PREP-ED FOR SCHOOL: Elizabeth and Mackenzie Barron are joining about 78,000 other preps who are beginning their school journey across the state. Elizabeth and Mackenzie are starting school at Natimuk Primary School on Monday. They are excited to get on the bus to go to school and make friends. Back To School feature, pages 23-29. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Anew agriculture venture in Horsham will improve accessibility of fertiliser for farmers and create more jobs in the industry.
Horsham-based agronomy business Crop Opti is expanding with a new fertiliser depot adjacent to its current site on Golf Course Road, Horsham.
Owner Travis Hair said it was a $6to $7-million project that would be operational in late April or early May.
“It will be a big shed, with a blender facility inside for blending and treating and we also have the ability to make liquid fertiliser,” he said.
“The shed will hold about 6000 tonnes of fertiliser.
“Rather than drive to Portland or Geelong, farmers can come here to pick it up.
“It’s like nothing else we have in the area. Geelong and Portland are where the ports and fertiliser depots are.”
Mr Hair said he would employ more people for the project once complete.
“We’re thinking, going forward, this will create at least another three jobs,” he said.
“We employ seven people now and will look to increase that in the coming six months.
“We were hoping to have the building finished by now, but wet weather stalled it. Hopefully the shed will be up in the next two months.
“The fully stainless-steel blender is coming from the United States, hopefully in April.”
Mr Hair predicted having fertiliser available in the Wimmera would save farmers up to 10 hours of travel.
“It’s a time benefit for clients – they won’t have to travel to Geelong or Portland to pick up their fertiliser, bring it back and put it in a silo,” he said.
“They will be able to come straight
in here, pick up their fertiliser in a truck, go back to the farm and tip it straight from the truck into the air seeder.
“We will have the ability to load from 6am to 10pm, and on weekends as well, which you don’t get at the ports.”
Grain Producers Australia southern director and research spokesman Andrew Weidemann said having a depot in close proximity for Wimmera farmers was a plus.
“We use a lot of fertiliser in farming, so it will be a benefit for farmers in Horsham and the surrounding 100
kilometres to have more available,” he said.
“For some farmers, it might mean they no longer have to travel to ports.
“A lot of farmers bring product back to farms from ports, but blends are not readily available, so that will also be quite an advantage.
“The capability to make what is, essentially, a prescription for farmers is really good.
“For example, if I want a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium blend at a certain ratio, the blender will be able to create what I want.”
Thanks to funding support from the Victorian Government, Horsham Rural City Council is installing three pop-up parklets in the central activity district.
They will be located at the bus terminal in Roberts Avenue, the top end of Firebrace Street and Roberts Avenue near the corner of Darlot Street.
While they are already onsite, the parklets are still under construction with umbrellas and plants to be added in the coming weeks to provide shade and greenery.
When finished, the new parklets will help to activate the streetscape and give people a spot to meet, sit and read a book or eat with friends – and ultimately spend more time in the city centre.
The parklets are open for anyone to use at any time (not just customers of nearby businesses).
Through community consultation, it is clear that residents, visitors and local workers are overwhelmingly positive
about recent outdoor dining improvements in the city including the existing Roberts Place pop-up park.
The community has told Council that more pop-up parks and parklets should be installed.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Council had intentionally avoided having parklets in the busiest parking areas of Firebrace Street (between McLachlan Street and Pynsent Street).
At the bus terminal, a dedicated taxi bay lost to the parklet will soon be re-located to an area nearby.
“We’re very excited about the introduction of the parklets– they can temporarily transform urban spaces and extend the amount of time residents and tourists spend in an area, which is great for our local businesses,” Cr Gulline said.
“They can be moved multiple times throughout the year to activate community spaces within the municipality, and we will be engaging with the community to
seek feedback on these locations in the coming months.”
“So I encourage everyone to make the most of these spaces, especially over the warmer months, and to get out and support our wonderful hospitality businesses by grabbing some take away to enjoy at one of our new parklets,” she said.
The land affected by the application is: 147 Firebrace Street, Horsham.
Application details: There has been a pergola/verandah constructed as part of the City to River project that joins the front of the Horsham Angling Clubrooms and the Club wishes to extend it existing Liquor License red line to include this new area for functions and has been advised by the VCGLR that this requires a planning permit to proceed.
The applicant for the Permit is: Gary Anson, Horsham Angling Club Application reference number: PA2200533
You may look at the application and any supporting documents via Council’s website: https://hrcc.greenlightopm.com/ public/detail/1221116dxch7siSv and entering the reference number: PA2200533
You may also look at the application and supporting documents at the Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions. An objection must be sent to HRCC and include the reasons for the objection.
Copies of objections or submissions received may be made available to any person for the purpose of consideration. For queries call the planning team on 5382 9798 or email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au. Council will not decide on the application before 8 February 2023
If you object, HRCC will tell you its decision.
Sawyer Park, Thursday 26 January, 8am
Streamed live on Facebook
Free barbecue breakfast from 7am Welcome to Country by Auntie Anne Nicholson
Ambassador: Paul Margetts, Victoria Police Superintendent (retired) Australian Citizenship Ceremony Raising of the Flag
Entertainment: Horsham City Pipe Band, Voices of the Wimmera, Horsham Rural City Band.
Order of Australia Medal Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year
Rural Ceremonies:
Brimpaen Hall - 8am breakfast, flag raising ceremony at 9am.
Dadswells Bridge Hall – flag raising ceremony at 11.30am followed by light lunch
Natimuk – 11am at the NC2 building followed by lunch.
Tender # Q30/2023
Tender #Q28/2023
Tender #23/017
Tender # Q31/2023
HRCC in the 2022-23 budget has allocated total funding of $50,000 to be distributed to ‘not-for-profit’ community groups impacted by Covid.
The special Springboard funding is HRCC’s way of helping groups continue to bounce back following the pandemic.
Council will allocate the funding equally between all eligible applications received by 31 January 2023, with a maximum allocation per group of $500.
Applying for the Covid Springboard Funding is very easy. Details and an online form are on Council’s website (use QR code).
People can also contact the Civic Centre to obtain a paper application or phone the community grants team on 53829777.
Council reminds property owners who pay their rates in full that the annual payment is due Wednesday 15 February 2023.
Anyone experiencing financial difficulties should contact Council as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances and make alternative arrangements.
If you have not received your 2022/2023 annual rate notice, use our online form to request a copy or call 03 5382 9777.
Tender # Q29/2023
All tender, EOI and RFQ details online at: www.eprocure.com.au/ horsham-rural-citycouncil/
Anew exhibition in Horsham celebrates the beauty, strength and diversity of women’s bodies.
The exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery, titled ‘500 Strong’, seeks to challenge ‘what real women look like’; and to challenge the conventions of women’s behaviour and representation in art and society.
Black-and-white images of 465 naked women, aged over 50, celebrate health, body image and wellbeing.
Renowned Australian photographer Ponch Hawkes embarked on an ‘epic’ project in 2018 to photograph Victorian women over the age of 50. Participants could show their faces, or consider anonymity with a personalised face covering.
Photo shoots at Hawkes’ studio in Melbourne and at Shepparton Art Museum, Geelong Gallery and Horsham Regional Art Gallery followed, attracting 465 volunteers.
About 50 of them live in the Wimmera. Their photoshoot was in April and June last year.
A Wimmera participant, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the photoshoot was a chance for acceptance, celebration and fun.
“I never used to have an issue with my body, but over the past few years, I have watched it change — because of menopause, I think,” she said.
“One day, I found myself standing in front of the mirror wondering who on earth that person was.
“My husband tells me I’m beautiful in his eyes, but in my own eyes, I’m not so sure.
“So when I heard about 500 Strong, I seized the opportunity to reclaim my own body and accept myself for who I am — body change and all.
“To my delight, I was able to recruit some friends to come to the shoot with me and made a day of it – a day of fun, amazing conversations and, most of all, a celebration of ourselves as the wonderful women we truly are.”
The exhibition officially opens on Sunday, February 5 at 3pm.
Hawkes will be in attendance to discuss the ideas that encouraged the work and reflect on the ‘erasure of ageing women from visual culture’ and ‘the negative stereotypes’ that surround them.
The gallery will also host a private gathering for photoshoot participants before the exhibition closes on March 19.
The gallery’s director Lauren Simpson said the exhibition had spurred
important conversations. “We’ve had a lot of people come through since the exhibition opened in December. Often they thank us for having something like this in the gallery — to see someone who looks like them, or like someone they know,” she said.
“People might normally say, you shouldn’t be doing that, you shouldn’t be showing that.
“The more often we put these things out there, the more it will become normal; it won’t be questioned.
“Everybody is different – not every-
one is the same – and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“Why is there an age limit on what people can show?
“Be proud of what you’ve been given and flaunt it.”
‘500 Strong’ premiered in the 2021 exhibition, ‘Flesh after fifty: Changing images of older women in art’ with former Horsham gallery director Jane Scott its curator.
The gallery, in Wilson Street, is open every day from 10am to 4pm.
From page 1
Mr Weidemann said it was also important that the depot would create more jobs.
“We want to encourage more people to get involved or stay involved in the agriculture industry,” he said.
“There’s no question that agriculture is a big economic driver here and what we want is more people staying in the area for agriculture.
“This business venture is a great opportunity for that to happen.”
Mr Hair said he hoped it would be a game changer for farmers.
“We think the area needs it. We’re just trying to make growers’ lives easier. If people support it, it should go really well and save people time and, hopefully, some money,” he said.
“We back growers and we listen to
growers and a lot of them are telling us different challenges, so it’s important to listen to them and see what we can do to improve things for them.
“Hopefully it keeps us sustainable, too.”
Mr Hair said Wimmera contractors were building the shed and preparing the site.
“Brad Smith at Horsham Steel is building the shed, HED Industries
are doing the base and the roads, and Damien Cameron is doing the concreting,” he said.
“We didn’t want to outsource this project – we had a couple of shed businesses come to us, but they weren’t local.
“Our contractors are a good group of young, Horsham entrepreneurs and are the best at what they do.”
A First-Nations community organisation has offered its employees the choice to work tomorrow.
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative joins a growing number of Australian organisations noting January 26 is not a celebration for everyone.
Chief executive Anthony Craig said staff who were working tomorrow would instead receive time off work at a later date of their choosing.
“The move has been overwhelmingly supported by all Goolum staff,” he said.
“It is important that we stand with and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this day of mourning.”
General manager John Gorton said the change would ensure the way the co-operative conducted its business also supported its ethos.
He said January 26, to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, was a ‘commemoration of deep loss’ — of sovereign rights to their land, loss of family and the right to practice their culture.
“As we evolve as a health and wellbeing organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is important we are inclusive, supportive and progressive in the way we run our organisation,” he said.
“We hope this move encourages unity within our community as well a chance to reflect on the history of Australia.
“We believe this will also provide an opportunity for our non-Indigenous staff to reflect on what this day means to their fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and those they support in their work.”
Barengi Gadjin Land Council chair Dylan Clarke said his organisation supported and respected people’s choice in how they spend the day.
“For many, January 26, or Invasion Day, is a deeply distressing experience and Barengi Gadjin Aboriginal Council support all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to choose how they want to spend the day,” he said.
“Through the sharing of truth and healing we will look for guidance from our members and full group for an official position to change the date.”
Retailers Woolworths and Kmart, which have stores across the Wimmera and Grampians, have also offered employees a choice to work during the public holiday.
Kmart has also ceased the sale of Australia Day-specific products in a bid to offer an ‘inclusive and respectful’ shopping experience.
– Jessica GrimbleAs we navigate our way through the easing of Coronavirus restrictions, it’s good to remember we’re #StrongerTogether.
Starting Monday 16 January 2023 to August, construction will be taking place at the Gordon Street Recreational Reserve.
The Recreational Reserve and adjoining walking path will remain closed to the public until the entire project is completed. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period and look forward to celebrating the reopening of the facility once works are complete. Contact Council if you have further questions on the project.
The Pitch Music Festival committee is holding a community meeting at 5:00 pm on Monday, 30 January 2023 at the Moyston Recreation Reserve.
This meeting is open to all members of the community to discuss or ask questions concerning the event.
Ararat Rural City residents are invited to come together to reflect, respect, and celebrate Australia Day with an array of activities held across municipality on Thursday, January 26.
Start your day at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, grab a free BBQ breakfast from the Ararat Lions Club at 9am, come cheer the Ararat City Band, support members of our community at the annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony, followed by the Citizenship Ceremony to welcome our newest Australians.
The annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be delivered by Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong, and a special guest.
Staged outdoors in Alexandra Gardens (near the Gardens Lake Café end) is ‘Picnic in the Park’. The free family-friendly event features a live performance by local musician Chris Meek, local food vendors, free children’s activities including a petting zoo and complimentary soft serves from midday onwards.
Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Armstrong said the Australia Day encourages the community to connect with family, friends, and the wider community.
“Community is at the heart of our national day, and it is also a time to honour and recognise the achievements of members
of our community who make a real difference,” Cr Armstrong said.
“On Australia Day, we respect the contributions of Australians by acknowledging outstanding residents through Council’s Australia Day Awards.
“It’s also an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate our newest Australian citizens and the incredible tapestry of different backgrounds and cultures that make our country unique.
“The Australian spirit is about lending a hand, our resilience, and the strength of a united community. Our national day is a chance for us to celebrate, respect and reflect on our story as a nation, one that inspires progress.”
From midday onwards, Council will be hosting ‘Picnic in the Park’ which will take place in Alexandra Gardens – this is a community celebration inclusive of music, children’s entertainment, and food trucks. Perhaps cool down at Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool, Willaura Outdoor Memorial Pool or Lake Bolac Peter O’Rorke Memorial Pool, with free entry to the pools and a complimentary barbecue.
Australia Day events are free. For more information, visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au or contact Josie Frawley on (03) 5355 0200.
Horsham City Pipe Band is relocating to Jubilee Hall as infrastructure upgrades continue at Horsham’s City Oval.
The band signed a nine-year user agreement to move to the hall, in Roberts Avenue, after decades of practising in a building next to the clubrooms at city oval.
The building is slated for removal as part of the city oval redevelopment.
Renovations will be carried out at Jubilee Hall to accommodate the band, including improvements to acoustics, heating and cooling and opening up of spaces and storage.
The renovations will improve function and security of the building.
Horsham City Pipe Band president Gordon McKenry said the band was looking forward to making the most of renovations at the hall.
“We have more room in the hall and there is enough space to practise,” he said.
“The feeling of most band members is pretty positive.
“We had constructive talks with the council all the way through.
“Early on, we had some issues with the sound at Jubilee Hall due to echoing, but they have been fixed and we are looking forward to officially moving into our new home next month.
“A few people are a bit sad to leave the old hall, but overall, it is a very exciting time for the band.”
Horsham Rural City Council director of communities and place Kevin O’Brien said the hall was a councilowned asset and had been available for groups to hire casually.
“Use of the space has changed over time, with the hall not fully activated or used,” he said.
“Previously, the space was used by Horsham Regional Art Gallery to run its services and programs and to house part of the collection, while the Horsham Town Hall was being redeveloped. It has also been used by the council to run short-term pop-up events and projects.”
Mr O’Brien said depending on how arrangements worked with licensees over a term, there was always an option to enter into a new licence and a new term.
“Licence agreements specify certain spaces that will be available for particular groups to use,” he said.
“At present, there is one vacant space not under licence, with the City Band still considering its options.
“A shared meeting room can be booked for small meetings by external users.”
Mr O’Brien said relocating the band to Jubilee Hall would increase use of the facility.
“Another benefit is the co-location of various performance and event providers to be located in the same vicinity,” he said.
“Maximising the use of councilowned or managed facilities makes social and economic sense and aligns with the council’s social infrastructure strategy.
“The council is moving towards better quality, more accessible, multiuse facilities that are used by more people, more often.
“Sharing council-owned or managed facilities will become more standard practice.”
The Horsham City Oval and Sawyer Park redevelopment includes a new community pavilion and football changerooms, netball pavilion and changerooms, two netball courts, an accessible grandstand, a bigger playing oval and a playground area.
It is the second stage of the Horsham Rural City Council’s City to River Masterplan.
Works have begun on the netball courts and pavilion and changerooms after funding was received in October last year.
Plans also include the removal of a council-managed hall on O’Callaghan Parade, currently used by Horsham Rural City Band for practise.
Mr O’Brien said discussions with the city band regarding its future location continued.
“The council has offered the Horsham Rural City Band exclusive use of a space with storage provision at Jubilee Hall,” he said.
“A number of modifications will occur to meet their needs, including adequate acoustic treatment.
“The council sees this as an ideal new venue for the Horsham Rural City Band.”
Mr McKenry said the possibility of the Horsham Rural City Band also relocating to Jubilee Hall was positive.
“We have similar interests as musicians and although we have very dif-
ferent music and different styles, it will be good to cross paths now and then,” he said.
The pipe band formed in 1923 and celebrated 100 years in October.
“Working with the atmosphere after our 100th-year celebration, we are looking at hosting a mini-bands competition later this year,” Mr McKenry said.
“We’re hoping to get bands from across the state and interstate to join us for that event.”
Mr McKenry said it was a ‘myth’ that members needed to be of Scottish descent to be part of a pipe band.
“We welcome anyone from any background,” he said.
“This year we will start competing again in mini band competitions. That’s really what drives everyone.
“We’re lucky that we get people join our band who can already play, but we have very good piping tutors and can arrange drum tutoring, too.
“We feel like we are on the verge of a bit of a period of resurgence.”
A blue-green algae warning has been issued for Lake Wallace at Edenhope.
GWMWater advises recreational water users to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Wallace due to elevated levels of algae.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally. It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels within the lake.
People can visit the lake and surrounds for activities that do not involve direct contact with water, including boating, bushwalking and sightseeing.
Warning signs are positioned at major recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place until blue-green algae levels drop below the threshold considered safe for recreational use.
GWMWater advises that affected water should not be used for cooking, drinking, washing or any other domestic use. Boiling affected water does not make it safe for use.
People who come into contact with affected water should wash the area exposed immediately in clean water.
If health issues persist after being in contact with affected water, people should seek medical advice.
Signs of algae contact are skin rashes or itchiness, sore eyes, ears and nose, or if swallowed, nausea or vomiting.
Pet owners should also prevent pets from drinking or having contact with the water.
GWMWater will continue to monitor the lake regularly and keep the community informed of any changes regarding blue-green algae alerts at www.gwm water.org.au/bga
All 10 of West Wimmera Health Service’s residential aged care campuses have received a four-star rating as part of the Federal Government’s new rating system.
‘Star ratings’ are a rate between one and five given to all government-funded aged care homes across Australia to show the quality and safety of a facility and how they compare to others.
Introduced and publically available last month, ‘star ratings’ aim to help families compare aged care homes and make informed choices.
Chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the rating was a reflection of the hard work, passion and commitment of aged care staff.
“We are among only 30 percent of all residential aged care homes across the country who received a four-star rating, with only one percent receiving a fivestar rating,” he said.
Asingle-use plastic ban will be implemented across Victoria on February 1.
Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers, cutlery, plates, cotton buds and food service items, along with drink containers made from expanded polystyrene, will be banned.
Horsham Sports and Community Club manager Glenn Carroll said the business had not used plastic straws for about five years.
“We also transitioned away from plastic cutlery and used bamboo cutlery for takeaway during COVID-19,” he said.
“We’ve tried to be ahead in terms of doing the right thing.
“The change came out of strategic planning to reduce our plastic. It’s the best thing to do for the planet.
“There’s too much plastic around. We are here to look after the community and that includes the environment. This is a way we can contribute.”
Horsham RSL manager Tim Nurse said it was good for the environment for the business to reduce plastic use.
“We haven’t ordered plastic straws in more than a year and use as many biodegradable products as we can,” he said.
“I think most businesses have been moving in this direction already.”
National Retail Association policy manager Ebony Johnson said Victorian businesses had responded positively during their engagement program, which included visiting more than 3000 stores across the state.
“We’ve engaged over 15,000 retailers, suppliers, peak bodies and other stakeholders in the past few months, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
For businesses still transitioning, Ms Johnson encouraged them to act now and access the free support services available.
“Firstly, I recommend businesses visit the Victorian government web-
A new recruitment and settlement services partnership in the Wimmera aiming to boost retention of engineers in the region has already sprouted shoots.
Wimmera Development Association has launched a new affiliation with social-enterprise initiative Work Stay, an organisation that recruits and settles people into new jobs across regional Australia.
The partnership has already borne connections with municipal councils and shires across the region to increase the retention rate of new engineers, in part, because of a comparative disadvantage regional councils face compared with metropolitan employers in a competitive employment sphere.
Work Stay executive director Kate Sowden said the key was to build a candidate pool with prospective employees who valued specific employment with regional councils.
“It is important to be recruiting people, new migrants or otherwise, who specifically want to work with council,” she said.
“Even if people see work-
ing for a regional council as a two to five-year period to gain experience, if their desire is to work in council, there remains a smaller risk of them jumping out into other infrastructure projects.
“Many regional towns are impacted in recruiting by state infrastructure projects, large private sector contracts, or by the lure of mining towns, and this can be a huge resource drain on regional areas.”
Horsham Rural City Council infrastructure director John Martin said often prospective employees for regional council engineering roles could be siphoned away by a lure of higher paying, prestigious infrastructure builds in metropolitan areas.
Horsham Rural City Council recently worked with Work Stay to employ a civil engineer from Pakistan with Masters qualifications and nearly a decade of working experience.
Mr Martin said he admired the enterprise’s model of recruitment, which he said focused on the intricacies of regional-council recruitment in Australia’s competitive engineering sector.
site to download free resources and information to ensure they understand what’s included in the ban, as plastic regulations vary across states and territories,” she said.
“Businesses can also ask questions at the free online information sessions we host at 11am every Friday, or call our toll-free hotline for advice.”
Ms Johnson said the ban was a good opportunity to change business and customer behaviours.
“The best alternative is to avoid using or supplying that item by asking if it is something you need – if you’re grabbing takeaway food to eat at home, you probably don’t need disposable cutlery,” she said.
“Another alternative is to use reusable alternatives. If most of your customers dine in-store, then reusable cutlery and plates are a great option to reduce waste.
“Finally, if choosing disposables look for the most sustainable option.
“Alternatives made from compostable or ‘plant-based’ plastics are included in the ban, as they are no better for the environment than plastic when littered.
“We encourage businesses to ask their supplier a few simple questions to ensure alternatives are compliant.”
Ms Johnson said coffee cups and takeaway containers were not included in the ban unless made from expanded polystyrene.
“We believe it’s a well-reasoned ban with alternative options widely available, and while it’s great if businesses take proactive steps on other items, the regulations are designed to be manageable and practical for all organisations to implement now,” she said.
Ms Johnson said the ban applied to all businesses and community groups, but it was important to note that plastic straws would still be available and legal to supply to members of the community who need them.
She said from February 1, businesses cannot sell or supply the banned products no matter when they were purchased.
“Victorian consumers expressed high support for a ban on these items and even if there are a few inconveniences during the transition we tend to find that eases within a matter of weeks as everyone adjusts to the changes,” she said.
Ms Johnson encouraged businesses to communicate with customers, display the posters available on the government website and access free advice if needed, with support services continuing before and after the ban.
She said more information was available online at www.vic.gov.au/ plastics
She said the free hotline number was 1800 844 946 and to register for an information session, people could visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vicplastics-ban-business-info-sessionstickets-433412176487
“The key is finding people who have an understanding of us. Often, meeting the needs of the potential employee’s partner is just as important as the needs of the employee,” he said.
“As a social enterprise, I think Work Stay are on the right track. Their commission is invested back into their recruitment work.”
WDA executive director Chris Sounness said Work Stay would complement the work of the association’s set-
tlement services programs that often contributed to a relocated workers’ cultural adaption to Wimmera life.
WDA settlement services manager Sara Barron said Work Stay’s program would focus specifically on the new employee’s engagement with their employer, as well as initial relocation-related requirements, while WDA would continue to provide longer term supplementary assimilation for the new employee.
– Michael Scalzo
Ward structures across Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians and Buloke shires will change ahead of the next local government election.
Electoral structure reviews of the three shires began this week to ensure councils comply with the Local Government Act 2020.
Across Victoria, 39 councils will undergo electoral structure reviews in the next two years.
Northern Grampians comprises four wards, with one councillor in Southwest and Central wards, two councillors in Kara Kara ward and three councillors in Stawell ward.
A Northern Grampians Shire Council spokesperson said the review would consider if the council had an appropriate number of councillors, and if it should be one large, unsubdivided area or continue as subdivided wards.
“If subdivided, the review will consider how many wards the council should have, how many councillors should be in each ward, the ward boundaries and the name of each ward,” they said.
“Already established wards don’t meet the set requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, that small rural shire coun-
cils are unsubdivided, or multicouncillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward, or single-councillor wards.
“There will be a change in the ward structure. To what extent, it is unknown.”
There are three wards in the Yarriambiack electorate.
Hopetoun Ward has two councillors, Warracknabeal Ward three councillors and Dunmunkle Ward two councillors.
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith said there were an uneven number of councillors across the shire’s three wards.
“This was previously compliant, but no longer meets the requirements under the Local Government Act 2020,” she said.
“The council will be moving towards a compliant structure in accordance with the Act prior to the next Victoria Local Government Elections in October 2024.
“The impact of the review will see alterations made to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.”
Buloke shire is divided into three wards, with two councillors in Mallee ward, two in Lower Avoca ward and three in Mount Jeffcott ward.
Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and Buloke shire residents
are invited to provide feedback to the review. Submissions are open from today until February 15.
A preliminary report will be published and open for responses from March 15 to April 5 and a final report due for release in May.
After the review is completed, the panel’s recommendation will go to the Minister for Local Government, and if accepted, the changes will apply for October 2024 council elections.
Ms Smith said an independent electoral representation advisory panel, supported by the Victorian Electoral Commission, would conduct the review.
“Yarriambiack is one of the most unique councils in Victoria, covering such a large geographical area with a small population,” she said.
“This is your opportunity to help shape the electoral structure of Yarriambiack Shire and best represent the needs of our community.
“This review impacts all residents and we’d love to see a large number of residents attend the online sessions and provide submissions to help shape the future of the Yarriambiack electorate.”
More information is available online via www.vec.vic.gov.au/ electoral-boundaries/councilreviews/electoral-structurereviews
People can meet, sit and relax at three new ‘parklets’ across Horsham’s city centre.
Horsham Rural City Council is installing the parklets – at the bus terminal in Roberts Avenue, in Roberts Avenue near the corner of Darlot Street, and at the top-end of Firebrace Street – as trial locations.
The parklets are available for the public’s use.
It follows installation of a pop-up park in Roberts Place, Horsham, in late-2020. The natural lawn, flower boxes and seating remain in place.
Improved safety and shade are among the reasons behind the location choices.
State Government money will fund the project – which comes in response to COVID-19 restrictions on the hospitality sector. The government encouraged councils to implement outdoor dining spaces, parklets and pop-up
parks. Mayor Robyn Gulline said community consultation had found that residents, visitors and workers were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about the initiative.
“The parklets can temporarily transform urban spaces and extend the amount of time residents and tourists spend in an area, which is great for our businesses,” she said.
“The new parklets are still under construction. When finished they will have shade structures as well plants to provide greenery.
“They will help to activate the streetscape and give people a spot to meet, sit and read a book or eat with friends.
“They can be moved multiple times throughout the year to activate community spaces within the municipality, and we will be engaging with the community to seek feedback on these locations in the coming months.”
Vaccination bookings for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, are now available at Wimmera and Grampians medical clinics.
People can make a vaccination booking with Horsham’s Lister House Clinic and East Grampians Health Service in Ararat.
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from person-to-person via skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, and respiratory droplets.
Grampians Public Health Unit deputy director Ivan Pang said cases of mpox have been seen on an international scale since May.
Symptoms can include a rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat and exhaustion.
Mr Pang encouraged people to discuss the vaccine with their doctor because eligibility criteria has expanded.
He said a primary preventive vaccination was received in two doses for ‘optimal protection’, given 28 days apart. The vaccine takes about 14 days to become effective.
People can phone Lister House on 0458 969 778 or East Grampians Health Service on 5352 9363 to book their appointment.
Body image is deeply personal and incredibly complex.
Cultural, social and environmental influences can play a huge part in the way we view and accept ourselves.
The era we live in, and trends of the time, naturally influence the perceptions and ideals of society.
These can impact mental and physical health – from everyday habits, including eating and exercise, that can sometimes lead to serious consequences.
Representation – through media and art, for example – can influence society in significant ways, without conscious awareness.
It is this representation; this awareness and acceptance that makes a new exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery so unique.
The exhibition, ‘500 Strong’, shows black-andwhite portraits of 465 women aged 50 and older – some of whom live in the Wimmera – completely naked.
Choosing anonymity, many opted to cover their face with a prop while others have their back to the camera. There are also a number of photographs of women showing their face.
The exhibition is confronting – and it’s meant to be.
It challenges us to consider our biases and the behaviour and representation of ‘older women’ in art and society.
But the exhibition is also breathtakingly beautiful.
There’s no shying away from ‘what real wom-
en look like’ – different sizes and shapes, the scars of pregnancy and of caesarean births, physical health and injury, ageing and the list goes on.
Social media is ever-so-slowly evolving to remove filters, editing and the portrayal of particular genders, ages and body types deemed ‘most appealing’.
Health officials are learning more about the negative impacts of these depictions and society is calling it out.
It’s why celebrities such as model Nyome Nicholas-Williams or comedian Celeste Barber have gained such an emphatic following – they represent body types less commonly celebrated on social media and within society. And why not.
Bravo and thankyou to the women of 500 Strong, and those who have brought it to our region.
The choice you have made will encourage people of all ages and stages to recognise the beauty and power of all bodies.
• The exhibition can be seen at Horsham Regional Art Gallery, in Wilson Street, daily from 10am to 4pm; its official opening is on February 5.
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Maintenance crews are working to repair damaged roads across the Wimmera following significant rain events.
Horsham Rural City municipalities and Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack shires were eligible for a joint federal, state and territory government ‘Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement’.
The funding came into effect in October to assist the recovery process and alleviate financial burden after a natural disaster.
Hindmarsh shire acting chief executive Jessie Holmes said all three of the council’s maintenance grader crews were working on affected gravel and earth roads.
“Racecourse Road, Dimboola; Never Never Road, Gerang; Geodetic Road, Tarranyurk; and Werner Road and Pearces Dam Road, Jeparit are the current priorities,” she said.
“Priority is made based on road classification and safety, however, prior to Christmas, the council made a number of lower classification earth roads, which are not in our high-class roads, safe for use due to the severity of their damage and need to accommodate harvest traffic. These included Palm Road, Lorquon, Schwedes Road, Glenlee; and Borgelt Road, Dimboola.”
Ms Holmes said a higher percentage of earth and gravel roads were affected.
“Our sealed road network does have a number of significantly impacted sections, which the council is seeking federal disaster funding to rectify,” she said.
“The pavement failure in these sections due to continuous water damage from October to December will be unable to take place until the subsoil moisture is completely dry.”
She said sealed road shoulder grading was a priority during autumn.
“The second phase of this work has commenced, with flood recovery team contractors working through the immediate road restoration work,” he said.
“In-house teams have now resumed their normal maintenance programs but will continue to support the flood recovery team as needed.
“The flood recovery team are currently working in the Winjallok area on the Barkley Gap Road with works recently completed in the Traynors Lagoon and Cope Cope areas.”
Mr Hunt said the majority of damage occurred to the shire’s gravel road network, with stripping of gravel, washouts and damage to floodways.
West Wimmera Shire chief executive David Bezuidenhout said road maintenance crews worked year-round.
“Our council has not been impacted as significantly as most other councils, but the higherthan-average spring rainfall has caused some damage,” he said. “The damage is throughout the shire and also on the arterial roads, for which we undertake maintenance on behalf of the Department of Transport.”
Mr Bezuidenhout said prioritisation took place in accordance with the council’s road management plan.
“The plan defines our response to hazards and defects and also how we prioritise in accordance with the category of road,” he said.
“This all needs to be managed in the context of available funding.
“We have our normal maintenance activities occurring at the same time as our capital works.”
BY MICHAEL SCALZO
Wimmera River parkrun has won Horsham Rural City Council’s Australia Day community event of the year award.
The organiser of the weekly Horsham community fun run says volunteer and participant efforts in 2022 are to thank for the event’s Australia Day award recognition.
Nearly 2000 people have participated in the weekly five-kilometre walk, run or jog along the river-side course that starts at Sawyer Park every Saturday at 8am.
Wimmera River parkrun organiser Andrew Sostheim said he was proud of the event’s recognition at this year’s awards, and he was glad volunteers and participants won recognition for their community contributions.
“When I look at the hours our volunteers put in every week, we do punch above our weight because our volunteers are there every weekend, rain, hail or shine. The community owns this event. It is their award,” he said.
Wimmera River parkrun is a free event for people of all fitness levels. It launched in 2018.
Mr Sostheim said it had been ‘wonderful’ to see community engagement and participation increase at the weekly events after COVID-19 restrictions eased.
“Our volunteer numbers have been fantastic and locals and tourists have found the event a great way to kick off their weekends,” he said.
“Just last weekend we had 80 participants, with 17 first timers.
“The event also clocked over a combined 65,000 kilometres along our Wimmera River course since the run launched.”
There are also weekly parkrun events in Nhill, Edenhope and Ararat.
A first-time registration is required for new parkrun participants and can be completed online via parkrun.com.au/wimmerariverhorsham
Rural City Council’s citizen of the year will be recognised at a special ceremony tomorrow, honouring her extensive bereavement counselling of mourning parents.
Dianne Lewis, Horsham municipality’s Australia Day 2023 citizen of the year award winner, said the award was ‘humbling’.
“There are lots of people in Horsham who were very deserving of this award,” she said.
Mrs Lewis has worked for Compassionate Friends Victoria since 1992 and has welcomed hundreds of grieving parents into her home for a cup of tea and a chat across her 30 years of service.
Compassionate Friends Victoria organises peer support groups for people to ‘grieve, find healing, and grow’ after the death of a child, at any age and cause.
Mrs Lewis offered her service to the organisation after her lived experience with the death of her son.
She said it was a ‘simple’ case of opening up her home for people to come and have a ‘cuppa and a cry’.
“Across the years I have had perhaps 200 people in my home,
and they have all been in a similar boat as I was – trying to cope with the death of their child,” she said.
“There are professional counsellors, of course, who can help people with these matters as well, however often they wear many hats for many people –they might be dealing with people with a gambling addiction or marital problem.
“I just deal with grieving parents. It can be hard to understand their pain, unless you have lost a child yourself.”
Mrs Lewis also spends her time as manager of the Wimmera Health Care Group Auxiliary Opportunity Shop in Horsham three days a week and has been a Lions Club of Horsham member for six years.
She has spent a decade as a foster parent for children across the region and maintains an eye on an elderly Nhill couple receiving treatment for cancer, who she offered the spare bedroom in her house.
She said she was unsure who had ‘dobbed’ her in for the award.
“I like working behind the scenes for the community, I guess. If the community has been good to you, and it has been to me, it is important to give back,” she said.
Harrow resident Josie Sangster is West Wimmera shire’s Australia Day citizen of the year.
Mrs Sangster will receive the award at an Australia Day event at Harrow tomorrow.
Elyssa Hausler of Edenhope was named young citizen of the year while the Trakmaster Off-Road Caravan Club Gathering in Kaniva was named event of the year and Kaniva Playgroup was named community group of the year.
Mrs Sangster is responsible for many fundraising ideas in Harrow and district, which has supported a diverse group of projects for the hall, Johnny Mullagh Park and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre.
She has helped organise concerts, events, an art show and helicopter flights and has spent hours sewing curtains for the hall.
Mayor Tim Meyer said Mrs Sangster was a deserving recipient of the award.
“She is involved in the Harrow Discovery Centre and brings a lot of attention to the area with her ability to excite people with stories of the town’s cricket history,” he said.
“She has a passion for telling and promoting this story and realises it’s potential to bring thousands of tourists to the West Wimmera shire.
“Through her work, she has co-ordinated the return of important artefacts and culturally important artworks to the district.”
Miss Hausler is involved in the both the Edenhope Pastoral and Agricultural Society and the Goroke Agricultural and Pastoral Society as a committee member.
She is a steward at the Edenhope Show and assists other stewards with the senior cookery section.
Cr Meyer said Miss Hausler also volunteered her time teaching older community members modern technology, as well as volunteering with meals-on-wheels.
Miss Hausler won the state’s ‘junior rural ambassador award’ in 2021. She is involved with Henley on Lake Wallace, Girl Guides, Edenhope-Apsley Football and Netball Club and Kowree Tennis Association.
Trakmaster Off-Road Caravan Club’s annual gathering attracted 200 people to Kaniva and injected about $66,000 into the community.
Cr Meyer said all winners made ‘enormous’ contributions to the shire.
“Our shire would not function without the work of all of these tireless volunteers, who put so much time and effort into making our communities great,” he said.
“Both our citizen of the year and young citizen of the year volunteer with many different groups and organisations, and the Kaniva Playgroup is run entirely by dedicated volunteers.”
Award recipients will receive a framed certificate and lapel pin.
Horsham: 7am to 9am, free barbecue breakfast at Sawyer Park. Ambassador Paul Margetts, former Victoria Police Superintendent. Presentation of Australia Day awards, citizenship ceremony, flag-raising, entertainment.
Brimpaen: 8am, breakfast and flag-raising at Brimpaen Hall.
Dadswells Bridge: 11.30am, flag-raising followed by light lunch at Dadswells Bridge Hall. Natimuk: 11am at the NC2 building, followed by lunch.
Ararat: 9am to noon, free barbecue breakfast, Australia Day awards, citizenship ceremony, entertainment at Alexandra Oval Community Centre. Ambassador, Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon.
From noon, picnic in the park including children’s activities, entertainment and food at Alexandra Gardens.
Across the shire: Noon to 3pm, pool parties at Ararat, Lake Bolac and Willaura pools including free barbecue lunch and activities.
Hindmarsh Shire Council will present its Australia Day awards at events throughout the day.
Rainbow: From 7.30am, breakfast followed by meet-and-greet and ceremony at Rainbow Oasis.
Jeparit: From 9am, breakfast, meet-and-greet and ceremony at Menzies Square.
Dimboola: From 10.30am, morning tea, meetand-greet and ceremony at Dimboola Library Gardens.
Nhill: From noon, lunch, meet-and-greet and ceremony at Goldsworthy Park.
YOUTH AWARD: Horsham Scout Group member Michael Timms has won Horsham Rural City Council’s 2023 youth citizen of the year award.
Mr Timms said he was no more ‘special’ than other youth citizen of the year nominees, however he was happy to have won the award. Mr Timms has been an active member of Scouts for 12 years and has been a leader of young Scout groups since becoming a leading ‘Rover’ Scout.
PAUL CARRACHERStawell: From 5pm, barbecue and coffee van at Cato Park. Ambassador Neil Soullier OAM. Presentation of Australia Day awards, citizenship ceremony, entertainment.
St Arnaud: From 8am, breakfast at Market Square. Ambassador Professor Paul Komesaroff OA. Presentation of Australia Day awards, citizenship ceremony. Morning tea to follow.
Navarre: From 8.30am, breakfast at Navarre Hall.
Marnoo: From noon, lunch at Marnoo Hub. West Wimmera shire
West Wimmera Shire Council will present its
Australia Day awards at the winners’ relative home town event.
Apsley: From 11am, brunch and a game of cricket at Lions Park Playground. Guest speaker, Wayne Caldow.
Dergholm: 11am to 1pm, event at Dergolm Solider’s Memorial Hall. Guest speaker, Ken Frost.
Edenhope: From 8am, breakfast and flag-raising at Henley Park, Lake Street. Guest speaker, Wayne Caldow.
Goroke: From 8am at Goroke Memorial Hall. Guest speaker, writer Gerald Murnane. Harrow: From 11am, lunch at Johnny Mullagh Reserve. Guest speaker, artist Ron Penrose.
Kaniva: From 8am, breakfast and flag-raising at Kaniva Swimming Pool. Guest speaker Damien Tann, pastor for Kaniva and Serviceton Shared Ministry.
Yarriambiack shire
Beulah: From 8am at Beulah Post Office, including flag pole stroll and finishing at Camp Kitchen, Beulah Recreation Reserve, for a barbecue breakfast, guest speaker and introduction of new residents.
Hopetoun: From 8am, breakfast, flag-raising ceremony and guest speaker; presentation of individual and community awards at Memorial Courtyard.
Murtoa: From 8am, barbecue breakfast and presentation of awards at Murtoa Neighbourhood House.
Minyip: From 8am, breakfast, guest speaker. Presentations of the Pat Walsh Memorial Young Achiever, Minyip and District Citizen of the year and Minyip Citizen of the Year award at the Town Square.
Rupanyup: From 8am, barbecue breakfast, guest speaker Kate Burke of Think Agri. Presentation of Young Achiever and Citizen of the Year awards at Memorial Park.
Speed: From 8am, breakfast, flag-raising, guest speaker at Speed Recreation Centre.
Wallup: From 8am, breakfast and guest speaker at Wallup Hall.
Warracknabeal: From 8am, breakfast, scout flag parade, guest speaker Nicole Battley, entertainment. Presentation of Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year; recognition of new citizens at Warracknabeal Racecourse.
Woomelang: From 8.30am, breakfast and guest speaker at Woomelang Recreation Reserve.
Four aspiring medical professionals are making Horsham their home in 2023, gathering experience and hands-on knowledge of rural health practices as part of a university placement at Lister House Medical Clinic.
The third-year Deakin University students will work alongside the region’s medical professionals under the guidance of Lister House leaders during their first year of clinical placement.
Gabriel Hicks, a former paramedic with working experience in London and rural South Australia, said he was considering working as a medical practitioner in regional Australia once qualified, and his placement in Horsham allowed him to gain more experience in regional health care.
“I have worked in a regional town of 2000 people before, so I am still getting used to working in a slightly larger regional centre here in Horsham. I enjoy working in a regional setting, so
this is good opportunity to see if regional health care is for me,” he said.
Portia Lee, from Perth, said she was ‘excited’ to be in Horsham this year.
“It has already been a very different experience than I what I am used to. I want to learn about regional health care because I want to work in a rural setting in the future,” she said.
Suzzie Tsao, from Toronto, Canada, said she was eager to experience a regional town and a tight-knit community.
“Hopefully I end up working in a regional community when I am qualified. I moved to Victoria to experience the Australian lifestyle and it has been great,” she said.
Nicolas Cicci, also from Toronto, said he was keen to gather hands-on experience in a rural community and explore a country-town lifestyle.
“There is always work in rural areas and always a need for regional doctors, so hopefully I can get the full clinical experience here in Horsham,” he said.
GWMWater would like to advise of a Sewer Fogging Program which will run in Willaura on 7, 8 and 9 February 2023.
Sewer fogging is a technique designed to identify leaks or unauthorised connections which may be allowing stormwater to pass into our sewer network. This can increase the risk of spills from our sewer manholes, sewer pump stations and wastewater treatment plants during heavy wet weather events.
The fog will move through pipes and come up from the ground if there is a leak. The fog looks like smoke, but does not smell and is harmless to people, pets, food and materials.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time while we complete these important works.
If you require any further information about the works, please contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 659 961 during business hours.
For more information on sewer fogging, visit gwmwater.org.au/SewerFogging or scan the QR code.
Installation of new parking meters in Horsham has begun this week.
Horsham Rural City Council will install more than 60 new parking meters in the city’s centre and increase time limits at most bays from one hour to two hours.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said 361 ageing meters, some dating back to the 1960s, were located across the city – and had now reached the end of their serviceable life.
She said the council would replace existing meters with 60 modern meters.
The first stage of works involves cutting into pavement and installing foundations. The meters will be fully installed and operational in early March.
Cr Gulline said the current meters were outdated, prone to failure, and required parts which were no longer manufactured.
She said the new meters were solar powered and included coin, card and app operated options.
Cr Gulline said signs would alert motorists of the change and provide instruction on how to use the new meters.
“Replacing the old meters with next generation technology will provide consistency and will help keep traffic moving around the CBD,” she said.
“Completed traffic engineering studies have shown us that paid parking is effective and efficient in managing those priority parking spaces within the CBD to enable movement of shoppers, ultimately increasing foot traffic to our local businesses.”
In approving the project at a meeting last year, the council said the new ‘smart city system’, which integrates with the council’s corporate system, would cost $735,359 plus GST and applicable inflation increases on annual fees during a five-year period.
Two first-time performers to Horsham will open the Horsham Country Music 2023 calendar.
Lance Birrell and Evan Platschinda will entertain people at a dinner and show at Horsham RSL on February 9 and a morning melodies at the same venue on February 10.
Both performers have extensive experience in the country music industry, winning many awards. They travel to Horsham following performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this month.
Birrell sings and plays steel guitar. He has had three original singles in the top-10 of Australian country music’s top-40 charts, including ‘The ballad of Kokoda’, ‘I believe in beer’ and
‘Trailblazer’. He will perform a tribute to Alan Jackson as part of his performance at the RSL. He will undertake a ‘major’ tour of Australia this year.
Platschinda, a bush ballader of more than 20 years, will entertain with a variety of wellknown songs. He performs his Outback Australia Tour for three to four months annually. He was Australian Bush Balladeers Star Quest runner-up in 2008. He has recorded six albums.
Doors to the dinner and show open at 5.30pm, with meals served from 6.30pm; while the morning melodies runs from 10am to 11.45am. People wanting more information, or to book a ticket, can phone Horsham RSL on 5382 5912.
“Completed traffic engineering studies have shown us that paid parking is effective and efficient in managing those priority parking spaces within the CBD”– Robyn Gulline PLAY TIME: East Grampians Health Service’s Ark Toy and Activity Library reopens next week. Now in its 40th year, the Ark Toy and Activity Library is open to all families, including those with special needs, with a huge range of toys, games, puzzles and activities to borrow; it is also open for play time. It opens from 10am to 11.30am on Wednesdays at the health service’s community health centre in Girdlestone Street, Ararat. Ark Toy and Activity Library Auxiliary president Bo Munro and members Denise Calvert and Lee Kaleta are pictured checking over the toys in preparation for the reopening on February 1.
Stone
brick home was built in 1903 and is in good condition. • 2 dble bdrms , 1 single, a good sized lounge with polished floor and wood heater & country style kitchen • 40’x25’ shed and a 20’x25’ workshop all set on 258.3 acres, ideal country escape or small stud farm
East Grampians Health Service’s two Ararat aged care facilities have received notification of full accreditation from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for a further three years.
The aged care facilities, 70 Lowe Street and Garden View Court, were the subject of a full accreditation review last year, with four assessors reviewing both facilities against eight national standards across four days.
The standards are dignity and choice, personal care and clinical care, services and supports, organisational environment, feedback and complaints, human resources, governance and ongoing assessment and planning with residents.
The health service’s director of clinical services, Peter Armstrong, said the process involved interviews with residents and families, a review of clinical records and care plans, an observation of the environment and the care, and staff interviews.
“All aged care homes are subject to these reviews on a regular basis and the full unannounced review happens every three years,” he said.
“This result offers assurance to the local community, to our residents and their families and to our health service that the care provided is safe and of the highest standard.
“The services provided are delivered by an enthusiastic and compe-
tent team with support from partner services like the Ararat Medical Centre. Our partnership is strong and serves the local community well.”
Willaura Health Care is due two accreditations and the health service has submitted its self-assessment.
Mr Armstrong said the health service continued to respond to Aged Care Royal Commission recommendations, released in May 2021 following extensive review and consultation of the aged care sector in Australia.
He said the recommendations were listed under five pillars — being home care, residential aged care services and sustainability, residential aged care quality and safety, workforce and governance and are actioned through the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Mr Armstrong said information, training and actions required were provided as they occurred and the health service also received weekly updates from the State Government Aged Care Branch.
Significant changes have occurred to the Serious Incident Reporting Scheme, the introduction of the new aged care funding system, Australian National Aged Care Classification, more opportunities to recruit and train staff, more home care packages and access to respite care.
ABBY WALTERGWMWater has reiterated its zerotolerance for water theft.
The water authority’s managing director, Mark Williams, reminded residents they must abide by the terms and conditions of standpipe permits.
Mr Williams said Victoria had committed to water accounting principles under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, which meant high levels of tracking and accountability of water use.
“We invested significantly in me-
tered hydrants to ensure all water can be accounted for,” he said.
“We have allocated metered hydrants and standpipes with electronic cards located across our region.
“These provide an important point of access for firefighting, drinking water, water for road construction and water for stock where landowners do not have access to a pipeline.”
A Horsham magistrate accepted a guilty plea from a Wimmera person
who illegally filled a tanker from a fire plug on multiple occasions.
Their actions impacted the water service to neighbouring properties.
They fronted court late last year.
The magistrate fined the person $2500 and ordered them to pay $562.24 restitution to GWMWater and a further $2196.30 in legal costs.
More information about standpipe rules is available via www.gwmwater. org.au
309 acres (125.05 ha) or thereabouts
Conveniently located within 20 minutes of Horsham in the highly regarded, tightly held Lower Norton district this undulating cropping / grazing property features productive mixed soil types enhanced by a strong Gypsum and lime dressing program with cropping and chemical history available. Comprising two main paddocks boasting serviceable to near new boundary fencing, scattered stands of native trees, multiple catchment dams, fenced in two paddocks intersected by Bothe’s Road and GWMW pipeline connected to onsite tank.
173 Acres (70.13ha) or thereabouts
Located within 50 km of Horsham with bitumen road frontage this highly productive property represents an outstanding opportunity to purchase the ideal small farm / lifestyle property or to extend an existing farming enterprise in a highly regarded, tightly held farming area.
This versatile cropping / grazing property is divided into 4 main paddocks, offers basic sheep handling facilities and yards, several run off dams, GWMW pipeline and electricity available for connection.
FOR AUCTION: Thursday 23rd February 2023 @ 1.00pm
Venue: Noradjuha Hall
Tim Coller M 0418 504 415
428 acres (173.2 ha) or thereabouts
This attractive undulating 428 acre (173.20 ha) allotment is located in a highly regarded cropping / grazing area with the suitable to a variety of cropping & grazing opportunities. Boasting productive mixed soil types that have been enhanced by a strong Gypsum & Lime dressing program the property is divided into 3 main paddocks with heavily treed native creek corridor & scattered stands of native trees, serviceable to near new boundary & divisional fencing, catchment dam, GWMW pipeline connection & a full cropping & chemical history available on request. Opportunity to purchase an adjoining 870 acres to further enhance any farming enterprise.
870 acres (352.04 ha) or thereabouts
This undulating 870 acre (352.04 ha) property is located in a tightly held, highly regarded district property is ideally suited to all crop types or a mixed farming enterprises incorporating both cropping and livestock production on rotation. Boasting versatile mixed soil types suitable for a variety of crop types that have been heavily enhanced by a strong Gypsum and Lime dressing program and regular Spring Vetch and weed spraying program. Divided into 13 main paddocks with treed seasonal creek reserve, scattered stands of native timber, serviceable and near new fencing including extensive specialist deer fencing and gates to some paddocks. Numerous catchment dams and GWMW pipeline water available. Opportunity to purchase the adjoining 428 acre property to greatly enhance any farming enterprise.
FOR AUCTION: Thursday 2nd March 2023 @ 1.00pm
Venue: Haven Hall Tim Coller
Substantial CBD retail premises / development site
With direct frontage to the busy Wimmera Highway this versatile premises offers astute purchasers a rare opportunity to secure a substantial commercial site in the heart of the Horsham CBD.
This extensive building comprises two independent premises, the first with a floor area of approx. 235m2 and the second with a single level retail area of approx 695m2 with adjoining warehouse / storage area of approx 300m2 with roller door access from Wilson Street.
FOR AUCTION: Friday 3rd March 2023 @ 1.00pm
Venue: On-site
Tim Coller
M 0418 504 415
The inaugural meeting of Ararat Gallery TAMA Collection’s working group is making ‘significant steps’ towards future-proofing its collection.
Ararat gallery co-ordinator Katy Mitchell is convening the new group, which includes a broad cross-section of representatives from the region’s vibrant cultural scene including practicing artists, residents and the council.
Cecilia Stewart, Celina Day, Christine Baines, Geoff Todd and Dr Tim Harrison are the group’s inaugural members.
“Designed to increase community engagement and continue building the most significant public collection of contemporary textiles in Australia, the working group serves as a platform where works by emerging artists can be considered alongside more established practices currently found in the gallery’s collection,” Ms Mitchell
said. “The efforts and decisions of the working group will ensure the views of the local community and local arts community are front and centre in the decision-making of future collections and direction of the gallery.
“Collecting is really about the process of finding, selecting and negotiating either a donation or purchase of works for the gallery’s collection – we’ve discussed three donation proposals of local significance: A series of lino-cut prints by Nanette Bourke, two hand-bound illustrated books by Stan Kelly and a piece by Carole Mules, which we have decided to accept.”
Ms Mitchell said resuming the working group was an ‘important’ step in developing the gallery’s collection for future generations.
The group meets again next month.
It’s back to school for students and teachers across the Wimmera next week. It’s a particularly exciting, emotional, important and special time for the region’s youngest school children. The Weekly Advertiser asked foundation students what they were most looking forward to when they step into the school yard for the first time...
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I am excited to start school at the West campus, meet new friends, and see my old kindergarten and daycare friends. I am super excited to be at school with my brother.
Take a moment to look at how your child, or even yourself are sitting next time a device is being used.
Dr Gregory Eyre at Wimmera Chiropractic Centres works with many tech neck patients.
Call 5382 2528 to see how he can help you.
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Horsham College will commence 2023 with new incoming Year 12 School Captains Harriet Overman and Ollie Hier who are both optimistic that the year ahead will be prosperous for all students and staff. “We are both hoping for a normal year without disruptions” Ollie said. COVID immensely changed the landscape in the schooling environment over the past few years with students and staff facing many challenges and disappointments and somewhat dampening spirits. However, student joint captains are hopeful and are setting their sights on a new fresh year full of prosperity and opportunity. At the forefront of their priorities is to bring all year levels together through mateship and to improve the overall mental health of the school community. In her new captaincy role, Harriet aims to “give people the chance to have a say” and wants to focus on “improving connections and friendships throughout all year levels”. “We are hoping to bring year levels together” said Ollie. Both captains are looking forward to making the most of memories from their last year of schooling with their friends, teachers and peers.
Horsham College is also looking forward to welcoming over 165 new Year 7 students to its school community this year. Many of these students have gained entry into select entry programs including accelerated learning classes which offer a more challenging learning environment supporting gifted and talented students and the AFL academy which provides specialist sports coaching whilst developing important leadership skills. A new select entry program commencing at Horsham College 2023 is the basketball academy. Over fifty students have been accepted into the program and all have a strong passion for the sport. Program leader Cameron Bruce is excited to be providing this developmental pathway. He said “it is an amazing opportunity for students. In this program students will be provided specialist sports coaching and be provided many leadership and personal development opportunities”. There are opportunities in this program right through to VCE and to obtain Sport and Recreation Certificates, he said.
2023:
– At Horsham College you will get to know all your teachers and other staff members very well and they are always there to talk to if you have any worries or need help.
– If you are needing any assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for help from other older students remember that they once had a first day of secondary school too!
– Make sure you are all ready for your first day, get all your books, laptop and uniform ready in the holidays. Make sure you have your name on everything, and don’t forget to practise using your combination lock!
– Take advantage of being able to introduce yourself to new people, everyone in Year 7 will be new to the College and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.
We can’t wait to welcome all our new and returning students to school and look forward to a prosperous year ahead full of opportunities.
Twins Elizabeth and Mackenzie Barron are among the Wimmera’s newest prep students ready to start school this year.
Elizabeth and Mackenzie, 5, will attend Natimuk Primary School.
Mackenzie said he was excited to be going to school on the bus.
“We have to be very still on the bus,” he said.
“I have new shoes to wear to school.”
Elizabeth and Mackenzie’s mum,
Sara Barron, said the twins would be two of four students starting school at Natimuk this year.
“They will be in a prep, year-one and year-two class,” she said.
“Their sister, Isla, finished school at Natimuk primary at the end of last year as the only year-six student and now they are starting school there as preps this year. They are excited, but they are also going to a different school than some of their kindergarten friends, so there are mixed feelings.”
The school year begins on January 30 for government schools, with first term to finish on April 6.
Almost 78,000 preps are starting school across the state this year.
The State Government has provided some tips and tricks to prepare for the first day and week of primary school.
While the first day is exciting for parents and children, some prep students might feel sad or anxious about their first day.
The government advises parents to
stay in touch with teachers if they are concerned about how their child is settling into school.
Children who have not been around large groups of people before can often become sick when they start school.
More information about starting school and keeping students and families healthy during the year is available online via www.vic.gov.au/ starting-primary-school-guide
January 30: Term one begins
March 13: Labour Day public holiday
March 15: NAPLAN assessment period for students in years three, five, seven and nine begins
March 27: NAPLAN assessment period ends
April 6: Term one ends
April 7: Good Friday
April 9: Easter Sunday
April 24: Term two begins
April 25: Anzac Day
June 12: King’s Birthday public holiday
June 16: General Achievement Test for students studying a VCE subject
June 23: Term two ends
July 10: Term three begins September 15: Term three ends September 29: AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday
October 2: Term four begins October 24: VCE written examination period begins November 7: Melbourne Cup public holiday
November 15: VCE written examination period ends December 11: VCE results available
December 20: Term four ends
Note: The above are State Government-listed term dates; individual schools may choose to amend this schedule as required. Parents are encouraged to confirm attendance requirements with their school.
BY ABBY WALTER
AHorsham College assistant principal will travel to Singapore this year for the World EduLead Conference after winning a scholarship.
Meg Woolford received a $5000 scholarship from the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, VASSP.
Ms Woolford said VASSP was a group of government school principals and assistant principals who worked collaboratively to foster professional development and comradery.
“The scholarship was open to all members and was given to one person,” she said.
“I had to explain what I wanted to do, what the opportunity would provide me and how I would share that with others in VASSP and the region.
“I was blown away and overwhelmed to find out I had been awarded the scholarship.
“As assistant principal in a regional school, I felt pretty small fry and was not expecting it at all.”
Ms Woolford said the conference was a ‘fantastic’ opportunity.
“Attending the World EduLead Conference is something I have wanted to do for a long time and with the scholarship, I can’t find a reason not to go — it’s forcing me to be brave,” she said.
Ms Woolford said she was passionate about expanding the capability of teachers to become leaders.
She said the conference would help foster that passion.
“We have a shortage of principals across the state and I wouldn’t be where I am
without the coaching and mentoring I received from our principal Rob Pyers,” she said.
“I want to help build expertise from within and allow others to have the same opportunities as I have had.
“Also, the chance to hear from people doing research into best practise of teaching and leading is great. Being up-to-date is really important.”
The conference will run across four days in April.
“Conveniently, it is scheduled during our school holidays, so I can turn it into a holiday as well,” Ms Woolford.
“I have been supported by Rob Pyers, VASSP and the principal team here, so I also want to thank them for helping me take this opportunity.”
“Attending the World EduLead Conference is something I have wanted to do for a long time and with the scholarship, I can’t find a reason not to go — it’s forcing me to be brave”
– Meg Woolford
Anew school, new uniform and first-day excitement is not just for the Wimmera’s youngest residents.
Principals and teachers are also preparing to step into classrooms across the region – many in schools or roles that are new to them.
Among them is Darcy Taberner, who is Rupanyup Primary School’s acting principal.
Mr Taberner takes on the role after a six-year tenure at Horsham West and Haven Primary School.
It was a chance to immerse himself in a small school community and develop his leadership skills that prompted a change.
“I will miss West. I had a very enjoyable six years there. I’ve taught some amazing kids and worked with some terrific staff along the way and worked under good leaders,” Mr Taberner said.
“Working under principal Lee McKenzie and, previous to him, Andrew Parry, I’ve learned a lot.
“I had the opportunity to go for the role at Rupanyup and I’m really excited to have that challenge to go into leadership and develop my skills in that area.”
Rupanyup has about 20 children enrolled this year.
Mr Taberner will spend about two-and-a-half days in the classroom leading specialist classes such as physical education, Spanish and Information and Communications Technology, ICT. He said working at a small school was appealing.
“I can’t wait to get started and try to involve the community into the school as well as myself into the community,” he said.
“I started teaching at Echuca West in a school of 80 kids and I absolutely loved my time there.
“I always thought I’d like to get back into a
small school environment and really get to know all community members and be a part of the community.”
The appointment is initially for a six-month period.
“I would then have to apply for the role fulltime. I would like to think I could stay on for quite a while, if I can, but we’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
“I am born and bred in Horsham and my family and friends are here.
“I’ve always enjoyed working in Horsham as well.
“I’ve taught some amazing kids over the time at West and I know there are terrific kids at Rupanyup that I will be able to teach and get to know on a personal level.”
Victorian students pursuing Vocational Education and Training, VET, courses will receive more funding support during this school year.
State Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said a $120.2-million funding package would ensure schools could cover the cost of course materials for students, as well as delivering VET courses in industries linked to workforce shortages such as building and construction, electrical and auto engineering.
“This extra funding will give students better support and flexibility to study what they want, to prepare them for jobs of the future,” she said.
“We’re also investing in delivering VET training for jobs in industries that are suffering major workforce shortages to deliver better outcomes for Victorian students and businesses.”
Until recently, a student wanting to study a Certificate II in Building and Construction, pre-apprenticeship, paid up to $587 for course materials.
The funding aims to remove barriers for people wanting to undertake VET studies by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for families. It will also support teachers’ professional development.
Small regional schools previously unable to offer VET classes will be provided additional funding to make these options possible for students.
The funding supports schools to improve access to a core offering of priority VET pathways as well as provide the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate, so every senior secondary student can access quality vocational and applied learning through a local government school.
The reforms aim to give students greater choices and options, allowing them to pursue an education aligned with their strengths and interests.
Our Lady Help of Christians
Primary School will welcome significant upgrades to its campus from this year.
The school will recieve funding worth $2-million from the Federal Government’s capital works program for upgrades to its main learning and administration building.
Principal Cathy Grace said the existing main learning building would be demolished to make way for a new general learning and administration building and other associated spaces.
The project will also include a new outdoor learning space and associated landscaping.
“Our other three buildings will remain onsite,” Mrs Grace said.
“This project has many positive outcomes for the school, these being that our school will have a new main building, providing more effective learning environments; responding to new demographic and enrolment trends; supporting quality teaching; supporting parental and community engagement; safety for the school community; supporting the curriculum; supporting the educational opportunities of Indigenous students; and supporting educational opportunities for students with a disability.”
Mrs Grace said an architect would refine working drawings and project specifications early in the year to prepare for a tender process.
“This tender process will take some time as there is some work behind the scenes that needs to happen,” she said.
“Once this is completed, a final offer of grant will be issued with approval to enter into a construction contract.
“We are hoping that the works will commence in semester two.”
Mrs Grace said the works came at a time when funding was also granted for a new childcare centre for Dunmunkle communities.
Senator Jana Stewart, in announcing the funding last year, said the development would benefit current and future members of the school community.
“The teachers, staff and students at Our Lady Help of Christians School have built a strong and positive school community and these new facilities will further enhance education opportunities in regional Victoria,” she said.
“The Federal Government strongly believes in providing the best possible resources so that local students can realise their potential and develop the skills they need to go on to further study or to find a job.
“Congratulations to Our Lady Help of Christians School on their successful grant application and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these new facilities will have on the school community. But, at the end of the day, it is not the building that delivers a great education, it is what happens inside of it.”
The Federal Government’s capital grants program provides funding to non-government primary and secondary schools to improve infrastructure — if they do not have enough capital resources. Grants are additional to funds provided by state governments, non-government school authorities and school communities, which are responsible for providing and maintaining non-government school facilities.
Two new buildings at Horsham Special School will open to students by the middle of the year.
Horsham Special School principal Ben Tait said the build included a new senior education building and an adaptable resource centre.
“The new senior education building will have three new classrooms for senior students,” he said.
“The adaptable resource centre is a new kitchen, music room and art studio as well as a staff resource centre.”
Mr Tait said it was ‘wonderful’ to be able to provide state-of-the-art buildings for student learning.
“The students are very excited. Students who start this year, in seniors, will be the first group of stu-
dents to use the new building and move out of the portable building,” Mr Tait said.
“There will be no students in portable buildings by the time this build is finished.
“It’s fantastic to match the attitude and learning of the students with the resources and buildings.”
The leader of the Wimmera’s higher-education campus says new leadership roles will continue to foster student and business collaboration across the region.
Federation University TAFE Wimmera campus director Christine Brown said appointments to the TAFE’s Wimmera Aboriginal Education Centre and a newly-created position, manager of the institution’s Victorian Skills Plan projects, were critcal to achieving the campus’s ambition to make a dent in the region’s skills shortages.
The State Government’s Victorian Skills Plan, released in August, outlines goals to link TAFEs and vocational training institutions with students and businesses in need of trained workers.
It included the following ambitions: To start the Vocational Education and Training, VET, journey at school; to enable learners and workers to make informed skilling and career choices; expand opportunities and approaches for students to put theory into practice during their course; to build foundation sills to enhance workforce participation; bridge the gender gap; build skills to support Victoria’s clean economy intentions; create innovative solutions to support future skills development; align qualifications to new needs, build the VET workforce;
expand re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities through skillsets; and drive for higher skills and progression through education and training.
Vanessa O’Loughlin has taken the role of skills plan delivery manager.
“I think all 11 actions listed in the Victorian skills plan are relevant and apply to our region. I am excited to contribute in a really meaningful way to developing the current and future workforce by engaging the whole community,” she said.
“The skills plan discusses, in detail, increasing participation rates of young people, unemployed, underemployed and women and I am looking forward to being part of the solution.”
Tracey-Lee Beer will head the campus’s ‘Wimmera Aboriginal student success’ office.
She said the centre would advocate for, and support, the skills ambition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“As the new Aboriginal student success officer, I hope to increase enrolments and course completions in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the Wimmera,” she said.
She said campus staff and students had made her feel welcome and part of a holistic skills team.
Harvest is coming to an end across the Wimmera and it was a roller-coaster of a season.
A late start due to high spring rain, high yields, stable prices, bogged machinery and record deliveries set the scene for the 2022-23 harvest.
National Farmers Federation vice-president David Jochinke, of Murra Warra, said he had a ‘fairly solid’ year.
“It’s been a year where we have had to take everything through the header and cut everything fairly low because it was either lodged or had fallen over,” he said.
“It is a good thing in one sense, because it means there was weight in the heads.
“In my career, we have harvested late before, but never like this — we would usually be well and truly wrapped up by the first week of the new year and we were still working the third week of January this year.
“We did see that we lost a bit of
potential because it took so long to get around some of the paddocks.”
Wimmera receival sites are recording high deliveries, with GrainCorp’s January 16 report indicating receival records were broken at Natimuk and Nhill; while Victorian GrainCorp sites have received 3.8 million tonnes of grain this season, with a national tally of more than 10.8 million tonnes.
Viterra sites in the South Australian-based company’s eastern catchment, which includes the Wimmera, have received 1.7 million tonnes, with a national tally of 8.4 million tonnes.
These totals are off the back of a record 2021-22 food and fibre export high from Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria released its report, ‘Victoria’s 2021-22 Food and
Fibre Export Performance’ which said the state’s food and fibre exports were valued at $17.9 billion — a 29 percent increase on the previous year.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, spokesperson said the results were a ‘testament’ to the resilience and agility of producers, manufacturers and exporters, and highlighted the strong global demand for produce.
“Our state remains on track to meet, or exceed, the Victorian government’s target of increasing the state’s food and fibre exports to $20 billion by 2030,” the spokesperson said.
“We can see strong export growth across a range of industries and markets, with 10 out of 12 commodity groups registering impressive growth in export value.”
Grain accounts for 25 percent of Victoria’s food and fibre exports and was up 73 percent to $4.4 billion on the previous year. It is the state’s largest food and fibre export commodity.
Mr Jochinke said prices were historically good, however, they were not
at the high level seen in mid-2022. He said costs to market grain were impacting how much cash flowed back to farms and there were challenges with how fast grain could be transported to market.
“We’re not seeing some of the international values flow straight through to farming,” he said.
“I don’t know how far behind we are in terms of shipping, but there was some indication early in the season that there is anywhere from $80 to $150 on the table if we can execute our logistics better.”
Mr Jochinke said he was in the same position as most farmers and had a reasonable ‘bogged tally’.
“When we harvested in some of the northern parts of the farm, we just parked the big tractor in the paddock ready to go to when we got bogged. We got pretty good at getting machines out,” he said.
“The season included getting bogged, blocking headers, not being able to work late at night or on super warm days, which meant machines
were taking a lot more power to run. We had a couple of days when we hit seven kilometres an hour and thought that was fast, but in a normal year that is our slowest.
“Most days it felt like we were fuelling up the header just to run on the spot. We think we have burnt at least another 60 to 80 percent of diesel than we normally would to cover the same amount of ground.”
Mr Jochinke said a delayed harvest also turned into a long one with crops not ripening properly and temperatures not always high enough.
“A lot of farmers were talking about extra harvest capacity, such as a second or third header, just to try to keep operations ticking over because we can’t afford to have another slow harvest like we did this year,” he said.
“We’re all exhausted. Lots of people are just going on holiday now when normally they would be coming home from holidays.
“But there wouldn’t be too many in our area that wouldn’t be happy with the end result.”
A new online seed catalogue by the Australian Grains Genebank in Horsham is making the seeds that underpin the development of new crop varieties more accessible than ever.
Agriculture Victoria researcher Dr Sally Norton, the Genebank’s leader, said the facility was dedicated to preserving and making available plant genetic resources of grain crops that were valuable to Australia’s research and breeding industries.
“The catalogue gives people online shopping cart functionality, allowing them to search seed lines and request samples with a few simple mouse clicks,” she said.
Dr Norton said the catalogue was a Germplasm Resources Information Network, GRIN, database system — a common software system used to manage information about seeds and plant tissue globally.
“Through our partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation, GRDC, our ultimate goal is to unlock the genetic potential of plant genetic resources for cereal, oilseed and pulse crops to underpin the development of high-yielding, climate
resilient crops that will benefit Australian grain growers,” she said.
“Australian Grains Genebank currently stores more than 200,000 types of seed covering 1250 species across 162 genera.
“The new online catalogue will allow interested parties to look up information about our seed stock and request them for research, breeding and training and educational purposes.
“Our collection includes both temperate and tropical cereals, legumes, oilseeds and other crop types. We also maintain historical information on the seed lines.”
The catalogue is available online via www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/cropsand-horticulture/the-australian-grains genebank
People can click on, ‘Search our online seed catalogue’ — which will redirect them to the GRIN-Global database. They will need to register via a simple sign-up process to use the database.
The genebank is a partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria.
“We think we have burnt at least another 60 to 80 percent of diesel than we normally would to cover the same amount of ground”
– David Jochinke
Longerenong College is gearing up to welcome a new cohort of students, with enrolments filling fast.
General manager Avril Hogan said after introducing early acceptance to the college’s enrolment processes, half of its availabile student places were full before Christmas.
“We opened early enrolments for the first time, which meant students knew if they had a place before the middle of January, since we didn’t have to wait for their ATAR scores,” she said.
“What we’re trying to do now is encourage anyone who is thinking about coming onboard to enrol — because the worry is that you decide to come to Longerenong College and we don’t have enough spots.
“We will continue to offer early enrolments in future years because if we are ‘plan-A’ for a student, we don’t want them to have to worry about coming up with a ‘plan-B’ or ‘plan-C’ just because they haven’t heard from us.”
Ms Hogan said she encouraged people wanting to study agriculture to apply to Longerenong College – no matter
their background. “The 2022 year was the first year we had more women than men come through the college, with 57 percent of enrolment inquiry coming from women,” she said.
“It’s looking similar or higher than that again for 2023, so we’ll wait and see if more men come through or if it will be
a 60 to 40 percent split as it looks now.”
Angus Hawkins of Minimay is one of more than 15 members of his family to seek further education at Longerenong College and is also one of many incoming 2023 students. He will study an Advanced
Diploma of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management.
“It’s going to be good. It’s going to be worthwhile to get some experience before eventually looking to head back to my family farm,” he said.
“I knew I needed to do some
Mr Hawkins said agriculture was his passion.
“I looked at a lot of universities and agriculture colleges,” he said.
“It’s good here at Longy because it’s close to home and focuses on the skills you need to go forward and it’s where I can start to go on and keep improving in this field.
“If you can’t do it yourself, or know how the system works, it’s hard to run a farm.”
Mr Hawkins said he could not pinpoint what he looked forward to most about studying in 2023.
“I’m open-minded towards everything we will do and study. It’s going to all be pretty good and I’m looking forward to being a part of it,” he said.
“Our family hasn’t only been to Longerenong College. My family members have been to different universities and agriculture colleges over the time, but I think it shows we have the same passions.”
Ms Hogan said a new accommodation project was helping to ensure there would be
houses will be available next year, so we will have extra spots for students to live and study,” she said.
“One of our limitations is not having enough spaces for students to live here.
“The accommodation project includes three seven-bedroom houses and three four-bedroom houses, with all of them to be ready by the end of this year.”
Ms Hogan said the year ahead appeared positive.
“Agriculture is so hot right now and people can’t get enough workers across the industry, regardless of the qualifications or experience that’s needed,” she said.
“It’s such an exciting time for students to get trained and go and work in agriculture — we’ve never seen it better than this.
“We have an operating farm, so students are learning in the classroom and applying that on the farm. They get to do handson skills so that helps lock in their knowledge.
“We’re pumped that students are still considering Longerenong as it is one of the oldest agriculture training in-
I’vealways felt this is a good time of year for reflection.
Christmas and New Year celebrations are behind us, for most of the croppers the harvest is done, and many people have had, or are having, that precious beach time.
You naturally think about the season that was.
What did you do well? Where can you improve?
You’re thinking about the year ahead. Fine-tuning the cropping plan. Ordering fertiliser. Getting seed requirements lined up. All the operational stuff.
But what do you see when you look further out?
Where are you taking your farm business, your family, yourself? We’re all so busy with the day-to-day operations, it takes deliberate effort to lift the eyes to the horizon.
I have great respect for a man called Rob Hunt.
He was managing director of Bendigo Bank and took that business from a small Victorian-based building society to a national ASX 100 company.
He was the architect of the Community Bank model, which is now probably the
most influential, and impactful, social enterprise in Australia.
At one point, Rob had pens made for staff with the inscription: ‘What Are We Trying To Achieve?’
He wanted them to think about the higher impact of their efforts; to not get so caught in the demands of the day-to-day they lost sight of their primary purpose.
Often, the primary purpose is not immediately obvious.
For Rob’s business, shareholder return was a necessary outcome. But his real focus was building customer wealth.
His view was that successful customers would create successful communities and in turn, lead to the success of the bank.
If we apply that thought process to our farms, where does it take us? We might say our aim is to grow high-yielding crops, but is that simply a tool we use to achieve an objective of making money?
If our primary objective is to
make money, who are we doing that for? Are we using money as the scoreboard to show we’re winners? Is it to prove to ourselves and others we’re good at our craft?
Perhaps the real objective is to create a large, successful, family businesses. Understanding this opens our minds to other areas of business that could help us achieve this outcome.
Or perhaps you’re motivated by a more altruistic desire.
It might be a focus on improving soil microbe activity. But is this just a step in building a sustainable farming system? Something that will leave your farm in a healthier state than when you began — and by doing so, contributing to a healthier planet.
There’s no right or wrong answer, but it is important to not just drift along.
Being able to recognise your ‘light on the hill’ helps guide your decision making.
You’re more likely to have a sense of satisfaction, of happiness, if your day-to-day actions take you in the direction of your true objective.
Right, enough of the dreaming. Must be time to cut some more bindii.
Landholders are urged to keep their eyes open for evidence of Australian plague locusts following an increase in sightings across western Victoria.
Australian plague locusts are native insects and if left unmanaged, can pose a serious threat to pastures, crops and horticulture.
Agriculture Victoria manager plant, pests and disease, Chris Pittock said there was no prediction of a locust plague but encouraged people to take appropriate action to minimise risk of damage to their property.
“Based on current surveillance and modelling, we envisage moderate to high locust populations in northwest Victoria this summer,” he said.
“Landholders and community members are encouraged to look for signs of egg laying, locust hatching, banding or swarming and report sightings to Agriculture Victoria.”
Dr Pittock said locust eggs would hatch in coming weeks.
When young locust nymphs are a couple of weeks old, they are wingless and start to aggregate into bands and this is the recommended time to manage the insect.
Dr Pittock said ground control using a chemical insecticide is the most successful method to manage locusts.
Locust management insecticides include biological insecticides, organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, phenylpyrazole insecticides and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
Dr Pittock said landholders could seek expert advice from their chemical reseller or agronomist about which
insecticide best suited their situation.
There are also non-chemical options to use around homes and gardens.
More information is available via www.agriculture.vic. gov.au/locusts
The Victorian Plague Locust Commissioner and a team of eight regionally-based ‘locust champions’ can also advise farmers and landholders on proactive steps to manage locusts.
Organisers of an initiative to share grain harvest profits with Ukrainian farmers impacted by their nation’s conflict with Russia have reminded Wimmera farmers of the benefits of their campaign support.
The ongoing Grain4Ukraine campaign, organised by Grain Producers Australia at the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, asked farmers to donate proceeds from their summer harvest to Ukrainian farmers managing business and humanitarian impacts of the conflict.
Grain4Ukraine committee member Andrew Weidemann, of Rupanyup, had implored Wimmera farmers to consider their ‘innate’ connection with their Ukrainian grain-farming counterparts to support the campaign.
GPA chief executive Colin Bettles said the Grain4Ukraine campaign would continue for as long as the European conflict continued.
“The purpose in which we set-up this campaign remains — there is still a war going on in Ukraine. We want to continue to provide support for rural Ukrainian farmers facing devastating consequences of military conflict on their land,” he said.
Wimmera farmers who have made donations have used the National Grower Register card number registered to Grain Producers Australia to donate a portion of their harvest to the money-raising drive, as per the campaign’s request.
Mr Bettles said if every Australian grower could spare one tonne of grain, the proceeds would make an enormous difference to the campaign’s selected charities.
Money goes to the United Nations Crisis Relief’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund and World Vision Ukraine Appeal as well as The World to Rebuild Rural Ukraine, which will specifically target Ukraine’s rural communities.
Ukraine’s Australian ambas-
sador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, met with the campaign sub-committee to thank them for ‘supporting his people’.
He said rebuilding rural communities remained a ‘strategic priority’, and Australian farmers had provided ‘invaluable’ help.
“We sincerely thank Australia’s grain producers for this selfless initiative, getting behind our country’s efforts to recover from the devastation that’s been caused by Russia’s invasion,” he said.
“This support will help with rebuilding ports and other infrastructure connected to our agricultural communities, and basic necessities of our people such as roads, schools, homes and hospitals.
“On behalf of people in the Ukraine, I’d like to thank every grower who is donating some of their crop this harvest.”
People can donate to the campaign by using the GPA’s National Grower Register card number, 1500 4442.
Harvest is coming to an end across the Wimmera and Mallee and grain prices have fluctuated slightly since December.
While most export prices are slightly down compared to previous weeks, local prices remain steady, or slightly increased, for most grains.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported that Australian export prices, as of January 18, remained ‘relatively steady’
although they had dropped since harvest began.
Grain prices have risen between five and 30 percent compared to the same time last year.
Milling wheat exported at $516 a tonne, feed wheat sold for $467 a tonne and feed barley exported at $420 a tonne. Canola exported at $1058 a tonne.
In the Wimmera, AWB recorded bid prices for APW1 wheat last week
were about $346; barley at $282; and canola at $679 to $677 a tonne.
GrainCorp recorded bid prices of about $344 for APW1 wheat, from $346 to $359.50 for barley and between $671 and $676 a tonne for canola on Friday.
In the livestock industry, lamb numbers at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange are increasing into January.
On January 11, 3550 lambs and 2200 sheep were yarded while 6000
lambs and 1200 sheep were yarded on January 18.
Graham Pymer’s market report on Wednesday last week showed quality was good over shorn heavy lambs and most of the regular buying group attended, operating within a solid market.
Medium and heavy-shorn tradeweight lambs sold from $142 to $215, while heavier weights sold from $215 to $245 a head.
Light trade-weight shorn lambs sold from $136 to $170 a head.
Mr Pymer reported that most unshorn lambs showed dryness and lacked weight, selling from $140 to $214 a head. An extra-heavy weight pen sold for up to $238 a head.
Medium-weight sheep mostly sold from $79 to $110 a head, merino ewes sold for up to $130 and heavy crossbred ewes sold for up to $150 a head. Rams sold for up to $60 a head.
A new digital project in Ararat will allow farmers and industry leaders to solve challenges using a range of sensor technologies.
The Ararat Digital Twin Spotlight Project will work with farmers and planners to leverage powerful data visualisation and sharing capabilities of the Digital Twin Victoria platform.
Ararat Rural City Council will host two Digital Farm Tech Field Days — at Willaura on February 14 and Tatyoon on February 15.
Digital Twins use two-dimensional, threedimensional and live sensor data to build a virtual model of a place, including town infrastructure, rural roads, buildings, machinery and farmland.
The council will establish the Ararat Digital Twin to create a link between virtual and digital worlds, enabling real-world simulations.
Chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council was committed to becoming Australia’s rural innovation capital, establishing collaborative partnerships to drive advanced research and development in agriculture and bioenergy.
“We’re using this project at a local level to understand the technology’s ability to assist asset management planning and prioritisation of infrastructure repairs and developments, including roads, with a risk mitigation and productivity-boosting view for the municipality,” Dr Harrison said.
“By hosting the Digital Farm Tech Field Days, we’re bringing the local agricultural community together to explore how sensor technology can be used to improve on-farm decisions and increase productivity.
“It’s a great opportunity for farmers to hear more on the region’s plans for improved connectivity and the local grants available for installing farm weather stations.”
The project is a collaborative partnership with the Digital Twin Victoria program and Federation University.
People wanting more information, or to register for the field days, can visit www.ararat.gov. au/digitaltwin
Proven through years of research, development and rigorous testing in both lab and field, the advanced sealing technology within SEEDXTREME bearings significantly extends service life, especially in dusty conditions.
• The PEER SEEDXTREME 5203 bearing is a direct replacement for standard 5203 bearings to significantly extend their life.
• The PEER SEEDXTREME 5203 bearing is a direct replacement for standard 5203 bearings to significantly extend their life.
• Features 6 seals at each end, compared to most competitive bearings only having 2-3 seals at each end.
• Features 6 seals at each end, compared to most competitive bearings only having 2-3 seals at each end.
• Fits most gauge wheels and closing wheels that use a 5/8” or 16mm mounting bolt.
• Fits most gauge wheels and closing wheels that use a 5/8” or 16mm mounting bolt.
• Inside diameter 0.64” (16.256mm)
• Inside diameter 0.64” (16.256mm)
• Outside diameter 1.574” (40mm)
• Outside diameter 1.574” (40mm)
• Width 1.737” (44.12mm)
• Width 1.737” (44.12mm)
PEER’s Research and Development Center utilises mud slurry testing to thoroughly study new bearing and seal concepts. Mud slurry testing involves immersing bearings in an abrasive liquid and counting the number of hours before they fail under a consistent load. Most bearings within the agricultural environment break down because the seals deteriorate, which allows contaminants to enter the bearing and dry the lubricants, rather than bearings failing directly.
PEER’s Research and Development Center utilises mud slurry testing to thoroughly study new bearing and seal concepts. Mud slurry testing involves immersing bearings in an abrasive liquid and counting the number of hours before they fail under a consistent load. Most bearings within the agricultural environment break down because the seals deteriorate, which allows contaminants to enter the bearing and dry the lubricants, rather than bearings failing directly.
PEER’s Research and Development Center utilises mud slurry testing to thoroughly study new bearing and seal concepts. Mud slurry testing involves immersing bearings in an abrasive liquid and counting the number of hours before they fail under a consistent load. Most bearings within the agricultural environment break down because the seals deteriorate, which allows contaminants to enter the bearing and dry the lubricants, rather than bearings failing directly.
rather than
Mud slurry tests are performed to compare the life of different brands of bearings within the same environment. The bar chart below compares the life of three different brands of 5203 bearing at 500 rpm in the mud slurry tank. The one on the right is the PEER SEEDXTREME, which lasted more than three times longer than one major 5203 bearing manufacturer and over 7 times longer than a 2nd major 5203 bearing manufacturer.
Mud slurry tests are performed to compare the life of different brands of bearings within the same environment. The bar chart below compares the life of three different brands of 5203 bearing at 500 rpm in the mud slurry tank. The one on the right is the PEER SEEDXTREME, which lasted more than three times longer than one major 5203 bearing manufacturer and over 7 times longer than a 2nd major 5203 bearing manufacturer.
Mud slurry tests are performed to compare the life of different brands of bearings within the same environment. The bar chart below compares the life of three different brands of 5203 bearing at 500 rpm in the mud slurry tank. The one on the right is the PEER SEEDXTREME, which lasted more than three times longer than one major 5203 bearing manufacturer and over 7 times longer than a 2nd major 5203 bearing manufacturer.
Mud slurry tests are performed to compare the life of different brands of bearings within the same environment. The bar chart below compares the life of three different brands of 5203 bearing at 500 rpm in the mud slurry tank. The one on the right is the PEER SEEDXTREME, which lasted more than three times longer than one major 5203 bearing manufacturer and over 7 times longer than a 2nd major 5203 bearing manufacturer.
During early January when Country Today takes a Christmas break, I take advantage of not being on air and hit the road to collect interviews for the program.
In previous years, I’ve attended the annual weaner cattle sales and it’s been a glorious ride in the past five years with the eastern state’s drought breaking and beef cattle prices nearly doubling.
This year, though, there was a more important job.
I felt compelled to re-visit those I interviewed during the October and November floods.
The first stop was Rochester. Three months on, and the roads are still in desperate disrepair. The grey, rotting remnants of crops lie testament to the metre-high deluge that broke levy banks, swirled around town to higher ground and then inundated areas residents assumed were safe.
Gone were the mouldy sheets of plasterboard walls, trashed whitegoods, sodden carpets and furniture in front of stinking, muddy houses.
Most of the shops had reopened and the bustling Rochester Café was as busy as ever.
I had arranged to meet Rochester Business Network’s
Glenda Nichol over a cuppa. Our conversation was constantly interrupted by phone calls from people wanting help with everything from insurance claims, finding tradies and seeking mental health services.
Glenda was keen to sell the message that Rochester was back in business.
“They said the Bendigo Bank was going to be closed possibly up to Easter … because it needed a refurb. We said, ‘Why not use the old ANZ bank as a pop-up bank?’ — so we have the Bendigo pop-up bank and they’re doing a total refurb and update and fit-out in the process,” she said.
“Home is a totally different thing. It all depends on your insurance and how you’ve navigating that. Some people have gotten lost on the bottom of a pile.
“The builder doing our job is booked out until the end of 2024. Does he want 800 people ringing him to get quotes? No.”
It was then on to Echuca and Deniliquin.
I had visited the property of
Louise and Andrew Burge, Prairie Home, five years ago.
The talk then from Louise were claims of mismanagement of the release of water from the Hume Dam, which resulted in the flooding of the Edward River in 2016.
But that was nothing compared with the three floods over nine weeks, with the worst saved until last, in November.
“My husband never wants to get in a boat again,” she said, with tinnies the only mode of transport to try to save stranded sheep.
Losses to the initial floods were low, but as the waters dispersed, the only feed was noxious weeds.
The waters were infested with worms and weakened sheep soon began to die of from the high worm burden and the curse of flystrike.
Try as they might, even with the help the State Emergency Service choppering in hay, of planes dropping faba beans for food, of neighbours and stock agents lending a hand when they could, it wasn’t possible to save the weakest sheep.
“The damage is enormous. There is just no sheep feed at all. It’s like we’ve been through the worst, catastrophic drought,” Louise said.
Disease management is a focus of Birchip Cropping Group’s Trials Review Day.
Stripe rust, chocolate spot and grey mould has caused heavy yield losses across large areas of the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central regions.
While the wet weather provided conducive conditions for stripe rust in wheat, chocolate spot in beans and grey mould in lentils, it also made disease management difficult, with many growers unable to access paddocks to spray or getting bogged in the process.
BCG senior manager of extension and communications, Kelly Angel, said with high rainfall and full soil profiles creating a green bridge, spores were likely to carry over to season 2023.
“BCG’s trials review day will deliver strategies for growers to support 2023 disease management decisions to optimise production and ultimately, profitability,” she said.
“Nutrition, varieties, industry trends and farmer experience will also feature, with the latest research delivered to arm farmers with the science required to inform 2023 decisions.”
The European Food Safety Authority will decide whether to continue with the registration of glyphosate in July.
Researcher and agronomist Harm van Rees will present findings of his international farming-without-glyphosate study tour and possible implications for Australian agriculture.
“Without glyphosate, there is no existing answer to how we are going to feed the eight billion and growing world population,” he said.
“Conserving water, retaining stubble, reducing wind and water erosion all improve soil health and are achievable using glyphosate. Glyphosate also allows farmers to sow at the optimum time.
“Combined, these benefits radically improve yields. In our current systems, farming without glyphosate leaves our capacity to feed the billions vulnerable.”
Mr van Rees, with fellow researcher Anne Jackman, travelled through Europe, Canada and
“Public awareness and concerns relating to farm pesticide use is increasing and we can’t ignore the possibility of it happening here,” Mr van Rees said.
“For example, in Argentina, some country towns are banning the use of all agri-chemicals including fertiliser for a 1000 metre zone around the towns’ perimeter. Farmers do not receive any compensation for the loss in the production.”
BCG will launch its ‘2022 Season Research Manual’ — a deep dive into research — at the event.
The trials review day is on February 24 at Birchip Leisure Centre and is a members’ only event.
Registration is available via www.bcg.org.au/ events; people can register to become a member via www.bcg.org.au/memberships
Harvest across the Wimmera and Mallee is finally coming to an end — well behind traditional schedule. Soaked paddocks after big rains in late 2022 made it difficult for farmers and contractors to complete the job. Eventually, however, for many, both yield and prices have been a pleasing outcome.
Hyundai has announced running changes for its popular Venue light SUV as the model heads into the new year.
Prices increased by as much as $960, with the entry point to the Venue line-up now starting at $21,900 plus on-road costs.
Offering what Hyundai says are new features designed to ‘enhance the Venue experience with comfort, convenience’, and connectivity upgrades across the three-tier range, Qi wireless device charging has become standard across the line-up, while the top-spec
Elite variant gains app-based Bluelink connected car services.
Bluelink introduces features such as automatic collision notification, conversational voice control, connected routing, valet mode, weather updates, calendar synchronisation, destination send-to-car, last-mile navigation, segment-first remote control of cabin temperatures, window open-close and door lock-unlock plus vehicle health reports, find my car, and cloud-based backups of preferred vehicle settings.
Connected car services are available free of charge for the first five years of ownership.
Further, all Venue grades now adopt a customisable 4.2-inch digital instrument panel, USB-C charging ports in the front and rear, and a back seat storage compartment that Hyundai says is suitable for stowing mobile phones.
Rear occupant alert and a self-dimming rear-view mirror now feature as standard across the Venue range, while a new steering wheel control layout includes the addition of a new ‘Custom’ button, which enables the driver to program their favourite desired function for one-push access.
Visually, the MY23 Venue range is differentiated by a shark fin-type
antenna in place of the conventional aerial offered previously.
Metallic paint remains an option for an additional charge of $595.
Finally, the 1.6-litre petrol-powered Venue range has been “streamlined” to remove the six-speed manual transmission from the mid-tier Active variant. Manual transmission remains available on the entry grade.
The Venue’s engine produces 90kW of power at 6300rpm and 151Nm of torque at 4850rpm.
The four-cylinder unit returns a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.2 litres per
100km when paired to the six-speed automatic, and 7.0L/100km when fitted with the six-speed manual.
Finishing last year as the fourth-best seller in its segment, the Hyundai Venue notched up total sales of 6440 units.
The segment was led by the Mazda CX-3, with 11,907 unit sales, ahead of the Kia Stonic, 8557, and Toyota Yaris Cross, 8432.
Suzuki’s Jimny finished in fifth place with 5697 unit sales.
— Matt Brogan
FamedBritish sportscar manufacturer Aston Martin says it will mark its 110th year in business with a year-long celebration that will include the release of an exclusive special model.
Honouring the past, present and future of the brand, celebrations will centre on what Aston Martin describes as more than a century of automotive intensity, cutting-edge British innovation and high-octane racing success.
Born on the circuit and inspired by the racing passion of founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin has grown considerably from its beginnings in a London back alley to become one of the world’s most renowned — but regularly troubled — automotive marques.
In photographs released to mark the special occasion, Aston Martin has brought one of its oldest surviving racecars, the record-breaking 1923 Razor Blade, alongside the forthcoming Valkyrie hypercar, highlighting what it says is a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and applying engineering from Grand Prix racing to the road.
Aston Martin says the Razor Blade was one of the earliest cars to be specifically designed with aerodynamics in mind and, propelled by a Grand Prix specification engine, set numerous class records at Brooklands in
1923 — a year on from the brand’s Grand Prix debut with the TT1.
The Valkyrie encapsulates much of the same pedigree, though reflecting the 110 years of research and development that has taken place since its Razor Blade ancestor first turned a wheel.
Powered by a 6.5-litre V12 hybrid engine — which develops a scintillating 745kW at a stratospheric 10,500rpm and an equally chunky 740Nm of torque — the hypercar
will offer total system power of more than 1500kW courtesy of its Rimacsourced electric motors.
Further, Aston Martin’s historic 110th anniversary will be celebrated through the launch of a new, strictly limited and exclusive model it says will be unveiled later this year.
Aston Martin Lagonda chief executive Amedeo Felisa said the milestone would be celebrated under the banner of, ‘Intensity: 110 Years in the Making’ and would feature at numerous
events including this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and other major events across the brand’s key regions.
“In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford came together with a shared vision of racing cars and used learnings from the racetrack to push the boundaries of automotive innovation,” Mr Felisa said.
“One hundred and ten years, and a
little over 110,000 cars later, that spirit continues. Our 110th year promises to be just as exciting as our first, as we turn a new chapter in Aston Martin history with the launch of our nextgeneration of sportscars and the reveal of an extraordinary special model later this year that will celebrate this unique milestone.”
Mr Felisa said the 110th anniversary was one of several notable landmarks for Aston Martin in 2023, with the year also marking 75 years of the DB bloodline, 60 years of the DB5 and 20 years of the company’s Gaydon headquarters.
Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in 56 countries.
The DBX SUV range is manufactured separately in St Athan, Wales. Lagonda formed formed 124 years ago.
Aston Martin merged with Lagonda in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
The company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings.
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, China’s largest privately-owned automotive group, purchased a 7.6 percent stake of the company in October, for an estimated £7.55-billion, or $A13.1billion.
— Matt Brogan
The Australian mining industry is being called upon to become a world leader in sustainable practices for sourcing rare minerals and metals, with electric car brand Polestar pushing for diversification of sourcing materials.
In a roundtable interview with Australian media, Polestar head of sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, said sourcing responsibly-mined materials was a key concern.
Ms Klarén is pushing to ensure the brand can ‘truthfully’ inform consumers about the carbon footprint of its cars.
However, Ms Klarén suggested that the mining industry, which in some places around the world may not offer complete transparency on its operations and supply chain framework, is one of the most difficult elements of the life cycle assessment, or LCA, for Polestar’s vehicles.
Ms Klarén said there was a distinct
‘lack of data’ in relation to supply, which was indicative of the ‘lockedin opaqueness of automotive supply chains’.
“Suppliers are really scared to share information and share data because they’ve seen that data is used for original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, to go to other competitors and so on,” she said.
“We’re trying to really engage suppliers in a new transparent way of building how we work in the automotive industry. It’s a huge challenge.”
Ms Klarén said Polestar was first in the automotive market to use blockchain technology to trace what she called ‘risk minerals’ in cars.
“Polestar 2 was the first car on the market that had cobalt traced via blockchain,” she said.
“We’ve extended that now also to the risk mineral mica — which is often used in paint finishes.
“We also use mica as an insulator in the batteries.
Suzuki will soon add another SUV to its bustling line-up with the introduction of the coupestyle Fronx light SUV.
The Japanese importer describes the Fronx as a ‘new-genre SUV with a coupe style that’s strong and fluid’ and says the compact model is ‘easy to drive’.
It features a bold and thick grille reminiscent of the Grand Vitara and offers ‘powerfulness’ and ‘the strong presence of an SUV’, Suzuki says.
Like most Suzuki SUV models, the Fronx will offer a big-on-the-inside feel with what Suzuki says is a highquality interior similar to that of the new S Cross, and ‘advanced equipment’ including 360-degree camera technology, head-up display, wireless device charging and rear seat airconditioning outlets.
Unveiled in India as an indirect replacement for the aging Baleno small hatchback — in much the same way Hyundai’s Venue replaced the Accent — the Fronx is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms from next year.
The Fronx measures 3995mm long, 1550mm high and 1765mm wide.
Power is supplied courtesy of a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine — the same found under the bonnet of Baleno and Swift variants.
Outputs are listed at 74kW and 148Nm, which are channeled to the front wheels via the choice of a fivespeed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated fourcylinder unit is also understood to be available, the Swift-sourced engine providing 66kW and 113Nm.
The engine is paired with a fivespeed manual as standard.
Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles, Michael Pachota, said the introduction of the Fronx would solidify the brand’s presence in the light SUV segment.
“With the launch of the all-new Fronx, we’re combining unique sporty styling with SUV heritage to deliver an exciting new product to our lineup,” he said. “This not only solidifies our presence in the light SUV segment, but this vehicle will also open doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback.”
“That comes with huge risks and we wanted to trace that as well.
“Now we also have lithium and nickel traced in Polestar 3, and that enables us to, via the power and beauty of digitalisation, to get data that is immutable through all layers of the supply chain – including transport.”
But Ms Klarén said there were still transparency limitations at play.
She said a resource’s journey throughout the supply chain was not always clear.
“We know where it comes from. It doesn’t promise that everything’s good, or everything is sustainable at the site. There we need other control mechanisms,” she said.
Ms Klarén said there was potential for a leadership role in this emerging element of the market.
She said Australia, being a nation known for its abundant natural resources and one of the largest developed mining countries in the world behind China, the United States and
Russia, could be a benchmark-setter if it chose to be.
“I think Australia has an amazing possibility here, because I know that you’re doing so much in the mining sector in Australia in terms of environmental stewardship, and also social issues,” she said.
“So you can really be a provider of ethically-sourced minerals and metals, but you still need to prove that it comes from Australia.
“For us as an end customer, if we say that we want the nickel to come from, say Australia, it still needs to be proven that it comes from Australia.
“So you have a great possibility here to both create these ways of mining responsibly, but also adding blockchain as that final step.”
She said the brand was ‘open’ to sourcing materials from ‘all kinds of places’.
“We have minerals coming in from Australia in our cars today,” she said.
“We’re all over the place.
“We’re looking for responsible partners and we’re not making any limitations on where those partners can be, because we know that we’re going to grow into a global company.
“We’re going to have global sales, and also manufacturing footprints all over the world.
“So we’re very keen on finding innovative, responsible partners — wherever they may be.”
Polestar sells just one model in Australia, being the Polestar 2 crossover fastback.
The electric-only model is available in several different specification levels, including single- and dual-motor layouts.
A second Polestar model, the Polestar 3 SUV, will join the Australian market in 2023.
This new all-electric model – which is likely to compete with the BMW iX, among other premium electric SUVs, is expected to cost more than $135,000.
The Suzuki Australia range comprises a slew of light and small segment hatch and SUV models, including the Baleno at $18,490, Ignis from $19,490, Jimny from $26,990, S-Cross from $40,990, Swift from $20,490 and Vitara from $26,490. Prices are also subject to on-road costs.
Further bolstering the range will be the addition of a five-door Jimny fourwheel drive variant later this year.
Suzuki Australia achieved total sales of 21,578 units throughout last year — a 23.5 percent improvement compared to the year prior, giving it a two percent share of the market overall.
GoAuto understands Suzuki is also expected to introduce its first allelectric model, the eVX, to Australia within the next 18 to 24 months, competing directly with the likes of the MG ZS EV.
— Matt BroganFrom the moment it made its way onto our shores over 50 years ago, the Hilux quickly established itself as an Australian classic. A workhorse and family mover, no adventure is complete without one. And for good reason. Combining power with on-road presence, the Hilux continues to prove itself from generation to generation. Nothing beats the unbreakable connection between you and your Hilux.
Visit your local Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/HiLux
ALL SMILES: Hundreds of racegoers enjoyed a day trackside at Great Western on Sunday.
Pictured, clockwise from above: Evonne Cavanagh, Laurynne Cavanagh, Ella Cox, Suse Cavanagh and Cassie Smith dress to impress; Jen Lofts, Blake Cox, Zali Rodgers and Luke Vermeend soak up the atmosphere; Roxy Monaghan, Miley Shalders and Katia Monaghan; Eliza Fraser, Lee Pretlove and Steph Cairns; Bill Francis, Lindsay Mullins, Tom Guthrie, John Lewis and John Lucas; and Patrick and Kathryn McGaw.
(March 21- April 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 4.2.5.3.
Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.36.35.9.
Changes and alterations in your plans could be unavoidable at this time, so make the most of it. Your movements during this period could coincide with someone else’s.
(April 21- May 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 4.3.2.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.45.8.
Important period in business affairs and do not let anyone intimidate you into doing things their way. Finances are about to turn to your favour and some luck could also help.
(May 21- June 21)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2.
Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.40.33.
Big changes in your working environment should be for your benefit and even though you could be tempted, you should stick to the known for the time being. Luck should be on your side now.
(June 22- July 22)
Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9.
Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.8.5
Keep away from other people’s problems and even if you are invited to, do not give your opinion now. People who are important to you will support you and someone might help you to sort out your problem.
LEO: (July 23- August 22)
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 6.2.3.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.34.43.2.
Travel is highlighted during this period either yours or someone close, also problems could arise about departure times. You could be kept very busy sorting out problems brought about by your forgetfulness.
(August 23- September 23)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.9.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.35.45.
Social life is highlighted during this period and you could really enjoy yourself now. Your relationship with loved ones is improving and more happy moments to come.
(September 24- October 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4.2.3.6.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.34.40.
If planning to move now is the time to do it. Or if you have been thinking of travel or even a weekend away this period could give you the best chance for a long time.
(October 24- November 22)
Lucky Colour: Hot Pink
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.35.36.33. You should be able to sort out your life much better now and more time to do the things that interest you. Some good and surprising news from far away could also help you to be more happy.
(November 23- December 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 1.9.4.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.45.40.33. Someone from your past could create some problems in your present domestic situation. Big changes are about to happen and new and interesting people could alter your ideas.
(December 21- January 19)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.8.4.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.15.45.40.22.21. There could be many new ideas tossed around and your ability to grasp the situation will become handy now. Starting a new love affair might not be the wise thing at the moment.
(January 20- February 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.2.1.2. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.35.8.40. Do not let anything or anyone stop you from achieving what you really want in life. It is also a good time to start taking care of your health and fitness, join the clubs now.
(February 20- March 20)
Lucky Colour: Apricot
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7.5.1.4. Lotto Numbers: 7.15.28.40.11.1. Not a good time to confide in people, best to keep your plans and ideas to yourself and not let anyone take credit for your work. If someone owes you something make sure they pay.
1. Australia’s first Australian-born governor-general, a judge, politician and Attorney General in the Protections government of Alfred Deakin was born in Melbourne in 1855 and had a curious name. What was it?
2. If we venture onto some of our notable west Wimmera or south-east Grampians wetlands, there is a chance to see majestic brolgas performing their ritualistic dance. What type of bird is a brolga?
3. What Australian cricket captain declared an innings in a Test when he reached an individual score of 334, equalling Don Bradman’s best knock?
4. What traditional dish have many of us have sat down to enjoy during times of celebration and is reputed to have been created by Bert Sachse in 1935?
5. Name the eight ‘real’ planets in our solar system in order from the sun.
6. A female kangaroo is often referred to as a doe or what starting with F?
7. Bobby Kinnear is buried in a tiny Ebenezer Mission cemetery at Antwerp near Jeparit. What efforts in 1883 earned him a place in Australian sporting immortality?
8. A mock football match for the movie The Dressmaker was shot at what Wimmera recreation reserve?
9. Atlas is a world map; Atlas was a titan from Greek mythology who held up the celestial spheres and there is Atlas Mountains in northwest Africa. But where in the human body do you find the atlas bone?
10. In 1970 what major campaign launched by Gough Whitlam on behalf of Horsham Jaycees in Horsham went national with a slogan adopted and promoted by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council?
Answers: 1. Isaac Isaacs. 2. A crane. 3. Mark Taylor. 4. Pavlova. 5. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. 6. A Flyer. 7. He won the Stawell Gift. 8. Jung. 9. In the upper neck. It is also called C1 and is the first cervical vertebra of the spine. It is called the atlas because it supports the head.
10. Don’t Rubbish Australia.
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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Pest and Vermin Control is licenced to bait rabbits and foxes too.
Call Dennis on 0428 788 212 today to get your pests under control.
Australian Story (PG) 5:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 6:55 Governor-General’s Australia Day Message *Live* 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Australia Day *Live* (PG) 9:30 Movie: “The Light Between Oceans” (M s) (’16) Stars: Michael Fassbender 11:40 ABC Late News 12:00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey 12:55 Parkinson In Australia (PG)
6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “The BBQ” (PG) (’18) Stars: Shane Jacobson 2:00 Beach Cops (PG) 2:30 Border Security
International (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Cricket: T20
International Women’s: Australia v Pakistan *Live* 10:30 Ambulance: Code Red (M) 11:30 Dog Patrol (PG) 12:00 The Good Doctor (M) 1:00 Home Shopping
12:00 Highway Patrol (PG) 1:00 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Irish Pickers (PG) 3:00 Billy The Exterminator (PG) 3:30 Scrap Kings (PG) 4:30 Demolition NZ (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Cricket: T20 International Women’s: Australia v Pakistan *Live* 7:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Fugitive” (PG) (’93) Stars: Harrison Ford 11:15 Hardcore Pawn (M s) 12:00 Teletubbies 12:35 Tik Tak 12:55 Peppa Pig 1:35 Mister Maker 2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Dinosaur Train 2:55 Floogals 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 Beep And Mort 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:30 Spicks And Specks 7:30 QI (PG) 8:30 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 9:10 Gruen (MA15+)
6:00 Today 10:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Day Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 4:00 Tennis: Australian
Open Tennis: Afternoon Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 11:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Late Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 12:00 New Amsterdam: Pressure Drop (M) 1:00 Our State On A Plate 1:30 Home Shopping
6:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 10:30 The Middle (PG) 12:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 1:00 Frasier (PG) 2:00 Becker (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00
Australia Day: National Citizenship Ceremony 10:15 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News At Noon 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News Summer 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 The Drum 6:55 Governor-General’s Australia Day Message *Live* 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Bradman And Tendulkar 8:30 ABC News Tonight 9:00 ABC Nightly News
6:00 Sunset Ceremony *Live* 8:30 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 9:00 Judge Judy (PG) 9:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00
9:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 9:30 I Fish 10:00 The Love Boat (PG) 11:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 12:00 MacGyver (PG) 2:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 3:00 Waltzing Jimeoin 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Scorpion (PG) 7:30 Bull (M) 8:30 NCIS (M) 9:30 NCIS: New Orleans (PG) 10:30 Seal Team (M) 11:30 48 Hours (M)
2:00 Full House (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Along Came Polly” (M s) (’04) Stars: Ben Stiller 9:15 Movie: “Identity Thief” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Jason Bateman 11:30 Young Sheldon (PG)
12:00 Sunset Ceremony 2:00 Such Was Life 2:25 Ain’t Many Like Lennie 2:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Troy Cassar Daley/ Casey Donovan (PG) 4:35 Jeopardy! 5:00 Letters And Numbers 5:30 Mastermind 6:00 NITV News Special: Day 26 2023 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Movie: “Top End Wedding” (M l) (’19) Stars: Brooklyn Doomadgee 9:20 Royal History’s Myths And Secrets (PG) 10:25 SBS World News 10:55 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 11:50 Vikings (MA15+) 4:15 Destination Flavour China Bitesize
Stars: Michael Caine 5:00 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Grantchester (PG) 8:40 Poirot (M) 10:50 London Kills (M) 12:00 House (M) 1:00 Home Shopping 4:30 Religious Programs
5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Craft It Yourself 10:05
6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” (M d,s,v) (’13) Stars: Steve Carell 2:00 Beach Cops (PG) 2:30 Border Security International (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Final: Teams TBA *Live* 11:00 Movie: “The Book Of Eli” (MA15+) (’10) Stars: Denzel Washington 1:30 Home Shopping
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Searching For Superhuman 11:00 Australia Remastered 12:00 ABC News 12:55 Les Miserables (PG) 1:55 The Big Blue 2:45 Back Roads (PG) 3:15 Gardening Australia 4:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Australian Story (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens 8:30 Endeavour (M v) 10:00 The Accident (MA15+) 10:50 ABC Late News 11:10 Parkinson In Australia (PG) 11:55 Unforgotten (M l) 12:45 rage (MA15+) 12:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 1:00 Irish Pickers (PG) 2:00 World’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Scrap Kings (PG) 4:30 Demolition NZ (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Alita: Battle Angel” (M l,v) (’19) Stars: Rosa Salazar 10:05 Movie: “Just Cause” (M l,v) (’95) Stars: Sean Connery 12:15 Demolition NZ (M d,v)
The Flamin’ Thongs 5:30 Dragons: Riders Of Berk 6:05 100 Things To Do Before High School 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:35 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:00 Supernatural Academy (PG) 8:20 Cleopatra In Space 8:45 Log Horizon (PG) 9:10 Dragon Ball Super
2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Dinosaur Train 2:55 Floogals 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 Beep And Mort 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:30 Spicks And Specks 7:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (M) (’98) Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt 10:15 Doctor Who (PG)
6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:00
Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show 12:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Day Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 4:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Afternoon Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show 7:30 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Night Session *Live* From Melbourne Park 11:00 New Amsterdam: Things Fall Apart (M) 12:00 Family Law (M) 1:00 Our State On A Plate 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs
6:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:00 NBL Slam 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00 The Middle (PG) 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (M) 10:30 Nancy Drew (M) 11:30 Frasier (PG)
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News At Noon 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News Summer 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Language And Me 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 The Business: Summer Series 10:00 The World 11:00 The Drum 12:00 ABC Late News
9:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 9:30 I Fish 10:00 The Love Boat (PG) 11:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 12:00 MacGyver (PG) 2:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 3:00 Waltzing Jimeoin 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Scorpion (PG) 7:30 Bull (M) 8:30 NCIS (PG) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 10:20 Evil (M) 11:15 MacGyver (M)
2:00 Full House (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 Movie: “Earth To Echo” (PG) (’14)
Stars: Teo Halm 7:45 Movie: “Madagascar”
Beyond The Beaten Path (PG) 11:05 Great Canal Journeys (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Great House Revival 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:35 Where Are You Really From? (PG) 4:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35
Scotland: A Wild Year (PG) 8:30 Inside
Central Station (PG) 9:25 Undeniable: The Truth To Remember (PG) 10:20 SBS World News 10:50 Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian) 1:45 The Kimberley Cruise: The Full Journey
1:50 Why Does Everyone Hate The English? (M l) 2:45 Counter Space 3:15 BBC News At Ten 3:45 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland Street 5:45 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M) 12:00 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:00 Full Bloom (PG) 2:00 The Baron (PG) 3:10 Antiques Roadshow 3:40 Movie: “The Big Job” (G) (’65) Stars: Sid James 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Queens Of Mystery (M v) 8:30 Movie: “Rob Roy” (M s,v) (’95) Stars: Liam Neeson 11:20 House (M) 12:20 My Favourite Martian 12:50 Explore 1:00 Home Shopping
12:00 ABC News At Noon 12:30 Landline: Summer Series 1:10 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens 2:15 Call The Midwife (PG) 3:15 Victoria (PG) 4:00 Designing A Legacy (PG) 5:00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures (PG) 8:20 Vera (M v) 9:50 Wreck (MA15+) 10:35 Operation Buffalo (M l) 11:30 Making Child Prodigies (PG) 1:00 Les Miserables (M v)
3:00 My Road To Adventure (PG) 4:00 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages (PG) 5:00 Escape To The Perfect Town 6:00 Air Crash Investigation (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Heathrow (PG) 9:30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railways (PG)
4:30 The Beachbuds 4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:25 Ted’s Top Ten 6:00 Crazy Fun Park (PG) 6:25 Robot Wars 7:35 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:00 Supernatural Academy (PG) 8:20 Droners 8:45 Detention Adventure 8:55 The Next Step 9:50 rage (PG)
6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend 12:00
Cycling: Santos Tour Down Under Full Event Highlights 1:00 Border Security International (PG) 1:30 Cricket: T20 International
Women’s: Australia v Pakistan *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 TBA 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Finals: Teams TBA
*Live* 8:00 Cricket: BBL: Finals: Teams TBA *Live* 10:30 Cricket: BBL: Post Game
10:30 Cycling: Cadel Evans: Great Ocean Road Race: Elite Men’s Race *Live* 4:00 Irish Pickers (PG) 5:00 Shipping Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Movie: “Spiderman 3” (M) (’07) Stars: Tobey Maguire 9:50 Movie: “The Rock” (M s,v) (’96) Stars: Sean Connery
4:00 Andy’s Baby Animals 4:25 Beep And Mort 5:00 Thomas And Friends 6:10 The Adventures Of Paddington
6:30 Spicks And Specks 7:30 You Can’t Ask
That (PG) 8:30 Louis Theroux: African Hunting Holiday (M l,v) 9:30 Louis Theroux: Savile (M l)
12:00 Arctic Vets (PG) 12:30 Great Barrier Reef: A Living Treasure (PG) 1:30 KIA Dylan
Alcott Special 2:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show 3:00 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Afternoon Session *Live* 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 6:00 NINE News Sunday 6:30 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Pre Show 7:30 Tennis: Australian Open Tennis: Night Session *Live* 12:00 New Amsterdam (M)
2:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 17: Tasmania Jackjumpers v Perth Wildcats *Live* 4:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 17: Sydney Kings v South East Melbourne Phoenix *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:30 Nancy Drew (PG)
4:00 ABC News 4:30 Landline: Summer Series 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Heywire 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Movin’ To The Country 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Holden: End Of The Road 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Bradman And Tendulkar 9:30 Back Roads
9:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 9:30 Destination Dessert 10:00 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) 12:00
The Bachelors Australia (PG) 2:00 Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) 2:30 Exploring Off The Grid (PG) 3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 4:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30
The Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 8:40 NCIS: Hawaii (M v) 10:10 FBI (M v) 11:00 The Sunday Project (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings
12:00 Roads Less Travelled (PG)
12:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Demolition Down Under 2:30 Football: Round 14: Melbourne City v Adelaide United *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Movie: “The Expendables” (MA15+) (’10) Stars: Sylvester Stallone 12:20 Seal Team (M)
4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00
About A Boy (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Grumpy Old Men” (PG) (’93) Stars: Jack Lemmon 7:30 Movie: “Assassin’s Creed” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Michael Fassbender 9:35
Movie: “The Legend Of Hercules” (M) (’14)
Stars: Kellan Lutz 11:30 Duncanville (M)
5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Blue Water Safari (PG) 10:05 Love Your Garden (PG) 11:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:10 The Architecture Of Ra (PG) 4:40 Secrets Of The Tower Of London (PG) 5:30 WWII: Battles For Europe (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Lost Treasure Tombs Of The Ancient Maya (PG) 9:25 Australia Burns (PG) 10:50 Looking For Life On Mars
2:30 Gymnastics: Artistic World Challenge Cup 4:05 France 24 English News 4:35 Adam Ruins Everything (PG) 6:25 The World’s Fastest Electric Car? (PG) 7:45 Abandoned Engineering (M) (In English/ Japanese) 8:40 Lost Gold Of World War II (PG) 9:30 Tales From The Territories
3:00 Wheelburn (PG) 3:30 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Australia Cricket Awards *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” (M) (’81) Stars: Bruce Spencer 4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 Beep And Mort 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:30 Spicks And Specks 7:30 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier
6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Uptown Girls” (PG) (’03) Stars: Brittany Murphy 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) 9:30 Harry And Meghan - The Great Divide (PG) 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 The Equalizer (M) 11:50 Almost Family (M s) 12:30 MacGyver (PG) 1:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Scorpion (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 In The Dark (M v) 11:15 Seal Team (M) 12:15 Home Shopping 2:15 MacGyver (PG)
Becker (PG) 11:30 Frasier (PG) 12:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) 10:20 Becker (PG) 11:10 Frasier (PG) 12:00 ABC News At Noon 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00
National
I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 M*A*S*H (PG) 6:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Inside Man” (MA15+) (’06) Stars: Denzel Washington 11:00 Young Sheldon (M) 9:00 Judge Judy (PG) 9:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 3:40 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 9:30 FBI: Most Wanted (MA15+) 11:30 The Project (PG) 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 4:20 ABC America This Week 5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross (PG) 6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Taskmaster (PG) 9:25 Hypothetical 2:00 Antiques Roadshow 2:30 Movie: “San Demetrio, London” (PG) (’43) Stars: Robert Beatty 4:30 Secrets Of The National Trust 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 TBA 10:40 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (MA15+)
3:30
Lorraine Ethel
Passed away on January 22, 2023 aged 91 years
Dearly loved wife of Norman.
Loving mother of Joylene and Russell and mother in law of Peter.
Reunited with Dad
FRY, Robert Maxwell (Max) 2-3-1932 to 5-1-2023
Loving husband of Margaret.
Loving father and fatherin-law of Tony & Karen; Stephen (dec); Joanne; and Trudie.
Loved Pa to Robert & Esther, Kim & Michael, Jai & Alysha, Wade & Haley, Shannon & Mark, and Sam.
Great Grandpa to Violet, Sharni, Maddison, Lachlan & Mason.
Eternal Peace
GRANT, Charlotte Murcar (Lottie)
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 13, 2023 aged 90 years.
Dearly loved wife of Joe (dec).
Loving mother of Michael (dec), David, Carole, Ian, and Shirley.
Adored Nanny to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Reunited with Joe and Michael
GRANT, Charlotte (Lottie) 10-02-1932 to 13-1-2023
Lottie’s family are deeply saddened to announce her passing.
Loved wife of Joe.
Adored mother of Michael (dec), David, Carole, Ian and Shirley and their families.
Much loved Nanny of nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Carole and Bruiser. Adored Nanny to Brydie, Mat and Taya, Jamie, Kelly, Zarah, Jett and Harper and Brett.
Loved and remembered always
~ GRANT ~ Charlotte “Lottie” 10-2-1932 to 13-1-2023
If roses grow in Heaven Lord, Please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mam’s arms & tell her they’re from me.
Tell her that l love her & miss her & when she turns to smile; Place a kiss upon her cheek & hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day.
But there is an ache within my heart that will never go away.
Mam, the love & memories we shared .... I saved it all.
Reunited with Dad & Michael Your loving daughter, Shirley
Black
15’ Millard caravan , annex, registered, d/bed, kitchen, neat tidy clean van $4250 Ph 0419505737
1950 Bondwood caravan, 12’ 4 berth small, porthole window, restoration started, windows not fitted, W2 x H2.4m $2500 Ph 0400696362 Horsham
1960s Bondwood caravan 14’ white, alloy roof, 4 birth, W2.1x H2.5m, light grey and red interior, almost complete restoration, needs trim inside and out etc $4500 Ph 0400696362 Horsham
Central
1981 Viscount caravan , 16’ pop-top, roll out awning, full annex, shower, porta loo, double bed, microwave, 240v fridge, external gas hot water, 12v tv and aerial, reg till April 23, cover included, photo on request $8500 Ph 0428146771 1985
Mazda BT3-500 Motorhome , 1991 10spd, modern interior, sleeps 3, full RWC, cull complienced, EC $39,000 Ph for full details 0411450027
Viscount pop-up caravan with safety cord and extension cord, 2-way fridge, 4-cooker, oven, collapsible kettle, compact cookware set, foldable dish drainer, microwave, air conditioner, 1 d/bed, 1 s/bed, L-shape sofa, ample storage $5700neg Text 0419600049 or 0405516207
Windsor Caravan 1998, 19’6 Statesman, island bed, reading lights, battery pack skylight, aircon, gas stove, microwave, fridge, rollout awning, annexe walls ECT $19,500 Ph 53820505
53822267
Coolroom, fully assembled with unit fitted, 1.8m x 1.4m x 2.4m (h), VGC, working order, $3800 Ph 0417101120
Ferguson Tea 20 grey engine rebuild inc. pistons, liners,oil pump, timing chain, carby, 12U, starter, alternator, rewired, new large PTO, RDPS fitter, repainted great little tractor $4200 further info Ph Laurie 0429491426
Fordson Major tractor, PTO hydraulic, all good $2500ono Ph 0427361940
JD S670, 9870, 9650, 640D,
Husqvarna Viking sewing machine , model emerald 203/183, many features, utility and decorative stitches and Horm sewing cabinet Monarch $550 Ph 0467338820
Lightforce XGT driving lights with HID upgrade, good to VG cond with external ballast, covers and complete wiring looms, $350 the 3 Ph 0401504176
Makita compound saw with stand $1000 Ph 0428525970
Monarch Spa, 5 seats, 2 pumps, runs well Horsham area $1200 Ph 0427740155 to inspect
Multiple items for sale, Paslode gun with extra gas cartridges and nails, ozito miter saw plus impact driver plus multi tool plus circular saw under warranty, Feiyu Tech G5 gimbal for action camera, PS3 with 20 plus games, Epson printer, brand new Hikoki charger, Mavic Pro drone with 2 batteries and portable bag, call for prices, Ph or text 0419600049
Nelson silo, 500 bag capacity, cone bottom, located Massey $700 Ph 0427981227
New truck tyre, Triangle 265-70R 9.5, 16PR, suitable for drop deck trailer $250ono Ph 0407338811
Panel saw Linea Precision sliding table Panel saw model P3200, 3 phase 2004 make, cutting length is 3.10mm cutting depth is 100mm $8800 Ph Michael 0407744076
2019 Evolution 600 Apex Extreme, on Dunbier rull roller deluxe alloy trailer, Mercury 225hp 3.4lt V6 four stroke engine, elec power steering,fully equipped for crayfishing in SA and is equipped with anchor maz pot puller, marine carpets, full protection mat, always garaged, new as cond, low engine hours, genuine reason for sale, private sale, interested buyers may ring obligation free for further details, boat garaged in Robe, South Australia, VK748 $128,000 Ph 0418548726
Alicraft Boat and trailer, 4.35, Baystalker, centre consult, 40hp Yamaha reg Q0733 on 2006 trailer Mackay reg V26727 $14,000neg Ph 0419933542
Evinrude 6hp o/b motor, fresh water only, rarely used, model 6804B, VGC $650 Ph 53470200
Speedboat, 4.8m, 202 red motor, dog clutch, reg NBO069 and trailer Q99607 $5600 Ph 0409423541
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport Wagon, 4X4, 3.7L V6, engine# 2W154632, 216,100kms, 1TV3JA $2450 Ph 0429821539
Light blue Toyota Cprpma sport, 2005, 311,000kms, TRD592 Ph 0493100329
Nissan Utility Twin Cab, unreg, vin# UNGD21415702 $2500ono Ph 53840235
2000 Holden Statesman VH auto, 6cyl, 3.8 petrol, white, 282,000kms, QIU916
Portable air conditioner, brand new, used for 2 weeks, paid $399 selling $350 Ph 0428844245
Portable Coopers shearing plant with a villiers mark 10 engine no.329X55720,
Haines Hunter, 560SL, 1989 EC, Yamaha O/B 140 hp, oil injected,160lts F/ T, cray pot winch, rod holders, lowrance fish finder, live bait tank, cutting table, HF marine radios, S/Gear, canopy, boat cover, EPIRB, flares, life jackets, Mackay tandem axle trailer 57502, 02/2003 s/guard, boat latch $39,000 Ph Barrie 0427861004
Mangrove Jack fold-up boat trailer, W90542 and custom boat loader Ph 0409583014
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The lesson of a small train tugging a larger train over a mountain can set you up for a lifetime of success. In this story, the little blue engine agrees to pull a larger train over a mountain, a seemingly impossible task. The engine succeeds in pulling the train over the mountain while repeating its motto: ‘I-think-I-can’. As it neared the top of the grade, which had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, ‘I—think—I—can, I—think—I—can.’ It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the other side, congratulating itself by saying, ‘I thought I could, I thought I could.’ What can we learn from this little story? All things are possible, if you think you can, you can and you will. In the face of adversity do not lose hope, for hope springs eternal in the soul. Hope is that confident expectation that rises up from deep within and gives courage and fuels our bravery. If we place our Hope in God, He will never disappoint us, He knows what is best, we can trust Him to deliver. If
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement.
A snapshot of your obligations are as follows:
BOATS -
All advertisements for boats must include:
• Hull number or registration number of the boat
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Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved in just one day. So, if you can’t pull together a Clean Up crew, you can Step Up with a small donation to help us continue to Clean Up Australia, every day.
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Horsham Country Music Inc. are pleased to present two spectacular shows
get involved www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/councilreviews/electoral-structure-reviews/northern-grampians
Do you have an opinion about the Northern Grampians Shire Council electoral structure?
An independent electoral representation advisory panel is conducting a review and wants your input. The review looks at ward boundaries, the number of wards and the number of councillors to ensure all voters are represented in a fair and equitable way. It’s easy to have your say by making a submission online.
An independent electoral representation advisory panel is conduct ng a review and wants your input The review looks at ward boundaries the number of wards and the number of councillors to ensure all voters are represented n a fair and equitable way It’s easy to have your say by making a submission online
Grab all the details on the VEC website and get involved www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/councilreviews/electoral-structure-reviews/northern-grampians
Grab all the details on the VEC website and get involved. www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/councilreviews/electoral-structure-reviews/northern-grampians
Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified individuals to be appointed as an external member to Council’s Audit and Risk Committee for a period of three years.
The audit and risk committee is an independent advisory committee to Council that meets 3 times per year. The committee is established to assist in the effective conduct of Council’s responsibilities for good governance, the management of risk, financial reporting and maintenance of reliable systems and internal controls in order to facilitate the achievement of its organisational objectives.
The external member is required to demonstrate senior business, risk management or financial management/ reporting knowledge and experience in financial and other reporting requirements. External members are paid an honorarium per meeting.
A copy of the Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Terms of Reference which clearly set out the Committee’s roles and responsibilities is available from the Council’s website www. hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/council-committees. Any questions regarding the position can be directed to Monica Revell, Director Corporate and Community Services at mrevell@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or 03 5391 4444.
Expressions of interest, detailing background and experience and an understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities as detailed in the Audit and Risk Charter are to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 250, Nhill and be received by 12 noon on Friday 17 February 2023
Senior
Closing:
Closing:
Position number VG/4408D
This exciting role within the Assets and Standards team has primary stewardship over dam safety compliance and asset management of headworks assets, dams and water storages.
This critical role will allow you to apply your technical and management skills across all areas of dam safety management. As the Dams and Structures Engineer you will implement the dam safety program, manage external dam safety specialists, coordinate internal dams related activities and provide technical input to the planning, operation and maintenance aspects of dams, storages and related structures.
Become part of the talented and passionate team managing some of the most significant infrastructure in the region and grow your technical and project management skills as you engage with internal experts and leading dam safety consultants.
Position number VG/5402F
We are seeking a technically competent and energetic engineer, with a track record of working effectively across multiple business groups, external contractors and consultants.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning of infrastructure replacement and upgrades, predominantly for urban water and wastewater treatment services.
As well as planning for important projects, this role offers opportunities to contribute to research and integrated water management forums. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a diverse and committed team.
If you believe that good planning and stakeholder engagement leads to great outcomes for the business, customers and the community, we would like to hear from you.
To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers
Applications close: Wednesday 15 February 2023
GWMWater contact: Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer
GWMWater is an EEO employer and is committed to continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems. Full vaccination for COVID-19 is a condition of employment for all staff.
To receive information in relation to these vacancies in an accessible format such as large print, please contact People Talent and Culture during business hours on 1300 659 961.
Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers
Mark Williams Managing Director
• Willingness to work under a cultural framework that respects Aboriginal Culture
• Minimum 5 years experience in a Chief Financial Officer role in NFP/CS Org
• CPA/CA Qualified
• Strong computer skills, attention to detail.
• Highly developed communication skills written and oral
Proudly part of Grampians Health
Food Services Cleaner / Relief
Delivery Driver
Permanent Part Time
Job No. 4561 closes 30/01/2023
Patient Services Assistant
Permanent Part Time
Job No. 4560 closes 06/02/2023
Permanent Full / Part Time
Job No. 4564 closes 31/01/2023
Permanent Part Time
Job No. 4565 closes 31/01/2023
Security Officer
Permanent Part Time
Job No. 4570 closes 06/02/2023
Operating Suite Cleaner Cleaner
Job No. 4567 closes 06/02/2023
Carer Respite Coordinator
Permanent Full / Part Time Job No. 4569 closes 06/02/2023
To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/
• A strong team ethic
Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.
Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.
We are currently seeking teachers to join our dedicated team
0438 824 580
ACTION: Wimmera sports stars were in action across the weekend including clockwise from top left, Ararat Redbacks coach Rhys Burger sets a play; Homers’ John Officer pushes forward; Hornets’ Tim Wade heads to the net; Homers batter Baxter Perry smacks a four; Hornet Austin McKenzie tears down the court; Warriors bowler Jeremy Weeks took 4-16 against Homers; Ararat Redback Ethan Fiegert drives to the basket against Millicent; Young Hornets cheer on their senior counterparts at Horsham Basketball Stadium.
BY TONY LOGAN
All is in readiness for a bumper, 10-race card of harness action at Laidlaw Park, Stawell, tomorrow.
“We have put together another great day of free fun for all ages at what has become a traditional date on our calendar,” Stawell Harness Racing Club manager Mark Percival said.
“For the kids, there are rides on Aston the train, a face painter, show bags and to keep them refreshed, we have the slushie bike and icy poles.
“The grown-ups have a chance to take home $500 cash in our lucky race-day draw after race four, just by registering their details with our QR code. Later in the afternoon, Chris Meek will be playing some great music through to the early evening in our new alfresco area.
“A scrumptious race-day roast will be available in the bistro and Stawell Lions Club will be manning the Aussie barbecue.”
Bookings for the Trackside bistro and alfresco area can be made by phoning 5358 1237.
“They are sure to go quickly, so
Horsham jockey Christine Puls, front, celebrates winning the 2023 Great Western Cup. Puls, on Beetwentynine, went into the race as the favourite and narrowly defeated Shakespeare in the 1950-metre race. It was the eight-year-old gelding’s most significant win to date, with a $50,000 prize pool. Pictured with Puls are, from left, Great Western Enterprises chief executive Bruce Ahchow, Great Western Racing Club president Carl Barry, Treasury Wine Estates’ Neil Grant, Horsham trainer Paul Preusker and Great Western Racing Club vice-president Brian Cairns.
PAUL CARRACHERdon’t dally,” Percival said. “Remember, it’s free entry for everyone, so come along and enjoy.”
For people who cannot make it to Laidlaw Park, all races are streamed live and free on devices and smart TV via Trots Vision.
People can also access fields, a form guide, gear changes and race analysis with tips via www.hrv.org.au
Adam Hamilton reports for Harness Racing Victoria on the progress of Horsham star pacer Bondi Lockdown, after the stallion’s comeback appearance at the Menangle trials last week:
Owner and former trainer-driver Aaron Dunn surprised many when he sent Bondi Lockdown to Team McCarthy after the pacer had a minor bleed late last year and was stood down from racing for six months.
“It made sense to me. I think it’s best for the horse and Luke seems to really like him,” Dunn said.
McCarthy said: “Yes I do, we haven’t turned the screws down on him yet, but he’s exciting alright. We all know how good he is at his top. That Chariots Of Fire run of his was
seriously off the charts. You don’t see many who could do that.”
McCarthy took the reins when Bondi Lockdown won his first trial for the stable at Menangle on Wednesday last week.
“Aaron said he’d been a handful at times at home for him, but he’s been relaxed and a real gentleman up here and that showed in the trial,” he said.
“He relaxed well then I gave him one smack when I came off the leader’s back and he did the rest himself, and very comfortably.
“It’s too early to be making any bold predictions, but we know the talent
he’s got. It’ll be great to get a race into him.”
That race will be in the next two to three weeks.
“We tossed-up taking him to the Hunter Cup, but it’s best to focus on the Miracle Mile and bring him along at our own speed up here,” McCarthy said.
“After his first up run, he’ll go to the Newcastle Mile and try to book a Miracle Mile spot that way.”
A recent addition to the Kerryn Manning stable, Fugle scored a comfortable victory at Melton on Friday in the
$7000 2Construct Trotters Handicap. After a safe beginning from the 10-metre mark, Manning found the one-one sweet spot for the first lap of the 2240-metre journey, then raced outside the leader Aldebaran Jaytee when that horse assumed control at the bell.
Fugle went to the line full of running and scored comfortably in a rate of 2.04.0.
Fugle is a six-year-old daughter of Majestic Son and A Bit Amiss and is raced by her breeders, well-known lovers of the trotting gait, the Shellie family.
People can register for a three-onthree basketball competition in Horsham next month.
Horsham council has engaged Champions League Basketball to bring its outdoor 3x3 set-up to the courts in Park Drive across the weekend starting Friday, February 17.
The competition, with support from Horsham Hornets, will feature preregistered games, three-point shoot outs, slam-dunk contests and comeand-try sessions.
Wimmera players can register to compete for prizes in junior and open divisions via www.clb3x3.com
Three-on-three basketball appeared as an Olympic discipline at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
“3x3 is simple and flexible enough to be played anywhere and by anyone,” Champions League Basketball’s Matt Hollard said.
Show The Magic was simply brilliant, running down early leader Flash Banner for Cliff Smith of Wonwondah, who was gallant in defeat.
Horsham Greyhound Racing Club hosted three meetings in a fortnight, with Wimmera trainers winning a respectful nine of the 33 races run.
Garry George, Beulah, struck first at a meeting on January 10 when his first starter Disguise produced a solid win. After blowing the start and missing the kick by two lengths, Disguise used his rail draw perfectly and produced a last-to-first gallop, taking out the maiden event in 23:62sec.
Andrea Gurry, Nhill, then produced the first of her four winners of the three meetings when Fast Lane Fever positioned up second early, railing beautifully to run away and win by four lengths in the grade-seven event in the smart time of 23:43sec over 410m.
Due to extreme heat, the January 17 meeting was rescheduled to a morning meeting with the first race jumping just after 9am.
Team Fullerton, of Red Cliffs, just took the honours over Gurry for the day.
Gurry continued her winning ways of the week prior, producing a double, with Loco Tonto and Carob Bale saluting.
Loco Tonto was victorious in the CHS Group grade-five event over 410m, coming from near last to show his strength and finish a three-length winner in 23:38sec.
Carob Bale produced a
Locks
grade-six event, leading all the way in the smart time of 23:24sec.
Team Fullerton produced a treble with Wise Words, Our Dreamer and Show The Magic.
Wise Words was first-up for the kennel and was ultra-impressive in
the maiden event, leading all the way from box eight to win by five lengths in 23:29sec.
Our Dreamer then saluted in the grade-five event over 410m with a last-stride victory against early tearaway leader Fantasy Lee, for Garry George, to win by a head in the time of 23:39sec.
Show The Magic spotted the leaders ground in the Warrack Motel gradefive event but put the foot down, going on to win by the best part of three lengths in a flying 23:01sec.
The sublime Silver Brute for Gary Peach, Cape Clear, continued his love affair with the Horsham circuit, going within half a length of the 410m track record, winning the Free for All event in a flying 22:67sec.
It was his seventh start at the track for five wins and two seconds and his 29th victory from 48 starts and $173,000 in prize money.
Friday had the club running an extra meeting for the week. Gurry produced her fourth win for the two-week block when Amigo Rapido, who positioned second early, ran down kennel mate Fast Lane Fever, winning by half a length in 23:22sec.
Fast Lane Fever was a close second.
Lektra Sammy, for Doug and Paul Hammerstein of Ararat, produced a dazzling front-running display in the On-Site Engineering grade-five event over 410m winning by close to four lengths in 23:21sec.
Rupanyup-Minyip will aim to continue its winning ways, while West Wimmera consolidated top spot with an exciting 32 run win.
Horsham Cricket Association twoday matches continue this week, after an eventful return by A Grade in round 12.
Given the opportunity and based on the previous round, the Blue Panthers can score plenty of runs and set a challenge for their opponent.
Homers batters have been struggling to establish consistent, high-scoring partnerships in the two-day rounds and will need to shake that trend to defeat Rupanyup-Minyip.
Noradjuha-Toolondo is returning to the pitch for the first time since the mid-season break and will likely settle in with a win against Jung Tigers.
The Bullants are sitting comfortably in second position on the ladder and are looking too strong for the Tigers.
Rupanyup-Minyip’s 314 was too much for the Tigers to chase at the weekend, all out for 210.
It appeared the match would be over too quickly on day two, however, a mid-order surge from the Tiger’s batters saw them closing the margin.
Jake Durdin made the biggest impact with 82 runs.
The Tigers could not hold on, however, and in 65 overs the majority of
their wickets had fallen for singledigit run totals.
Rupanyup-Minyip’s Brent Hudson took 6-34.
Homers finished 32 runs short of its 182-run target set by West Wimmera Warriors.
Paddy Mills, 45, and Luke Deutscher, 34, were the biggest contributors to Homers’ final score.
Warriors’ Jeremy Weeks took 4-16, while Nathan Alexander took 3-43.
West Wimmera heads into a bye round sitting in top spot on the ladder.
In B Grade, Horsham Saints defeated Colts who were all out 49 runs short in just less than 50 overs.
Laharum passed Blackheath-Dimboola’s paltry 80 first-innings score on the back of Ben Peucker’s 60. The Mountain Men scored 154.
Blackheath-Dimboola was 3-49 in a second innings as Laharum chased an outright result.
The Bullants narrowly missed an outright by one wicket against Jung Tigers.
Tigers were all out for 73 in the first innings and followed on to be 9-91.
Josh Beddison was a standout for the Bullants with a combined 12-24 over two innings.
C Grade action returns this week for round 10 for the remainder of the one-day series, with six matches left before finals.
This week: Day one of two-day cricket in A Grade and B Grade –
A Grade: Noradjuha-Toolondo v Jung Tigers, Horsham City Oval; Homers v Rupanyup-Minyip, Sunnyside Recreation Reserve, Horsham; West Wimmera Warriors, bye.
B Grade: Blackheath-Dimboola v Horsham Saints, Dimboola Recreation Reserve; Colts v Laharum, Dudley Cornell Park, Horsham; Rupanyup-Minyip v Jung Tigers, Minyip Recreation Reserve; Lubeck-Murtoa v Noradjuha-Toolondo, Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
C Grade: Horsham Saints v Colts, Coughlin Park, Horsham; Jung Tigers v Quantong, Dimboola Road Oval, Horsham; Laharum v West Wimmera Warriors, Laharum; Lubeck-Murtoa v
Homers, Lubeck Recreation Reserve; Natimuk v Blackheath-Dimboola, Natimuk Recreation Reserve.
Last week: Day two of two-day cricket in A Grade and B Grade –
A Grade: West Wimmera Warriors 182 (B. Alexander 76, N. Alexander 57, B. Perry 5-27, S. Hopper 4-50) d Homers 150 (P. Mills 45, L. Deutscher 34, J. Weeks 4-16); Rupanyup-Minyip 314 (C. Weidemann 173, C. Midgley 34, G. Young 33, C. Eagle 3-15. A. BK 2-29, A. Adams 2-42) d Jung Tigers 210 (J. Durdin 82, D. Puls 35, B. Hudson 6-34); Noradjuha-Toolondo, bye.
B Grade: Horsham Saints 188 (B. Sawyer 56, T. Sostheim 25, J. Crooks
2-17, J. Colbert 2-45) d Colts 139 (K. Purchase 35, D. Lawson 35, D. Arnott 25, J. Carroll 3-14, B. Hamerston 3-30, A. Laffy 2-18); Laharum 154 (B. Peucker 60, D. Griffiths 32, D. Collins 4-16, B. Marrs 2-22, E. Braithwaite 2-23) d Blackheath-Dimboola 80 (L. Hutchinson 25, J. Mahoney 5-25, X. Shevlin 3-36, P. Smith 2-18) and 3-49 (S. Polack 26, P. Smith 2-21); Noradjuha-Toolondo 9-261 (N. Hughes 61, A. Smith 36, B. Anson 34, T. Dumesny 32, J. McDonald 28, P. Bandara 4-66, A. Britton 2-53) d Jung Tigers 73 (J. Beddison 7-12, K. Lang 2-21) and 9-91 (S. Marks 36, J. Beddison 5-22, B. Anson 3-28); RupanyupMinyip forfeited to Lubeck-Murtoa.
The Grampians Cricket Association season resumed on Saturday with two B Grade games.
Halls Gap defeated Halls Gap 2 by seven wickets and Swifts-Great Western prevailed over Rhymney-Moyston by 10 wickets.
At Halls Gap, Gappers 2 batted first, scoring 9-114. Les Pyke led the scoring with 57.
The Gappers ran down this total in the 24th over, thanks to Justin Leith, 50 not-out, and Caleb Breterton, 37 not-out, to finish on 3-116.
Swifts-Great Western cruised to an
easy victory against Rhymston. Batting first, Rhymston was dismissed for 44 with Jacob Dunn proving the best bowler with 3-5.
The Combine knocked the runs off in 11 overs without losing a wicket.
The B Grade ladder stands at SwiftsGreat Western 36 points, Halls Gap 33, Halls Gap 2 12, and RhymneyMoyston 12.
The association returns to full swing this week.
In the A Grade draw, Chalambar hosts Rhymney-Moyston at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval and Swifts-Great
Western hosts St Andrews at Stawell’s Central Park, while Pomonal has a bye.
In B Grade, Rhymney-Moyston 2 versus Halls Gap 2 at Moyston and Halls Gap plays Swifts-Great Western at Halls Gap.
The main interest will centre on the first-placed Combine versus the thirdplaced Saints.
In a previous match, the Combine prevailed by 100 runs, so the Saints need to play to their best to challenge the ladder leader.
The other significant match is in B
Grade between the Combine and the Gappers, which will determine the grade’s top team.
Other games which could go either way are Chally versus RhymneyMoyston — with both teams on equal points and the winner likely to play finals, while the loser will have some ground to make up to feature in finals.
The remaining game, between Rhymston and Gappers 2, is for ladder position because neither team can miss finals.
Swifts-Great Western lost to Irre-
warra in the Sungold Twenty20 Cup on Sunday, run by Warrnambool and District Cricket Association.
Batting first, Irrewarra scored 7-152 with Leon Molony the best of the bowlers with 3-18 from three overs.
The Combine could not match the score, finishing on 3-99.
Best of the Combine’s batsmen were Jack Cann, 44 not-out, and Aiden Graverson, 32 not-out.
Irrewarra plays in the Colac and District Cricket Association.
– One Short
Horsham-based professional golfer Jordy Briggs has set a new Horsham Golf Club course record at the club’s weekly Saturday competition.
Briggs shot his record-breaking score of 63 at the course on Saturday, besting the previous lowest score, 64, shot by professional golfer Bryden Macpherson in 2021.
Briggs broke the course record with a 25-foot putt on the 18th hole.
Briggs said he had wanted to break the course record since he started playing at the course when he was 10. “I used to see the course record up in the clubhouse and I wanted to be the one to have my name up on the wall with my scorecard, having shot the lowest score ever,” he said.
“Sixteen years later, to officially say I have done it, makes me very proud.
“A lot of hard work has gone into it. I sat down in December to plan out some goals for myself, and one of the first was to break the course record at Horsham.
“I have worked very hard in Canberra during the past three years to prepare myself for that putt.”
Briggs shot his 63 off the blue-marked tees, the toughest set up the course offers its players.
He said he was scheduled to compete in several Pro-Am tournaments across the next few months, however he said it was ‘great’ to be back in Horsham as the club marks its 125th year.
“The year has been off to a really good start. I just signed a contract with Puma, who will support me this year. I am proud to accomplish that support, and I am proud they have acknowledged the work I have put in across the past few years. They have been a great help so far,” he said.
Briggs returned to Horsham at the end of last year, after he completed his three-year Professional Golfers Association-traineeship at Royal Canberra Golf Course.
Nearly 100 golfers from clubs across Victoria gathered at Horsham Golf Club on Sunday for an amateur Victorian four-ball championship qualifier.
The event, open to all amateur golfers across the state with a men’s handicap below 36.4 and women with a handicap below 45.4, culminates in a 36-hole state final on March 21.
Horsham Golf Club hosted 94 players from 28 clubs at its qualifier, with mixed pairs, women’s and men’s pairs competing.
David Cameron and Geoff Holcombe of Mooralla Golf Club won the men’s division
with 48 points on countback from Sandhurst Golf Club’s Craig and Marcus Allen, also with 48 points.
Horsham Golf Club players Pamela Watkins and Lisa Jakobi won the women’s division, also on countback with 41 points.
Jakobi’s 13th hole, hole-inone was a particular highlight of their qualifying win.
Nick Thompson and Maggie Clark, also of Horsham Golf Club, won the mixed division, also with 41 points.
The three pairs will head to Portsea and Moonah Links golf clubs for the two-round state final.
Horsham’s Lisa Jakobi retrieves her ball after she scored a hole-in-one on Horsham Golf Club’s 13th hole during Sunday’s four-ball state amateur qualifier.
Horsham Golf Club is continuing its march back into the forefront of Australian golfers’ minds, after winning top 100 Golf Australia recognition last week.
Golf Australia magazine’s biennial top-100 public-access Australian courses has become an industry standard for the national golf-course ranking system that considers all Australian courses that have offered tee times for non-member golfers at least five days a week.
Horsham Golf Club was ranked the 74th best course in the nation out of 1500 public-access courses across Australia.
The club has climbed 17 spots since the magazine’s previous ranking two years ago.
Golf Australia rankings judge Craig Smart said Horsham’s course had ‘improved noticeably during the past few years and it must now be considered as offering one of the best value-for-money rounds in the country’.
Horsham Golf Club president Gerard Bardell said it was ‘wonderful’ to see the course back within Golf Australia’s top-75 ranked courses.
“There are opportunities for the club to push the course into the top 50 across the next few years,” he said.
“We have had a strong focus on the quality of our course during the past five years, but it has always had a quality layout.
“The club has a strategic plan to keep growing, and we are following that through. It was nice to see that plan recognised by these reviewers.”
Mr Bardell said there was still ‘plenty of work to do’ for the club to have its course become a mainstay of the ranking’s top 50, and the club had spoken with course architects about ‘simple’ and ‘inexpensive’ changes that could help with the club’s rankings rise.
“It will always be a team effort at the club, and our members, sponsors and staff, have all pitched in to grab these amazing results,” he said.
Golf Australia rated Cape Wickham Links at King Island, Tasmania, the number-one course nationally.
THAT: Horsham’s Jordy Briggs said breaking Horsham Golf Club’s course record at the weekend was an achievement he had thought about since he was 10 years old.Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Organisers of a national basketball development tournament have honoured the dedication of its Horsham stalwarts.
Alison McKinnon received life membership and Owen Hughan received an award of merit for their contributions to the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup.
The tournament runs annually in Albury-Wodonga for more than 600 under-14, under-16 and under-18 basketballers from across Australia and New Zealand.
It emphasises development opportunities for players, coaches and referees.
Mrs McKinnon’s award honours more than 20 years supporting and leading the tournament’s administrative team, ‘the Red Shirts’ – making people feel welcome and inspiring them to work hard.
Her involvement began in 1999.
She had received an ‘award of merit’ in 2006.
“Ali’s personal attributes are those one could list in a picture of the qualities of the ideal volunteer. Her spontaneous smile, unflappable nature, high
level personal organisational expertise and her genuine empathy for others have earned her the respect of everyone involved,” her citation read.
“Alison continually embraces the theme of the Country Cup of participation being the priority and winning a bonus in her tireless volunteer work.
“Without Ali and people like her, the event could not be of such a high quality, producing such formidable young athletes.”
Mrs McKinnon said she was ‘excited’, ‘shocked’ and ‘humbled’ to receive the award during the tournament’s opening ceremony.
“I had an inkling something was going on because they kept ringing up and asking lots of questions,” she said.
She said building relationships within a positive atmosphere kept her returning each year.
This was the tournament’s longawaited return since 2020.
“The passion and the excitement the kids had at that first game – the noise was unbelievable,” Mrs McKinnon said.
Mr Hughan’s award recognised ‘outstanding service and contribution to the development and promotion of Australian country basketball’.
Mr Hughan’s almost 30-year in-
volvement has included developing and mentoring athletes and coaches.
Country Victoria nominated him for the award.
“Owen’s work with young athletes and his ability to produce elite players in regional Victoria is well recognised,” his citation read.
He first attended the tournament in 1996.
He said it was an ideal environment
for country basketballers to develop their skills, or for coaches or referees to receive mentorship.
“It has an atmosphere that’s serious but at the same time, you’re in a holiday situation. I’ve never been to a tournament like that – they’re normally very serious,” he said.
“It’s more of a life experience.”
“It has an atmosphere that’s serious but at the same time, you’re in a holiday situation.
I’ve never been to a tournament like that – they’re normally very serious”
– Owen HughanRECOGNITION: Alison McKinnon and Owen Hughan were recognised for their contributions to the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Horsham Hornets men’s team has secured a position in the top four and will prepare for finals next weekend.
It was quite an upset for the Hornets to defeat previously top-placed Mt Gambier Lakers by six points to win in the team’s final game of the homeand-away season.
The Hornets have propelled themselves to third position and will face the Lakers again in a semi-final.
Horsham’s strong first half kept the win within reach after Mt Gambier bounced back from a slow start to win the third and fourth quarters.
Austin McKenzie scored 26 points in Saturday’s game, while Cody Bryan chimed in with 19 points.
The Hornets went into the second half with a 16-point lead, however, the Lakers were not going to lose easily and the final half was competitive to the end. The final score was 87-81.
Mt Gambier now sits second on the ladder after Ararat jumped to top spot following its double-header weekend.
The Redbacks defeated Millicent Magic on Saturday night by 24 points.
Fletcher Burger and Ethan Fiegert
were the team’s top scorers with 21 and 20 points respectively.
A different team list on Sunday saw the Redbacks lose to Terang Tornadoes by a narrow four points.
Fiegert shot 27 of the team’s total 71 points.
The Redbacks were leading at halftime and had a strong third term, however could not maintain their momentum to hold on until the final whistle.
The Redbacks will play Portland Coasters or Millicent Magic in a semifinal, depending on the result of the Magic and Surfcoast Chargers clash on Saturday – the only round 16 game.
The finals hopes of Horsham Hornets women’s team have ended after a loss to Mt Gambier Lakers.
Portland and Warrnambool both had wins to bump Horsham out of a topfour standing.
Horsham came out firing in the first quarter but could not get back on top after a tough second quarter.
Ema Iredell was again consistent as the team’s main point scorer with 18 against Mt Gambier.
The game marks the end of the season for the women’s team.
Finals are scheduled to begin on February 11.
Conroy’s teammate Wilbur Shea, left, guards Cade Kelly. The Redbacks defeated Millicent Magic by 24 points.
Far left, Horsham Hornets’ James Hallet gets a pass away against Mt Gambier on Saturday. The Hornets came out on top, winning by six points.
Central Wimmera Tennis Association senior teams return to the court on Saturday for five rounds before finals.
Kalkee is sitting in top position by percentage only on the pennant ladder.
Kalkee will play Central Park and Horsham Lawn will take on St Michaels on Saturday, while Drung South has one more weekend off.
Central Park and Kalkee have won nine games apiece and each team has defeated the other on one occasion this season.
Central Park defeated Kalkee by six sets in round two, and Kalkee defeated Central Park by six sets in round seven.
In their final match-up for the homeand-away season the result could go either way, with both teams looking strong before a January break.
Kalkee’s Jeff Friberg has had a successful season so far, while Hayley Thomas is yet to lose a singles match.
Central Park’s Willow Sainsbury and Brendan Nitschke will make for
challenging opposition leading into finals.
Leading into the main break, St Michaels won two of the final three rounds and will be hoping to take that momentum into round 12 action.
However, Horsham Lawn starts on the front foot having defeated St Michaels twice this season – in round two by six sets and round seven by two sets.
Cherie Wood continues to be a staple player of Horsham Lawn’s line-up and will be difficult to beat.
Teammate Shane Gillespie has also had a strong season so far.
Angela Nitschke has been playing well and will aim to continue her form in the remaining rounds. Saints star Steffi McDonald has moved to Brisbane to take up a coaching role with Rise Sports.
The three top-placed teams are now fighting for their ladder position heading into finals, wanting to be in the top two to give themselves a double chance at the big dance.
Drung South and St Michaels will continue to vie for the final top-four position, with both teams sitting at two wins each.
READY FOR USE: Nhill Lawn Tennis Club members, from left, Ben Cannell, Erin Dufty and Helen Cannell are excited to be able to use the new clubrooms as coaching and competition is set to resume in 2023.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Nhill Lawn Tennis clubrooms are ready for players and supporters to use for the remainder of summer as construction is now complete. A windstorm previously damaged the building and the former building was demolished.
The new building includes a kitchenette, toilet facilities, an all-abilities bathroom, a storage room for club equipment and al fresco outdoor entertaining area.
Funding from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community
Infrastructure program and Hindmarsh Shire Council, along with a club contribution, ensured the project’s completion.
The building will be officially opened in February.
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AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires are offering incentives for people who sign up to umpire this season.
The umpiring team, led by umpiring director and head coach Cameron Pickering, is ready to hit the ground running in 2023.
The incentives include $100 cash for new senior umpires, a new Sherrin football for new junior umpires to practice with, a dinner-for-two voucher at sponsor White Hart Hotel for re-registering senior umpires and a whistle, wrist band and sock pack for re-registering junior umpires valued at more than $50.
Pickering said he was hopeful to retain as many recruits and stalwarts in the team as possible. However, he said more goal, boundary and field umpires were urgently needed to add to the team’s depth as several high-calibre umpires recently retired or moved away and younger umpires were still working towards senior football umpiring.
“The focus at the moment is to get as many registered for their chance to win incentives and then look to kick off pre-season training on February 6,” he said.
Field umpire Simon Dandy said he ‘could not believe’ he did not get involved with umpiring earlier. His daughter, Kirrily, is a boundary umpire.
“I’m so invested now and attend all trainings and take on board the experienced coaching and mentoring,” Dandy said.
“It really is just like any other footy club and what other sport can I participate at the top level with my family.”
AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires can also move into an elite pathway, with four umpires current-
ly part of the AFL’s Umpire Academy Program. This includes attending sessions across the state during summer months and opportunities to officiate representative football throughout the season with a goal to one day umpire AFL matches.
People of any skill level can join the umpiring team with boundary, field and goal discipline coaches and a development coach.
All on and off-field uniform is supplied for no cost and umpires have the opportunity to earn $30 to $200 each game.
“It really is a no-brainer,” Pickering said.
“You get paid to keep fit, make friends and have the best seat at the game to watch the action from up close.”
AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires begin their preseason campaign on Monday, February 6, at 6pm, meeting at the Horsham City Oval change rooms.
The group trains every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout February and March, before moving to Tuesdays in April when the season begins.
The promotion to register to win one of the prizes ends on Tuesday, with winners announced at the first training.
People wanting more information can contact Pickering via email at cameron.pickering. wdumpires@gmail.com or by phoning 0428 922 589.
“It
“It really is a no-brainer. You get paid to keep fit, make friends and have the best seat at the game to watch the action from up close”
– Cameron Pickering
