-up while maintaining the competitiveness that powered them to last season’s premiership.
“Coming in, we had a different-look team this year to what we had last year,” he said.
“We had to work on a few different ways that we were going to play because we had a lot of youth coming in after we lost a lot of experience and a lot of goals from last year.
“Our biggest tick was to get these young guys in and teach them a game plan that they could play, and get them involved in senior footy at a pretty high level.”
Among the incoming players to impress Thompson are hard-running small forward Rhys Daffey, who booted 23 goals in the final six games of the season, and half-back flanker George Austin, who plays with nous beyond his years.
The Roos’ young brigade has slotted seamlessly into a team that is still laden with veteran talent.
Captain Anthony Close rucks to a strong onball division including Will Plush and Peter Staude, while Thompson, Nick Pekin and Cody Deutscher have combined for 143 goals this season.
Key forward Michael Close enters the finals nursing a calf injury, but with the Roos claiming a first-week bye courtesy of their minor premiership, could push for a return in the second semi-final against Swifts.
Also important in that game will be key defender Josh Dawson, whose ability to intercept the ball across half back will be integral to curbing the impact of league-leading goal-kicker Paul Summers.
Thompson said his team had the requisite talent to win back-to-back premierships, but would need to maintain the right mindset.
“A second premiership is absolutely harder to win than a first,” he said.
“There’s not many teams that can go
back-to-back or come back with the same attitude and same mindset to be able to compete at the same level. It’s very hard.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in a position to do it before.
“When you’re in a position to try and win your first one, you’ll do anything to win it.
“You’ll run through a brick wall to be able to get there, but when you’ve got that first one it’s easy to sit back and say
‘we’ve won it now’.
“If we can see ourselves as hunting other teams down rather than being chased by everyone else, then we can continue to get better.
“That’s been our mindset the whole year.
“We want to continue to get better and not rest on our lau rels and what we’ve done.
“We want to strive to set that bar even higher.”
Jai Thompson
The tough on-baller and inspirational coach has had a standout season. He pushes forward and hits the scoreboard. He is a favourite for the Dellar Medal this year and has his team primed to win its second premiership in two years.
The former Brisbane Lion has dominated across half forward this year. His ability to work hard to help his defence and then push forward to provide a target has seen him dominate marking contests. A calf injury might curtail his influence on the early finals games the Roos play.
Playing more as a forward than an onballer, the former coach is tough at the contest and dangerous in the air. If not given the respect he deserves he can quickly carve up opposition teams.
Cody Deutscher
Tall, skilled and versatile, Deutscher is a proven finals performer, already having won two premierships with 2018 and 2019. He returned to the side this season after two years at Coleraine to great effect, booting 46 goals, and has the ability to play multiple positions.
Coach: Kylie King
Round 1: W. 56 d Natimuk United 21. Home.
Round 2: L. 40 to Swifts 49. Away.
Round 3: L. 46 to Laharum 63. Home.
Round 4: L. 45 to Rupanyup 49. Away.
Round 5: W. 53 d Pimpinio 28. Home.
Round 6: L. 32 to Kalkee 55. Away.**
Round 7: Bye
Round 8: W. 45 d Taylors Lake 38. Home.
Round 9: L. 33 to Noradjuha-Quantong 66. Away.
Round 10: W. 56 d Harrow-Balmoral 34. Home.
Round 11: L. 45 to Edenhope-Apsley 52. Away.
Round 12: W. 59 d Swifts 47. Home.*
Round 13: W. 48 d Natimuk United 45. Away.
Round 14: L. 41 to Laharum 70. Away.
Round 15: L. 35 to Rupanyup 53. Home.
Round 16: W. 51 d Pimpinio 39. Away.
Round 17: L. 45 to Kalkee 60. Home.
Round 18: Bye.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 7. Lost: 9. For: 730. Against: 769.
Points: 28. Percentage: 94.93.
Nikki Hawker
Hawker has stepped up to the goal attack position beautifully this season. Having played every game, she has shot 273 goals, with her highest scoring game against the Swifts in round 12 where she netted 31 goals.
Ruby Gordon
The Cougars goal-keeper is a young gun to watch both in this finals series and the future. Also playing in the 15 and Under team, Gordon plays mostly de fence in A Grade but can play either end of the court.
BY LAUREN HENRY
hen Kaniva-Leeor United pulled together four quarters and showed a true team effort this season, the results spoke for themselves.
Finishing in sixth spot on the ladder on 28 points, just sneaking in ahead of Swifts and Natimuk on 24 points, the Cougars had a winloss record of 7-9.
They will need to draw on everything they have when they play Rupanyup in an elimination final at Harrow on Saturday.
A Grade coach Kylie King said the side had set a goal in the preseason to make finals –and had now achieved that.
“We wanted to make the six, where we finished there really wasn’t a priority,” she said.
“Once you’ve made the six, anything can
“So just finishing in the top six has been the target and that has been met and we can tick
“Now we’ve got to look to the business end, now that we’ve made it, and we start
King said significant injuries to key players early in the season had impacted the Cougars’
“Halfway through the season our position wasn’t looking great, so to dig deep, despite having, I would say, a horror run with injuries for the season, which was something that our players all overcame, I’m really thrilled for them that they could do that,” she said.
“We lost our goal shooter in round
one to an ACL knee injury, and then we lost our goal attack in about round five or six with a broken hand, so she missed seven weeks of the season.
“To overcome all of that and still place in the top six, I’ve been really thrilled.”
King said the Cougars were blessed with versatile players and the ability to draw on players from lower grades to cover the injuries.
“Luckily we had enough depth in the club that we could draw on a couple of our B Grade players to come up and help fill spots, but we also had, right from the start of the season at selections time, a really versatile side,” she said.
“So I was able to take my two defenders, and put them into those goal shooting positions, and they proved to be outstanding.
“Being able to switch ends like that and having a versatile side was probably the key to being able to hang in there.”
The win over the Swifts in round 12, where the Cougars won 59-47 was a standout game in the eyes of King.
“The second time we met Swifts and beat them, I think that was our turning point,” King said.
“That was a pivotal game that if we hadn’t won, I reckon our season was probably in doubt. And then getting that late win against Pimpinio was also crucial. They were the two in the second half of the season that we really focused on making sure we got those four points.”
BY LAUREN HENRY
With a new-look lineup in 2024, Edenhope-Apsley A Grade certainly hasn’t produced the same results as the previous two seasons that resulted in premiership success.
Last year the Saints enjoyed a 10-goal win against Laharum in the grand final.
But the Saints had a mass exodus of high-level netballers over the summer, and went into this season with just one regular A Grade player, Lavinia Fox, still in their side.
From the outset, co-coaches Sarah Domaschenz and Paris Hardwick earmarked this season as a rebuilding year.
But for a team rebuilding, achieving a win-loss record of 9-7 and sitting in fifth position on the ladder has to be judged as higher than a pass mark.
Tahlia Sailor, a new recruit from Donald, stepped up to play a key role in the goal ring, while Domaschenz and Fox regularly featured in the Saints’ best players.
“Lavinia has been a key in our attacking end, and Rebecca Heath has been consistent in defence and remarkable in playing with a different defender almost every week,” Hardwick said.
“Jasmine McIntyre has been another standout – as our junior development player, she has cemented a full-time position in our A Grade side after playing back-to-back games as an Under 17 player.”
Hardwick said the co-coaches had been appreciative of the support, cohesiveness and culture at Edenhope-Apsley Football Netball Club.
“Our main challenge has been player availability –after losing 27 senior players last year, we have been short on numbers,” she said.
“However we have always ran our A and B squad together so our A Grade is always well supported.”
Hardwick said despite the challenges, the aim for the Saints was to go as deep into the finals as pos sible.
“We are proud of our efforts this season and for securing a finals position,” she said.
“Our first final is the first time this season that we have the ability to select from a full A Grade side.”
Hardwick said a highlight of the Saints’ season was its match against Noradjuha-Quantong in round 12.
“We knew this would be a difficult game. We had a depleted team but were incredibly proud of our side after beating a top three side,” she said.
“We held our heads high and remained composed to come away with the four points.”
The Noradjuha-Quantong win was part of a fourgame winning streak for the Saints in the middle part of the season, between rounds 11 and 14.
But Edenhope-Apsley hasn’t been in good form late in the season – losing the past three matches, including to Laharum by 55 goals on Saturday, and prior to that Swifts by two goals, and Natimuk by 15.
The Saints will need to recapture some of that mid-season magic in this week end’s elimination final against the fourthplaced Kalkee at Pimpinio on Sunday.
The two teams last played in round 10 where Kalkee won 45 to 36.
Co-coaches: Sarah Domaschenz and Paris Hardwick
Round 1: W. 53 d Taylors Lake 43. Away.
Round 2: L. 41 to Noradjuha-Quantong 59. Home.
Round 3: W. 56 d Harrow-Balmoral 43. Away.
Round 4: Bye.
Round 5: W. 48 d Natimuk United 37. Home.
Round 6: W. 48 d Swifts 41. Away.
Round 7: L. 45 to Laharum 47. Home.
Round 8: L. 22 to Rupanyup 58. Away.
Round 9: W. 57 d Pimpinio 31. Home.
Round 10: L. 36 to Kalkee 45. Away.
Round 11: W. 52 d Kaniva-Leeor 45. Home.
Round 12: W. 34 to Noradjuha-Quantong 28. Away.
Round 13: W. 68 d Taylors Lake 40. Home.*
Round 14: W. 39 d
Round
A versatile midcourt player, Kealy has played every game this season. She works well with fellow midcourters to force turnovers and give the Saints’ goalers opportunities to score.
to
Coach: Paula Wiedermann
Round 1: W. 55 d Swifts 29. Home.
Round 2: L. 37 to Laharum 57. Away.
Round 3: W. 36 d Rupanyup 35. Home.
Round 4: W. 62 d Pimpinio 29. Away.
Round 5: Bye
Round 6: W. 55 d Kaniva-Leeor United 32. Home.
Round 7: W. 68 d Taylors Lake 30. Away.*
Round 8: L. 41 to Noradjuha-Quantong 48. Home.
Round 9: W. 65 d Harrow-Balmoral 30. Away.
Round 10: W. 45 d Edenhope-Apsley 36. Home.
Round 11: W. 56 d Natimuk United 34. Away.
Round 12: L. 31 to Laharum 53. Home.
Round 13: W. 59 d Swifts 33. Away.
Round 14: L. 27 to Rupanyup 35. Away.**
Round 15: W. 61 d Pimpinio 28. Home.
Round 16: Bye
Round 17: W. 60 d Kaniva-Leeor United 45. Away.
Round 18: W. 62 d Taylors Lake 19. Home.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 820. Against: 573.
Points: 48. Percentage: 142.11.
Jarrah Martin
Having played most of the season in goals, Martin has shot 308, with her highest tally coming against Pimpinio in round four, scoring 40. The young gun is a development program success story, having played 17-and-under last year while playing A Grade.
Penny Fisher
The Horsham District netball veteran has been an experienced and steady hand in defence for Kalkee this season. Mostly playing at goal defence, Fisher has regularly featured in the best players.
BY LAUREN HENRY
or the past 10 years, there hasn’t been a season where Kalkee has not won a netball premiership at some level in Horsham District league.
But you have to look back to 2010 to find the last A Grade flag the Kees won.
It’s that elusive A Grade premiership that this year’s A Grade team is chasing.
But having finished fourth on the ladder, Kalkee will need to step up against a hotly-
Coach Paula Wiedermann said the Kees were aiming to make the grand final.
“We’ve had some fantastic games in the lead up to finals and hopefully we continue to get stronger with playing weekly,” she said.
“We have a few players at the moment who have been owning their positions recently, but our senior players, with their experience and knowledge in leading the team, will no doubt play a huge role for us in the finals.”
Wiedermann struggled to pinpoint standout players in her side this season, as the success of Kalkee’s top team relied on a team effort.
“Each team member knows what we are asking from them, especially in finals, and if each one does their job role, we should be able to have success,” she said.
Wiedermann said she was ‘extremely happy’ with the development of the A Grade team
“We have a very young side with over half of our players being 21
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years and under. It’s a great balance with the experience of our senior players and for the future of our club for years ahead,” she said.
Kalkee went into season 2024 with an aim to develop its junior players, and they did that across all grades of senior netball.
“Due to having such a young development squad, like all country clubs, one of the challenges we were faced with was supporting these young players who have had to move away to develop their careers,” Wiedermann said.
“This was challenging as we had to find a balance between work and university commitments, trainings and game days.”
Kalkee had a 12-4 win-loss record this season, with its four losses including Laharum twice in round 12 by 22 goals and in round two by 20 goals; Noradjuha-Quantong in round eight by seven goals; and Rupanyup in round 14 by eight goals.
“Our second contest against Rupanyup for this year was certainly an important game for positioning on the ladder,” Wiedermann said.
“Knowing that we were the only team in the top four to play Laharum twice has been a disadvantage in the ladder positioning at the end of the season.”
To achieve their premiership dreams, Kalkee must first overcome Edenhope-Apsley in an elimination final on Sunday at Pimpinio. The winner will then play the winner of the other elimination final between Rupanyup and Kaniva-Leeor United in week two of the finals series.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
Rupanyup will have to do it the hard way to win the premiership, but that’s exactly what its aim is in 2024.
After a strong finals series last year where they finished in sixth place but won their way through to the preliminary final, it was no surprise the Panthers went into season 2024 as one of the teams to beat. This season they have finished third on the District league A Grade ladder, with a 13-3 win-loss record. They were agonisingly short of second spot, and a double chance, by just 0.65 per cent.
But the Panthers can take confidence that those three losses, to Kalkee, one goal; Laharum, one goal; Noradjuha-Quantong, two goals; were matches that could have gone either way.
There’s been plenty to like about Rupanyup’s season, highlighted by a seven-game winning streak that was bought to an end by a one-goal loss to Laharum, the team which has ended the home-andaway season undefeated.
Mid-season recruits, defender Lucy Bussenschutt and goaler and midcourter Bianca Drum, have bolstered the Panthers’ stocks, providing more depth to the squad, and combining well with consistent performers such as defender Victoria Taylor and Gemma Morgan who has been one of Rupanyup’s big improvers this season.
A Grade coach Jedda Heard, who moving from Wimmera league club Horsham Demons to coach Rupanyup, has filled many holes this season, playing as a goaler, defender and midcourter.
Heard said the Panthers were striving to play in the grand final – and win it.
“There are things we still need to work on and we’ll be work ing on those throughout the finals series. But the goal is to go all the way,” she said.
Heard said coming into the season, the Panthers were low on numbers and needed to recruit.
“I think we’ve done re ally well considering we were a new team at the start of this year,” she said.
“We’ve worked on a lot of things and we’ve really grown as a team and con nected. There’s been things we’ve needed to work on, but we’ve been willing to.
“Putting in the time to do that has been really crucial.”
Heard said performances against top teams Laharum, Noradjuha-Quantong and Kalkee had given the Pan thers confidence.
“We know in our minds we can do it – we can beat those teams. Those games have all been very close. We probably did it ourselves – we threw too many away or made too many mistakes and that cost us,” she said.
Rupanyup will play Kaniva-Leeor United in an elimination final on Satur day at Harrow.
Round
38. Away.
Zanaiya Bergen
Bergen has provided a focal point in attack, and converting strongly – she shot 562 goals during the home-and-away season, which was second-highest goal tally in District league A Grade. Meg Cashin
After crossing this season from Wimmera league side Minyip-Murtoa, Cashin has been a consistent performer, providing stability in the midcourt.
Coach: Fiona Rowe
Round 1: W. 58 d Harrow-Balmoral 33. Home.
Round 2: W. 59 d Edenhope-Apsley 41. Away.
Round 3: W. 48 d Natimuk United 20. Home.
Round 4: W. 62 d Swifts 37. Away.
Round 5: L. 33 to Laharum 36. Home.
Round 6: L. 41 to Rupanyup 51. Away.
Round 7: W. 53 d Pimpinio 29. Home.
Round 8: W. 48 d Kalkee 41. Away.
Round 9: W. 66 d Kaniva-Leeor United 33. Home.
Round 10: W. 79 d Taylors Lake 39. Away.
Round 11: Bye
Round 12: L. 28 to Edenhope-Apsley 34. Home.
Round 13: W. 69 d Harrow-Balmoral 32. Away.
Round 14: W. 66 d Natimuk United 32. Home.
Round 15: W. 53 d Swifts 32. Home.
Round 16: Bye
Round 17: W. 38 to Rupanyup 36. Home.
Round 18: W. 54 d Pimpinio 22. Away.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 855. Against: 548.
Points: 52. Percentage: 156.02.
Brooke Pay
The ever-consistent goal defender leads by example every match. Every attacking player in the league finds it hard to match up on Pay, who the Bombers will rely on in finals.
Shannon Couch and Taylor Shelley
The Bombers goalers are both big-game players, with coach Fiona Rowe looking forward to seeing them step it up in the final series.
Shelley
“I felt that all came together against the quality side of Rupanyup. We rate them extremely highly.”
Although finals are on their mind, the Bombers are taking it one week at a time.
“We’re not looking too far ahead, and we have been focusing on being mindful and being present,” Rowe said.
“Whether we finish second or third at the end of the day doesn’t matter because we will go and we’ll play any team that we come up against.
“We have a super bunch of girls who continue to challenge each other every week to become better.”
Rowe said for her, the highlight of the season was witnessing all the players ‘getting around each other and supporting each other’.
“Their commitment towards each other and their connection has just continued to flourish this year,” she said.
“They always get around each other, whether we’re down or whether we’re up, and it’s such a positive environment to be involved in.”
Rowe said goal defence Brooke Pay had been integral to the Bombers’ success this season.
“She is amazing on the court, she’s our leader,” she said.
“But at times everyone has stood up and played their role.”
BY LAUREN HENRY
Red-hot favourite to win this year’s Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade netball premiership is the undefeated Laharum.
The Demons have won all 16 matches during the home-and-away season, with its closest games against Noradjuha-Quantong, Rupanyup and EdenhopeApsley, all with margins of less than five goals.
After coming off second best in the past two grand finals, Laharum will no doubt be eager to have its name etched on the A Grade premiership cup.
Despite one of the competition’s dominant sides in A Grade, it’s been five years since the Demons have won a premiership – although it was minor premier in 2021 during the COVID-19 interrupted season.
Led by captain Olivia Jones-Story in the centre, the Demons have many experienced netballers in their mix, including Iredell sisters – Ema and Maddie, and Caitlin Jones-Story.
None more so than their playing coach Rebecca McIntyre, a highly decorated player and coach in the Horsham District league, who has won five A Grade district league premierships – four with NoradjuhaQuantong in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2012 and the Demons in 2019.
McIntyre, a key defender, said her team would use all their experience to thrive in the pressure of finals.
“We don’t get too far ahead of ourselves – we’ve been around for a long time,” she said.
“For us it’s not about anything that’s happened before. It’s what happens now. This is the best time of the year. That’s why we play – for finals – it’s what everyone plays for.”
McIntyre said despite being undefeated, her team would reset for finals because ‘the final se ries is where everyone starts on scratch’.
“Obviously everyone’s coming after us because we finished on top – we absolutely know that – but we welcome that and we challenge ourselves to continue to get better,” she said.
“We’re grateful to be in the position that we are, but we are also not complacent and continue to work really hard to step it up to that level we know we can play. But, we just come back to what we can do and what we can control, and that’s something that we’ve worked on a lot over the last few years, and something that we continue to keep making a prior ity is that we can only control us.”
McIntyre said she expected a close finals series.
“The final series is exciting because it’s so close. It’s probably the closest it’s been in a long time so we know on any given day, any team can win,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve had our best yet, so I look forward to hopefully challenging the girls to get that come next Saturday. This is it. This is what we play for and we will all be out there to give it our absolute best.”
Laharum will have a week’s rest before a sec ond semi-final against Noradjuha-Quantong on Saturday, August 31 at Edenhope.
Round
zling form late in the season and will be hoping to carry that good form as she takes on the league’s best shooters in the finals.
