The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Crops hit hard

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Severe hail and rain across parts of western Victoria last week were a further blow in an already tough season for the region’s farmers.

A drier than normal season, plus frost damage, were already affecting farmers’ decisions around their harvests.

But hail, some the size of golf balls, hit patches of the region and caused significant damage to many crops.

While claims are still being made, the damage to crops is estimated to be in the tens of millions.

Large storms moved through the Wimmera on Wednesday evening, with a supercell thunderstorm developing further south, affecting parts of the southwest district and southern Wimmera.

It hit Casterton particularly hard, where VICSES volunteers were called to more than 170 requests for assistance after 22 millimetres of rain fell in 20 minutes, wind gusts approached 90-kilometres an hour, and hail up to five centimetres in diameter.

Nhill-based crop insurance assessor Marty Colbert said in Victorian terms, it was a severe hail storm due to the size of the hail and the timing of the crop season.

Following a dry season and frosts, Mr Colbert said his work was ‘gut-wrenching’ at times.

“As an assessor, I seem to go from ‘car crash to car crash’,” he said.

Mr Colbert said it would be a significant loss, particularly to lentil crops.

“A way of explaining the loss is yield that will not end up in your header box. It might still be there, but if you can’t harvest it and get it into your header, it’s a loss,” he said.

“Then it becomes another problem because it’s on the ground, it’ll become a weed when it germinates over summer, so you’ll be spraying that out. So there’s a few incidental costs that come along as well.”

Green Lake farmer Cam Mibus estimated most of his crops would not be harvestable.

“We’ve got about 900 hectares of crops in the

ground and probably 90 to 95 per cent of that has been hit by the storm,” he said.

“It has been an average, or just below average, year, but we would have had some sort of harvest.”

Mr Mibus said hailstones up to the size of golf balls fell on his home during the 35-minute event.

“We knew after about five minutes we were in a bit of trouble,” he said.

“We’ve had some building damage – the crop assessors will be here in the next week or two.

I haven’t seen an event like this before, and my father hasn’t seen one this bad either.

“We’ll try to store some of the surviving crop and keep a lot of the damaged beans and barley for stock feed, we’ve just got to do what we can.”

Wimmera farmer and Victorian Farmers Federation grains president Craig Henderson said while he and others in his area escaped hail damage, they were assessing frost damage.

“I was talking to a farmer who he thought he had a pretty good crop, but when he had a look at it, there’s 120 hectares of extensive frost damage,” he said.

“We’ve had a really tough year, and you seem to get more frost damage when it’s moisture stressed.

“Considering the rainfall, it’s like it was in 1982. It’s a real testament to modern farming practices to see the crops that are out there –we’ve retained our subsoil moisture and that’s really come home in the spring for us.

“Most people won’t be receiving average yields, but it won’t be devastating like it was 40 years ago.”

Murtoa farmer Leo Delahunty said while the hail storm followed a relatively narrow path, the full extent of the damage would not be known for some time.

BLOOMING FANTASTIC: Horsham School of Dance hosted two garden-themed concerts on Sunday to packed audiences at

“From what I understand the storm was relatively isolated, but there were a number of farms that got pretty badly hit by it,” he said.

Continued page 7

Horsham Town Hall. Pictured at the tiny tots and pre-school concert is Imogen Schultz enjoying her time on stage. More pictures, page 15.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Local Kailee Rose shares excitement for Horsham’s Push All Ages Tour

the

The collaboration between Triple J Unearthed and Always Live Victoria will see The Rions, South Summit, Jem Cassar-Daley headline the show along with triple j Unearthed competition winner Kailee Rose and fellow local support act Jack Doolan and the Scrubs.

“I am as excited as I am nervous! I have been pinching myself since the call from triple j Unearthed, and it’s finally starting to feel more real seeing the local acts being announced,” Kailee said.

Known for her co ver gigs, Kailee is rapt to showcase her original music to a larger audience.

“It’s really exciting to be able to showcase my original music

which rarely leaves the four walls of my home.”

When asked about her readiness for the performance, Kailee admitted, “As ready as I’ll ever be! I am currently in the midst of trying to choose which tracks make it onto the set list, that’s the tricky part.”

Tickets for the Horsham Push are selling fast, a testament to the region’s hunger for live music.

Kailee attributes this to the strong demand in Horsham and surrounding rural towns.

“I think there is a huge demand for live music in Horsham and in surrounding rural towns, and there is definitely potential for the live music scene to grow. Hopefully, an event such as The Push in Horsham encourages this to happen,” she said.

Playing in front of a big local crowd is both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Kailee.

“This will potentially be the largest event and crowd I’ve played in front of which is quite nerve-wracking. However, the first time I ever played in front of an audience was at the Horsham Show over 10 years ago, so to be performing at the Maydale Pavilion with such an impressive lineup feels like the perfect full circle moment.”

Following a successful application from HRCC, Horsham was chosen as one of the four locations for the tour, offering a rare opportunity for young music fans to attend a touring event without hours of travel.

Tickets for the The Push All-Ages Tour are $30 (plus booking fees) and are available through Moshtix. Visit alwayslive.com.au for program and ticket details.

Roadside drainage maintenance across municipality

HRCC operations team is currently upgrading and undertaking maintenance of roadside drainage in rural areas.

Works are underway along roads in the Jung and Wail areas.

Maintaining roadside drains and culverts is crucial for road upkeep in rural regions, as it prevents water from pooling on roads or flooding nearby crops.

HRCC has a dedicated crew for rural roadside drainage maintenance, which involves cleaning and shaping drains and either cleaning or replacing culverts.

Since the 2022 floods, HRCC crews have addressed over 400 drainage defects on rural roads.

Infrastructure Director John Martin emphasised that while maintenance was ongoing throughout the year, significant rain events often highlight the most severe issues.

“We make decisions about where repairs are made based on the severity of the problems the defective drain is causing, and the priorities identified in our Road Management Plan,” Mr Martin said.

He acknowledged that the community has frustration with some parts of the rural road network.

“All of our graders are working every day they possibly can, weather permitting. Our drainage crew is also working at full capacity, and we are looking for other improvements, including identifying sources of better gravel that will last longer on our roads.

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

for maintaining drains within the Council road reserve, including channels and table drains at the side of the road pavement and culverts beneath the road pavement.

However, culverts that provide vehicle access to private land are the responsibility of the landholders.

Council has planned for more than $10 million of expenditure on roads and bridges in its 2024-25 budget.

The Department of Transport and Planning handles the maintenance of highways and major roads.

Residents are encouraged to report any necessary repairs to HRCC-managed roads. To request repairs, visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/service-request.

Community effort transforms Burnt Creek with 4,500 new trees

More than 4,500 trees have been planted in the open space at Burnt Creek as part of a HRCC and Landcare initiative.

The revegetation project has seen enthusiastic participation from students of Horsham College, Horsham Special School, Woodcroft College in South Australia, and members of the Karen community over the past 12 months.

The council-owned land, situated directly behind the Burnt Creek Industrial Estate, which is currently in the planning stages of development, has been transformed with a diverse mix of large eucalypts, shrubs and grasses.

This effort not only aims to beautify the area but also brings significant environmental benefits, such as the reduction of soil erosion.

Next Council Meeting: November 21, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue

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

Voting deadline 6pm this Friday

Horsham residents have until this Friday to cast their votes in the 2024 election. Ballot packs have been posted to the five wards where an election is needed. For votes to be eligible, they must be returned in the mail by 6pm this Friday.

People with enquiries can visit the VEC's election office in Roberts Avenue (opposite the police station).

The VEC also has a helpline. Call 131 832.

Regional youth benefit from community grant

As part of HRCC’s Community Development Grants program, almost $140,000 in funding was allocated to community groups.

One recipient of this funding was Rotary District 9780’s “Defying the Drift” Committee.

Rotary’s “Defying the Drift” program is a yearly 3-day program that aims to inform local Year 10 and 11 students about the fruitful careers in agriculture and agribusiness, and to show that you don’t need to leave the region to accomplish great things.

The program was delivered this September at Longerenong Agricultural College and included tours of several successful local farms and insights from leading figures in Victorian agriculture.

“The program went exceptionally well with 34 students attending. The program is a great confidence booster for many kids. A lot of attendees are unsure of their future, and it opens their eyes to the fact that there are a lot of great careers on our doorstep,” Rotary representative Peter Oddie said.

“We are grateful for the availability of funding, as it allows us to keep the costs for families low while delivering the best program we can.”

Applications for Community Development Grants will re-open in 2025, but funding is still available for youth programs and quick response grants.

Bee smart around swarms this spring

Bee swarms occur commonly around the start of spring when a queen bee leaves its hive, along with thousands of bees to create a new home.

Over the coming weeks, you may see clusters of bees hanging off branches or in bushes. Swarming bees can be intimidating but are not typically aggressive unless provoked.

If you see a bee swarm, do not spray the bees with insecticides or water. Instead, consider calling a local beekeeper who can collect and rehome the swarming bees.

HRCC is responsible

Horsham singer Kailee Rose has shared her excitement of

Push All Ages Tour event at the Maydale Pavilion on Friday, 22 November.

Housing for health workers starts

BY LAUREN HENRY

After a delay in the approvals process, work on a significant accommodation development for health workers in Horsham has begun.

The project, by Elmstone Property Group and Grampians Health, will include 36 onebedroom units and fronts both Tucker and Byrne streets in Sunnyside.

When the site, within walking distance of the Wimmera Base Hospital, was secured in January 2023, project leaders hoped that workers would be living in the accommodation by January 2024.

But Elmstone Property Group director Stuart Benjamin said the aim was now to have people living in the units by mid2025.

The project has also blown out from the original estimate of $8.3 million to about $10 million.

“I’ve got to say it’s probably been one of the hardest projects I’ve ever done,” he said.

“Just the permitting side of things and the time that it’s

Quotation corrected

An article ‘Candidates have a say’, published on page 3 of The Weekly Advertiser’s October 9 edition, published an incorrect quote by candidate Claudia Haenel.

When questioned about attendances at council meetings, The Weekly Advertiser published the following quote: “The role of a councillor includes making decisions on behalf of community, setting strategic direction and making decisions on behalf of community.”

The correct quote was:

“The role of a councillor includes making decisions on behalf of community, setting strategic direction and overseeing the budget.”

The Weekly Advertiser apologises for the error.

taken to get everything approved by the various referral authorities.

“Even still today, we’ve broken ground there on Friday, but we’re still waiting on some final sign-offs from GWMWater.

“It’s quite a complicated connection process because what most people probably aren’t aware of is that almost all of the services in water or sewer are pretty much at capacity.

“As soon as you say you want to do any development in Horsham, one of the hardest things that you’ve got to do is work out how to get extra capacity.

“That’s probably the biggest constraint that we see to growth in the area – that for probably 30 years there’s been an under investment in a lot of infrastructure.

“It’s disappointing for us on two fronts. The first is we would have liked to have had doctors and nurses living in these houses right now but also the fact that there’s been a substantial cost burden, which is worn by us as a developer.”

Mr Benjamin said it had been difficult to find an appropriate

site that was within a 15-minute walk to the hospital.

“It was great to be able to work with Wes Davidson and his team, where they were able to go out and identify sites for us that weren’t on the market, and find properties that were suitable,” he said.

Grampians Health currently rents about 38 houses in Horsham – often two, three, or four bedroom houses where only one bedroom is used.

“It’s just an incredible waste, and this project will allow those 38 houses to come back into the rental market, which

during a housing crisis is going to be very welcome,” he said.

“But what it also means is that we’re then designing houses that are appropriate to the people who are using them so brand new, seven-star, very well insulated, with heating, air conditioning the whole bit.

“We really want to create this very welcoming environment where our goal is to encourage these medical professionals to stay, and over time get their own properties and and actually embed themselves in the region.”

Mr Benjamin said the accommodation would also be ideal to provide housing for medical professionals in Horsham on a short-term basis – whether that was once a week, monthly or interns on a rotational basis.

“We’re really trying to make Horsham the destination of choice.

“If you’ve got two or three places that you could potentially go to, but in Horsham you’re getting this very high standard of accommodation, it’s just one more reason to come and join the community,” he said.

Mr Benjamin said Horsham company CHS had been awarded the civil tender on the project.

“They’ve started on site, so they’ll be constructing the roads, the sewer, the stormwater and the services connections,” he said.

“We’re hopefully in the final phase of negotiating the building contract with a local builder.

“I’m really excited about the fact that we’ve been able to appoint a local builder – we were quite worried because of the scale of the project that we wouldn’t be able to get local companies or trades.

“One of the great things about having so many other big projects happening in the region with large infrastructure projects is that Horsham has actually developed quite a good high level skill with its professional service companies – they’re doing multimillion dollar projects around the region, and to be able to have that expertise in the community was a great surprise to us.”

Paws walk honours memory of founder

Horsham Paws’ weekend event raised money for the organisation’s adoption and fostering work in memory of founding member Lydia Ward.

The inaugural memorial dog walk, also included facepainting, a silent auction, a bake sale and merchandise stall.

Horsham Paws president Vicki Johnstone said Ms Ward, whose name was synonymous with the group, had an ‘absolute passion’ for animals.

“We at Paws decided to commemorate one of our founding members, Lydia Ward, with a dog walk – dogs were her favourite animals,” Ms Johnstone said.

“In the Horsham area, if you said Lydia Ward, people would say oh, you mean Horsham Paws? And then if you said Horsham Paws, people would say ‘Lydia Ward’.

“She was really well known, really liked, and a very dedicated person to animal welfare.”

Ms Johnstone said there had been a lull in the numbers of animals being surrendered to the group in recent months.

“We haven’t had all that many surrendered to us in the past 12 months, which is good, but kitten season is about to hit us – we just received mum and four kittens – so numbers will be going up.”

People can support Horsham Paws by sponsoring or fostering a dog or cat.

“By sponsoring an animal, people give money to its upkeep and we advertise that on our Facebook page, if sponsors are happy for us to.

“And we can always use foster carers – those who look after an animal until we find it a home. Horsham Paws provides all the food, vet care and litter so people aren’t out of pocket.”

Ms Johnstone said people could contact her for more sponsorship or foster care information, or if people needed to surrender an animal, on 0429 823 564.

“There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you’re helping something that really can’t help itself in a person world,” she said.

READY TO START: Real estate agent Wes Davidson, CHS project manager Chris Hopper and Elmstone Group’s Stuart Benjamin at the site of where 36 apartments will be built in Tucker Street, Horsham.

WALKING FOR A CAUSE: Tahlia Lowe with Kyah at the Horsham Paws Lydia Ward Memorial dog walk on Saturday at Sawyer Park. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Long road to raise awareness

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Agroup of runners are making their way from Adelaide Oval to Terang in a charity relay to raise awareness and money for research into little-known Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, CJD.

Visiting Horsham and Minyip last week, each participant of Run4CJD has a personal connection to the incurable disease, which causes the brain to degenerate, leading to dementia and death.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is running for the second time, in honour of his mother and aunty.

“My mum Marie passed away from CJD in 2004 and my aunt Helen Arthur in 1984,” he said.

“At the time, we didn’t know much about CJD and we felt very alone.

“I want people to know they are not alone, and I want to help raise money for research that leads to a cure.”

Last year’s event was from Canberra to Warrnambool, and raised money for the first year of a longitudinal study into the early symptoms of the disease.

Joe and James Kenna’s father succumbed to the disease about three months after his diagnoses.

James Kenna said the first sign was forgetfulness.

“It seemed to us like he was pretty much fit and healthy, but he started forgetting a couple of things,” he said.

“For his last month he was bedridden – he couldn’t talk, he couldn’t do anything. It was pretty hard for us to take.

“One of the hardest things was getting the diagnosis and knowing there was no treatment and no cure.”

Mr Tehan said despite the rarity of the

disease, the group was meeting people along the run who had been impacted by it.

“We were running along the riverfront at Mildura when a lady pulled us up and said she’d lost a very good friend to CJD two months ago,” he said.

“About one in a million people in Australia will die from it each year – it doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you think about the impact it has on families and the people it touches, it’s about one

in 60,000 people who will know someone with it.

“There has been very little research, but the first study of its kind is being undertaken at the moment – a five-year study, which we’ve been able to raise funds for two years of.

“We’re hoping this run and some other activities will raise enough money to be able to fund the last three years of the study.”

The group left Adelaide on October

12 and arrived in Terang on Friday, passing through Blanchetown, Renmark, Mildura, Hopetoun, Horsham, and Hamilton, covering more than 900 kilometres enroute.

“If you want to support our effort, you can donate via our donation page –www.cjdsupport.org.au/run-4-cjd-2024

– to raise much-needed funds to help with research and assist in clinical trials,” Mr Tehan said.

VEC vote reminder

The Victorian Electoral Commission, VEC, is reminding voters they have until 6pm on Friday to vote in the council elections.

Electoral commissioner Sven Bluemmel said voters needed to post completed ballot packs before 6pm on Friday, noting local clearance times could vary. People can also drop off ballot packs to election offices based in each shire before 6pm Friday. Horsham: Former kindergarten, 23 Roberts Avenue, Horsham. Northern Grampians: Media Centre, Grandstand 1, Central Park, 14-18 Main Street, Stawell. Ararat: Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, 31-33 Lambert Street, Ararat.

Hindmarsh: Jeparit Memorial Hall, 12 Lower Roy Street, Jeparit.

West Wimmera: Former senior citizens clubrooms, 54-56 Langford Street, Edenhope.

Yarriambiack: No election office as voting not required.

Extended hours for voters to hand deliver their completed ballot pack apply from 9am to 8pm on Thursday and 9am to 6pm on Friday.

Any voter who has not received a ballot pack should go to vec. vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form. Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the state or council roll for this election at 4pm on August 7. Enrolled voters who do not vote may be fined. Results from all elections will be declared on November 15.

ON THE RUN: From left, Dan Tehan, Matty Stewart, Joe Kenna and James Kenna pass through Horsham on their run to raise awareness and money for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Supercell brings chaos

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Adverse weather affected parts of Victoria last week, with severe thunderstorms and a supercell bringing heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail to parts of the Wimmera on Wednesday.

Bungalally residents Steffi Margetts and Ryan Bennett sustained substantial damage to their home during the hailstorm, which moved south of Horsham before heading east to Murtoa then to Donald.

“We were home eating a late dinner and watching the lightning from our dining table, it was all very calm,” Ms Margetts said.

“But Bella, our eldest daughter who’s two-and-a-half, did not want to go to sleep.

“I went into her room and suddenly it just sounded like people were shooting at our house, it was so noisy.

“Next minute, we heard a big shatter, it was the kitchen window.

“Then there was another big bang, and another – the loungeroom windows were smashed too.”

Ms Margetts said a large amount of rain and ‘huge’ hailstones entered the house.

“The girls were screaming, there was water, glass and hailstones everywhere inside. Hail landed in our bedroom, about 11 metres away from where it came in the kitchen window.

“Then after about 10 minutes it was calm again.”

The family of four, including 12-monthold Tilly, remained in the home, and cleaned up most of the damage the same evening.

“We got builders to come and board up the windows the following day, so it’s a bit dark inside, and as much as I clean, I keep finding shards of glass,” Ms Margetts said.

“But, the insurance company has been amazing, they’re replacing the windows and cleaning the couch and floors.

“We’re lucky no one got hurt – I hate to imagine what could have happened.”

Localised rain during Wednesday’s storm event missed Horsham completely, however 10 millimetres fell at Jeparit and eight at Rupanyup.

During the days following the storm, 53 millimetres fell at the Grampians, 28 millimetres at Edenhope, 25 millimetres at Jeparit, 25 millimetres at St Arnaud, 24 millimetres at Rupanyup and 10 millimetres at Horsham.

On Wednesday, Casterton received 22 millimetres of rain in 20 minutes, with

winds gusting to 90 kilometres an hour, and hail up to five centimetres in diameter falling.

Dartmoor’s VICSES volunteers answered more than 170 requests for assistance after the event, including more than 130 for building damage and 20 for flooding, with assistance from Grampians area VICSES units.

During the same period there were more than 20 requests for assistance in the Grampians region and 11 at Ballarat.

People can visit emergency.vic.gov.au for up-to-date warnings and information, and can contact VICSES on 132 500 for emergency assistance to impacts from flood or storm.

From page 1

“Our area has been relatively lucky – we have been frosted, resulting in crops being cut for hay, but equally there are some crops that still have quite good potential because of the subsoil moisture that we had from the last summer rains,” Mr Delahunty said.

He said the resilience of the crops had been ‘quite incredible’.

“I think we’re going to see quite a wide range of reports come harvest time – some very poor crops through to some very good ones, but in terms of hail damage I would imagine the assessment of the damage won’t really be totally concluded until harvest time when the yield maps are seen,” he said.

Run the Beal on Sunday

Warracknabeal will host a fun run on Sunday for people of all ages and

Run the Beal, starting and finishing at Lions Park, Warracknabeal, journeys around the Yarriambiack Creek.

The 21-kilometre run starts at 8am; 10km at 8,30am; five-kilometre at 9am; and children’s run at 10.30am.

A warm-up and cool-down massage is included the registration costs. For more information, visit www.warracknabeal.com.au.

This Saturday, October 26 9AM - 1PM

Volunteers Required

EYE OF THE STORM: Kathy Past took this image of the storm cell on Wednesday evening near Horsham.

EERIE: Linda Stewart captured lightning at Taylors Lake, south of Horsham.

The Ultimate Harvest EXPERIENCE

www.tractionag.com.au

Farmer movie to ignite health talk

Leila McDougall had what most would consider an outrageous dream: to write, produce and star in a movie that would spark events and conversations about suicide in farming communities.

The Tatyoon farmer and mother-of-two not only achieved her dream, but she is also now being swamped with requests to visit rural towns across Australia.

Most recently McDougall travelled to Amsterdam, where she was named ‘Best Oceanian Actress’ at the Septimius Awards.

Her movie, ‘Just A Farmer’, will be screened in Edenhope on Thursday, October 31 at an event that will also highlight local mental health services.

Written and filmed in western Victoria, the film explores suicide and the unique pressures of farming and rural life.

Just A Farmer’s release lined up with one of the driest winter seasons on record, with southern Wimmera farmers forced to feed livestock and cart water for months on end.

“It’s very timely and we understand the struggle as much as anyone; we’re up the creek on our farm too,” she said.

“We’re feeding and struggling to figure out whether to sell stock or send them up north to agist.

“The farmers really need this and so many people have thanked us for making the film and having the courage to tackle such a heavy topic.”

Grampians Health community health nurse Cath McDonald secured grant funding for the Edenhope screening, along with supper and limited beverages, as a means of building community connection and reducing stigma around mental ill-health.

Suicide prevention group, Lifeforce Eden-

hope, and counsellor Carine Bezuidenhout, have partnered with Grampians Health to ensure attendees are informed about local support.

“This film is bigger than any of us that created it and I’m so happy to see local mental health advocates there to carry the messaging,” McDougall said.

“The audience is taken on this massive journey, where they feel the heartache, so it helps to open up conversations once the credits roll.

“It was never meant to be something you watch, then walk out and forget; we want it to be impactful and make a difference in rural towns.”

McDougall said she had been most surprised by the response of older men, who ‘have never been given permission’ to consider their mental well-being.

“It’s confronting for the older blokes because it’s making them actually consider their feelings and struggles,” she said.

“People my age, in their 30s, are more accustomed to messaging about mental health.

“We’re more aware of it, but that doesn’t mean we’re addressing it.”

Just A Farmer will be screened at Edenhope Community Centre, on Thursday October 31, from 6.30pm. A $10 donation, to support Lifeforce Edenhope, is requested on entry.

People are encouraged to reserve tickets as soon as possible for catering purposes by calling 5585 9845 and leave a message with all attendee names.

• If you, or anyone you know, needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 13YARN on 13 92 76, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call triple zero.

Cleanliness

Chaplaincy book fair returns

Horsham College’s Chaplaincy Book Fair is again offering people thousands of books in all genres for all ages at its biannual fundraiser.

The book sales contribute to the wage of college chap-

lain Yolande Grosser, who facilitates a breakfast club, For Faith lunchtime group, manages special events such as RU OK? Day, and offers oneon-one assistance to staff and students.

The fair, where children’s books are 50 cents and all others are $1, is at Maroske Hall on Dimboola Road from noon until 9am on Friday and from 9am until noon on Saturday.

Criminal damage at service station

Police are investigating criminal damage at a Horsham convenience store.

Investigators were notified that an offender, or offenders, smashed a window of the Baillie

Street premises about 11pm on Sunday, October 13.

It appears the offenders did not enter the store and fled prior to police arrival. Anyone with information or dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.

PROMOTION: Horsham College students, back, from left, Elise Osmond, Tilly Gilbert, Sarina

Macchia and Scarlett Nicholson and front, Ellie Schmidt, Lola Bales and Ruby StevensonHatherell promote the school’s book fair.

River revamp rewards

When I lived in Horsham 10plus years ago, my family, friends and I would often lament at the sight of the Wimmera River and the untapped potential of the riverfront.

We would visit other riverfront towns, such as Mildura or Swan Hill, and see the work being done there to their frontages to the Murray River, and dream that something similar would transpire in Horsham.

We hoped that one day Horsham’s riverfront would be a beacon for not only tourists, but a place where residents could enjoy – whether it be for a walk after work, a place to hang out on the weekend or riverside dining.

A place that not only showed off the river and enticed people to use it, but offered an attractive and functional space to dine, entertain and exercise.

Having returned to Horsham six months ago after living away for the past decade – for three of those years in Mildura and Gol Gol, the New South Wales side of Mildura –it was a welcome sight to see there had been several upgrades along the Wimmera River.

The new pedestrian bridges, meeting places with food truck spaces, riveredge connections, the nature water play park, upgrades to toilet amenities, the angling and rowing clubs, and improvements to carparks, walking paths, seating and barbecue areas – what’s not to like?

Well, apparently some people don’t like it, and think it was not a wise use of money.

At the Horsham candidates forum last month, riverfront redevelop-

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

ment was raised and, to my surprise, mostly met with negativity. Like any infrastructure project, there will always be some in the community who don’t agree that it is the best use of public money.

I have reported on opposition to infrastructure projects many times, including a significant community objection to the Horsham Town Hall redevelopment some 14 years ago.

I’ve also written many stories on community opposition that comes too late – where residents have been too late, voicing their opinion well after community consultation took place.

From all reports, feedback to the council in regards to the riverfront redevelopment was the river was ‘underused’, improvements were needed and should complement the natural features of the river.

In all communities, there is always a long list of projects that are needed, and always differing opinions on what should be prioritised first.

But it also comes down to what grants and government funding are available for such projects.

Not all projects fit the various criteria needed to be successful in obtaining government grants.

And a significant amount of government grants were utilised to revamp the riverfront with council funding only about 15 per cent of all three

projects – the $3.186-million riverfront redevelopment; $2.481-million nature and water play park; and $2.599-million Hamilton Street pedestrian bridge over the river.

Major projects are not funded by just one level of government – and while the riverfront redevelopment was led by Horsham Rural City Council, council money did not pay for it all.

You only have to look at the success of riverfronts in various regional riverfront towns to realise that governments are willing to spend in this area.

As unfortunate as it is, it’s much more ‘sexy’ to fund an attractive redevelopment than it is potholes.

The same level of funding is just not there for councils to tap into when it comes to roads.

It is the same with creating other community spaces – such as Horsham City Oval – the money for these types of grants comes from a particular government department for a specific type of projects, so why not tap into it?

To me, the riverfront redevelopment was a no-brainer.

It was well overdue for an upgrade and if Horsham wants to not only boost tourism but create enjoyable spaces for residents to regularly use, then making use of the river as a key asset should be a priority.

Whatever comes next in the way of community projects, make sure your voice is heard early in the piece when council is consulting the community.

• What’s your preference for a community project? Email me and let me know your thoughts at lhenry@ aceradio.com.au.

This fantastic mixed farming holding consists of approximately 422.77 ha or 1044.66 acres. Ideally situated 13.5km east of Frances SA, in the highly regarded area of Neuarpurr, Victoria.

• 3 equipped pivots - total area of 177 HA irrigated

• Water allocation volume of 384 meg/L

• Proven history of specialty small seed production

• Atlex sheep yards treated pine post fencing with K-rail

• Soil types range from healthy loams to dark clays, self-mulching soil types

• Fencing in

•

•

Rates rebuttal

I thank Jack Flynn for keeping the rates debate going. It is helping the farm cause.

So many residential ratepayers have told me they were unaware that they had received a $1-million rate reduction and the farmers were charged $1 million to make up the shortfall. Blatant theft.

Mr Flynn, I do not know what you are on about us lobbying council, farmers have lobbied every council since amalgamation to keep farm rate increases to a minimum so what is different lobbying the new council.

But we will not have to lobby rates as hard as property values have fallen as we have a massive downturn in prices and the new council will find that land has been sold for less than the council valuation.

Again back to memory lane they have not made any more farms.

At amalgamation there were 6000 ratepayers in the general sector, now with all the new houses on Southbank, Golf Course Road, Stockton Drive, Williams Road subdivisions and Target complex, Harvey Norman, Aldi and warehouses, etc built since 1995 there is now 11,000 in the general sector but still 600 farmers.

Farmers during these 29 years have continually said they do not want any more development in Horsham as we are required to pay a set share of rates.

The farmers argument is still valid surely every time a new house or Target complex is built then that sector should pay a bit more in rates but no farmers have to match it with a set share of rates.

Mr Flynn, farmers paid 27 per cent of the total rates at amalgamation through to 2010.

Now we pay 33.5 per cent even though there are 5000 more general ratepayers all coming in at the top end of the rate scale.

I ask you how much are these 4000 houses worth and all the new complexes and warehouses worth? $20 billion perhaps, but no more farms made. Without the farmers subsidy the general sector would be paying the highest rates in Australia to fund this spendthrift council.

Farm rates only increase with valuation, what is valuation – it doesn’t put a roof over your head and you can’t eat it, doesn’t make the crops yield better or sheep cut more wool.

Valuation is only a liability to farmers. Thanks Jack for fuelling the rates debate and I look forward to your reply. I need all farmers next February to join the rates protest and only pay what rates they paid last year plus the Local Government Minister’s 2.75 per cent rate increase, not the 16.5 per cent council theft.

Neville McIntyre, McKenzie Creek

welcomes your letters and contributions.

Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: lhenry@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.

Approaching retirement can bring forth various emotions – excitement, relief, and concern. Questions like when to retire, financial readiness, accessing super, income sources, and government assistance may arise. Our expertise focuses on advising those aged 55 and above, addressing your queries to provide peace of mind.

Richard, Penelope and Dean

CHS, empowering safe digging

Fostering a new wave of artists

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Organisers of a new Ararat music festival believe it will offer residents a chance to see some of Australia’s best live music acts while fostering the newest wave of talented local performers.

Out West Fest, at Ararat Town Hall on November 9, is the brainchild of former Great Western musician Annabel Kilpatrick, who records and performs under the moniker Bel Kil.

She said she was inspired to create a festival that offered both performers and patrons opportunities that she lacked growing up.

“I grew up in Great Western and there are limited festivals in the area now with the Grampians Music Festival no longer running and even Pitch cancelled last year,” she said.

“Growing up I would have killed for an opportunity like this. There’s not many opportunities in the area and it’s so accessible and affordable for people.

“I think it’s so important to bring live music opportunities to people in the area.

“It’s all about bringing incredible acts – big Australian and up-and-coming emerging artists –to the area who are amazing performers.”

Ms Kilpatrick said Out West Fest’s line-up would include music that appealed to all ages, representing a variety of genres.

Included on the bill are Hayley Mary, the lead singer of Australian indie rock band The Jezabels, along with psychedelic rock outfit Deep Sea Arcade, funk and soul ensemble Sex On Toast, surf rockers Sunday Honey and solo acts such as eclectic pop artist Umbra Moon and blues and roots singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry.

Ms Kilpatrick will also play during the festival, with her new single Not Whatchu Think set to launch tomorrow.

She said fostering young musical talent from the Ararat region was also a priority.

“We’ve got ‘Maso’, Riley Mason, from Ararat performing, and there’s opportunities for other local bands,” she said.

“I really want the local community to get involved, which is why we’ve got a local band competition.”

Tickets will be $69 for adults and $59 for students and concession card holders, with an early-bird special of $49 for adults and $24.50 concession running until Friday.

Ms Kilpatrick said making the festival accessible and affordable was a key goal.

“It’s a very affordable festival for the calibre of artists that are on the line-up. It’s not about making a profit. It’s all about creating opportunities for artists and the community,” she said.

“There is so much talent out there and the live music industry is tough. I think there’s a lot preventing people from getting to see some of these incredible Australian acts.

“Radio is drowned with international artists and more mainstream pop stars and we’re a bit more deprived in regional areas because there aren’t as many platforms for artists.

“We want people to really get behind Australian music because it’s just brilliant and there’s not enough opportunities for everyone to hear it.”

People can find more information about the festival and book discounted early-bird tickets via the Ararat Town Hall website at ararattownhall.com.au/event/out-west-fest.

Pulse field day at Rupanyup

Stakeholders are invited to Agriculture Victoria’s annual Wimmera Pulse Agronomy Field Day at Rupanyup next week, to learn about the latest in breeding and agronomic advances for lentil, chickpea, faba bean and vetch from industry specialists. New field pea and lentil va-

rieties will be showcased, including information about herbicide tolerance traits, disease management, frost and heat mitigation and marketing opportunities for pulses.

A panel session on chemical use patterns and managing residues will feature industry experts from Grains Research

and Development Corporation and McCullen Consulting. Tickets for the free event, which starts at 9am on Wednesday October 30 and concludes at noon with a complementary barbecue lunch, are available from Trybooking at www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1293887.

Mini field of women breast cancer

Pink, blue and white silhouettes will be displayed at a Horsham Mini-Field of Women community event to represent the 20,000 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

Hosted by Horsham FriendsAbreast breast cancer support group, people are invited to the

free event to pay tribute to those who have been affected by the disease. Starting at 11am on Monday, people can follow the pink balloons to the Horsham Rural City Council courtyard.

Donations to Breast Cancer Network Australia can be made on the day.

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES: Former Great Western musician Annabel Kilpatrick, who records and performs under the name Bel Kil, is the organiser behind a new Ararat-based music festival, Out West Fest.

HorsHam scHool of dance

Energy Transition Webinar Series

‘Investigating the economic impact on a farm business of being involved, or not being involved, in a wind energy project’

Dr Kate Burke (Think Agri) & Tayla Blight (Pinion Advisory)

Enquiries: info@wsm org au

STARS OF THE STAGE: Horsham School of Dance hosted its annual concert on Sunday at Horsham Town Hall, with two feature showcases – a tiny tots and pre-school concert in the morning and older students in the afternoon. The theme for this year’s concert was ‘In my garden’.

Pictured are pre-school dancers, clockwise from left: Indi Harberger, Esme Clough, Rahni Bunting, Marlie Schier and Bonnie Middleton; Marlie Kemp; Kriya Jerai and Bessie Latus; Margot Mihan, Rose Pohlner, Violet Smith, Indigo Hick and Vaeya Williams; Georgie Ellis and and Elina Hay; Willa Roberts, Olivia Young, Emily Rose, Gracie Nagorcka and Malia Oakley; and centre, Greta Schulz.

Thursday 21 November 2024 11am to noon

“Wind energy and agriculture in the WSM: fostering socio-legal synergies and justicedriven reform”

Dr Madeline Taylor Centre for Energy & Natural Resources Innovation & Transformation, Maquarie Uni

Community Newsletter

Showgoer health checks popular

Our team enjoyed the glorious spring weather Warracknabeal Show day put on, inviting showgoers to participate in free skin and blood pressure checks.

Dr Franklin (shown above with wife Hanna and RNH Health Promotion Coordinator Tifaniya Devasia) completed a huge 25 checks in 2 hours - what a wonderful job!

Similarly, our Movement Disorder Nurse Lou Bellizzi (top) also had a successful day, having 29 showgoers take up the opportunity for a free blood pressure check.

Thank you to Dr Franklin and Hanna for their support, and to Fred Ackland for the loan of his caravan which served as a temporary consultation room.

Also drawing visitors to our stand was the array of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables we had available as a healthy show snack.

Digger, Marj our top tippers

Real-life career advice shared at College

Yarriambiack Lodge echoed with cheers of “Go Lions!” and “Come on Swans!” as our residents celebrated the recent AFL Grand Final. Before gathering around the tv to watch the game, the residents got into the action with a lunch of traditional footy fare of pies, sausage rolls, and pasties, and decorating the Wattle window, before it was down to the serious business of tipping and, of course, intently watching the game.

Congratulations to Digger Winsall and Marj Thewlis (above) who were named winners of the footy tipping competition.

REMINDER

Our teams recently presented at the “Local Jobs for Local Kids” forum at Warracknabeal Secondary College. From finance to allied health, maintenance to education, administration to healthcare, the teams shared how there are so many more opportunities available at RNH beside nursing and aged care. Welcome to the team

The 3G network will shut down in the Yarriambiack region on October 28

If you have a 3G-reliant device please call My Aged Care to discuss its replacement 1800 200 422

Habitat investment

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

A$2-million program to boost malleefowl numbers in the Wimmera-Mallee is among 115 projects Australia-wide funded by the Federal Government’s $1.1-billion Natural Heritage Trust.

A government spokesperson said the project to build resilient malleefowl communities in the region would likely centre on the Little Desert National Park south of Nhill and west of Dimboola, as well as Yarrangook Nature Conservation Reserve in Telopea Downs.

The malleefowl is a grounddwelling bird native to the mallee scrubland, ranging from north-west Victoria to southern parts of Western Australia.

The malleefowl is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation

of Nature. The project is one of four slated for north-west Victoria in a government announcement last month.

Also funded was a $2-million project to protect plains wanderer habitat near Bendigo, Terrick Terrick and Kerang; $1-million for black cockatoo recovery west of Casterton; and $2-million to protect wetlands at the HattahKulkyne Lakes Ramsar site north of Ouyen.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said protecting threatened ecosystems was vital for Australia’s future.

“As well as protecting more land and sea, we need to better look after the places we are protecting,” she said.

“The priority landscapes that are receiving funding are incredibly biodiverse, with many native animals and plants calling them home. But they need our help.

“These large-scale, multi-year

projects will maximise benefits for wildlife by improving and restoring their habitat.”

Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said the Natural Heritage Trust, along with the Federal Government’s Saving Native Species Program, was a vital source of funding for large-scale environmental conservation projects.

“I grew up in the Mallee so I know how beautiful and diverse the landscape in the region is,” she said.

“It is great to see this investment into supporting and protecting such a special part of Victoria.

“As a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman with links to country all along the Murray River, I’m proud to support the Federal Government’s investments to mobilise the local knowledge and skills of First Nations people.”

Annual business awards in full swing

Tickets are now on sale for the seventh annual East Grampians Business Awards Gala Dinner on November 7.

The event, at Ararat Town Hall, will honour local business talent with the announcement of winners in 2024’s seven independently judged categories, as well as the community voted people’s choice award.

The awards recognise the important role local businesses play in the community and boosting the region’s economy.

Winners will receive a cash prize of between $1000 and $3000 or an advertising package, dependent on the individual category.

Categories include business of the year; best new business; innovation and change; retail and hospitality; trades and construction; professional services; and young person of the year.

The judging panel has reported an exceptional quality of submissions received for this year’s awards.

Sponsors for the 2024 East Grampians Business Awards are GAB Network, Regional Development Australia – Grampians, MIXX FM, Telstra, Ararat RSL, Nevetts Lawyers, NBN, Channel 7 and CRE8 Video Productions.

Dinner, including pre-event canapes in the foyer, mains and desserts in the auditorium, will be prepared by Paula Symons Catering.

To book a ticket, costing $90, people can visit www.ararat.vic. gov.au/awards2024.

A new world of tough

WELCOME: Natimuk artist

Carolynne Hamdorf will open her studio for the Natimuk Open Studios Art Trail.

Celebration of art and culture

Natimuk is preparing to host a celebration of art and culture that organisers hope will attract plenty of visitors.

The Natimuk Arts Weekend is presented by Arapiles Community Theatre, ACT, on November 2 and 3.

A Natimuk Open Studios Art Trail will encourage members of the public to explore local artists’ studios, engage with their work and discover the diversity of the visual arts scene in the town.

From 11am to 4pm on both days, visitors can tour seven studio spaces and meet 12 local artists.

Art forms on display will include painting, drawing, printing, textiles and sculpture, with selected pieces available for purchase.

The art trail is now in its fourth year and has received positive feedback from visitors.

This year’s trail received financial backing from West Wimmera Health Service.

In addition to the art trail, the Nati Pop-Up Cinema will showcase a curated selection of films by local filmmaker Jacqui Schulz.

The collection highlights works created by community members and artists, and cele-

brates recent funding for a Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall audio-visual project from the Horsham Rural City Council and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

On the Saturday, from 4pm to 5.30pm, The Goat Gallery will host a launch for the Becoming Nala exhibition and book.

The book project is a result of ACT Natimuk’s First Nations Creative Lab program and features the storytelling of Wotjobaluk woman Chrissie Secombe and Moonahcullah, Wamba-Wamba man Alan Murphy.

The book tells Mr Murphy’s journey of discovering his connection to country, complemented by his artwork and photography by Mat Dooling. The event is supported by Wimmera Libraries and HC Pro.

For people interested in contributing to the Nati Frinj Biennale 2025, Frinj director Alison Eggleton will host a drop-in session at Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, November 2.

People can find more information about the weekend by visiting actnatimuk.com/ events/natimuk-arts-weekend.

Pains and Leg Pain in Teenagers

bilateral knee pain and heading for surgery for that knee that keeps dislocating, discovers that they have a sacral problem which is undiagnosed, because it’s knee pain. The sacrum is often thought as a solid tail bone. Well in young children it is five individual bones which don’t start to join to form one bone until they are around 13yrs of age. Each one can misalign or jam up

As a chiropractor we look at all areas of the spine and check all joints in the legs to find out what is not moving properly and the best way to correct it. Keeping teenagers moving well helps them grow straighter, stronger and assists them to perform better at their activities.

Dr. Pauline Walsh

Hundreds earn heart safe status

Warracknabeal and St Arnaud communities have graduated from Ambulance Victoria’s Heart Safe Community 2023-24 program, with Dimboola and Halls Gap next to benefit from learning lifesaving skills.

Warracknabeal has 399 more people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, and defibrillation, 11 new automated external defibrillators, AEDs, and six new GoodSAM responders.

St Arnaud has 309 more people trained, three new AEDs, and four more people registered for GoodSAM.

GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

The Heart Safe Community program aims to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest by working with communities to raise awareness, teach residents how to perform CPR and use an AED, promote GoodSAM and install new publicly accessible AEDs.

Ambulance Victoria Grampians acting regional director Aliesha Robertson congratulated everyone involved in raising awareness across St Arnaud and Warracknabeal during the past year, and announced Dimboola and Halls Gap would be a part of the program in 2024-25.

“Minutes matter in a cardiac arrest and I’m so pleased these communities are now in a better

position to save more lives, understanding the importance of bystander intervention and calling triple zero immediately,” she said.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.

“We’re eager to work with Dimboola and Halls Gap residents to empower them to take action in someone’s time of need.”

The Heart Safe Community program was launched in 2019 and is a joint initiative between AV and the Heart Foundation.

AV is also promoting ‘Shocktober’ for the month of October – a campaign to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an AED.

Every day, about 21 Victorians have a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive.

Bystander CPR and use of an AED more than doubles a patient’s chance of survival.

“The minutes between a cardiac arrest occurring and paramedics arriving are an important time for bystanders to act,” Ms Robertson said.

“Anyone can save a life – just call triple zero, push hard and fast on the middle of the chest, and shock using an AED.”

People can learn more about Heart Safe Communities at www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ community/community-partnerships/heart-safecommunities, Shocktober at www.ambulance. vic.gov.au/shocktober, and GoodSAM at www. goodsamapp.org/AV or by downloading the GoodSAM app.

REGULARS: From left, Susan Hogan, Gail Cramer, Jenny Blakeley, Sam Howard and Tony Howard walk up an appetite during a Heart Foundation Riverside Walkers Seniors Month morning tea at Horsham Angling Club. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Out walking – rain, hail, shine

Horsham Riverside Walkers celebrated seniors’ month with a Horsham Rural City Council-funded morning tea at their meeting last week.

Horsham’s Heart Foundation walking coordinator Tony Howard said the group meets each week for a self-paced walk along the river.

“We meet every Wednesday morning at 9am at Horsham Angling Club,” he said.

“From there, we normally go across the

footbridge, and circle back to the club for a 2.4-kilometre walk.

“It’s a nice, easy walk where people can chat and socialise and get out along the lovely river.”

Mr Howard encouraged people to join in with the group, who meets ‘rain, hail or shine’.

“I would like people to come down, get out along the river, get a bit healthier, and get the community together and all talking together,” he said.

Open invitation for Marnoo Lodge event

Marnoo Lodge members are inviting people to the lodge’s reconsecration at Stawell, a centenary after it was officially opened at Marnoo.

Originally formed and consecrated on October 24, 1924, more than 140 people attended the event, which was officiated by deputy grand master Right Worshipful Brother WP Bice.

Worshipful Brother Henry Clifford was installed as the first master of the lodge.

Marnoo Lodge members moved into Stawell Masonic centre in recent years due to the deteriorating building and surrounds at Marnoo, and as

A Project Update from VNI West

Conversations with landholders key to reducing impacts and fair compensation

In recent weeks, we have been reaching out to landholders and neighbours to discuss the refined route for the new VNI West transmission line, which is now 70m wide along most of the route. We have shared details and individual maps with landholders and met wherever possible to listen to their concerns, answer questions and discuss the next steps. For some people these have been difficult conversations, and we respect and appreciate the time taken to engage with us.

I would like to encourage landholders to talk with us about your land, farming operations, businesses and lifestyle. These discussions are critical to ensure all landholders receive fair and reasonable compensation, that accounts for the unique circumstances of each property, including the impact on your farms, business operations and property value.

Conversations with landholders are also important to identify how we can minimise the impact to your farm operations, day-to-day movements, and plans for future improvements. We hope to work together in the next phase as we confirm the easement location and finalise the design for the project, including the location of infrastructure such as transmission towers.

The preferred easement is subject to assessment under a regulated Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, and a series of specialist technical studies will take place over the next 12 months to assess potential impacts. Feedback from the local community is an important part of the EES process, to help us understand how best to reduce impacts of the project at every stage on farming, the environment, cultural heritage and communities.

I understand how important it is to make sure the project team are available and accessible to communities consistently. We’re here and we’re listening. As the project progresses, TCV will maintain a regular presence in community, with the hope that people will be generous enough to continue sharing local knowledge and experience. These conversations help us better understand the area and will play an important role in assessing the impact of the project.

In the meantime, I invite you to visit our website for more information, or to call the TCV team with your questions.

most of its members resided in Stawell. People are invited to attend the unique and rarely seen reconsecration at 10 Skene Street, Stawell on Saturday, to be seated at 1.45pm for a 2pm start.

Lodge members also welcome new people to join them in supporting their community –projects have included the purchase of practise equipment for medical staff at the Stawell hospital.

For more information, people can contact John Hart on 0427 581 370.

Contact the TCV team

Freecall: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

A message from Program Director Tony Hedley

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GOOD TIMES: Shows across the Wimmera continue to entertain with Nhill and Dimboola both hosting their annual shows on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Pictured clockwise, from left, are sisters Gladys Schwarz and Heather Huebner admire Heather’s winning flower at the Dimboola Show; Jane Summers classing wool at the Nhill Show; Sienna Philip and Mila Abley at Nhill; Savannah Hedt and Matilda Zanker at Nhill; Robert and Rhonda Koeleman at Dimboola Show; Toby King with tiny goats at Dimboola; and Dale Krelle and Brad Knaverhase at Nhill.

Wimmera roads among projects

Four Wimmera roads are among a list of regional projects to undergo maintenance works before mid-2025.

The State Government is rolling out a $964-million road maintenance blitz to rebuild, repair and resurface roads across Victoria, with about 70 per cent of funding in regional Victoria.

Two sections of Blue Ribbon Road, between Ladlows and Wail-Dooen roads and between Dimboola-Minyip and Old Minyip roads, will be upgraded, while the Warracknabeal-Birchip Road, between Sexton and Naughton roads at Morton Plains, will also undergo works.

The Western Highway, near Mallee Dam Road intersection, west of Nhill, and the Wimmera Highway, near the Nhill-Harrow Road, are also scheduled to receive work.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said crews would complete thousands of projects over the next nine months, ranging from road rehabilitation and resurfacing, to patching potholes and maintaining bridges, traffic lights, signage and road infrastructure.

Ms Horne said to deliver major works such as road rebuilding and rehabilitation, there must be extended periods of warmer and drier conditions, which was why most work was scheduled between now and May.

She said now that works to rebuild most flood-damaged roads were almost complete, and resurfacing and rehabilitation levels would significantly increase during the upcoming maintenance season.

Roads are prioritised based on expert assessments and community feedback.

“We’re investing nearly a billion dollars to rebuild and repair the roads that Victorians depend on every single day – from the high-

Dalki Garringa = Good Growing in Wergaia Language

BGLC’s Native Nursery + Coffee Van is now open every Friday.

Discover native trees and shrubs of the Wotjobaluk Nations and share in our knowledge.

ways connecting our major centres to the local roads that keep our communities moving,” Ms Horne said.

“The last Liberal-National Government cut roads maintenance funding and jobs – we’re getting on and delivering the biggest singleyear investment in road maintenance in Victoria’s history.”

But the Coalition has hit back at the road maintenance announcement, saying the government was making ‘a desperate announcement designed to cover up its failure to manage the roads network’.

Roads and Road Safety Shadow Minister Danny O’Brien said the ‘so-called blitz’ was nothing more than a re-announcement of the funding provided in the State Budget in May, and Labor had ‘padded out the funding numbers’ by including flood recovery works.

“No amount of spin and media grandstanding will cover for the fact what Victorians know – our roads are in an appalling state,” he said.

“Labor’s own survey last year showed that 91 per cent of roads were in poor or very poor condition.

“The fact the minister is even referencing the former Liberals and Nationals government 10 years ago shows just how out of touch she is when it comes to the state of our roads.

“In recent weeks, we’ve had Labor abolish Regional Roads Victoria and their plan to sell off the government-owned road builder SprayLine Services and revelations that maintenance workers are having to patch 700 potholes a day, all of which just goes to show Labor has failed when it comes to the state of our roads.”

Honouring ‘thousands of hours’

Wimmera Association for Genealogy has formally recognised its life members with an honour board, unveiled at a small ceremony at Horsham earlier this month.

Association president Tony Ward said four former members, Jack Gillespie, Dorothy King, Ann Bird and Ken Flack, and current member Ian Rees, were listed.

“They have each contributed thousands of volunteer hours to our research and committee,” he said.

“Jack was an inaugural member, in 1971.

“He was the first chairman, a research officer, and in 1985 was awarded a Genealogical Society of Victoria Fellowship.

“His wife Barbara was also very active in our group.

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“Dorothy attended her first meeting in 1980 and was wellknown for transcribing district cemetery records.

“She helped produce association magazine Wimmera Whispers, and was also very active in Stawell’s historical society.

“Ann also attended her first meeting in 1980, was secretary until about 2008 and assisted in research.

“She was also a committee member.”

Mr Ward said these three life members were deceased.

Mr Flack and Mr Rees, who both attended the unveiling, joined the association in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and both became part of the executive in 2001.

Mr Rees is still treasurer.

“Ken retired in 2017, but had

a great talent for research,” Mr Ward said.

“He worked on the story of Jane Cooper-Duff and her brothers, and WWI soldiers who are buried at Horsham.

“Ian is our main research officer, holding many thousands of records, and assists people with family research each Tuesday at our meetings.”

Mr Ward said the life members had each done a ‘heck of a lot’ of good work, and encouraged people to join the group.

“It’s amazing what you can find once you start looking at old newspaper articles,” he said. The group meets for research at 33 Pynsent Street, Horsham from 1.30pm to 4.30pm each Tuesday.

– Bronwyn Hastings

LIFE MEMBERS: Wimmera Association for Genealogy president Tony Ward, left, with life members Ian Rees and Ken Flack.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Medical first at Horsham hospital

Horsham was put on the medical map when Dr Robert Ritchie performed Australia’s first recorded spinal anaesthetic – on January 7, 1902.

Founded in 1849, by 1902 Horsham’s population had grown to about 2500 and boasted a hospital, two doctors, a pharmacist and a dentist.

Dr Ritchie, performing a lumbar puncture at the L3-4 level, injected two-millilitres of two per cent cocaine solution into his patient – a 78-yearold man with a gangrenous right leg, prostatic obstruction and congestive cardiac failure.

Waiting 20 minutes, Dr Ritchie established the sensation the patient was feeling was pressure and not pain, and amputated his right leg through the thigh.

The patient was administered with brandy and water throughout the procedure, and given strychnine injections four-hourly postoperatively. His work was noted by revered British medical journal the Lancet – he was the first medical practitioner in Victoria to inject cocaine for such an operation.

Dr Ritchie noted the disorganised condition of the patient’s heart made it impossible to administer any general anaesthetic to allow for amputation.

“I decided to inject a solution of cocaine into the spinal canal and amputate through the thigh under the anaesthesia resulting from this,” he wrote.

“The patient, on having the possible risks pointed out to him, was quite willing to have the operation performed.”

The adoption of Dr Ritchie’s technique of spinal anaesthesia spread quickly in Australia, despite communication difficulties at that time.

While the patient recovered, the story for the talented surgeon is one of despair.

Dr Ritchie studied at Sydney Grammar School where he was awarded the Wigram Allan Foundation prize and later matriculated at Sydney University.

At 19, he moved to England to study at Guy’s University, now known as King’s College, London. While living in England, he first showed signs of contracting tuberculosis, known then as consumption.

His health forced a move back to Australia in 1891 and he completed his medical training at Melbourne University, graduating in 1895.

He then started working as resident medical officer at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Dr Ritchie was appointed medical officer at Horsham District Hospital on May 1, 1897, after first arriving in the town on March 16 as a locum to Dr Praagst.

He settled into Horsham life and married Ruby Langlands, the granddaughter of Horsham’s founder George Langlands.

Dr Ritchie had a busy surgical practice and despite his deteriorating health, he was a frequent contributor to the Intercolonial Medical Journal of Australasia – a rich variety of case reports flowed from the operating theatre of the Horsham Hospital.

A year after Dr Ritchie’s ground-breaking surgery, he was quickly succumbing to tuberculosis.

He died at 8pm on Friday, October 16, 1903, aged 33.

Flags in Horsham were lowered to half-mast at the announcement of his death and shop windows were partially shuttered.

Mrs Ritchie and Dr Ritchie had a son Frank who was a surveyor and civil engineer.

He designed Horsham’s sewerage and water systems before moving to Western Australia where he designed the bridge for the Gascoyne River. He settled in Tasmania where he died at the age of 97.

A stained-glass window depicting St Luke, the patron saint of the medical profession, is featured in St John’s Anglican Church and is dedicated to Dr Ritchie who was buried on the anniversary of St Luke.

A commemorative cast iron plaque honouring Dr Ritchie is on display in the Handbury Library at Grampians Health Horsham’s Arapiles building.

Mik Maks and more at Ararat show

Pro wrestling, an animal farm, puppets and The Mik Maks are among the features at Ararat Show Society’s annual event on Sunday, October 27. Society secretary Donna Dunmore said major attractions would be supported by the traditional aspects of the show.

“This year we have Fair Dinkum Fauna, Level Up! gaming and pony rides, as well as facepainting, showbags, food stalls, horse events and rides,” she said.

Mrs Dunmore said children’s group The Mik

Maks would entertain on the main stage during the morning.

“They will perform at 10am and noon, before the show is opened by Martha Haylett at 1pm, followed by the showgirl and showboy competitions from 1.30pm,” she said.

Discounted tickets are available at Lardner Bros Ararat until 5.30pm on Friday – $25 for families of two adults and four children, or at the gate on the day, adults $10, children under 16 years $5, and under five years free of cost.

Collect a box, fill it with

Food Centre Donation Box

Thank you so much for your donation. For storage purposes it is important that we can close each box so please keep to the item sizes listed.

Note: No glass please

■ Canned Fruit, up to 825g

■ Canned Baked Beans, up to 420g

■ Canned Spaghetti, up to 420g

■ Canned Soup, up to 420g

■ Packet Soup (eg. Cuppa Soup), 60g

■ 2 Min Noodles , 360g

■ Pasta Sauce (plastic/cans/ pouches), 350-500g

■ Pasta (any dry variety, 500g

■ Sugar, 1kg

■ SR Flour, 1kg

■ Plain Flour, 1kg

■ Rice, 1kg

■ Cake mix, Packet

■ Breakfast Cereal - Weetbix or similar, 350g

■ Peanut Butter (plastic jars/ tubes), 500g

■ Vegemite (plastic jars/tubes), 150g

■ Tomato Sauce, plastic bottles

■ Tomato Paste (plastic/sachets), packet

■ Ready to eat non-perishable meals (eg. avoured rice/pasta/ noodles and sauce), sachets/ pouches

■ Co ee (cans or sachets – no glass), 100 or 200g

■ Black Tea (no avoured varieties please), assorted sizes

■ Sweet biscuits, 200-250g

■ Savoury biscuits, 200-250g

■ Jelly crystals, packet

■ Toothbrushes, single or multipack

■ Toothpaste, up to 200g

HONOUR: Dr James Gallagher with the commemorative cast iron plaque honouring Dr Ritchie at Grampians Health Horsham’s Arapiles building.

Dr Robert Ritchie

Performing arts

ENTERTAINING: Stawell Performing Arts Company Incorporated is presenting the musical Urinetown at Stawell Entertainment Centre. Directed by Tyler Wineberg, the musical tackles timely issues such as corporate greed and water usage, along with rebellion, and a love that defied the odds. Having already performed shows at the weekend, there are three remaining performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. People can buy tickets from Stawell Neighbourhood House, visit www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1272077 or buy at the door. Pictured from clockwise, above, Officer Lockstock, played by Tyler Wineberg and Little Sally, Sophie Fletcher, on the steps; Hot Blades Harry, Celia Fairley; the poor find out Ms Pennywise is Hope Cladwell’s mother; Ms Pennywise, Alanis Williams; and Bobby Strong, Logan Todd, calls on the poor to follow him.

Congratulaaons to the Class of 2024!

As your secondary school journey comes to an end, know that our College community is proud of your determinaron and strength throughout the years We know you will do amazing things in the future!

Slowly but surely ...

The Australian economy is still growing, but things are moving slower than usual, and the Reserve Bank of Australia, RBA, is being cautious with any changes to interest rates.

They are waiting for inflation to settle before taking further action.

GPD growth

While the economy is growing, it is not as fast as we might like.

Over the June quarter, the economy expanded by just 0.2 per cent, with a 1.5 per cent growth over the financial year.

While these numbers sound positive, when you factor in Australia’s growing population, the story changes.

For the sixth quarter in a row, GDP per capita, which looks at economic growth per person, has actually fallen. This shows that while Australia as a whole is growing, individuals may not feel that impact, especially with rising costs of living.

Interest rates

In September, the RBA decided to keep interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent, with the next decision due in November.

While the US recently cut rates, Australia has not followed suit, and it is unlikely we will see any rate cuts before Christmas.

The RBA is holding off to ensure inflation is well under control, despite it being much lower than the peak in 2022.

Inflation

Annual inflation hit 3.8 per cent in the June quarter, slightly up from March. However, there’s good

FINANCE focus

with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth

news. Underlying inflation, which strips out the more volatile price changes, has been falling for six straight quarters, down from its peak of 6.8 per cent in late 2022. That said, prices for everyday goods remain high, and the overall cost of living is still squeezing households.

Belts tightening

With cost-of-living pressures building, many Australians are cutting back on things such as travel and entertainment.

Even grocery spending is down, with households trimming their food budgets by one per cent. However, spending on household goods, like furniture and appliances, increased by four per cent, which propped up discretionary spending overall.

Housing market

The property market remains strong, with housing values continuing to rise across Australia, although at a slower pace than before.

CoreLogic reports the national home value index rose by 0.5 per cent in August and a further 0.4 per cent in September.

Despite the cost of living, demand for property remains high, which is keeping prices elevated.

Jobs market

Australia’s unemployment rate remains low, sitting at 4.1 per cent as

of June, which is historically strong. However, total hours worked rose only slightly, and productivity –measured by GDP per hour worked – fell by 0.8 per cent.

While jobs remain secure for many Australians, people are working more for less output, and this could become a concern for longterm economic stability.

Global outlook

Globally, central banks are starting to look at easing monetary policies, but it is still unclear how much they will ease up.

Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and northern Africa are causing further instability.

Meanwhile, Asia’s economy, a key trading partner for Australia, is expected to slow in 2024, which could have a knock-on effect on our own economic growth.

What it all means

For everyday Australians, the combination of high interest rates, sticky inflation, and rising living costs means it is more important than ever to manage your finances carefully.

Mortgage holders will not see relief from rate cuts soon, and households should continue to be mindful of their budgets, especially with the cost of essentials like groceries and petrol still fluctuating.

If you are feeling the pinch, now is a good time to seek professional advice and ensure you have a financial plan in place that helps you navigate these uncertain times.

• The information in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Harris inspires in Ararat

From keen young dancers through to those who have followed former Australian Ballet principal artist Amy Harris’ career over many years, East Grampians Health Service Auxiliary’s fundraising event proved an interesting insight into the world of a professional dancer.

More than 150 people attended ‘An Evening with Amy Harris’ to hear about her early days of dance, starting as a three-year-old at Rosengreen’s School of Dance in Ararat, and progressing through to the Carole Oliver School of Ballet in Ballarat, the Australian Ballet School and her acceptance into the Australian Ballet in 2002.

Photos of Ms Harris’ career accompanied the talk, including many focusing on her time with the Australian Ballet and her eventual promotion to principal artist in 2018.

The evening also included performances from Ararat Dance Centre and Dynamic District Dance Studio.

The event raised money for specialised patient scales for the EGHS dialysis unit. The provision of new patient scales will improve the quality of care delivered to dialysis patients.

EGHS community liaison officer Jodie Holwell said the evening was a wonderful success and everyone who attended enjoyed Ms Harris’ presentation.

“Amy’s story is a fascinating one and she shared the ups and downs of a professional ballet career in a candid and down-to-earth way that entertained our audience, which ranged from aspiring young dancers through to many who knew Amy as she was growing up and who have followed her career with interest over the years,” Ms Holwell said.

“After Amy’s talk, it was lovely to see so many people wanting to speak to her and many of the youngest audience members keen to have a photo taken with her – she is a big inspiration to Ararat’s littlest dancers.”

JOURNEY: Amy Harris, second from left, with East Grampians Health Service Auxiliary members, from left, Kate Connellan, Christine Van Straaten, Kathy Tucker, Margie Kilpatrick, Jane McMaster and Liz de Fegely.

taKe a BreaK

on this Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: October 28, 2004 –Former kindergarten teacher Wendy Weight officially launched the Bennett Road Kindergarten Building Maintenance Fund, which its community hoped would raise $60,000 to upgrade the facility, opened in 1959. Students Bree Netherway, Meg Ballinger and Macey Purdue are pictured with kindergarten committee president Nicole Timms, fund committee representative Pauline Schmidt and Ms Weight.

10 years ago: October 22, 2014

Horsham district footballers were set to fill support roles in major international movie The Dressmaker. The extras were training with the movie’s stunt co-ordinator at Jung in the lead-up to filming, where they would dress to the 1950s era. Based on the book by Rosalie Ham, the movie featured Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving.

Five years ago: October 23, 2019

Preliminary excavation work to identify the type and extent of waste at suspected illegal waste dumps at a property near Kaniva was due to start. Environment Protection Authority Victoria northwest regional manager Scott Pigdon said they would use drones with ground-penetrating radar technology to conduct further search and mapping exercises at the large, isolated site.

One year ago: October 25, 2023

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative’s Hand Up! mental health event was the ‘city winner’ of the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Indigenous culture award. The event sought to unite mob living on Wotjobaluk country and off-country with meaningful regional connections.

1. Born on this day in 1959, was which American accordionist, actor and parody singer-songwriter, best known for ‘Eat It’, ‘Another one Rides the Bus’ and ‘Like A Surgeon’?

2. Les Paul was a 1950s pioneer of which instrument?

3. A patent filed in 1952 for a safety cushion assembly for automotive vehicles was an early example of what?

4. In the comic strip ‘Hagar the Horrible’, what is the name of Hagar’s wife?

5. What Wimmera locality with a five-syllable name starting with ‘D’ sits between Lake Wyn Wyn and Olivers Lake west of Horsham and north of Natimuk – spell it?

6. What is the name for the rubber portion of windscreen wipers?

7. Born to Sheila and Stanley Dwight in 1947 and finding a natural ability to play the piano from the age of three, which English rock star received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on this day in 1975?

8. The Blue Mosque is a famous landmark in which city?

9. What was the name of the first novel that was ever written using a typewriter?

10. Horsham has a Geodetic Road – geodesy is the science of measuring and representing what?

Answers: 1. Weird Al Yankovic. 2. Guitar. 3. The airbag. 4. Helga. 5. Duchembegarra. 6. Blades. 7. Elton John, who was born Reginald Dwight. 8. Istanbul. 9. Tom Sawyer. 10. The Earth.

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

Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

bhastings@aceradio.com.au;

yoUr LUCKy stars

With Kerry KULKens

FOR THE WEEK OCTOBER 26 TO NOVEMBER 1

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.25.26.34.36.

A few complications concerning travel are likely to occur, so double-check all arrangements. A new love or new direction in an ongoing relationship can help you keep your expenses controlled when entertaining.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.29.8.1. Avoid lovers’ quarrels and resist the urge to overindulge. A greater interest in health matters is likely to lead to an improvement in condition. Avoid domestic verbal showdowns for now, and there could be a romantic trip ahead.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.45.40.22.32.

A period of unexpected changes in financial affairs could make things more complicated or delayed. Do not worry if things slow down; it’s only temporary, and there are good times ahead. Exercise caution when driving.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.34.44.

It could be the start of a very romantic attraction. It is best to avoid subjects you know will provoke verbal slanging matches. Do not overindulge in the good things in life.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.29.33.

It should be a better period for love and marriage. In finances, something you have been waiting for should now happen. Many will be making major moves, maybe interstate or even overseas.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.2.15.19.6.44.

It is very much a career-related period, and some stress could show up, but if you take life as it comes, it should not be too hard for you. Most people would be more interested in a healthier lifestyle.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.45.40.22.9.

If you haven’t been feeling up-to-par lately, it’s because you’ve been worrying too much. Take time to enjoy life, music, and entertainment. Socially, there could be a chance for romance.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.8.2. Lotto Numbers: 4.15.20.33.36.7.

Many could find love and romance at a distance. Do not push too hard for your own ideas; be cautious and persuasive. It is unwise to overindulge either at work or play.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.8.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.45.40.9.4.11.

Now is the time to achieve the impossible, and you will get most of the things you go after. Changing people’s minds could be easier than you think.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.7. Lotto Numbers: 1.17.45.40.22.30.

It is a fortunate period for love ties; however, be careful when handling joint funds. Give some serious thought to giving up bad health habits and doing something to improve health and stamina.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.9.5.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.27.7.8.

Your dreams of love can come true; however, some form of force or more subtle attack on your home or possessions needs to be guarded against. There will be more opportunities to improve your finances.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5.9.7.3. Lotto Numbers: 7.15.29.6.44.45.

This could be one of the most romantic periods, and there should not be too much to complain about. However, avoid extra problems for your health and safety by taking good care.

Foton’s Australian comeback

locked in for 2025 with ute duo

Chinese brand Foton is back, with two Tunland variants confirmed for a 2025 launch in Australia, along with the Aumark light truck range.

The Tunland first reached Australia in 2011 through Gold Coast upstart FAA Automotive, before Ateco added the ute to its existing Foton truck range.

That deal finished in 2019, when the first-generation Tunland’s time was ended by emissions regulations.

From the first half of 2025, the brand will be distributed by Subaru and Peugeot importer Inchcape, with a bigger and more modern pair dubbed Tunland V7 and Tunland V9.

Known in China as the Mars 7 and Mars 9, the new Tunland models share the same 3355mm wheelbase and circa-5540mm overall length.

Inchcape describes the two Tunlands as full-size utes, although their dimensions position them between a Ford Ranger and the big F-150.

Internal tub dimensions measure 1560 millimetres long, 1650 mm wide and 530 mm tall, comparing favourably with the dual-cab Ranger XL 4x4’s 1547-1584-529mm figures.

Both Tunlands claim a 3500 kilogram braked towing capacity.

Full specifications will be revealed closer to launch, but both models already sell in South Africa with a Euro V-compliant 120kW-450Nm 2.0-litre

turbo diesel matched to ZF’s 8HP50 eight-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and a 48-volt mildhybrid system.

Given Australia’s enthusiasm for high-powered utes, another potential motor could be the Chinese market’s 284kW petrol engine, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid EV version would be well positioned to rival the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark.

The main distinction between the two models, at least until more local details are revealed, appears to be styling.

The V7 clearly takes its front-end cues from the popular F-150, while the V9 looks more to the Ram 1500 for inspiration.

With large bolt-on flares, it could also be considered the more enthusiast-oriented option.

The interior of the Tunland V models – again identical – will feature an ‘intelligent cockpit’. with a large 14.6inch centre display to access Apple Carplay and a long instrument screen behind the steering wheel.

The vehicles are also expected to be equipped with various driverassistance and connectivity systems to make them competitive in Australia’s strong-selling ute market.

In South Africa, both models are listed with 12-way electric adjustment for the main driver, front seat ventilation and heating, and automatic constant temperature air-conditioning.

Along with the Tunland utes, Foton’s Aumark S light-duty truck will reach Australia later this year. Blair Read, managing director of distribution for Inchcape Australasia, said the company was excited to introduce Foton’s innovative commercial vehicles to Australians, beginning with the Aumark S.

“We look forward to then expanding the Foton range in 2025 with the launch of the Tunland V7 and V9 Ute, as we continue to grow Foton’s dependable and value-driven mobility solutions that help enhance the operations of Australian businesses and support the adventurous lifestyles of Australian consumers,” he said.

– Mike Stevens

VW Tayron seven-seater revealed

ATiguanAllspace by any other name would seat just as many, Volkswagen figures, introducing the Tayron as its new seven-seat SUV.

Migrating from the Chinese market, the Tayron badge will make its Australian debut as an entirely new generation directly related to the new Tiguan.

Both family SUVs are due in 2025 – the Tiguan in the second quarter, followed by the Tayron towards the end of the year.

In comparison to the outgoing Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron measures 4770mm long and 1852mm wide, making it 284mm longer and 13mm wider than its predecessor – although both ride on the same 2791mm wheelbase, highlighting the continuation of the familiar MQB platform in its upgraded ‘evo’ design.

As a dedicated seven-seater, the Tayron has a 114mm longer wheelbase than the new Tiguan, and measures 230mm longer overall. The big Touareg still outstretches both, however, with its 2904mm wheelbase.

Overseas, the Tayron will be offered with either five or seven seats, and while the company briefly offered the same choice in Australia, it is likely to focus on the three-row layout.

Depending on the market, the new SUV will launch with no fewer than

seven powertrains: one eTSI 48V mild-hybrid petrol, two TSI turbo petrol, two TDI diesel and two plug-in hybrid electric, PHEV, eHybrid models, all using four-cylinder engines.

In Europe, the Tayron range kicks off with the mild-hybrid 110kW250Nm 1.5-litre petrol eTSI engine, while the diesel end will be topped by a 142kW-400Nm TDI model.

The eHybrid PHEVs will be offered in 150kW-350Nm and 200kW400Nm forms – both with the same 19.7kWh battery pack and 100-kilometre claimed EV driving range. Charging will support up to 50kW

on DC power, and 11kW on AC.

The space needed for the e-Hybrid system’s single electric motor and battery means they will be five-seaters.

Volkswagen has yet to announce power figures for the entry diesel option and the two turbo petrol engines, although the latter are expected to be meaner 150kW and 195kW tunes of the company’s 2.0-litre mill.

Whatever the case for the diesel engines, it is likely Volkswagen Australia will focus on the turbo and electrified petrol choices.

The mild-hybrid and PHEV models are front-wheel drive, while the

OPTIONS: The ‘options’ list for Europe offers adaptive chassis control, IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights, and a travel assist system for semiautonomous driving, along with a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and leather seating with massage and ventilation functions.

two TSI turbo petrol models, and the 142kW diesel, are paired with all-wheel drive and receive a 2500kg tow rating.

Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, in six- or seven-speed guise, depending on the variant.

In its European form, the entry-level Life trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels, nine airbags, three-zone climate control, a rear view camera, digital driver display and a 12.3-inch main display with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Tayron Elegance

and R-Line adds features like 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, open-pore wood or aluminium-look trim, noiseinsulating laminated safety glass, powered boot lid, park assist pro, micro-fibre seat trim, keyless access and start, programmable LED taillights, and ambient interior lighting.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, and lane assist, which helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane.

A new exit warning feature is also featured, preventing the doors from being opened if it detects an oncoming vehicle or cyclist.

Boot space in the Tayron is listed at up to 2090 litres in the regular fiveseat model. The seven-seater, which sacrifices space for the third row of seats, offers a maximum 1905 litres.

The eHybrid model, with its additional battery components, provides slightly less capacity, at 1915 litres.

When measured up to the second seating row, the five-seater offers 885 litres, while the seven-seater has 850 litres. In the eHybrid, the space drops to 705 litres. With all three rows in use, the seven-seater provides 345 litres of luggage space.

The Tayron will reach Australia in late 2025, following the debut of the smaller Tiguan.

– Mike Stevens

Australian Cadillac Lyriq revealed

Luxury car brand Cadillac is preparing to open the Australian order books this month for its Lyriq electric large SUV.

With a $117,000 before on-road costs starting price, the Lyriq undercuts European rivals such as the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX and MercedesBenz EQE SUV.

Cadillac has flat-out undercut the German trio, offering a US-built luxury SUV that presents a compelling alternative to the German ‘big three’ on paper.

An Audi Q8 E-Tron starts at $140,600 plus on-road costs, the leastexpensive BMW iX is $130,900 plus on-road costs, and Mercedes opens EQE proceedings at $134,900 plus on-road costs.

Initially, the Lyriq will be offered in Luxury and Sport trim levels.

The Luxury is priced from $117,000 and the Sport at $119,000, both before on-road costs.

Both share a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 373kW610Nm, underpinned by a 102kWh battery for a claimed WLTP range of 530 kilometres.

Cadillac reports DC fast-charging at the maximum rate of 190kW will provide an additional 128km in just 10 minutes.

For comparison, an Audi E-Tron 50 Quattro develops 250kW-664Nm with

AWD, the BMW iX xDrive40 sends 240kW-630Nm to all four wheels and the EQE 300 SUV’s relatively weedy 180kW-550Nm goes to the rear wheels only.

Despite its power and torque advantage, the Cadillac does not, however, offer the dealer footprint of its European rivals and it was disclosed earlier this year the brand would adopt a direct-to-consumer model – similar to the approach taken by Genesis and Tesla – with orders placed on its website or at ‘experience centres’ in Sydney and Melbourne.

MORROW

MOTOR GROUP

Beyond its limited retail presence, Cadillac has outlined plans to open certified service centres in major cities around Australia – also suggesting mobile servicing for customers unable to make it to a brick-and-mortar location.

GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala said Cadillac would compete with European luxury brands when it arrives.

“We are targeting the European luxury brands and our price will be right in the realm of where their entries, or equivalent entries are,” she said.

SAFETY:

The Lyriq is yet to obtain an ANCAP safety rating or NHTSA rating in the US, but it features an array of active and passive safety features and airbags throughout.

The two Lyriq variants are separated by aesthetic features, for the most part, with the Sport model offering darker trim and more ‘performance oriented’ styling. At their core, though, the two models share the same features.

Both grades feature a premium exterior finish with features like a glass roof that extends to a spoiler at the rear, and a high-gloss ‘black crystal’ grille up front with prominent Cadillac badging. Both models score 21inch alloy wheels, although the Sport gets a unique design.

Inside, an enormous 33-inch diago-

This Friday, October 25 between 11am and 2pm come and celebrate with us at a free barbecue while you check out our extensive range of vehicles!

For half a century, we’ve been committed to delivering top-notch vehicles, unparalleled service, and innovative solutions to keep you on the road with confidence. Join us as we celebrate this golden anniversary, we’re rolling out exclusive deals and exciting giveaways throughout the month.

Come by and be part of the celebration! Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.

Here’s to 50 years of driving forward –and many more to come!

nal advanced LED display spans the length of the dash, while an AKG Studio 19-speaker system – which includes speakers in the headrests –provides premium audio and it also features next-generation active noise cancellation.

The Lyriq’s ‘Inteluxe’ synthetic seat trim is available in various colours, but Cadillac also offers a Nappa leather package as an option – also available in a couple of different colours.

While other North American arrivals across the pick-up segment – such as the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram pickups and Ford F-150 – are remanufactured into right-hand drive locally, the Lyriq is built in right-hand drive at Cadillac’s manufacturing plant in Tennessee, USA.

“Lyriq sets the standard for the future of Cadillac in the region, and we are thrilled to be officially taking customer orders this month,” Ms Bala said.

Cadillac covers Lyriq models with a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, and will include five years of roadside assist.

The first five annual services are also free.

The Cadillac Lyriq is expected to arrive Down Under before the end of the year, with the website currently stating ‘orders opening soon’. – Cobey Bartels

We would be nowhere without our clients, so to show our appreciation, DURING OCTOBER we will give everyone who has their vehicle serviced with us a small gift. And, anyone who purchases a new or used car will go into the draw to

to you

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

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

Classifieds

MILLER, Brooks Reggie

Born sleeping on October 19, 2024

Cherished son of Robbie & Sarah.

Loved brother to Gerry and Henri.

We held you for a while, but we will hold you in our hearts forever.

HABY (nee Haines), Mary McKarral

Passed away suddenly on 20th October aged 94

Loving Mother of Denis, Deane & Robyn xxx

HOBBS, Hugh Johnstone

Passed away peacefully on October 15, aged 89 years.

Much loved husband of Marion for 67 years.

Loved Dad and father-in-law of Carol and Daryll; Gillian and Steven; Geoffrey and Danielle.

Loved Pa to Fiona, Ashley, Felicity; Susan, Glen; Izaac, Amy, Emma and Thomas and partners.

Loved Great Pa to Archer, Logan, Evelyn, Lachlan, Zayne, Imogen, Hallie, Eadie and Pippa.

Privately interred at Cavendish.

Sincere thanks to all staff at Coleraine Hospital.

F. GREED & SONS

A.F.D.A

Hamilton (03) 5572 1053

KUCHEL, Brian David

03.07.1934 – 08.10.2024

As per Brian’s wishes, he was farewelled by family at a private service.

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

LISTON, Kevin James (Jim)

31.5.1927 - 16.10.2024

Passed away 97yrs

Beloved husband to Mary (dec)

Much loved dad to Pauline, Maree & Peter.

Father-in-law to Trevor, Nick & Pauline

Treasured Pa to 12 grandchildren and Big Pa to 15 great grandchildren.

A gentle, country man. Forever in our hearts

ROBERTS, William George 30/11/1945 – 17/10/2024

Loving son of Charlie (dec) & Ruby (dec)

Brother & Brother-In-law of Heather & Ivan, Ann & Trevor (dec)

Loved Uncle of Rowena, Lucinda, Rebecca, Jasmine, Joshua, Bradley & their families and a great mate to Don & Syd

Flying high with the Eagles xx

~ ROGERS ~ Merleen Joy

Merleen was welcomed into the Rogers family when she married Gordon in 1987. We appreciated her bright, loving hospitable and generous nature. She has been a much loved part of our family and will be sadly missed.

R.I.P. dear Merleen

HABY (nee Haines), Mary McKarral

A memorial service for Mary will be held at the Dimboola Bowling Club, Thursday 31st October at 1pm.

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

LISTON,

The Funeral of Mr K.J. Jim

Liston will leave the Catholic Church Beulah on Monday October 28th, 2024 after Prayers commencing at 1pm for the Beulah Cemetery.

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

MITCHELL, Gordon Robert

The Funeral of Gordon Robert Mitchell will leave the Goroke Uniting Church on Friday, 25 October 2024 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Karnak Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

ROBERTS, William George

30/11/1945 – 17/10/2024

A memorial service for George will be held at the Rainbow Recreation Reserve, Friday 1st of November at 11am.

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

Thank

you

~ HUNTER ~ Ken

12-11-53 to 5-9-24

Words cannot express how much we thank you all for your messages of sympathy, shown to us following the sudden death of our husband, father and Pa.

The flowers, cards, phone calls and attendance at Ken’s celebration of life ceremony have been overwhelming. Your support at this difficult time is very much appreciated and a great comfort to us all.

Thank you, Helen; Majella, Stuart, Oliver & Amelia; Amanda & Aliza; and Mark.

Thank you

~ BROE ~ Lorraine Joy

10-11-1946 to 22-8-2024

Thank you for all your love, kindness and support after the recent passing of Lorraine.

We greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness that has been shown and it will always be remembered.

Robert, Christine, Melinda and family

Thank

you

~ KRAUSE ~ Vince

The family of Vince Krause would like to thank family and friends for their kind messages and flowers during this sad time. A special thank you to Dr Chris Ebersohn and his team, staff of A&E, Oxley and Yandilla wards. The HITH and Palliative team for their care during his stay.

With gratitude and heartfelt thanks, Maria Krause

Thank you

~ POLACK ~ Ivan Eric

13-8-1943 to 11-8-2024

Thank you for all your love, kindness and support after Ivan’s recent passing.

We greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness that has been shown and it will always be remembered.

Sue, Neil, Trina and family

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666 706/6579578 source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

3 Mini Dachshund x Mini Foxy Male Pups , born May 23, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, 1 brown dapple 953010006753667, source no MB255251, $1600 ONO Ph 0400083880

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

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham

German (Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984/ 17181902/17166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996 Ararat

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

Kildare Border Collies have a one remaining pure bred black and white female puppy for sale from our current litter at $1650, we have been breeding border collies for over 60 years, our puppies are bred true to type and have calm natures, they make excellent working dogs or family pets, she is 7 weeks of age, has a fun-loving nature and ready to find her forever home, she has been microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated and wormed, source# MB196330, microchip# 985141007722113, Ph Brendan Hogan, or Juls on 0429826899 for further information

Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola Pembroke Corgi Pups, male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising.

We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS -

*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number

PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register

LIVESTOCK*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

*The Weekly Advertiser reserves the right to accept or refuse advertisements.

Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267

Bereavement Thanks

Funeral Notices

Funeral Notices

Bereavement Thanks

Animals & Accessories

Animals & Accessories

Working Kelpie pups

2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 978142000129

103//937/1520/1099 source#

MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited

Portable cot as new $40, 3 wheel pusher $25, stroller $15, baby/child car seat $25 Ph 0400085025

1998 Jayco Westport, full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras

$18,000ono Ph 0419514118

2009 Jayco Stirling Expander , immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex

$45,000ono Ph 0428913307

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras

$42,000 Ph 0427909230

2013 Jurgens Lunagazer

J24, 6.3m/21', J2403, 2 berth, shower/toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC

$38,500 Ph 0418350445

2016 New Age Desert Rose, full off-road built tough, separate shower/toilet, big fridge, lots of storage inside and out, solar power, loads of extras, diesel heater, full annexe, 20' plus draw bar, EC, $70,000 neg Ph 0409257256

Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24'6", long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

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

$20,000 Ph 0438722796

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

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan , 2004, 19', EC, shower on outside $24,000ono Ph 0400603022

Majestic Knight Caravan 10/2013, queen bed, ensuite, full annex, free camp ready, many extras, $45,000 Ph 0418506271

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

Prattline Fremont pop-top 17', dual axle, island bed, A/C, solar, 2 deep cycle batteries & inverter, water tank with 12V pump, full annexe, registered, needs new pop-top struts, $4900 Ph Dan 0447323151

REDUCED 2006 Concept

Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper , heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370

Horsham

REDUCED MDC Highside

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

$11,500 Ph 0493394223

REDUCED Vintage 1964

Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $7500 ono Ph 0431820493

Royal Flair caravan 2012, 20ft, full ensuite, 3 way fridge, electric/gas hot water, TV, diesel heater, solar panel, 2 batteries, washing machine, A/C, $38,000 for more information call Des 0428915255

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662

1997 Hercules Tipper $76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

CAT , 955 K traxcavator

DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000ono plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097

New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408

REDUCED Versatile 555

Tractor, good working order $15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

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

Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097

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

Carryall 6' x 3', suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426

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

4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $650 Ph 0428504558

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

AMC Ride on Mower, latest model, excellent condition $1900ono Ph 0427822909

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

Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

Home brew kit, 3 barrels, clean bottles, caps, books and accessories $200 Ph 0488325634

Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164

Kuvings whole slow juicer, very good condition, no further use $300 Ph 0408823136

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

Large quantity of second hand Merbau decking timber, 70mm, GC Ph 0353836242

Moving sale , pine bookshelves $40, large green and gray rug $70, round dining table with 4 velvet chairs $340, bookshelves $100, TV cabinet $150 Ph 53824788

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

Rare 1895 Furphy tank, both casts are in good condition $6000 Ph 0428519879

REDUCED Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $150 Ph 0408504633

REDUCED Pair of directors chairs with side tables new $100 Ph 0409799375

REDUCED Stylish vintage 1930's/1940's radiogram, in need of restoration $50 ono Ph 0427545424

Shipping Containers , two 40' high-cube containers, located Haven $8000 pair Ph 0422426377

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

Tradies Trailer enclosed , containing shelving storage, power points $680 ono Ph 0432544164

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

and

$250 ,

$250, as new Ph 0437688336

Old wood burning stove, GC, located in Goroke, $200 ono Ph Mick 0400005266

Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097

2022 Mahindra 6110, 6 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock $45,800 Ph 0428349401 4080 Tractor

Yamaha Inverter Generator, EF2800i, never used, $1500 Ph 0474099355

2 bedside tables $100 Ph 0428506423

Spin bike $250 Ph 0428506423

Sunwagon

caravans

Wheeled coffee table $150 Ph 0428506423

2001 Savage 418 Kestrel SF, reg GG970, exp 18 Sep 2024, 30Hp, 2S Mercury motor, cover and canopy, dunbier gal trailer zeg U57972, exp 18 Sep 2024 all in very good condition $8250 Ph 0429924704

3.7m stacer aluminium 15HP

Yamaha galvanised trailer and cover $3000 Ph 0427981501

4.0m Stessl Aluminium

Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial # 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602

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

BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491

Honda CTX200 Ag Bike, as new, 2900 kms, $2750 inc Gst Ph 0428405228

REDUCED BMW RT1200

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

Gopher, Celebrity X, 4 wheel, good condition, cash on pick up, Rupanyup, $1500 Ph 0429855310

Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola

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

Ford XA 1972 era Panel

Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

Ford XF Wagon ,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109

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

2006 Nissan Navara 4WD , diesel, dual cab, manual, bull bar, vin# JMICNUD22A0050448, RWC, 200,000km, $8500ono Ph 0419821563

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

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

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

2014 GL Suzuki Swift 4 door, 5spd, reg til 3/25, one owner, reg services, selling due to relocating interstate, 109,500kms, 1EF17V $8000 Ph 0428894258

Mitsubishi Delica Diesel van, 4x4, 1998, 260k kms, camper conversion, GC, ubu692, reg till 4/25 $4500 Ph 0409954491

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

2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448

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

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $25000ono Ph 0427822909

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

2022 Isuzu Dmax X terrain Valencia orange for sale, 25,318 kms,still under new vehicle warranty until 2028 or 150,000 kms, 7 months rego, RWC, BVI103 $60,000 Ph 0438918240

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

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

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

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

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

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David0427864628

Wanted, Land to "Share-Farm" or "Lease", anywhere south of Horsham and across to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

2004 Honda Accord, 3.0L V6 auto, well equipped including sunroof and cruise control, rego til 28/1/25, good tyres, 132,000kms, SQW278 $6999 Ph 0409998004

2004 VY SS Commodore, collectors item, black, RWC, immaculate cond, YKW598 $20,000ono Ph 0400603022

REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $13,500 Ph 0400728252

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

REDUCED Nissan Navarra, STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2" lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms $37,000 Ph 0413992594

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

Headspace

890 Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511 Black Dog Institute www.blackdog institute.org.au Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe. org.au

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, October 27

Edenhope 10am LR

Goroke 10am

Vectis

CASH 4 GOLD & SILVER

Jewellery old, unwanted, broken.

Coins – Pre & Post Decimal, 1966 50c, Crowns. Sovereigns – Full & Half, $200 Australian coins. Bullion bars & 1oz coins.

We come to you, servicing regional Victoria.

Call Chris for an appointment 0467 777 379

For Lease By Tender

Frews Loop Road, Marnoo West 790 Acres Organic Or Conventional Cropping & Grazing to be offered as a whole or in 3 separate lots. (Piggery 228 acres) (Tommy Macs 215 acres) (Tickeys 346 acres)

• 5 Year Lease commencing 1st March 2025

• Cropping & Grazing

• Highly arable - reticulated water supply

Tenders close at 2pm, 20th November 2024, at Elders Real Estate Offices, 167 Barkly Street Ararat, or 181-187 Main Street, Stawell

For tender details and documents contact Michael Fratin 0409 184 572 or michael.fratin@eldersrealestate.com.au

Current Employment Opportunities:

- Wimmera Support Jobs (Private + NDIS)

- Private cleaning (Local porperties: From showcasing properties to squalor & lovely Airbnb’s)

- SW Cleaning Roles

- Support Worker/s for Personal Assistance work & NDIS shifts.

- Social support, daily living, advocating and multi tasking capacities.

- Require a reliable car; to take participants and locals to appointments, shopping and community inclusion activities.

- Most shifts between 9-3 Weekdays & potential SIL shifts.

- Experience within the disability field preferable.

- Basic computer knowledge preferable.

- Good communication skills.

- Legible writing that’s impartial and accurate.

- Seeking a mature aged person that has people skills and the willingness to learn.

- Pay is casual rates & above award, evaluated on your qualifications, experience and training required.

Send your application letter, an “About you” any certificates & resume to either: wimcollkaro@gmail.com wimcollfelesha@gmail.com

For any questions, please text: 0422 346 916

& Culgoa Drinking Water Supply

Design & Construction

Contract Number: C01234

GWMWater invites tender submissions for the Berriwillock & Culgoa Drinking Water Supply. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the design, supply & construction of the following:

This Contract includes the following scope of works:

Separable Portion 1: Pipeline

> Approximately 17Km of DN150 PVC pipeline from an offtake North of Woomelang to Berriwillock.

> Approximately 23Km of DN150 PVC pipeline from Berriwillock to Culgoa.

> Approximately 7Km of DN63 HDPE rural pipelines.

> Approximately 700m of DN180 HDPE watermain within Culgoa.

> Air valves, scour valves, connections, and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) as required for the above pipeline.

> Pressure testing, swabbing & flushing of the pipeline.

> Swabbing & flushing of approximately 15Km of existing DN150 PVC main to convert from rural supply to drinking water supply.

Separable Portion 2: Facilities

> New pump station at Woomelang, incorporating booster pumps to Sea Lake, Berriwillock & Culgoa & lift pumps to Woomelang Elevated Storage.

> Two (2) x 250 kL Clarified Water Storage tanks at both Berriwillock and Culgoa Water Pump Stations (WPS).

> One (1) x 200 kL Chlorine contact tank at both Berriwillock and Culgoa WPS’s

> Chlorine gas dosing system & transfer pumps and analysers as required at Berriwillock & Culgoa.

> SCADA, RTU & PLC Programming as required for all facilities.

> 50kVA standby diesel-operated generating-set (SDGS) with automatic change-over mechanism.

Separable Portion 3: Culgoa Facility – On-site Power Supply System (OPSS)

> Stand-alone Power System (SAPS) based on the minimum combination capacity of the following energy resources to be integrated:

> 30.6kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) generation plant

> 20.0kW/75.0kWh battery energy storage system (BESS)

> 20kVA SDGS with automatic change-over mechanism

Tenders shall be accepted for Separable Portion 1, Separable Portion 2 and Separable Portion 3 or any Separable Portions of the Scope of Works.

A compulsory site meeting will be held, commencing at Woomelang WPS, Brock St Woomelang, on Thursday 7th November at 11 am. Tenderers who wish to attend shall register with GWMWater’s Senior Project Engineer Nathan Harders

More information regarding this tender is available from the Buying for Victoria website, www.tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries may be directed to Nathan Harders, Senior Project Engineer on nathan.harders@gwmwater.org.au.

Tenders close 2 pm, Wednesday 20 November 2024.

GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Mark Williams Managing Director

GWMWater is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria.

about improvement, not perfection, but growth in grace. But then there are those who have gotten maybe a bit bored and are happy to show up… but there’s no real development. And still others who just quit!

At the brass group, the last thing we say is “remember to practice!” For those who do, its not necessary to say it. For those who don’t, it probably doesn’t matter that we do say it!

But in the end, the practice is what makes the difference between a gripy excuse filled religious life and a vibrant, passionate, joyful full salvation. It’s all in the practice. Keep practicing!

Dave Tolputt, Life Links Church - Ararat

Technical Assistant

Location: Horsham VIC

Salary: $58,539 - $75,175 + super.

Position No: 50960037

The position oversees the daily field operations of the national lentil and field pea breeding programs that are co-funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The position responsibilities include supporting the setup and management of field operations, assisting with the management of trial packing, sowing, and harvesting operations, and participating in the collection and management of data.

You will report to the Senior Technical Officer at Horsham. We offer flexible working arrangements.

Specialist/Technical

Expertise/Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of dryland cropping systems (preferred).

• Chemical User Certificate accreditation or equivalent (preferred).

• A forklift license (preferred).

• Certificate 3 in Agriculture or relevant field experience (preferred).

• Current driver license.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is In Horsham.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 27 October 2024. For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au

Berriwillock

–

Contact:

Nail-biters headline round

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Apair of nail-biting matches headlined an entertaining second round of Horsham Cricket Association A Grade action at the weekend.

Noradjuha-Toolondo’s three-run win over Lubeck-Murtoa and Colts’ three-wicket victory against Horsham Tigers with three balls remaining provided plenty of thrills, while Laharum easily accounted for West Wimmera and Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills’ home game against Horsham Saints was rained out.

The Bullants won the toss at Murtoa and elected to bat, but hit an early snag when opener Justtin Combe was dismissed for a duck, four balls into the first over.

But Combe’s brother Matt got the side back on track, joining Jamie Byrne at the crease to add 110 runs for the second wicket.

Combe and Byrne both notched half centuries before falling in quick succession, Combe for 51 to Mudlark bowler Blake Downer and Byrne for 52 to Nic Ballagh.

Another Combe, Jack, showed the next generation of his family’s talent as he added 26 valuable runs to stabilise the middle-order as LubeckMurtoa bowler Xavier Shevlin began to do damage, eventually finishing with 4-49.

The Bullants racked up 9-189 as they batted out their 45 overs, setting Lubeck-Murtoa a tricky target.

In reply, the Mudlarks got off to a slow start as openers Shannon Reddie and William Gellatly failed to make double digit totals, falling to Matt and Justtin Combe respectively.

It was Josh Hedt who put the home side back on track with an authoritative captain’s knock of 66 that included five fours and a six.

Back in the run chase, the Mudlarks got 39 handy runs from number five batsman Cameron Newell but continued to lose wickets as Jordan McDonald joined the bowling attack, claiming 3-40 to go with Matt Combe’s 3-24.

Newell was still at the crease with the Mudlarks requiring only 17 runs from 29 remaining balls, but his dismissal at the hands of Matt Combe triggered a tailend collapse.

When Logan Petering fell for only

two runs, the Mudlarks were down to their final wicket, with a tandem of number 10 batsman Oliver Lindsay and number 11 Nic Ballagh requiring 11 runs for victory.

The pair batted bravely and were just three runs shy of the Bullants’ total when Ballagh fell to McDonald, ending the match.

Another thriller played out at Dimboola Road Oval, with Horsham Tigers batting out their 45 overs to finish 3-168 on the back of Angus Adams’ unbeaten 76 and 38 from Conor Lawson.

The visiting Colts remained undaunted, putting on 95 for the opening wicket as Dylan Arnott blasted 70 runs of his own in an innings that included 12 boundaries.

But when Arnott and Josh McCluskey, 30, were each removed off Adams’ bowling, the visitors looked shaky.

Josh Colbert and Chris Block followed Arnott back to the dressing room for no additional runs, with captain Logan Millar and Jake Mclean doing their best to stabilise the middle order.

Following Mclean’s dismissal for 12, it was down to youngsters Joey Nagorcka and Jaxson Crooks to find the 22 runs required for victory with the same number of balls remaining.

The pair was still seven runs short of a winning total entering the final over, but after a first-up dot ball from Haydn Smith, Nagorcka lifted his next delivery over the boundary for a six to tie the scores.

A single followed on the next delivery to give the Colts a memorable win.

figures of 4-9 and 4-28 respectively, but the visitors were unable to make any noise with their bats.

Only Luke Smith, unbeaten on 13, reached double figures for West Wimmera as Jackson Hoffman tore through the batting line-up, finishing with an outstanding 5-7 from nine overs, including four maidens.

T20 matches start season

BY ‘ONE SHORT’

With the Grampians Cricket Association reduced to five teams, the pennant committee has decided to start the season with a round of double-header T20 matches.

Senior and junior competitions will start this weekend, with the under 16s kicking off on Friday, seniors on Saturday and under 13s on Sunday.

The draw for Saturdays A Grade T20 rounds, starting at noon, are: Round 1: Swifts-Great Western v RhymneyMoyston, at Central Park; Pomonal v Halls Gap, at North Park; St Andrews bye. Round 2: 3.30pm start, Swifts- Great Western v St Andrews, Central Park; Pomonal v Rhymney-Moyston, at North Park; Halls Gap bye.

The strength of the teams will be revealed after Saturday, but Swifts-Great Western has been a power for the past 10 years.

St Andrews will be looking to go one better this season, Pomonal will be hoping to regain the form of a couple of years ago, and last season finalists Halls Gap and Rhymney-Moyston will be looking to play a major part in the season’s competition.

Association president Marc Brilliant said after this weekend, the A Grade competition would play one-day matches for the remainder of the season, followed by a longer than usual Christmas break from December 14 to January 11, and a league bye on the January long weekend.

“The league has also decided to move the finals a week earlier to allow the March long weekend to be free where traditionally the grand final would take place,” he said.

“The league feels these changes are the best outcome for the small competition, taking pressure off clubs without compromising the draw and season.”

Brilliant said despite the seniors reducing to five teams after Chalambar Cricket Club folded, the junior competitions, especially the under 13s, was in a ‘good space’.

Crooks wasted no time, scoring two runs on the first delivery he faced, while a leg bye and a wide in Tiger bowler Jake Durdin’s next over helped ease the pressure.

•

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Laharum’s 10-117 to 10-42 victory over West Wimmera was, by comparison, a straightforward affair, with the Demons winning the toss and reaching triple digits largely through the efforts of Max Bunworth, 27, and Ben Peucker, 25.

Brothers Nathan and Bradley Alexander were superb in the West Wimmera bowling attack, claiming

This weekend will see Colts host West Wimmera at Dudley Cornell Park, Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills visit Murtoa to play the Mudlarks, Horsham Saints at home to Horsham Tigers and Noradjuha-Toolondo travel to Sunnyside Recreation Reserve to take on Homers, while Laharum has a bye.

“This season the under 13s and under 16s will alternate some Friday and Sunday games, so the under 16 kids can play some 40-over cricket in readiness for Country Week and to give them a better opportunity to be more involved in the game,” he said.

“The association has competed well in Country Week in the past, even against the bigger associations, and we are hoping this small change will benefit this program even further, with a junior coordinator on board this year to give us a strong focus around juniors.”

Complete by name

Complete by nutrition

• 100% Australian Owned & Made

STYLE: Horsham Tigers’ Conor Lawson contributed 38 runs to his team’s win. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

FORM: Colts’ Jake McLean sends down a ball during Saturday’s clash against Horsham Tigers.

Sainsbury shows top form

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Central Park is enjoying continued success in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s third round of pennant, defeating Horsham Lawn at home 9-91 to 5-79 to remain on top of the ladder.

In the men’s doubles, Horsham Lawn’s Lachlan Punchard and Graeme Wood took on Central Park’s Matt Jones and Harry Allen, defeating them 8-1.

Sam Hoffmann and Andrew Dorman lost to Reece Harman and Shaun Alexander 6-8, while Wood continued his success with partner Dorman against Allen and Alexander, winning 8-1. Punchard and Dorman lost to Jones and Alexander 4-8, while Hoffmann and Wood won 8-4 against Harman and Allan.

Horsham Lawn’s sisters Tahlia and Ella Thompson were not strong enough for Central Park’s Willow Sainsbury and Tara McIntyre in the women’s doubles, with a final score of 5-8.

Gemma Walker and Chloe Reinheimer lost to Frazer Shurdington and Sharon Clough 4-8.

Ella Thompson and Reinheimer beat McIntyre and Clough in a tiebreak 8-7, Tahlia Thompson and Reinheimer lost to Sainsbury and Clough 2-8, and Gemma Walker and Ella Thompson were defeated by Shurdington and McIntyre.

In the men’s singles, Punchard was defeated by Jones in a tiebreak, 7-8, and Hoffmann defeated Harman 8-6.

Tahlia Thompson lost 5-8 to Sainsbury in the women’s singles, while Walker was defeated

by Shurdington 1-8. Drung South hosted St Michaels, winning 8-79 to 6-67.

Drung South’s men’s doubles did not enjoy much success – Aaron Jennings and Dale Schmid lost to St Michaels’ Steve Schultz and Nick Robertson 0-8, Harrison Daniell and Brendan Kemp were defeated by Joel Rees and Chris Ellis 4-8, Schmid and Kemp were 6-8 to Robertson and Ellis, and Jennings and Kemp were 0-8 to Schultz and Ellis.

Daniell and Schmid proved to be the only winning men’s combination for Drung South, defeating Rees and Robertson 8-3.

The women’s doubles saw better results for Drung South.

Kate-Lyn Perkin and Yolanda

Molyneaux defeated Violet McGennisken and Kassie Peachey

8-1, Hayley Reid and Cara Tippett defeated Asha McGennisken and Barb Crough 8-2, Perkin and Tippett defeated Violet McGennisken and Crough 8-3, and Reid and Molyneaux defeated Asha McGennisken and Peachey in a tie-break, 8-7.

Molyneaux and Tippett suffered Drung South’s only loss in the women’s doubles, going down 5-8 to Peachey and Crough.

The men’s singles saw mixed results, Jennings was defeated by Schultz 0-8 and Daniell won against Rees 8-2.

Drung South’s women were too strong for St Michaels’ in the singles, Perkin and Reid won their respective games 8-1 and 8-0 against Violet McGennisken and Asha McGennisken.

Kalkee had the bye.

Tennis roadshow bound for Pomonal club

The Australian Open Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup will visit Pomonal Tennis Club on Sunday, as part of AO on the Road.

Australian tennis champion and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald will make a special appearance, meeting fans and celebrating the spirit of tennis.

The club will host an open day from 11.30am to 12.30pm, coinciding with a community market and the trophies on display.

The event is also an opportunity to support the Pomonal Tennis Club following the bushfires in February 2024.

Tennis Victoria chief executive Kim Kachel said AO on the

d Homers 1-16; Natimuk 3-26 d Central Park Blue 3-19. Section 1 Boys: Horsham Lawn White 3-31 d Central Park Blue 3-26; Central Park White 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Green 0-9; Haven 4-29 d Homers 2-22.

Section 1 Girls: Horsham Lawn Green 4-28 d Central Park Blue 2-23; Central Park White 4-30 d Haven Blue 2-16; Haven Red 6-36 d Horsham Lawn White 0-17; Homers 5-34 d Horsham

Road was a wonderful initiative that connected communities across Victoria to the Australian Open.

“It’s a great way to showcase our vibrant tennis communities and encourage more people to get involved in the sport. We are proud to bring this opportunity to regional Victorian clubs,” he said. AO on the Road will see the tro-

phies travel to more than 20 locations across regional Victoria.

The tour will conclude at the Inter-Regional Championships in Creswick in January.

For more information, people can visit www.tennis.com.au/vic/ news/2024/10/04/ao-on-the-roadtrophies-on-tour.

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17th annual Bates golf tournament

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

More than 100 golfers are expected to flock to Nhill Golf Club on Sunday, November 3 for the 17th Jimmy Bates Memorial Golf Tournament.

The annual tournament honours Jimmy Bates, a man who passionately supported junior golf in the Wimmera region until his death in 2006.

Wimmera District Golf Association secretary

Jo Donnelly said all profits from the charity tournament would go towards funding junior golf programs in Mr Bates’ memory.

“It’s a great thing to have to be able to support a younger generation of golfers in the region,” she said.

“It’s being held at Nhill Golf Course this year, which is a beautiful course that’s probably at its peak at the moment.

“We’re hoping we can get a great representation from the Wimmera clubs.

“In previous years we’ve had over 100 entrants, so we’re hoping to get well over 100 again this year.”

The cost to enter a team in the four-person ambrose tournament is $160, which also covers the cost of a barbecue lunch.

“In previous years we’ve had over 100 entrants, so we’re hoping to get well over 100 again this year”

– Jo Donnelly

Teams can opt for a morning or afternoon tee time, with morning players to assemble at 7am for a 7.30am hit off and afternoon players to gather at noon for a 12.30pm hit off.

Ms Donnelly thanked her fellow organisers and the event’s sponsors, who donated prizes that will be up for grabs.

“We’ve had some very generous sponsors again this year helping with prizes, so we’d like to pass on our sincere thanks to them,” she said.

“Their very generous support helps to keep this event running every year.

“We’d also like to thank the Bates family and Hoss Kemp for all their help and support in organising this.”

Entries for the tournament close on Friday, November 1.

People can contact Ms Donnelly by calling 0407 018 862 or emailing wimmeragolf@outlook.com for more information or to register a team.

REPRESENTATIVES: About 30 golfers from the Wimmera District Golf Association travelled to Victoria’s Surf Coast earlier this month to contest the Golf Australia Victorian Country Week tournament. The event, which was played at The Sands Torquay Resort and Anglesea Golf Club, pitted the best golfers from each of Victoria’s districts against each other, with the Wimmera district entering division three. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished second overall, with the Dalhousie district claiming the men’s division three competition and the Central district taking the women’s. Wimmera golf officials thanked the players for representing their region with pride.

Big week on Horsham greens

A big week at Horsham Golf Club will continue this weekend as the club hosts its annual Golden Putter tournament on the heels of its senior amateur competition last week.

The senior amateur tournament, on Thursday and Friday. drew nearly 100 entries from across Victoria, with wild weather failing to dampen players’ spirits.

Horsham Golf Club professional Cameron Howell said the tournament had been a success under tricky conditions.

“We had pretty average weather. On Friday we had a thunderstorm just prior to going, but then the skies parted and we got through the day and had a wonderful second round,” he said.

“We had just short of 100 players and maybe 80 visitors to the town. That’s what we’re looking for, is to bring people to the town.

“Shayne Pettitt from Keysborough Golf Club won the men’s section by shooting two rounds of par, which was an incredible result considering the weather.

“Our own Tracey Hobbs, who is the current club champion here at Horsham won the ladies’ section.”

Mr Howell said a field of

nearly 120 players would contest this weekend’s Golden Putter pairs event on Saturday and Sunday.

“Again, there will be lots of visitors, which is fantastic,” he said.

“Horsham has a reputation for having a really good golf course, and people come and play it and are shocked at how good it is.

“They’re never disappointed, which is always nice to hear.

“That’s not just one person, that’s a whole lot, many of whom are members at really big clubs in Melbourne and even Sydney.”

President Gerard Bardell

said the club’s annual meeting on Monday night also went

smoothly. “There’s a fair bit happening out at the club, which is good,” he said.

Winners from last week’s senior amateur competition were:

Open – Gross: winner, Shayne Pettitt 72, 73, 145 total; runner-up, Tim Harmer 78, 75, 153. Net: winner, Colin Mewburn 66, 72, 138; runner-up, Randall Bacon 68, 72, 140.

Women – Scratch Stableford: winner, Tracey Hobbs 23, 29, 52 c/b; runner-up, Lisa Jakobi 27, 25, 52. Overall Stableford: winner, Jean Youl 36, 32, 68; runner-up, Felicity McCalman 39, 29, 68.

– Colin MacGillivray

FOCUS: Mal Gregory hits out of the bunker during the senior amateur tournament at Horsham Golf Club.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Mal Groves

Successful Sunday at Horsham Cup

Athrilling photo-finish to the Horsham Cup was the icing on the cake in what was an outstanding success for Horsham Racing Club.

More than 1500 people packed Horsham Racecourse on Sunday to enjoy not only an eight-card event, but perfect weather to socialise, enjoy live music and participate in Fashions on the Field.

Dublin Journal won the $60,000 Horsham Cup, just ahead of country cups king Station One, who had won the Murtoa Cup earlier this month. Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Dublin Journal started $2.80 favourite and travelled strongly in the 2100-metre race.

At the turn, the six-year-old was stuck behind leaders Lottaroc and Station One, but jockey Fred Kersley found the gap at the top of the straight, and scored a gritty win by the narrowest of margins.

Lindsay Park’s Flemington stable manager Will Evans was delighted to get the result for the group of connections.

“What a huge thrill for the whole team. There’s some great owners in this horse, they come to every start,” he said.

“Freddy gave it a great run – we’d been a bit unlucky, so I didn’t know on the post, but to see him get his head in front at the right time is a huge thrill.”

Despite the tight finish, Kersley said he was confident he and Dublin Journal were first past the post.

“It was a fantastic result but more importantly I’m glad I was able to do the horse justice,” he said.

“Out there I certainly thought I had it, amazingly enough, and then when I was weighing in I was a little bit shocked when I looked at the photo in how close it was.

“But look, he’s ever so competitive, our fellow, and I was quite conscious not to try and hedge Station One too early because we know it’s got a fair bit of dog in it, Station One, and I’ve headed it in before and he’s come back and beat me on other horses.

“It’s pretty critical not to try and head too early, but geez, from the 600 (metre mark) I really felt like I was on the winner.”

It was the second win of the day by the Lindsay Park team with A Book of Days, with Pat Moloney aboard, scoring his second win in a dominant run over 1100 metres.

Another to shine at the meeting was jockey Linda Meech, who notched up a treble including back-to-back victories to open the card with Kings Valley, trained by Ciaron Maher Racing, in race one; Cash Converter, for Kane Harris in race two; and Naval Academy, Ciaron Maher Racing, in race six.

Winners of the Fashions on the Field were: Lady of the Day: Melanie Wade, of Horsham; Lady of the Day runner-up: Lauren Dempsey, Stawell; Contemporary Lady: Bridgette Woolston, Penola; Contemporary Lady runner-up: Janine English, Horsham; Best Millinery: Ruth Kaguramamba, Horsham; Gent of the Day: Maddy Gupta, Melbourne; Gent of the Day runner-up: Adrian Wade, Horsham; Glamourous Duo: Kelly and Michael Carty, Bendigo.

SPRING CARNIVAL FUN: clockwise, from top left, Dublin Journal, on the outside, wins the Horsham Cup in a photo finish; Glenn Pyke with Horsham jockey Dean Yendall who is out injured; gent of the day fashions winner Maddy Gupta and runner-up Adrian Wade; glamorous duo of the day Kelly and Michael Carty; special guest Hawthorn and Geelong premiership player Isaac Smith signs jumpers for Jasper and Grady Shannon; Kira Dunlop and Olivia Sudholz hold Bart Cumming’s first Melbourne Cup, won by Lightfingers in 1965; and fashions on the field winners Lauren Dempsey, Briggette Woodstock, Mel Wade, Ruth Kaguramamba and Janine English. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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Teams Bendigo bound

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham will send four teams to Bendigo this weekend to compete in the annual Dragon City tournament.

Bendigo Volleyball Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary and to commemorate a special piece of Bendigo Pottery will be the reward for the winning teams, something that all teams over the years have enjoyed receiving.

The wave of excitement that Volleyball Horsham teams rode on during the Junior Country Championships will carry into the Bendigo event, with many juniors making the trek alongside some of the association’s best senior players, bringing a whole new level of anticipation.

The Volleyball Horsham contingent will be spearheaded by its silver medal winning country championships women’s team, who will welcome big time volleyball under 17 junior country championships all-star Ilze Van Zyl, while the men will give fellow all-stars James Johns and Joel Brilliant a taste of playing with a senior team. Two women’s teams round out the contingent with a team competing in each of division two and three.

Overall, Bendigo has 55 teams competing this year, which is a

healthy return for their tournament, and is indicative of the growth the sport has experienced in the post-COVID period and similar to other regional events in the past 12 months.

Veteran setter and fellow 2024 all-star Kara Johnson is excited to see how her team will perform as they set their sights on going one better than last year.

“Our open women’s team hasn’t sported three teenagers since 2018 when Cleo Baker, Laelah Robertson, Eadie Garth-Lindsay and Tamikah Dockrill came on the scene, so we’re excited for the next wave, but realistic at the same time, knowing that Paige (Hemley), Sophie (Quick) and Ilze are still learning their craft,” Johnson said.

“I think we are just as excited to see how the division two and three girls will go knowing they are young teams, full of talent, with many of them playing their first Bendigo tournament.”

The division two girls will be led by Tayla Eltze, with the exciting Kayla Kelm as her go-to player along with two capable setters in Kylie Angue and Clare Whyte.

The division three girls are all under 15 and will be coached by Matt McLoughlin, who is also excited about his team’s prospects.

“The girls did so well at the

junior country championships and have now had a taste of that higher level volleyball, so we want to keep the ball rolling,” McLoughlin said.

“For the majority of this group they have three more opportunities in front of them next month, with the SSV year eight state finals, Horsham tournament and the Volleyball Victoria Junior Open.

“There is a good vibe around Volleyball Horsham at the moment and we want to give our players as much exposure as possible, just like their predecessors, so they can continue to enjoy the sport, and continue with their development.”

Games will be played at the Red Energy Arena in Bendigo starting at 8am Saturday and Sunday, with finals on Sunday afternoon.

Finals beckon

The race for the finals is on in earnest for the winter season, with semi-finals starting on Monday night for juniors, B and C grades, A Reserve and A grade on Tuesday night and women’s A and B on Wednesday night.

Preliminary finals will be played Melbourne Cup week with seven grand finals to be decided in the week leading up to the Horsham tournament, which also coincides with This Girl Can week, running from November 11-15.

date: ASAP Requirements:

• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient

• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages

• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate

• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations

Wortley a winner at croquet

David Wortley won Horsham Golf Croquet Club’s Saturday division one event with two games and 23 hoops, ahead of runnerup Gary Devlin, who scored 2/21.

Greg Phillips came out on top of division two with 3/32, with Robyn Devlin the runner-up on 2/24. Bev Keogh won division three 2/22, and Dawn Scott was runner-up 2/16.

On Thursday, Wortley won division one 2/23 with Ian Rees the runner-up, 2/22.

Sue Nicholls won division two 3/25 ahead of Brian Drendel 1/17. Allan Meyer won division three 2/24 with Denise Drendel the runner-up on 1/13.

Marj Weidermann won Tuesday October 15’s division one event 1/18, Donna Frost was runner-up -/10.

Greg Phillips won division two 2/22, followed by Sue Nicholls 1/18. Rachel Cousins won division three 2/16, ahead of Jenny Walker 2/15.

•

•

•

Licence (advantageous)

• Strong communication skills

• Physically fit and able to meet manual demands of role

To learn more about this role,

Closing date: ASAP

Skills & Requirements:

• Lifeguard Certificate (paid for by local council)

• Prior experience in a lifeguarding position desirable

• Strong swimming capacity & physically fit

• Responsible & safety focused

To learn more about this role, contact Tamira Cullinan on 0458 706 272. Murtoa

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• General Labouring

• Repair & patch potholes

• Erect signs

• Removal of obstructions Requirements:

• Driver’s Licence

• Construction Induction White Card

• Current Police Check

Closing date: ASAP Requirements:

• Current Police Check

• Driver’s Licence (preferred HR truck licence)

• Trade Qualified Mechanic (heavy vehicle preferred)

• Demonstrated experience in a similar role

To learn more about this role, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324. Horsham

Horsham Closing date: ASAP

Skills and Experience:

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

• Able to work independently & in team

• Strong attention to detail

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions

• Physically fit and able to meet manual requirements

For more information, please contact Skillinvest on 1300 135 008.

General Labourer

Keel on 0408 109 324.

WINNER: Horsham City Bowling Club staged its 100 Up Bowls Championship title on Sunday with the winner Doug Mitchell, pictured left, who defeated Duncan Bottoms, right, 100 points to 77. Mitchell made his way to the final after defeating Derek Ballinger in the semi-final, and Bottoms defeated Colin Morrell.

Plenty of positives

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

The Horsham Hornets have put the Country Basketball League’s southwest division on notice after notching a confidenceboosting six-point win over reigning premier Mount Gambier at the weekend.

Playing in front of a large home crowd, the Hornets delighted head coach Scott Benbow by starting strongly –something they failed to do in each of their first two games this season.

“We were really focused on getting off to a good start,” Benbow said.

“We talked about it pre-match as we went out for warm-ups, because especially against Mount Gambier, if you get off to a slow start you’re never catching them.

“The boys came out and scored the first five points. They came back at us, but every time they challenged us we were able to have an answer, which was really good.”

Helping the Hornets to their fast start was Austin McKenzie, who in his first appearance of the season scored the first two baskets of the game.

McKenzie finished with 23 points, while forward Micah Livingstone led all scorers with an impressive 31-point performance.

Benbow said he was initially unsure of how Livingstone and McKenzie would mesh, but said the tandem had created headaches for the Lakers.

“I thought we were a bit big for them. That was evident in the scoring when you’ve got Micah with 31 and Aussie with 23. Cody Bryan had eight points as well, and they’re our guys around six foot eight,” Benbow said.

“Mitch Martin also played very well. He scored in the teens and hit some threes. He distributed the ball very well.”

The Hornets pushed their lead to nine points early in the final quarter, but Mount Gambier refused to submit, with Taj Brumby hitting a pair of three-

pointers to keep them in touch.

A Mony Makoi basket with less than two minutes cut Horsham’s lead to one point, but the Hornets closed out the game strongly, with Livingstone leading them down the stretch to preserve a 90-84 win.

Benbow said there were plenty of good signs in the win.

“We’re still three games in and we know that our best is still a fair way off,” he said.

“We’re still a new-look side because we’ve got young guys playing at the guard position, so we’re still trying to figure out our way.

“We’re looking forward to the challenges. We’ve got Millicent coming up in a couple of weeks and they beat us in the first round, so we want to see if we’ve improved and we can get that game back off them or if we’ve still got some work to do.”

Benbow said several Lakers players were complimentary of Horsham’s performance following the game.

“They said they thought we looked different to last year. They thought we moved the ball and passed it better, and it’s always nice to get that good feedback,” he said.

“It was our first time in front of a home crowd and we played a little bit earlier than normal at 6pm, so we weren’t sure

Hornets’ forward Micah Livingstone top scored an impressive 31-point performance.

who would come to support us. We had more than 200 people there.

“Kyle Tipene from Mount Gambier said to us after the game ‘I don’t care how many games I play a year, but I always pencil in the trip to Horsham because you guys get a crowd and it’s amazing to play in front of’.”

Redbacks break through

The Ararat Redbacks were also impressive at the weekend, recording their first win of the season against Terang.

The Redbacks trailed for only 71 total seconds of the contest as they raced away in the second half to win 92-62.

Farrell Maharaj was the game’s top scorer with 20 points, but it was a true team performance as DJ Woods, Oliver Lindeblad, playing coach Josh Fiegert and Adan Wisby all scored in double figures, while Jezza Woods and Sebastian Lindeblad also added to the scoresheet.

The Redbacks showcased their ability to score from deep, with the team knocking down 11 three-pointers to Terang’s four.

Ararat will play on the road again this weekend, facing Hamilton at 6pm on Saturday, while Horsham has a round four bye.

STRONG START: Austin McKenzie was instrumental for the Hornets in his first appearance for the season, shooting 23 points. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Eye on the ball

Homers A Special player Lucy Bunworth follows the path of a return backhand during her team’s 8-6 loss to Horsham Lawn Gillespie. Despite storms in the leadup to Saturday’s games, the Horsham lawn courts came up a treat, although a little slow, in the spring sunshine. Story, page 43

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER