The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, August 23, 2023

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Anational campaign celebrating vocational learning bodes well for the Wimmera and southern Mallee and its strong employment prospects, leaders say.

National Skills Week, which began on Monday, also highlights the unique challenges affecting the region, including low unemployment figures and the related difficulty in attracting suitable candidates.

Federation University Wimmera campus director Christine Brown said there were many opportunities for people in the Wimmera and

southern Mallee wanting to pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship, with Federation TAFE delivering training in areas affected by a skills shortage.

“We take enrolments in numerous in-demand areas identified in the Wimmera Southern Mallee skills plan,” she said.

“These include electrical, plumbing, engineering, building and construction, and automotive industries, as well as offering traineeships in early childhood education, health and community services, including through our partnerships with Grampians Health and East Grampians Health Service.”

FINALS FEVER: Kalkee and Rupanyup launched Horsham District league A Grade netball finals on Saturday with a competitive elimination performance. Panthers playing-coach Georgia Hiscock defends Kalkee shooter Jarrah Martin in Rupanyup’s 57-28 win. Finals continue this week between Edenhope-Apsley and Laharum on Saturday and Rupanyup and Noradjuha-Quantong on Sunday. Story, page 68. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

The priorities for the region were developed in line with the Victorian Skills Plan, released by the State Government last year.

“The benefit to an apprenticeship or traineeship is that students get paid while they learn,” Ms Brown said.

She said the emphasis of National Skills Week on changing perceptions around hands-on work, with the week setting out to challenge outdated myths, reinforced the value of these professions in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

“In my experience, the perception of apprenticeships and train-

eeships is quite strong, given the employment opportunities they provide,” she said.

“We promote this fact through Federation TAFE and our course offerings through VET delivered to secondary schools, VETDS, and pathways.”

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said the main challenge in the region, when it came to getting people into apprenticeships and traineeships, was very low unemployment figures.

Continued page 3

Power station hub opening doors

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Aproposed $170-million power station near Horsham is among important infrastructure projects to position, and transition, the region for a renewable energy future.

The Horsham Energy Hub proposal involves building a firming power station on the Western Highway at Burnt Creek, providing support to other renewables such as wind and solar and filling the gaps when they cannot supply sufficient power.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said the proposal was among an ongoing and evolving suite of infrastructure proposals and projects that could ‘change the narrative’ of the region – from its traditional agricultural production, to embracing energy production opportunities.

The project consists of a 60MW gas turbine power plant and a 20MW hydrogen electrolysis plant.

It would help ‘firm’ and stabilise intermittent renewable energy generation across western Victoria and the wider east coast of Australia by filling the gaps when other renewable energy sources such as wind or solar cannot supply sufficient power.

Mr Sounness said projects such as the Horsham Energy Hub could set about a chain reaction for jobs and business growth, and could trigger benefits for residents and the community in terms of housing, health and education developments.

“We have a transformation ahead of us and these types of projects – wind energy, solar energy, gas firming, batteries – will all be occurring in our region,” he said.

“It will create lots of exciting career opportunities for local people and businesses, who have the opportunity to service these – both during construction and ongoing.

“We look in the past at the opportunities that have come from investments so far.

“Local businesses are growing and, we’ll see more and more of that. The opportunity for our region, and the challenge for our region, is how we maximise the benefit for our region.”

Drop-in information sessions are open to the public at the Wimmera Business Centre on August 29 and 30 from noon to 6pm, and at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange on August 30 from noon to 1.30pm.

Energy Transition Solutions, the Horsham Energy Hub developers, are

Eyes open to opportunities

From page 1

Mr Sounness said statistically, there were lots of apprenticeships and other opportunities available, but they were not always being taken up, for different reasons.

“Young people here take on jobs while at school or straight out of school,” he said.

“They feel a lot of loyalty to that person who gave them that first job.

“It’s probably more common in the Wimmera and southern Mallee than in other areas – employers are good at looking after their staff and employees feel comfortable there.

“This isn’t a fault of the employer, but it is about ensuring you are creating the opportunity for the next 16 year-old and for the other person taking the next step in their career.

“It’s also about making sure people open their eyes to the opportunities that are available to them.”

Mr Sounness said further possibilities would become available in coming years with agriculture, allied health, renewable energy and mining all set to become major employers in the region.

“There’s going to be a real opportunity to earn wages equivalent to anywhere in the state, which hasn’t always been the case,” he said.

Mr Sounness said with a shortage of available housing in the region, most of these opportunities would be available to people already living in the area.

“When it comes to raising a family, research shows it is easier when you have strong family support, which is more likely to be the case if you stay local,” he said.

Mr Sounness said people considering a trade should talk to a career counsellor, the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, or contact local busi-

nesses. “Depending on how entrepreneurial you are, if you want to be an electrician, get in contact with an electrician – they are always keen to help people wanting to have a go,” he said.

Skillinvest regional operations manager Jodi Bigmore said another challenge for employers was finding suitable candidates for an apprenticeship or traineeship.

“We work with schools to refer students for roles, as well as other agencies to source candidates,” she said.

“There are a range of trade apprenticeships available through Skillinvest as well as business administration, payroll, and aged care traineeships, just to name a few. We work with host employers and candidates to arrange an apprenticeship or traineeship across most industries.”

• National Skills Week feature, pages 21-28

carrying out an assessment of potential impacts to environmental, cultural heritage and social values.

Developers will submit a report to Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny by late 2023 and seek approval by early 2024.

Horsham Energy Hub project development manager Tim Vesey said should the project gain relevant approvals, construction could commence in 2025 and operations could begin in 2026.

It would create 150 jobs during construction and five full-time jobs in the longer term.

“Our Horsham Energy Hub project will include a 60MW gas turbine power plant, capable of providing reliable energy to more than 25,000 residences and 15,000 businesses across Western Victoria,” Mr Vesey said.

“The project will also involve a 20MW hydrogen electrolysis plant producing hydrogen to help generate power.

“Natural gas will initially be sourced from traditional supplies to blend with the hydrogen produced at the site.

“The electrolysis process to produce hydrogen will be powered by excess energy produced by wind and solar facilities in the region.”

Clean hydrogen is an important part of Australia’s quest to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with contributions in areas such as grid firming, transport and industry, including farming.

Australia is targeting 80 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030 and aims to be a significant player in supply to the global hydrogen industry.

Mr Vesey said about 7.5ha of the Horsham Energy Hub site would be set aside to protect an existing remnant buloke woodland.

He said a Western Highway truck stop, next to the Horsham Energy Hub entrance, would be unaffected.

People wanting more information, and to download a fact sheet, can go to energyts.com.au/our-projects

Health service extends shifts

West Wimmera Health Service will introduce 10-hour night shifts at its hospitals and aged-care facilities.

Clinical services executive director Cheree Schneider said longer shifts sought to offer more consistent care for patients and residents, and dedicated time for handing over patient care.

She said 10-hour night shifts meant staff worked fewer days in a week

–particularly full-time staff – allowing for longer periods of rest between shifts.

She said an overlap between the morning and afternoon shifts would enable time for education sessions, quality activities and staff meetings. She said staff were ‘overwhelmingly’ in support of the change.

The health service is based in Jeparit, Kaniva, Rainbow, Natimuk and Nhill.

Enforcing outstanding vote fines

People with outstanding fines for failing to vote in the 2022 State Election are urged to act before the matter is referred to Fines Victoria.

People who failed to vote in the November 2022 election will start receiving a penalty reminder notice this week, which carries a fee of $27.70 in addition to the original $92 fine.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel advised recipients of a penalty reminder notice to act as soon

as possible. “If you receive a penalty reminder notice in the mail, you have three options: Pay the fine, request an internal review, or elect to go to court,’ he said.

Mr Bluemmel said people had 28 days to respond.

He said people wanting more information, or seeking assistance, could phone 1300 551 575 or go to vec.vic. gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews

CHANGING LANDSCAPE: Horsham Energy Hub commercial manager Jade Rowarth, left, technical manager James McMahon and development manager Tim Vesey, right, at the Burnt Creek site of the proposed energy hub. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Roadside drainage a priority

Horsham Rural City Council is working hard to repair the municipality’s roads following consecutive wet winters and last year’s spring flood.

Key to road maintenance in rural areas is the upkeep of roadside drains and culverts – which prevents water from laying over roads or inundating nearby crops.

Council has a crew dedicated to rural roadside drainage maintenance which includes cleaning and shaping drains and cleaning or replacing culverts.

Since last year HRCC’s crews have rectified more than 300 drainage defects on rural roads. But there are many more roads that require drainage work.

Infrastructure Director John Martin said while maintenance happened year-round, it usually took a heavy rain event to reveal where the worst problems were.

“We make decisions about where repairs are made first by assessing the severity of the problems the defective drain is causing. We also refer to the priorities in our Road Management Plan,” Mr Martin said.

“Council acknowledge the community’s frustration in relation to the damaged road network and has been working on repairing as many of our roads as possible.

“We have all of our graders working every

day they possibly can, weather permitting. Our drainage crew is also working at full capacity.

“We know that there is plenty more work to do right across the municipality,” he said.

HRCC maintains only drains located within a Council road reserve. This includes channels and table drains at the side of the road pavement and culverts crossing beneath the road pavement.

Council is not responsible for culverts that allow vehicle access to private land. Each landholder is responsible for providing,

PUBLIC TOILETS TO BE UPGRADED

maintaining, and replacing these culverts.

Regional Roads Victoria is responsible for maintaining highways and major roads.

Council has allocated $6.8 million to roads in its 2023-24 Budget, with more than $5.5 million assigned for rural roads.

REPORT A DRAINAGE ISSUE

To request repairs to a HRCC-managed road, visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/ service-request.

TENDERS AND RFQ

Q06/2024

DETAILED DESIGN OF 2 RECREATION PARKS FROM CONCEPT DESIGNS

Detailed design and construction drawings for Sunnyside and Skate Park precincts

Closes 12noon, Friday 1 September

Q23-032

NETBALL PAVILION CONSTRUCTION

Construction of a netball pavilion and associated infrastructure and landscaping at Horsham City Oval

Closes 12noon, Monday 11 September 24-004

LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT- THE STATION YOUTH CENTRE

Undertake works at the front sections of the Council facility known as “The Station”, 14-16 Pynsent St Horsham

Closes 12noon, Tuesday 12 September

All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

Children’s Book Week competition

Four public toilets in Horsham are set to be upgraded over the coming weeks.

Facilities at the Botanic Gardens, Weir Park, Baker Street (former Visitor Information Centre) and the Woolworths carpark will be refurbished inside and out.

Horsham’s D.L.W McMaster Property Maintenance has been awarded the contract with works including plumbing, electrical, building and painting.

New fittings will include stainless-steel toilets, cubicles, hand dryers as well as painting and flooring renovations.

Works will be done in stages and the project will be fully completed by mid November.

The toilets will be unavailable at certain times during the works, with signage in place.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said clean, safe and accessible public toilets

played a major role in the liveability of the city for residents and visitors.

“All of these facilities were showing their age and the community told us that upgrades were needed,” he said.

“Council aims to maintain our public facilities in good order so they can be used by our community and visitors for years to come.

“The facility will be lighter, brighter and more modern and the upgrade replaces aged equipment with more robust fittings.”

The $236,000 project has been funded under HRCC’s Capital Works Program. Council is considering future options for public toilets in Roberts Avenue and at Horsham City Rowing Club.

More information regarding those facilities will be available as part of next year’s budget process.

Next Council Meeting: Monday 28 August 2023 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham |

Wimmera Libraries is hosting a Children’s Book Week competition open to primary school children.

This competition allows children to be creative, and express their love and passion for their favourite book character.

Participants can either write to Wimmera Libraries explaining who their favourite book character is or illustrate their favourite book character doing something they love to do. There are three categories that children can enter into:

• Prep and younger

• Grade 1 to 3

• Grade 4 to 6.

Entrants should include their name, school grade or age and contact number on the back of their entry.

Submit your entries via email: info@wimmeralibraries.com.au or bring them to the Horsham Library, 28 McLachlan Street. The competition closes Saturday 26 August 2023.

Winners will be announced on the Wimmera Libraries Facebook page on Friday 1 September 2023.

BOOK WEEK STORY TIME

Horsham Library will host a Book Week Storytime event on Friday at 10.30am. Pre-school children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character.

| Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au HRCC News

Review of city’s parking strategy

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Horsham

Rural City Council is calling for ‘constructive’ feedback when a review of the regional city’s parking strategy begins soon.

The council’s director communities and place, Kevin O’Brien, said the review, from next month, sought to understand people’s perceptions of the usability of parking, including the number of meters, time limits and zones.

The council has already received significant feedback which will also inform the review.

“Constructive feedback will help to make a more user-friendly parking management system,” he said.

Mr O’Brien’s comments come a week after the council and Horsham police called out ‘abhorrent’ behaviour directed towards local laws officers –including verbal abuse and threats; and the posting of images to social media Mr O’Brien says are intended to ‘incite unrest’.

The behaviour relates to the management of parking, including the introduction of new parking meters in Horsham’s city centre in March.

Comments on The Weekly Advertiser’s Facebook page also contained a series of questions and allegations in response to the article, which were submitted to the council.

Mr O’Brien denied allegations that officers had issued fines while people were paying for parking.

He said the council had received a number of complaints since March, many of which have been resolved.

“Community safety officers are trained and observe the meters and movements of pedestrians. This generally ensures that motorists are not fined if they are in the process of paying for their parking,” he said.

“The number plate checking is done by the ANPR system that is the same as used in road camera cars.

“As we do not know who belongs to what vehicle in the street, it is possible that a fine can occur under these circumstances on the odd occasion. The appeal process is in place for these reasons.”

Mr O’Brien said individual councils made decisions, independently, on the use of parking meters.

Horsham council wants to encourage turnover of vehicles and people in Horsham’s central business district and increase foot traffic to businesses.

It expects to gain about $90,000 in revenue from parking during this financial year, which is returned to projects that develop and maintain the city centre.

The initial rollout of 60 new parking meters cost the council $541,859 plus annual fees of about $39,000 across a five-year contract for software licences, ongoing integration with the council’s corporate software system and maintenance.

“It is a decision by individual councils to make. They need to determine demand for parking in their CBDs and the best way to manage this to ensure access and-or turnover,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This looks different for each city or town. They also need to determine the best way to manage the parking arrangements, for example, time restrictions and technology used.”

The responsibility of local laws officers lies well beyond managing parking. They have delegations to enforce the CFA Act, Domestic Animals Act, Emergency Management Act, EPA Act, graffiti, Livestock Act, Land Act, Local Government Act, Road Management Act, Road Safety Act and Summary Offence Act.

Mr O’Brien said local laws officers were clearly identifiable.

“Local laws officers have branded shirts and jackets and carry their ID and delegations at all times. Officers will display credentials upon request as per the Local Government Act,” he said.

“The people taking photographs of staff must have been able to identify them as employees in order to take the specific pictures.

“The taking of photos in general is fine; the issue is that the people taking staff photographs are doing it to incite anger.

“The comments attached to these photos on social media are threatening and seen by staff members’ family and friends. Staff would have no issue if their photo was taken by mistake. It is not okay when it is used as a measure to incite unrest.”

Officers began wearing body cameras in June last year in an attempt to combat antisocial behaviour. The cameras are not recording at all times and officers must advise people before recording begins.

Local laws co-ordinator Jason Brady said the fleeting nature of many interactions meant the interaction was often over before cameras could be utilised.

Mr O’Brien said the cameras enabled officers to record abusive or aggressive behaviour and report it to police.

“Evidence suggests that people moderate their behaviour when they are aware that they are being subject to surveillance,” he said.

He acknowledged community concerns about the conduct of local laws officers, who he said were required to adhere to the council’s code of conduct for all staff. He called on people with concerns to submit a complaint through formal channels.

“Council expects its staff to act professionally at all times,” he said.

“The threats and abuse that community safety staff are getting from some drivers at the moment is abhorrent and unacceptable.

“It is understood that due to this, that despite being trained in these circumstances, staff may respond in a slightly more aggressive manner than if they were treated with respect.

“All staff complaints are taken seriously and they are addressed through council’s complaints process.”

People wanting to submit feedback can do so at Horsham Civic Centre, in Roberts Avenue, email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or submit comments online via hrcc.vic.gov.au/parking-feedback

show time It’s

Horsham Primary School students are busy preparing to take the stage for a school production on Wednesday next week.

Horsham Primary School performing arts teacher Alana Finn said the production was called ‘When I grow up’.

“We have a cast of 61 people, which has been quite a massive task,” she said.

“It is a show that is lighthearted, funny and relatable. It involves students from grades three to six.

“The students are dedicated and practising, so I’m super proud of them.”

The show will be performed at Horsham Town Hall on August 30 at 4.30pm and 7pm.

Tickets can be purchased at horsham townhall.com.au/hthevent/when-igrow-up

CURTAIN CALL: Leading cast member Ella Thomas holds Eilish Kerr with Nate Bacon during Horsham Primary School’s production rehearsal.

LEARNING LINES: Horsham Primary School students, from left, Ryan Hogan, Hunter King and Logan Christian practise their roles. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

DEDICATED: From left, Lyla Dickerson, Erin Walker and Indi Doolan in character.

Enabling Public Art

Council wants to enable the design and delivery of public art, including murals, across the shire.

The community can become involved by joining our Public Art Advisory Group.

This group will help assess our Arts and Culture Grants and provide advice on public art projects.

If you would like to join please email tina.baker@ngshire.vic.gov.au or call 03 5358 8772.

Community Update

Positions Vacant

Are you looking for a stable position, working within a friendly and careerfocused team? Visit ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers to find the job you have been looking for. We regularly update the page with temporary, part-time, and full-time positions across each of our departments.

Free Immunisation Sessions

For September to December our immunisation team are offering the following additional vaccinations at council immunisation sessions (for free):

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to all people born 19662022 who do not have documentation that they have received two doses of measles containing vaccines. We are offering this vaccine to individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history. Influenza vaccine to all children aged 6 months up to 5 years of age and adults who are eligible under the Victorian Immunisation Schedule (July 2023).

Human papillomavirus (HPV) for anyone up to and including 25 years of age who have missed their year 7 equivalent regime.

To book please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Fami ly-and-children-services/Immunisationprogram or for further information contact 03 5358 9060 or email ngsc.immunisation@ngshire.vic.gov.au

I Love Leftovers Challenge

Want to reduce food waste and save money?

Sustainability Victoria are running a 4-week email journey starting when participants sign up for the 'I Love Leftovers Challenge'.

The challenge encourages participants to reduce food waste by eating leftovers once a week, and includes recipes from Melbourne-based cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura, and the chance to win prizes!

Sign up dates:

Sunday 13 August until Saturday

9 September

For more information visit www.campaigns.sustainability. vic.gov.au/asset-library/i-loveleftovers-challenge

GET EXCITED ST ARNAUD - FOGO IS STARTING!

Delivery of FOGO Bins have started across St Arnaud. For further information, please visit https://ow.ly/CP9r50PwlfL

New milestone for Stawell laboratory

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

A

Officials from the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, built about one-kilometre underground in Stawell Gold Mine and the only underground laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere, will begin installing major equipment for the experiment in coming months.

The laboratory will house the first major dark matter experiment in Australia – the SABRE South experiment.

It mirrors an experiment in the Northern Hemisphere in Italy, ensuring seasonal variation does not impact results of dark matter detection.

Professor Phillip Urquijo, of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark

n internationally-significant experiment to understand one of the greatest mysteries of the universe, hosted underground in the Wimmera, will soon reach a new milestone.INFORMATIVE: Stawell Underground Physics manager Kim MinternLane, left, speaker Phillip Urquijo and Dark Matter Centre manager Anita Vecchies at a forum in Stawell.

Matter Particle Physics, presented a lecture in Stawell last week as part of an 18-day, national quantum and dark matter road trip.

The Stawell lecture also came during National Science Week.

“Dark matter is a mysterious substance that we can infer its exist-

ence via its interaction with gravity – through measurements of space, how the galaxies rotate and various other affects we can see, using information from outer space,” Professor Urquijo said.

“This substance actually makes up most of the mass of the universe –more than 80 percent of the mass of the universe is this stuff that we cannot see.

“It doesn’t absorb light, it doesn’t emit light. It’s invisible to light.”

Professor Urquijo said major pieces of equipment would begin to enter the laboratory, and scientists would begin to take data soon.

“To begin with, we’re going to be taking data of cosmic rays that can penetrate all the way through the rock,” he said.

“The lab itself is sitting at 1025m below the surface and it’s designed to do that so we can block out almost all of the cosmic rays that are produced,

primarily from the sun; but just a few make their way all the way through.

“We’re doing these survey measurements ahead of the installation of the main dark matter experiment and it will take more than a year, to a year and a half, to assemble all the components that make up our experiment — which is about a 150-tonne experiment, with multiple different types of detection technologies within it.”

The experiment has the potential to change the way scientists and the general public understand the universe.

It brings together scientists from across the world and puts Australia at the forefront of scientific exploration and nurtures future leaders.

Scientists will also use the Stawell laboratory for other research in the physics, geology and biology fields, providing a long-term research asset. Stawell Gold Mine is one of the deepest mines in Australia.

Veterans, their families and others in the community gathered across the Wimmera to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day on Friday.

The day commemorates the date that allied service personnel, including Australians, withdrew from Vietnam. This year’s date was the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal.

A short service was held at the Horsham Cenotaph in Sawyer Park, with speakers and the playing of the last post, followed by the laying of wreaths.

Wimmera Vietnam Veterans’ Association president Colin Hill spoke of the ‘supreme sacrifice’ of Australian servicemen, including Wimmera people James McMillan and Norman Hawker, who lost their lives while on duty.

Pastor Hans Peethala, of Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, was the keynote speaker.

Cr Les Power spoke on behalf of Horsham Rural City Council.

William ‘Bill’ Purchase, who is him-

Horsham

self a veteran, said the day was a chance to remember others who had served.

“It’s about memories of fallen comrades, plus the ones we’ve lost since we’ve come home,” he said.

“Our ranks are getting less and less.”

Mr Purchase said some of these memories could make it a challenging day.

“When you lose people over there, you don’t forget that sort of thing in a hurry,” he said.

“A few hard things come into your memory.”

Mr Purchase said in the future he hoped ‘newer’ veterans, including those who had served in Afghanistan and Kuwait, would become more involved in Australian military commemorations.

Barry Barnett, who was in the National Service when many Australians were going to Vietnam, said Veterans’ Day was about honouring the service men and women who went to Vietnam to serve their country.

REFLECTION: Barry Barnett, left, and William ‘Bill’ Purchase were among people who gathered to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day at Sawyer Park, Horsham.

Picture: SEAN O’CONNELL

Honouring all veterans

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Salter easing into retirement

BY ABBY WALTER

Cooking showcase

tive impact, I think you can say you have been successful.”

Afamiliar

face at the Horsham Police Station is retiring after almost 40 years of serving the Wimmera community.

Sergeant Michael Salter, who finished on Friday, first began his journey as a police officer in 1979 at the police academy.

“I was born in Dimboola and went to school there,” he said.

“I did year 12 in 1978 and initially I wanted to be a teacher, but my English marks weren’t high enough.

“I had some friends who were in the police force and played footy for Dimboola, and the coach in 1978 was a police officer.

“They had an impact on me and I thought I would try the police, so I submitted my paperwork in December 1978, appeared before the selection board in January and on April 23 I walked through the gates of the academy.

“I graduated out of Melbourne and went to a training station called City West. After that I went to Russell Street, I did some temp duties at South Melbourne and then went back to City West as a full member until 1984.”

Sergeant Salter transferred to Horsham in 1984 and in 1994 was promoted to Sergeant.

“I enjoy policing because you get to engage with the community,” he said.

“Someone asked me how I wanted to be remembered. I said, firstly, I want to be remembered, but I think the benchmark is that you’ve made a positive difference.

“Whether it be to someone’s life, to the community or another organisation, if you can say you have made a posi-

Sergeant Salter also took on the role of emergency management from 1994 onwards.

“I was working on partnerships with other agencies such as VicRoads, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Country Fire Authority, councils, Victoria State Emergency Service, water authorities and power authorities,” Sergeant Salter said.

“When something large happened, like Black Saturday, we could all come together, we all knew each, and it made it a lot easier when we were dealing with an issue.

“That was a rewarding part of my role – you earned your money on those days, but on Black Saturday when we lost infrastructure, we didn’t lose any lives, it was paramount.”

Sergeant Salter said he loved working with members and bringing humour to the workplace.

“It’s a serious occupation but to assist members in the longevity of the role you need to laugh at times, because if you don’t, it will eat at you,” he said.

“At times you’d run into people and your involvement with them was not positive. For example, you catch them for 0.5 or lock someone up because they’ve been fighting at the local hotel or they’re a family violence perpetrator.

“You do have to deal with car accidents, or someone has died and you have to do an investigation and tell their families, but the thing is, you don’t take that home with you.

“My positive memories far outweigh the others and I just love walking into work in the morning and seeing smiles on people’s faces, but we’ll still go

about our business at a top level. Mick Miller – former chief commissioner of Victoria Police – said to us after we graduated, ‘being a police officer, you have a front seat to the greatest live show on Earth’ and he’s right about that.”

Sergeant Salter said the time was right and after 44 years he had earned his retirement.

“As a police officer you are a shift worker. I worked Christmas Day when my kids were young, so that was hard, but it was rewarding,” he said.

“It’s a chance for me to give back to my family because there were times I wasn’t there when I was working, so now is the time.

“Initially I only came back to Horsham to be here for three or four years

and I guess time gets away from you – it’s a great place. Someone once told me if you leave Horsham you have to leave for a better place, and I never found that better place.

“I’m going to let the dust settle and slowly ease into retirement. If someone talks to me about doing emergency management consultancy, I’ll probably be interested in that, but I don’t want to be too committed.

“I’ve loved every moment and I’ve worked with really good people and that’s the most important part.

“Engaging with the community was also important because there’s only 120 of us in the station and we need the community on our side or we won’t win any battles.”

The Wimmera’s home chefs have a chance to showcase their skills in the return of West Wimmera Health Service’s cook-off event.

Organisers are encouraging people who love to create delicious recipes and cook with local ingredients, such as lentils, to apply for the competition – which aims to showcase the region’s quality produce and ingredients, while bringing enjoyment to health and nutrition.

Health promotion officer Jake Wiffen said recipes would be shortlisted and finalists would cook their recipe for celebrity chef Tim Bone, who is the guest judge for the competition in October. Mr Bone will also lead a masterclass.

Competitors must use Mount Zero Pink Lake salt, lentils, Mount Zero olives and olive oil, and Relish a Mallee Moment tomato sauce in their dish – either a main or entrée.

“Taste will not be the only winning factor, with dishes also being judged on practicality, affordability and healthiness, and how well local ingredients are featured,” Mr Wiffen said.

He said the health service’s health promotion team was organising the competition as a way of bringing enjoyment to food, and to demonstrate ways to incorporate Wimmera-grown ingredients into a mouth-watering feast.

Applications close on September 1 and can be registered via bit. ly/47CyHD4

Competitors can win a range of prizes at the final on October 22.

RIGHT TIME: Sergeant Michael Salter is retiring after 44 years of police service, including 39 years in Horsham, after enjoying his time serving the community.

Picture: ABBY WALTER

CLOSING DOWN SALE

Engagement Rings

New Rural Northwest Health Board appointed

Rural Northwest Health have recently appointed new Board Director, Chris Downes. Chris was appointed on 1 July 2023 by the Department of Health. While bidding farewell to two esteemed Directors, David Kranz and Michael Brown, who officially retired on 30 June 2023.

CENTRERNH Board Chairperson Genevieve O’Sullivan. Retiring from the Board from left David Kranz and Michael Brown

RNH Board effective 1 July 2023

Genevieve O’Sullivan [Board Chairperson]

Dr John Aitken [Deputy Chair & Chair of Governance Committee]

Prof Amanda Kenny [Chair of Clinical Governance Committee]

Dr Zivit Inbar [Chair of People, Culture & Safety Committee]

Veena Mishra

Katherine Terkuile

La Vergne Lehmann [Chair of Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee]

Chris Downes

Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Rural Northwest Health Board. Chris was born in Warracknabeal and raised on the family farm at Areegra

completing his primary and secondary schooling locally before departing for university. A science graduate with an MBA, Chris has worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector for almost 20 years across several increasingly senior commercial roles in Australia and the UK.

Welcome to the RNH Board Chris.

After three years of service and providing outstanding contributions to Rural

Northwest Health, David Kranz and Michael Brown have decided to retire from their positions as Directors. Both Michael and David have been instrumental in guiding the organisation through a difficult period for the health sector, whilst ensuring RNH remain focused on future growth and transformation. We thank them for their valuable service.

Rural Northwest Health together with the Department of Health have opened a casual board recruitment round, closing on Thursday 31 August 2023. To further strengthen RNH clinical governance and the delivery of safe care of the highest quality, the recruitment of a registered clinician is the focus, as is having a balance of local representation. If you are interested in applying, please go to the RNH website www.rnh.net.au to find out more.

Feel free to make contact with any of the current Board Directors to learn more about what is involved. Another recruitment round will open later in the year.

Anniversary Rings

Wedding Rings

Chris Downes – Board Director

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

So much support for Nevis

I would like to thank the wonderful people who have sent messages of support and offers of help to continue my work with Nevis the wedge-tailed eagle – The Weekly Advertiser, August 16. There really are angels walking among us.

Thanks also to Paul Carracher for taking the time to meet Nevis and for showcasing this majestic bird.

Stacy Whitehorse, Gerang Gerung

Many thanks to Horsham council

Old Dadswell Town had a very large tree fall from Crute’s track over its fence and blocked a side gate.

We contacted Horsham Rural City Council, and yes a worker was sent to have a look.

He agreed to have some workers there in the next week. Sure enough two tradesmen turned up with a cherry picker, loader and large chainsaws and well within a couple of hours the tree was gone!

It was great to see the marvellous job that they did. They cleaned up the mess and stacked all the wood.

So, many thanks to those tradesmen involved and thanks to the HRCC for helping us.

Max and Jenny Green

Dadswells Bridge Nationals seeking

Flood money

Wimmera and Mallee groups will repair flood-damaged infrastructure with the support of government grants.

The state and federal governments will provide more than $11.8 million to 125 voluntary committees of management across the state, under CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements after floods in October and November.

Dooen Recreation Reserve committee of management will receive a grant to repair its go-kart track; while Noradjuha Recreation Reserve’s committee will repair the playing surface, electrical systems, doors and driveways; and repairs to roads and a carpark at Riverside Recreation Reserve also received cash help.

In Northern Grampians shire, applications to conduct drainage repairs at Marnoo Soldiers Memorial Park Reserve and St Arnaud Racecourse; repairs to floor, ceiling and kitchen facilities at Navarre Public Hall; flooring repairs at Stuart Mill Public Hall; and road repairs at Stuart Mill Racecourse were successful.

Johnny Mullagh Park Reserve at Harrow and Lake Charlegrark Recreation Reserve were among recipients.

In Yarriambiack shire, grants were announced for lighting infrastructure at Beulah Recreation Reserve, replacement of doors at Bolite Recreation Reserve, wall and floor repairs at Murtoa Racecourse, and repairs to an external pump shed at Sheep Hills Recreation Reserve.

Surely we are better than this

Theabuse of Horsham’s local laws officers is a blight on our local community.

A new parking meter system, introduced earlier this year, has evoked significant commentary among residents and visitors as they learn to use the new technology –or in some cases, avoid it altogether.

And in some instances, it’s understandable. Few really like change. It can be challenging, and support and education is required to help people navigate the new.

However, hearing about the ‘sprays’, the breach of personal space, the threats that local laws officers are experiencing is sickening.

It’s disturbing, disappointing and downright wrong.

Our Wimmera community prides itself on its country hospitality; on its kindness and welcome to friends and newcomers; on having pride and passion for where we live.

So how, and why, did we get here – that it is seemingly appropriate to threaten another person, simply for doing their job.

Over a parking meter.

The decision to run the report about the local laws officers on page 1 of last week’s edition was made both reluctantly, and with a sense of duty.

Reluctance, because it paints our com-

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

munity in a terrible light. At a time when community leaders are working hard to encourage people and families to move to the region; celebrating our liveability and our unique work and lifestyle opportunities – what message does this send to those considering a tree change.

But there’s also a sense of duty, because this report is well and truly within the public interest.

We don’t condone this behaviour occurring in our towns, to our people, and using council, police and other resources to manage with such intensity.

If you see something, say something – or report it to police.

Conversely, if you have information or feedback for the council, go about it in a productive way.

People have readily available, formal channels they can utilise to submit feedback, lodge service requests or ask questions of any council.

Our community is better than this.

survey support

There’s no doubt Victoria is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

Every Victorian has been hit with mounting bills and costs, putting immense pressure on household budgets, local businesses, and jobs.

Whether it’s eye-watering power and water bills; paying the rent or mortgage repayments; filling up the car; paying our rego or licences; or buying groceries to feed our families – we’re all feeling life is getting harder under Labor.

Victorians can only be left to feel disappointed that Labor continues to break their promises.

Under Victorian Labor we are looking down the barrel of the 50th new or increased tax being introduced since 2014, despite the Premier promising no new taxes in 2014.

Interest rates and inflation have skyrocketed under Federal Labor. Both levels of government have promised cost relief, especially on power bills, but it simply hasn’t made an impact as we all experience the pressure of trying to keep up with our surging power bills.

The Nationals are looking to tackle cost of living issues head-on, with the first step being listening to you. We want to get a clear picture of how the increasing taxes and charges are impacting you and your community through a cost of living survey.

We are asking households and businesses to complete this short, but important survey to assist The Nationals in identifying solutions that can assist you now – not when the next round of empty promises are announced.

You can have your voice heard by completing our survey: vicn. at/costofliving

Emma Kealy MP Deputy Leader of The Nationals

This Saturday, August 26 9AM - 1PM

CURTAINS CLOSE: From left, Murphy Wright, Neeve Kelly and Ebony Hart during Horsham College’s production of ‘Cinderella’. The show took the stage at Horsham Town Hall last week with a cast of more than 20 students and more students behind the scenes. The production was history-making as the first school or amateur group to perform the 2013 adaption of the classic tale.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Rural Northwest Health welcomes Joseph Bermudo

Rural Northwest Health warmly welcomes Joseph Bermudo as the new Executive Manager of Clinical Services. Born in the Philippines, Joseph migrated to New Zealand in 2010 to work in Clinical Management, and then moved to Australia in 2018 taking on the role of Director of Nursing at Grampians Health – Edenhope.

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Joseph said “I know Rural Northwest Health has always had a great reputation within the region. The awards that they’ve received in past years are a true testament of the excellent service that they’ve delivered.” He is committed to ensuring that RNH continues to provide high

quality and accessible healthcare services by actively engaging with community stakeholders, while seeking feedback.

Joseph will prioritise the recruitment and retention of skilled healthcare professionals, invest in training and professional

development opportunities, and explore innovative technologies and partnerships to expand RNH’s service offerings and reach.

Joseph aims to fortify the bonds within the healthcare team. The goal is to ensure that each member’s expertise harmonizes to elevate patient outcomes, culminating in an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

Joseph is looking forward to getting to know more about Rural Northwest Health, it’s communities and the team.

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Celebration of business

Acelebration

of business talent and achievement across Ararat Rural City municipality returns later this year.

Organisers are encouraging businesses and groups to nominate for the East Grampians Business Awards, to be presented at a gala event at Ararat Town Hall on October 26.

Entries are now open across six award categories — best new business, sustainability, innovation and technology, not-for-profit, tourism and hospitality, and business of the year.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the awards, in their sixth year, celebrated local business talent and recognised the role businesses play in boosting the region’s economy and community.

Dr Harrison said the awards, and application process, had various benefits including an opportunity to perform a business ‘health check’ and receive feedback from judges; make connections with business representatives; and receive increased recognition of a business and its brand.

Finalists will receive promotion through various mediums of the media and a business profile in the gala dinner presentation; while winners receive a framed certificate and trophy to display in their business, ‘category winner’ digital ma-

terial to use for marketing purposes and a cash or promotional package for some categories.

“The East Grampians Business Awards are a great opportunity for our region’s businesses, whether small, large, rural or CBD-based, to reflect on their practices and receive recognition for a job well done,” Dr Harrison said.

“Local businesses are a vital part of our economy and community.

“As industry evolves to become smarter, flexible and more sustainable, local businesses need to respond to challenges and opportunities to thrive in today’s landscape.

“These awards help to raise the profile of the region’s leading organisations and inspire others to expand their offerings.”

All businesses located, or operating in, Ararat Rural City are eligible to apply.

Applications close on September 3.

The awards evening will also crown a people’s choice award winner, sponsored by ACE Radio.

People can vote from September 3 until October 1.

ACE Radio Horsham content director Adam Roche is master of ceremonies for the gala event.

People wanting more information, or to apply, can go to ararat.vic.gov. au/council/ceremonies/2023-eastgrampians-business-awards

HAPPY DAYS: Students at Stawell’s Skene Street Specialist School welcome the long-awaited delivery of a new 12-seater bus.

New coach delivers opportunities

Students at Stawell’s Skene Street Specialist School are riding high after the delivery of a new coach.

Variety – the Children’s Charity representatives presented students with a 12-seater ‘Variety sunshine coach’ – which will nurture independence, elevate self-confidence and enrich students’ quality of life by granting easier access to community activities, interactions and excursions.

The coach has been customised to accommodate a wheelchair. The grant was made possible with support from people who attended and supported the 2022 Variety Toyota AFL grand final lunch, Chadstone Kia, and long-term Variety supporter the Sheen Group.

ACE Radio, including The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM, is a major supporter of the charity.

The bus was due to be delivered during a regional Victorian rally earlier this year, but experienced delays.

“A new bus means the world to us all, especially our students,” a school spokesperson said.

“Interacting with the community, participating and learning, can lead to improved health and wellbeing and quality of life outcomes. It can also boost their self-confidence.”

Hindmarsh supports fire danger clean-up

Hindmarsh Shire Council has declared a ‘free green waste’ period, during September and October to support property owners cleaning up in preparation for the Fire Danger Period.

The council encourages residents to clean-up properties and help those who need assistance to dispose of their green waste.

Green waste can be deposited free of charge at any Hindmarsh shire transfer station during normal operating hours between September 16 and October 15.

Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Brett Ireland said the council was pleased to provide the service to communities.

“With the weather fining up, I urge

everybody to make use of our free waste month and make the most of this opportunity,” he said.

Hindmarsh shire operates transfer stations at Dimboola, Nhill and Rainbow and Jeparit.

Details of opening hours are on the council’s website, hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

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Mega Music Day returns

Wimmera

students have combined to create music magic.

A ‘Mega Music Day’ at Stawell Secondary College last week brought together about 70 music students from Stawell, Horsham College and Sebastopol’s Phoenix College.

Students rehearsed a series of pieces throughout a morning session before performing for primary schools in the afternoon.

It marked the long-awaited return of the event, which occurred annually until 2019.

Stawell Secondary School music teacher Amanda Hemley said she hoped the event could return to an annual schedule.

“It helps the students build relationships outside of their own schools, which has value socially,” she said.

“As small schools around the place, we can’t give the kids the experience that private school kids in the city are getting every week with a full-sized band.

“The ‘Mega Music Day’ gets students together and it’s like each part is a jigsaw puzzle piece. You only get the whole picture when you have all the pieces.

“This is about giving them an experience of what all the pieces can sound like.”

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Tye Sheen, Stawell Secondary College

Kyle Bearhan Stawell Secondary College

Kiara Appleyard, Horsham College

Georgia Walsh, Horsham College, Hannah Scott, Stawell Secondary College, Harry Fellows, Phoenix P-12

Teepika Jones, Stawell Secondary College

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Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program? To build my skills and knowledge as a leader.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far? Being part of a group that is so vulnerable and supportive. Everyone is on the same page and eager to develop.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful lesson so far? How have you used these lessons? Detailing how important setting agreed behaviors and values is in a team. It becomes the foundation of becoming a high-performing team.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community? To continue to take on further opportunities that are presented to me and leaving a role in a better position than when I started.

The Weekly Advertiser continues a series profiling participants of the 2023 Leadership Wimmera program. The series seeks to provide insights into the annual program, and its participants, leadership opportunities and aspirations across the Wimmera and southern Mallee. Wimmera Southern Mallee Development delivers the program.

CAROLINE PRICE Horsham Rural City Council Customer and visitor services team leader

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program? It is something I have wanted to do for a long time. It was highly recommended by people who have done it in previous years. The opportunity came up when I was promoted to team leader at work.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far? Getting to know my fellow participants and their inspiring stories, challenging my fears at the opening retreat and the bus trip around the Wimmera, meeting great local leaders and hearing how they are addressing community issues.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful lesson so far? Definitely learning to self-reflect, face my fears and challenge myself, learn from others, how to approach different situations and people’s different communication styles and behaviour. I am learning to stop doubting myself and be more confident in decision making, to try new things and push some boundaries – all of which are having positive outcomes in my personal and work life and the people around me.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community? To be a better leader in my workplace and to encourage others to aspire to greater things. I advocate to improve tourism to our region so that visitors think our region is a great place to visit and live. Increased visitation means the community starts to see value in tourism, then we see investment in attractions and business, more activities for families and children and improved livability and infrastructure. I would love to see a regular rail service to Melbourne.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera? It is country living at its best. Friendly and passionate people and a great place for children to grow up. Horsham itself is a big enough town to provide everything you need, it’s clean, tidy and safe with a low crime rate and plenty of things to do in surrounding areas with the Grampians, Mt Arapiles, Silo Art Trail, Dimboola and Murtoa just a short drive away. We are blessed with so much space and plenty of outdoor activities and water recreation. There is always something on at the Horsham Town Hall and art gallery and we have some lovely public art pieces scattered around the towns. The river is such a vibrant place to go now.

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Shared passion for welding trade

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Two generations of the Baker family have started their careers at a Wimmera manufacturing business.

Jock Baker and son Tom are at different stages of their careers at Horsham-based business Smallaire, where they both started apprenticeships and have undertaken other practical work.

Jock Baker, the company’s general manager, said he began at the Golf Course Road business almost 30 years ago, specialising in aluminium and stainless-steel welding for much of that time.

“I started 28 years ago at Smallaire on the floor, making air conditioner pads and sweeping floors,” he said.

Mr Baker said he had been general manager for about 20 years, but completed a mature-age apprenticeship a decade ago.

“I learned a few extra skills and ended up with a certificate and qualification,” he said.

“One day a week I went to trade school and I got some recognition of prior learning. So it took me just over two years to finish.”

Mr Baker said he had observed a lot of positive developments during his time at the business and had become a part-owner four years ago.

“It certainly becomes rewarding. I’ve stuck at the same job for a long time,” he said.

“The business itself has evolved.

“I started welding aluminium and from there one thing led to the next and we had stainless steel.”

Mr Baker said he was also proud that Smallaire had become ‘renowned’ for the high-quality products it manufactured.

“It’s good to know people appreciate

it,” he said.

“When I was at the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed earlier this month, the farmers came to our site and said they couldn’t believe we could make some of this stuff.

“When you get that sort of feedback, it’s a feather in the cap.”

“I started 28 years ago at Smallaire on the floor, making air conditioner pads and sweeping floors”

– Jock Baker

he had gained since leaving school to begin an apprenticeship was notable.

“It’s pretty good working here because there’s a lot of other young people here, which makes it a lot easier for people leaving school early,” he said.

Tom said he was not always set on an apprenticeship and encouraged others to consider all pathways available to them.

“In the early stages, I was thinking about going to university but then I saw the old man was welding so I thought it would be a lot easier for me to go down the welding and trade pathway,” he said.

“But definitely look at all your options.

“It’s a good trade and especially if hobby-wise you have stuff that involves welding, it helps out having a welding trade under your belt.

Mr Baker’s son Tom started a welding and manufacturing apprenticeship earlier this year.

“I’ve always been doing welding on and off,” Tom said.

“In the past three years, it’s really taken off.”

He said the amount of knowledge

“It saves a lot of money and when you do good welds, you can be proud of it.”

Tom said he was often in the shed at home, using his skills to assist with his motorsport hobby.

“We weld a lot of our stuff for racing. Myself, piecing together a sprint car – I weld a fair bit for that as well,” he said.

PATHWAY: Tom Baker is completing a certificate III in welding and manufacturing at Smallaire, where his dad, Jock, has worked for almost three decades.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Careers with Smallaire

Smallaire is a family-owned and operated business which commenced business in 1974 and it’s current direction was in response to the long hot Wimmera summers.

The business is built around the needs of each individual client and their circumstances relating to air movement, be it agricultural, commercial or domestic. What began as a local business now caters for clients across Australia and overseas, including Russia, the United States, Holland, South Africa and more.

Health Service.

Her nursing journey has taken a number of unexpected turns that have led her to being a quality manager.

Ms Hawker reflects back to her time in Kaniva, where she completed her traineeship.

“This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience and earn a wage, all while completing my Diploma of Nursing,” she said.

Her interest in the nursing field grew, and she soon completed a further 18 months of study to attain her Bachelor of Nursing, while continuing to work at the health service.

Ms Hawker moved to Warrnambool in 2016 and completed a registered nurse graduate year with South West Health – rotating through theatre, surgical, medical and rehabilitation wards.

But she could not keep away from the Wimmera, returning with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“I qualified in metal fabrication with Smallaire. Smallaire offers a great environment with a nice wide variety of work to do everyday... you learn a lot of different skills.

By the time you get to tradeschool, Smallaire have already taught you a lot of the skills you need to know, so school is a breeze.”

He is now Qualified and is an OH&S Officer and Metal Fabricator Supervisor

Josh Leith

Grant Dumesny was an awardwinning apprentice of the year in 2014. He left after his apprenticeship to try other elds of welding and now has returned to Smallaire as he enjoys working for us so much.

Jock Baker, left, has worked for Smallaire for 29 years. He began worked in the factory, became a supervisor, completed his metal fab apprenticeship with us as an adult, and has since become the general manager of Smallaire. He is also a shareholder.

Smallaire lets you gain optimum experience and allows staff to grow. We offer mature-age and school-based apprenticeships.

Winner of Manufacturing

Having settled back working as a nurse for West Wimmera Health Service, it was not long before Ms Hawker was grasping every opportunity presented.

She worked across multiple sites and divisions including short stints in intake, district nursing, as an associate nurse unit manager, and in the role of acting director of nursing.

It was during this time she realised her passion for rural health and with the support of the health service, completed a Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Health and Medicine through the National Centre for Farmer Health and Deakin University.

“West Wimmera Health Service has been extremely supportive in my career development,” Ms Hawker said.

“The opportunity to work across sites and divi-

sions was valuable and allowed me to identify what I enjoyed and the direction of my career in health.”

The opportunities did not stop knocking, and soon Ms Hawker put her hat in the ring for the quality manager role.

It suited her passion for improving the healthcare experience for both staff and consumers.

It also meant she put her head back in the books, part-time, and recently completed a Master of Health and Human Services Management, specialising in public health.

“It’s reassuring to know the data we capture is for a real purpose; it helps to drive improvements right across the board – from staff workflow to consumer experiences,” she said.

“It’s exciting to be a part of it all.

“If anyone is thinking about progressing their career or looking to start a career in health, West Wimmera Health Service is a supportive workplace that encourages career development and provides endless opportunities.”

O P E N D O O R S F O R A Y O U N G P E R S O N A U P S

O P E N D O O R S F O R A Y O U N G P E R S O N A U P S

Consider hosting a student for work placement

O P E N D O O R S F O R A Y O U N G P E R S O N A U P S

Consider hosting a student for work placement

Consider hosting a student for work placement

Ararat College

Ararat College

Consider hosting a student for work placement

Marian College

Lake Bolac College

Ararat College

Marian College

Stawell Secondary College

Stawell Secondary College

Marian College

Ararat College Marian College

Stawell Secondary College

Stawell Secondary College

Lake Bolac College Skene Street Specialist School

Lake Bolac College

Skene Street Specialist School

Skene Street Specialist School

Lake Bolac College Skene Street Specialist School

LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A STUDENT:

LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A STUDENT:

LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A STUDENT:

LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A STUDENT:

workplacements.education.vic.gov.au or call CGLLEN on 5352 3266

O P E N D O O R S F O R A Y O U N G P E R S O N A U P S workplacements.education.vic.gov.au or call CGLLEN on 5352 3266

workplacements.education.vic.gov.au or call CGLLEN on 5352 3266

workplacements.education.vic.gov.au or call CGLLEN on 5352 3266

Emma Hawker

Building skills for the workforce

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

AWimmera employment services provider is helping young people into work and fasttracking their careers.

Horsham-based Axis Employment is delivering a ‘Transition to Work’ program across the region, aimed at securing employment and educational opportunities for participants, including apprenticeships and traineeships.

Axis Employment’s Chris Overman said the ‘Transition to Work’ program supported young people as they prepared to enter the workforce and started to establish themselves in their employment.

“We work with jobseekers to make sure they are ready for the job – assisting with things such as work uniforms and any tools that they might need,” he said.

“We’ve also helped with forklift licenses, driver’s licence – anything to upskill them to help keep their job.”

Mr Overman said the program was also helpful for workplaces, which could use bonus wage subsidies to create opportunities for young people and meet labour shortages.

“The jobseeker is guaranteed so many hours a week, but the employer gets a subsidy back from the government,” he said.

Mr Overman said the program was aimed at people aged between 15 and 24 years who received an allowance from the government.

“We can also direct register early

school leavers – kids who might just be disengaged or those who just don’t have support from family,” he said.

Breuer’s Hire general manager Tim Carter said he had ‘real success’ bringing in employees through the program, due to a partnership with Axis Employment.

“What we offer them is basic skills

such as logistics, strapping, loading, tying, working in a functioning team and in a high-pressure environment,”

Mr Carter said.

“We have been able to pick people up off their feet and they have seen real improvements in their working, personal and family lives.”

Mr Carter said participants were able

to gain their forklift and truck licences while employed at the equipment and event hire business, with most staying for six to 12 months.

“If you have those skills, you can walk into different workplaces,” he said.

“From there, we let them flourish in their own way – whether that is here

at Breuer’s, if they continue on in a management role, or elsewhere.”

Participant Aiden Little said he signed up for the program through Centrelink and received a call from Mr Overman asking if he wanted to have a meeting.

“Chris was really helpful in pushing me towards going to interviews and presenting myself nicely,” Mr Little said.

“He tried to understand me on a personal level, to pick out certain jobs that I’d like and we did have a couple of friendly chats to see how life was going.

“After I’d been at a job and I didn’t like it, we’d get together for a meeting and he’d ask me for some feedback on the job.

“What he would get from that would help him refer me to another place that he thought was more up my alley.

“Axis also has done a lot for me in getting my forklift licence – I do appreciate that.”

Mr Little said he had now been working at Breuer’s for 10 months and had worked on events including the Coleraine Races and the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed.

“It’s been a pretty fun experience,” he said.

“I’ve been to a new place every month, we travel around a lot setting up marquees.”

Mr Overman said the ‘Transition to Work’ program was one of many services Axis provided, with others including mental-health support and housing assistance.

Career Opportunities at Rural Northwest Health

Rural Northwest Health (RNH) have multiple positions currently available for Enrolled / Registered Nurses, Health Care Workers & more!

As a rural health service, RNH offers many opportunities to commence and cultivate your career.

We are proud to support the development of our team and have seen many team members enjoying a variety of positions in their time with RNH. One such success story is…

when a member of our team commenced in the kitchen in environmental services. They dedicated time to complete a TAFE course to transition to the role of an enrolled nurse and they are now at university completing a Bachelor of Nursing degree to become a registered nurse.

This is just one example of a wonderful success story and yours could be next…

www.rnh.net.au

Warracknabeal Hopetoun Beulah

TRANSITION: Breuer’s Hire general manager Tim Carter has employed Aiden Little through Axis Employment’s Transition to Work program, with the help of youth consultant Jake Myerscough. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Growing crop of technicians

For a number of years, Emmetts has been nurturing the next generation of agricultural service technicians through its innovative TechSTAR Apprenticeship Program.

Designed with a focus on excellence and professional growth, the program aims to equip apprentices with the mechanics, digital technology and problem-solving skills they need for careers in the evolving world of agriculture.

Emmetts training manager Tony Welch said the program was specifically crafted to provide a holistic learning experience.

Twice a year, apprentices gather for intensive one-week training sessions led by the Emmetts training team.

These sessions serve as a platform to share insights, learn from experts and get immersed in the latest agricultural technologies.

“Everyone at Emmetts shares the same mission – to propel our apprentices into top-tier John Deere service technicians,” Mr Welch said.

However, professional development is a continuous journey.

“Whether the apprentices are about to leave school or are mature-aged, we provide ample opportunities for upskilling,” Mr Welch said.

The TechSTAR curriculum includes hands-on and in-class learning on Emmetts’ proprietary modules and John Deere-specific instruction, alongside a nationally-recognised trade qualification.

Once accepted into the TechSTAR

program, apprentices are actively engaged in the diesel mechanical trade.

Completing a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology ensures apprentices are equipped to tackle work safely and to the highest standard.

Emmetts’ commitment extends beyond formal education, as well.

“We have a dedicated training team and set the apprentices up with mentors across our 11 dealerships,” Mr Welch said.

“We want to give them every resource and opportunity to succeed.”

Emmetts training and apprenticeship

co-ordinator Amber Peters is preparing for the apprenticeship class of 2024 to launch in January.

“We’ve been running the TechSTAR program annually, and dozens of apprentices having earned a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology and gone on to launch their service technician careers,” she said.

Emmetts’ service technicians have shone at the annual John Deere technician awards, earning the Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year for both 2021 and 2022.

With entries from dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, the

awards are presented to exceptional service technicians who go above and beyond to support their customers and represent both John Deere and their profession.

“The customers we serve are constantly evolving in sustainability, data analytics and infrastructure, and our technicians are integral to helping them get the most from their machinery,” Ms Peters said.

“We’re proud to launch a new set of high-quality apprentices into their careers each year, and pleased to see how they contribute to our thriving communities.”

brates apprentices, trainees, students and the skills sector.

The week is about spotlighting the exciting career and educational opportunities that are available through vocational training – raising the status of practical and vocational learning, enabling all Australians to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential, and how they can contribute to a successful, modern economy.

Now in its 13th year, National Skills Week will again set out to spread positive messages, highlighting the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees across Australia to the wider public and employers.

The week is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

National Skills Week was founded on four key areas of focus – notably to dispel the negative perceptions that surround vocational education and training, VET, highlight its diversity, the career pathways, and the success stories that emanate from VET, and bring focus to emerging skills needs and industry trends.

HANDS ON: Emmetts master technician Josh Carter, of Horsham, and apprentice service technician Emma Holmberg, of Swan Hill, on the job.

Empowering career pathways

As students approach the crossroads of their secondary school journey, uncertainty about future career prospects can loom large.

However, Skillinvest, a trusted leader in career and education services for more than 35 years, can provide guidance and offer a comprehensive range of avenues tailored to the needs of learners and jobseekers at various stages of their journey.

Skillinvest operations general manager Glen Pohlner said Skillinvest was dedicated to lighting the way for individuals seeking to carve their career paths.

“For young people nearing the end of their secondary education, an apprenticeship, traineeship or schoolbased apprenticeship might be something to consider,” he said.

Skillinvest offers apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities across most industries, partnering with host employers to provide practical, hands-on experience for apprentices and trainees while they earn an income.

“For students looking to take the next step towards their career, now is the time to start thinking about an apprenticeship, traineeship or schoolbased apprenticeship for next year,”

Mr Pohlner said.

“We encourage people to get in touch with our team at Skillinvest, who are available to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process, including matching people with

a host employer and sourcing their trade school.”

Skillinvest is also a leading provider of employment and training services, delivering workplace training and nationally-accredited courses to support the growth of individuals, teams and businesses and providing the opportunity to upskill.

An example of a collaborative ap-

What is Transition to Work?

proach between Skillinvest, the host employer, and the employee-trainee is a partnership with Horsham-based employer Wades.

Wades has recently had four matureaged trainees successfully complete their Certificate III and IV in Business and Leadership and Management through Skillinvest’s Group Training arm, utilising Skillinvest’s ‘on-the-

guidance and support throughout the entire process, including matching people with a host employer and sourcing their trade school”

– Glen Pohlner

Wades Group, a key partner of Skillinvest for many years, said Skillinvest’s training programs had been a ‘tremendous’ asset to the business.

“They offer us the chance to upskill and nurture our team while team members continue to maintain their daily contributions to our operations,” he said.

job’ training to complete their qualifications.

Stuart Jose completed Certificate III in Business, Larissa Field completed Certificate III and IV in Business and Leadership Management, Angie Adams completed Certificate III in Business, and Cecilla Baker completed Certificate IV in Business.

Adrian Wade, managing director of

TtW for Employers

Transition to Work (TtW) is a service that supports young people in making a successful transition into meaningful education or employment.

The service is designed specifically for those aged 15-24 who are not in education or work, and aims to help young people find and maintain employment, or build skills through vocational education and training.

AXIS Employment deliver the TtW service throughout the Grampians region, with offices located in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat.

TtW for Participants

Our TtW program is tailored to meet your individual needs and our dedicated Youth Consultants will provide you with the employment support that allows you to reach your full potential.

To help you into appropriate employment or education opportunities, including apprenticeships and traineeships, we will:

• Provide you with career advice that is relevant to your skills and interest

• Help you to develop practical skills and confidence to become work-ready

• Source education and training options

• Find job opportunities, including work experience placements

• Connect you with relevant local community services

In the coming months, Skillinvest expects to see a range of short-term and casual seasonal work opportunities, especially in the agriculture field. Skillinvest’s labour hire services stand as a gateway for jobseekers to access employment opportunities tailored to their qualifications and experience.

People of any age seeking to augment their income during spring and summer can find a suitable match via Skillinvest’s labour hire network. To learn more about Skillinvest services, people can call 1300 135 008 or visit www.skillinvest.com.au/jobs to view current job opportunities.

As a well-established specialist provider of employment services in the Wimmera Mallee Region, AXIS Employment have the experience and expertise to support the employment needs of local business and labour markets. We understand that you as the employer are a critical partner in the relationship to facilitate, create and support employment positions and work experience opportunities for young people.

AXIS Employment is committed to providing employers with motivated TtW candidates, who are appropriate and well prepared for work. We will be responsive to your organisation’s employment needs through transparent, direct communication with you. Our specialist staff will support you and the TtW participant with a comprehensive range of postplacement support services to ensure that placements are sustained.

COLLABORATION: From left, Skillinvest apprenticeship consultant Chris Barber, trainees Stuart Jose and Larissa Field, Wades general manager Michelle Khan, trainees Angie Adams and Cecilla Baker, and Skillinvest training co-ordinator – business, Chris Gray, celebrate the success of the four mature-aged trainings.

On the road to success

Apracticaleducation and tailored learning, experience-driven initiative at Horsham College is inspiring young automotive enthusiasts.

The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation VET program, under the guidance of teacher Matthew Hobbs, is geared towards students looking to pursue a career in the dynamic world of automotive technology.

The program is designed to ignite students’ passion for all things automotive with an emphasis on practical learning in a state-ofthe-art facility equipped with a new hoist, tools and equipment.

Mr Hobbs’ expertise ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of different vehicle systems and system component functions.

Students dive into the nuts and bolts of everything automotive through real-world projects, including basic servicing, disassembling engines and troubleshooting issues.

The students gain valuable hands-on experience that mirrors the challenges they will encounter in the industry. Horsham College’s Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation aims to produce industry leaders as well as teach technical skills.

The program offers a seamless transition into further education or direct entry into the workforce.

Students graduate with a nationally-recognised qualification that opens doors to a plethora of opportunities – from working in dealerships and repair shops, to pursuing

entrepreneurial ventures in the automotive sector.

This year, Horsham College has had four VET Automotive students gain school-based apprenticeships – across heavy commercial, agricultural and light automotive sectors. The program is a driving force in preparing students for a successful journey in the automotive industry. By offering practical experiences, industry insights and tailored guidance, the program not only equips students with technical skills but also ignites a lifelong passion for automotive excellence. As the automotive sector continues to evolve, Horsham College looks towards innovation with its training programs, producing skilled and passionate professionals ready to take on the road ahead and fill critical skill shortages.

practical learning.

From day one, students don their aprons and engage in culinary tasks.

Students plan, prepare and cater breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to the public.

They learn the importance of precise measurements and the magic of transforming raw ingredients into delectable dishes.

This hands-on approach not only hones their cooking skills, but also instils discipline, teamwork and attention to detail necessary in a professional kitchen environment.

The Certificate II in Cookery course provides students with the skills and knowledge to be competent in a range of kitchen functions and activities to work in various hospitality enterprises where food is prepared and served including restaurants, hotels, catering operations and cafes.

The program also takes full advantage of Horsham’s agricultural background.

Students are exposed to locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the farm-to-table concept.

Chef and teacher Cathryn Clarke believes that knowing where ingredients come from and how they are produced is vital for aspiring chefs, fostering an appreciation for sustainability and ethical food practices.

The success of the VET Kitchen Operations program is exemplified by its graduates.

Many have gone on to secure positions in restaurants, cafes and culinary institutes and pursued entrepreneurial ventures. Graduates carry with them not just culinary expertise, but also a set of life skills that will serve them well in their future endeavours.

As the program continues to flourish, it undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on both the students and the town’s culinary landscape.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING PATHWAYS

Igniting a Spark of Curiosity

Horsham College aims to spark curiosity and help students find what they are looking for in a career through a personalised education journey that resonates with their passions and equips them with future success.

VET Program Offerings

Horsham College offers students many on campus VET (Vocational Education & Training) programs, including: automotive, sports and recreation, furniture making, music, screen and media and hospitality. Horsham College is a training provider and member of the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN administered VET cluster. This gives students the choice of 18 VET course offerings.

Foundations for Success

Horsham College VET programs allow students to learn and develop targeted and practical skills that are directly applicable in a workplace.

Workforce Ready

Horsham College have graduates that pursue and are work force ready for employment. Our 2022 graduates gained apprenticeships in many sought after industries such as building, civil construction, plumbing, electrical, automotive, hairdressing and butchery.

celebrating National Skills Week by encouraging our youth to:

Seek work experience opportunities

Seek structured workplace learning placements

Apply for gap year positions

Attend our careers expos

Attend onsite career information sessions

Consider local traineeships and apprenticeships

We encourage professional development and upskilling in all areas and assist where possible for individuals to achieve their work-based and study goals

If you are interested in learning more about us or our career opportunities and pathways, please contact our Training Officer / Careers Advisor by

Studying VCE-VM / VET in 2024?

Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN connects young people with their work future!

Students studying the Vocational Major in 2024 and/or a VET (Vocational Education & Training) Program, can find their structure workplace learning opportunity via the Department of Education's Work placement Portal.

The portal allows local businesses to find students with a genuine interest in their industry.

eo@llen.com.au I (03) 5381 0122 www.llen.com.au

Scan to find work placements

WFNL FiNaLs

Dimboola’s road to the finals

Coach: Jack Landt

Round 1: W. 10.12 (72) d Nhill 9.6 (60). Home.

Round 2: W. 19.14 (128) d Warrack Eagles 10.8 (68). Away.*

Round 3: W. 18.10 (118) d Horsham 16.8 (104).

Home.

Round 4: L. 8.12 (60) lost to Stawell 11.12 (78).

Away.

Round 5: W. 14.9 (93) d Southern Mallee

Giants 11.11 (77). Home.

Round 6: W. 12.9 (81) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Away.

Round 7: L. 11.5 (71) lost to Horsham Saints 12.3 (75). Home.

Round 8: Bye.

Round 9: L. 7.6 (48) lost to Ararat 8.5 (53). Away.

Round 10: W. 13.12 (90) d Nhill 5.17 (47). Away.

Round 11: W. 18.11 (119) d Warrack Eagles 10.5 (65). Home.

Round 12: W. 16.9 (105) d Horsham 8.6 (54). Away.

Round 13: L. 9.6 (60) lost to Stawell 13.15 (93).

Home.

Round 14: L. 4.16 (40) lost to Southern Mallee Gi ants 12.15 (87). Away.

Round 15: L. 5.8 (38) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 10.7 (67). Home.**

Round 16: L. 7.13 (55) lost to Horsham Saints 15.10 (100). Away.

Round 17: Bye

Round 18: L. 6.7 (43) lost to Ararat 18.19 (127). Home. *Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 1221. Against: 1230.

Points: 32. Percentage: 99.27.

Leading goal-kickers

Jonathon Ross, 28. Sam Godden, 27. Jack Landt, 21.

A chance for

BY ABBY WALTER

imboola’s senior footballers have an opportunity for redemption in their 2023 finals campaign after a tense second half of the home-and-away season.

Last season, the Roos were eliminated in the first week of finals after losing to Horsham Demons, and this year will meet Minyip-Murtoa in the same all-or-nothing final.

It has been 10 years since Dimboola saw any success during a finals campaign.

Coach Jack Landt said the team started the season with high expectations of playing, and winning, finals. “Dimboola has not won a final since the grand final in 2013,” he said.

“We knew our best chance was making top three, which was our goal, but in what was a very close season it didn’t happen.”

Landt said the start of the season could not have been more

“We started really well and won all but three games in the first half of the season,” he said.

“The back half of the season looked quite different, however.

“Teams presented us with a good challenge and stopped our free-flowing play and our scoring.”

Dimboola’s winning factor during the season was its pace of ball movement and the agility of players across all areas of the

During the first half of the season, Dimboola defeated Southern Mallee Giants by 16 points, Minyip-Murtoa by one goal and lost to Horsham Saints by four points.

In round nine Dimboola lost to Ararat by five points — the closest any team was to beating the undefeated team all season.

The back end of the season was not as closely fought on the scoreboard as was expected when Dimboola met other top-five Jack Landt

Dimboola Football Netball Club would like

to thank all their sponsors and members for the 2023 season

Agri Lending Solutions Pty Ltd

Belle-Vue Machinery

Dimboola IGA

Mark Launer Plumbing

Mibus Transport

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Dimboola

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Horsham

Quest New Quay Docklands

Victoria Hotel Dimboola

Wilson Bolton Horsham

Wimmera Bakery

Wimmera Electrical

Your Regional Butcher

Bonnie & Clydes

Harris Mensland Dimboola

Horsham Wool

SMS Rural Jeparit

AXIS Employment

Bruce Miller Plumbing

Bendigo Bank Dimboola

Lehmann Engineering

MTB Carpentry

Nuske White Suffolks

Outback Wraps

Promotional Products & Uniforms

Thai Basil

Blue Lake Milling

Dimboola Cafe

Dimboola Store

Horsham Golf Club

Toughy’s Garage

Shine Hairdressing

Dimboola Post Office

Drift Horsham

Dimboola Electrics

Horsham Tyre & Battery

Intersport Horsham

Kayl’s Hair Place

As Time Goes By

Betta Home Living

Dimboola Stock Feed & Produce

Eleven & Us

Exquisit Horsham

Jan’s Wimmera Whimsy

Petstock Horsham

Robertsons Furniture

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

Latus Jewellers

Dimboola Banner

Tilley & Mango

Wade’s Conways

Picked for Doris

Goodyear Autocare

Horsham

Good luck to all teams playing in the 2023 finals series

WFNL FiNaLs

Inaccurate kicking sealed the Roos’ fate against the Giants, an inability to convert opportunities against Burras cost them dearly and Horsham Saints were more efficient in round 16.

However, the Roos will go into an elimination final having beaten two of their four finals competitors.

Landt said it was a challenging season, with changes made to the team list week to week.

“To play the good footy we know we are capable of, we need continuity in our team list; however, unfortunately, we have had players in and out with injuries and travel commitments,” he said. “Even though we lost to Ararat, the first time we played against them we were in front with only minutes to go.

“Knowing that gives us the confidence we can match it with the best and take that into finals.”

The return of Sam Godden to the Roos’ ranks boosted their forward line and Hayden Walters returned mid-season from injury to join him as a key target in front of goals.

Dylan Landt has travelled throughout the year to play in the green and gold and his explosiveness and vision out of the midfield could make a much-needed impact in finals.

Dru Pilmore has slotted into the team at the end of the season and has made the ruck his position.

Landt said having a bye in round 17, before facing Ararat in the final round, was a good chance to refresh.

Dimboola has not won a game since round 12 when it defeated Horsham Demons by 51 points.

The Roos will be looking to play fast, free-flowing football in coming weeks and while their skills across the ground are high, scoreboard pressure is a must for the team.

Landt said training was positive, with more numbers on the track leading into finals than the team had all year.

“Everyone is enjoying preparing for the challenge ahead of us,” he said.

Ten years since premiership glory, could Dimboola be the dark horses of the 2023 season?

ALWAYS STRONG END OF SEASON

Dimboola Roos

Players to watch

Aisea Raikiwasa

New to the Roos in 2023, Aisea ‘Magic’ Raikiwasa seemed to fly under the radar in the first few rounds, but could not be missed on the oval in the second half of the season. His speed and agility make him a challenging opponent and players have to be on their toes to keep him away from the ball.

Ben Miller

After playing in the Geelong Football League for a couple of years, Dimboola local Ben Miller returned to the green-and-gold this year. The strong midfielder is a voice across the oval for the Roos and he brings his passion for his team into every round.

Dylan Landt

Coming off a Northern Territory Football League season and winning the highest football honour in the league, the Nichols Medal, Landt has been a solid addition to Dimboola this year. Despite only playing five games so far for the team, his skills are undeniable. He is quick with the ball and will make smart choices with his disposals.

Sam Godden

Dimboola’s highest goal kicker is a force in the forward line and a key component of the Roos’ line-up heading into the finals series. Godden returned to the club this year and has not skipped a beat coming into the team and making his mark on the competition. When in his top form Godden will challenge any defender in the league.

Ben Miller

Coach: Tim Mackenzie

Home.

Round 15: W. 10.7 (67) d Dimboola 5.8 (38). Away.

Round 16: L. 3.10 (28) lost to Ararat 14.15 (99).

Home.**

Round 17: W. 9.7 (61) d Nhill 8.9 (57). Away.

Round 18: W. 4.9 (33) d Warrack Eagles 3.4 (22).

Home.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 961. Against: 961.

Points: 40. Percentage: 100.

Leading goal-kickers

Jye Walter, 20. Jae McGrath, 16. Nicholas Caris, 15.

BY ABBY WALTER

The reigning premiers have a significant hill to climb if they want to retain the highest senior football honour in the Wimmera league, for a second year in a row.

Minyip-Murtoa will fight from a position of an elimination final against Dimboola in the first week of the finals series. While eyes tend to always focus on the reigning premiers heading into a new season, the first half of the Burras’ season was unexpected.

Two early wins quickly turned into a series of four consecutive losses that raised questions of whether Minyip-Murtoa would be able to make a finals appearance this season.

Coach Tim Mackenzie said the team was striving for finals from round one and was happy to have reached that target.

“To finish in top three would have been nice but now we’re going to have to get there the hard way,” he said.

Minyip-Murtoa has been the team to beat for a number of seasons after winning a premiership in 2019, finishing minor premiers in 2021 and winning a premiership in 2022.

Before 2019, the Burras had not won a premiership since 1998.

A collection of 2022 premiership players re-signed with the club, with aspirations to see another blue, white and blackdonned crowd at this year’s grand final venue.

The finals experience of those players, including grand final best-on-ground Will Holmes, Jae McGrath, John Delahunty and Luke Fisher could be what keeps the team collected during the pressure of finals.

The second half of the season was more positive for the Burras and towards the final rounds, the team could be confident of its position in the top five.

Losses to Horsham Saints and Dimboola were turned around to wins and a confidence boost from those performances could be the exact recipe Minyip-Murtoa needs to proceed into finals.

Tanner Smith

to retain glory

Mackenzie said the team acknowledged it had been inconsist ent at the beginning of the season.

“We continued to develop and improve as the season pro gressed,” he said.

“We built on our team defence, and it should hold us in good stead for finals football.”

Mackenzie said while the Burras lost to top-five teams throughout the season, they weren’t far off the mark.

“With our losses to Saints, Dimboola and Giants the first time around we weren’t far off. With Dimboola it was one goal and with the Saints, it was less than two,” he said.

“Our results in the second half of the season show we are hitting our best football now which is exactly what we need to be doing.”

In round 15, Minyip-Murtoa had to fight hard in a low-scor ing game to get the jump on Dimboola but a solid second half saw them win by five goals.

Mackenzie said the team would focus on its pressure across the ground in the do-or-die games facing it during finals.

“We want to force turnovers from our opposition,” he said.

“Finals are a great time of year — the weather is always nicer and people are up and about.

“We will continue to chase the success we had last year.”

The Burras have shown on several occasions that starting from behind does not slow them down and opposition teams will not be able to rest easy on a lead, because Minyip-Murtoa has turned the scoreboard around in the fourth quarter on multiple occasions.

It could be the theme for the finals series and an underdog story is always supported.

Minyip-Murtoa might be starting from behind by playing in the first elimination final, but it would be difficult to beat the feeling of winning four weeks of finals in a row if they can manage it.

The Mighty Burras

Players to watch

John

Delahunty

A constant feature of the Burras’ backline, Delahunty is a consistent player and always a tough opponent. His finals experience will have him in good stead to play calm and collected games throughout the finals series and he will lead his fellow backmen well as he has throughout the season. He will be called upon to perform as the Burras prepare to play in every week of finals if they want a chance at a back-to-back premiership.

Luke Fisher

A consistent on-baller, Fisher can often be seen in a contest and has been known to snag a goal when the opportunity arises. Fisher has been a component of Minyip-Murtoa’s midfield for three seasons and can be relied on to show his talent each week.

Tanner Smith

Often featured in the best players’ list this year, Smith is another crucial player in the Burras’ lineup. The former AFL and state league player brings a depth of skills and experience that will be an additional layer to Minyip-Murtoa’s push for another premiership. With strength in his defensive work, Smith is a hard player to work around.

Will Holmes

Holmes backed up a grand final best-on-ground performance in 2022 with another solid homeand-away season. The midfielder makes up for what he lacks in stature with determination and is impressive to watch on the sidelines. His consistency makes him reliable and given the opportunity supporters may also see him tally on the scoreboard again before the season is out.

Luke Fisher

Coach: Kieran Delahunty

Maintaining the WFNL FiNaLs

BY ABBY WALTER

Thiscould be the year Southern Mallee Giants notch their first Wimmera league premiership.

Since joining the competition in 2018, the Giants were runner-up premiers in 2018 and 2019.

Last season the Giants missed out on a finals opportunity by percentage and this year were determined to turn that fate around with a new coach.

Eagles 8.4 (52). Home.

Round 9: W. 20.16 (136) d Horsham 7.4 (46).

Away.

Round 10: W. 11.14 (80) d Stawell 8.5 (53).

Home.

Round 11: Bye.

Round 12: W. 13.8 (86) d Minyip-Murtoa 5.10 (40).

Home.

Round 13: L. 7.8 (50) lost to Horsham Saints 17.4 (106). Away.

Round 14: W. 12.15 (87) d Dimboola 4.16 (40).

Home.

Round 15: L. 5.6 (36) lost to Ararat 15.9 (99).

Away.**

Round 16: W. 9.14 (68) d Nhill 8.8 (56). Home.

Round 17: L. 8.12 (60) lost to Warrack Eagles 8.14 (62). Away.

Round 18: W. 21.20 (146) d Horsham 4.7 (31).

Home.*

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1410. Against: 945.

Points: 44. Percentage: 148.75.

Leading goal-kickers

Josh Webster, 27. Rupert Sangster, 21.

Three-time Toohey Medal winner Kieran Delahunty coached the Giants this season and the team finished comfortably in third, setting them up for a double chance in finals.

Delahunty said the team’s goal for the season was to make a top-three spot in finals, after narrowly missing a chance to play last year.

“This gives us a good chance to give it our best crack at going deep into September,” he said.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more than to finish in this position.

“It’s been a challenging year, but our best football was very good and we were able to match it with the best.

“There were challenges with continuity and consistency of personnel on the oval, but the team made the necessary adjustments.”

The Giants came within three points at the end of the third quarter on the first occasion they played Ararat.

They have defeated all other finals-bound teams at least once during the season.

Leading into their finals campaign, the Giants suffered a surprising loss to Warrack Eagles, who had previously been winless in 2023. Turning that around with a win against Horsham Demons in round 18 was the confidence boost the Giants need to go up against Horsham Saints for a third time this season.

Delahunty said the team’s round-four defeat of Horsham Saints at Hopetoun was a standout game.

“It was a complete performance from us – we moved the footy the way we wanted to and defended well,” he said.

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus

WFNL FiNaLs

“It was one of our best wins and we have had some good victo ries along our way to finals.”

Throughout the season, pressure and intent with the ball were key features of the Giants’ game.

Injuries plagued the 2022 season for the Giants, and while some key players missed games due to injury this year, the difference between the two seasons is stark.

The Giants fought hard mid-season for the top-three finish and were able to hold onto it to the end.

Recruits, particularly in the midfield, have also aided the Giants well in their bigger wins.

A dynamic forward line, with Rupert Sangster and Jake Garvey at the helm, has gone a long way towards the Giants securing 11 wins.

Aside from Ararat, the Giants have had the least amount of goals scored against them for the season.

Delahunty said the team’s backline experienced the most changes throughout the season.

“We lost all three of our key defenders at one stage, so we had a makeshift backline for a time,” he said.

“Heath Smith, who is predominately a midfielder, played a key defensive role to add something different while we were down.

“Players had to stand up when we lost Sam White and Oscar Smith, but being able to get those two back into the team ahead of finals has definitely helped.”

Delahunty said the lead-up to finals was all about getting the team’s game plan in order.

“We won’t be making any major adjustments and will aim to keep our momentum going,” he said.

“After missing out narrowly last year, the team is hungry and excited to give it a solid go this year.

“It was nice knowing our position was pretty well set in third for a couple of weeks so we could focus on playing a good brand of football.”

Southern Mallee Giants

Players to watch

Billy Lloyd

After seasons in the Ballarat Football League, Lloyd returned this season to play Wimmera league football and he has made his mark on the competition. In a team of quiet achievers, Lloyd works tirelessly in the midfield and is difficult to get the ball off once it’s in his hands.

Kieran Delahunty

Reigning 2022 Toohey Medallist, Delahunty didn’t slow down moving into a coaching role this season and remained an imposing ruckman in the league. His team will expect big, and tall, performances from him this finals series and he is likely to deliver. Delahunty directs play well and leads by example with his controlled skills across the oval.

Mickitia Rotuma-Onus

Another new recruit for the Giants who has stamped an impression on the competition, Rotumah-Onus is strong and competitive in the midfield. He can sneak into the forward 50 when needed and has had a consistent season so far. Rotumah-Onus is a clever ball user and a challenge for his opponents with his determination.

Rupert Sangster

Sangster has gone from strength to strength this season and significantly built on his previous seasons with the Giants. Part of a strong forward line-up, Sangster is an important target for the Giants and can be relied on to give his all each game.

Jake Garvey

Horsham Saints

Horsham Saints’ road to the finals

From strength WFNL FiNaLs

BY ABBY WALTER

orsham Saints proved many pundits wrong this season and while followers were thinking it would take more time for the club to rebuild its senior football team after a seventh-place finish last year, the Saints were a solid challenger in the 2023 finals race.

By the halfway point of the season, there was no doubt the Saints would be a force to be reckoned with after conceding only two losses in the first nine rounds and going on to concede two more losses in the final nine.

Impressive and competitive performances against fellow topfive teams Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola that led to wins were the first big tickets to the Saints’ finals showing.

Round 11: W. 17.11 (113) d Horsham 4.9 (33).

Home.*

Round 12: W. 10.11 (71) d Stawell 4.10 (34). Home.

Round 13: W. 17.4 (106) d Southern Mallee Giants

7.8 (50). Home.

Round 14: L. 7.8 (50) lost to Minyip-Murtoa 7.10

(52). Away.

Round 15: Bye.

Round 16: W. 15.10 (100) d Dimboola 7.13 (55).

Home.

Round 17: L. 8.9 (57) lost to Ararat 21.14 (140).

Away.

Round 18: W. 16.6 (102) d Nhill 10.13 (73). Home.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 12. Lost: 4. For: 1273. Against: 1027.

Points: 48. Percentage: 123.95.

Leading goal-kickers

Mitch Martin, 55. Jarrod Garth, 46.

While the Burras got the better of the Saints in round 14 by two points, the Saints went marching into a game against the undefeated Ararat in round 17 and pushed them hard in the first half.

Coach Ben Knott said the team started the season with expectations to be pushing for the fourth or fifth position in finals.

“Mid-season, the goalposts shifted and from then on, we were gunning for a top-three spot — and we were able to tick that box,” he said.

“After our first few wins, we adjusted our thinking and through some natural development we have gone from strength to strength as individuals and a group.

“The players have been stepping up to be better footballers and putting onus on their own game and leadership on the oval.”

Horsham Saints last won a senior football premiership, back-toback, in 2015 and 2016.

The Saints were knocked out in first semi-finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019 — the last time the team played finals.

Two key targets in the forward line, Mitch Martin and Jarrod Garth, emerged as notable threats in the Saints’ line-up.

Both players are leading the league’s goal-kicking tally.

Coach:

WFNL FINALS

A visible asset in the Saints’ game plan has been on-field lead ers including Angus Martin, Sam Clyne, Daniel Rees and Jacob O’Beirne who have stepped up to the challenge each week and paved the way for younger players.

Knott said as the season progressed, the team developed a bigger focus on the defensive elements of the game.

“It’s something we lacked early and definitely improved on, so we put emphasis on covering the whole ground defensively,” he said.

Knott said in the first half of the season, the Saints were ‘pumped’ by Southern Mallee Giants.

Then, in the second half of the season, the Saints turned it around to beat the Giants by 56 points.

“The loss in the first half made us rethink what we were doing, and we made some changes,” Knott said.

“From there on, we have been playing consistently — which has put us in good stead going into finals.

“We had a couple of close ones with Minyip-Murtoa and Dim boola where we were able to come away with wins.

“We did lose to Murtoa by two points recently and against Ararat we stuck with them for three-quarters the first time we played them and had our chances, but weren’t able to get over the line.”

Knott said the team was in a good position leading into finals.

“Availability is good and to have some continuity in our team will be good for us to be consistent through to the end,” he said.

“The energy is upbeat around the club at the moment, so it’s enjoyable to be part of.

“Our focus is to win, and we were lucky to play Ararat in round 17 to get a sense of what is to come.

“Teams will have to go through Ararat to have a fair nudge at finals, as they have been the standard all year. We’re hoping to meet them in finals.”

Horsham Saints

Players to watch

Angus Martin

The Saints’ captain has made the backline his own this season and is showing good leadership from centre-half back. Featuring in his team’s best players often this season, Angus Martin has been one to watch and the tall defender will not be easy to shut down.

Gage Wright

Another young player who has stood up and performed well for the Saints this season. A few seasons finding his feet in the senior ranks has seen Wright rise to the occasion and he has played consistently through the midfield this year. Wright is explosive out of the pack and accurate when kicking to leading forwards.

Jarrod Garth

Horsham Saints have no shortage of big goal-kickers this season and their powerful full forward has delivered nearly every round. He is a key target in the forward line and a strong match-up for any opponent. Garth positions himself and protects the drop of the ball well.

Mitch Martin

Horsham Saints will have been glad to retain Mitch Martin for season 2023, as the young player has come into his own this year and his scoreboard tally is a testament to his efforts. Martin’s talent across the oval is obvious for every opponent and teams will want to tag him to beat him come finals.

Mitch Martin

Undefeated Rats WFNL FiNaLs

Coach: Matt Walder

Round 1: Bye.

Round 2: W. 21.14 (140) d Nhill 3.3 (21). Away.*

Round 3: W. 15.16 (106) d Warrack Eagles 5.3 (33). Home.

Round 4: W. 13.17 (95) d Horsham 4.3 (27). Away.

Round 5: W. 9.19 (73) d Stawell 5.2 (32). Home.

Round 6: W. 14.11 (95) d Southern Mallee Giants

9.10 (64). Away.

Round 7: W. 18.13 (121) d Minyip-Murtoa 5.8 (38).

Home.

Round 8: W. 15.10 (100) d Horsham Saints 8.8 (56). Away.

Round 9: W. 8.5 (53) d Dimboola 7.6 (48). Home.**

Round 10: Bye.

Round 11: W. 12.11 (83) d Nhill 4.11 (35). Home.

Round 12: W. 16.14 (110) d Warrack Eagles 1.7 (13). Away.

Round 13: W. 13.13 (91) d Horsham 1.6 (12).

Home.

Round 14: W. 18.10 (118) d Stawell 8.8 (56). Away.

Round 15: W. 15.9 (99) d Southern Mallee Giants

5.6 (36). Home.

Round 16: W. 14.15 (99) d Minyip-Murtoa 3.10 (28). Away.

Round 17: W. 21.14 (140) d Horsham Saints 8.9 (57). Home.*

Round 18: W. 18.19 (127) d Dimboola 6.7 (43). Away.

*Highest score. ** Lowest score.

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 1650. Against: 599. Points: 64. Percentage: 275.46.

Leading goal-kickers

Tom Mills, 38. Tom Williamson, 32.

BY ABBY WALTER

he red and white have stormed the senior football competition this season and are premiership favourites heading into the 2023 finals series.

Ararat experienced one of the worst heartbreaks of football last season, falling short in the grand final on a wet, miserable day to Minyip-Murtoa by seven points.

However, no opposition or spectator could deny the Rats did not look back and made themselves the team to beat. An undefeated home-and-away season has them sitting pretty for a rest during the first week of finals.

Coach Matt Walder said the team had developed and improved on its runner-up finish last season.

“We focused on re-establishing ourselves as a contender in the finals race this season and improving on our shortfalls,” he said.

“We have a week off in the senior and reserves football — which is beneficial for both teams.

“Being able to train together and head into the second semi-final together keeps the synergy.”

Ararat will face either Horsham Saints or Southern Mallee Giants in their first final of 2023.

The Rats last won a senior football premiership 22 years ago. While the Rats were able to ease into the season, not playing a finals-bound team until round six, it was their performances against the competition’s heavyweights across four consecutive weeks that set them up for a perfect home-and-away season. In round six the Rats overpowered the Giants by 31 points and in round eight were too strong for the Saints, winning by 44 points. Heading into the second half of the season, Ararat looked stronger than ever, defeating the Giants in round 15 by 63 points and the Saints in round 17 by 83 points.

Walder said a feeling among the Rats’ unit they were ‘never finished’ in their development kept pushing them all season.

Jack Ganley

the team to beat

“While it has looked good from a results perspective, by the same token, we were not satisfied so our key focus was to keep pushing ourselves,” he said. “While we have kept winning games, we have not been sitting still.”

Ararat’s strength lies in its defensive pressure through the forward line, midfield and backline which has served it well all season.

The Rats have kicked almost triple the number of goals they have conceded, which caused their percentage to be more than 130 to 175 percent above other top-five teams.

Junior footballers have also pulled on a full-time senior jersey for Ararat this season and have risen to the occasion to support bigger names recruited in the off-season including former AFL player Tom Williamson and returning Rats Jack Ganley and Jake Robinson.

Walder said Ararat’s biggest tests throughout the season were against Dimboola and Horsham Saints.

“When we first met in the season, we just got over the line against Dimboola late in the game — it was our closest margin for the year so far,” he said.

“The Saints tested our ability to defend for the first half and it was the toughest half we played all year.

“We will take all the lessons from those games moving for ward.”

Walder said after eight weeks of non-stop football, the first week of finals would be a chance for the team to debrief and reset. He said motivation was high across the football ranks at Alexandra Oval.

“To have 50-odd players know they will be playing at least two weeks of finals is exciting,” he said.

“All the players are training hard, and that drive is coming from within the group and as a coach, I am not having to push that onto them. Finals is the best time to be a footballer — the sun is out, the atmosphere is up and you have every chance with a trophy on the line.

Players to watch

Ben Taylor

After a solid 2022 season, Taylor has backed it up with another strong performance in the redand-white’s midfield this year. Taylor is a tough opponent for any midfielder and his ability to move forward and snag a couple of goals doesn’t go

Jake Robinson

If Ararat’s track record for the season continues into the finals series, the Rats’ midfield can always be trusted to move the ball efficiently and quickly and Robinson is no exception. Returning to the club last year, he continued to combine well with his teammates and will be influential in coming

Sonny Kettle

In his first full season in the senior ranks, Kettle does not look out of place with the Rats in the minor premiership team. The good-sized half-forward has had some time on-ball this season and will be a threat for years to come if he continues to go from strength to strength as seen so far.

Tom Williamson

Swapping out the blue for red-and-white, Williamson returned from his time in the AFL to his roots with Ararat and has cemented his place in the midfield. He has had an impressive season so far and his experience and agility ensure he is a difficult player to combat.

Kade Bohner

Nhill’s road to the finals

Coaches: Emma Hawker and Tracey Bell

Round 1: L. 32 lost to Dimboola 35. Away.

Round 2: W. 55 d Ararat 33. Home.

Round 3: Bye.

Round 4: W. 43 d Warrack Eagles 29. Away.

Round 5: L. 28 lost to Horsham 52. Home.**

Round 6: L. 32 lost to Stawell 35. Away.

Round 7: W. 59 d Southern Mallee Giants 32. Home.*

Round 8: W. 50 d Minyip-Murtoa 25. Away.

Round 9: L. 28 lost to Horsham Saints 60. Home.**

Round 10: W. 46 d Dimboola 42. Home.

Round 11: L. 30 lost to Ararat 34. Away.

Round 12: Bye.

Round 13: W. 51 d Warrack Eagles 31. Home.

Round 14: L. 35 lost to Horsham 52. Away.

Round 15: L. 31 lost to Stawell 32. Home.

Round 16: W. 45 d Southern Mallee Giants 38. Away.

Round 17: W. 60 d Minyip-Murtoa 33. Home.

Round 18: L. 40 lost to Horsham Saints 52. Away.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 665. Against: 615. Points: 32. Percentage: 108.13.

Players to watch

Ellen Bennett

Bennett commands the ball and directs play. Through the centre, she is difficult to stop, moves the ball quickly and plays a smart game.

Jenna Schneider

Schneider has the ability to switch from attack to defence to midcourt when needed and her skills shine through no matter where she is on the court.

BY ABBY WALTER

go deep into the finals and match it with the teams

Ellen Bennett was a key inclusion for Nhill this season and her strength and smarts through the midcourt make her a formidable opponent.

Lani Hobbs has been consistent in defence for the Tigers, while the versatility of young player Jenna Schneider is crucial for the team’s ability to adapt

Nhill defied the odds all season as a series of injuries had their mid-year run looking rocky, but the team battled on and adjusted well to playing in

When the middle of the ladder looked tight, and three teams were fighting for two top-five positions, Nhill stood up and won the games it needed.

The Tigers’ capacity to perform under pressure so far during the season should hold them in good stead for the high-pressure environment of finals.

In a fitting elimination final, Nhill will play Dim-

The teams first went head-to-head in round one this season, and now one team will finish the year

Both teams have won a game against each other so far this season, with Nhill winning by a margin of four goals in round nine and Dimboola winning

The Tigers have not won an A Grade premiership in more than 50 years and last progressed into a finals campaign in 2009.

Stawell proved Nhill has what it takes to

Jasmine Talbot

Every game counts

BY ABBY WALTER

Dimboola’s road to the finals

Coaches: Ant Toet and Nicole Polycarpou

Round 1: W. 35 d Nhill 32. Home.

Dimboola’s

path forward into Wimmera league’s A Grade finals is clear – the Roos must win every game.

With three teams vying for the final two positions in the finals series towards the end of the season, Dimboola fought hard to make the top five. Now it must fight harder to stay in the premiership race.

Co-coach Nicole Polycarpou said the team, and fellow coach Ant Toet, had an overarching goal of progressing further into finals than they did last season.

In 2022, Dimboola was knocked out in an elimination final against Minyip-Murtoa at Stawell.

This season, the Roos will meet Nhill in an elimination final. The Roos and Tigers are notorious rivals and with one win each throughout the season, it could be anyone’s game.

Polycarpou said, as she expected at the start of the season, the Roos could fight their way to a preliminary final.

“We know we can go higher than where we have finished on the ladder,” she said.

“I expected a top-three finish, and we could still get to the preliminary final if we win in the first two weeks of finals.”

Dimboola has played in four finals series since 2014, but is yet to make it all the way to the big game. Before 2014, the last time a Dimboola A Grade team played in finals was 1975.

The Roos have the chance again this year to break a long premiership drought.

Polycarpou said the coaches’ goal for the team was to be bigger and better each game.

“We struggled at the begin ning of the season to stay consistent,” she said.

“We have worked hard on that, and it has shown in the second half of the season.

“Our second game against the Giants in round 14 was a standout as we came from six goals down at half time to win by six goals.

“It proved to us that we can come from be hind and win games.

“Our first half against Horsham Saints in round 16 was also a standout, and while the game got away from us in the second half, it showed what we could do what we need to do to match it with the best.”

With Nhill the first team Dimboola must overcome in the finals series, tensions will be high.

Capitalising on opportunities to score will be imperative as both teams fight for the chance to play another day.

Polycarpou said a positive mindset was cru cial to Dimboola’s success this season.

“When we get around each other and support each other, that’s when we get the results we want,” she said.

Barber

Round 2: W. 57 d Warrack Eagles 40. Away.

Round 3: L. 33 lost to Horsham 68. Home.

Round 4: L. 32 lost to Stawell 45. Away.**

Round 5: W. 44 d Southern Mallee Giants 43. Home.

Round 6: W. 75 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Away.*

Round 7: L. 48 lost to Horsham Saints 80. Home.

Round 8: Bye.

Round 9: W. 50 d Ararat 41. Away.

Round 10: L. 42 lost to Nhill 46. Away.

Round 11: W. 50 d Warrack Eagles 46. Home.

Round 12: L. 35 lost to Horsham 69. Away.

Round 13: L. 39 loss to Stawell 55. Home.

Round 14: W. 55 d Southern Mallee Giants 49. Away.

Round 15: W. 64 d Minyip-Murtoa 54. Home.

Round 16: L. 45 lost to Horsham Saints 83. Away.

Round 17: Bye.

Round 18: W. 62 d Ararat 45. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 766. Against: 838. Points: 36. Percentage: 91.41.

Players to watch

Holly Ross

Ross has gone from strength to strength in a goal defence role. Quick on her feet and with her eyes on the ball at all times, she can pick off intercepts at any point and it is difficult to get a ball over her head.

Billie Barber

Barber is always trusted to bring her best and rarely disappoints. Her vision into the ring often sees a pass land exactly in the hands of her goal shooter, whether she plays wing attack or goal attack.

Billie

Stawell’s road to the finals

Coach: Tessa O’Callaghan

Round 1: W. 32 d Southern Mallee Giants 29. Home.

Round 2: W. 61 d Minyip-Murtoa 40. Home.*

Round 3: L. 39 lost to Horsham Saints 41. Home.

Round 4: W. 45 d Dimboola 32. Home.

Round 5: L. 27 lost to Ararat 35. Away.**

Round 6: W. 35 d Nhill 32. Home.

Round 7: W. 51 d Warrack Eagles 27. Away.

Round 8: L. 36 lost to Horsham 54. Home.

Round 9: Bye.

Round 10: W. 40 d Southern Mallee Giants 32. Away.

Round 11: W. 53 d Minyip-Murtoa 46. Away.

Round 12: L. 36 lost to Horsham Saints 75. Away.

Round 13: W. 55 d Dimboola 39. Away.

Round 14: W. 45 d Ararat 37. Home.

Round 15: W. 32 d Nhill 31. Away.

Round 16: D. 47 drew with Warrack Eagles 47. Home.

Round 17: L. 37 lost to Horsham 57. Away.

Round 18: Bye.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 10. Lost: 5. Draw: 1. For: 671. Against: 654. Points: 42. Percentage: 102.6.

Players to watch

Lisa Considine

A constant presence for many years, Considine brings her all each season and 2023 has been no exception. The quick defender will snag an intercept from anywhere.

Jemma Clarkson

Another stalwart of Stawell’s A Grade, Clarkson has worked tirelessly in the midcourt to help her team get their shot at finals. Quick through the centre court, she provides a solid link from defence to attack and reads play well.

We would like to thank our sponsors, members and all our supporters for your continued support for the 2023 season. Thank you to all the coaches, players, supporters and members who put their hand up to volunteer each week and keeping our club moving forward.

BY ABBY WALTER

tawell was a surprising inclusion to this year’s A Grade finals but there’s no doubt they finished exactly where they

After all their hard work throughout the season, the Warriors will get a double chance and play a qualifying final, after not making the top five last season.

The Warriors could not be held back this year and significant wins in the first half of the season showed exactly what they would bring to the competition – their all.

Coach Tessa O’Callaghan said her expectation for the season was for fun, on and off the court – regardless of scoreboard results.

“I’m a big believer that a team that gets along off the court plays better on the court,” she said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how this group has come together and proven that.”

O’Callaghan said every game had presented a challenge.

“All teams showed how high the standard of the netball in our league is, and it’s a credit to all the players and coaches,” she

“Even Warrack Eagles, who we drew with in round 16 – while they didn’t win a game outright, they were really competitive all season.”

Stawell looked to be a real threat when, in round three, it lost by only two goals to the undefeated Horsham Saints. It was the closest margin for the Saints all season.

The final home-and-away rounds looked rocky as round 15 saw the Warriors sneak over the line against fifth-placed Nhill by one goal and round 16 was a draw with Warrack Eagles. Round 17 marked a 20-goal loss to Horsham before a bye, which Stawell used to reset before gearing up to play Horsham for the second time in three weeks.

O’Callaghan said all members of the team had stepped up to the challenges and wins of the season.

“Meg Walker played B Grade last year and has proved this year that she is here to stay in the A Grade,” she said.

“Our veteran players, including Lisa Considine and Jemma Clarkson, have played another outstanding season and it’s great to see it paying off for them.

“Our new players Dakota Cosson and Lauren Homden have also stepped up well into their roles this season.”

O’Callaghan said the team’s focus moving into finals was maintaining a high standard of netball.

“We’ve worked hard to get to where we are and have the double chance, come finals,” she said.

“We want to take another step up — play hard at the ball, treasure the ball when we win it and score off every opportunity.

“The team is in high spirits and it’s rewarding to be in this position so we’re ready for a successful finals campaign.”

Stawell Football & Netball Club “Callawadda Estate” Warriors

The Stawell Football and Netball Club would like to congratulate the A Grade, B Grade, C Grade, C Reserve, 13&U and 15&U netballers, Reserves and U14s footballers on their season thus far and would like to wish them all the best for the finals

Go Warriors

Dakota Cosson

Strength abounds

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham’s

L. 59 lost to Horsham Saints 63. Home.

Horsham

is on a path to redemption after an A Grade netball premiership slipped through its fingers in September last year.

Finishing second, and only losing on two oc casions to the top team this season, the Demons are primed to cause an upset during their finals campaign.

Horsham consistently scored more than 50 goals a game and conceded only slightly more than half that many goals, on average, through out the season.

Coach Tiff Heir said the experience of play ers at both ends of the court would hold the team in good stead, come finals.

She said the ‘old heads’ of Ebonie Salter, Marnie Lehmann and Jedda Heard in defence made for a strong combination.

“I think we have the best defensive line-up in the league and I think Saints have the best attacking line-up,” Heir said.

“We added Georgia Batson to our ranks in goals and her experience has also been a good addition to the team.

“Our ability to move the ball really quickly is an asset for us, too.

“We can get the ball from one end of the court to the other if everything is working for us.”

With five premierships since 2012 and seven grand final appearances, the Demons are no stranger to the pressure of finals netball.

Horsham’s versatility is noteworthy, with 2022 Hatcher Medallist Georgie Carberry tran-

between the two teams, in 2018 and 2022, Horsham Saints were victorious. Is 2023 the year when the Demons can turn the trend around and be premiers, dislodging their cross-town rivals from the top spot?

Wishing all Wimmera league teams a success l finals series

W. 55 d Southern Mallee Giants 21. Home.

W. 59 d Southern Mallee Giants 25. Away. Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 963. Against: 553.

The smart, experienced defender brings depth to the line-up. While reading the ball well and moving it down the court quickly, opponents will need to make sure they know where Salter is at

Georgie Carberry

The 2022 Hatcher Medallist will want redemption in this finals series, after finishing runner-up last year. Carberry has moved into a midcourt position and her vision into the goal ring is a huge asset.

Georgie Carberry

Horsham Saints’ road to the finals

Coach: Jess Cannane

Round 1: W. 79 d Warrack Eagles 32. Home.

Round 2: W. 63 d Horsham 59. Away.

Round 3: W. 41 d Stawell 39. Away.**

Round 4: W. 51 d Southern Mallee Giants 31. Away.

Round 5: W. 93 d Minyip-Murtoa 47. Home.

Round 6: Bye.

Round 7: W. 80 d Dimboola 48. Away.

Round 8: W. 79 d Ararat 49. Home.

Round 9: W. 60 d Nhill 28. Away.

Round 10: W. 77 d Warrack Eagles 38. Away.

Round 11: W. 63 d Horsham 56. Home.

Round 12: W. 75 d Stawell 36. Home.

Round 13: W. 88 d Southern Mallee Giants 53. Home.

Round 14: W. 96 d Minyip-Murtoa 43. Away.*

Round 15: Bye.

Round 16: W. 83 d Dimboola 45. Home.

Round 17: W. 63 d Ararat 40. Away.

Round 18: W. 52 d Nhill 40. Home.

* Highest score ** Lowest score

Total: Won: 16. Lost: 0. For: 1143. Against: 684.

Points: 64. Percentage: 167.11.

Players to watch

Jorja Clode

No-one could tell this tall goal shooter is one of the youngest A Grade players in the competition, with her calm and collected manner in the goal ring. With almost 700 goals to her name this season, Clode is the perfect target for Saints’ feeders.

Erin Mellington

Mellington made the switch from Horsham District league to Wimmera league this season and has fit perfectly into a goal-keeper role. Her voice provides great direction and her experience shines.

Full speed ahead

BY ABBY WALTER

orsham Saints did not break their stride, transitioning from a thrilling premiership win to an undefeated season in 2023.

The Saints were a force to be reckoned with from the first whistle of round one and have averaged more than 70 goals a game.

Coach Jess Cannane said despite team changes in the off-season, the line-up showed massive potential at the start of the year.

“It’s quite pleasing to be undefeated — it was our goal to be playing finals again this year,” she

“Throughout the year, the team’s confidence has grown as the different combinations have become

“We have also worked on our ability to finish games off well.”

Last season, the Saints’ highest score was 70 goals and largest winning margin was 20 goals.

This year their highest score was 96 and largest winning margin was 53 goals.

Cannane said the Saints would have previously been content to win by small margins and only aim to maintain a lead rather than extend it.

“This year we have been consistently extending our wins,” she said.

“Going into finals will be all about continuing what we have been doing in finishing games.

“We will prepare in the best possible way to be able to play out every 15 minutes.”

Cannane said it was pleasing to have the opportunity to give younger players game time in

a senior team. “It has been a seamless transition. We have some super-talented juniors and to have been able to put them into our different combinations ensures we have a dynamic team,” she said.

“It is also pleasing to know our future is bright for the club.”

The Saints’ biggest challengers this season were Horsham, which lost by less than 10 goals on both occasions, and Stawell, which lost by two on the first occasion the teams met.

Cannane said two games against Horsham were standouts throughout the season.

“Horsham is a good match-up for us and to get the jump on them in round two by four goals and round 11 by seven goals set us up well to continue what we had been doing,” she said.

“We’ll be ready, come finals, as we will likely meet them twice during the next four weeks.

“Going into finals, we will re-emphasise that what we do is working and we know we can perform under the pressure Horsham brings every time they play.

“We’re going to use the week off to regroup and ensure we have made it through the season unscathed and ready to do what we have been working towards all season.”

Cannane said there was a quiet excitement building throughout the team.

“We finished the season with a strong focus on making sure we kept up our momentum,” she said.

“Now we can continue to show why we finished on top and enjoy the position of having a week off.”

Proudly supporting grassroots football, netball and umpiring throughout the region with our partnerships

Congratulations to all who have participated in 2023.

Best wishes to all still participating in finals action.

Travel safely as you, your team-mates and supporters travel to-and-from your games

Mahindra revealed its next generation ‘Pik Up’ utility in concept form at the brand’s Futurescape event in Cape Town, South Africa, last week.

The Indian manufacturer says the concept represents a ‘well-considered approach to entering newer international markets while strengthening its presence in existing ones’.

Due to compete with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, the model rides on a newly-developed ladder frame chassis and promises contemporary levels of technology and safety.

Mahindra automotive sector president Veejay Nakra said the new ‘Global Pik Up’ marked a significant step in Mahindra’s ‘Go-Global’ strategy.

“This robust and tough vehicle, engineered with cutting-edge technol-

Global ute

Mahindra to take on Ranger and HiLux with next-generation, dual-cab utility

ogy, is not only versatile and capable but also meets high standards of safety,” he said.

“Our move with the Global Pik Up is poised to not only reinforce our presence in existing markets, but also pave the way to new frontiers.”

Mahindra says the design of the new Pik Up is founded on creating a versatile and multi-purpose tool tailored to the modern world. It says the exterior is built to withstand demanding conditions, while its interior offers comfort and ample space.

Unlike the current generation Pik Up, the new model aims to be a ‘more well-rounded’ option, providing what Mahindra’s chief design officer Pratap Bose says is the ability to fulfil diverse needs without compromising on quality or appearance.

“Design is the cornerstone of our

success, shaping our identity and paving the way for our global acceptance,” he said.

“The Global Pik Up’s rugged, dependable and purposeful appearance appeals universally, reflecting a desire for adventure and exploration.

“The satin-finish, titanium-gold paint highlights the vehicle’s ultra-durable new-gen ladder frame platform, embodying the ‘Go Far’ aspirations that define this Mahindra Pik Up.

“Its versatility and capability, enriched by cutting-edge technologies, signal a transformative shift in what a lifestyle pickup can be.”

In addition to being a more lifestyleoriented vehicle, the Pik Up promises to continue fulfilling a range of needs.

Mahindra says the cargo bed will be ‘substantial’ in size with generous payload, and the vehicle would offer

‘commendable’ towing capacity, suggesting it might match segment rivals at 3500kg. Importantly, the Global Pik Up aims to meet global safety standards with a five-star target in its sights.

Mahindra has indicated the vehicle would feature a range of advanced safety technologies, while continuing to offer the capability demonstrated by its 4Xplore four-wheel drive system, offered currently in the Scorpio SUV.

Mahindra automotive technology and product development president Ramasamy Velusamy said the Global Pik Up was engineered to deliver performance, safety, utility and robust capability.

“The core principles of this concept lie in crafting a multifaceted vehicle for the contemporary era,” he said.

“Its blend of versatility and capability is fortified by state-of-the-art

technologies such as Level-2 ADAS, immersive infotainment, and more. “We are focused on building a true global pick-up that reflects authenticity, with engineering and safety features designed to resonate with the global audience.”

While Mahindra has yet to confirm release timing for the new Pik Up, GoAuto understands the vehicle will make its production debut towards the end of 2024 or in early 2025.

Mahindra says it will continue its push to become a prominent player in the global automotive landscape, with the new Pik Up to initially launch in existing markets including Australia, the Middle East and Northern Africa, New Zealand, South Africa, and South and Central America before introducing the model into ASEAN markets.

– Matt Brogan

• Australian motorhome manufacturer unveils its all-road, six-wheel drive beast — Page 49

Earthcruiser unveils latest creation

Earthcruiser Australia has unveiled its latest creation – an imposing, purpose-built, go-anywhere six-wheel drive beast based on the proven Toyota LandCruiser 79-series platform.

Dubbed the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6, the vehicle was developed in 12 months and features the specifications and equipment list to take on some of the world’s toughest terrains ‘safely, reliably and comfortably’, the manufacturer says.

Aimed at allowing customers to spend longer off the beaten track, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 began as a custom build for an Earthcruiser customer. But, according to the manufacturer, ‘when word got out, the order book for the vehicle started to quickly fill’.

Earthcruiser developed the driveline for the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 in conjunction with 6x6 Australia. It features a unique coil-airbag sprung bogie drive rear axle set-up, with full load sharing capability between each rear axle.

With a drive-through diff and power divider, the third axle remains undriven while the vehicle is on the blacktop, but once traction starts to break, the power divider locks up 100 percent drive to all wheels. The three axles also have the same track width for easier wheel placement when tackling obstacles.

Considering the vehicle’s weight, size and off-road capabilities, the fully fabricated rear axle and diff housings feature a 3600kg load rating each. A variable ratio rear steer feature also provides variable steering assistance from the rear bogie based on turn radius and speed.

For even more serious terrain, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is equipped with three differential locks, which can be engaged simultaneously for tank-like off-road traction.

Further forward, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is all Toyota, with a V8 turbo-diesel engine, Toyota-sourced six-speed automatic or standard fivespeed manual with fortified clutch, and low-range transfer case. Fuel supply is from a single 275-litre tank.

Additional off-road cred comes from portal axles that provide a five-inch lift along with an impressive 390mm of under axle clearance.

The portals have been finite element

analysis, FEA, tested and certified to more than 1500kg each, and include a central tyre inflation system, CTIS, that supplies air to the tyres through the hub centre. Inflation and deflation can be actuated simultaneously to all wheels while the vehicle is in motion using a Garmin in-cabin and removable digital touchscreen. The system can also be programmed to automatically adjust air pressures based on road speed.

Safety

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6’s airbag suspension system incorporates automatic load and horizon levelling and is adjustable through three drivercontrolled heights – kneel, ride and lift. Earthcruiser says there is up to 100mm difference between the lowest and highest settings, and that as much as 250mm of variation can be achieved in manual control mode.

Complementing the airbags are military-spec heavy-duty sway bars with an in-cabin disconnect function that allows greater articulation off road.

The vehicle is also equipped with four hydraulic rams, which can be used for performing vehicle maintenance or simply to change tyres without needing to manually jack.

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is shod

with 17-inch Earthcruiser forged alloy rims with dual inflation valves and 35 x 12.5-inch Federal Xplora mud terrain tyres.

Earthcruiser says due to the ‘scale’ of the vehicle, the scope of equipment fitted, and its extended 4130mm wheelbase, the model has been upgraded to offer a GVM of 7000kg and has been ‘fully engineered and is registerable federally via Second Stage of Manufacture, SSM’.

The front axle capacity is also 500kg higher than stock to 1980kg.

All up, the changes provide owners with 3000kg payload.

To handle the added mass, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is equipped with a hydraulic brake booster that is said to reduce braking effort while increasing responsiveness. Upgraded calipers and oversized heavy-duty vented brake rotors have also been specified to increase stopping power.

The vehicle is also fitted with an electric parking brake that actuates on all four rear calipers.

Interior makeover

Inside, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 receives an extensive makeover with improved seating, upgraded upholstery, additional sound and vibration damping, and added thermal insula-

tion. Two additional seat-belted positions are fitted within the camper body, taking passenger capacity to four.

With sleeping for three, the camper body features moulded structurally insulated foam walls and floor and a one-piece infusion moulded structural foam roof that is closed with double seals.

The entry door receives the same treatment and also features deadlock with all latches and locks being flush mounted or recessed. Overhead, the body boasts a triple-layer block-out roof curtain, incorporating PVC windows, insect and full privacy screens.

Earthcruiser says these materials are rated from -30 to +70°C.

Offering a luxury touch away from home, the camper features leather dinette seats, precision CNC-routed Corian benchtops, stainless steel sink with a separate purified drinking fountain and freshwater wash taps. There are also internal and external showers with immediate and continuous hot water and central air heating – both diesel-powered.

On board water capacity is 275 litres and there is also a 27-litre grey water tank.

Home-style comfort and conveni-

ence features further include splitsystem air-conditioning, a microwave oven, two-burner induction cooktop, two fridges, washing machine and dryer. The truck also features an Arctic System that heats the water tanks. An electric slide-out Thetford chemical toilet ensuite and an integrated high-pressure water cleaner are also included.

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 features a full lithium-ion battery system for start and house batteries, 810w monocrystalline solar panels, a 3000w Victron inverter, a 50amp Multi Country Victron battery charger with 200amp high output and a fully sealed and water-cooled brushless alternator ‘ensuring reliable power no matter what the location’.

Forward lighting on the vehicle is handled by auxiliary spotlights, a curved road vision light bar and bullbar integrated fog lights. A 360-degree flood light is also fitted to the vehicle and includes an ‘emergency lighting’ function.

Communication

Along with traditional UHF communications, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 runs a Starlink satellite system providing easy internet access while allowing owners to view and track their vehicle from their phone anywhere in the world.

And, to make sure you can pack everything you need for the big trip, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 features ‘plentiful’ storage areas, lockers and toolboxes.

Protective bar work includes a Hammer-tone textured deluxe winch compatible steel bullbar and protective steel scrub rails and side steps, heavy-duty front and rear recovery points, and front and rear 5896kg 12volt electric winches.

Two spare wheel carriers with electric ‘wheel lifters’ are also fitted to the truck for effortless tyre changing, while a dual-purpose Maxtrax firewood carrier allows owners to carry up to four Maxtrax and a load of firewood simultaneously.

Earthcruiser says it offers ‘virtually limitless options’ for Extreme 330 XTR6x6 customers and has even offered a video of the rig in action.

– Matt Brogan

OPTIONS: Pricing for the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is determined on a build-by-build basis. The vehicle pictured is priced at $800,000 plus on-road costs.

For 60 years the heart of the RENN Roller Mill has been its precision -machined 16” diameter rolls, which provide more grain rolling area per revolution compared to other brands of roller mills with smaller diameter rolls.

RENN Roller Mills save time and money year after year by rolling more grain per hour with less horsepower.

All-purpose Fertilizer Spreaders

Ferguson Perry Surveying prides itself on providing surveying and land development management services of the highest quality.

The business has been operating in the Wimmera, Grampians and Southern Mallee region since 1950 and have continued to uphold their strong reputation of efficient service.

Managing director and Licensed Surveyor Tom Hardman, along with the Ferguson Perry team, provides a range of services including subdivision, engineering, topographic, mining, construction surveying, spatial information management and project management.

Contact the team today on 5382 2023, email; admin@fergusonperry.com.au, or drop into the business at 62 McLachlan Street, Horsham.

Sudoku

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

FOCUS

An All Australian Word Game

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once

* Each word must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’

* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

TODAY’S Good: 13 words

FOCUS Very good: 24 words

Excellent: 38 words

Spot the 5 Differences

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID T

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03 Items not needed for publication can be erased as each is in a separate text box.

Created: Ted Whillier Qxpress: 8491 Matt Trickey Checked:

Reference:

Join the Dots

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

Take a

On This Day

Huge crowd expected for rally

1. Lots of species, including emus, red kangaroos and red-bellied black snakes, are endemic to Australia. What does endemic mean?

2. True or false? Tropical rainforests have the highest level of biodiversity of any habitat.

3. The country has been gripped by Australia’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup during the past few weeks. What is the name of the Matilda’s goalkeeper who starred in the quarter-final penalty shootout against France?

4. Which bird has the widest wingspan? A. Sulphur-crested cockatoo. B. Emu. C. Wandering albatross. D. Emperor penguin.

5. True or false? Mosquitoes are a type of fly.

6. What is the alternative name for blood sugar?

yOur Lucky sTars

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.36.30.33.

Could be a little too emotional to make decisions rationally just now. Leave all your problems until later on. Do not promise things that you may find hard to do.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.45.40.9.

A missed opportunity that has bothered you in the past should return and you could make a great success of it this time. Love life improvement is also evident and someone special should surprise you.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 4.5.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.22.1.

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 26, 1999 – A former Navy helicopter and a hovercraft will be two of the focal displays during the 1999 Dunmunkle Sumpoilers Rally at Murtoa North on September 25 and 26. The rally, which attracts thousands of people every year, will feature an incredible variety of vintage machinery including both tractors and stationary engines, military vehicles, aircraft engines, a display of Ackland machinery plus an extensive collection of John Deere tractors and farm machinery.

10 years ago: August 21, 2013

Kiwi chef Al Brown hosts the new show, ‘Dishing up Australia with Al Brown,’ which takes New Zealand viewers on a culinary journey across Australia, including restaurants and farms near the Grampians.

Five years ago: August 22, 2018

The 2018 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Horsham, the first time the titles have been in Australia, represent a rare opportunity.

One year ago: August 24, 2022

Horsham’s Toy’s Garden Restaurant, its Chinese gardens and expansive 2.8-hectare grounds sold last week, after more than 18 months on the market.

FIVE-DAY forecast

7. Apart from their prominent lead singer, Peter Gifford, Dwayne Hillman, Rob Hirst, James Andrew, James Moginie and Martin Rotsey are, or were, members of what successful Australian rock band?

8. According to a famous 1940s story that appeared in the National Press, how many rabbits did it take to create an Aussie slouch hat? A. 2. B. 14. C. 7. D. 10.

9. Who established a breakthrough variety of high-yielding wheat known as Federation and later featured on an Australian two-dollar note?

10. The Wimmera and Mallee is renowned as a good place to study astronomical dwarfs. What is the common name for a red dwarf?

Good news concerning career matters should give you a boost but keep an eye out – too much indulgence could be bad for your waistline. Someone special could enter your life.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.39.5.

This could be one of the happiest times for the whole year. Your personality should be sparkling and people are looking for your company. Some unexpected luck in surprising ways.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.33.

There should be more co-operation from above – people in high places could give you unexpected help. One of your long time wishes could come true during this period.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.40.44.

There could be more to do and more responsibility for you to handle during this period and many of your romantic ideas may have to be postponed but you will be compensated later on.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Answers:

1. Endemic species can only be found in one place in the world. 2. True. It’s estimated that about half of all species on Earth live in rainforests. 3. Mackenzie Arnold. Arnold, who made her national team debut in 2012 against Chinese Taipei, saved three penalty kicks against France and was named player of the match. 4. C. The largest wandering albatrosses have wingspans around 3.7 metres. 5. True. Mosquitoes are members of the order Diptera, meaning two wings, which is the scientific definition of a fly. 6. Glucose. The body produces most carbohydrates we eat into glucose. 7. Midnight Oil. Former Federal parliamentarian Peter Garrett is the band’s lead singer. 8. C. 9. William Farrer. 10. A star.

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.3.1.5.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.28.7.

Not a good period to get involved in group activities. Wait for more energy and interest in something new. Improvements in health and welfare should be imminent.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.9.5.

Lotto Numbers: 5.6.12.23.36.39.

Some happier affairs with your trusted friends and you could help someone out of a tricky situation. Success in business could come as a big surprise.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.30.45.

Getting away from it all could be a good idea for you at the moment. Too much work will get you ahead but also make you tired. Emotional period in which you could make errors of judgement.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.20.30.11.15.

Time has come to get rid of some old things and ideas and start afresh. If you have to do some signing of papers make sure you know what you are doing and get expert advice.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6.2.3.1.

Lotto Numbers: 6.12.23.30.22.29.

If you have had bad experiences with someone, it could be that you will again so do not trust them. People could be nice if you let them and asking for help is a wise thing sometimes.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.36.30.44.

If you feel at all under the weather make sure you get treatment before things get worse. Rest is as good as a holiday sometimes. Financial matters should improve soon.

60th Wedding Anniversary

~ HAYES ~ Bruce Hayes and Faye Hayes (nee Cambridge)

24-8-1963

Married at the Church of England, Horsham by Reverend McIntyre

Birthdays

18th Birthday

Nadia Sachse

Wishing you a wonderful 18th Birthday.

Love always Mum, Dad, Lyla and Brady.

HUNTER, Mary

Formerly of Reservoir

Passed away on August 7, 2023 aged 82 years.

Cherished wife of Alan.

Dearly loved by all of her friends and family. In God’s Care

KONING (nee Heinrich), Una Adeline

Passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023 aged 95 years.

Dearly loved wife of Derk ‘Dick’ (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Kate & Ben; Richard & Denise; Chris & Jill; Robert & Karen; Liz & Michael.

Adored by all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mum lived her life for her Lord. Her faith was strong and sure. Cancer may have won the battle.

But Christ has won the war.

death notices

LOUISON,

David Anthony

Formerly of Culcairn and Wangaratta

Passed away at home on August 18, 2023 aged 68 years.

Dearly loved father and father in law of Amber and Nepal.

Loving grandad to Nirvan.

Adored brother to Catherine and her family.

He has brushed his last stroke

ROBERTSON, Gary Thomas

7-2-1956 to 21-8-2023

Loved husband of Anna.

Loving father of Nick, Luke, John, Bill & Tom.

Father-in-law of Mel, Kristy, Vicki, Sharon & Chelsea.

Loved & Loving Poppy of Ayva, Cooper & Neeve; Indi & Jack; Bailey & Riley; Olivia & Sylvie; and Finn & Sonny.

Requiesce In Pace

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

ROBERTSON, Gary

The committee, players and supporter group of the Horsham Saints Football and Netball Club share their sincere condolences on the passing of Gary, a past player, chairman of selectors, committee member and Life Member of our club.

Gary was a long-time supporter of the club and our thoughts are with Anna and the entire Robertson family, who continue to contribute and participate in the club.

A great man all round.

Rest in Peace, Robbo

Funeral Notices

DICK, Elizabeth Rose

The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs Elizabeth Dick will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham, Tuesday, September 12 commencing at 11am A private cremation will follow.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

ROBERTSON, Gary Thomas

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Gary Thomas Robertson will be held at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 commencing at 1pm Interment to follow at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery. Rosary & Vigil Prayers will be held Monday evening at 5.30pm.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

HUNTER, Mary

Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Mary Hunter at St Michael & St John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, August 25, 2023 commencing at 1.30pm Private cremation.

The service may also be viewed online at https:// protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ VEVcCROz1XuY4rc96gYY? domain=youtube.com

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KONING, Una Adeline

The Funeral of Una Adeline Koning will leave St John’s Lutheran Church, Pella on Monday, August 28, 2023 after a service commencing at 11am for the Rainbow Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

BOWDEN, Dorothy “Alison”

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Alison Bowden will take place at the St Arnaud Sporting Club on Friday, August 25, 2023 commencing at 2pm

Memorial Notices

JONES, Richard (Dick)

James

2-8-1929 to 21-8-2022

Special memories of our devoted Dad and Pa. A year has gone so quickly. We miss you and love you so much.

Cheryle, Geoff, Amber, Bree, Glen, Ed, Arli, Tyge, Lennix & Zade xxxx

1 Chocolate mini Dachshund, female, vacc, vet checked, m/ chip# 953010006162922

$2500 each, located in Nhill Ph 0431725487

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic#3NGLM058 $250ea Ph 53585079

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267

Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill German Shepherd puppies , great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and two girls, source# MB115424, m/chip# F 95301000661546, F953010006610248, M953010006610331, M95301000661015145 Ph 0421018631

Goats Boer and boer cross from $100 each Ph 0427361940

Event Services

Kildare Border Collies now have a litter of purebred puppies for sale at $1,800, we have been breeding border collies for over 50 years and strive to breed quality true to type and temperament in our puppies. Our pups have calm natures and make excellent working dogs or family pets. Three are chocolate and white puppies 2 female and 1 male and the remainder are female black and white puppies with piercing dark eyes and traditional black and white markings. Born 28/05/2023, all have fun loving natures and ready to find their forever home. All puppies have been microchipped, vet checked vac/wmd, m/ chip#991001005403261/2368

source#MB196330, call Brendan Hogan for more information Ph 0439971754 Donald Labrador pups, 2x chocolate, 4x black, mix sex, great natured, mchip# 96000015967567/802 076/970033/65574/801447/9

69196 source#M6227250 Ph 0418519231

Pigeon fantails, lots of colours, $5 each, plus other breeds, no texts Ph 0408846796

Funeral Directors

Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS -

*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number

PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register

LIVESTOCK -

LOUISON, David Anthony

David Anthony Louison will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Purebred Cocker Spaniel puppies, black and gold, DOB 19/06/2023, ready in a few weeks, vet checked, vaccinated, etc, Microchip no 956000014851219, 956000014847574, source no RV185238 Ph 0429912620

Roosters, ducks and guinea foul wanted Ph 0469740723

Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397

Sheep agistment available at Kewell , accommodate approx 130-140, feed wall advanced Ph 0427895097

Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC#3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521

1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134

2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, Engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020

2005 Caravan Excel 511, air bag, roof lift, 2x120 AH batteries and solar, 3 way fridge, gas heating, tv, full awning annex, d/bed, plenty storage $21,000 Ph 0419566055

*Selling, giving away or bartering

2005 Traveller Caravan 19’ Hurricane, shower and toilet, full annex $35,000 Ph 0417555823

Ezytrail camper, Sterling G, Mark 2, EC $21,999ono Ph John 0427562876

Galaxy 2007, new Tebbs annexe, a/c, oven, fridge, rego, batteries $25,000ono Ph 0402933972

When mum said years ago she was going to make funeral arrangements, we

Funeral Notices

Animals & Accessories

2015 Hyundai FE, SUV, 2.2, 2 way diesel, towbar, full service history, excellent condition, rego 1FFSO,1,70,000 kms, $23,500

+GST Ph 0418991340

Farm land approx. 110 acres for shared lease, located on the fringe of Hopetoun 3396, suitable for cropping, grazing, solar farming or other use, 3 phase power is available, long or short term lease Ph Lawrence to discuss 0414587676

2017 Toyota Hilux SR5, 4X4, manual, one owner, diesel, roof racks, bullbar, towbar, electric brakes, heavy springs, tinted windows, dual batteries, reg til 6/24, 161,000kms, AMF813 $43,000 Ph 0408504867

Wanted,

F250 Ute 2002 XLT Power stroke diesel V8, 284838kms, right hand column auto, tub liner, tie down points, tow bar, bucket seats, elec windows and mirrors, a/c, tyres 90%, rego 28th Aug 23 RUG765 $42,000 Ph 53826103 in business

hours

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3 speed manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $35,000ono Ph 0407614706

Little Esther is my baby. Well… I should clarify. Fur baby… and ok… she’s not so little. She might even be on a diet. When Esther is good, I jokingly think of her as Bester, and when she’s naughty, I jokingly and affectionately think of her as Pester. In reality, I call her Esther, or baby. Esther came to me as a rescue cat with the name Lotus, but Lotus didn’t seem to fit. It took me a while to figure out what name suited her, until a friend suggested Esther.

White 2011 Holden Commodore SS VE series II, selling due to upgrade to 4x4, service up to date with book, rego till May, roadworthy supplied, kept very neat and tidy, 177***kms, ZPK676 $35,000 Ph 0409579397

Airia, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, EC $300 Ph 0413207022

REDUCED Yamaha CLP330

Clavinova Digital Piano, EC, great sound and feel, includes stool $2000 Ph0428894232

Student Cello and Bow $500 Ph 0427712331

Marcy exercise bike as new $100ono Ph 0458192247

Mens RH Cobra FMAX, Airspeed Graphite, 23deg, 7 wood inc cover, as new $150 Ph 0487227965

Author: Susanne McDonald.

significance

a

Jesus’ name means ‘the Lord saves.’ Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means ‘house of bread.’ Indeed, Jesus later referred to Himself as the bread of life, that whoever comes to Him will never go hungry, and he who believes in Jesus will never be thirsty (John 6:35). Jesus came as His name said - to save. In John 6:35-40, Jesus gives two beautiful promises. Whoever comes to Him, He will never drive away, and whoever looks to Jesus and believes in Him shall have eternal life. I invite you to accept the free gift of life that Jesus offers today.

Sing Australia Horsham resumes on Monday 4th September, at 7:30pm at Horsham Uniting Church meeting room. Come along and choose your favourite songs from our books. We sing for pleasure, no experience or knowledge of music is necessary, just enjoy!

Wimmera Hockey Association Inc.

A000644P

Notice of Annual HORSHAM

ENERGY HUB

Drop-in Sessions

Energy Transition Solutions is proposing the Horsham Energy Hub project – a 60MW firming power station and 20MW hydrogen plant on the Western Highway at Burnt Creek, near Horsham. The project will firm and stabilise renewable energy generation in Western Victoria.

Come and talk to us at

Wimmera Business Centre

62 Darlot St, Horsham

Tues Aug 29 and Wed Aug 30 12:00pm–6:00pm

Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange Western Highway, Horsham Wed Aug 30 12:00–1.30pm

CONTACT US

E: info@energyts.com.au

M: 0438 054 756 W: energyts.com.au

jeff@ricksteel.com.au ( 03 5358 3233 or 0408 361 058 during business hours.

Opportunity This Way

2 X Plant Operator Labourer

Full Time, Permanent

Are you ready for a job that supports an excellent work/life balance? Do you want above-award wages? Do you like working as part of a team?

We are seeking 2 X full time, permanent Plant Operators to join our team. This job is suitable for someone who is an experienced machinery operator or truck driver and takes pride in their work and the community.

Construction Induction (White Card) training is essential. Other machinery competencies an advantage. Other training relevant to the position will be provided on the job.

Applications close Friday 25 August 2023 at 12noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form. Position descriptions and details of how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council

For enquiries on these positions, please contact Keith Rowe, Operations Coordinator, on 03 5391 4444. Council is an equal opportunity workplace and we offer a flexible, supportive environment.

Branch Manager

William Adams CAT Horsham

Take on this exciting and rare career opportunity and become our Horsham Branch Manager!

With over 90 years as a Caterpillar Dealer, William Adams has proudly made its mark. Together with Caterpillar, we’ve been there for customers - selling and servicing the best equipment in the world - on land, at sea, in construction, mining and industry.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be responsible for leading a diverse team of 15+ highly experienced and dedicated individuals in our Horsham branch. In this important role you will inspire, coach, train and mentor and always be willing to “get your hands dirty”.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Leadership of all branch employees, creating a positive culture focused on being a successful business in all aspects

• Operational knowledge of Sales, Parts and Service

• Be hands on in driving a positive safety culture, including a major focus on contamination control

• Financial accountability of the branch including budgets

• Ensuring customer service excellence standards are continually met

ABOUT YOU

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

You are a true people leader with prior experience in Operations/Branch Management in the heavy machinery industry.

Your proven ability to communicate and interact at all levels, along with your sound commercial acumen will help drive the branch’s growth and performance, ensuring we are exceeding our customer’s needs. You will ideally have the following skills, experience, and attributes:

• Ability to develop long term internal and external customer relationships

• Solid project, people, administration, and commercial management skills

• Sound conflict resolution, problem solving and interpersonal skills

• Mechanical understanding and comprehension of Cat products and services

• A genuine commitment to health, safety, and environment practices

Want to know more? Call David in our Talent Acquisition Team on 03 9566 0691

Bennett Freight & Co Pty Ltd

B-Double Truck Driver

Mainly Grain Cartage

Home most nights

Must have: MC License & Good driving history 0428 121 857

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

Case Manager Step Thru Care 38 hours per week

$36.00 to $47.50 per hour

Mental Health Support Worker –Connecting2Community (C2C) 38 hours per week

$32.21 to $41.52 per hour

Contact: Danny O’Brien

Program Leader Family Violence (Home Agency) 38 or negotiated hours per week $51.90 per hour

Contact: Gemma Beavis

Intensive Drink and Drug Driver Behaviour Change Facilitator 3.04 hours per week

$36.00 to $42.60 per hour

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Closing: 12pm Monday 4 September 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

horsham@ontgroup.com.au www.ontgroup.com.au

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

Dedicated Intake Worker

30.4 hours per week

$32.21 to $36.00 per hour

Contact: Kristy Price

Forensic Mental Health Worker

22.8 or 30.6 hours per week

$47.50 to $51.76 per hour

Contact: Danny O’Brien

Closing: 12pm Monday 28 August 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

2024 Teaching Positions

Ss Michael and John’s Primary School invites applications for the following position:

Classroom Teacher

Full Time Ongoing Position

The Ss Michael and John’s school community is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care.

An exciting opportunity exists to join Ss Michael and John’s PS, an innovative, vibrant and dynamic Catholic school. The successful applicant will join a culture of dynamic learning and positive student wellbeing.

Experienced and Graduate teachers are encouraged to apply. Application package and job description are available to download from the school website: www.smjhorsham.catholic.edu.au or view teachers.on.net

Applications close: 04-09-2023

Positions commence: Term 1 2024

If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check out the roles below!

Coordinator Strategic Planning Band 7 ($96,520 - $107,991 per annum) or

• Band 8 ($112,094 - $125,612 per annum)

• Permanent Full-time or Part-time Flexible working arrangements available

Coordinator Governance

• Band 7 ($96,520- $107,991 per annum)

• Permanent Full-time Flexible working arrangements available (hybrid, job-share and part-time considered)

RCCC IT Business Analyst

• Band 7 ($53.52 per hour, $105,770pa)

• Fixed Term Full-time (12 months)

Flexible working arrangements available

• Can be based in Horsham, Loddon (Wedderburn) or Hindmarsh (Nhill)

Laser Plumbing Horsham is restructuring to support our growing business and continued focus on providing great service for our clients and tradespeople.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Plumbing Manager – multiple positions available, industry experience not essential Team Leader – multiple positions available, industry experience not essential Plumbing Technical Support & Quality Assurance – qualifications required Flexible working arrangements (hours, days, remuneration)

For more information call the office or email HRWHS.horsham@laserelectrical.com.au

Laser Plumbing & Electrical Horsham 89 Plumpton Road, Horsham Phone: 03 5382 1375 horsham@laserelectrical.com.au

Plumbing Lic: 41089 REC: 14579 ARC: 26861

Electrician

Permanent Full Time

Job No. 4822

Security Officer

Permanent - Part Time

Job No. 4819 closes 27/8/2023

Allied Health Clinician

School Readiness Program

Psychologist / Social Worker

Fixed Term - Part Time

Job No. 4828 closes 5/9/2023

Orderly / Cleaner

Permanent - Part Time

Job No. 4812 closes 3/9/2023

To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/

SERVICE ADMIN

Warracknabeal

Join one of Australia’s leading John Deere Dealerships

Full time Opportunity with Flexibility + Career Progression + Training

Play a key role in our Service Team, working alongside the Service Foreman, organising our Service Mechanics and helping our customers.

An opportunity has just opened up for a hands-on Administrator to join our busy Warracknabeal branch. This central role would see you working hand in hand with our Service team and customers, efficiently controlling incoming bookings, scheduling service work, responding to breakdowns, ensuring the on-time delivery of new machinery and completion of warranty work.

This varied and important role is perfect for someone who loves to be in the heart of all the action, proactively organise teams, engage with customers, and is looking for full time hours.

As a well-established organisation, we offer a multitude of employee focused benefits:

• This is a permanent full-time role with the opportunity to make it your own

• Competitive remuneration package

• Well defined careers pathways, training and development

• Flexibility – As a family owned and run organisation – we believe in a family first approach

• Mental Health and Wellbeing support with individual and confidential access the EAP network

What you’ll need:

• Previous experience in Administration

• A “can do” solutions driven approach

• Strong influential skills and ability to make strong relationships

• Willingness to learn and motivation to succeed

• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use standard desktop applications such as Microsoft

Office: Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook

Access the QR code for more information or contact our Recruitment Lead –Beck Netherway on careers@emmetts.com.au

Reception Administration Position

We are currently seeking a highly motivated person with exceptional customer service skills to join our administration team.

If you are a person that strives to provide awesome customer service; has excellent communication and administration skills; has strong Microsoft Office competencies; has great time management skills and works well in a busy team environment then we may have the perfect position for you!

Watts Price Accountants offers:

• Great variety of work

• Flexible work arrangements

• Plenty of client contact

• Excellent workplace facilities

• You’ll be working with great clients & team members

A position description is available from our website or by phoning our office on (03) 5382 3001.

Applications can be emailed torichardk@wattsprice.com.au or forwarded to us by Monday 11 September 2023; “Reception Administration Position” PO Box 118, Horsham Vic 3402

Place your situation

– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. (03) 5382 1351 horshamreception@ team.aceradio.com.au

Situations Vacant

Technical Assistant (Field Operations)

• Salary: $56,271 - $72,262 (Plus Superannuation)

• Fixed Term, (period of 3 years)

• Usual work location: Horsham

Supporting thriving, productive and sustainable communities, environments and industries, at DEECA we’re focused on creating a liveable, inclusive and sustainable Victoria with thriving natural environments where the community is at the centre of everything we do.

Do you have a passion for agriculture?

Do you have a desire to develop a career in agricultural research?

Would you like to contribute to world class R & D that improves the profitability and sustainability of the Australian grains industry? This position will fill an important technical role in the pulse breeding and research team within Agriculture Victoria Research, located in Horsham. We require someone to assist in field trial operations for the National Lentil Breeding Program that is cofunded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and will contribute to a world class, technologically advanced breeding program.

You will contribute to all aspects of field operations related to the National lentil and field pea breeding programs. This will involve site selection, trial preparation, sowing, chemical applications and harvesting. You will also have oversight of maintenance of farm equipment and machinery. Attention to detail will also be important in recognising issues in field trials and in taking field observations. You will need to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and be able to work collaboratively with a range of people. You will need to be self-motivated, well organised, able to innovate and problem solve.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Ian Fox, Senior Technical Officer on 0420 966 328, or via email: ian.fox@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

How to Apply

Please visit the www.careers.vic.gov.au website and search under position number 021427. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description. Applications close at midnight on Thursday 31 August 2023.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

School

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

Program Leader Healthy Communities

38 or negotiated hours per week

$51.90 per hour

Contact: Kristy Price

General Maintenance Handyperson

22.8 hours per week

$33.22 per hour

Contact: Luke Bibby

Case Manager Perpetrator Family Violence

22.8 hours per week

$32.21 to $41.52 per hour

Contact: Gemma Beavis

Case Manager Aged Care

38 hours per week

$36.00 to $41.52 per hour

Contact: Karen Watson

Closing: 12pm Monday 11 September 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

WORKFORCE AUSTRALIA LOCAL JOBS EMPLOYMENT FACILITATOR FULL

TIME

An opportunity exists within the Wimmera Mallee region for a proactive individual to connect local job seekers with training, supports and employment opportunities. You will work with local stakeholders to drive the development of the Local Jobs Plan. Experience in local community, training or employment programs will be bene cial. For more information please contact Angela Hewett on 0417 054 123

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Customer Service Officer (Fixed Term 12 Months)

Position number VG/3315B

We are looking for a customer-focused, enthusiastic person to join our customer service team.

As Customer Service Officer, you will be part of our Call Centre team who are responsible for all initial points of contact with GWMWater customers. As a member of this team, you will play a vital role in creating a lasting, positive impression on our customers.

If you have strong communication skills, a great eye for detail and can work in a fast-paced environment, this is the job for you!

Water Services Operator - Wimmera

(Nhill, Dimboola, Kaniva)

Position number VG/5218D

We are seeking a new Water Services Operator to join our Wimmera team, with opportunities to work in other parts of our region from time-to-time. As a Water Services Operator, you will enjoy a fast-paced environment, responding to reported faults and service interruptions to maintain essential water and wastewater services to GWMWater customers.

Based in the Nhill, Dimboola and Kaniva area, you will gain significant work experience and work in a dynamic team. You will achieve a Certificate III in Water Operations and participate in the on-call roster.

If you enjoy working with your hands in the great outdoors, problem-solving and contributing to the liveability of your community, please get in touch.

To apply online, please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

Applications close: Friday 1 September 2023

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

GWMWater is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing flexible working arrangements to enable the right candidate to be successful.

To receive information in relation to this vacancy in an accessible format such as large print, please contact our People Talent and Culture team on 1300 659 961.

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams Managing Director

11 McLachlan Street Horsham gwmwater.org.au

Boost for volleyball

BY DAVID BERRY

How important is it to get television exposure for your sport?

We have seen in recent weeks just how much fans enjoy watching their favourite team on the big screen, with firstly the Ashes having cricket fans glued to their television sets, followed by the Netball World Cup where the Diamonds duly saluted, and then the Matildas creating all sorts of records – not only on the soccer pitch, but off it as well.

Now it’s indoor volleyball’s turn to get on board.

For the devotees of the sport, the opportunity to watch the best in the world only happens every Olympic cycle, if you are lucky, and that is only if our beach volleyballers are progressing towards the medal rounds. But now the new-look Australian Volleyball Super League is providing an opportunity to see the best Australia has to offer.

Volleyball Australia and the states have bought into the revamped Super League, which has been on the drawing board for the best part of the past 12 months.

With a format that is made for television – compulsory five-set matches, all to 18 with the advent of powerplays to make it

even more interesting, no time outs, shorter breaks between sets, only one change of end, bonus points for sets won meaning all sets are meaningful and a men’s and women’s match each broadcast – the new format is quickly winning fans.

In the first week alone, crowds at the games were bigger than the whole season put together last year, underlying how much fans have longed for a format where you can get maximum entertainment in an acceptable period of time.

Familiar faces

For Volleyball Horsham members, a few familiar faces will be on screen this week when the Melbourne Vipers travel to Perth to take on the Perth Steel in round three.

Suiting up for the Vipers will be players who took a clinic in Horsham last year, including Vipers captain Nick Boesten, Dan Cleary of Yarra Ranges and Alex Bye of Renegades.

Added to this are players who have played in the Horsham Tournament and Country Champs hosted by Volleyball Horsham including Bendigo’s Scott Johnson and Sunraysia’s Dylen Lucchesi, topped off with the inclusion of Ballarat’s Paul Sanderson.

The team is coached by Josh Cowan, who was the coach of Volleyball Horsham’s men’s division-one country championshipwinning team in 2019, ably assisted by Volleyball Horsham legend Matthew Berry.

On the Perth Steel roster is Mexico Olympian and former Renegades player Jose Martinez, who played in the Horsham Tournament in 2021, so there will be plenty of interest in this match from a local perspective.

Super League will be on the lips of every volleyball enthusiast during the next six weeks, with the competition moving into week three of the home-and-away part of the season this week, then three more weeks after that with semifinals to be played in Bendigo on Saturday, September 16 and medal matches on Sunday, September 17.

It is an exciting time for indoor volleyball and I encourage all Volleyball Horsham members to get on board with the Melbourne Vipers and follow them either on television or via the Cluch streaming platform, because the success of the league on television will be measured not only by crowd numbers attending matches live, but also those who watch on whatever platform you have at your disposal.

AWARDED: Junior racers, from left, Hunter Davies, second, Grace Monaghan, first, and Flynn Davies, third, after Saturday’s run.

Prockter prevails in Iron Barks

Stawell Amateur Athletics Club new member Alex Prockter was the winner of the Pyke’s Cycles Handicap on Saturday.

The figure-of-eight course comprises four, four-kilometre loops making up the 16-kilometre distance.

Prockter, who is training for the Melbourne Marathon, has been running in excess of 100 kilometres a week and is aiming to run a sub three hour, 30 minute marathon in October.

Second-placed Tom Walker was the fastest male, completing the course in less than 60 minutes, and Nathan Baker came in third.

It was great to see some members taking

advantage of the loop course and running four, eight or 12 kilometres and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and blooming wattle in the Iron Barks.

The juniors completed an out-and-back three-kilometre course, which finished up the notorious East West Hill.

Grace Monaghan claimed her first win of the season, followed by brothers Hunter and Flynn Davies in second and third, respectively.

It was a battle of the Bakers in the sub junior one-kilometre dash. Oakley edged ahead of sister Amber and twin Hamish to come first.

Good luck in the finals...

Proudly supporting Horsham Saints football and netball teams.

S a t u rd a y 9 t h S e p t e m b e r | Q u a n t o n g R e c R e s e r ve

E n t r y $ 1 5

Buses will be leaving Horsham at 10am, 11am, 12noon & 1pm & returning to Horsham from 4pm & 5pm (multiple buses) cost $5 each way.

P i ck U p a nd D ro p O o i nt i s 2 0 O ’ C a ll a g h a n s Pa ra d e (o l d vis i to r i nfo r m at i o n c e nt re )

L i m i te d d i s a bl e d p a r k i n g at t h e g ro u n d

E nt r y O N LY via t h e m a i n g ate F o r m o re d et a i l s c o nt a c t t h e H D F N L o c e o n 0 4 92 41 5 8 2 8

m s t a n c e e s c h a n g t h ro u g h o u t t h e y e a r

Six semi-finals could go either way

BY SIMON KING

The battle for the premierships across Wimmera Hockey Association’s three competitions moves into semi-finals on Saturday, with six big matches scheduled for Davis Park in Nhill.

When assessing recent form and the head-to-head records of the teams competing in the first round of finals, all six semi-finals could go either way, and it would be difficult to declare any possible result as an upset.

Open, first semi-final – Kaniva Cobras v Horsham Hurricanes

2023 head-to-head record: Round one, Hurricanes 4 d Cobras 0; round seven, Cobras 2 d Hurricanes 0; round 11, Cobras 2 d Hurricanes 1.

The open division’s first semi-final will be a very close game, with Horsham Hurricanes and Kaniva Cobras evenly matched this season.

Both won four of their 12 regular season matches, with the only factor separating them on the final ladder being the Cobras’ two draws to the Hurricanes’ one.

Both have shown glimpses of good form at times, but have contrasted this with periods when they have struggled, and it is the Cobras’ victories in their most recent two meetings that might give them the edge to progress to the preliminary final.

Open, second semi-final – Yanac Tigers v Warrack Hoops

2023 head-to-head record: Round two, Hoops 0 drew with Tigers 0; round six, Tigers 1 d Hoops 0; round 13, Tigers 1 d Hoops 0.

Yanac Tigers and Warrack Hoops have met in too many finals to count in one of the Wimmera’s most significant sporting rivalries during the past 40 years, and although the Tigers have the best record in their encounters, they always have to work hard to earn their victories.

It is difficult to tip against the Tigers, who have not lost a game since the semi-final in 2019, which was a onegoal loss to the Hoops. But the Warracknabeal team has come the closest to the reigning premiers this year, drawing with them in round two, and only going down by one goal on the other two occasions they met.

Whichever team wins its way straight into the grand final will have to earn it, with four hard quarters of hockey.

Women’s first semi-final – Nhill

Thunderbirds v Warrack Women

2023 head-to-head record: Round one, Warracknabeal 1 d Nhill Thunderbirds 0; round seven, Nhill Thunderbirds 6 d Warracknabeal 0; round 11, Nhill Thunderbirds 2 drew with Warracknabeal 2.

After spending just three weeks in the top four this year, Warracknabeal’s late-season improvement was enough to see it in the top four at the right time, while its semi-final opponent, Nhill Thunderbirds, have shown more consistent form throughout the season. With one win each and a draw in their three meetings in the regular season, this will be another close game, pitching the Thunderbirds’ greater finals experience against the enthusiasm of the improving Warracknabeal.

Women’s second semi-final – Kaniva Women v Yanac Women

2023 head-to-head record: Round three, Kaniva 1 d Yanac 0; round 10, Kaniva 0 drew with Yanac 0; round 14, Kaniva 2 defeated Yanac 0.

After winning their first premiership last season, Kaniva has continued to dominate the women’s competition, having not lost a game yet this season, but its semi-final opponent, Yanac, is its closest challenger, having drawn one of their three games together this season.

When they met on Kaniva’s ground two weeks ago, they played out an intense game that the home team won by two goals on the scoreboard, but it

was much closer on the field. With a place in the grand final on offer, this will be another hard-fought game that could go either way.

Under-16 second semi-final – Yanac Warriors v Kaniva Raiders

2023 head-to-head record: Round three, Raiders 3 d Warriors 0; round 10, Warriors 3 d Raiders 1; round 14, Warriors 3 d Raiders 0.

The young Kaniva Raiders team has performed above expectations this season against some bigger and older opponents, while, in contrast, the Yanac Warriors team boasts some very experienced players for this age group, and both have earned the right to play off to be the first to claim a place in the under-16 grand final.

The Warriors’ form has been im-

CONTROL:

Nhill Rangers’ Hamish Pearse controls the ball as Kaniva Cobras’ Adam Wallis moves to block.

proving in recent weeks, which might give them the edge, but the Raiders have surprised more than one opponent this season and could do it again.

Under-16 first semi-final – Horsham Bombers v Nhill Leopards

2023 head-to-head record: Round two, Bombers 5 d Leopards 1; round six, Bombers 6 d Leopards 1; round 13, Leopards 1 d Bombers 0. Horsham Bombers started 2023 strongly, but although their form fell away towards the end of the season, they remain one of the stand-out teams, along with the Raiders and the Warriors. They should stay in the top three by defeating Nhill Leopards, who have performed well at times this year but have not shown the same consistency as the top three.

DIVE: Horsham Hurricanes’ goalkeeper Lars Simmons dives to make another save against Yanac Tigers, with teammate Ben Woodhart, 14, ready to assist.

Round 15 results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 6 (Goals, B. Alexander 3, T. Alexander 2, J. Cramer; best, B. Alexander, R. Croot, S. Farmers) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (T. Werner, J. Horsfall, P. Mackereth). Kaniva Cobras 4 (L. Schultz 2, A. Wallis, N. Krelle; C. Beattie, A. Wallis, K. Glasgow) d Nhill Rangers 0 (S. Bone, H. Pearse, C. Schultz).

Women: Yanac 4 (E. Alexander 2, A. Farmers, C. Smith; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, A. Farmers) d Horsham Jets 0 (L. Schilling, R. Creek, R. Duggan, K. Krahe). Kaniva 8 (S. Williams 3, H. White, J. Hauselberger, C. Tink, H. Pearse, J. Braisby; H. Pearse, J, Braisby, S. Williams) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, N. Kuhnell, C. Tischler).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 5 (Asher Zanker 4, Archie Zanker; S. Pedie, C. Zanker, Asher Zanker) d Horsham Bombers 1 (T. Batchelor; H. Knoop, T. Batchelor, J. Schwarz). Nhill Leopards 4 (O. Bone 2, D. Clark, N. Krelle; D. Clark, O. Bone, T. Shue Bee) drew with Kaniva Raiders 4 (C. White 2, X. Stimson 2; C. White, X. Stimson, F. Dodson).

Under-12 development program: Nhill Bandits 1 (Goal, N. Krelle) v Yanac Lowan Stars 1 (A. Zanker; encouragement award, A. Pedie). Warracknabeal Avengers 2 (M. Peters, S. Williamson) v Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Williams; encouragement awards, A. Wallis, A. Bedford, A. Beattie, D. Tink). Dimboola Kookaburras 5 (J. Ward 2, C. Elliott 2, E. Ward; encouragement awards, J. Ward, C. Elliott) v Horsham Black Hawks 1 (H. TaylorCarman; E. Elliott).

HEATING UP: Tension is building as Horsham District league teams move into the second week of finals and Wimmera league teams gear up for their first weekend of the run to premierships. Pictured in action last weekend, clockwise from above: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Brock Orval evades his Edenhope-Apsley opponent; Rupanyup’s Bianca Drum looks to pass; Wade Francis, Noradjuha-Quantong, tackles EdenhopeApsley’s Lewis Thompson; Corey Morgan, Minyip-Murtoa, reaches for the ball; Kalkee’s Emily Polack defends Bianca Drum, Rupanyup; and Ava Kochitzke, Warrack Eagles, takes control.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

District juniors awarded

Horsham District Football Netball League has crowned its junior best-and-fairest winners.

The announcements came at a vote count in Horsham on Monday night.

Pimpinio and Rupanyup juniors were well represented at the top of the table across junior football and netball grades.

In the junior football, Fredrick Frew of Pimpinio was named under-17 best-and-fairest with 24 votes, and Rupanyup’s Alby Kingston was runner-up with 23 votes.

Swifts’ Austin Giusa and Kalkee’s Charlie Millar each polled 21 votes, while HarrowBalmoral’s George Austin secured 18 votes for the season.

In the under-14s, Rupanyup’s Riley Downer was best-and-fairest with 44 votes with Chase Whelan of Laharum runner-up with 34 votes.

Marcus McIntyre of EdenhopeApsley and Micah Erhardt of Noradjuha-Quantong received 26 votes apiece, while Byron Merrett, Kaniva-Leeor United, and Hugh Weidemann, Rupanyup, each polled 25 votes.

In the junior netball, Lilly Weir of Taylors Lake was 17-and-under best-and-fairest with 30 votes, while Tahnee Brown of Pimpinio polled 22 votes to finish runner-up.

Nekeisha Bastin of JeparitRainbow polled 16 votes while Harrow-Balmoral’s Tara McIntyre, Kalkee’s Jarrah Martin and Rupanyup’s Adelle Weidemann all received 15 votes.

Mia Rees of Harrow-Balmoral was 15-and-under best-and-fairest winner with 27 votes, and Isabella Mitton of Natimuk United, closely behind with 24 votes, was runnerup.

Taylors Lake’s Hayley Toet, 22 votes, and Edenhope-Apsley’s Jasmine McIntyre and Kaniva-Leeor United’s Ruby Gordon, both 21 votes, also polled well.

Pimpinio’s Ruby Williams was 13-and-under best-and-fairest with 36 votes, sneaking one vote ahead of runner-up Phoebe Downer of Rupanyup.

Karla Hallam of Natimuk United, 31 votes, and Hannah Heard of Laharum, 29 votes, rounded out the top four.

The league’s senior best-and-fairest count is scheduled for Monday, September 4 in Horsham ahead of the grand final on Saturday, September 9 at Quantong.

Finals ready

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Finals contenders are starting to make themselves known in Mininera and District league senior football.

The standout team across the homeand-away campaign, Tatyoon, with the only team to cause it defeat now out of finals contention, takes on Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Willaura Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

After its success in the first weekend of finals, Glenthompson-Dunkeld will play off against Woorndoo-Mortlake, with both teams hoping to keep finals dreams alive on Sunday at Derrinallum Recreation Reserve.

Woorndoo-Mortlake coach Isaac Templeton said Wickliffe-Lake Bolac simply played better than his squad in last weekend’s eight-point defeat.

“They were a fast and skilful team. We just needed to be quicker moving from defence to attack,” he said.

Templeton said it was hard to know what to expect from Glenthompson-Dunkeld on Sunday, having played out a 79-point win against the Rams in round five.

“They are obviously a good team, beating Penshurst last week,” he said.

He said the Rams played a similar style to the Magpies, who defeated them on Saturday, and were likely to test his players, who would need to improve the transitional side of their game.

Glenthompson-Dunkeld will be encour-

aged after its first-round finals defeat against Penshurst.

The Rams’ accuracy in the first half allowed them to stay ahead of Penhurst, before piling on the goals in the second half to run out 40-point winners.

There was an even spread of goal kickers in the Rams’ team, with Mitchell Johnson and Ben Cole each recording a major to round out solid individual performances.

In the other game, Tatyoon returns from a week off, awarded for finishing first, to take on Wickliffe-Lake Bolac.

The Magpies’ upset of the Tigers cements the team, who finished third on the ladder, as a serious threat.

Thomas Gibson and James Hutchinson starred in the win, with Lewis Crichton leading the goal scorers with three majors.

The first-round elimination of an overperforming, young Penshurst team bodes well for premiership favourites Tatyoon.

The Bombers were the only outfit to defeat the Hawks this season and might have become a bogey team should they have progressed.

Jock Nicholls, who is still eligible for the junior competition, starred for the Bombers in the finals exit.

Tatyoon’s last game of the home-andaway season was a finals curtain-raiser, which saw it defeat Woorndoo-Mortlake.

Josh Bibby and Anthony Rosato were among key players for the Hawks during the round 16 win.

National silver for ‘Energetix’

Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s ‘Energetix’ aerobics team won silver at the Schoolaerobics Australian National Championships in Adelaide.

The team finished the four-day championships with an overall score of 83.10 – 0.65 behind the winning team.

Team member Alyssa Stewart said it was the team’s final serious competition for the year.

“We performed to our best and we had no regrets coming off the stage,” she said.

“Our coaches Claire Burke and Tarn McDonald are awesome.

“They teach us to the best of our

abilities and it’s fun to have them coach us.

“We might do another competition for fun this year and then we’ll wait until next year to compete again.”

The team consists of students from years four to six.

ALL SMILES: Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s ‘Energetix’ aerobics team, from left, Lauren Rudolph, coach Tarn McDonald, Camille Arthur, Aizla Shrestha, Alyssa Stewart, Ajiyah McDonald, Maddie Hicks, coach Claire Burke and Emily Liston. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

arOunD The LeaGues

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

Senior football

This week: Qualifying final, Horsham Saints v Southern Mallee Giants at Murtoa on Saturday; elimination final, Minyip-Murtoa v Dimboola at Ararat on Sunday.

Last week: Ararat 18.19 (127) d Dimboola 6.7 (43), Horsham Saints 16.6 (102) d Nhill 10.13 (72), Minyip-Murtoa 4.9 (33) d Warrack Eagles 3.4 (22), Southern Mallee Giants 21.20 (146) d Horsham 4.7 (31).

Ladder: Ararat 64, 275.46; Horsham Saints 48, 123.95; Southern Mallee Giants 44, 148.73; Minyip-Murtoa 40, 100; Dimboola 32, 99.27; Stawell 32, 81.13; Nhill 14, 78.35; Horsham 10, 58.09; Warrack Eagles 4, 52.31.

A Grade netball

Demons honoured

Horsham Demons women’s and youth girls’ teams celebrated their 2023 season with a vote count and awards presentation on Friday.

Dellie Brown, in her first season with the Demons, won the women’s best-and-fairest award ahead of runner-up Hailey Puls.

Elle Treloar won most consistent player, Jedah Huf won most disciplined, Dani Pike won most determined, and Abby Walter won best first-year player.

Lauren Hawkins and Ella Boston won coach’s awards. Ashlee Ison won youth girls’ best-and-fairest, one vote ahead of runner-up best-and-fairest Greta Arnel.

Poppy Peters and Lilly Weir won joint most consistent players. Violet McGennisken won most effective, Scarlett Abbott won best first-year player and Lara Purchase won the coach’s award.

Both women’s and youth girls’ teams finished their seasons earlier this month when they were knocked out of the premiership race at preliminary finals in Stawell.

This week: Qualifying final, Horsham v Stawell at Murtoa on Saturday; elimination final, Dimboola v Nhill at Ararat on Sunday.

Last week: Dimboola 62 d Ararat 45, Horsham Saints 52 d Nhill 40, Warrack Eagles 49 d Minyip-Murtoa 45, Horsham 59 d Southern Mallee Giants 25.

Ladder: Horsham Saints 64, 167.11; Horsham 56, 174.14; Stawell 42, 102.6; Dimboola 36, 91.41; Nhill 32, 108.13; Ararat 24, 87.57; Southern Mallee Giants 16, 80.08; Minyip-Murtoa 12, 67.35; Warrack Eagles 6, 65.08.

Horsham District

Senior football

This week: Qualifying final, Harrow-Balmoral v Jeparit-Rainbow at North Park, Stawell, on Saturday; semi-final, Noradjuha-Quantong v Rupanyup at Kalkee Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Last week: Elimination final one, Noradjuha-Quantong 10.2 (62) d Edenhope-Apsley 3.12 (30); elimination final two, Rupanyup 13.13 (91) d Swifts 12.9 (81).

A Grade netball

This week: Qualifying final, Edenhope-Apsley v Laharum at North Park, Stawell, on Saturday; semi-final, Rupanyup v Noradjuha-Quantong at Kalkee Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Last week: Elimination final one, Rupanyup 57 d Kalkee 28; elimination final two, Noradjuha-Quantong 55 d Jeparit-Rainbow 41.

Mininera and District

Senior football

This week: Second semi-final, Tatyoon v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Willaura Recreation Reserve on Saturday; first semi-final, Woorndoo-Mortlake v Glenthompson-Dunkeld at Derrinallum Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Last week: Qualifying final, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 10.10 (70) d Woorndoo-Mortlake 9.8 (62); elimination final Glenthompson-Dunkeld 11.13 (79) d Penshurst 5.9 (39).

A Grade netball

This week: Second semi-final, Tatyoon v Ararat Eagles at Willaura Recreation Reserve on Saturday; first semi-final, Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Woorndoo-Mortlake at Derrinallum Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Last week: Qualifying final, Ararat Eagles 43 d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 33; elimination final, Woorndoo-Mortlake 48 d Penshurst 21

North Central

Senior football

This week: Elimination final, Donald v Nullawil at Sea Lake on Saturday.

Last week: Birchip-Watchem 25.11 (161) d St Arnaud 0.5 (5), Nullawil 18.12 (120) d Boort 10.8 (68), Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 17.18 (120) d Wedderburn 7.7 (49), Donald 27.9 (171) d Charlton 3.11 (29).

Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 64, 272.21; Birchip-Watchem 48, 181.32; Donald 44, 127.72; Nullawil 40, 148.17; Wycheproof-Narraport 30, 83.44; Wedderburn 28, 106.39; Boort 18, 77.77; Charlton 16, 52.57; St Arnaud 0, 27.25.

A Grade netball

This week: Elimination final, Birchip-Watchem v Nullawil at Sea Lake on Saturday.

Last week: Nullawil 44 d Boort 42, Donald 47 d Charlton 39, Wedderburn 64 d Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 31, Birchip-Watchem 64 d St Arnaud 27.

Ladder: Boort 52, 143.65; Wedderburn 52, 139.05; Birchip-Watchem 52, 122.95; Nullawil 48, 117.7; Wycheproof-Narraport 32, 102.85; Donald 24, 100.93; Charlton 14, 91.17; St Arnaud 8, 58.3; Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 6, 54.93.

• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

CLOSE FINISH: Ashlee Ison won Horsham Demons youth girls’ best-and-fairest award by one vote. Pictures: ELIZA McANULTY

RISING STAR: Horsham Demons youth girls’ Greta Arnel was runner-up best-and-fairest.

BEST-AND-FAIREST: Midfielder Dellie Brown won Horsham Demons women’s best-and-fairest award for season 2023.

RUNNER-UP: Hailey Puls was awarded Horsham Demons women’s runner-up best-and-fairest award.

hOrshaM DisTricT LeaGue

AFTER THE SIREN

Finals action heating up

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Finals action is heating up in this weekend’s Horsham District league senior football, with the first grand finalist to be decided.

Senior football

Elimination final – Noradjuha-Quantong v Edenhope-Apsley

Highlight of the match: For the football purist, Noradjuha-Quantong captain Wade Francis is a beauty who is willing to sacrifice his game for the betterment of the side. The way he continually ran to give teammates an option was first class and one of the reasons why the Bombers live to fight another day.

The player of the match: As a young side without a lot of senior finals experience, the Bombers needed some wise heads and there were none wiser than Jason Kerr. After starting on the bench, Kerr entered the contest with great gusto and began to pick up possessions at will.

Elimination final – Rupanyup v Swifts

Highlight of the match: At three-quarter time, coach Brayden Ison implored the Panthers to score a quick goal so all pressure would be on Swifts, who were 18-point leaders. Within the first 30 seconds of the last quarter, Blake Turner roved Ison’s tap work to perfection and slotted a lovely goal from the pocket. The player of the match: As coach, one of the expectations is that you lead and Rupanyup’s Braydon Ison certainly did that. Playing deep forward with the occasional run in the ruck, Ison was one of the main instigators in the reigning premiers staying alive to defend their title.

A Grade netball

Elimination final – Kalkee v Rupanyup

Highlight of the match: The movement of the ball and the pace of the game was good. It was fast-paced and playing with a good skill level. Rupanyup was quick up and down the court.

The player of the match: Rupanyup’s Georgia Kramm in centre was consistent and played a steady, strong game. She took some good intercepts through the midcourt, and everyone in Rupanyup’s team played well.

Elimination final – Noradjuha-Quantong v Jeparit-Rainbow

Highlight of the match: The defensive pressure across the court from both teams in a hard-fought game. It was a tough, physical game as both teams went hard at the ball.

The player of the match: Georgia Lowe of Noradjuha-Quantong. Her play-making was good and she hits a nice long bomb to teammates. She works well with Shannon Couch, whose shooting is amazing.

The team that prevails on Saturday in the qualifying final between Harrow-Balmoral and JeparitRainbow at North Park, Stawell will advance to claim its place in the 2023 grand final.

In a Sunday game, NoradjuhaQuantong and Rupanyup compete in a second do-or-die contest in as many weeks, with the winner moving on to a preliminary final against the loser of Saturday’s game.

Noradjuha-Quantong coach Damien Cameron said it was a good feeling to win a final, after missing out last season, and to come away 32-point victors in a difficult game against Edenhope-Apsley.

“Both teams were pressuring well and there were lots of numbers around the footy,” Cameron said.

“That made it hard to play a more open game, which was a credit to them.”

Cameron said some of his experienced players in Jason Kerr, Michael Phelan and captain Wade Francis played well and provided ‘steady heads’ for his young squad.

He said Rupanyup’s ability to maintain possession would be a focus coming into this weekend’s

clash, with his side losing to the Panthers in rounds two and 12.

“They share the footy really well,” he said.

“They don’t waste possession and we can’t afford to let them zone off.

“It’s a challenge to beat another finals team, but also a team we haven’t beaten during the year.”

Rupanyup coach Brayden Ison said his team did well against Swifts to bounce back from an 18-point, three-quarter-time deficit.

“I thought the guys showed great character to rally after a disappointing third quarter,” he said.

Ison said Swifts managed to control clearances in its period of dominance and capitalise on forward entries.

However, the rest of the game contained positives for his own team.

“We probably won three of the four quarters,” he said.

“Our pressure was high, clearance work and our zone stacked up all game.”

Ison said his team was looking forward to Sunday’s contest after seeing the Bombers defeat the Saints on Saturday.

“These are the games you want to be playing and I’m sure NoradjuhaQuantong will be no different,” he said.

Ahead of the Saturday game, both Harrow-Balmoral and Jeparit-

Rainbow are coming off a rest. The match between the top two sides will determine the first grand

finalist and the team who will need to win a preliminary final to secure a rematch.

Bombers and Panthers take next step

Rupanyup and Noradjuha-Quantong have jumped the first A Grade netball finals hurdle and will come face-to-face in a semi-final this weekend.

The Bombers and the Panthers will play on Sunday at Kalkee, while Edenhope-Apsley and Laharum will play their first final of the season on Saturday at North Park, Stawell.

The Panthers, coming into finals from sixth position, defeated Kalkee by 29 goals on Saturday at Rupanyup.

Coach Georgia Hiscock said the team banded together for the win.

“Our first aider, Joel Fowler, who had been on the sidelines all year

and was a driving force behind the development of Rupanyup’s A Grade, passed away in the week before our final, so we played for him,” she said.

“I think it’s what made us dig extra deep in an emotional game for both teams.”

Hiscock said it was fantastic to see the outcome of the team’s hard work in making a semi-final.

“We’re going to continue working on our game structures – they just clicked on Saturday,” she said.

“Everyone played their role well and lifted on the day. Bianca Drum was exceptional in goal attack and created a lot of play – she is a leader in the attacking end.”

Noradjuha-Quantong defeated Jeparit-Rainbow by 14 goals on Sunday at Taylors Lake.

Coach Fiona Rowe said Rupanyup was a quality side.

“We will need all seven players firing on Sunday for a win. We played Rupanyup twice during the season and they won on both occasions, so it will be an interesting contest,” she said.

“We will all go out believing we can do it and leaving everything we have on the court.”

Rowe said the team had tough games leading into the finals series, which left it in good stead for the game against Storm.

“We had played high-pressure

games for a couple of weeks in a row heading into finals,” she said.

“We were focussed on controlling the ball and patience down the court.

“We were able to hit those targets and capitalise on that.”

Edenhope-Apsley is heading into a qualifying final undefeated and with a full list, will be hard to defeat.

Laharum lost to the Saints in round four by nine goals on the only occasion the two teams have met this season.

The winner will secure a grand final position and it will be a highly competitive game.

– Abby Walter

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

CAUGHT: Edenhope-Apsley’s David McLeish tackles Jack Vague, Noradjuha-Quantong. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

wiMMera LeaGue

Pressure mounts, elimination on the line

Hopes of Wimmera league premiership glory will end for one senior football team on Sunday.

Dimboola and Minyip-Murtoa will go head-to-head in an elimination final at Ararat, with the winner progressing to next week’s semi-final and the loser ending its season.

The teams have won one game apiece on previous occasions this season, with Dimboola winning by six points in round six and the Burras winning by 29 points in round 15.

Dimboola suffered a significant loss to Ararat in round 18 and will need to produce goals quickly on Sunday to pressure Minyip-Murtoa.

Matt Rosier played an impressive

game for the Roos and was well supported by Ben Miller and Jack Landt.

A win in an elimination final would mark Dimboola’s first win since round 12.

Minyip-Murtoa narrowly defeated Warrack Eagles on Saturday by 11 points and will also be looking for a higher-scoring game against the Roos.

Burras’ Will Holmes and Mitch Johns were instrumental in ensuring the very defensive game fell their way.

Both teams put focus on defensive pressure in the second half of the season, however, scoreboard pressure will be crucial as the

teams fight for their finals berth to continue.

In a qualifying final on Saturday, Horsham Saints and Southern Mallee Giants will face each other for the chance to play against the undefeated Ararat in a semi-final next weekend.

The Giants convincingly defeated the Saints in round four by 86 points, while the Saints defeated the Giants by 56 points in round 13.

The Saints move into the finals after a good win against Nhill, by 29 points, while the Giants kicked their highest score for the season in a 115-point win against Horsham.

Tyler Lehmann and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus performed well for the

AFTER THE SIREN

Giants in round 18 and will be relied on for another strong showing in the finals.

Angus Martin was a presence in defence for the Saints and his leadership will be crucial moving forward.

Jackson Davidson and Patrick Knott also played well for the Saints.

Both teams experienced a strong run in the second half of the season and will be gearing up for a competitive game on Saturday at Murtoa.

Nhill put up a fight against the Saints but ended its season alongside the Eagles, Horsham and Stawell.

Premiership race begins

Finals are here and Wimmera league A Grade netballers are ready to perform as they chase premiership glory.

Horsham and Stawell will play in a qualifying final at Murtoa on Saturday, with the winner progressing to a second semi-final against Horsham Saints and the loser will play the winner of Sunday’s game.

Sunday will see Dimboola and Nhill fight to remain in the finals race during an elimination final at Ararat.

The Roos defeated the Tigers in round one by three goals and the Tigers defeated the Roos in round 10 by four goals.

Dimboola will be bolstered by a convincing win against Ararat in round 18, while Nhill lost by a narrow margin to the undefeated Saints and will take confidence from that result.

Dimboola’s Billie Barber remains consistent in the goal ring and her strength feeding into fellow shooter Olivia Jorgensen is tough to combat Emma Griffiths has been strong for the Roos in wing defence and a controlled game from her will hold Dimboola in good stead during the final.

Nhill’s Ellen Bennett was again a standout in the Tigers’ midcourt and her playmaking is crucial to her team’s success.

Jasmine Talbot is also coming off a solid game in wing defence and her speed is difficult to match.

Both teams will need to leave everything out on the court to come away with a win and live to fight another final.

Horsham will be able to draw confidence from its two previous wins against Stawell during the home-and-away season.

Horsham finished the season with a win against Southern Mallee Giants, while Stawell is coming into the qualifying final off a bye.

Horsham’s margins against Stawell this year were eight goals and 20 goals.

Jedda Heard has been a key element of Horsham’s defence and will be ready for another good performance this weekend.

Demons’ Casey Rentsch will move into the finals off an impressive game in the midcourt.

Stawell’s Lisa Considine continues to be a defensive force in the goal ring and will be difficult to get a ball past.

Meg Walker will look to continue a solid season in wing defence with a good showing against the Demons.

Warrack Eagles ended its season with its first outright win, defeating Minyip-Murtoa by four goals.

Jess Kelly and Jordan Heller were key to the Eagles’ success.

shirtfront the

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

The match of the round: Minyip-Murtoa v Warrack Eagles. It was an odd result on a good day for footy for the game to be so low scoring. Both teams put in a real defensive effort. It would have been a good moral win for the Eagles to push the reigning premiers for as long as they did. Minyip-Murtoa, however, was able to hold on as it set up for a finals push.

The player of the round: Angus Martin, Horsham Saints. Martin is the captain and he leads in the backline. He uses his strength to get in the right position and takes unreal marks. He makes the right decisions to find an outlet from the backline once he has marked it. He is a key pillar for the Saints as they keep moving into finals.

The rising star: Adrianne Lupton, Horsham Saints. Lupton struggled to find a fulltime position in the seniors this year but in recent weeks has been stepping up from reserves. He kicked three goals on Saturday and had lots of forward pressure. It’s the right time for him to find his form for a good run into finals.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Minyip-Murtoa v Warrack Eagles. It was big for the club to have A Grade get its first win. After the footballers won their first game of the season last week, the excitement was unreal. It gives the netballers a chunk of hope going into next season and something to build upon.

The player of the round: Olivia Jorgensen, Dimboola, shot 53 goals on Saturday. After stepping into goals this year from defence she has gone from averaging 30 to 40 goals a game to averaging 40 to more than 50. She’s taken on the responsibility of the position and will play a big role come finals.

The rising stars: Sophie Taylor, Horsham Saints was named in the best this week. Taylor came in for Jorja Clode, who is resting a knee injury, and shot 21 goals from 25 attempts. She had accurate numbers and helped her team to win in a danger game with key players out before finals.

FIRST WIN: Warrack Eagles’ Jess Kelly looks down the court as she defends against Minyip-Murtoa’s Maddie Morgan. Kelly was instrumental in the Eagles’ first win of the season in round 18, concluding their season on a high.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SUCCESS: Horsham and District Racing Club committee members

Health Pohl, Jason Merlo, Loxley Hoffman, president Chris ‘Pop’ Murray, Dianne Schmidt and club manager Charmayne Parry celebrate.

Picture: COUNTRY RACING VICTORIA

Clubs win recognition

Three Wimmera horse racing clubs have been recognised for their work within their communities and the industry.

Racing clubs across the state attended the annual bet365 Country Racing Victoria Awards on Saturday.

Horsham and District Racing Club, Ararat Turf Club and Warracknabeal Racing Club were nominated as finalists for the Country Racing Victoria Community Club of the Year.

There were six finalists for the category and Casterton Racing Club was announced as the winner.

It was the first time since 2019 the three club awards were reinstated into proceedings.

More than 650 club representatives and participants gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the 202223 racing season.

Horsham and District Racing Club president Chris ‘Pop’ Murray said the club

Property Maintenance Labourer

Stawell

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Home maintenance & modifications

• Installing railings and ramps

• Cleaning yards & gutters for safety access

• Other duties as required

To discuss this role further, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Trainee Payroll Officer

Horsham

Closing date: August 29, 2023

Duties:

• Set up employee profiles with relevant award, host, and placement details

• Process employee timesheets

• Maintain precise records of payroll & tax deductions, super contributions, etc.

• Provide administrative support to the Payroll Manager

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655 for a confidential discussion.

was ecstatic to be a finalist for the award. “It was great recognition for the committee and everyone who contributes to our club,” he said.

“It was a time to acknowledge the work the club does in the racing industry and for the local community.”

Country Racing Victoria chairman Chas Armytage said it was a terrific night where country participants and contributors could come together to celebrate the previous season.

“All of our award recipients thoroughly deserved the accolades for their contribution to country racing,” he said.

Seasonal Field Worker Intake

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Manual labour in fields

• Setting up tents and cages

• Other duties as required

To discuss this role further, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Aged Care Support Traineeship

Stawell

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Provide personal care to assist residents meet their daily living needs

• Implement activities which maintain and promote overall wellbeing

• Observe the condition of residents and report any changes

• Undertake and participate in WH&S training/activities

For a confidential discussion, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Weekdays from noon on

parkrun milestone

A staple Saturday morning walking and running event along the Wimmera River in Horsham is celebrating its fifth birthday this weekend.

Wimmera River parkrun launched on August 25, 2018, and joined the global, weekly five-kilometre timed walk and run movement.

The fifth birthday event is on Saturday morning.

Event directors Jackie Exell and Andrew Sostheim said the event team was ‘super’ proud of the Horsham community which had made the event a success for five years.

Mr Sostheim said through the support of Medibank and The Athlete’s Foot, who would be in attendance for the birthday event, parkrun was free and fun for all.

“There are now more than 2000 events worldwide and 477 nationally,” he said.

“Each week locals and tourists join in a five-kilometre walk, run or jog along the picturesque Wimmera River track.

“Since the launch, 2100 individuals have completed more than 15,000 parkruns covering a distance of more than 76,000kms, with 2275 participants achieving personal bests.”

Mr Sostheim said volunteers ran the event, with 235 people having volunteered their time to help in Horsham.

“All the roles are super easy, and it’s very rewarding to see others participate and achieve personal goals and milestones such as completing 50 and 100 events.

“One sought-after volunteer role is that of the tail walker, whose job is to come last so no-one else has to.”

Mr Sostheim said he and Ms Exell were thrilled with weekly participation numbers, especially since the enforced COVID break and during the past few cooler, winter months.

“Weekly attendance figures are similar to the larger regional cities of Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong,” he said.

“With the recent launch of the Lake Wallace parkrun at Edenhope, locals can now join in events right across our region.

“Horsham, Nhill, Edenhope and Ararat all have events starting at 8am every Saturday.”

More information and registration details can be found at parkrun.com.au or by searching for an events’ Facebook page.

Trainee Receptionist

Horsham

Closing date: August 29, 2023

Duties:

• Greeting and assisting both in-person and telephone enquiries

• Handling incoming/outgoing mail

• Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars

• Coordinating travel arrangements and conferences

• Data entry as required

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655 for a confidential discussion.

Water Operations Traineeship

Edenhope

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Assist in the Maintenance and repair water and wastewater systems and assets

• Assist in responding to customer reported faults and service requests

• Assist in conducting scheduled inspections of pumps, chlorinators, bores and reservoirs

• Operate company vehicles, power tools, plant and equipment

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890 for a confidential discussion.

“It was a time to acknowledge the work the club does in the racing industry and for the local community”

– Chris Murray

Ready for worlds

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

AWimmera athlete will be on the world stage next month.

Jason ‘Jack’ Taylor, who is an incomplete quadriplegic, will travel to the United States for the 2023 World Disabled Water Ski Championships.

The competition runs from September 11 to 18 in Sacramento, California.

Taylor said he started water skiing after meeting Jason Sleep, who is himself paraplegic and a water skier, when he was in rehabilitation.

He said he became good friends with Mr Sleep, who went on to be his coach.

“He’s the one who pushed me into it and it’s gone from there,” he said.

Taylor said he holds the rope in the crook of his elbow to ski – because he is unable to move his hands – and practiced multiple times each week.

“I train three times a week at Bridgewater – it’s two hours each way,” he said.

Taylor said he travels to Bridgewater because of a lack of wheelchair accessibility at Wimmera locations.

He said he has skied ‘on and off’ since 2013 and competed in state and national-level competitions to be selected for the Australian team.

Taylor said he was the only male quadriplegic from Australia travelling to Sacramento for the event.

South West Simply Helping franchisee Chelsea Lee, based in Horsham, said Taylor contacted the business hoping to gain support to make the journey.

“Jack came to us and needed a support worker to take him there, because it was out of his reach at that point,” she said.

Jaye Macumber, who will travel with Taylor as a support worker, said he was looking forward to helping Taylor meet his goals.

“I’m there to help him with whatever he needs, such as pulling the board out of the water and heaving lifting,” he said.

“There’s obviously a lot of transfers involved with getting around the US.

“At Los Angeles airport, there’s clearing customs and getting from there to the domestic terminal, which is about a three-kilometre distance.

“I’ve been out where Jack’s been practicing to see him in action.

“I’ve water-skied myself. I can drive a boat, but it’s more about being able to help with whatever Jack needs – before, during and after the tournament.”

Rebels secure second position

Greater Western Victoria Rebels boys’ team is making its way up the Coates Talent League ladder, securing second position after a win on Sunday.

The Rebels defeated Bendigo Pioneers at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo by 48 points.

Horsham Saints’ export Joel Freijah was named among best players with 12 disposals.

Rupanyup export Connor Weidemann also had 12 disposals for the game.

The game was close in the first half, with the teams entering the second quarter at 27 points apiece and the main break with a five-point margin.

The Rebels put a dampner on the Pioneers in the third quarter and jumped ahead with six goals

for the term. Both teams had a challenging fourth quarter and the competitiveness meant limited scoring opportunities. The final score was Rebels 17.8 (110) to Pioneers 9.8 (62).

The team will play against Western Jets at Mars Stadium, Ballarat, for the final home-and-away season round on Friday.

The Jets are 12th on the ladder and with the top four on nine wins each – separated only by percent – after the Rebels will need the win to stay in a top-four position.

The girls’ Rebels team will play Western Jets at Mars Stadium, Ballarat, for round 16 on Friday. They are ninth on the ladder with four wins.

Horsham Demons’ export Olivia Brilliant is among the squad up for selection.

ADVENTURE: Support worker Jaye Macumber, left, will travel with Jason ‘Jack’ Taylor to Sacramento, California, for the World Disabled Water Ski Championships, with support from Simply Helping franchisee Chelsea Lee.

Picture: SEAN O’CONNELL

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

High flyer Jye

spOrT ®

Minyip-Murtoa’s Jye Walter cops a hand to the face as he attempts a high-flying mark over Warrack Eagles opponent Aaron Watts in the final round of Wimmera league senior football on Saturday at Murtoa. The Eagles tested the Burras in a low-scoring game, resulting in a 4.9 (33) to 3.4 (22) win for Minyip-Murtoa. The Burras will play an elimination final against Dimboola on Sunday in Ararat, while Horsham Saints and Southern Mallee Giants will battle it out in a qualifying final at Murtoa on Saturday for a chance to take on Ararat in a semi-final next weekend. Story, page 69.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER