The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Calendar of events

Highway roadblock

BY ABBY WALTER

Completion of the next stages of the Western Highway duplication project between Stawell and Ballarat remain unknown after the release of the State Budget yesterday.

The budget outlined the duplication and bypass projects in capital programs with ‘to be confirmed’ completion dates.

The 2022-23 budget showed, under a rural and regional roads package, the Western Highway Ararat bypass and Beaufort bypass planning and pre-construction with a completion date of quarter four, 2023.

The Western Highway duplication – Ballarat to Stawell project did not have a completion date in last year’s budget due to legal challenges.

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the project appeared to be pushed out by at least another 12 months.

“It’s bitterly disappointing. It’s about safety for our drivers and preventing horrific collisions on the main connection between Adelaide and Melbourne,” she said.

Labor Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the State Government was awaiting the Commonwealth Infrastructure Investment Program review on the funding.

“We’re keen to get on and deliver the duplication project between Ararat and Stawell,” she said.

‘We are waiting on the results of the review before we can confirm the next steps.”

Estimated expenditure on an Ararat bypass to June 30 this year is $6.2 million and $9 million for a Beaufort bypass, including $24 million of Federal Government funding across both projects.

Estimated expenditure for 2023-24 is $790,000 for an Ararat bypass and $2.14 million for a Beaufort bypass.

Estimated expenditure on the duplication from Ballarat to Stawell to June 30 this year is $589 million.

The theme of the 2023-24 budget was ‘Doing what matters for Victoria’.

Ms Kealy said the budget fulfilled several projects in the region promised ahead of the 2022 election.

“St Brigid’s College in Horsham will receive funding as part of a bigger planning package for non-government schools. In the same announcement, funding was promised to St Patrick’s Primary School in Stawell, but I am not sure why that wasn’t in the budget,” she said.

“It was great to see an early learning centre in Murtoa in the budget – it is a huge relief for that community to get that up.

“It is needed and will allow parents to return to work in key industries including healthcare and agriculture in our communities.

“The Stawell Gift will receive about $1.7 million over the next four years, about $400,000 a year, which is not quite as much as they asked for, but will give the iconic footrace security to continue.”

Continued page 3

Program of events

MILESTONE: AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires Ash Wright and Cameron Pickering will have umpired a combined 1500 football games by the end of this weekend, marking 700 and 800-game milestones, respectively, at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park. Warrack Eagles and Stawell will battle it out in a blockbuster round seven in Wimmera league. Story, page 47. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

‘Be a Voice for Generations’

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

An Indigenous leader says this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme reflects opportunities for the broader community to take ‘small steps’ in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal CoOperative chair Jake Goodes said Reconciliation Week was aimed at non-Indigenous people, to encourage allyship through events, activities and initiatives. It seeks to create respectful relationships between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mr Goodes said everyone had the power to make a small change each day and acknowledge the achieve-

ments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Be a Voice for Generations, for us, means that everyone has the potential to educate themselves and others about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the issues they face,” he said.

“We often think about change as big defining moments in history.

“However, it is often the case that the small steps are what push us further along the timeline closer to our desired outcomes.

“When it comes to reconciliation, the small steps can be as simple as learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, what this week means for us and just generally choosing to be an ally.”

Horsham Rural City mayor Robyn

Gulline said National Reconciliation Week was an opportunity for unity and reflection.

The council will host a series of events throughout the week and beyond, starting with a morning tea on Friday at Horsham Town Hall.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time to come together as a community and celebrate First Nations people,” Cr Gulline said.

“This week is about cultural understanding, acceptance and reconciliation.

“The theme this year is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and I think that is more relevant now than ever. Let’s reflect on our history and treatment of Indigenous people while working towards a better future.”

Mr Goodes encouraged people to

Budget wrap

From page 1

take time to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and current affairs.

He said there were a number of accessible resources available to people, such as the National Reconciliation Week website.

He said there were also many documentaries on streaming platforms.

Mr Goodes said people could purchase products or services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses, to show their support.

He said online directories could point people interested towards these outlets, including SupplyNation or WelcometoCountry.com

“A Taylors Lake fish screen project will receive $2.65 million to put up screens that stop carp from getting into the lake,” Ms Kealy said.

Ms Haylett said Ararat College would receive $4.6 million to upgrade the school’s English wing.

“Although it wasn’t an election promise, I have been talking to the college principal and have been pushing to get this across the line,” she said.

“The wing is no longer fit for purpose so I was very happy to see it in the budget.

“Other good news is weekend services on the Ararat train line will increase to five return services on Saturdays and Sundays, up from three services.

“We’re also investing in more carriages and having new VLocity trains built to support more services.”

Ms Haylett said regionally, the budget would assist with cost of living pressures and deliver government promises.

“We’re increasing the power-saving bonus, full funding of free kinder, completing school upgrades, building more early learning centres and providing free registration for apprentices,” she said.

“We know in rural and regional areas there is a shortage of early learning centres so we are building more – children shouldn’t miss out because of their distance from a metropolitan area, so that’s a win.

“The pre-prep rollout is also fully funded in the budget for communities in Ararat and St Arnaud, as the first group of communities to be part of the program.”

Funding cuts

Ms Kealy said the budget revealed cuts to roads, agriculture and Regional Development Victoria, RDV, funding.

“Road asset management has been cut by $365.8 million or 45 percent since 2020,” she said.

“It is the funding that supports VicRoads to fix potholes and maintain current roads so this will put more pressure on them.

“I think people were expecting more money for roads and instead there has been a cut, which puts us further behind in providing access to safe roads for our communities.

Tayla wins ultimate ‘bragging rights’

A lunch pitstop during a shopping trip has won a Horsham woman ultimate bragging rights – for the coming year.

Tayla Lowry shopped at Conways Horsham and was among thousands of entrants to ACE Radio promotion, ‘The Big Brag’, which ran at participating businesses during April and May.

She was drawn the winner during The Morning Crew show, with Gabi

and Dan, on MIXX FM on Monday morning.

“It’s just starting to sink in and it’s very exciting,” she later told 3WM program Adam in the Afternoons

“I was shopping around, getting my mum a gift for Mother’s Day, and then went to Conways to get some lunch and scanned to enter the competition there – it took five seconds.”

That brief effort earned Tayla VIP

tickets to major sporting experiences for the next 12 months. It starts with tickets to game two of the State of Origin in Brisbane next month and follows with tickets to the AFL grand final, Melbourne Cup, day one of the Boxing Day Test, the men’s and women’s Australian Open tennis finals and concludes with an outing to the Australian Grand Prix. The package, which also includes accommodation and flights, is worth

$30,000. ACE Radio Horsham general manager Brendan O’Loughlin said the promotion had gained significant support from businesses and shoppers across the region.

“It is truly magnificent, with the support of so many local businesses, to provide a prize of this magnitude – which, in turn, supports shopping locally and keeping our dollars within our local economy,” he said.

“RDV funding has been cut by $432.6 million, which is more than 80 percent. The funding is the lowest it has been since I came into government.

“There is usually a whole budget book for regional Victoria and there wasn’t this year, so there’s been some savage cuts there.

“Agriculture has been cut by $232.5 million or almost 34 percent yearon-year, which is a cut we can’t afford to see, especially to the Grains Innovation Park in Horsham.

“It’s an important asset to protecting biosecurity and managing threats when we have potential for significant animal disease outbreaks.”

CELEBRATION: Conways staff help Tayla Lowry celebrate her ACE Radio promotion ‘The Big Brag’ win. Tayla purchased a salad roll from the Horsham business and entered the competition. “It’s the best salad roll ever,” she said.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham North action list finalised, work underway

Community feedback has shaped an action list that aims to improve the liveability of a Horsham neighbourhood across the next decade.

Horsham Rural City Council adopted the final version of the Horsham North Local Area Plan at Monday night’s May 22 Meeting.

It follows extensive engagement activities with local residents during November and December last year.

The Plan is centred on three key themes:

1. Land Use and Future Character

2. Access and Connectivity

3. Public and Open Spaces

Ten goals have been developed in accordance with the three themes.

1. Ensure all streets have a footpath on at least one side

2. Reinstate bitumen footpaths that have disappeared historically due to inadequate maintenance

3. Improve safety issues through the completion of seven initial assessments currently underway

4. Investigation of a third underpass and Rail Corridor Landscape Plan

5. Develop Lukin Court Public Open Space

6. Planting of 409 trees on nature-strips within Horsham North

7. Completion of Dudley Cornell Reserve Master Plan

8. Undertake a Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy

9. Undertake a third art work installation at the Horsham Silos site

10. Land Acquisition of surplus Vic Track land in the Rail Corridor.

PAVING THE WAY: Urban infrastructure staff Johney Htoo and David Puls are pictured in Anderson Street where Council has this month constructed 400m of new footpath.

The works are part of major footpath blitz across Horsham North.

There have also been major upgrades completed or planned in Houston Street, Mary Street, Edith Street, Wavell Street, Cecil Street, Edward Street and Wawunna Road.

In addition, HRCC has continued the general – across Horsham – program where we replace poor sections, such as those that have been badly cracked plus the random trip hazards that arise.

This year $583,987 has been spent on footpath construction, maintenance and repair – more than ever before.

HRCC adopts new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

Horsham Rural City Council adopted its new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2026.

The updated document sets out what HRCC will do to make its workplace, services, programs and community more accessible to people with disability.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2026 is based on four broad goals with specific actions identified for each:

Goal 1: To improve understanding of the barriers faced by people with disability and the value they bring to the community

Goal 2: To provide tailored support and information

to improve access to Council services for people with disability.

Goal 3: To continually improve access and inclusion in the man-made environment and at events for people with disability

Goal 4: To provide meaningful opportunities for people with disability to take part in the workforce.

The new plan has been developed based on extensive feedback from the community as well as disability sector service providers, advocates and organisations gathered through online surveys and in person popup events held across the municipality.

City centre parking: Did you know?

As part of the new Better Parking System for Horsham, the city centre is divided into two zones.

Zone 1 is on the north side of Roberts Avenue and Zone 2 is on the south side of Roberts Avenue.

Did you know that all meters within each zone are linked?

This means you can pay or top up at any meter within your zone - it doesn’t need to be the meter closest to your car.

For example, if your car is parked in Hamilton Street and you are shopping in Pynsent Street and want to add more time, you can top up at any Zone 2 meter that is close to where you are shopping.

When you pay to use a zone, you can move to as many different parking spots as you wish as long as they are within the zone you have paid for.

NATIMUK ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PLAN Project Advisory Committee

Members Needed

HRCC is seeking applications from Natimuk community members to join a Project Advisory Committee that will guide the implementation of the Natimuk Economic and Social Plan.

Committee positions will include:

• One Natimuk business operator

• One member with an interest in tourism

• One member with sustainability interests

• One member with recreation interests

• One older person (60 + years)

• One younger person (16-25 years)

Applications close Friday 26 May, 2023

More information and paper copy forms are available at Natimuk Post Office and the Civic Centre in Horsham.

For Terms of Reference and to apply online visit hrcc.vic. gov.au/have-your-say

TENDERS AND RFQ

Q49/2023

PUBLIC PLAY SPACE REVIEW & STRATEGY Closes 12noon, Friday 26 May

RCCC-08

PROVISION AND IMPLEMENTATION

RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTION (RCCC PROJECT) Closes 12noon, Friday 26 May

23/040

OPERATION OF VARIOUS RECYCLING/ TRANSFER STATIONS Closes 12noon, Wednesday 31 May

Q51/2023

GREEN LAKE SIGNAGE AND AIDS TO NAVIGATION PROJECT Closes 5pm, Wednesday 31 May

Q53/2023

FOOTPATH CONSTRUCTION - PALM AVE Closes 12noon, Thursday 1 June

Q52/2023

FOOTPATH CONSTRUCTION - MARY ST Closes 12noon, Thursday 1 June

23/039

HORSHAM & NATIMUK HOUSING

DIVERSITY & AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY Closes 12noon, Friday 9 June

All tender, EOI and RFQ details online at: www.eprocure.com.au/ horsham-rural-city-council

STAY UP TO DATE

Know what's happening at HRCC.

Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter

HRCC proposes to amend its Road Management Plan. Any person proposing to make a submission on the proposed amendment must do so before 5pm Friday 26 May 2023.

‘Exciting’ capital works program

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Horsham Rural City Council proposes to generate $32-million from rates revenue and charges and spend $22.86-million on capital works in a 2023-24 draft budget worth $62-million.

The council will seek public comment for a fortnight after releasing the draft budget at its latest meeting on Monday.

The draft budget includes total forecasted revenue of $62-million, increasing from $59.6-million in the previous financial year; and expenditure of $56.1-million, increasing from $55.6-million the previous financial year.

It expects a surplus of $5.9-million and underlying operating deficit of $3.9-million.

Employee costs for the council’s 220

full-time equivalent staff is its biggest forecast expense at $22.7-million.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the proposed capital works plan was ‘exciting’.

The capital works budget increases by about $1.5-million compared to the previous year and includes $6.8-million for new projects, $12-million in renewals and $3.9-million for upgrades with a funding combination of grants, council and borrowings.

She said highlights included progress of the Horsham City Oval development, refurbishment of Wesley Performing Arts Centre, relocation of the council’s depot and a roads infrastructure budget of $6.8-million.

Cr Gulline said the council was ‘heavily reliant’ on state and federal government grants – this year forecasting to receive about $17.8-million.

“Obviously, if we don’t get all those

grants from governments, some of those projects will not go ahead and so our budget will likewise not be spending that money,” she said.

Cr Ian Ross highlighted maintenance of rural roads as an ongoing concern for him and fellow residents.

The council’s total income from rates will rise by 3.5 percent, in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system rates cap.

Residential rate charges could rise by 4.22 percent and amount in revenue worth $14.9-million, while farm rates could rise by 9.22 percent and generate $7.5-million and industrial rates could rise by 25.22 percent and generate more than $1-million in revenue.

The Valuer-General Victoria conducts annual valuations of properties, which will be ratified later in the year.

Cr Bob Redden noted the farm dif-

ferential would remain at 50 percent and the budget struck the ‘right’ balance when taking into account rural residents’ access to municipal services.

Cr Les Power questioned the difference in classification between farm and commercial properties. He said while the budget granted a council-funded rebate to pensioners of $50, increasing from $30, he was challenged by the notion of a fair and equitable budget that also took into account people’s earnings and capacity to pay.

“I do hope that out of our 20,000 constituents, that a good 10,000 people actually pick it up, look at it and read through it and see just how difficult it is to put together,” he said.

“Have a look at the pros and cons of what we’re trying to do in the community, where the money is spent, who is paying rates and who is not

paying rates.” Cr David Bowe said the budget strived for fairness and preserving people’s way of life and Cr Penny Flynn said the budget sought to balance expectations.

“We, like every other council in the state, continue to have restrictions placed on us by rate capping and we are now starting to see the impact of that with how tight things are within our budget,” Cr Flynn said.

The draft budget is the council’s second prepared under the influence of its Council Plan 2021-25. Community feedback to the second iteration of the Council Plan also informed development of the draft budget.

The draft budget comes before the council for adoption on June 26.

People can view the draft budget via hrcc.vic.gov.au or at Horsham Civic Centre in Roberts Avenue; feedback closes on June 9.

Gathering inspiring change

Change leaders say a gathering of sporting community representatives this week will spark a ‘real catalyst’ for change.

Women’s Health Grampians hosted a sold-out ‘Change Makers’ dinner in Ararat on Monday, in partnership with Sports Central, Grampians Community Health and Ararat Rural City Council. It brought together more than 120 people with a shared interest in preventing family violence.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marianne Hendron said the ‘extraordinary’ speakers shared their lived experiences with passion, vulnerability and courage.

Guests heard from Paul Kennedy, an ABC journalist, author and advocate for healthy masculinities, on and off the sports field; Belinda Duarte, a former track and field star, chief executive of Culture is Life and a proud Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman; Kim O’Reilly, a victim-survivor of intimate partner violence and a passionate campaigner for change; and Scott Arnold, president of Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club.

A panel of regional sporting identi-

ties and advocates later joined them. “People left with a renewed determination to take meaningful action to prevent violence against women and promote gender equality in our region,” Ms Hendron said.

“As we know, our sporting clubs, leagues and associations play an important role in shaping attitudes and beliefs in our regional communities, and we look forward to the conversations that will no doubt be had as a result of this event.”

Ararat Football Netball Club president David Hosking was master of ceremonies and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett opened the event, representing Ros Spence, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Community Sport.

Women’s Health Grampians leads the regional primary partnership to prevent violence against women, known as the CoRE Alliance, or Communities of Respect and Equality. Monday’s event was part of a ‘Leading Change’ series aimed at connecting and inspiring sporting clubs and associations with an interest in gender equity.

BOOKS GALORE: Harlow Janetzki, 8, picks a selection of books at Horsham College Chaplaincy Book Fair at the weekend. The book fair raised $4744 from second-hand books, sold for $1, for programs and events organised by the school’s chaplaincy committee.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

THIS JOB IS NOT FOR YOU

UNLESS YOU ARE A PEOPLE-PERSON

UNLESS YOU ENJOY CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

UNLESS YOU ARE DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE GOALS

UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE PART OF A WINNING TEAM (WHO ENJOY HAVING FUN)

UNLESS YOU AREN’T SCARED OF GOING THE EXTRA MILE

UNLESS YOU LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE COMMUNITY

If you still think this is for you, turn to page 13 for more details and to apply today

Sparks flying for Art is... festival

BY ABBY WALTER

Art is… on fire across the Wimmera with the return of an annual festival celebrating community art and talent.

The multi-day, multi-disciplinary art festival begins on Friday and will continue until June 10.

Gallery exhibitions will open throughout June.

In the second instalment of the fiveyear ‘Fundamentals’ theme, the 2023 festival will revolve around fire.

Festival manager Alistair Shaw said the festival inspired people to be part of something bigger in the art community and wider community.

“Someone asked what the hardest thing about my role is, as manager, and I said my job is to get people to do something that they would not do otherwise,” he said.

“The festival is all about showcasing the incredible talent we have in the Wimmera.

“We, as a festival, can inspire people to look at producing work – not just for themselves, but for the community and be part of something bigger and I think that is cool.”

With a jam-packed program of events, Mr Shaw said he was looking forward to June 4, which includes a day of music, a puppet show and a gallery showcase.

Appeal for sheep

Kaniva and District Progress Association is calling for help to locate one of the town’s iconic sheep statues.

The sheep was removed from its position near the bird aviary at Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park between noon on Friday and 12.30pm on Saturday.

The sheep is part of the Sheep Art Trail that connects the fauna park and the silo art to the main street and features a sunset, bush camping, campfire and a starry night reminiscent of the Big Desert.

In February 2020, a sheep painted for the Telopea Downs Landcare Group was stolen and after an unsuccessful appeal to locate it, the progress association decided to replace it.

Kaniva artist Michelle Gib-

“Last year Nick Shirrefs of Horsham College wrote a 110-minute-long piece to accompany a movie and we performed it with a live orchestra, which was sensational,” he said.

“Nick obviously enjoyed the experience, because he has written four brand new pieces to be performed by the orchestra this year – all to do with the theme, fire.

“Horsham Rural City Band is performing, as it did last year, with firethemed music, too, combining to produce Art is… Classical.

“The performance will also include, in their debut, music from the Itet Horsham String Quartet.”

Mr Shaw said Black Hole Theatre had created a puppet show for the event that would be shown at the town hall before the musical performance.

“The Wotjobaluk puppet show is about barpa – fire – and has two characters, Kuthumi and Gutuk,” he said.

“We are following that with a lovely event for our local, community artists with an exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery.”

Mr Shaw said a wonderful aspect of the festival was the way it connected artists and encouraged them to be part of a larger project.

“Belinda Eckermann at Turbo Gallery in Rainbow has been trying for a long time to get a group of art-

ists to exhibit,” he said. “When she mentioned the fire-themed Art is… festival, they said yes, so now we have a great collaboration which she has been wanting to do.

“People want to be part of something bigger.

“There’s an artist who paints with gunpowder, one who paints with fire extinguishers and a Ukrainian artist whose work is very topical and about war and destruction.”

Mr Shaw said the fire theme embod-

ied the idea the festival was a spark that empowered anyone to realise they could create art.

“Last year we did a creative writing competition and this year we are also illustrating the stories and looking to produce a publication,” he said.

“What was a cool idea, is growing naturally.

“The artist who is doing the illustration work, Adie McDermott, works with people to show them that anyone can produce art in the right setting and given support.

“We have gone to a program for children who are in danger of dropping out of school, as well as Horsham Special School students and Woodbine clients who are going to produce some work.

“We’re also going to have a community workshop where people can represent the stories.”

Mr Shaw said more than 200 Wimmera school students would have their artwork displayed at Horsham Plaza.

“I love that it just happened – Alison Roberts at Horsham Plaza engaged with kindergartens and schools to have artwork shown in the plaza,” he said.

“The way that people just get to bump into the art in places like that is great, and then they also get to think they could do it, too.”

Mr Shaw said artists exhibiting at Red Rock Gallery and JRS Workshop in Horsham had varied responses to the theme.

“I am enjoying the way people have taken the theme and thought about it broadly,” he said.

“I had thought about it broadly and wanted to encourage people to do that, but still people are popping up and doing things I had not considered.

“This year we have a program that is much easier to engage with because there are not as many activities going on, which makes it easier for people to come to everything, which is what we encourage.

“We have one thing that has a ticket price, which is at the Horsham Town Hall because it comes with costs, but the kindness and generosity of the participants means that almost everything is free.”

People wanting more information and tickets can visit artiswimmera. com

son offered to repaint the sheep for the group, which was then re-installed as part of the trail and paid for out of general funds.

Naracoorte police located the original sheep nearly two years later, in 2021, and re-

turned it to the mob near the Billyho Sheep.

Its replacement has now been removed and is unable to be located.

All of the sheep are painted by volunteers and the project has been funded by the

community during the past 12 years.

The progress association asks anyone with information to call Kaniva police on 5392 2244 or contact the association via kanivaprogress@ gmail.com or 0429 888 250.

“We, as a festival, can inspire people to look at producing work – not just for themselves, but for the community and be part of something bigger and I think that is cool”

– Alistair Shaw, left

ON THE LOOKOUT: A sheep statue in Kaniva has been removed from its position near the town’s fauna park. Only three of its legs remain at the site. The town’s progress association is appealing for help to find the missing sheep.

Open door to mining project

BY ABBY WALTER

Residents have until Friday to provide feedback to Wim Resource’s Avonbank mining project.

An Environment Effects Statement is on display at Wim Resource’s showroom on the corner of Hamilton and Darlot streets in Horsham.

The Avonbank Mineral Sands Project at Dooen will mine critical minerals for 36 years once approval processes are complete.

The Avonbank deposit comprises a global mineral resource estimate of 490 million tonnes of ore.

An Environment Effects Statement describes the project and assesses potential environmental impacts including measures to minimise or avoid any impacts.

Wim Resource liaison officer Murray Wilson said the company saw good traction with submissions being made to date.

“We are in the final week of the sixweek submission period and we are hoping to see some more submissions come through,” he said.

“Once the submissions close, it is a good opportunity for us to talk with the independent planning panel who will judge the project and if they approve it, we can move on to the next stages.

“We are keeping our information hub open until the end of August because we want to be front and centre for the public to access us.

“People are welcome to visit us or book in as a group or business to find out more about the project.

“It is important for us to keep the community engaged and let them know the opportunities this project will provide.”

Wim Resource projects director Michael Winternitz said zircon, rare earth and titania would be mined at Avonbank.

“They are products that are used in everyday materials – zircon is used for ceramics, titania is used for paint pigment and rare earths are used in wind turbines and electric car motors,” he said.

Mr Winternitz said the community had generally been pragmatic and supportive of the project.

“We have seen a lot of interest in the jobs the mine will need and opportunities it can provide for the whole community,” he said.

“We also appreciate that not everyone supports mining and try to be empa-

thetic towards that as well.” Mr Winternitz said the team had been working for five years to reach this stage of the project.

“We’re hoping by the middle of the year the government’s independent panel will approve the project,” he said.

“They look at the environmental, social and economic value and impacts of the project. After that, we have to apply for a mining license and create a work plan before we start mining.”

Mr Winternitz said the process was strict and many stages had to be completed before construction began.

“We hope to begin construction, which will take 12 months, in time to begin mining in 2025,” he said.

Urgent care figures rise

Urgent care attendances at Grampians Health’s Stawell Regional Hospital have increased by almost 10 percent following the elimination of fees for patients.

Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser said a new funding model was implemented at Stawell Urgent Care Centre on July 1, removing fees for treatment sought at the centre.

Previously, out-of-pocket payments were required.

“The philosophy was people should not have to pay to access emergency or urgent care and I believe someone’s ability to pay should not limit their access to care,” Mr Fraser said.

He said state-wide emergency and urgent care increased by one to two percent year on year.

“We are meeting a higher demand of patients since the removal of those fees,” he said.

“However, there are still variables with approvals, and we will need to find funding, which also takes time.”

Mr Wilson said the organisation was also looking forward to the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong next month.

“We had a very popular stand last year with students wanting to learn more,” he said.

“The expo is a chance for us to engage with an emerging workforce and their teachers so that we can talk about jobs in mining at a high school level.

“These students will be entering the workforce as the mine begins operation.”

People can submit feedback via avonbankproject.com.au

“I think the reason Stawell urgent care has grown so much is both natural growth and removing that financial barrier.

“It means people don’t have to pay or face the embarrassment or uncertainty of ‘can I receive care if I can’t afford to pay’.

“I think it’s a major advancement – public health should be about free health, we pay our taxes so you have already paid and should not have to pay twice.”

Mr Fraser said it was pleasing to see the number of people seeking urgent care increase.

“Hopefully it means people who weren’t previously accessing the service are now accessing it how and when they need it,” he said.

NEXT STEP: Wim Resource environmental approvals adviser Joe Chandler, projects director Michael Winternitz and liaison officer Murray Wilson invite the community to visit the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project information hub in Horsham to learn more about the mine slated for development at Dooen. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

PITCH MUSIC & ARTS COMMUNITY GRANTS - NOW LIVE

Pitch Music & Arts Community Grants program is now open. Funding of up to $10,000 is now available for the following:

• Schools and/or Education Groups

• Sport Clubs

• Businesses within the Ararat Rural City Council LGA

• Inclusion/Accessibility Groups; and

• Other Community Groups or not-for-profits

To apply, visit https://www.pitchfestival.com.au/community-grant

Applications must be submitted no later than 30 June 2023. For all enquiries contact: communitygrants@untitledgroup.com.au

PROMOTING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Events are important to the region, bringing together communities and showcasing the region to visitors from the municipality and beyond. Ararat Rural City Council has several platforms to advertise community events including an events calendar, advertisements, website, and social media platforms.

We would love to assist you in advertising your community event, so please feel free to share with us event details, posters and advertisements. Event details can be sent to jfrawley@ararat.vic.gov.au.

To check out what’s happening in our municipality, head to: https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/visitor/events

Part of the

newsroom

Last week I completed work experience at ACE Radio in Horsham.

Throughout the week, I worked with a few people, including Abby Walter and Paul Carracher from The Weekly Advertiser and Adam Roche and Kayla Wilson in the radio department.

When I arrived for my first day, I had no idea how anything worked, so it was great to finally watch everything come together.

ACE Radio Horsham manager Brendan O’Loughlin organised the week for me after I expressed an interest in journalism.

Most of my first day was spent with Paul, the photographer.

We drove around town taking photos as I interviewed people and eventually wrote an article on Skillinvest with Abby.

The next day, I spent more time on the radio side of the building, talking with Kayla about her job.

Later that afternoon, I had the opportunity to work alongside Adam, the radio’s content director. He ex-

St Brigid’s College Horsham year10 student Ayva Robertson joined the team at ACE Radio Horsham for a week of work experience.

‘Amazing’ total

Member Lea Crammond said the auxiliary was delighted with the result.

“We send a huge thank you to one and all who graciously supported hospice,” she said.

“Many hours have been spent preparing for this fundraiser resulting in an amazing total.

“A great deal of effort has gone into the growing and picking of chrysanthemums in many venues and all gardeners who supported us have done an outstanding job.

“A special thank you to those gardeners who grew and donated chrysanthemums for hospice to use. Your generosity has been overwhelming.”

plained how the radio works with all of the buttons.

It was interesting to observe how 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser crossover.

I went to Longerenong College with Abby and Paul on my third day to take some photos.

Later, Paul and I went to Horsham College to take pictures of the Maths Olympics.

On my fourth day, I worked on

Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities.

Volunteering helps foster connections, build resilience, support projects and developments –and it makes a real differences to people’s lives. Events across the region, and well beyond, celebrated the contribution of volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week, which ended on Sunday.

The national awareness week served as a reminder to take time to honour the tireless, unpaid work that occurs right throughout the year – often, under the radar and without fanfare.

For many people, it’s in the blood.

It’s just what they do, to ensure the social success of the community and its endeavours.

In the Wimmera, volunteers are everywhere. Unpaid service, which is often long-term and intergenerational, is behind every great sporting, community or fundraising endeavour.

Many Wimmera people serve the community in various roles, supporting groups and clubs and in pursuit of their respective interests and passions.

Their responsibility and the importance of their service is immense as they support large numbers of people and manage significant budgets in order to produce benefits far beyond themselves.

And their roles continue to grow larger, as groups and clubs become, or are required to become, more professional.

some more articles with Abby, before heading out to get more pictures with Paul.

For my last day, I started by watching sub-editor Georgia Bailey lay out the articles and photos in the paper, followed by my own attempt.

After that, I wrote an article about the Maths Olympics.

People can read the articles and see the photos from my week in this edition.

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

This is necessary, but it also adds pressure and time to an already-stretched resource pool.

The latest Volunteering Australia report shows rates of volunteering have declined, on a national scale, to about one-quarter of adults and it remains well below rates of prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No surprises there.

Many people and families made choices, during the pandemic – whether out of necessity or for lifestyle reasons – to scale back their voluntary contributions.

Yet the report also demonstrates that the demand for volunteers is growing and re-engaging and retaining volunteers is critical.

In a busy, ever-connected society it can be a challenge to navigate the needs and expectations that life brings.

How can you contribute your time, expertise and passions to your local community group or club? Where is your service best utilised?

Let’s share the load.

NEV

NHILL 95-97 Nelson Street, Nhill (03) 53 912 106 nhill@dmdagents.com.au

I am grateful to everyone I met while on work experience, including those I haven’t mentioned.

It was an amazing experience.

Everyone was extremely welcoming, and ACE Radio Horsham is just a really fun environment.

I haven’t decided what my career in the future will be, but this is certainly an option that I can’t wait to explore further.

– Ayva Robertson

Auxiliary members, their families and friends, community members and businesses contributed to the organisation and execution of the fundraising initiative.

“We appreciate enormously the effort each and every one of those who helped us has given,” Mrs Crammond said.

“This outcome adds to the auxiliary’s commitment to supplying essential medical equipment for those palliating at home.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to do this and we are delighted that all funds raised remain in our area. That is really important to the auxiliary.”

sponsored by

16° 15° 15 15°

Friday Sunday Showers. Showers. Saturday Thursday Showers. Monday Shower

or two.

Sunny Partly cloudy

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

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

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Nathan Henry: 0418 657 247, nathanh@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 511, mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Turvey: 0488 473 562, dturvey@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Dean Lawson: 0448 571 811, deanl@team.aceradio.com.au; Lauren Henry: 5382 1351, laurenh@team.aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Jessica Grimble: 0400 836 483, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au; Abby Walter: 0483 027 536, awalter@aceradio.com.au; Sean O’Connell: 0467 978 396, soconnell@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

The publisher and general manager is Scott Grambau, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, West Wodonga, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

STAWELL nevilleroutley@dmdagents.com.au IN STOCK NOW

Explore your own backyard. Nowhere offers so much Australia in one place. You don’t need to board a plane to see it. Waterfalls. Lush forests. Arid landscapes. Art galleries. Bushwalking. Breathtaking views. Wine, craft beer, cheese and olives.

Take the wheel and explore your own backyard, The Grampians Way.

Whether you’re looking for a hike to a scenic lookout or vineyards with a vista, discover thousands of square kilometres of possibilities to breathe, right here in the Grampians.

Plan your escape. visitgrampians.com.au

BREATHE

Budget feedback open

BY ABBY WALTER and AYVA ROBERTSON

Wimmera councils have opened submissions for 2023-24 annual budgets.

Ararat Rural City Council is proposing to invest in a $9.5-million capital works program.

The program includes $950,000 for stage one of an Ararat Leisure Centre redevelopment, $2.8 million for re-sheeting works on gravel roads and $2.2 million for sealing urban gravel roads.

The council also plans to commit $1 million to the reconstruction of Mt William Road in the Grampians National Park.

Other investments proposed in the budget include $500,000 to support affordable housing investment, $150,000 for key project funding and delivery advocacy, $100,000 for programs for young people and $100,000 to implement a weekend community response team.

The council also proposed not to increase rates or waste charges in the upcoming budget.

A series of budget engagement sessions across seven towns in the municipality have concluded. Online submissions can be made via engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/ draft-budget-2023-2024 until June 21.

The budget will be received for adoption at a council meeting on June 27.

West Wimmera Shire Council is pro-

posing an $11.71-million capital works program and will allocate more than $5.75 million for new roads as well as upgrades, renewals and maintenance to the current network.

The council will commit $5.31 million to provide matching funds for grant opportunities for projects including Edenhope aerodrome upgrades, Apsley netball-tennis court upgrades, Kaniva’s Band Park amenities, Edenhope Caravan Park landscaping and amenities, Harrow Caravan Park cabins, Lake Charlegrark Caravan Park cabins and other community projects.

The council also allocated $245,000 to a shovel-ready projects fund focusing on scoping about 19 projects to assess viability and assist applying for available funding opportunities.

The council proposed a 3.5 percent increase for general rates in line with the rate cap set for the financial year set under the Fair Go Rates system. This will raise total revenue from rates charges for 2023-24 to $8.6 million.

Preliminary valuations have shown an overall increase in property values of about 11 percent and in response, the council would budget to decrease the rate in the dollar by 6.36 percent.

The draft budget is available for public feedback via westwimmera.vic.gov.

au/Have-Your-Say/West-Wimmera-Shiredraft-budget-2023-24 or at council offices in Edenhope and Kaniva until June 14.

Gaming entitlement change

Victorian clubs and RSLs with gaming machine entitlements they are no longer able to use can surrender them and have their debts forgiven, under a new State Government scheme.

The council will consider public feedback at a council meeting on June 15 and seek to adopt the budget on June 27.

Northern Grampians Shire Council budget submissions are open until June 15 and the council will review the budget for adoption on June 26.

The draft budget outlines a $6.3 million commitment to roads, bridges and footpath infrastructure projects and $2.1 million for parks and recreation projects.

The council also proposes $14.8 million for enhancing lifestyles and community services and $3 million towards providing sustainable infrastructure.

Projects highlighted by the budget include upgrades to Great Western Recreation Reserve clubroom and Stawell Central Park female-friendly facilities.

Yarriambiack Shire Council is conducting engagement sessions at Tempy on Tuesday, Hopetoun on May 31, Beulah on June 2, Patchewollock on June 5, Yaapeet on June 6, Minyip on June 7 and Rupanyup on June 19.

Consultations in Warracknabeal, Brim and Murtoa occurred earlier in the month.

More information is available via yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/Community/ Events/202324-Budget-CommunityConsultations

Hindmarsh shire had not released a budget or engagement information when The Weekly Advertiser went to press.

Venue operators can only run gaming machines if they hold entitlements and have required approvals in place.

The scheme will only apply to clubs and RSLs whose entitlements are not approved for use, including where they have been rejected by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission or a local council.

Other venue operators can transfer or sell their unused entitlements or can seek a variation to their payment terms if facing serious financial hardship. The scheme will begin next month with select clubs and RSLs to be advised of their eligibility.

More information on gaming machine entitlements is available via justice.vic.gov.au

This Saturday, May 27

9AM - 1PM

THANK YOU: Grampians Health hosted a number of morning and afternoon teas as part of National Volunteers Week. Volunteers at the health service’s Horsham, Dimboola, Edenhope, Stawell and Ballarat campuses were treated to a hot drink to acknowledge their service. In the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘The Changemakers’, the volunteers were thanked for their dedication and selflessness. Horsham volunteers, from left, Ann Potter, Pat Uytdehaag and Kerry Lane enjoy a hot drink and catch up.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Well you’ve either got it or had it or know someone who has. So what is it? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as described by the Mayo Clinic is when someone e xperiences numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and it generally affects the thumb, index finger, second finger and sometimes the ring finger, but generally not the little finger. This can be experienced as sensation traveling from the wrist to the forearm, be aggravated by driving or maybe it wakes you at night and feel you have to shake out your hand.

So what do we as Chiropractors do? Well interestingly enough we look at your neck and right down your arm. This is because the nerves which start at the base of your neck go down your arm and work the muscles of your arm wrist and hand. We check with specific positioning of the neck if we can recreate your sensation. We also check your neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist for jammed and locked up areas which maybe aggravating the nerves or causing the muscles to be tight. Now not only can these locked up areas be causing the problem; it may also be locked up area in your upper back. This is because your neck muscles go down this far and tight upper back can also be restricting neck movement.

As a chiropractor we take into consideration that there are many factors which need addressing and work with our patients to get the best results. You may not need surgery.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

A budget surplus...

Lady Luck has once again looked down fondly upon Australia, creating the first budget surplus in 15 years, through a higher tax take on record export earnings and increasing income tax receipts from higher job numbers. But how long will the good times last?

Domestic economic growth is expected to buckle under the weight of higher interest rates. As a result, annual gross domestic product is expected to fall to just 1.5 percent in 2023-24, recovering slightly to just 2.25 percent the following year. This low growth forecast, down from 3.25 percent currently, comes despite an expected surge in immigration numbers to 300,000, while inflation is forecast to stay stubbornly close to the six percent mark for 2022-23.

The Budget papers suggest inflation will eventually fall within the Reserve Bank’s guidelines, but not for some time, raising the possibility of stagflation engulfing economic growth.

At the same time, unemployment is expected to rise from its record low level of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent the following year and remain at this level for the foreseeable future.

Nonetheless, this is a true Labor Budget. The Federal Government will boost Job Seeker payments by $40 a fortnight, provide greater rent assistance and energy subsidies to low-income households, as well as lower medicine costs and provide cheaper doctor visits for all Australians.

Increased wage payments for those working in the aged care sector and increased childcare subsidies should also help to reduce the pressure on working families struggling to deal with the recent uptick in cost-of-living pressures.

An estimated 60,000 single parents can also claim the single parent welfare payment benefit from September 1, with the government lifting the eligibility age for the youngest child in a fam-

FINANCE focus

with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth

only time will tell if the Reserve Bank agrees that a lift in overall government spending via the Budget will work to bring down prices.

The government hopes to reduce housing pressures by encouraging investment in rental housing by lowering the annual profit on build-to-rent projects from 30 to 15 percent. But beyond this, this Budget has little to help struggling businesses.

It does, though, include some $4 billion to encourage new green energy programs, including $2 billion to support large-scale hydrogen production and $1.3 billion to help households upgrade their existing homes through the Household Energy Upgrades Fund.

At the same time, big-ticket items within the Budget just get bigger.

There is a brave estimate that spending within the NDIS will be restrained, yet there is no actual strategy for achieving this other than to reduce waste. The cost of providing health services has never been higher, while defence spending is expected to surge to $20 billion during the next four years, including some $9 billion to be spent on the new AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

Little has been done to boost government revenue beyond more fairly taxing windfall profits in the gas industry and increasing the tax bill for super accounts with more than $3 million in assets. Beyond this, nothing has been done to address the structural challenges within the Budget.

Meanwhile, there is already unrest that the Job Seeker allowance is not being increased suffi-

Pauline Walsh

(Chiropractic), DACCP

Calling time on a long career

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Tony Kirchner has called time on his long career running Kirchner Trucks in Horsham.

The diesel mechanic and wife Jenny are now semi-retired after 39 years working on heavy transportation vehicles, finishing up at the depot on Stawell Road.

Mr Kirchner said he started in the industry after securing an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic, working at International Harvester in Adelaide.

He relocated from Adelaide to Horsham and started work at Millers Civil Contractors as a mechanic.

Mr Kirchner said he then purchased land and started his own business at Quantong, later relocating into Horsham at various locations before building the Stawell Road shed in 1992.

Mr Kirchner said he and Jenny quickly settled in the region and involved themselves in several community groups.

Mr Kirchner played football for Quantong before becoming club president in 1996, when he witnessed the merger with Noradjuha.

“Jenny was involved with the league and netball for more than 25 years,” he said.

“Jenny and I have three kids. The eldest, Lee, is still working with me. He’s going to run a business himself.”

Between starting the business in 1985 and the present day, Mr Kirchner said he had seen many changes in trucks and how they were serviced.

“When I started it was all mechanical. I used to do engine rebuilds, gear boxes, differentials, everything. Nowadays, they don’t do that stuff,” he said.

“The engine companies make it too hard. They try to keep everything in-house.”

Despite these changes, Mr Kirchner said he believed there was demand for diesel mechanics – even if their tasks had changed as trucks had become more electronic.

“There is always something breaking down,” he said.

“The last lot I had working for me spent more time on a computer than what they did swinging a spanner.”

Mr Kirchner said he enjoyed sprint cars.

He aspires to attend more motorsport events overseas after seeing sprint cars in the United States.

“I’m a member of the Warrnambool Speedway Club. I like the mechanical side of it – how you can make them go faster and better,” he said.

Mr Kirchner said his business, which was purchased by Adelaide-based CMV Group, had led to lifelong relationships.

“I enjoyed a lot of friendships. A lot of older guys come back and find me,” he said.

Elders Southern Wool Report

EDUCATION CELEBRATION:

Families were invited into classrooms and school grounds last week to enjoy an array of activities for Education Week. This year’s theme was ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’, which celebrated physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice in education. Pictured enjoying a drawing activity at Horsham Primary School are, above, Brent and Reanna McDermott with their son Jack, and left, Shelley Abernethy with her granddaughter Ellarah Abernethy. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

BALES ROSTERED: 45,164

Roster

Scan

Elders provides a range of selling tools and options to help you maximise sales of your clip, including auction, auction forward, Wooltrade, and AuctionsPlus Wool.

Scan here for all our market reports

Tony Kirchner

Pipeline project

Infrastructure construction to expand recycled water use at green spaces in Horsham will begin next month.

GWMWater awarded Girdwood Contracting a tender to construct a recycled water pipeline as part of the Horsham Agriculture SmartWater and Integrated Water Management Project.

In September 2022, the State Government announced an additional $575,000 in funding from the Integrated Water Management program to Horsham Integrated Water Supply Connections.

Once constructed, the SmartWater recycled water pipeline will run along the Wimmera Highway from Rudolphs Road to Horsham Racecourse, as well as north

along Curran Road to the aerodrome, Langlands Park and Blue Ribbon Road.

The project involves the construction of infrastructure that will reduce the salinity and turbidity of Horsham’s recycled water, while assisting the management of excess treated wastewater.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the project focused on improving the quality of and access to recycled water and opened up more opportunities for reuse.

“Upgrades at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant are now underway and once that work is completed, the quality of recycled water produced will improve,” he said.

“The pipeline will en-

able access to recycled water for spaces such as the racecourse, cemetery, sports ovals and Langlands Park, which usually rely on drinking water or a small volume of stormwater for irrigation purposes”.

Customers along the SmartWater pipeline route and near the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant can submit proposals for the purchase and reuse of recycled water. Expression of interest forms are available on GWMWater’s website gwmwater. org.au/HorshamRecycledWaterEOI or by calling 1300 659 961.

Construction of the SmartWater pipeline will start next month and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Council builds on container scheme

Northern Grampians shire is exploring ways to re-use recycled glass within the municipality.

The council will implement a new glass disposal program in line with a recent Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. The program will enable residents to dispose of any glass not accepted through the scheme.

The State Government’s mandated four-stream waste management program has prompted the council to find

an affordable, practical and environmentally-sound strategy.

Mayor Kevin Erwin said the council had considered the challenges of its geographical location alongside financial implications, investment availability and local infrastructure.

“Rather than force a costly four-bin system onto residents, the council is working hard to develop financially sustainable programs that suit our community’s needs,”

he said. “We are looking to establish drop-off points for glass that will not be accepted through the deposit program.”

TOMRA Cleanaway is the network provider for the shire and has been tasked with managing and maintaining refund collections.

The company is expected to release details including management and collection points before the scheme starts later this year.

Day for nurses

Nurses across the Wimmera celebrated International Nurses Day this month – a day to honour the contributions nurses make to their communities.

Grampians Health chief nursing and midwifery officer Leanne Shea said nurses were integral to the healthcare workforce.

She said nurses contributed significantly to patient, resident and consumer care, wellbeing and overall healthcare outcomes.

“Their knowledge, expertise and compassionate approach make them indispensable members of the healthcare team,” she said.

“Recognising and celebrating nurses is essential not only for boosting their morale and attracting new talent, but also for creating a culture of appreciation and respect within the healthcare community.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to nurses for their remarkable service and it is our responsibility to honour and support them in every possible way.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Grampians Health chief nursing and midwifery officer Leanne Shea and deputy chief nursing and midwifery officer Meredith Theobald celebrate International Nurses Day in colourful scrubs.

• Weir’s IGA Donald • IGA Nhill • IGA Hopetoun • Doyle’s IGA Kaniva • Foodworks Murtoa

Horsham

Stawell Sea Lake

Donald Horsham

Hundreds of students from Wimmera primary schools competed in Maths Olympics at

Going for gold

BY AYVA ROBERTSON

Horsham College has once again hosted the ‘Maths Olympics’ competition for Wimmera year-six students during Education Week.

Students from Horsham West, Haven, Horsham 298 and Rasmussen campuses, Natimuk and Horsham Ss Michael and John’s primary schools, along with Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College, competed in three rounds of mathematical challenges.

Hosham College teachers Denise Vallance and Heather Deayton organised the event, with help from other staff.

Ms Deayton said the last round of the day was always the loudest and most competitive, with students having to run to receive their questions and hand them

up to be marked. She said Horsham College educational support staff and maths key learning area members were recruited to support the students on the day.

A Holy Trinity Lutheran College team won the first round.

Natimuk’s ‘The Apex’ team won the second round and Horsham Primary School team four topped off the day with a win.

Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s team three was the overall winner.

Ms Deayton said she wanted to thank Shelton and Lane Stationery in Horsham for their sponsorship.

“Without their support we would not be able to have such a big and successful event,” she said.

Come Join Our Team!

Wimmera Aquatrail Shop Assistant

Wimmera Aquatrail currently has an exciting position for an energetic salesperson. This is a diverse position to work in a business that caters to the sale of irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping supplies and services in the Wimmera region. Previous experience with irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping/turf management industries would be highly valued but not essential. We will provide on-the-job and external product training from industry leaders.

For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

looking

and value the importance of great customer service with good attention to detail, then this could be the perfect job for you.

To express your interest in this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to apply@chsgroup.com.au or call in and see us atWimmera Aquatrail, 2 Apricot Ave Horsham

MATHS OLYMPICS:

Horsham College last week. Competitors included, left, Zarnie Sudholz, Joe White, Amber Kenny-Tottenham and Amelia Rasmussen of Natimuk Primary School; top left, Poppy Murray of Ss Michael and John’s Primary School; and above, Lenny Carter of Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

THAT WAY: Horsham West’s Macy O’Connor points her team in the right direction.

Trout to restore Toolondo

Thousands of brown trout yearlings are helping to restore the ecosystem of a Wimmera lake.

Outdoor Recreation Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced the stocking of more than 3500 fish into Lake Toolondo on Thursday.

“The stocking is another step toward Lake Toolondo reclaiming its place as one of Victoria’s very best fisheries for brown and rainbow trout,” she said.

“When conditions are right, the lake produces some of the biggest trout in the state and lures anglers from all over Victoria to travel to catch the fish of a lifetime – which is great news for regional tourism.”

Lake Toolondo is considered one of Victoria’s top trout fisheries.

The lake’s large weed beds create the ideal conditions to produce trophy trout.

The trout are the first fish stocked into Lake Toolondo since 2019, with plans for a further 14,000 brown trout and 10,000 rainbow trout to be released later this year.

This round of fish were grown at Victorian Fisheries Authority’s, VFA, Snobs Creek hatchery near Eildon.

The fish average 115 grams each and will take six to 12 months to grow to catchable size.

The lake is known for producing some of the fastest-growing trout in Victoria.

VFA transferred about 28,000 megalitres into the lake at the end of last year, to reinvigorate the waterway and after the threshold at Rocklands Reservoir had been reached. Lake Toolondo relies on water to be trans-

ferred from the reservoir and it was the first time it could occur since 2011.

The VFA continues to work with recreational anglers, GWMWater and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority to reduce carp numbers in the reservoir.

In the past 18 months, more than 130 tonnes of carp have been removed from Lake Toolondo.

The lake was also one of three Wimmera lakes to receive funding at the end of last year, for the southwest boat ramp to be replaced with a

concrete surface and feature a steeper gradient to make launching easier at low water levels.

The State Government will also fund a bigger, resurfaced car park to provide more space for cars and trailers and enable launching by twowheel drive vehicles.

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said the upgrades provided opportunities for visitors and locals.

“With trout stocking and boating upgrades at Lake Toolondo and millions of native fish stocked into the

Shining a light on road safety

Transport Accident Commission Amber Community and Victoria Police’s Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign will highlight the impact of road trauma until the end of May.

This year marks the 10th year of the campaign, led by the Amber Community, that provides an opportunity for people impacted by road trauma to honour loved ones who have died or been injured on roads, while raising money for support services.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been two road fatalities in Northern Grampians shire, two in West Wimmera shire, two in Yarriambiack shire and one in Horsham Rural City municipality. Across Victoria, 124 people have died on Victorian roads this year, up from 95 at the same time in 2022.

TAC chief executive Joe Calafiore said a community walk in Melbourne that launched the campaign exemplified the ripple effect of road trauma, with hundreds of people sharing their stories and advocating for positive change.

“More than 100 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads so far this year and those close to them will be feeling that grief for years to come,” he said.

booming Rocklands Reservoir nearby, our region provides fishers from near and far with opportunities to wet a line all year round,” she said.

In 2022, almost 10 million fish were stocked into lakes and rivers across Victoria.

The release was part of the State Government’s state-wide stocking program, supported by the sale of recreational fishing licenses and the government’s investment to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

“The work of Amber Community cannot be understated, and the TAC is proud to support the crucial work they do in helping Victorians impacted by road trauma get their lives back on track.”

Amber Community plays a role in delivering support services to more than 3000 Victorians who have either been injured, lost a loved one or been impacted by road trauma. It launched a new fundraising initiative operating throughout May – the Shine Challenge, with funds raised slated for the services.

The organisation also conducts education sessions across the state.

open daily 10am - 4pm entry FREE |

71 Pynsent Street, Horsham

Ph: 03 5382 9555

E: boxoffice@hrcc.vic.gov.au

www.horshamtownhall.com.au

HORSHAM

EXCITED: Lake Toolondo anglers Charlie Officer, Trevor Holmes and Chris Spence assist Victorian Fisheries with the stocking of 3500 brown trout into the lake.

!

UNITED: The Wimmera FilipinoAustralian Club, including members Josie Ponseca, Janeth Rebarbas, president Jayson Augustin and Rubylyn Mackley, will host a fundraising concert on Saturday.

Multicultural celebration

AWimmera

multicultural group will come together for a special event this weekend.

The Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club is hosting a concert on Saturday in Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College stadium.

An induction of officers ceremony will take place at 4pm before the fundraising concert from 5pm to 11pm.

Club president Jayson Augustin said the event would be a new experience.

“This is the first ever concert for the Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club. The aim of this one is to unite all Filipinos, not only in the Wimmera, but other parts of the region,” he said.

“The last time we had a gala night there was 130 people in attendance.”

Mr Augustin said the Filipino community in Horsham was growing, with about 80 families now in the Wimmera.

He said he expected about 150 people from both within the Wimmera Filipino community and outside of the region to attend the concert.

He said there would be three bands performing, including members from the Filipino community of the Wimmera and one group from Ararat.

Mr Augustin said there would also be guests in attendance from Nhill, Bendigo and Stawell.

“It’s almost six hours of fun – singing and dancing – sponsored by Wimmera Development Association,” Mr Augustin said.

Laharum to host 18th Biggest Morning Tea

Laharum community will host its 18th Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser in Laharum Hall tomorrow from 10.30am.

Grampians Health’s western director of hospitals Carolyn Robertson is guest speaker.

Entry is by donation and organisers ask people to bring a plate of morning tea to share. Money will be donated to the Cancer Council,

which aims to save lives through prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. There will also be a ‘bring and buy’ produce stall and raffle, with money raised going towards ongoing patient care improvement at Wimmera Cancer Centre and the Olivia Newton-John Foundation.

People can register their interest with Liz Hopkins via 0427 838 207.

1. How many gigabytes are in a terabyte?

2. What is the common name of the freshwater inhabitant of south-east Australia, including the Wimmera, also called Maccullochella peelii?

3. What objects composed of calcium carbonate form within the soft tissue of living mollusks?

4. What group of insects forming the order Coleoptera, which basically means ‘sheath’ and ‘wing’, makes up almost 25 percent of all known life-forms and about 40 percent of all insect species?

5. Many years ago Wimmera league club Horsham adopted its Demons nickname and theme song from VFL club Melbourne. During its time in the VFA in the late 1800s, what was the Melbourne club’s floral nickname?

6. What famous New Zealand-born Australian secret agent, French resistance fighter and of the Allies’ most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War was dubbed the ‘White Mouse’ by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany?

Your luCKY stArs

7. What English boy-band group of the mid 1970s had a hit song called ‘Bye Bye Baby?’

8. The headwaters of the Wimmera River start near what Ararat municipal town on the Pyrenees Highway between Eversley and Amphitheatre?

9. The ancient city of Tenochtitlan, built on the island of Lake Texoco by the Aztecs in Central America, is now the site of what?

10. The Ghan transcontinental rail service between Adelaide and Darwin is an abbreviated name recognising what?

Australia’s interior. The service’s previous nickname was The Afghan Express.

the Gestapo’s most-wanted person with a five million-franc price on her head. 7. Bay City Rollers. 8. Elmhurst. 9. Mexico City. 10. Afghan camel drivers who helped open

arguably the oldest football club in the world. 6. Nancy Wake. At one stage

Answers: 1. 1000 2. Murray cod 3. Pearls. 4. Beetles. 5. The Fuchsias. Melbourne is

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

ARIES:

(March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 3.3.2.1.

exciting surprises in your romantic life coming up.

(April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.44.45. Some travel plans could go astray but wherever you go or whatever you do will be very successful. Someone you have not been sure about will show their value.

(May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.36.39.3.

Good period for your romantic interludes and new friendships but do keep out of the way of irritating people to keep peace and harmony at your place. Keep your eye open for business deals.

CANCER:

(June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.8.33. Because of some sudden travel arrangements your love life could suffer a bit. But business and finances should be benefiting and adding to your extra buying power also some bargains about.

West Side Horsham

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.3.36.39.5.

Tact and diplomacy will get you a long way now so keep out of trouble with loved ones by not getting involved with things that do not concern you. Money should be a little easier to come by.

VIRGO:

(August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.22.

People in the position to help you could do so now if approached the right way. Try not to be too critical about loved ones; it will only lead to conflict among family members.

LIBRA:

(September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.8.

Lotto Numbers: 8.12.5.16.20.33.

There are big changes coming up and many of them because of some new friendships. Keep a tight eye on your possessions as it is not a good period for lending or borrowing something might not come back.

SCORPIO:

(October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.6.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33. There should be much happier times ahead and more interest in you personally. Romance department looks good but keep your cool if a new romance is developing it might take time to adjust.

SAGITTARIUS:

(November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1.5.9.6.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.4.20.29.

People might not be too keen in sharing your ideas and you might have to make up your mind on your own as to whether or not to tell them your ideas in the first place. Meeting with new people could help you in some way to get ahead in your endeavours.

CAPRICORN:

(December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.9.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33.

If planning a new business or starting something ahead of time you could do with expert advice. If you feel that you have not had the chance to say your piece, do it now.

AQUARIUS:

(January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.9.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.29.8.7. Try not to worry about things that might not even happen. A positive outlook will achieve much more. It could be a good period for love and new interests in this field.

PISCES:

(February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

b c d e For the week May 27 - June 2

WItH KerrY KulKeNs Visit KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Ph/Fax 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.5.

f g h i

she was

In an effort to entice buyers to the brand, the marketing machine at Cupra Australia has spooled up its limited edition offerings, including the recent red-painted Formentor VZx Rojo Edition, and now an LED Matrix headlight-equipped Formentor Matrix Edition.

Pitched at $65,490 plus on-road costs, the Formentor Matrix Edition adds a $5500 price premium to the sticker price of the Formentor VZx

on which it is based. The most recent Rojo Edition added $6500 to the asking price of the mechanically identical Formentor VZx variant.

The Formentor Matrix Edition – of which only 100 will be available –scores black leather upholstery and a ‘unique’ alloy wheel design as well as LED Matrix adaptive headlights, after which it is named.

To clarify, LED Matrix headlights work by teaming an array of LEDs and mirrors with sensors and cameras,

the latter scanning the road ahead to identify traffic and changes in road conditions – such as a sharp turn.

The headlights then ‘instantly’ adapt according to these inputs.

The limited edition Formentor model is the first Cupra to be equipped with LED Matrix headlights in Australia and, like others with the technology, boasts the ability to shut off part of the headlight beam to shadow oncoming traffic while maintaining full highbeam illumination elsewhere.

• Key German brands raising price bar with retail hikes for

Illuminating new Cupra Formentor

Formentor Matrix Edition buyers who want even more exclusivity can option their car with matte or premium metallic paint and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The well-equipped Formentor VZx AWD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 228kW/400Nm through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Cupra’s head of product and planning in Australia Jeff Shafer said

popularity of the top-line version of the Formentor had spurred this new special edition.

“We see the instant response to these editions, and the VZx in general, as a real endorsement of Cupra’s pricing and positioning,” he said.

“Cupra is not mainstream, we are not trying to be premium – we are uniquely focused on design and performance and our customers love that.”

– Peter Barnwell

Hikes in wind for German brands

Key German brands are raising the price bar with retail hikes for BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and by mid-year, Porsche, as electric vehicle expenses grow and shareholders demand greater profits.

BMW Australia raised prices last month by up to $9000, following a previous increase in January that pushed prices up by between $1600 and $11,500.

Most of the big increases were in the sport and luxury models, such as the M3, costing about $2500 more in April than previously; the M4 variants up $2600 to $2800; M5 up $4000; M8 up $5600; and X7 up $8000.

Since April 2022, price rises in these models have risen by five percent, or $8300 for the entry M3 and $8400 for the M4; 5.5 percent, or $14,700, for the M5; and three percent, $11,500, for the M8.

The electric models were not insulated, with some variants of the i4 up $3000 to $4000; the i7 up $9000 and iX up $5500.

But BMW, conscious like its peers that EVs must remain – or be seen to remain – affordable, did hold back on the iX3 pricing that remains at $104,900 and the iX1 at $84,900.

In its less exotic and non-EV models, the base 118i went up $900 to $54,800; the 320i rose $1300 to $80,200; the 520i lifted $2000 to

$107,700; the smallest SUV, the X1 sDrive18i, remained at $60,400; and the entry X3 sDrive20i lifted $1400 to $83,100.

BMW was hardly alone. Germany’s premier volume sports-car maker Porsche is poised to lift prices, but made the unusual stance of telling the world about it before it was due to happen.

Porsche warned buyers a price hike was on the way. In March it made a global announcement saying it would

make ‘significant price increases’ in the middle of this year.

The move was said to buoy profits and produce a deliberate price gap between its ongoing internal combustion engine, ICE, models and its expanding EV range. The future EV versions of the Macan, Boxster and Cayenne are expected to rise 10 to 15 percent higher than ICE versions.

Porsche’s entry-level Boxster is $122,000 and the cheapest Macan is $89,300, all plus on-road costs.

In June last year, Porsche raised prices on some models – but not the 911 – by up to $15,800 for the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT, which is now $351,900.

The cheapest Macan is now $89,300, up from $84,800 in mid-2022.

Audi lifted prices by up to $2900 in January for most models. This followed two price increases for selected variants in 2022.

Price increases in January were made to a number of models, includ-

ing the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7, which rose between $1700 and $2900.

In its SUV range, Audi lifted some versions of the Q2 by $500 to $1000; Q5, $700 to $1800 and the Q7, $1800 to $2300.

One model that did not incur a price rise was its electric e-tron GT that costs $180,200 plus on-road costs, which was its original price when launched in February.

In April 2022, the cheapest e-tron was $139,900, but the variants and equipment levels have changed.

In February, the e-tron entry-level was $147,400, which has remained static today, perhaps another OEM’s example of a desire to firm EV model prices while boosting the revenue from ICE models.

Audi has previously cited price increases in raw materials as the prime reason for the rise in new-car pricing.

Volkswagen has also announced price rises applying from June to seven of its nine model lines.

It said the prices would rise by between $500 and $3600, although it would not affect people who ordered before the June deadline. It is the third round of price rises at Volkswagen in nine months, following one in September and another in December.

The company said the increases were attributed to increased production costs and the effects of inflation.

– Neil Dowling

MARKET WATCH: BMW Australia raised prices last month by up to $9000, with most of the increases in sport and luxury models.

Sudoku

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

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID T

Quick Workout

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

Note to Editor: Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03 Items not needed for

Quick Crossword

Crossword

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

Focus

FOCUS

used only once

* Each word must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’

* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

TODAY’S Good: 14 words

FOCUS Very good: 21 words

Excellent: 32 words

the 5 Differences

Created: Ted Whillier Qxpress: 8491 Matt Trickey

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION ampere ample ampler beep bleep epee lamp leap leaper leper lerp maple pale paler palm pare peal pear pearl peel peer perm PERMEABLE plea pleb pram preamble prem ramp rape reap repeal repel

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3875

Join the Dots

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00

Home 11:05 Australia Remastered 12:00

ABC News 1:00 The Messenger (M l) 2:05

The Homes That Built Australia (PG) 3:00

Escape From The City 4:00 Antiques

Roadshow 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard

Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News

7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Smother (M l,s) 9:25 Mayfair Witches (MA15+) 10:10

Interview With The Vampire (MA15+) 10:50

ABC Late News 11:05 The Split (PG) 12:05

Harrow (M v) 1:55 rage (MA15+)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30

Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Dead At 17” (M v) (’08) Stars: Barbara Niven 2:00

House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK

(PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00

2:00 Jade Fever (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Pawn

Stars South Africa (PG) 4:00 Pawn Stars UK

(PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 Storage

Wars Texas (PG) 5:30 American Restoration

(PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL:

Friday Night Countdown 7:30 Movie:

“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (M v) (’19)

Stars: Tom Holland 10:00 Movie: “Body Of

Lies” (M) (’08) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio

2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle Square 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Safari

Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00

Peppa Pig 5:35 Interstellar Ella 6:05

Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s

Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks

(PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “If

Beale Street Could Talk” (MA15+) (’18) Stars: KiKi Layne 10:25 Documentary Now! (M)

The ABC Of Ian Chappell (M l) 6:50 Bluey 7:00 ABC News

7:30 Sister Boniface Mysteries (PG) 8:15 The North Water (M l,v) 9:20 Ragdoll (MA15+)

10:05 The Messenger (M l) 11:00 Fires (M l)

11:55 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+)

2:00 Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship 3:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00 Last Stop Garage (PG) 4:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars

In The Dark (M)

1:00 Power Rangers Dino Fury (PG) 1:30 Pokemon: XYZ 2:00

Movie: “Pokémon The Movie: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages” (G) (’15) Stars: Rica

Matsumoto 3:35 IndyCar Series Highlights

4:40 Go On (PG) 5:10 Movie: “The Goonies”

(PG) (’85) Stars: Sean Astin 7:30 Movie:

“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (M l,v) (’19)

tV GuIDe

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn

Know your cleaner: Aaron Jennings, Klean Azz.

Years experience: 14.

The team: Heath Kinnersly is my full-time employee.

My age: 34, going on 60.

AFL team: Geelong.

Favourite player: Joel Selwood . 2023 goals: Take a holiday and travel to America.

Favourite food to cook: Asian cuisine.

Pets: Two whippets named Selsy and Scarlo, named after Joel Selwood and Matthew Scarlett, and a cat named Inca.

Sports: I play tennis, basketball and golf.

Hobbies/interests outside of work: I love fishing and camping, walking the dogs and playing sport.

Pet peeve: I actually hate sleeping in. Mornings are the best time of day. The sun hasn’t caught me in bed for 16 years.

Proud moment: Having my name on the side of a vehicle was always the goal. It feels surreal to finally accomplish that and I’m excited for the future with my own brand.

Working in the Wimmera: I love it! It’s such a great community. The support I’ve received especially the last three years has been nothing short of incredible.

Services: We specialise in carpet dry cleaning with walk on dry carpet within the hour. We also offer upholstery cleaning, window cleaning and tile and grout cleaning.

“I credit my work ethic and hands-on approach for getting me to where I am today.”

90th Birthday

Dot Hirst

Congratulations to young Dot Hirst on her 90th birthday, Sunday, May 28.

With love from Graeme, Lyn, Debbie, Greg, Krysta, Hayden, Connor, Kya and Rhys. Good one Mum, Nan and Great Nan

DUNCAN / WEBB

Sylvania Park congratulates April and Joel on their wedding on Saturday the 27th of May at Sylvania Park.

Best wishes for your future together.

ECKERMANN, Roger Frederick 23/07/1946 - 17/05/2023

Dearly loved Husband of Jill for 49 years

Loved Father of Adrian, Jeremy, Daniel & Anthony (dec).

Father in Law of Belinda & Bianca.

Loving Poppy to Natascha, Montanna, Jaime, Dustin, Bailey, Kaleb, Daisy, Sophie & Ace.

Brother of Kevin & Brenton (both dec) & Pam.

Brother in Law to Ruth, Kay & Ron (Zank).

ECKERMANN, Roger F

Loved brother and brother-in-law to Pam and Ron Zanker, Uncle of Chelsea & Lui, Cindy & Gary and families.

My Family has all gone, but my love will always live on. Life is way too short to be too little!

Dear Brother

Resting Peacefully

HARBERGER, Mavis Catherine

Passed away on May 19, 2023 aged 93 years.

Dearly loved wife of Fred (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Bruce & Sandra; and Steven. Cherished by her 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In God’s Care Reunited with Fred

McINTYRE, Shirley May

Passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023 aged 85 years.

Dearly loved wife of Jim. Cherished by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In God’s Care

ECKERMANN

e Funeral of Mr Roger Frederick Eckermann will leave the Lutheran Church Rainbow on Monday May 29th, 2023 a er a Service commencing at 11am for the Rainbow Lawn Cemetery.

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

HARBERGER, Mavis Catherine e Funeral of Mavis Catherine Harberger will take place at e Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on ursday, 25 May 2023 commencing at 2pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

McINTYRE, Shirley May Shirley May McIntyre will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Funeral Notices

OUGH, Jennifer Joy “Junior”

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Jennifer Joy “Junior” Ough will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Friday, 26 May 2023 commencing at 10am.

Privately cremated. e service may also be viewed online at www. horsham.unitingchurch.org.

au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KIMBER, Judith (Judi) Maree

My Blondie, My Rose, My Best Mate, arrived on God’s Earth 23/07/1942 and returned to God in Heaven 29/05/2019.

My beautiful darling Blondie, I continue to struggle with you returning to God in Heaven so soon. It is now four years of agonising life without you. You were my life before you departed this Earth and you will continue to be my life when I join you in Heaven. Until then, my aching heart can never nd peace. Your devoted loving husband for all eternity.

Anthony.

VINCENT, Joan

01-07-1922 to 24-05-2019

Our darling Ma-ma, remembered with love. Kaye, Anthony, Helen, Peter & Catherine, and their families. Robert (dec).

VINCENT, Terrence John (Terry)

14-01-1947 to 23-05-2016

Perish are our memories of a beloved Husband, Father & Pa.

Creative & Traditional Designs

Horsham Florist

51 Roberts Ave, Horsham www.horshamflowerdelivery.com.au 5382 1834

1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy, vacc, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please $500 Ph 0481756063

10wks old boy Chihuahua, black in colour with few marks, ready to go now, vacc, chipped, wormed, mc # 953010006385194 $2500 Ph 0406048840

Birds for sale, opaline turks, Bourkes all colours inc rubino, pied, cream, pink and rosa, all young birds, ring for prices Ph 0408535515

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

Make

Our professional sta will ensure your family is provided with the highest level of care available.

Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic# 3NGLM058 $250ea Ph 53585079

Border Collie pups , 8 weeks old, black and white, m/c# 956000014901145, 956000014931617 Ph 0427545546

Budgerigars, show birds at pet prices Ph 0447080439

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.

Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of

Animals

Budgies, babies available $10ea Ph 0423976711

Budgies, just out of nest, pastel colours and lace wings $10ea Ph 0419505737

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 4 pups 3 M, 1 F, purebred (no papers) black Tan and Tri. colours, ready to go 02/05/23, microchipped,vac, wormed, flea ‘d, collect from Horsham, 75/63 1985141005201475/9851410039

55788, 956 source# MB113692 $2250 Ph 0409498729

Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill

Hungarian Vizsla puppies ready by 10th May 2023, 1 male 4 females, vet checked, vaxxed, m/chip 953010006426842/60/64/89/902, source# MB216417, both parents available to view Ph Kirsty 0413926539

Irish wolfhound puppies , 3 females 2 males, 8 weeks old ready to go to forever home, source # MB219337 m/c# 956000015736667, 956000015616879 ,956000015727358, 956000014910884, 956000015735516 Ph 0447001016

Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Roosters and ducks wanted Ph 0469740723

Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397

Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC# 3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521

1987 16’ Pop-top stateman caravan, reg, island d/bed, canvas annex, 3 way fridge, gas stove $6000 Ph 0437852626

1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134

2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, Engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020

2004 Regent caravan, one owner, always shedded, immaculate condition, 19’6”, dual axle, new awning, new tv antenna, diesel heater, reverse cycle aircon, oven grill, gas cooktop, as new annexe, selling de to health reasons, view and pick up Horsham $20,000 ono Ph 0429957290

2005 Jayco pop-top 16’, reg til 12/23, EC, island d/bed, new annex, battery, kitchen and extras $20,000ono Ph 0428854313

Ezytrail camper, Sterling G, Mark 2, EC $21,999ono Ph John 0427562876

Galaxy 2007, new Tebbs annexe, a/c, oven, fridge, rego, batteries $25,000ono Ph 0402933972

Jayco Outback Swan 10/2007, comes fully equipped, reg until Dec 23, all standard features, queen and double bed, sleeps 5, lots of storage, 3 way fridge/ freezer, microwave, 4 burner cooktop, full annexe, roof storage rack and bike rack, Anderson plug for on road charging, inspections welcome $17,500neg Ph 0417160279

Mars Camper Trailer, hard floor annex, electric winch, GC $6000 neg Ph 0427957212

so many things to think of, you don’t even know where to start...

Find a safer car in your budget at

Some cars are safer than others because they include Active Safety Features. And they needn’t cost you any more. So ask if the car you’re buying has features such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Auto Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Attention Detection and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). To compare vehicles and find the safest car to buy in your budget, visit howsafeisyourcar.com.au

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, May 28

Edenhope 10am LR

Goroke 10am LR

Natimuk Join Vectis

Vectis 9am HC

Dimboola 11am HC

Notice of Proposed Budget 2023-24 and Revised

Council

Plan 2021-25

At the unscheduled Council Meeting held on Monday 22 May 2023, Council resolved to give notice of the draft Budget 2023-24 in accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020. Council also resolved to amend its current Council Plan.

To read and make a submission on the proposed draft Budget and Council Plan, visit council’s website at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/have-your-say or contact the Customer Service Team to arrange a copy.

Any person wishing to make a submission on the proposed Budget or Council Plan must do so in writing. Any person wishing to be heard in support of their written submission must request this in their submission and will need to appear in person or by a person acting on their behalf at the 26 June Council Meeting. All submissions will become a part of a document available to the public.

Submission must be received by 4pm, Thursday 15 June 2023. Council will meet to consider any submissions and the adoption of the proposed Budget and revised Council Plan at a Council Meeting held at 12.30pm on Monday, 26 June 2023 in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall.

BRENT McALISTER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PUBLIC NOTICE

HERITAGE ACT 2017

Registered Heritage Place No H2284, Permit Number P38064

CENTRAL PARK 10-18 MAIN STREET STAWELL, NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT an application under Section 93 of the Heritage Act 2017 for a permit for alterations and additions to non significant change rooms within the Central Park grounds, including a wall mural on the rear elevation of the new work has been lodged with the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria.

A copy of the application is available for inspection at www.heritage.vic.gov.au or at the offices of Heritage Victoria between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm,

Christian Devotion

Many of us now use computers. In earlier times it was typewriters. e keyboard is key to using a computer. e letters, numbers and symbols are arranged in what is called the Qwerty pattern. It took me a while to learn the right placement of ngers enabling me to type without having to look at the keyboard. But the e ort paid o . When my ngers are in the correct position all is well. But if I mess up and have my ngers in the wrong position, what I am typing becomes gibberish.

Life is like this. If our lives are based on sound principles – we hit the right keys - we will not end up in a mess. is does not mean that things cannot go wrong – they do; or that we are spared from the pain and su ering common to us all – we’re not. But with the right response we are able to nd a way through. e Bible assures us in Psalm 16 saying: “You will show me the path of life.” I have found this to be true. Jesus said: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6.) He also said: “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20.) What a promise!

With Jesus as our Guide we will stay on track as long as we keep our eyes on Him.

Jennifer Pearson, City Heart Church of Christ, Stawell.

Hindmarsh Shire Council invites suitably qualified and experienced persons / organisations to respond to its Tender for -

CONTRACT NO. 2022-2023-18

COLLECTION OF KERBSIDE AND BULK BINS OF GENERAL WASTE AND RECYCLABLES, BULK TRANSPORT OF GENERAL WASTE AND RECYCLABLES AND PROCESSING OF RECYCLABLES

The specific requirements are detailed in the tender documents, which can be downloaded via Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/tenders

Closing time for the above tender is 12:00pm on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

All enquiries should be directed to Jessie Holmes, Director Infrastructure Services, via email to jholmes@hindmarsh. vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5391 4444.

Greg Wood Chief Executive Officer

Situations Vacant

Nhill Lutheran School

Classroom Teacher

Contract for Term 3 and 4 for 2023

(with potential to be ongoing)

Nhill Lutheran School is seeking applicants for a passionate and innovative teacher. The successful applicants should be willing to support the Christian ethos of the school.

For a job description please email principal@nls.vic.edu.au with the subject line of ‘Classroom Teacher Position’ Applications can be sent to principal@nls.vic.edu.au or 2 Mackay St, Nhill 3418

Applications close: Friday, June 2, 2023

Position commences Monday, July 10, 2023

LINEHAUL DRIVER WANTED

Required for Horsham – Melbourne – Horsham run.

Based in Horsham VIC 3400.

Must have either MC or HC licence and Forklift licence preferred.

Must be neat, clean and well-presented, also must be able to work autonomously.

Immediate start.

Attractive salary package for the right applicant. Please send resume to: luke@caledoniantransport.com.au

Opportunity This Way

Site Supervisor Concrete

Full Time, Permanent, based in Nhill

Plant Operator Labourer

Full Time, Fixed term for 6 months, based in Nhill

Plant Operator Labourer

Full Time, Permanent, based in Nhill

Due to a number of internal promotions – Council now has a number of key roles to fill across our outdoor team. We offer excellent work/life balance with a 9-day fortnight, annual leave, long service leave and above-award pay rates. Further details on each individual position can be found on our website, along with details of how to apply, at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council

Applications close Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 12noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form. For enquiries on these positions, please contact Nhill Customer Service Centre, on 03 5391 4444.

Council is an equal opportunity workplace that offers a diverse and supportive work environment.

Administration Officer

CHS Group of Companies is currently seeking 2 full-time administrators.

Position: You will be responsible for the administrative processes from creation to billing. This role includes but is not limited to:

• Accounts receivable – invoicing

• Electronic filing

• Maintaining claims registers

• Job creation

• Work in progress management

• Purchase orders management

• Allocating payments

• Answering phone and reception duties

• Additional Administrative tasks as required Admirable attributes/skills:

• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office

• Personable and Reliable

• Experience in accounting software is an advantage but not essential

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Included in this position, you will interact with internal staff and customers. Given the diversity of the business, you will be expected to work across all divisions, including Plumbing, Electrical, Technical, Engineering, Civil and Construction.

If you feel you would be a suitable candidate, please send your resume to: apply@chsgroup.com.au

2023 Teaching Positions

An exciting opportunity exists at Ss Michael & John’s, Horsham, for an enthusiastic Physical Education teacher who is passionate about building a rming relationships and committed to contemporary teaching and learning practices. is position is for Terms 3 & 4, 2023

Applications for both full-time and part-time will be considered. Our community is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care.

Applications close: 31st May, 2023

Positions commence: Term 3 2023

Please include a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae and reference list and forward to:

Email: principal@smjhorsham.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Andrea Cox Principal

St Michael & St John’s Primary School PO Box 791, Horsham 3402 Phone: 03 5382 3000

Qualified Mechanic - LV or Diesel IMMEDIATE START

$35-$50 hour depending on experience

Located on the Western Highway in Ararat

We are:

• A dealer for Deutz Fahr, Kioti and other machinery.

• A Repco Authorised Service Centre

• A Stihl and small engine dealership.

Ideally you will have:

• A Trade Certificate – LV or Diesel

• Practical Experience

• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills

• Excellent work ethic

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Reliable, self-motivated and have attention to detail

• Ability to work in a small team

• Current driver’s licence

• Permission to work in Australia

Remuneration depends on current skill level.

Ph: Terry 0417 300 548; Kerry 0407 898 974; Email: kerry@araratauto.com.au

As

• CA, CPA or IPA Quali ed (or willing to obtain)

• Minimum of 7+ years experience working in public practice

• A friendly, professional and exible attitude

• In depth experience in the preparation and review of nancial statements and income tax returns for individuals, companies and trusts

• Ideally experience with SMSF’s but not essential

• Ideally previous experience with primary production clients but not essential

• Must have strong communication skills, excellent work ethic and have the ability to work as part of a team.

• Driven to succeed and motivated

• A positive attitude and a great willingness to learn

• Be able to build strong relationships with clients

• Have a passion for business advisory

• Flexible with hybrid work from home/work from o ce model

B/Double Truck Driver

If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check out the roles below!

Information Technology (IT) Systems Administrator

• Band 5 ($69,616 - $80,372 per annum) or

• Band 6 ($84,375 - $91,881 per annum)

Permanent

• Flexible working arrangements available (i.e. job-share, full-time or part-time etc.)

be someone making a difference for people in your community Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** See our

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

NDIS Support Coordinator 2 positions

Join the largest and most experienced Support Coordination team in the region. Open to candidates who hold Qualification in Community Services, Human Services, Nursing or minimum 3 years’ experience working in a similar role, or Open to candidates currently studying case management, disability or community services (or willing to undertake a traineeship in Cert IV) Assist customers to live independently in their home, keeping them safe and connected to their community.

About us:

Just Better Care is a leading provider of in home lifestyle and social support services in Australia for the ageing or people living with a disability. For over 15 years, we have been supporting older people, and people living with disability, to live independently in their own homes and stay connected to their local community.

We offer flexible work hours to suit your lifestyle with training and career support. As a representative of the Just Better Care brand, you can be proud of being part of a strong supportive team championing the rights of our clients

The role:

We are currently looking for two (2) Full-Time NDIS Support Coordinator who are passionate about delivering high quality services. The positions are located in Horsham and will require the person to travel to other locations within the region; therefore, a current drivers licence is essential.

While qualifications and experience are important, equally as important is who you are as a person. We are looking for someone with a passion for relationship building and supporting clients. In this role you will, and not limited to:

• Research, coordinate and manage a range of supports to suit individual needs

• Coordinate access to support items in an NDIS Participant’s Plan in line with the preferences of the participant to achieve the outcomes identified in the plan

• Support participants to strengthen their ability to connect with informal, mainstream and funded supports, and to increase capacity to maintain support relationships, and resolve service delivery issues within their local communities

• Support individuals to build their capacity and networks with the aim of greater choice, control and independence in managing their personal lifestyle choices

• Ensure that service provision is informed by the participants’ individual needs and is in line with current participant protocols or individual service plans, from JBC or other services engaged through Supports

Coordination

Further information about the role, including the Selection Criteria, is outlined in the NDIS Support Coordinator Position Description.

To request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Just Better Care - Western Victoria on 03 5381 1432 or email hr.wv@justbettercare.com

Contact: Karen Watson

Homelessness Case Manager 38 hours per week

$34.24 to $39.49

Family Violence Case Manager

30.4 / 38 hours per week

$34.24 to $45.18

Contact: Gemma Beavis

Program Support Officer Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF)

30.4 hours per week

$39.49 per hour

Co-Facilitator Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP)

15.2 hours per week

$30.63 to $45.18 per hour

Contact: Jenn Tumney

Closing: 12pm Monday 12 June 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

Supporting thriving, productive and sustainable communities, environments and industries, at DEECA we’re focused on creating a liveable, inclusive and sustainable Victoria with thriving natural environments where the community is at the centre of everything we do.

Technical Assistant

• Salary: $56,271 - $72,262 (Plus Superannuation)

• Fixed Term, (period of 3 years)

• Usual hours of work: Full Time (flexibility may be available)

• Usual work location: Horsham (flexibility may be available)

This position will fill an important technical role in the pulse breeding and research team within Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR), located in Horsham. We require someone to assist in field trial operations for the National Lentil Breeding Program that is co-funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and will contribute to a world class, technologically advanced breeding program.

The key accountabilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Establish and manage field trials on a range of crops to a high standard.

• Provide technical support for the molecular pulse breeding program under general supervision and within a defined delivery framework.

• Plan and prioritise own work program to achieve defined targets.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of crop growth and appropriate agronomic practices to ensure optimal production as well as experience in operating complex farm machinery such as tractors, seeders, harvesters and spray units. If you can work independently and as part of a team and are able to demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft office packages, then this could be the position for you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Ian Fox, Senior Technical Officer on 0420 966 328, or via email: ian.fox@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

How to Apply

Please visit the www.careers.vic.gov.au website and search under position number 021427. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description. Applications close at midnight on 28 May 2023.

Come Join Our Team!

Wimmera Aquatrail Shop Assistant

Wimmera Aquatrail currently has an exciting position for an energetic salesperson.

This is a diverse position to work in a business that caters to the sale of irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping supplies and services in the Wimmera region.

Previous experience with irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping/turf management industries would be highly valued but not essential. We will provide on-the-job and external product training from industry leaders.

The Position:

• Irrigation and pump salesperson

• Customer service in all areas of the business

• Nursery and landscaping sales and advisor

• The position is full time, and the position incumbent will form part of a weekend roster

• Remuneration- above award rates

About you

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Willingness to learn all areas of the business

• Irrigation/pump knowledge and pump repair skills are also an advantage

If you are looking for employment security and value the importance of great customer service with good attention to detail, then this could be the perfect job for you.

To express your interest in this position, please email a cover letter and your resume to apply@chsgroup.com.au or call in and see us at Wimmera Aquatrail, 2 Apricot Ave, Horsham.

First round of volleyball finals

BY DAVID BERRY

After 10 rounds, the jostling for finals positions has been finalised for Volleyball Horsham’s Monday night competitors, as they prepare for what promises to be a close and hard-fought series.

The juniors will begin finals at 5.30pm, with Vipers taking on Von Steiger Kids in an elimination final, while Novas and HTLC Tigers battle in the qualifying final.

Vipers have Sam Chaplin and Oliver King as their two go-to players, with Chaplin strong on serve and King clever at the net.

They will face a strong contest from Von Steiger Kids dynamos Drew and Jack Armstrong.

In the qualifying final, Novas and Tigers will be an even match, with Novas looking to Jared Ferguson and Jezbel Ahbilash to win many of their points, while Ava Jackson and Serena Johns are strong servers and will keep the Novas receivers under plenty of pressure.

Following the juniors will be C and B Grade finals, with Stars and HTLC Tigers squaring off in the C Grade qualifying final and KFC and Breakers in the elimination.

Stars have improved as each week goes by this season and are well led by Zane Joseph and Kai Dodson.

They will have to be at their best if they

Runners gather for combined event

Thirty-one Stawell Athletic Club runners joined Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club members on Saturday for the first of three combined races.

are going to beat the Tigers, as Sebastian Le Roux and Luke Johns are in good form.

In the elimination final, KFC will be out to end Breakers’ season, with Breanna Russell and Tamara Lourensz showing good skills while Alex Bebero and Paige Millar will throw everything into the game for Breakers.

The B Grade qualifying final sees Team USA and Murtoa Railway going head-tohead and it promises to be a close contest.

Pat Pignataro’s big booming serves and John Turton’s guile will be the key for Team USA, while Bill Lindsay and Janine Eagle give their all each week and will keep the opposition honest.

In the elimination final, Scemps should be too strong for Phantom Masters, with Ella Van Duren and Clare Whyte forming a good combination, while Jac Ivess and Chloe Mackley will fight hard for the Phantom Masters team.

Sitting back watching all this unfold will be juniors minor premiers HTLC Cubs, B Grade’s Dommi Nators and C Grade’s Spike It Up teams, who have all qualified with the double chance.

Games will run on the hour from 5.30pm and family and friends are encouraged to support the teams and watch some close and exciting games at St Brigid’s College stadium in Horsham.

AP lifestyle

The two clubs enjoy coming together to run and Ararat locals were happy to leave the drizzle of rain in Ararat for the sunshine in Stawell at Three Jacks Track in the Ironbark State Forest.

The sub-junior dash was the first run of the morning, with new member Christian Clarke taking out first place once handicaps were applied. Amber Baker came second and Alfie Freeland, third, also running the fastest time in the one-kilometre course with a speedy time of 4:58.

A sealed start for junior and senior runners saw a huge crowd take off to tackle their respective three or five-kilometre loop. Time keepers were kept busy with the first runners back in no time, crossing the line with smiles on their faces.

Hunter Davies blitzed the junior field by more than a minute once handicaps were applied, with an adjusted race time of 21:35. Joseph Clarke came in second, followed by Grace Monaghan, who is taking after her dad and siblings and proving to be a fantastic runner.

The winner in the seniors was Bob Freeland in a time of 38:07. Freeland has been running well this season and improving his time each week, but was still surprised to hear his name read out as first place in the Kieran Ryan Handicap. He was chuffed to win a race sponsored by Kieran, who grew up running with the club.

The club’s next race is the Running Company Handicap on Sunday, June 4, from 9am at the Keith Haymes clubrooms at North Park.

A morning tea and raffle will follow the run to raise money and awareness for the May 50k supporting those living with multiple sclerosis.

ON TRACK: Senior race winner Bob Freeland makes his way along Three Jacks Track in Stawell’s Ironbark State Forest.

Available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm 5382 1351

sPort

Undefeated teams ready to clash

BY SIMON KING

Aftera week off while several Wimmera players participated in junior country championships in Melbourne last weekend, the Wimmera Hockey Association season resumes on Saturday with a full round of matches at Kaniva. This round marks the point in the season when each opponent has been played once, after which each team will know exactly where they stand within their competition.

The feature game is a clash between the two undefeated teams in the open

competition, involving the competition-leading Horsham Hurricanes and the reigning premiers, Yanac Tigers, where a victory by either will see them finish the round on top of the ladder.

A Horsham win would make a big statement, putting them one-and-ahalf wins ahead of the Tigers, while a Yanac win would see them continue their undefeated run that stretches back to 2019.

The other open match pits the two teams that still need to kick-start their season against each other.

Nhill Rangers are yet to earn any

points other than for a bye, and Kaniva Cobras are coming off their best performance this season, which saw them fight back from two goals down to draw with Warrack Hoops.

Recent form suggests the Cobras will tighten their grip on fourth place, but the Rangers have the potential to spring a surprise.

The Hoops have the bye, but regardless of results, will still be in third place on the ladder on Saturday evening.

Horsham Jets and Yanac are playing to stay in touch with Kaniva at the top of the women’s ladder as a Yanac

victory will put them in outright second place, but with a win, the Jets will draw equal with Yanac in second place.

Kaniva will play its first match back on home ground since its grand final win last September, and as the team is undefeated so far this season, it is difficult to see the fourth-placed Nhill Thunderbirds tarnishing this record if the reigning premiers can put their best team on the field.

The two points fifth-placed Warracknabeal will receive for the bye will still see them remain outside the top four at the end of the round.

Wimmera juniors enjoy country championships

Victorian Junior Country Hockey Championships were in Melbourne at the weekend, with several Wimmera players taking the opportunity to experience their sport at the next level.

Although Wimmera Hockey Association did not enter any teams in this tournament, no games were scheduled locally this weekend to allow players to participate with other associations. Eight Wimmera players took advantage of this.

Although none of them came away with a premiership medal, they all gained invaluable experience that they can now bring back to share with their teammates at their home clubs.

This tournament involved boys and girls competitions in under-13, under-15 and under-18 age groups for teams from country associations.

Five boys from the Wimmera played in the under-15 boys’ division, with Nhill’s Deegan Clark, Charlie White of Kaniva, and Yanac players Sean Pedie, Archie Zanker, and Asher Zanker all lining up with Goulburn Valley Hockey Association.

Their tournament started with a win against North Central, with Archie Zanker scoring one of three goals.

He found the back of the net again in their next game, which was a loss to Glenelg.

Their third pool match, against East Gippsland, also ended in a loss, qualifying them for a cross-over match on Sunday morning against Sunraysia,

the fourth-placed team in the other pool. Archie Zanker scored his third goal for the tournament in this game to help Goulburn Valley qualify for the fifth-place play-off game against Geelong.

They finished the weekend in sixth place after a loss in their last game.

Two Wimmera girls, Hannah Mackereth of Horsham and Ellie Williamson of Warracknabeal, played for North Central Hockey Association in the under-15 girls’ competition, and although their team started slowly, they improved towards the end of the weekend.

In their pool matches, losses to Goulburn Valley, East Gippsland and Glenelg saw them qualify for a cross-over match on Sunday morning against Hockey Central Victoria, Bendigo, in which a draw qualified them for the seventh place play-off on Sunday afternoon.

In their best performance of the tournament, they ended on a high with a three-goal win against Sunraysia.

Warracknabeal’s Leah Eilola represented Hockey Central Victoria, Bendigo, in the under-18 girls’ competition, which was played on the pitches at Melbourne Sports Centre in Parkville – the home of hockey in Victoria.

In their first match on Saturday, they defeated Ballarat by two goals, but faced a strong West Gippsland team straight after and fell to a loss by one goal to six.

They went into their third pool match on Sunday morning against the winless Geelong, where a twogoals-to-one win saw them progress to a semi-final against North Central. In a close match, North Central

OUTING: Archie

Zanker of Yanac scored three goals while playing for the Goulburn Valley under-15 boys’ team at Junior Country Championships in Melbourne at the weekend.

Two evenly-matched games are scheduled in the under-16 competition that could go either way.

Horsham Bombers are looking to continue their good form by reversing the result of last year’s grand final when they play Yanac Warriors, who will not be easy to beat as they aim to establish themselves in the top half of the ladder.

It is also difficult to predict a winner when Kaniva Raiders take on Nhill Leopards.

Warracknabeal Revengers have the bye and will remain in fifth place.

Club rewards program open

The Transport Accident Commission and AFL Victoria have launched this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program for football and netball clubs.

A share of $600,000 is up for grabs for teams kicking road safety goals this season.

TAC head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said this year’s program would encourage clubs to start conversations about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of remaining focused on the road.

“Too many people have died on our roads this year, and we know that distracted driving is a key and prevalent issue among young to middle-aged drivers, thousands of whom spend many hours at local sporting clubs every week,” she said.

“Victoria’s football and netball clubs are often at the heart of their communities and prioritising road safety within local clubs could be the reason someone gets home safely, instead of a tragic alternative.”

The program is a feature of the TAC’s 32-year partnership with AFL Victoria and rewards grassroots clubs with up to $10,000 for their efforts to promote road safety.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute reports about 20,000 Australians every year will suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital, which if that happens, has a survival rate of under 10 percent. The world’s first hand-held, smart, automated external defibrillator is your personal life-saving device.

Horsham’s Tony Pope luckily survived his cardiac arrest, but he said he ‘wished’ he had had a CellAED with him.

“We were in the middle of nowhere when it happened – it felt just like someone was sitting on my chest and I thought this is a bit worse than what I’ve had before,” he said. “The device is not big and bulky, and you can put one in your backpack or your lunch box – it is perfect for tradies. You never think it is going to happen to you, but I was 52-years old, fit as a fiddle and I thought I was bullet proof.”

Pre-order your CellAED now at kaceykochfirstaid.com.au to secure your place in the queue.

prevailed by two goals to one, so the Hockey Central Victoria girls progressed to the third place playoff match, where they drew with Glenelg.

– Simon King

TIME IS EVERYTHING

Be prepared and confident to act quickly to save a life. CellAED® can be applied in seconds.

Last year, 150 clubs, including Natimuk United, Minyip-Murtoa and Taylors Lake, received a share of $500,000 through the program.

TAC will also partner with AFL Victoria for a road safety round from July 15 to 17.

More information is available via aflvic.com.au/TACClubRewards

Fully qualified First Aid Trainer – Casey Kosch

Pre-order your handheld, smart, personal defibrillator HERE

Cardiac arrest, you don’t think it could happen to you, and if it did, you’re inclined to believe someone will be there to help. Right?

sPort

Orson Fury takes out final

IanBibby of Warracknabeal and his new star chaser Orson Fury made a successful journey to Warrnambool on Monday last week to contest the final of the $15,000 GRV VicBred Maiden Series Final over the 450-metre journey.

Finishing second in his heat the previous week, Orson Fury had worked home strongly from last position to qualify for the final. Drawing box one in his heat, Orson Fury had to contend with a completely different task when he drew the extreme outside box eight for the final.

Fury was sent to the boxes as the punters fourth-elect at $9 and when the lids went up and he collided with the dog on his inside, he was a clear last and would have been near 1001 to win from his position.

Fury held his wide line with smart field sense and began the job of weaving his way through the field. On the top of the corner, Fury had worked to fifth, but was still five lengths from the leaders and trapped wide.

Once the dogs straightened for home, Fury put the foot down and weaved through a gap with the field sense of a seasoned dog – not one having just his ninth start.

Once Fury hit the gap halfway down the home straight, he looked the winner and went home with extreme strength, taking the lead in the shadows of the winning post and taking out the $15,000 final by a quarter of a length in

Box ONE

with Peter Carter

a best-of-the-day time of 25:59sec. Before the final, Orson Fury had contested eight races for six placings.

It is a massive credit to Ian and Jill Bibby, who do untold kilometres racing and trialling their greyhounds.

Ian said after the race: “People like us don’t win these races.”

Horsham winners

Racing was in Horsham on May 9 and 15.

With just the two victories, Crackerjack Cap for Victor Millington, Great Western, was an all-the-way winner on the last race on the card, showing great dash to split 10:27 early and effectively end the contest cruising to a comfortable victory in 23:22sec.

At the May 15 meeting, committee member Ian Robinson, of Avoca, in the last race on the card, had Pyrenees Blazer jump straight to the front and lead all the way unchallenged to win by close to five lengths in the time of 23:55sec.

Andrea Gurry, Nhill, ventured to Warrnambool on Thursday last week with three runners, but it was Sassy Skye who was the kennel star.

Jumping from box three in the mixed grade six-seven 390-metre event it was again early speed that proved crucial.

A one-and-a-half-length early became close to a three-length winning margin in 22:61sec.

Demons hit halfway point of season

Horsham Demons women’s and under-18 women’s teams will line up again on Sunday as the Western Victoria Female Football League marks the halfway point of the season.

The women’s team will be hungry to return to the winners’ list in round seven after three straight losses.

The Demons will face Warrnambool Blues, who they defeated in round three by 26 points.

The game, at Horsham City Oval, will be a chance for Horsham to prove the strength it showed in the first three rounds.

It will be a tough game and

Horsham will need to use its speed and running game to come out on top.

On Sunday, the Demons travelled to Hamilton and played against a tough Kangaroos line-up.

Despite constant second efforts and strong intent, Hamilton was in front from the first break and maintained a lead to win by 19 points.

Hailey Puls played her 50th game for the club, the second woman in Horsham Demons history to reach the milestone, and played a strong game with good defensive pressure.

She was well supported by

Kayetlan Harris in the backline and Elle Treloar who snagged two goals.

The under-18 women’s team will travel to Portland to face the Tigers in round eight of the competition.

After a bye in round seven, the team will be primed to return to the oval and defend its second ladder position.

When they last met, the Demons did not let Portland put a score on the board and won by 102 points.

Adelle Weidemann and Violet McGennisken will be players to watch as they continue a stand-out season.

TOO QUICK: Horsham Demons’ Elle Treloar evades a Hamilton opponent on Sunday in round seven. She kicked two goals for the game. Picture: ELIZA McANULTY

‘Pink panters’ dominate

BY TONY LOGAN

Rebels to meet Devils at Mars

Pink

pants, pink ponies and a pink winning post at R.T. White Raceway on Sunday night set the scene for Ararat’s third annual Jane McGrath Foundation fundraiser.

Drivers Kerryn Manning and Jackie Barker dominated the nine-event program with a collective haul of five victories, Armstrong trainer Leroy O’Brien notched up a stable double and Concongella breeder, owner and trainer Paul Rousch celebrated with his long-shot winner.

Manning hit the board early in the night with O’Brien’s very smart fouryear-old squaregaiter, Sir Eros, in the $7000 Ararat Tyrepower Trotters Handicap.

First up from a spell, Sir Eros made a smooth getaway from his 20-metre handicap and quickly made up ground to lob in the coveted one-on position with two laps to go.

Manning waited patiently until the 600-metre mark then slipped her charge more rein and put the result out of doubt.

Sir Eros strode to the line untouched, 30m clear of the rest to record his fourth win from just 11 starts.

Barker was next to strike with the Peter Manning trained youngster, The More You Bet in the $8000 Chalam-

bar Golf Club two-year-old pace. Drawn widest on the front line, the son of Betting Line USA was forced to race outside the leader Eastbro Kozzy, for Mick Bellman, for the entire journey, but got the upper hand close to the line to score by a head in a rate of 2:01.8 for the 1790-metre contest.

Manning made it three in a row for the ‘pink panters’ when she saluted with the Luke Tabone-trained filly, Yareckon Im Sweet in the $7000 SHS Civil three-year-old maiden pace.

Punters were pleased to see the $2.70 favourite sprint to victory in a rate of 2:01.3 for the 2195m journey.

The second leg of O’Brien’s double landed the $7000 Ararat Advocate NR 51-54 Pace courtesy of the talented three-year-old gelding Blake Bolac with Jason Lee aboard.

First up since New Year’s Eve when unplaced at Melton in the $130,000 Vicbred Super Series Final, Blake Bolac led from go to whoa and was untroubled to down the older horses by 8m in a rate 2:00.2 for the 2195m trip.

With five wins from 10 starts on the board, ‘BB’ looks destined for bigger and better things ahead.

It was pink pants at the post again in the $7000 Graeme McKay Earthworks Pace when Barker combined with lightly raced five-year-old geld-

ing Soar for Marong trainer Trevor Patching. The pacer showed promise with successive wins at Mildura in 2020 when trained in the Sunraysia region, but lost form and was off the scene for 18 months before scoring first up for Patching at Birchip in March. Manning put paid to most quaddie

punters when $61 longshot Thelongroadnowhere finished all over the top of the opposition in the $4500 Dr Tim Harrison Pace.

The nine-year-old gelding has given the Rousch family plenty of enjoyment over his 51-start journey, with six wins and seven minors, with hopefully more in store.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels girls’ and boys’ teams returned to the oval for round seven of the Coates Talent League season, but were unable to secure a win.

In a doubleheader against Gold Coast Suns Academy, the girls’ team lost 8.10 (58) to 1.3 (9) and the boys’ lost 10.11 (71) to 8.6 (54).

In the boys’ game, both teams started strong and there was a one-point margin at the first break.

The Rebels could not overcome the defensive pressure of the Suns in the second quarter and only scored three points.

A relatively even second half on the scoreboard saw the Suns maintain their two-goal lead for the game.

Horsham Saint Joel Freijah had 21 disposals for the game and Rupanyup export Connor Weidemann had 10 disposals.

Minyip-Murtoa’s Oscar Gawith also played on Sunday.

The girls’ team started slow and by halftime the Suns had a five-goal lead.

While the Rebels scored one point in the second half, they kept defensive pressure on all game and did not let the Suns increase their margin by more than four points in the fourth quarter.

Horsham Demons’ Olivia Brilliant had 12 disposals and Ballarat Storm’s Brook Ward, who hails from Dimboola, had 15 disposals.

In round eight the Rebels will face the Tasmania Devils at Mars Stadium on Sunday in another doubleheader.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS: Bella Mason with Blaze, winners of the Newton Equine Ararat Pony Trot Cup.

Leaders widen gap in Mininera

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

League leaders will be looking to widen the gap at the top of the ladder in this weekend’s Mininera and District senior football.

The undefeated Tatyoon will host fifth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld in round seven, after defeating Woorndoo-Mortlake last game.

Hawks coach Zac Tunbridge was pleased with his side’s 24-point victory against the third-placed Tigers, saying they were one of the most difficult match-ups in the competition.

“We knew they were going to be quite tough around the contest,” he said.

Tunbridge said the encounter showed his team needed to improve in close quarters so that it was not as reliant on outside running.

He said he expected Glenthompson-Dunkeld to be better than some results might suggest.

“They are always a well-drilled running team,” he said.

Tunbridge said the similar running styles of both teams should lead to a contest that was enjoyable for both players and spectators.

“There is nothing better than a nice quick game,” he said.

Tunbridge singled out Taylor Stewart as one to watch. The forward has led the line to kick 27 goals in the early games.

He also praised his defensive line includ-

ing Josh Bibby and Jack Fraser at full back.

“We have a really strong backline – they just fight and fight. It’s been really hard to score against us,” he said.

Richmond AFL premiership player David Astbury is expected to play his second game back at his home club of Tatyoon against Glenthompson-Dunkeld.

Rams coach Tom Waters said he was disappointed with last week’s loss to Ararat Eagles.

“I thought we played well in the first half,” he said.

“We let them back into the game with some cheap early ones and could not get the momentum back.”

Waters said there had been ‘plenty of positive signs’ early in the season, but injuries had led to fielding an undermanned side in recent games.

“We knew there was a three-week period where we were going to have some tough games,” he said.

“We were really hoping we could make it even or steal a couple, but we have left it to the last game.”

After a few difficult fixtures, Waters is looking for his side to withstand the changes in momentum that have been its undoing in recent weeks.

“It will always be a challenge against Tatyoon. It is an away game for us as well. But we believe we have got the talent to do it,” he said.

Change of leadership at Laharum

Laharum Football Netball Club has parted ways with senior football coach Glenn Doyle. Following a club board meeting on Wednesday last week, board members voted in favour of a coaching change after five rounds of the 2023 season.

Club stalwarts Hamish Roberts and Shannon Argall are interim coaches for the remainder of the season. Both have previous coaching experience at the club.

President Brian Burke said the club was still working through the matter internally.

The Laharum football department will start advertising for a senior coach for 2024 in coming weeks.

The Demons have had a difficult start to the 2023 season, sitting at the bottom of the ladder without a win.

The 2022 season, under Doyle, resulted in three wins in a for-

gettable year for senior footballers.

The Demons suffered a significant loss on Saturday against Harrow-Balmoral in its first game without Doyle at the helm.

On June 24, Laharum will celebrate its centenary year.

To commemorate 100 years, the club will host a gala ball following matches against Natimuk United in round 10.

300 GAMES: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Kelvin Price played his 300th game at the weekend in the club’s reserves win against Edenhope-Apsley, 58-43. The Bombers veteran won last year’s Horsham District league reserves premiership as a playing joint-coach of the side. The Price family is a fixture at the club, with Kelvin’s father, Tex, also playing 300 games for Quantong, prior to the merger.

Picture: NICOLE NETHERWAY

ArouND tHe leAGues

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

This week: Round seven, Ararat v Minyip-Murtoa, Dimboola v Horsham Saints, Nhill v Southern Mallee Giants, Warrack Eagles v Stawell. Horsham, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Ararat 14.11 (95) d Southern Mallee Giants 9.10 (64), Dimboola 12.9 (81) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75), Stawell 11.12 (78) d Nhill 8.11 (59), Horsham 12.16 (88) d Warrack Eagles 12.9 (81). Horsham Saints, bye.

Ladder: Ararat 20 points, 287.57 percent; Dimboola 20, 119.48; Horsham Saints 16, 104.23; Southern Mallee Giants 12, 151.79; Minyip-Murtoa 8, 102.91; Stawell 8, 65.45; Horsham Demons 6, 73.08; Nhill 6, 62.97; Warrack Eagles 0, 61.63.

A Grade netball

Last week: Southern Mallee Giants 38 d Ararat 34, Dimboola 75 d Minyip-Murtoa 42, Stawell 35 d Nhill 32, Horsham 56 d Warrack Eagles 22. Horsham Saints, bye.

Ladder: Horsham 20 points, 174.75 percent; Horsham Saints 20, 157.21; Stawell 16, 114.35; Dimboola 16, 102.22; Nhill 8, 103.26; Ararat 8, 89.10; Southern Mallee Giants 4, 89.16; Minyip-Murtoa 4, 60.06; Warrack Eagles 0, 53.26.

Milestone games

AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires Cameron Pickering and Ash Wright are celebrating a combined 1500-game milestone when they umpire football at Warracknabeal this weekend.

Fittingly, the pair umpired their first grand final together at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal and will return to umpire Warrack Eagles and Stawell in the Wimmera league’s round seven.

Pickering is marking 800 football games umpired and Wright has umpired 700 games.

“To go back to Anzac Park for 1500 combined games umpired is a special moment and opportune time to reflect on our careers,” Pickering said.

“We’re obviously football tragics to commit this many years to the game, but it has been great to see so many local products come through from the leagues and go on to play great football.

“We’re proud of the umpiring standard we have in the leagues and our relationships with clubs. We are also loving mentoring the

next generation of footballers and umpires.” Pickering said umpiring the likes of Eagle Kyle Cheney meant as much as umpiring former AFL player Jason Akermanis, who is pulling on the maroon-and-gold for a feature game on Saturday.

“Kyle is a great example of someone who we watched up close play through juniors, go off and play AFL and now return to play with his brother Jake at his home club,” he said.

Wright said 2023 was a great season to be umpiring.

“There’s good competitiveness across the leagues and in Wimmera league there is not one club that is dominating,” he said.

“A lot of umpires from other leagues are envious of how we operate in this area, with our relationships between clubs, players and umpires.

“We are another part of the football community.”

Stawell goal umpire Ian Nicholson also notches 800 games this week, with other AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires Mark Hallam celebrating 100 games and Rod Kirkwood, 50 games.

Junior interleague team success

Wimmera league 13-and-under and 15-andunder navy netball teams are heading to Netball Victoria Association Finals Day after finishing runners-up at northern zone qualifier Association Championships in Bendigo.

Horsham District and Wimmera league 13-and-under, 15-and-under and 17-and-under teams competed at the event on Sunday. The finals day is scheduled for June 18 at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne.

Horsham District

This week: Round seven, Jeparit-Rainbow v Laharum, Edenhope-Apsley v Swifts, Kalkee v Noradjuha-Quantong, Harrow-Balmoral v Rupanyup, Natimuk United v Pimpinio, Taylors Lake v Kaniva-Leeor United.

Senior football

Last week: Swifts 14.9 (93) d Pimpinio

10.9 (69), Jeparit-Rainbow 20.18 (138) d

Kaniva-Leeor United 9.9 (63), Harrow-Balmoral 33.21 (219) d Laharum 1.2 (8), Rupanyup 9.13 (67) d Kalkee 5.7 (37), Noradjuha-Quantong 13.5 (85) d Edenhope-Apsley

10.10 (70), Natimuk United 13.25 (103) d Taylors Lake 8.7 (55).

Ladder: Harrow-Balmoral 24 points, 479.8 percent; Jeparit-Rainbow 20, 180.83 percent; Rupanyup 18, 191.12; Noradjuha-Quantong 16, 145.50; Swifts 16, 134.65; Pimpinio 12, 92.25; Edenhope-Apsley 12, 87.18; Kaniva-Leeor United 12, 58.75; Kalkee 8, 77.46; Natimuk United 6, 66.82; Taylors Lake 0, 38.14; Laharum 0, 23.

A Grade netball

Last week: Pimpinio 68 d Swifts 30, Laharum 92 d Harrow-Balmoral 29, Kalkee 53 d Rupanyup 40, Edenhope-Apsley 48 d Noradjuha-Quantong 25, Taylors Lake 49 d Natimuk United 47.

Ladder: Edenhope-Apsley 24 points, 202.19 percent; Laharum 20, 153.68; Kalkee 20, 137.25; Jeparit-Rainbow 16, 121.13; Pimpinio 16, 117.09; Noradjuha-Quantong 12, 111.48; Rupanyup 12, 105.65; Natimuk United 8, 81.43; Taylors

Lake 8, 73.82; Swifts 4, 62.02; Harrow-Balmoral 4, 49.38.

Mininera and District

This week: Round seven, Caramut v Penshurst, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac v Lismore-Derrinallum, SMW Rovers v Ararat Eagles, Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Great Western, Woorndoo-Mortlake v Moyston-Willaura, Tatyoon v Glenthompson-Dunkeld.

Senior football

Last week: Great Western 31.20 (206) d Caramut 3.6 (24), Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 16.19 (115) d Penshurst 4.6 (30), Lismore-Derrinallum 12.10 (82) d SMW Rovers 7.9 (51), Ararat Eagles 15.7 (97) d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 8.5 (53), Hawkesdale-Macarthur 20.14 (134) d Moyston-Willaura 1.9 (15), Tatyoon 7.11 (53) d Woorndoo-Mortlake 4.5 (29).

Ladder: Tatyoon 24 points, 345.65 percent; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 20, 280.7; Woorndoo-Mortlake 16, 217.62; Ararat Eagles 16, 194.79; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 16, 134.67; Great Western 16, 128.51; Penshurst 12, 85.81; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 8, 131.14; Lismore-Derrinallum 8, 101.13; SMW Rovers 4, 87.52; Moyston-Willaura 4, 21.44; Caramut 0, 9.91.

A Grade netball

Last week: Caramut 41 d Great Western 37, Lismore-Derrinallum 54 d SMW Rovers 32, Ararat Eagles 41 d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 28, Hawkesdale-Macarthur 67 d Moyston-Willaura 21, Tatyoon 36 d Woorndoo-Mortlake 26, Penshurst v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, no game.

Ladder: Tatyoon 24 points, 190.77 percent; Ararat Eagles 20, 198.09; Lismore-Derrinallum 20, 177.25; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 20, 123.47; Penshurst 16, 160.84; Woorndoo-Mortlake 16, 134.16; Caramut 12, 90.71; SMW Rovers 8, 81.71; Great Western 4, 93.02; Moyston-Willaura 4, 34.23; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 0, 68.36; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 0, 0.

North Central

This week: Round six, Donald v St Arnaud, Wedderburn v Birchip-Watchem, Wycheproof-Narraport v Nullawil, Charlton v Sea Lake-Nandaly. Boort, bye.

Senior football

Last week: League bye

Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly 16 points, 214.20 percent; Wycheproof-Narraport 14, 96.96; Nullawil 12, 198.51; Boort 10, 121.15; Birchip-Watchem 8, 172.79; Wedderburn 8, 104.48; Donald 8, 101.19; Charlton 4, 43.23; St Arnaud 0, 32.03.

A Grade netball

Last week: League bye

Ladder: Boort 20 points, 150.6 percent; Nullawil 16, 144; Birchip-Watchem 16, 123.89; Wedderburn 12, 116.57; Wycheproof-Narraport 8, 102.94; Charlton 4, 92.71; Sea Lake-Nandaly 4, 71.25; Donald 0, 76.32; St Arnaud 0, 48.76.

• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

MILESTONE GAMES: AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires Ash Wright and Cameron Pickering will umpire 700 and 800 milestone games this weekend, respectively, at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HorsHAM DIstrICt leAGue

AFTER THE SIREN

shirtfront the

Senior football

The match of the round: Swifts’ win against Pimpinio, 93-69. The Tigers got off to a good start, kicking seven goals in the first half to be 30 points in front at the main break. Swifts used the home ground advantage at North Park to claw the game back. After round six, Swifts are a game in front of Pimpinio on the ladder.

The standout player: Simon Close kicked 11 goals for Harrow-Balmoral in its emphatic win against Laharum. The centre-half forward did not drop a ball and provided a target for the Southern Roos’ midfielders throughout the game. He is also an experienced footballer, playing in big leagues and important games.

The rising star: Jeparit-Rainbow is sitting at five wins and one loss after six games. Nobody had the side in this position before the season started. In fact, plenty of people thought it would not be as good as last year. The Storm is the only team to give Harrow-Balmoral a genuine contest so far in 2023.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Taylors Lake’s two-goal win against Natimuk United, 4947. The Rams got off to a good start, scoring well to lead by two goals at the end of the first quarter. From then on, it was an extremely tight game with neither team pulling away on the scoreboard. With both teams sitting just outside of finals places, it was an important week for Taylors Lake to claim its second win of the season.

The standout player: Laharum goal attack Maddi Iredell was influential in a big win against Harrow-Balmoral, 92-29. She shot 40 goals and was named best player for the Demons.

The rising star: Tahlia Thompson has gone from strength to strength for Pimpinio. She is starting to really make a name for herself through performances like that on Saturday against Swifts. Thompson has taken the step up to fulltime A Grade after playing 17-and-under as well as some A Grade matches in recent seasons.

Saints host Indigenous round

This weekend’s Horsham District league A Grade netball will include a demonstration of openness, recognition and acceptance.

Edenhope-Apsley host Swifts for its Indigenous round contest at Edenhope Recreation Reserve.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country at 9.30am.

Prior to senior netball games, Edenhope-Apsley A Grade captain Emily Burgess will give her own welcome address, at 11.45am.

Tanisha Lovett, who designed special Indigenous uniforms for Edenhope-Apsley players, will toss the coin.

Edenhope-Apsley will host a function in the evening, with Wergaia elder Uncle Ron Marks a guest speaker at the Edenhope clubrooms.

The Saints have picked up where they left off after last season’s premiership, winning all six games in the A Grade season to date.

Last week’s 23-goal win against Noradjuha-Quantong confirmed the Saints’ finals pedigree.

Carlee Feder and Lavinia Fox led the way for the Saints, scoring 48 goals between them.

Swifts coach Kristy Dodds is approaching the round seven encounter with quiet optimism after injuries have affected her team’s early season.

“Unfortunately, this year we’ve been struck with injuries, particularly in defence with our tall defenders being out,” she said.

“Edwina Flakemore still remains out with a toe injury.”

Dodds said she has identified opportunities for improvement in recent matches.

“In the first half we have been able to stick with teams,” she said.

“A lack of rotation has affected us and teams have been able to run away with games.

“The scoreboard hasn’t always reflected the game and other coaches have said that, which is nice.”

Dodds pointed towards the broader netball program at the club, saying this week would allow players to continue to develop their game.

“Morale is still really high this week as we get ready for battle against Edenhope-Apsley,” she said.

Dodds said she was hoping injury troubles subsided in the second half of the season.

“Our recruit Molly Orr is away for six weeks, which we knew when we recruited her,” she said.

“She was in goals for two weeks before going into defence and that versatility has been good.

“Our team has been different every week. We haven’t had much of a chance to try different combinations. It has been about getting a side out there for each game.”

FOCUS: Kalkee’s Rianna Kuhne and Adelle Weidemann, Rupanyup, in action on Saturday.

Finals heat, pressure in top-of-the-table clash

A top-of-the-table clash is the highlight of Horsham District league’s round seven in senior football.

Rupanyup will travel to face an undefeated Harrow-Balmoral at Harrow Reserve.

The Panthers are coming off a grand final replay win against Kalkee last week, which is its third win in a row.

Rupanyup coach Brayden Ison was content with his side’s 30-point defeat of Kalkee.

“It was a windy old day,” he said.

“We probably weren’t quite at our best.”

Despite the trying conditions, Rupanyup had 10 more scoring shots than its opposition, with Ison taking positives from both ends of the

field. “Our backline played really well,” he said.

The Panthers coach said his side’s start to the season, which included a first-round draw with Natimuk United, had been mixed.

“It’s taken us a few weeks to get going,” he said.

Ison said he was ready to see where his team was sitting as they take on Harrow-Balmoral.

“The main thing is to bring intent,” he said.

“The pressure is on them, not us.”

No matter the final score, Ison said the Panthers would learn plenty on Saturday against league leaders.

“I get more out of a loss than a win,” he said.

He said Lachlan Weidemann and Mitchell Gleeson had stood out in early season games, with Bill Hansen returning strongly from injury.

Harrow-Balmoral coach Jai Thompson said this weekend’s contest was another chance to play against a ‘next tier’ opposition.

“I said to my players, after last week’s game against Laharum, that we haven’t really played anyone in the top seven,” he said.

Thompson said he expected a similar level of opposition against Rupanyup to that which JeparitRainbow provided through its running game in round three.

“They were really fast and got out the back a few times – which we

have worked on,” he said. Thompson said a ‘quick start’ would be important against Rupanyup.

“They will bring pressure around the footy,” he said.

He said the first six games had also been a chance to introduce youth, such as Rhys Daffey, into the senior team.

Thompson said he was also looking towards the clash against Rupanyup with one eye on finals.

“There is every chance they will be playing in finals,” he said.

“There will be that finals heat and finals pressure.

“It will be at that standard we need to play to win those games.”

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

WIMMerA leAGue

Footballers continue to rise to challenges

Horsham Saints and Dimboola senior footballers will test each other on Saturday when they meet for the first time this season.

The Wimmera league season has contained many surprises in the first six weeks and teams continue to rise to the challenge.

The Saints were bolstered after a big win against Minyip-Murtoa before a bye in round six.

Coach Ben Knott said with Dimboola and the Saints coming off good wins to the Burras, both teams would be confident going into round seven.

“We’ll give it our best shot this weekend,” he said.

“I think we have been moving the ball well and giving our forwards a chance. If we keep that up, we should be in good stead moving forward.”

Dimboola coach Jack Landt said

the Saints had experienced a good start to the season.

“Before their bye, we were equal on the ladder, so this will be a big game,” he said.

Knott said league followers might not have predicted the Saints to be defending third position on the ladder at this point of the season.

“We have a young group and some of them started playing senior football earlier than expected, but I think that is also holding them in good stead now that they have played a few seasons,” he said.

“Young players Jackson Davidson and Gage Wright have stepped up and Max Bryan, who, in the past could be inconsistent, has put together five strong games.

“Our on-field leaders are also leading from the front, especially Angus Martin who has moved to centre halfback and is controlling

the back line well.” Knott said it was good for the competition to see some unexpected wins.

“The league should be proud the competition is so strong and even this year. Teams should always go in expecting and wanting to win games, but it is never going to be guaranteed this season,” he said.

Landt said knowing the team had room to build was positive.

“It’s been about 10 years since Dimboola has beaten Minyip-Murtoa. It was a good win and we could have played better, so it is positive to know we can lift,” he said.

“Our pace of ball movement has been good and something we made a real effort to do on Saturday.

“Dylan Landt was best on ground on Saturday and Sam Godden has been our best player so far and they have been combining well.”

Ararat will aim to keep its unde-

AFTER THE SIREN

feated status when it hosts MinyipMurtoa, who will need to work hard to protect its top-five position.

Ben Taylor is formidable in the middle for the Rats and Burras’ Warwick Stone is coming off a standout week.

Southern Mallee Giants will want to bounce back after two losses to defeat Nhill.

Giant Rupert Sangster left the ground in round six with an injury after kicking six goals, but if he recovers for round seven will be a crucial player in a win.

Stawell will look for another win when it plays Warrack Eagles.

The Eagles came close to their first win on Saturday and will be fighting with extra incentive for their first four points.

Former AFL star Jason Akermanis will join the Eagles in a feature match on Saturday.

Eagles focused on first win

Warrack Eagles are yet to open their Wimmera league A Grade netball 2023 account and have another tough challenge ahead against Stawell in round seven.

The Eagles have not lost by a margin of fewer than 14 goals this season and will continue to fight for their first four premiership points.

Stawell has started the season strong and will be looking to secure a win this weekend as the midpoint of the season quickly approaches.

The Warriors’ biggest winning margin was 21 goals and the biggest losing margin, eight goals.

Eagle Jordan Heller has found her feet in defence in recent weeks.

The versatility of her teammate, Leiah McKenzie, is also a strength of the team as she can transition from an attacking midcourt role to a defending midcourt role.

In the black-and-red, Lisa Considine continues to impress in defence.

This year she has partnered well with Lauren Homden as goalkeeper, who is a tough opponent.

While Stawell will be confident heading into this match, the season has remained unpredictable and close to date.

Across the ladder, only one game separates the top-four teams, although three clubs are yet to have their first bye.

Nhill and Southern Mallee Giants are set for a close contest, with the Giants emerging from round six with their first win and the Tigers only losing in round six by three goals.

Olivia Revell was crucial against Ararat for the Giants and will need to perform well again to help secure a second win.

Jenna Schneider’s ability to play where she is needed continues to be an asset for Nhill, who is making its way up the ladder each week.

It will also be a tough contest between Ararat and Minyip-Murtoa in a round crucial to developing confidence before facing two or three more teams for the first time this season.

Minyip-Murtoa suffered a significant loss to Dimboola in round six, while Ararat narrowly lost to the Giants.

Both teams will be hungry for a chance at redeeming those games and defend their chance to increase their ladder standing.

Rats Georgia Peel and Genevieve Bush continue to combine well

and apply strong defensive pressure across the court.

The Burras are fortunate to have a team with players who can switch into multiple positions, with Lucy Brand able to adjust well from midcourt to goals and Jessica Newell from goals to defence.

Dimboola is lining up for its big-

Still in front!

shirtfront the

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

The match of the round: Southern Mallee Giants v Ararat. Ararat went into the game red-hot favourites with the Giants having three to four of some of their best players out. The Giants played well for the calibre of players they had out there, and their pressure was good. In the end, Ararat was too classy – especially with five goals to one in the final quarter. Ararat has good structures, is well-disciplined and they play for each other.

The standout team: Ararat’s Ben Taylor is the standout this week. He played in the middle and kicked four goals. When you have on-ballers or rovers kicking goals it goes a long way to winning games.

The rising star: Ararat’s Sonny Kettle who played in the under-17s last year is a rising star. He was impressive. He is a good size, well-built and has taken to senior football like a duck to water. He doesn’t look out of place and it is good to see him on ball – it is good to see when young ones are given that chance. He is going to play good footy in the Wimmera league for a long time yet.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Dimboola v Minyip-Murtoa. With 75 goals it was a high-scoring game for Dimboola and their biggest winning margin for the season. Minyip-Murtoa put up a good fight but was unable to keep up. It is possible that apart from Horsham and Horsham Saints, Dimboola could be the next-best team – they will be up there and could finish top three at the end of the season.

gest challenge to date against Horsham Saints, who are well rested after a round six bye.

Young player Indy Ward is working well in defence for the Roos and will face the highly accurate Jorja Clode, who has been averaging almost 50 goals a game for the Saints.

The standout team: Horsham’s combination of Georgia Batson and Georgie Carberry was strong in round six. A move for Carberry out of the goal ring, but she feeds into that ring very well and it gets into their shooters. The height of Batson is an advantage and she shot 29 goals.

The rising star: Olivia Jorgensen of Dimboola is the rising star this week. She shot 40 goals on Saturday in goal attack, which is a great effort. Moving from defence in 2022 to shooting goals in 2023 has made a huge difference to Dimboola this season.

efficiency, multiple boom and spray system options, and industry-leading application technologies continues to put Miller ahead of the rest.

CONSISTENT: Dimboola’s Ashlee Morrish was consistent in goals during Dimboola’s big win against Minyip-Murtoa.

sPort

Clough: Just give it a go

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Whena footballer retires, making the transition to umpiring is not always their first thought.

Paul Clough said while his situation was not unique, as an explayer turned umpire, it should be a more common pathway.

“It is a shame that more explayers do not take it on,” he said.

“If we could get 10 percent of retired players to take up umpiring, we would be in a lot better spot.”

Clough notched 396 games as a field umpire, officiating many grand finals, before retiring at the end of 2022.

He was also an umpiring-coach for five years, and remains involved in the game with the Southern Mallee Giants.

Before becoming an umpire, Clough said he played more than 350 senior football games for five different clubs in the area.

“Ex-players will make better umpires, I’ve got no doubt about that,” he said.

“You can read the play better than someone who hasn’t played the game. The transition for any player into umpiring certainly makes it easier for them.”

Clough was also involved in coaching, at both reserves and

senior level, until he was encouraged to take up umpiring.

“I had umpired basketball when I was younger, so umpiring wasn’t totally new to me,” he said.

“From round five of my first umpiring season, I was refereeing senior football. In my third year I umpired a senior grand final and that turned into 11-straight senior grand finals, up until last year.”

Clough said umpiring was ‘the best seat in the house’ to watch the game.

“Some of the grand finals I’ve umpired, four or five, have been decided by less than a goal,” he said.

“The crowd is right into it and you have to keep your concentration.”

Clough said the physical strain on umpires, sometimes running about 20 kilometres on any given Saturday, was one of the reasons he decided to give it away.

“Certainly in the back end of my career, I was trying to keep up,” he said.

“The game does not get any slower, it probably gets a bit quicker each year, and that’s a challenge.”

Clough said adding an extra field umpire in some games, such as marquee matches and finals, would lead to better umpiring out-

Apprentice Plumber

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Enjoy physical hands-on tasks

• Genuine desire to pursue career in plumbing

• White Card & Drivers Licence

• Working with Children’s Check

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

Business Merchandise Traineeship

Horsham

Closing date: May 30, 2023

Requirements:

• Aptitude for working with computers and figures

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Ability to lift 20 kg products and a strong interest in Agriculture

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654

comes, however, he was aware of the logistical and financial challenge this would pose to leagues.

“If we had three umpire systems every week, it would make things a lot easier,” he said.

“That’s the reason the AFL have gone to four this year, to try to keep their better umpires in the game longer.”

Clough acknowledged negative feedback from the stands meant umpiring was not for everyone, but said he had seen improvements in his 15 years of umpiring.

“Players have gotten a lot better

since I first started. They just want to play footy and get on with it,” he said.

Clough recommended anyone thinking about umpiring to ‘give it a go.’

“It’s a good challenge and very rewarding from a personal point of view,” he said.

“The biggest deterrent I think for people taking up umpiring is the stuff that gets yelled out from over the fence – that is stopping people from maybe umpiring footy.”

Air-Con & Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Physically fit & good mobillity

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Medical

• Working At Heights Competency

• White Card

• This role requires staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID 19

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655

Apprentice Butcher

Nhill

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Enjoy practical and manual activities

• Able to cope with the physical demands of the job

• Good hand-eye coordination

• Evidence of COVID 19 certificates may be required

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655

03 5382 3823

Warrack Eagles host Akermanis

Warrack Eagles will welcome Jason Akermanis to Anzac Park on Saturday to join footballers in maroonand-gold against Stawell.

The former Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs AFL footballer will be joined by Jason Fogg from the podcast ‘The J Spot’ for a sportsmen’s night following the round seven game.

Eagles president Zane Jess said member Jason Mellings knew Fogg and Akermanis.

“All we had to do was ask them and they were more than happy to come on board,” he said.

“Akermanis will be at training tomorrow night and then on Friday we will hopefully play some golf with him before he joins the Auskickers that night. “We’re looking forward to it. It will be great for the club and we hope the community will get behind it as well.”

Mr Jess said he was hoping to see lots of people head to Anzac Park to watch the game.

“We have already had 100 people RSVP for the sportsmen’s night,” he said.

“We’re not charging people to come to the event, it will just be gate prices if they come during the day and paying for a meal if they wish. We just wanted to bring something different for the community to enjoy.”

Mr Jess said the club could not thank Akermanis enough for the time he was committing this week.

“We haven’t won a senior football game yet, have only won one reserves game and our netball is a bit up and down, too,” he said.

“Hopefully having a former AFL premiership player and Brownlow medallist on the oval will boost our players’ confidence. Off the oval and courts, the club couldn’t be in a better place, so to get a few wins on the board would put us in good stead for the rest of the year.”

Water Operations Traineeship

Edenhope

Closing date: May 30, 2023

Duties Include:

• Assist in the Maintenance and repair water and wastewater systems and assets

• Assist in responding to customer reported faults and service requests

• Assist in conducting scheduled inspections of pumps, chlorinators, bores and reservoirs

• Operate company vehicles, power tools, plant and equipment

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890

Boilermaker Welder

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Fabricate and manufacture metal parts for later assembly

• Follow blueprints to ensure exact specifications of output

• Produce strong, clean welds

• Test output to ensure strength and tolerance of welds

To discuss this exciting opportunity further, call Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

NEXT STEP: Paul Clough notched 396 games as a field umpire before retiring at the end of 2022. He now keeps in touch with the game as part of the coaching team at Southern Mallee Giants.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALL WEEK

Firebrace Street and Sawyer Park will be temporarily renamed

Firebrace Street will become Yangga Tyerrang Street (Young gun Ch-rang) – Walk Together and Sawyer Park will become Warta Tyerrang Muwil Park (War-da Ch-rang Moo-will) – Come Together All.

National Reconciliation Week Banners along Yangga Tyerrang Street (Firebrace Street)

Town Entrance Signs

Colouring activities at Horsham Town Hall and Kalkee Road Children’s & Community HUB

FRIDAY 26 MAY @ 10.30AM

Morning tea to recognise National Reconciliation Week 2023

Location: Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent Street, Horsham

You are invited to morning tea with the Mayor to recognise the importance of National Reconciliation Week and hear about the upcoming activities throughout the week and beyond.

FOR

SUNDAY 4 JUNE @ 5-8PM

Creative Voice/Creative Generations

Reconciliation Week Event

Location: Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall, 101 Main Street, Natimuk

The Creative Voice/Creative Generations (CVCG) event will celebrate the creative processes and practices of Artists of the Wotjobaluk Nation on Country with the broader community. This is a free event and all are welcome.

MONDAY 5 JUNE @ 10AM – 2.30PM

Session 1: Joanne Harrison Clarke’s Awareness Training

Location: Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent Street Horsham

This will be the first of two training sessions to be run (date for Session 2 to be advised) and allows us to gain a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s so in turn we can be more culturally responsive. The training is open to all at no cost but spaces are limited. To register please go to www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

MOST UP TO DATE DETAILS PLEASE GO TO: WWW.HRCC.VIC.GOV.AU

sPort

Ararat remains at the top of the Wimmera league senior football ladder after defeating Southern Mallee Giants by 31 points at Beulah in round six. Giant Jackson Fisher, right, tackles Ararat’s Ethan Summers during Saturday’s game. The Rats will present a challenge for 2022 grand final opponent Minyip-Murtoa this weekend, while the Giants will look to return to their winning form against Nhill amid a senior football competition that remains unpredictable. Story, page 49.

Rats topple Giants

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALL WEEK

Firebrace Street and Sawyer Park will be temporarily renamed

Firebrace Street will become Yangga Tyerrang Street (Young gun Ch-rang) – Walk Together and Sawyer Park will become Warta Tyerrang Muwil Park (War-da Ch-rang Moo-will) – Come Together All.

National Reconciliation Week Banners along Yangga Tyerrang Street (Firebrace Street)

Town Entrance Signs

Colouring activities at Horsham Town Hall and Kalkee Road Children’s & Community HUB

FRIDAY 26 MAY @ 10.30AM

Morning tea to recognise National Reconciliation Week 2023

Location: Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent Street, Horsham

You are invited to morning tea with the Mayor to recognise the importance of National Reconciliation Week and hear about the upcoming activities throughout the week and beyond.

FOR

SUNDAY 4 JUNE @ 5-8PM

Creative Voice/Creative Generations

Reconciliation Week Event

Location: Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall, 101 Main Street, Natimuk

The Creative Voice/Creative Generations (CVCG) event will celebrate the creative processes and practices of Artists of the Wotjobaluk Nation on Country with the broader community. This is a free event and all are welcome.

MONDAY 5 JUNE @ 10AM – 2.30PM

Session 1: Joanne Harrison Clarke’s Awareness Training

Location: Horsham Town Hall, 71 Pynsent Street Horsham

This will be the first of two training sessions to be run (date for Session 2 to be advised) and allows us to gain a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s so in turn we can be more culturally responsive. The training is open to all at no cost but spaces are limited. To register please go to www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

MOST UP TO DATE DETAILS PLEASE GO TO: WWW.HRCC.VIC.GOV.AU