The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Social housing boost

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Social housing in Horsham has increased with the official opening of a $10-million project featuring 25 new, tenant-ready modular homes.

Designed and constructed by build group ARKit in Sunshine and transported to Horsham, the 22 two-bedroom and three one-bedroom homes were funded by Homes Victoria as part of the State Governments Big Housing Build, in partnership with community housing provider Haven Home Safe. At the opening last week, Haven Home Safe chief executive Vanessa Broder said she understood the diverse housing needs of regional communities.

“We are really pleased to deliver these 25 beautiful homes for the Horsham community,” she said.

“One thing I really love about it is how light and bright they are. There’s also plenty of space for children to play and for people to really connect with nature and their neighbours in a way that they wish to do so.

“Haven Home Safe has put $2.8-million of our own money into this, and we thank Homes Victoria for the additional $7.3-million contribution it made through the Big Housing Build.

“We have a real commitment to making sure we have sustainable products and development and I think that’s where Craig from ARKit has really helped us to be able to deliver modular housing that looks amazing, that has a beautiful feel and that sense of space around the community.”

Ms Broder said people from the Horsham community who were eligible for, or on, the Victorian Housing Register could apply to live in the houses.

“Where possible, we will be working with Uniting Care and Salvation Army to make sure we’ve got people in this space who have got great links to the community,” she said.

“We’re hoping that very soon it will become a busy and exciting place with lots of happy people who will be able to call a place home,” she said.

The architecturally designed homes are rated seven stars in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, with individual rainwater tanks, electric appliances and heat-pump hot-water services.

ARKit director Craig Chatman said ARKit had been designing and constructing buildings off-site for about 14 years.

“We’re architecturally focused and have a full design and construction team in-house, so we’re quite unique from that point of view,” he said.

“We’ve been working over the past four or five years with Homes Victoria who have done multiple projects throughout the state.

“We’re based in Sunshine and so far have delivered about 130 homes all the way around the state, from Swan Hill to Mallacoota to Horsham.

Outgoing Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline said the project was personally significant to her.

“This was the very first planning application we considered in this term of council in November 2020, so I’m so excited to see, as this council term comes to an end, that our community is going to be getting the benefit of this,” she said.

People who want to learn more about the housing or would like to apply can email newhorsham@hhs.org.au.

A CENTURY OF JOYCE: Ararat resident Joyce Hellyer celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, welcoming her children, extended family and friends to enjoy a morning tea at Garden View Court, Ararat. Joyce is pictured with at East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush, who wished her congratulations on reaching the century. Full story, page 5. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Interim CEO appointed

Horsham Rural City Council has appointed Craig Niemann as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Niemann will start on 30 September 2024 until such time as the newly elected Council appoints a CEO to replace Sunil Bhalla who resigned this month.

Mr Niemann is a former CEO at Greater Bendigo City Council.

“I look forward to bringing that experience to Horsham, and working with the Council, staff and the community,” Mr Niemann said.

Following confirmation of the appointment at the Council Meeting on Monday 16 September, Mayor Robyn Gulline welcomed Mr Niemann to the role.

“Craig is highly experienced and will be an asset to Council while he is here, and I thank him for filling in for us while we work towards a new appointment,” Cr Gulline said.

Grants available for youth projects

Council youth grants aim to support community activities and projects that benefit young people who live, work or study in our municipality.

Grant funding through this stream will remain open until fully allocated.

Minimum grant request is $200. Maximum grant request is $2,500.

The funding priorities for the Youth Grants stream align with Council’s Youth Strategy. To apply for a youth grant, please visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/communitygrants

Waste

tip - disposing of polystyrene

While you may assume polystyrene is recyclable, it actually goes in your general waste bin.

Due to polystyrene’s tendency to fragment and make a mess, it helps if it is bagged before it goes in your bin.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Wesley Committee has brought its “Hidden Beauty” out of storage for the first time since the historic venue’s 2017 closure.

The Wesley’s Schimmel grand piano is only one of ten made and the only one sent to Australia. The piano was provided to The Wesley by Wendy Weight, in loving memory of her husband, William John Weight.

The piano has been relocated to the Horsham Regional Art Gallery for general maintenance and storage until renovations on The Wesley are completed.

This maintenance work is in preparation for an upcoming fundraising event for The Wesley, the “Soiree with Schimmel” which is planned for early 2025.

This event will see many of the region’s best pianists playing classic pieces from a range of composers.

“We are excited and proud to have this cornerstone of The Wesley in front of an audience again,” said the Wesley Committee president, Mary Starr.

”We look forward to the day that this beautiful piano can become the centrepiece of the venue once again.”

11 new Australian citizens welcomed

Horsham Rural City Council hosted a citizenship ceremony at the Civic Centre this Tuesday where 11 people originating from the Philippines, Argentina, India and Indonesia were welcomed as new Australians.

The ceremony was officiated by Mayor Robyn Gulline, who congratulated the group for taking the final step in becoming citizens.

“Citizenship represents a commitment to Australia, the

values we share, and our common future and it is an honour to be part of such a significant day for these residents who appreciate and value our society so much that they wish to make Australia their home.” said Mayor Robyn Gulline.

Assisting the ceremony was the Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, who spoke on the importance of democracy.

HRCC conducts citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

Rural City Council has started significant reconstruction works on Alexander Avenue, spanning from Wavell Street to Howard Street.

This project is part of the Council’s 2024-2025 Capital Works Program and aims to enhance the infrastructure and safety of the area.

Scope of the Project

The reconstruction will involve:

Kerb and Channel Replacement: Upgrading the existing kerbs and channels to improve water drainage and road durability.

Drainage Construction/Renewal: Installing new drainage systems and renewing old ones to prevent flooding and water damage.

New Pavement and Seal: Laying down a new pavement and seal to provide a smoother and safer driving surface.

Timeline

The works have just started and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project will proceed in stages, beginning with service locations and setting out lines, followed by drainage construction, kerb and channel replacement, and finally, pavement reinstatement.

Funding

The project is funded through a combination of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program and the HRCC budget.

Impact on Residents

During the reconstruction, there may be some disruption to vehicle traffic and pedestrian access. Access to properties may be impacted for a limited number of days, and affected residents will be notified in advance.

Horsham

The Wesley's "Hidden Beauty" returns

Alexander Avenue reconstruction

Ballot draws decide candidate order

Ballot

draws on Wednesday for local government elections

have decided the order of voting cards for council across the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee regions.

Voters across the Horsham municipality will need to vote in five of the seven wards. Rebecca Sluggett will be elected uncontested in the Kalimna ward, while Brian Klowss is the only candidate in the Wyn Wyn ward.

The Victorian Electoral Commission confirmed last week that voters in uncontested elections do not need to vote.

However, they will receive a letter in the mail at the same time as the ballot pack mailout, informing them they will not need to vote.

In other Horsham wards, the ballot draws are as follows: Green Park: Bri-

an Basham, Dean O’Loughlin; Horsham North: Todd Wilson, Claudia Haenel, Kathy Ross; May Park: Les Power, Cam McDonald; Oatlands: Angela Munn, Dylan Hesselberg, David Bowe; Pine Lake: Michael Bond, Ian Ross, Toby Haynes.

In Ararat Rural City Council elections, the ballot order is as follows: Rob Armstrong, Peter Beales, Fiona Tipping, Luke Preston, Daryl Scherger, Amanda Mead, Bob Sanders, Osman Kokcu, Bill Waterson, Teli Kaur, Peter Joyce, Jo Armstrong.

Hindmarsh Shire Council’s ballot draw results for the two contested wards were as follows: East ward: Chan Uoy, Debra Nelson, Barry James; North ward: Roger Aitken, Elizabeth Chivell, Tony Clark. The West ward will be uncontested with the two vacancies going to Rosie Barker and Ron Ismay.

Bush nursing funding fight

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has called on the State Government to provide greater financial support for rural bush nursing centres, claiming centres in Balmoral and Harrow are among those struggling to make ends meet.

Ms Kealy said the government had cut centre budgets and that some centres were expected to cover nursing staff wage increases of 28.4 per cent over the next three years without additional government assistance.

She said the Harrow and Balmoral centres were among those struggling to cover costs.

“There is absolutely no question that our hard-working nurses deserve a payrise, but it cannot be implemented without financial support provided to bush nursing centres to meet these increased costs,” she said.

“Nurses do an amazing job, and our bush nurses have an extensively dynamic skill set to adapt to the range of care needed in rural settings.

“However, it is completely unfair that our remote care centres have not only had a funding cut, but the minister remains silent on government support for these wage increases.

“The great fear is that without the capacity to pay, nurse hours will be reduced, and that is not an acceptable outcome.”

A State Government spokesperson accused Ms Kealy of misleading the public, and said bush nursing centres had never been fully government funded.

They said the centres, with the exception of Ensay Bush Nursing Centre, were privately operated, independent facilities and were not covered by the nursing wage increases.

“Emma Kealy is more interested in playing politics than dealing in facts – the Liberal National Party continue to run shameless fear mongering campaigns about Victoria’s health system,” they said.

“While bush nursing centres are an important part of our wider Victorian health system, these are standalone, independent services that do not fall under the Health Services Act.

“We do provide some funding to these centres – along with the Commonwealth Government and private health insurance – and this funding has not been cut.”

Fishing competitions continue

Fishing competitions have been made exempt from proposed new animal welfare laws and regulations, after a 2900-signature petition was submitted to the State Government last month.

Without the exemption, clubs and anglers faced fines up to $58,000 and

Northern Grampians Shire Council has contested elections in all three wards, with two vacancies in each. The ballot results were as follows: Central ward: Jenny Greenberger, Kevin Erwin, Lauren Dempsey, Rob Haswell, Karen Hyslop; Grampians ward: Trevor Gready, Justine Hide, Jack Blake, Lisa Whyte; Kara Kara ward: Murray Emmerson, Ross Hudson, Terence Robertson, Karen Probst, John Farrell.

In the West Wimmera Shire, six candidates are vying for five vacancies, with the ballot results: Richard Hicks, Helen Hobbs, Jodie Pretlove, Tim Meyer, Tom Houlihan, Bruce Meyer. All voters in the Yarriambiack Shire will not be required to vote as elections in all three wards will be uncontested due to the low number of candidates.

The following candidates will be

elected: Dunmunkle ward: Melinda Keel, Corinne Heintze; Hopetoun ward: Andrew McLean, Chris Lehmann; Warracknabeal: Karly Kirk, Kylie Zanker.

Following the close of nominations and ballot draws for this year’s council elections, 2231 candidates nominated for 646 council vacancies in 466 separate elections.

The number of candidates this year is higher than the 2186 candidates who nominated for 622 councillor vacancies in 298 separate elections at the 2020 council elections.

A total of 42 of the 466 individual elections are uncontested, where the number of candidates is equal to the number of vacancies. Council elections are conducted by postal vote, with ballot packs to begin being mailed out on October 7.

Voting closes at 6pm on October

25, with election results declared on November 15.

People can find out what ward they are enrolled in by visiting https:// maps.vec.vic.gov.au/ and entering their address.

• Last week’s Weekly Advertiser story ‘Candidates confirmed’ omitted the names of four candidates due to their names not being included on the Victorian Electoral Commission website after the noon deadline to nominate. Candidates Kathy Ross, Horsham; James Barry and Elizabeth Chivall, Hindmarsh; and Luke Preston, Ararat, were not published on the VEC website before The Weekly Advertiser’s afternoon print deadline.

• Starting in next week’s edition, The Weekly Advertiser will publish profiles on candidates across the six municipalities covered in the region.

Story-telling on the stage

Hundreds of performers from across Victoria and beyond are competing in the annual Ararat Eisteddfod this week, in a range of ballet and theatrical genres.

Eisteddfod co-ordinator Karly Harris said the nine-day event’s opening weekend was ‘massive’.

about 10 o’clock at night – a huge day.”

years, but was now attracting the same entries as it did pre-COVID.

$12,000 respectively under the new Animal Care and Protection Bill.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said fishing competitions were a time-honoured family tradition and must be preserved.

“This decision is a huge relief for fishing clubs and anglers across the state who rightly stood up against Labor’s draconian overreach to ban fishing competitions” Ms Kealy said.

“We had about 124 troupes perform across the weekend, as well as senior theatrical solos in the jazz and tap championships for the seniors,” she said.

“Fishing competitions attract people to all corners of our state and are a great family pastime.”

Indigenous Entry Stream

Deakin University holds places in select health courses exclusively for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People/s. Find out more at deakin.edu.au/ies

Apply now! Applications for Bachelor of Vision Science/ Master of Optometry close 5pm Monday 30 September 2024.

Indigenous Access Scheme

“The crowds were full for the whole weekend, we had about 1000 dancers in the troupes from under 10, under 13, under 17 and open sections.

“We started at nine o’clock in the morning on Sunday and finished at

Doctor of Medicine

Bachelor of Medical Imaging

The eisteddfod sees entrants compete in solos, duos, trios or as part of a troupe, and provides a platform where all dance students can showcase their abilities, and are critiqued by a professional adjudicator.

A new section was introduced this year – ‘all abilities’ – for individual dancers who are enrolled or registered in either a supported community, supported education program or registered with NDIS.

The section attracted two entrants, who achieved a result of equal first.

Ms Harris said the event had not been staged regularly in recent

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry

“We had a couple of mini competitions during COVID, and didn’t have an eisteddfod when the town hall had its renovations, so this year’s is our 67th.”

Starting in 1955, the event has always been run by volunteers.

“A lot of new volunteers have come in to help us this year, which has been really, really good,” Ms Harris said.

People are welcome to attend the event, tickets for each session are available at the door, and are $5 for people aged over 18, with free entry for under-18s. More information is available at https://ararattownhall. com.au/event/ararat-eisteddfod.

ON SHOW: Mia Chace, of Ararat, performs in the 16 years and over contemporary solo category at the 2024 Ararat Eisteddfod on Monday.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

It’s showtime at Horsham

Horsham’s annual agricultural show will feature tiny goats, monster trucks and everything in between – from camel rides, wrestling demonstrations, a LevelUp! gaming zone, and all the traditional features showgoers have enjoyed over its 148-year history.

A twilight carnival at 5pm Saturday begins the festivities, with the evening to include camel rides, monster truck rides, sideshow rides, games, showbags and a new food court.

Show organiser Andrea Cross said show festivities would continue from 10am Sunday.

“There will be many attractions and experiences for showgoers, including the annual competitions of shearing, wool-handling, sheep, miniature goats and yard dog trials,” she said.

“People can delight in the charm of the baby animals in the animal nursery, along with the tiny goats who will be up for cuddles and petting, as well as the opportunity to get up close with exotic reptiles in an interactive experience at the reptile encounters enclosure.

“Competitors and visitors can visit the makers’ pavilion and explore a showcase of beautiful fresh produce and flowers, and craft and artwork entries.”

Demonstrations around the showground throughout the day include cake decorating, roving spinning plates, hula hoops, and giant bubbles, as well as face painting and caricature portraits.

“Stable One has been repurposed to become a play precinct for little people to immerse themselves in free craft activities, while being entertained on

stage by local performers. Back by popular demand, MXW Pro Wrestling has an action-packed program with bouts scheduled across the day in the newly renovated poultry shed,” Mrs Cross said.

“In the agricultural playground, the Emergency Services Cup will be held, which is a first for the show.

“This free play space also includes a maze, a giant sandpit, and mini golf.

“To top off an unforgettable day, the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display at 8.30pm.”

Admission is $10 for people aged six years and over on Saturday night and Sunday’s admission is $20 for adults aged 16 and over, $10 for concession and students aged six to 15, and children aged five and under can enter free.

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP: Horsham shoppers Simone and Ella Aitken with ACE Radio account manager Danica Cutter at The Weekly Advertiser, 3WM and MIXX FM We Love Horsham promotion in Horsham on Friday. Hundreds of people entered the shop local promotion, which will visit Stawell, Nhill and Ararat in coming months.

Ringing in a century

Ararat’s Joyce Hellyer has turned 100 years old – and cites ‘being a good girl’ as one of the reasons for her longevity.

Mrs Hellyer has lived in Ararat all her life, apart from a stint in the army during the war, and worked as a sales assistant at local small business Fraser’s.

One of seven children, her birthday celebrations included her one remaining sibling, brother Neil Turner.

Mrs Hellyer, who is 16 years senior to Mr Turner, named him when their parents could not decide on a name – after her boyfriend at the time. Her twin sister, Joan Smart, died at the age of 96.

Mrs Hellyer has three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She celebrated her 100th birthday with a morning tea at East Grampians Health Service’s Garden View Court.

BIRTHDAY JOY:

Joyce Hellyer celebrates her 100th birthday with her children front, Tracy Bates, Barb Murphy and Gavin Hellyer.

Fire inspections

Property owners across Yarriambiack

Shire are encouraged to reduce the fire fuel load on their properties before annual Fire Hazard Identification Program inspections begin next month. Fire hazards – including dead or long grass, dead branches, and piles of cut vegetation – not removed before inspections begin will be identified by council and property owners will be notified of the next steps to take. Inspections will start in the northern end of the municipality and progress to the south by November. For more information on how to prepare, people can contact council fire prevention officer Craig Byron on 5398 0100 or www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ how-to-prepare-your-property.

Neimann appointed to council

Horsham Rural City Council has appointed Craig Niemann as interim chief executive.

Mr Niemann will start on Monday until such time as the newly-elected council appoints a chief executive to replace Sunil Bhalla who resigned earlier this month.

Mr Niemann is a former chief executive at the City of Greater Bendigo.

“I look forward to bringing that experience to Horsham, and working with the council, staff and the community,” Mr Niemann said.

Following confirmation of the appointment at the council meeting on September 16, outgoing Mayor Robyn Gulline welcomed Mr Niemann to the role.

“Craig is highly experienced and will be an asset to council while he is here, and I thank him for filling in for us while we work towards a new appointment,” she said.

Craig Neimann

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Regional living expenses highlighted

F

ederal shadow finance minis-

ter Jane Hume and Member

for Wannon Dan Tehan met with about 25 of Ararat’s top business figures at a forum on Monday to discuss the impact of cost-ofliving pressures in the region.

The forum, hosted by the Greater Ararat Business Network, GABN, gave business owners a chance to share their concerns with Ms Hume.

GABN president Tom Clark said the meeting had been a productive one.

“Cost-of-living issues have an impact on how people spend with businesses and it affects small businesses in Victoria,” he said.

“One of the key issues in regional Victoria is that Melbourne is being

promoted and the population is increasing in Melbourne because there is incentivisation there for small business. Then we’re having people moving from the country, so we have a dwindling pool of workers.

“We’re also very short on housing, so it’s very difficult to incentivise people to move to the country.”

Mr Clark said business owners outlined some of their primary cost-ofliving-related struggles.

“Insurance is a big one. The cost of insurance has gone up exponentially.

One guy who is running a caravan park had his insurance go up from $5000 about six years ago to just under $25,000 this year,” he said.

“Insurance is a massive overhead –$5000 you can pick up as a business

relatively easily, but $25,000 is a huge chunk of money.”

“Increasing taxes, especially payroll tax, was another one. The more people you’re employing and the more money you’re turning over, the more the tax increases, so it seems to disincentive small businesses.

“We discussed the fact that as public sector employment is increasing as a percentage of the overall workforce, you’ve got a dwindling pool of private business that is paying all the tax that pays for public sector workers.”

Ms Hume said businesses were caught in a ‘pincer movement’.

“They’re being squeezed by high prices of energy, complex industrial relations laws, overregulation and higher taxes, and they’re the ones that

are paying the price. These guys are at the coalface ... they face those problems every day, so of course they’ve got ideas of how to fix it,” she said.

“That’s why having forums like this is so important.”

Mr Tehan said growing Ararat’s population would be crucial to its business future.

“We’ve got to incentivise business to invest here, and the best way we can do that is by making sure we’ve got the population,” he said.

“We’ve had a million people come to Australia in the last two years, yet they’re all going to Melbourne and Sydney, and now we’ve got real housing issues and rental issues.

“We’ve got to be settling those people out into the regions and then busi-

WELCOME BACK:

Amy Harris, pictured during her career with the Australian Ballet, will return to her hometown of Ararat to speak at an East Grampians Health Service auxiliary event next week.

Ballet star returns home to inspire

Former Ararat resident and retired Australian Ballet principal artist Amy Harris will speak at East Grampians Health Service’s fundraising event next month, ‘An Evening with Amy Harris’.

Harris, who started her dance career at the age of three at Rosengreen’s School of Dance in Ararat, progressed to training in the Cecchetti method with Carole Oliver School of Ballet in Ballarat, where she won bronze and silver medals as a Cecchetti scholar.

nesses will invest because they know that there’s people they can employ.”

Mr Clark said the forum also discussed several positive aspects of doing business in the Ararat region.

“We’re very privileged that Ararat has one of the strongest regional chambers of commerce,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good relationship with our local council and Dr Tim Harrison, our council chief executive, is very proactive and progressive when it comes to pushing forward local business and investment in the region.

“We’ve got some exciting businesses coming into the region, so it wasn’t just a pitchforks and torches issue –people wanted to have a constructive conversation that was positive.”

She successfully auditioned for The Australian Ballet School at the age of 15 in 1999, joining the Australian Ballet in 2002, and was promoted to coryphée in 2007, soloist in 2011, and senior artist in 2012.

Harris won Telstra Ballet Dancer Award in 2012, and Telstra People’s Choice Award in 2008 and 2010, before retiring last year.

East Grampians Health Service auxiliary president Shelley Green said the auxiliary

was looking forward to bringing Harris back to Ararat for the event.

“The event will appeal to all ages, whether you are a young dancer starting out, or someone who has watched Amy’s career over the years, hearing from Amy in person promises to be a captivating evening,” she said.

The evening will also include two short performances from Ararat Dance Centre and Dynamic District Dance Studio.

Money raised at the event

will go towards specialised patient scales for the health service’s dialysis unit, which will improve the quality of care and enable staff to tailor individual dialysis sessions to the needs of each patient.

‘An Evening with Amy Harris’ will be at Ararat Town Hall at 7pm on Thursday, October 3. Tickets, available from ararattownhall.com.au, at Ararat Visitor Information Centre or phone 1800 657 158, are $30 for adults and $10 for under18s, and include a drink.

Sister’s double celebration

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham’s

Sister Jacinta Rice celebrated her 90th birthday and platinum jubilee last week –70 years spent as a nun with the Brigidines.

Born in Ballarat, Sr Rice spent most of her childhood living at Murtoa.

Contemplating the best moments of the past 70 years, Sr Rice said first and foremost was ‘the fact that I’m still here’.

“I think one of the best things was my experience working in Thailand – I think that’s where I discovered a lot of strengths that I didn’t know I had,” she said.

“I was the only Brigidine there, and living with other sisters.

“But then when I hurt my back on the Bangkok buses going to work, I had to change things and live closer so I could walk to work, so that all worked out.”

Sr Rice worked as a teacher in Thailand from 1985 until 1990, as an Australian volunteer.

“I was teaching English as a foreign language to university graduates from Thailand, who aimed to get scholarships to go to western countries, because they were considered a third-world country,” she said.

“So I was helping them work towards getting their Masters, and training them in that sort of work for preparation work in English.

“It was wonderful, I loved it. I love the Thais. We’re still friends, lots of us – we’re still in touch.

“When I left Thailand I thought I would be leaving my friends, but friends are with you all your life.”

Sr Rice said the experience was ‘life-changing’.

“There were six of us in Thailand doing different things. We had frequent meetings to look at why we were there and that was very important because to go into another country you go as a guest, not as telling people how to do things.

“Once you go overseas you learn a lot of other things, there are lots of ways that people do things – that was a highlight.”

Sr Rice said her calling had given her a high level of independence.

“Most people would probably not realise that we’re probably the most independent women in the world,” she said.

“We have looked after ourselves, we’ve paid our way through.

“A lot of people have said to me, ‘what about the church paying for this and that?’ The only time the church has ever paid for me is when I was employed in jobs in the church.”

Sr Rice is one of 55 Brigidines in Victoria, most of whom are octogenarians.

“There are 45 aged more than 80 years, and 10 aged between 60 and 80,” she said.

Sr Rice is Horsham’s only nun –she returned to the area 16 years ago.

“Before I came to Horsham, I had major surgeries. It absolutely amazes me that this, in my 16th year back, I haven’t had any of that. Why? Because I’m back in my own territory,” she said.

“You don’t realise. You know, with our First Nations people, they talk

Ararat’s Big Bad event

Today represents a final chance for people to reserve a place at Greater Ararat Business Network’s, GABN’s, 2024 Big Bad event, with ticket sales closing at noon.

The Big Bad event is an annual function organised by GABN, featuring local business leaders and guest speakers.

This year’s Big Bad event will be at Ararat RSL on October 2 from 6.15pm to 9.30pm and will include talks from John Haber, the managing director of boat manufacturer Haines Hunter, as well as Declan McKearney and Sam Martin – the creators of Channel 9 TV show Resto My Ride.

Mr Haber also represents boat retailer The Marine Centre as well as Southern Formula boats and will outline his more than 25 years of experience in the boating industry, including his personal leadership experience.

Mr Haber will discuss his ability to build strong business relationships, as well as sales, marketing and strategic growth.

about our country. Horsham and the district of the Wimmera is my country, and I’m back in it.

“I think that’s very important, if you’re able to do it.”

As well as being a teacher, Sr Rice has also trained in the past 24 years as a spiritual director.

“It’s companionship to people and letting them take time and space to sort out their lives and their journeys, because we all need people to listen to that sort of thing,” she said.

“I have been privileged.”

St Brigid College’s community celebrated Sr Rice’s birthday and platinum jubilee at an assembly last Monday.

Mr McKearney and Ms Martin will speak about their business Resto My Ride, which grew from a traditional workshop to become an automotive lifestyle brand that blends car restoration expertise with a production company.

The pair will share their entrepreneurial journey, industry expertise and insights into scaling a business, including leveraging digital marketing and community engagement, fostering creativity, embracing new opportunities, and turning a passion into a business.

Tickets are $70 per person and include a three-course dinner and limited drinks.

People can find more information and book tickets by visiting trybooking.com/ CVKBX.

More information is also available by searching for Greater Ararat Business Network on Facebook.

PLATINUM JUBILEE: Brigidine nun Sr Jacinta Rice with St Brigid’s College school captains Tom Luke and Ulani Hobbs. Sr Jacinta is celebrating her 90th birthday and platinum jubilee. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

When I was elected as Member for Mallee in 2019 I never imagined that 5 years later we would be fighting to save children’s childhoods. As a mother and grandmother, I see how pervasive devices and electronic entertainment have become in children’s lives.

I was out for one of my daughter’s birthdays recently and saw a woman with her young children and her mother, with both children’s eyes glued to two large iPads. Just two metres away other children played on a large indoor playground.

We cannot simply stand by and watch our children’s childhoods be stolen. Imaginative play, physical activity and fitness are slipping away. Children are coping with boredom by using a digital device.

In Canberra we are debating the influence of tech giants and the social media’s negative impacts on children. The cyber-bullying, body image messaging and lurid pictures are bad enough let alone the psychological disorders that the tech platforms fail to address – or even promote through their algorithms.

For centuries in Australia mum, dad, grandparents, the extended family and

Fighting for Mallee

community formed children’s values. Now socialist governments are ascending the parenting hierarchy, wanting to control what people believe and think and – whether we intended it or not –tech giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Google (Youtube) and Apple are fast pushing family and community values into oblivion.

I was a member of the Parliamentary committee that published a February 2020 report called ‘Protecting the Age of Innocence’. We recommended age verification for online wagering and online pornography. As the tech giants design their apps and devices to be addictive, the age verification debate has broadened to social media. The Coalition has committed that within 100 days of taking office we will require an age limit of 16 for social media and other potentially harmful platforms.

The Coalition tried to legislate for an age verification trial last November but the Albanese Government opposed it –and are still months away from any real action.

I invite and welcome readers’ thoughts on this important topic by emailing anne. webster.mp@aph.gov.au

Dalki Garringa = Good Growing in Wergaia Language

BGLC’s Native Nursery + Coffee Van is now open the First Friday and Saturday of every month.

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Authorised by A. Webster, National Party of Australia, 1/146A Eighth Street, Mildura VIC 3500.

Dalki Garringa Native Nursery is 100% owned and operated by Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

The important role of local newspapers EDITORIAL

Council would be broke

I am writing in response to the letter penned by Jack Flynn in last week’s The Weekly Advertiser.

In my view, Mr Flynn misses the point altogether.

With World News Day on Saturday, it is a timely reminder of the important role that local journalism plays in regional and rural communities.

Local and regional newspapers serve an important function in their communities – not only documenting day-to-day life activities, but also highlighting the groups, organisations and clubs that make our communities tick.

But it is more so public interest journalism that is critical, acts as a lifeline on so many occasions – for instance connecting residents to council matters and government departments in ways that larger media companies either overlook or, to put it bluntly, don’t care about.

Sure, the world’s big news stories often grab the global headlines, splashed across front pages of newspapers worldwide and leading television and radio bulletins.

But in small towns, rural areas and regional cities, there are so many important news items to cover that matter to our communities.

Who else can provide a collective voice for a community than a local media outlet?

There are many positive results achieved when a local newspaper stands side-by-side with their community to lobby governments for a better outcome.

Country Press Australia has more than 230 member newspapers, which serve as an essential voice in their respective communities.

Regional media can hold authorities to account just as well as they can report on local sport and celebrate achievements.

As local government elections heat up, and candidates are elected into positions of power and influence, our communities need to be well informed when making decisions about who should hold such positions.

And where else to turn to find this critical information? Their local newspaper.

By Lauren Henry

In coming weeks, The Weekly Advertiser will publish profiles on candidates for all six local governments in our region.

Starting with Horsham and Ararat rural cities in October 2 edition, then Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera shires in following editions.

Regional and local newspapers know their communities like no other – and play a vital role in providing factual information to underpin a healthy democracy.

While there is no doubt a role for social media in informing communities – even local newspapers use it every day as a tool to help distribute their online news – people must remember to read such information with a critical eye and always be on the lookout for misinformation.

Journalists work hard to ensure the news published both in print and online is accurate and balanced.

Local journalism should always aim to produce news that is in the best interests of their communities.

It may not always be favourable or positive, but news that readers and communities need to be aware of is of upmost importance to the functioning of society.

Local newspapers should be a reflection of their communities, which are made up of a myriad of people, lifestyles, interests and ways of life.

By supporting your local newspaper, readers, businesses and organisations are not only helping to keep their communities informed but also supporting the crucial role of public interest journalism.

It is irrelevant that a $5-million residential property will pay $19,020 and a $5-million farm $9510. We all know the value of agricultural land has increased dramatically.

Most farmers are there for generations and need that land to make their living.

We also know the cost of living for everyone, whether farmers or townies, has also increased dramatically.

Thus, it is hugely unfair to cut residential rates while increasing farming rates.

We all know we have to make concessions and find savings where we can.

It should be no different for the Horsham Rural City Council.

They should be making an effort to cut costs so that the primary producers are not forced to pay these exorbitant rates.

They are running a big business, which should be cost effective like any other business.

Any other business would go broke as they cannot continually up the charge for their services and product.

Unfortunately, all ratepayers have no choice with this Horsham Rural City Council other than to pay through the nose.

Joyce Mills, Horsham

More incentive

Jack Flynn’s letter in last week’s The Weekly Advertiser, after reading the first two lines convinced me it was council orientated.

He confirmed later he had met with council staff.

It is a pity council staff did not show him the budget and point out that the residential sector received a $600,000 rate reduc-

tion, and as they will not be paying the $400,000 rate increase as normal, council will not be collecting $1-million off these householders.

Then to recoup such a loss charged the farmers $1-million in extra rates to cover this shortfall.

Whether it is through revaluation or whatever, farmers are expected to pay the $1-million in rates that the residential sector would normally have paid this year.

Mr Flynn, if that is not a $1-million subsidy to the residential sector, what is?

Mr Flynn’s query of the differential brought back memories of 2004 through to 2008 when farm rates were rising 20 to 30 per cent each year.

Farmers at that stage asked the then chief executive Kerryn Shade how long would it be before council collected enough rates off the 700 farmers that the general sector would not have to pay any rates at all.

I ask: as the value of farmland has gone from the 30 per cent of the general sector value at amalgamation to now being 105 per cent of the general sector, do you expect the now 600 farmers to pay a higher percentage of the total rates?

Increased farmland values is a liability to farmers.

It increases our rates and fire levies, but does not increase income, make the crops yield more, or make the sheep cut more wool – differentials are the only way to correct value fluctuations.

I thank Jack Flynn for his letter, it provides more incentive for farmers to march on council and burn our rate notices, not pay this $1-million subsidy to the residential sector, only paying what we paid in rates last year plus the 2.75 per cent increase as required by the Local Government Minister’s rate cap.

Neville McIntyre, McKenzie Creek

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Public Place Recycling

Public Place Recycling

Public Place Recycling

Small acts make a big impact

Small acts make a big impact

Small acts make a big impact

Food packaging and plates made from uncoated cardboard can be put into the mixed recycling bin if they are not too food stained.

Food packaging and plates made from uncoated cardboard can be put into the mixed recycling bin if they are not too food stained.

Food packaging and plates made from uncoated cardboard can be put into the mixed recycling bin if they are not too food stained.

Art fair proceeds to fund Wesley

An effort to restore Horsham’s historic Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre will receive a shot in the arm, with the Rotary Club of Horsham East set to donate the proceeds of this year’s Wimmera Art Fair to the building.

The Wesley served as a performing arts venue until its closure in 2017, with Horsham Rural City Council and local community groups attempting to restore and re-open the building.

Proceeds of the Rotary art fair have previously supported community projects including Horsham Town Hall, Horsham Aquatic Centre and a children’s section at Horsham Cemetery.

Rotary Club of Horsham East president Terry Harris said he wanted to see the Wesley restored to its former glory.

“It was unanimous to support this project as it was a once vibrant and viable building and despite being closed for a couple of years there is enough evidence to support the need for such a space to be part of the performing art precinct,” he said.

The club has organised a raffle to support the building’s redevelopment, with Macchia Jewellery donating an $825 gift voucher and Friends of Rotary supplying a Case IH 12-volt children’s tractor and trailer, also valued at $825.

Raffle tickets will be on sale at the art fair, which is from October 9 to 13, with two winners to be drawn on Wednesday, October 16.

Where Art Meets Nature, WAMA, chief executive Pippa Mott has accepted an invitation to judge the fair.

Ms Mott is respected throughout the Australian art scene through her roles at the Woollahra Gal-

“It was unanimous to support this project as it was a once vibrant and viable building and despite being closed for a couple of years there is enough evidence to support the need for such a space to be part of the performing art precinct”

– Terry Harris

lery, Museum of Old and New Art, MONA, and completing academic training at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.

This year’s fair will feature a new category alongside best work and best bay – best photography.

The club said it made a decision to include a photography category due to an ‘overwhelming number of entries received annually’.

People can enter the art fair by calling Rotarian Gary Green on 0428 821 213.

Ms Mott will be available to meet with artists immediately after the judging to discuss their works.

There is also a new major sponsor of the art fair, with WIM Resource signing on for the next three years.

The fair will open to the public on Wednesday, October 9 at 1 pm and close on Sunday, October 13 at 3pm. All artworks will be on sale.

Entry will be $5, with children entering free.

People can find more information by calling Mr Green or visiting www.facebook.com/ HorshamEastRotaryArtFair.

A centenary of ups and downs

Kaniva’s fire brigade was celebrated for 100 years of service to its community, at an event where individual members’ service awards from five to 60 years were also presented.

Past and present volunteers were joined by Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and VICSES representatives, as well as CFA District 17 and state delegates, at an historic dinner and award ceremony last week.

Kaniva Fire Brigade captain John Heinjus said the occasion was a memorable tribute to the brigade’s 100 years of dedication.

“I’m very proud to have led the brigade through this milestone,” he said.

“It’s been such an important part of the local community since 1924, and we hope it remains so for another 100 years to come.”

Mr Heinjus said it was fitting the commemoration fell on Friday the 13th, given the brigade received a severe dose of bad luck 50 years ago when the fire station burned down.

“The brigade has seen many ups and downs over the journey, but the fire station burning down in 1974 would have to be the most challenging hurdle,” Mr Heinjus said.

Former brigade captain Darren Witmitz remembers the fire well and says the brigade took a long time to recover its sense of identity.

“It completely devastated the town at the time,” he said.

“Losing all the history was a massive blow to the brigade – the fire destroyed decades of documents and memories that told our story.”

The fire station was replaced in 1976, rebuilt at the same location.

Mr Heinjus said multiple CFA service awards, ranging from five-year certificates to 60-year service medals, were presented to both former and current members during the evening.

“These awards represent more than just years on paper; they acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our members, past and present,” he said.

As the brigade enters its second century, Mr Heinjus said they were always looking for new volunteers.

“If you’re looking for a challenge and want to protect our community, we’d love to hear from you,” he said.

– Bronwyn Hastings

CELEBRATION: From left, former Kaniva fire brigade captain Darren Witmitz, captain John Heinjus, and former captains Brian Charles, Josh McCabe and Brad Witmitz at the brigade’s celebratory centenary event last week.

Loud budgeting

aving for a first home often requires a significant amount of discipline and sacrifice.

The challenge of accumulating the necessary deposit can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain motivation.

Everyday distractions, such as weekend outings with friends or the latest gadgets, can easily derail savings efforts.

A common issue is the perception that long-term savings goals are unattainable, which can lead to a lack of motivation to forego immediate pleasures. Traditional methods of managing finances may not always address this issue effectively.

Enter loud budgeting – a strategy designed to tackle these challenges head-on.

Loud budgeting is a goal-oriented approach that involves openly sharing savings goals with trusted friends and family, creating a system of accountability.

The transparency of loud budgeting helps maintain focus and drive. Here’s how loud budgeting works:

• Review income and expenses: Begin by drafting a realistic budget that reflects current financial circumstances.

• Set savings targets: Break down the overall savings goal into smaller, manageable milestones.

• Track progress visually: Create a large, colourful chart to monitor progress and place it in a visible spot.

• Utilise technology: Make use of savings tracker apps provided by banks and budget calculators available on financial websites.

• Engage with support networks: Share updates and invite feedback from friends and family to keep them involved in the journey.

• Visualise success: Maintain motivation by envisioning the achievement of the savings goal, such as moving into a new home.

Incorporating loud budgeting into your routine can transform the savings process into a structured and motivating experience. Each progress update on the tracker brings a sense of accomplishment, and reaching milestones is celebrated with those

FINANCE focus

with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth

who offer support. Consider a scenario where you aim to save $20,000 for a home deposit within 16 months.

By adopting loud budgeting, you break down the goal into manageable monthly targets. For example, you set a target to save $1250 each month.

At the beginning of the process, you create a colourful chart and track your progress regularly.

You use budgeting apps to monitor your savings and share updates with your support network.

Every time you hit a monthly target, you celebrate with your family or friends, reinforcing your commitment.

Over the course of these 16 months, this approach helps maintain your motivation despite encountering challenges such as missed trips or unexpected expenses. By consistently tracking your progress and celebrating milestones, you remain focused and driven.

As each milestone is achieved, the sense of accomplishment grows, making the final goal of reaching the $20,000 deposit feel attainable.

By the end of the 16 months, you successfully reach your target amount.

The journey has been marked by steady progress, accountability, and shared celebrations, showing how loud budgeting can make saving for a home feel like a rewarding team effort.

Loud budgeting might not be for everyone, but it’s a great way for many people to hit their financial goals. It can make saving for a home feel like less of a solo mission and more of a team effort that’s both rewarding and fun.

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

PROUD: Stawell Orchid Society member Daryl Mair is proud of his cymbidium, which will be on display at this weekend’s spring show.

Society to host orchid show

Stawell Orchid Society will continue an annual tradition by hosting a show from Friday to Sunday.

Every year the society hosts a spring show to coincide with AFL grand final weekend, which this year will be at Stawell Entertainment Centre from 9am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

This year’s show will feature a new section open to both society members and nonmembers – an indoor plant competition, with a prize on offer for best in show.

People wishing to enter the best indoor plant competition can submit their entries at Stawell Entertainment Centre tomorrow

between 2pm and 6.30pm. The orchid show will feature orchid repotting demonstrations on both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, with a display of orchid blooms throughout the weekend and experienced Stawell Orchid Society members on hand to provide advice on orchid culture.

Attendees can observe a variety of orchids, with opportunities to purchase and start their own orchid collection.

Entry is $5 and includes the cost of a tea or coffee, and children enter free.

People can call 0417 530 515 for more information.

Look and Play

11am –

Murtoa gears up for a big weekend

Murtoa’s

Big Weekend three-day event will feature several attractions at the town including the annual Murtoa Agricultural and Pastoral Show, a lighting trail event, and the opportunity to travel on a heritage train.

Starting October 4, the event showcases several features of the area, as well as a host of other events and attractions.

Murtoa’s Big Weekend chairperson Claire Bibby said the annual agricultural and pastoral show was first of the weekend’s events.

“The Murtoa Show kicks off the weekend on Friday, bringing a massive amount of fun and games for all ages,” she said.

“The large variation of this year’s features includes the harvest simulator, Rev it Up Racing and a Level Up gaming event.

“There’s also all the fun of free face painting, a petting zoo, and balloons, to name a few.

“Show entry is free for children 16 years and under, and it really is such a fabulous day.”

The show will also feature live entertainment by school choirs, a crazy hair competition, Lego masters’ competition, horse events and junior showperson awards.

return passengers to Murtoa from Horsham on both days, however booking is essential – people can visit www.murtoabigweekend.com.au for prices and timetables.

A market on Saturday morning will feature many and varied stalls and food options, while the nearby Murtoa Show ‘n’ Shine will feature a large selection of cars and motorbikes. Murtoa Cup will provide a captivating day of entertainment for all ages, including entertainment, Exquisit Fashions on the Field, kids’ activities, and Horsham bus transfers.

Sunday will include the Lake Colour Run around Lake Marma, and an ecumenical service at the hall supper room.

People can explore Murtoa’s past with unique experiences of the Wimmera Inland Freezing Works historical engine two-day rally, national heritage-listed Stick Shed, and Murtoa Museum Precinct, including a pop-up photography exhibition with art for sale.

Unique experiences

Event organiser Natasha Pietsch said she had found this year’s event planning to be very exciting.

5.30pm Ecycle Solutions Murtoa Cup Race Day   Country Racing at its best, free kids fun, Fashions on the Field and Live Music $20 (general) Reduced entry with W/E Pass Murtoa

6pm> Saturday Night @ The Railway   Including: Live music

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St 7 – 11pm DMS Underaged Disco supported by Chrissy’s Café Enjoy a night of fun at the Murtoa Hall with great DJ music Free Mechanics Hall, Duncan St

The official opening is at noon on the main stage, and the committee’s luncheon and afternoon tea is available at the community centre.

Admission prices are $10 for non-members, $5 for pensioners, and $30 for a family membership.

Following the Murtoa Show, the free-ofcharge, unique lighting trail event Destination: Murtoa Lights at Rabl Park will showcase the sculpture and lighting pieces developed at school and men’s shed workshops under internationally renowned Natimuk artist Dave Jones.

Brett and Ben Schmidt, and The Last Stand will entertain with live music during the Destination: Murtoa Lights at a free GrainCorp Murtoa Music event, and there will be food and beverage options available.

Celebrations will also mark the 40th anniversary of the relocation of Murtoa Railway Bridge to its current location, with a series of installations, which have been specifically designed to highlight and reflect on a significant event in Murtoa’s history.

Train enthusiasts have an unforgettable opportunity to travel between Murtoa and Horsham on the Seymour Heritage Train on the Friday and Saturday.

A complementary shuttle bus is offered to

“I am looking forward to seeing the creations made in community artistic workshops brought to life – artist Dave Jones of Transience ran the workshops with our schools and Murtoa Men’s Shed, and it has been made possible by Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal and Australian Government,” she said.

“The historic railway bridge is another feature that will be illuminated with various unique lighting techniques. It will be amazing to see the results of a lot of creativity and hard work, which people of the district will enjoy.

“There is a new event for youth aged between 12 and 18 years – the Murtoa Underaged Disco, which we have extended an invitation to the district to attend.

“There will be a live DJ with lighting effects to keep the amazing Murtoa Mechanics Hall pumping.

“The three-day event has a vast range of event options that will suit everybody in the family – we are sure people will enjoy this year’s Murtoa’s Big Weekend.”

People can purchase a $25 weekend pass for unlimited entry to Murtoa Big Weekend events, and for discounted entry to the Murtoa Cup. For more information, including a detailed itinerary of the October 4, 5 and 6 events, people can visit www.murtoabigweekend.com.au.

BRIGHT IDEAS: Transience sculpture and lighting artist Dave Jones, Murtoa Men’s Shed member Frank Blake, and Outlook Communications lighting design technician Jack Jones onsite at Murtoa’s Rabl Park, where there will be additional lighting design installations along the lighting trail during Murtoa’s Big Weekend. Picture: Natasha Pietsch Design

UP FOR CHALLENGE:

Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College raised $1633.80 for motor neurone disease, MND.

Fifteen staff and student leaders bravely participated in an ice bucket challenge on Thursday to raise money for the Fight MND cause. Pictured clockwise from above are: Jack Arnel; Mark Busbridge and Kelli Both; Jason Przibilla; Kate Carter; Rebekah Wundke and Alicia Schneider; Wayne Bandel; Lexi Heard, Maya Przibilla, Jason Przibilla, Bonnie Grieger and Mia Nuttell; Amanda Przibilla; above, Kylie Friend; and centre, Jed Prouse.

We cannot wait another 12 years

For those of you who have read one of these articles before, you may recall earlier this year, 17 dedicated individuals from the Wimmera and North Central regions gathered for half a day with the Productivity Commission to highlight a critical issue that continues to paralyse our communities: the lack of access to childcare.

Our mission was to spotlight the challenges we face, the impact on children and the widespread impact on our families, and to propose solutions to this crippling shortfall.

The early education landscape is fraught with complexities that burden parents and local leaders alike.

Parents must navigate an ‘activity test’ to determine their childcare subsidies, a system that often penalises those who work additional hours by reducing their benefits.

There is also a clear disconnect between statefunded kindergarten programs and federally subsidised childcare, creating confusion and gaps in service delivery.

To make matters worse, no single level of government is fully responsible for co-ordinating or providing these services.

This fragmented system leaves parents and local leaders struggling to balance childcare needs with a host of other competing demands.

Last week, the Productivity Commission released its long-awaited report, outlining 58 recommendations to the Federal Government.

This report has the potential to transform regions like ours. By designating childcare as a ‘universal service’ – on par with electricity and healthcare – the Commission has underscored its fundamental importance.

COMMENT

with Jo Martin By Five Executive of cer

services is a must, recognising that children with additional need or cultural variances call our towns home too.

Inclusivity is a foundational human right that cannot be excused just because we are rural.

However, with every upside there is a downside.

The target of ensuring all children have access to early childhood education for up to 30 hours or three days will take another generation, with the target set for 2036.

The reality is our Wimmera children, families or small towns cannot wait another 12 years to get this right.

We know early childhood education settings are where some of our most vulnerable children will develop their social skills, learn how to regulate their emotions, be exposed to healthy routines and behaviours that will carry them throughout life.

It also allows parents the choice to work or study, creating a more liveable environment for families.

Access to this universal service will unlock the much-needed skills of our teachers, nurses and agriculture workforce.

In one small town alone, seven teachers have noted they simply cannot return to work in 2025 as they cannot access childcare, that is 25 percent of the school workforce, which has enormous impacts all round.

Crucially, it also calls for the removal of the ‘activity test,’ advocating for increased supplyside funding and a commitment to not just any service, but high-quality services.

This is the type of change that will transform towns like Rainbow and Hopetoun.

Among the 1000-plus pages there was also a recommendation that not only will service availability increase, but the inclusivity of these

The Wimmera is on the front foot with these recommendations and ready to work with governments to lead the change needed in the space of rural early childhood education, change that will make a practical difference to our children, families and communities and we invite you all to support this drive.

EXCITED:

Willaura and District Kindergarten teacher Josie and educator Rachael consult with Willaura families.

More hours for Willaura children

Willaura children will benefit from more kindergarten hours next year, after Y Kinders arranged a Department of Education exemption that will see children receive 30 hours of kindergarten each week across centres at Willaura and Lake Bolac.

The arrangement for Willaura and District Kindergarten is part of a pre-prep rollout in Ararat Rural City next year, part of the Best Start Best Life reforms that will give four-year-old children access to up to 30 hours of fully funded playbased learning in the year before school.

Y Kinders children’s services executive director Vicki Dobson said kindergarten services were a vital part of the community.

“We understand how critical these services are – not just to ensure the children have access to a quality education, but to help keep these towns alive,” she said.

“These programs are a vital part of the community.

“Many parents talk about attending the same kindergarten themselves and wanting their children to have that same experience.”

Ms Dobson said there had been in-depth consultation with families in the area about the process.

“Rolling out government reforms in the early education space is not always easy,” she said.

“Often these big decisions do not fit easily at a local level and require a lot of effort by the teams on the ground to bring everything together.

“We are really excited to be able to offer this option to the Willaura children – the Department of Education has really come to the table to ensure equitable access for all children in this region.”

Families who have a child attending four-yearold kindergarten in 2025 in the Willaura region are encouraged to enrol online at ykinders.org. au or call the Y Kinders’ enrolment team on 4311 1500.

Sunnydale White Suffolk Stud’s ram sale on Monday brought good prices, marking the beginning of what stud co-owner Andrew Weidemann predicts will be a ‘solid ram season’. Adelle Weidemann, pictured, helps with the sale. Story, page 21. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Mosaic on farm land

BY LAUREN HENRY

Farmers across the Wimmera and Mallee are still waiting for spring rain, with some crops being hit by warm weather and frosts in the past month.

Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey said soil moisture had decreased significantly in the past six weeks, particularly in the state’s northwest.

“Many of those crops, the really good ones anyway, that are sitting on the full profile, have really been starting to hook into that moisture, and in the last 30 days, moisture use has been in the order of sort of 24 to 40 percentage points, so some of those profiles are now only half full, which is good – that’s better than being empty,” she said.

“But we’ve been noticing that slope of that water use has been more similar to October, rather than September.”

Mr Grey said a warm patch in late August-early September had contributed to increased water use.

But crops in the Wimmera and Mallee had also been hit with moderate frosts last week.

“We’ve gone from one thing to the other, just to add insult to injury,” he said.

“It’s hard to believe that won’t have done some damage to something, so those little lentils or little pods sitting close to the ground, it’s a pretty vulnerable stage for them and some of the

canola pods would also be at a damaging stage.

“And the cereals, it’s such a hodgepodge of crop growth stages out there, particularly in the Mallee and the Wimmera, due to the late sewing, but some people getting early planting in April and some people had rain in May.

“So there’s just an absolute mosaic on everyone’s farm of different growth stages, so the flowering growth stage of course, for cereals is the most sensitive to frost.

“It can take a week or more to get a feel for whether damage has been done to cereals, whereas if you go out and break open a field pea or a canola pod or a lentil pod, after the frost, you can usually tell if those little seeds are shrivelled up and brown and looking very unhappy.”

Mr Grey said at least half the models have been predicting a wetter future for some months but that had not eventuated.

“I would say we’re no closer to a La Niña really wanting to form,” he said.

“The form guide is the models have been predicting wetter and it’s been drier, so my confidence of a wetter future is not that good.

“I’d be wanting to see some changes to what we’re currently seeing – currently you’ve got a massive big high pressure sitting over us once again, and in the next kind of week we’re seeing showers on and south of the divide but

Spring Clean Time!

nothing really in the north, and that seems to be the case.

“So the good news is that down in that far south-west – the region that had been really quite late and dry – there’s been a turnaround there in terms of rainfall and they are getting more frequent rainfall.

“They still haven’t had much runoff, which is still a concern, but at least the moisture situation has improved.”

Mr Grey said in some cases there was only half the amount of grass in some paddocks in south-west Victoria at the moment, which was problematic.

“The other thing is that people have been cutting hay in the Mallee too, so the first batch of hay has just started to be cut and it’s finding a very quick home down in the southern part,” he said.

“I would imagine it’s barely being spat out the end of the baler before it’s getting on a truck and sent down south.”

Mr Grey said the other problematic area of Victoria to not getting sufficient rain was the eastern part of south-west Victoria.

“Places near Geelong, like Rokewood and those kind of areas, are really, really suffering, which is not common for this time of the year and for that kind of area,” he said.

Mr Grey’s latest seasonal conditions webinar, including spring forecasts, is available on Agriculture Victoria’s website and by using the password ‘climate’, along with all other climate webinar recordings.

Optimism for season

A ram sale at Rupanyup’s Sunnydale White Suffolk Stud achieved good prices on Monday, marking the beginning of what could be a healthy increase in livestock prices.

Hosted by Rodney and Andrew Weidemann, Andrew said the sale went ‘very well’, achieving about 85 per cent clearance.

“We were happy to get good clearance, as well as strong interest in what was remaining,” he said.

“We had about a $1300 average, with rams selling for up to $2500, and two top price rams at $2600.”

Mr Weidemann said the prices were about $200 up on last year’s average.

“I’m pretty confident we’ll have a solid ram season,” he said.

“Given the way it’s going and the uncertainty in the industry, a lot of people are realising that livestock is a good fit.

“Obviously, the way the climate is at the moment, the improved prices we’re seeing in the yards with the lambs flows on to more optimism in the industry.

“There is pressure on grain prices, but at least with livestock there’s a level of return everyone can see, which is likely to increase over time, especially now there are low stock numbers.

“There had been a downturn in prices, but those who stayed with it should be well-rewarded.”

There were 70 rams auctioned at the sale.

ON THE JOB: Hugh Weidemann mustering rams at Monday’s sale.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Growing group numbers

Organisers of the 15th annual Perennial Pasture Systems conference in Ararat have declared the event an ‘outstanding success’, after more than 200 people attended to hear from specialists in farming practices last week.

Perennial Pasture Systems group project manager Rob Shea said audience numbers were a ‘large increase’ on last year’s event.

“One of the highlights for us was about 25 Longerenong College students and a couple of Adelaide University students attending,” he said.

“It was great because we’ve been trying to build up good contacts with agriculture students for a long time.”

Mr Shea said conference presenters were from a variety of financial, livestock, soil management and pastoral backgrounds.

“They complemented each other, it was a good mix, and I think farmers and advisers will go away looking to review their programs,” he said.

“Jason Condon from Charles Sturt University in Wagga spoke on soil management – he put things into perspective and will lead a few tweaks in farming systems.”

Mr Shea said Amphitheatre’s Scott Howell, a lamb producer, spoke on farm strategies for future growth.

“He was outstanding. He has a fantastic system on a large family farm – his presentation was brilliant,” he said.

The conference ended with an industry tour, taking in Ararat Meat Exports, with a focus on value-adding mutton to benefit farm and exporter.

“The tour went well over time,” Mr Shea said.

“People were fascinated by the system at Ararat Meat Exports, how the product is used, including the surplus going into pet food.”

More than 100 people attended the dinner at the

“Ellie was absolutely fantastic – everyone was blown away by her, she was so inspirational,” Mr Shea said.

He said the group had great support from its sponsors to stage the event.

Perennial Pasture Systems group was formed mid-2007 and has had 197 farm businesses across central Victoria and the southern Wimmera join the group since its formation. Members are heavily involved in prime lamb, mutton and beef production, while cropping and export hay operations are also conducted on many group members’ farms.

More information about Perennial Pasture Systems can be found at www.perennial pasturesystems.com.au.

town hall, with guest speaker Paralympian gold medallist Ellie Cole.

Paralympian Ellie Cole and Debbie Shea

Celebration of sparkling shiraz

BY LAUREN HENRY

Grampians Estate will mark 20 years of continuous vintages of sparkling shiraz with a special lunch.

The small winery first produced the Rutherford Sparkling Shiraz in 2004 but has produced wine since 1995.

Tom, Sarah and Pollyanna Guthrie own and operate Grampians Estate, with a cellar door and vines at Great Western and a winery, vines and sheep farm at Mafeking.

As one of Grampians Estate’s flagship wines, the Rutherford Sparkling Shiraz has won many awards over the journey including 16 trophies at wine shows and several ‘top sparkling red in Australia’ rankings in the annual Halliday Wine Companion.

The wine was named after Ford (Rutherford) Guthrie who died some years ago, aged 17.

He had picked grapes and mustered sheep since he was a young lad and looked forward to a life on the land.

Mr Guthrie said the wine would forever be a tribute to Ford.

“Sarah and I are very excited to celebrate this milestone for our favourite wine,” he said.

“It is an Australian invention, it comes from the spiritual home in Great Western and it carries the name of our son, Ford.”

Mr Guthrie said sparkling shiraz, an Australian invention, was pioneered in Great Western by Hans Irvine at the Seppelt winery at about 1890.

“It is made the same way as French champagne using the ‘methode traditionelle’ process,” he said.

“Hans Irvine’s winemaker was the Frenchman Charles Pierlot. In a neat connection, he married Ellena Salinger who grew up on the Grampians Estate cellar door site when it was owned by the Salinger family.”

The lunch, at Grampians Estate’s cellar door, will be at noon on Saturday, October 12.

For devotees of sparkling shiraz, it is an opportunity to experience some aged examples of Australia’s best.

Mr Guthrie said the inaugural 2004 vintage, the 2006 and some Garden Gully 1998 would headline the sparkling shiraz vintages, to be matched with a gourmet lunch provided by one of the region’s top chefs, Dean Sibthorp.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Sibthorp is head chef at Mt William Station and is a culinary virtuoso with a background in English-style gourmet cooking.

Sibthorp’s passion for cooking has led him to explore the different tastes and textures of locally sourced produce.

His philosophy is to use only the freshest, hand-picked ingredients, establishling strong relationships with local farmers and growers.

Mr Guthrie said the Rutherford Sparkling Shiraz was typically ruby red in colour, had a spicy nose displaying fresh raspberries, plums and a hint of chocolate, and generated a beautiful purple mousse.

“The palate is concentrated, spicy and full of red fruits. The wine is aged for about three years on lees giving it greater flavour and complexity,” he said.

One of the wines featured at the lunch will be the 2006 Friends

Shiraz, the one year when donated fruit was used following losses from the Grampians bushfire when the Mafeking vineyard was severely burnt.

James Halliday included that wine in his top 100 wines of the year and it collected three trophies.

In the 2010 James Halliday Wine Companion: 95 points and equal top in Australia: ‘An echo of the great Seppelt sparkling shirazs of the ’40s and ’50s; this wine has absolutely wonderful sweet shiraz fruit – not sugar sweetness – on the finish, and will develop and change for up to 20 years if well cellared. Crown seal. 14.6 per cent alcohol’.

Bookings to the lunch can be made by visiting www.grampiansestate.com.au or calling 5356 2400.

A new world of tough

Sparkling

TOGETHER: Tom, Sarah and Pollyanna Guthrie in the vines at Grampians Estate at Great Western.

CONTINUOUS: Grampians Estate will mark 20 years of continuous vintages of sparkling shiraz next month.

Voice heard, now time for action

BY DAVID JOCHINKE

As president of the National Farmers’ Federation, I am immensely proud of the turnout and impact of the historic National Farmer Rally in Canberra on September 10.

Thousands of farmers and supporters from across Australia came together to send a clear message to our nation’s leaders: farmers need a seat at the table when it comes to agricultural policy.

For too long, decisions have been made without adequate consultation with those who understand the land best – the farmers who work it every day.

We highlighted critical issues facing our industry, from the proposed ban on live sheep exports to water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin, and called for practical solutions on matters such as the diesel fuel rebate and unnecessary red tape around emissions reporting.

The rally wasn’t about politics; it was about policy.

We want forward-thinking solutions that will allow Australian agriculture to thrive, not ideological battles driven by out-of-touch activists and detractors who would like to see less food and fibre grown in Australia.

Those groups often push agendas that would undermine our ability to feed and clothe the nation, without understanding the realities of farming or the vital role we play in the economy and regional communities.

We are ready to work with all sides of politics to develop policies that support sustainable farming practices, enhance productivity, and ensure a bright future for rural communities.

It’s time to push back against those who seek to diminish Australian agriculture and instead focus on solutions that will keep farmers farming.

To those who attended or supported us from afar, thank you. Your presence and solidarity sent a powerful message that cannot be ignored.

The rally marks the beginning

of our campaign to ensure farmers’ voices are heard and that we can continue to produce the food and fibre Australia relies on.

To all Australians, I say this: when farmers thrive, the nation prospers. We are the backbone of food security, the lifeblood of regional communities, and a driving force in the national economy.

Support for Australian agriculture is an investment in our shared future, and a rejection of those who would see our industry diminished.

The voice of rural Australia was heard loud and clear in Canberra. Now, it’s time for action.

We stand ready to work with policymakers to craft a vision for Australian agriculture that is sustainable, productive, and prosperous, while also standing firm against those who would seek to undermine our vital work.

The future of farming and our nation depends on it.

• Mr Jochinke is a farmer at Murra Warra.

Careers and Education in agriculture – program.

Project exploring options

Horsham secondary school students have explored careers in agriculture, including autonomous tractors and identifying honey quality, as part of Central Queensland University’s Raising Aspirations, Careers and Education, RACE, Victoria project.

University Agritech Education and Extension team member Grace Dendle said the travelling project showed students different career options in agriculture, and the food and fibre industries.

“We are showing students that they don’t have to be a farmer to work in agriculture,

there are so many different things in-between,” she said.

“At St Brigid’s College today, we are doing two activities – tractor co-creators, which is looking at coding and autonomous tractors; and the honey investigators, looking at different technologies and how you can look at fraud or fake honey.”

College students from Murtoa and Horsham’s Holy Trinity also attended the day, which was supported by the Department of Education and Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN.

CLOSER LOOK: Central Queensland University’s Grace Dendle, right, with St Brigid’s College students Ally Wills and Lauren Stephens and Murtoa College students Kayne Sartori and Casey Franklin at the RACE – Raising Aspirations,

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

FLOCK

On Property Auction

Wednesday

March shorn

Warren

Chicks in the Sticks set to return

One of the Wimmera’s favourite events for women in agriculture is returning in October.

After a 10-year hiatus, Chicks in the Sticks is back on October 23 at Grampians Park Station, Moyston.

The free event, starting at 9.15am and finishing at 3pm, will include morning tea and lunch.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, CMA, started Chicks in the Sticks more than 15 years ago to provide women on farms with access to practical and current farming information, to spark new ideas and foster connections with other rural women.

Sustainable agriculture facilitator Bronwyn Bant said the event was during school hours, allowing more mothers and carers to attend.

Ms Bant said organisers were excited to bring two leading women in agriculture to the region to share their knowledge and practical experience in low emissions farming.

“Both presenters approach low emissions farming from a pragmatic and realistic viewpoint,” she said.

“Women attending will be afforded optimistic and practical information to take back to their farms.”

Low emissions farming is the focus, featuring guest speakers Fiona Conroy and Cassandra Schefe.

Ms Conroy, who operates a mixed farming enterprise with her husband Cam Nicholson at the Bellarine Peninsula, will

share the practices she uses to achieve carbon-neutral status and the associated benefits.

They also run Nicon Rural Services and are widely recognised for their understanding of carbon from a farmer’s perspective.

“Fiona is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to carbon neutral ag,” Ms Bant said.

“Not only does she have skin in the game as a farmer, she is also a member of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council giving farmers a voice in decision making and providing feedback on how the sector can prepare for and respond to the impacts of a changing climate.”

Dr Cassandra Schefe has worked in numerous and varied science roles and is principal scientist at The Cool Soil Initiative, which started in 2018 to support farmers in exploring practices to improve the health of their soil, increase yields, and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions.

LEFT: The last Chicks in the Sticks event was in the Wimmera 10 years ago. Previous events have included progressive dinners, high teas and outdoor twilight events beside a wetland.

A highly-respected soil scientist, she has also worked with many Wimmera farmers in helping them understand their farming systems and soil health through her business AgriSci.

“Cassandra has a really strong understanding of Wimmera soils, specialising in soil chemistry and soil-plant interactions. We are excited to bring someone with her extensive experience to the region,” Ms Bant said.

The event is open to all farmers interested in low emissions farming.

Tickets are free and available by booking online https://forms.office.com/r/ k2ayCLgfwH or emailing bronwyn.bant@ wcma.vic.gov.au

Chicks in the Sticks is delivered with funding support from the Federal Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program.

Milestone sale for Janmac

Goroke brothers Grant and Bryce Hausler’s Janmac stud will host its 20th annual ram sale this year, offering prime lamb rams to producers who expect flexibility and breed control.

Grant Hausler said one of the greatest aspects of achieving the 20-year milestone was the stud continued to produce the high-quality stock his father had established.

“I’m proud Bryce and I have continued what he started, and now with my son Carl returned to the farm, it will carry on,” he said.

“We have maintained that high standard and continue to sell more rams each year – with about 250 rams being sold a year, we are really making a difference in the industry.”

Mr Hausler said another highlight of the past 20 years had been the people they had met.

“It is our business of course, and we like it and think we do it well. Along the way we meet friends and great people, and this is something we value as a family,” he said.

Despite the industry facing tough market and seasonal conditions in the past 12 months, the Janmac team is optimistic about what’s to come this year.

“We are going to see some really good prices this spring for lambs, we are upbeat about that,” Mr Hausler said.

“Comments I am hearing from agents is that prices are going to be very good for a well finished article – if we get 800c/kg it is about $60 more than last spring per lamb.

“Although we are going to need it due to higher feed costs, it also puts us back at the profitable end.”

Mr Hausler said they had faced the most difficult autumn and early winter most people in the region could recall, which was why breeding flexibility was key.

“Our sheep are the ones that we know can do that – the rams we breed and the lambs they leave have capacity to grow on and be shorn, or when the feed comes on, they can turn off as suckers, or if there is a market for stores they can do well there as well –

we can meet lots of markets,” he said.

Despite the challenging season it is ‘business as usual’ at Janmac, with Mr Hausler of the opinion that ‘if it has been working for the past couple of decades, then it will continue to work’ for the milestone 20th sale.

“What we do as breeders plays a role in how much money people make, so when you set a breeding aim you work towards it, you can’t chop and change looking for a silver bullet,” he said.

“We are again presenting at this year’s auction a strong group of top end rams that present very well and would suit stud operations.

“The rams have plenty of depth and just a touch more muscle as a group this year – we have targeted slightly more muscle in our rams without los-

ON PROPERTY

SALE: The Hausler families look forward to hosting clients and friends as they celebrate 20 years of annual on-property ram sales at Janmac.

ing the length and the frame we are known for.”

Janmac will offer 200 Poll Dorset and White Suffolk rams at its onproperty production sale this year at its Goroke Sale Shed from 1pm on Wednesday next week.

Buyers or buyer agents are invited on sale day to secure their pick of the pens as the auction will not be online this year.

The Hausler families look forward to hosting clients and friends as they celebrate 20 years of annual on-property ram sales at Janmac.

People can visit www.janmac.com.au or Janmac’s Facebook and Instagram pages for sale updates.

Supervision paramount

Farmsafe Australia is urging families to set up safe play areas and actively supervise children around water, in a bid to reduce the number of drowning incidents on farms.

The call comes in conjunction with Life Saving Victoria and Kidsafe Victoria.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of child deaths on farms – the latest statistics from Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s National Drowning Report show 26 per cent of toddlers aged up to four years who drowned in 2022-23 occurred in inland waterways such as lakes, dams, rivers, and creeks.

The figure rose to 43 per cent in the five-to-14-year age group.

Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said farms had several unique hazards not commonly found in suburban homes.

“Farms and regional properties often contain a number of different bodies of water such as dams, troughs, irrigation channels, water tanks, rivers and lakes, all which can pose a potential drowning hazard for children,” he said.

“Creating a safe play area that is away from water and other farm hazards such as animals and machinery, is a great way to provide kids with a safe place to explore.”

Health, wellbeing focus at field day

‘Spend more time working on your business than in your business’ was a key message at BCG’s Main Field Day at Nullawil earlier this month.

In his presentation at the field day, Professor Ross Kingwell outlined his 10-year profitability study of 250 Western Australian farmers, which found the most profitable farmers were those who consistently looked for answers and work-life balance.

“The study highlighted that profitable farmers were those who always have their antenna up, are always curious, always questioning and they weren’t workaholics,” he said.

“Farming for them was a social activity, not just business activity.

“The most profitable farms were those that spent more time working on their business than in their business.”

Prof Kingwell’s presentation was a highlight for many of the 400 growers and advisers who attended.

Eyre Peninsula farmer Mark Modra also made a presentation, which tied in with Prof Kingwell’s message, but focused on the importance of fatigue management and ‘knowing your capacity’.

Mr Modra attributes a farm accident, where he sustained a serious head wound and five broken vertebrae, to fatigue.

He told attendees he was no longer willing to compromise his health and

well-being to meet the demands of farming.

“When we are fatigued, we make mistakes. We get tunnel vision and things in our peripheral vision are missed,” he said.

“It also affects our mood, our reflexes, our ability to communicate appropriately and we are more likely to take short cuts.”

Health and wellbeing were a focus at the field day, with East Wimmera Health Service, Central Mallee Health, headspace, WorkSafe and Agriculture Victoria on-site, together with Northern District Community Health who provided health checks and advice throughout the day.

BCG’s Demi Taylor said the purpose of having a health focus at the field day was to offer busy farmers and advisers convenient access to these crucial services.

Nhill farmer Rodney Pohler said both the farm profitability and the farm safety presentation had important messages for attendees.

“Ross Kingwell’s presentation tied in nicely with Mark Modra’s with a focus on not being a workaholic,” he said.

Mr Pohler was also impressed by the adjuvant trial.

“It is good to see it in person. Some adjuvants were more targeted towards grass or broadleaf weeds so I learnt you need to know your main target,” he said.

For other farmers, the message of farm profitability was a standout.

“Ross Kingwell’s comment about livestock and its negative effect on profitability in Western Australia reaffirms what we are doing on our farm,” Andrew McLean, from Keith, said.

Research and genetics

A recurring theme of the day was the importance of research funding from levies and government, investment in genetics and the effects for farm profitability.

BCG senior manager of extension and communication Grace Hosking said the discussion about unlocking hyper yielding cereals with BCG’s Dr Yolanda Plowman and The University

of Melbourne’s Professor James Hunt drew a large crowd and highlighted the importance of ongoing research.

“The smart disease management, NVT and long coleoptile wheats sessions further cemented the importance of research and investment in genetics,” she said.

More than 50 students from five schools attended the field day with a focus on education as well as highlighting career opportunities in the agricultural industry.

North Central LLEN’s agriculture education project co-ordinator Susan Gould said she was impressed.

“It was a successful day and the enthusiasm of the students and the staff

Did you know we also do windscreens for tractors, trucks, buses and other farm machinery!

Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise prompt repair or replacement.

enhanced the good vibe. The careers panel was the perfect mix for the student audience,” she said.

“I love the altruistic and communityfocus of BCG, breaking down some of the traditional competitive and individualistic notions of agriculture.”

BCG staff and collaborators also enjoyed bringing research and extension topics such as optimising canola establishment, future proofing Australia’s supply chain, active versus passive nitrogen application decision making, on-farm biosecurity, the interactive trial and the pulse session, to life on the day.

BCG chief executive Fiona Best thanked the Watts family for hosting the event.

“The BCG Main Field Day is our way of connecting with farmers, to share the work we do for them and their surrounding communities,” she said.

“It’s an educational event showcasing the latest research and thinking in crop production and farming more generally.

“Bringing together such a diverse range of quality speakers is a highlight for BCG as an organisation and we thank our attendees, presenters, collaborators and sponsors for being actively involved in the day.”

For more details, or to become a member, people can call BCG on 5492 2487 or visit www.bcg.org.au/ memberships.

ON SITE: Roy Daykin, left, and Hopetoun grower Coleman Schache in the interactive trial at BCG’s Main Field Day at Nullawil on September 11.

league

Grand final glory

The Wimmera Football Netball League grand finals were played in front of 4000-plus people at Dimboola Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Four football grand finals, two junior and two senior, and seven netball grand finals, including three junior and four senior matches, showcased the best teams in the league.

Ararat won the senior football to make it back-to-back premierships, and Horsham won the A Grade netball flag for the first time since 2016.

Horsham Saints claimed the reserves premiership after defeating Horsham Demons by 19 points.

The Saints edged ahead in the second term after an 18-all first quarter, leading by 10 points at the main break before extending the margin to 13 points by the last break.

But with the Demons goalless in the fourth term, the Saints were too good in the end, taking a 19-point victory.

Saint Judd Wright won the best-onground medal, with Robert Walker, Rory Cameron, Mitchell Clarke, Hugh Dough-

erty and Nathan Clough all named in the best.

It was Saints versus Demons in the under 17s grand final, with the Demons taking the win by 18 points.

The Demons were out of the blocks early, holding the Saints scoreless in the first quarter as they shot out to a 19-point lead.

But the Saints came back in the second term to trail by 13 points at half-time.

The Demons continued to score consistently, with a 46-26 lead at the last break before eventually wining 59-41.

Demon Dezi Carter was judged best afield. Harrison Hoffmann, Ethan Worthy, Archie Elliott, Max Bunworth and Monty Wynne were also in Horsham’s best.

In the under 14s, Horsham scored a convincing win over Ararat 85-6.

Chaz Smith, Horsham, was awarded best on ground, while teammates Zac Martin, Henry Walsgott, Lincoln Tucker, Chavi Sulic and Joshua Kalms were also among the best players.

In the netball, the premiers were Stawell, B Grade; Horsham Saints, C Grade, C Reserve, 17 and under, 15 and under, and 13 and under. Pictures, page 38.

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A chiropractor will consider a person’s present and past health history very carefully before going ahead and treating them. There is careful assessment of the spine and all the joints to see which is fixated (jammed up), so that best results are achieved.

Chiropractors are trained in the assessment of the spinal areas as well as general health issues. Listening to what someone is saying to us is key in how we approach each individual’s care. Then a joint decision can be made by the chiropractor and the patient on which is the best way forward. Chiropractors are great at recognising what needs to come next after adjustment. It maybe further adjusting or/ and referring to another health professional or for Xrays or CT scan or ultrasound. It maybe referring for exercise etc. Make Chiropractic

UNDER-17: Horsham 9.5 (59) defeated Horsham Saints 6.5 (41) at Dimboola.

UNDER-14: Horsham 12.13 (85) scored a big win over Ararat 1.0 (6) in the

Wimmera league

GOAL: Alan Batchelor and Tom Williamson celebrate a goal for the Rats.

ABOVE: Pat Toner, Ararat, and Rupert Sangster.

LEFT: Best-on-court Imogen Worthy lines up a shot.

CRASH: Abby Hallam, Saints, and Romi Miller clash in the Wimmera Football Netball League A Grade grand final.

TACKLE: Southern Mallee Thunder onballer Billy Lloyd tackles Ararat’s Sonny Kettle.

FOCUS: Tahlia Thompson looks to pass.

Premiership team: Back, from left, Tom Mills, Frank Vernon (water) James Jennings, Flynn Toner, Patrick Toner, James Hosking (water), Riley Taylor (physio); middle, Jack Ganley, Rob Armstrong (water) Ethan Summers, Jake Robinson, Adam Haslett, Matthew Spalding, Luke Spalding, Henry Shea, Alex Van-Opstal; front, Charlie Ganley (mascot), Brady Griffin, Sonny Kettle, Jacob Bates, Cody Lindsay, Ben Taylor (laying down), Tom Williamson, Corey Taylor, Jonty Taylor, Baden Cosgriff, Alan Batchelor, Bobby and Max Batchelor.

Angela Ballinger from AFL Wimmera Mallee with best under 21 player Henry Shea

Jack Ganley

Goals: Ararat, Jack Ganley, Matthew Spalding, Ben Taylor 2, Tom Mills, Ethan Summers, Patrick Toner; Southern Mallee Thunder, Brad Lowe, Liam Nelson, Zachary Robins 2, Jackson Fisher, Billy Lloyd, Xavier Oakley.

Best: Ararat, Matthew Spalding, Henry Shea, Ethan Summers, Ben Taylor, Cody Lindsay, Patrick Toner; Southern Mallee Thunder, Sam White, Billy Lloyd, Xavier Oakley, Simon Clugston, Lou White, Zachary Robins. Best on ground: Matthew Spalding, Ararat.

Binns medallist Matt Spalding with his grandmother Val Spalding

Tom Williamson

Imogen Worthy, Horsham.

Georgie Carberry

Premiership team: Back, from left, Georgia Batson, Imogen Worthy, coach Ebonie Salter, Matilda Salter, Georgie Carberry, Tahlia Thompson and Adeline Salter. Front, from left, Zarli Knight, Sienna Manserra, Keely Pope, and Romi Miller.

Saints

14 25 42 58

Tahlia Thompson

Ebonie Salter, Georgie Carberry and Tahlia Thompson Horsham

Goals: Horsham: Imogen Worthy 36, Georgia Batson 27. Saints: Jorja Clode 46, Abby Hallam 12. Best: Horsham: Imogen Worthy, Romi Miller. Saints: Holly Phillips, Maddison Bethune. Best on court: Imogen Worthy, Horsham.

league

MARK: Ararat ruckman Cody Lindsay marks in front of a trio of Thunder players in the senior grand final.

Williamson discuss tactics during a break in the

CALM UNDER PRESSURE: wing defence Keely Pope played a crucial role for the Demons.

GUARD: Elly Barnett, Horsham Saints, guards Horsham goal attack Georgia Batson.

CONTEST: Horsham Saints goal shooter Jorja Clode and Horsham keeper Ebonie Salter.

RED AND WHITE: Jack Ganley, above, in attack for the Rats.

Wimmera league

The team at OʼBrien and Smith Lawyers look forward to assisting with your legal needs.

Lauren Emblem

Patrick Smith

(Hons),

13-AND-UNDER: Horsham Saints 32 defeated Horsham 23. Best on court, Ruby Bethune, Horsham Saints.

17-AND-UNDER: Horsham Saints 67 defeated Horsham 58. Best on court, Jorja Clode, Horsham Saints.

C RESERVE: Horsham Saints 41 defeated Horsham 40. Best on court, Rori Marshman, Horsham Saints.

15-AND-UNDER: Horsham Saints 38 defeated Horsham 25. Best on court, Lena Marshman, Horsham Saints.

C GRADE: Horsham Saints 35 defeated Stawell 30. Best on court, Beth Dortmans, Horsham Saints.

B GRADE: Stawell 45 defeated Horsham 42. Best on court, Daisy Walker, Stawell.

Stalled progress

It’s 20 years since the Australian wool industry made a commitment to a nationwide phase out of mulesing.

Mulesing is animal husbandry practice of cutting loose skin off the breech of lambs so they’re less likely to suffer from flystrike, where flies lay eggs in faeces on the rear end, which then hatch into maggots and can eat into the flesh of the sheep.

All in all, a horrible state of affairs.

Like most people who weren’t brought up on sheep farms, I had no idea of the practice when I worked on a sheep farm in western Victoria when I was just 20 years old. I quickly found out what mulesing was.

As the person doing the last job to lambs in the sheep cradle putting fly powder on their bleeding bottoms, I had to throw out my shirt, which ended up saturated in sheep’s blood.

I was horrified. But then I saw sheep who were fly struck. The smell of that was far more horrific.

Still, I couldn’t comprehend how there wasn’t a better way.

Mulesing was apparently ‘invented’ by a wool grower, a Mr Mules, in South Australia in the early 1900s.

It’s astonishing that more than a century later we still haven’t found an alternative.

The commitment to phase out mulesing by 2010 was made after a graphic animal welfare campaign run by the American based PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

But at the eleventh hour, Australian Wool Innovation reneged on the promise in 2009 saying it wasn’t achievable by the deadline.

Some woolgrowers who had gone down the

Country Today

with Libby Price

path of breeding sheep with plainer bodies and bare bottoms were grumbling that it may well have been pressure from the then chair of AWI, outspoken fine wool grower Wal Merriman who admitted he still mulesed his sheep.

PETA’s campaign seemed to fizzle as it took on bigger issues like the fur trade, and the likes of banning circus animals.

But Four Paws has picked up the slack with its Wool with a Butt campaign.

So far, so good: no graphic advertisements to horrify the public … yet.

Last week, RSPCA Australia chief science officer Dr Suzie Fowler told Country Today the organisation wants to kick-start the phasing out of mulesing and is calling on all state and territory governments to legislate a ban.

“Australia is the only country still using this outdated practice,” Dr Fowler said.

“We know lambs suffer during the procedure for days, even weeks afterwards. We simply can’t afford another 20 years of stalled progress – not when there is a viable, humane alternative already available, which is to breed flystrike-resistant sheep.”

So woolgrowers: forewarned is forearmed. Do you want another ugly battle, or is it time to give it all a rethink?

Janet Exell

Haven pony Royal champion

Harness racing trainer Janet Exell won ‘Champion Harness Pony’ at Royal Adelaide Show with her Welsh Mountain pony Yanina Mr Magical.

Ms Exell said she took a team of four harness horses to the event.

“I had the help of Michelle Grixti, who did their white socks and presentation, as well as Julie Monaghan, who did odd jobs,” she said.

“My niece Laura stayed at home tending to my harness racing horses, but arrived late in the week to drive a pony.

“Others in my team

were Yanina Bling it On, who won novice harness pony and placed in his other class, and my palomino mare Westbury I am Brileigh, who placed in her classes.”

Ms Exell also took standardbred The Noble Steed, who won reserve champion harness horse and pleasure harness horse.

“He was raced by Kerryn Manning and won 17 races and almost $140,000 for her, but now he is pampered as a show horse and is winning in a different discipline for me,” she said.

“Last year we went out on the old racetrack around the outside of the Horsham Showground to get to his arena, and he thought he was back racing – I thought I would have to be most unladylike in a skirt and put my feet up on the dash of the viceroy to hold him.”

Ms Exell also breeds and buys Welsh Mountain ponies for breaking and competing in harness, and has a small team of trotters and pacers at her McKenzie Creek stud, Yanina, which means ‘Janet’ in Polish.

SUCCESS:

with Welsh Mountain pony Yanina Mr Magical at the Royal Adelaide Show earlier this month. Picture: Jenny Barnes Photography

ELDERS STUD STOCK

2024 RAM SALES

E P T E M B E R

WED 25TH OAKBANK MERINO AND POLL RAM SALE GRE GRE NORTH, 1pm

THUR 26TH WALLALOO PARK MERINO RAM SALE MARNOO, 1pm

THUR 26TH WESTLEIGH WHITE SUFFOLK RAM SALE LAKE WONGAN, 1.30pm

MON 7TH CURLEW MERINO RAM SALE CHARAM, 1pm

WED 9TH MELROSE MERINO AND POLL MERINO SALE NURRABIEL, 1pm

THUR 10TH DETPA GROVE WHITE SUFFOLK SALE JEPARIT, 1pm

FRI 11TH GLENPAEN MERINO AND POLL MERINO SALE BRIMPAEN, 1pm

WED 16TH CONNEWARREN MERINO RAM SALE MORTLAKE, 1pm

THUR 17TH JACKSON FARMING BORDER LEICESTER & POLL DORSET RAM SALE MOYSTON, 1pm

FRI 18TH WEST WAIL WHITE SUFFOLK SALE HORSHAM, 1pm

FRI 18TH SOUTHERN VICTORIAN MERINO FIELD DAY ARARAT REG., 9am-4pm

TUES 22ND STUD PARK SOUTH MERINO RAM SALE WILLAURA, 1pm

‘The black sheep’

BY AMY JENKINSON PrinciPal lawyer

, Harwood Andrews Atrust structure is often recommended to agribusiness owners to distribute income tax effectively and safeguard assets.

A family trust structure should function successfully over time. However, changed family dynamics and business circumstances can trigger a dispute.

Family members can challenge how the income, assets or liabilities of a trust are being distributed or managed, seek access to the trust’s records or attempt to gain control of a trust and its assets.

Inadequate professional advice and individual understanding of the nature of a trust structure when established, and a trustee’s ongoing obligations, can contribute to a dispute and affect the outcome.

A Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal decision provides an important reminder of the need for trustees of family discretionary trusts to properly understand, and exercise, their obligations when distributing income to beneficiaries.

In Owies v JJE Nominees Pty Ltd 2022 VSCA 142, the court heard distributions made by the trustee were voidable and could potentially be set aside.

The court found the trustee failed to give genuine consideration of the circumstances of all potential beneficiaries when exercising its discretion to distribute income.

Where there are a small number of beneficiar

ies, the trustee must make specific enquiries regarding their financial circumstances before making a distribution, even if the family relationship is strained.

The directors of the trustee made no enquiries of their two estranged children for several years.

The court concluded the trustee failed to give real and genuine consideration to the beneficiaries’ financial circumstances.

The relationship between the trustee and beneficiaries was irreconcilable, meaning the trustee could not act impartially and appointment of a replacement independent trustee was ordered.

The court also had regard to the fixed pattern of distribution of trust income in previous financial years, individual circumstances of the beneficiaries, such as ill-health or financial position, and lack of communication with the beneficiaries by the trustee, including a failure to make proper enquiries regarding their need for a distribution.

The outcome of disputes relating to family discretionary trusts depends on the specific factual circumstances and individual legal advice is always required.

However, individuals in control of the trustee of a family discretionary trust and their accounting advisors should take note of the above considerations when making decisions regarding distribution of trust income or assets and documenting them.

Family and business dynamics can change, the obligations of a trustee do not. Do not ignore the black sheep of the family.

CELEBRATION: To celebrate National Farmer Day on November 15, the National Farmers Federation has a photo and video competition open to everyone – whether you are a professional photographer or just love taking pictures. People are encouraged to show their perspective on agriculture, whether it’s a rural landscape, a day in the life on the farm, or the fruits of the farmers’ labour. Entries open on October 4 and close November 15 with cash prizes for the best entries. Visit https://agday.org.au/ photography-video-competition1/ for more information. Picture: Daniel Clark

Dam management workshop

Agriculture Victoria land management officer Clem Sturmfels will lead a dam management discussion at a free breakfast workshop next month.

As producers continue to navigate a difficult season, they can discuss strategies for rainfall and runoff, dam volume calculations, how long water will last, as well as other management strategies.

Mr Sturmfels said assessing how much water was in a dam could be difficult due to a dam’s odd shape and formula used to measure its volume.

“Farm dams generally hold less water than expected and in a dry year, it’s important farmers have a good understanding of how much water is left in their dams and plan accordingly,” he said.

“The volume of a dam is closely related to its length and width. A stable, well-built dam has gently sloping sides, which nearly meet in the middle of the dam’s base.

“For example, a rectangular dam measuring 33-metres by 22-metres has a depth of about

three-metres and volume of about one-million litres, or one-megalitre. A triangular-shaped dam with similar measurements has a volume of about half this amount. Evaporation will cause a loss of about 60 per cent of this volume, leaving the dam with enough water to carry about 200 sheep or 20 cattle for one year.

“Many dams rely on a regular top-up of water during autumn or spring, however this year has seen dry seasonal conditions, making the chance of a top up less likely due to depleted soil moisture and less runoff.”

Agriculture Victoria has several tools to help farmers calculate dam volumes based on shape, length, width and depth, including a farm water calculator, a summer water calculator, and a fishing line measuring device, all available online.

Workshops are at Nangeela on October 8, Nareen on October 9, and Karabeal on October 10 – people can register online at www.try booking.com/events/landing/1282637?embed or by calling 0400 532 595.

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: September 23, 2004 –Horsham’s Dahlsens representative Sheryle O’Sullivan presented a certificate to Rupanyup Primary School principal Julie Rutherford and school captains Gareth Lingham and Rachael Hormann in the garden created with the school’s first Mitre 10 Junior Landcare grant. The money was used to complete the drought-affected garden.

10 years ago: September 24, 2014

A group of Wimmera motorcycle enthusiasts were to dress in their most dapper attire to take part in a ride to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. The Distinguished Gentlemen’s ride, from Horsham to Natimuk, was one of 245 planned across 56 countries. Spokesman Don Perry said the event was also for ‘genteel lady folk’.

Five years ago: September 25, 2019

Horsham Special School was a finalist in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards for its ‘ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for students’. The school had previously won accolades including a Victorian Education Planners Award for its school building, and an Australasian Education Planners Award for its sensory courtyard.

One year ago: September 20, 2023

It was the end of an era in Dimboola, when the final WJ Cordner garage tools, collectors’ items and parts were auctioned by Don Cordner – the final owner of the business, and nephew of William John Cordner, who established it in 1931. Originally near Dimboola’s old fire station in Lloyd Street, the garage became a Ford dealership in 1949 and then moved a block up, to 125 Lloyd Street in 1957. In 1998, a fire forced the temporary relocation to the old Westerfield Motors as well as another Lloyd Street property.

TaKe a BreaK

luCKy sTars WiTh Kerry KulKens

FOR THE WEEK SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 4

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

1. Born on this day in 1969 was which Welsh actress, most famous for her roles in Chicago, The Legend of Zorro, and Entrapment?

2. The nickname of Wimmera Football League club Stawell is the Warriors. Before Stawell and Warriors clubs merged, Stawell had a nickname similar to what broadacre crop pest that occasionally attacks Wimmera crops?

3. What song did ABBA perform to win Eurovision in 1974?

4. In which year was Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s epic Wimbledon final that ended at 9.15pm in the dark, a year before the Centre Court roof was installed?

5. What percentage of the Australian population lives within 50 kilometres of the coast – 45, 65 or 85?

6. Which popular video game franchise has released games with the subtitles World at War and Black Ops?

7. Which two spices are the most popular in the world?

8. Which American student and future outlaw married fellow American student and petty criminal Roy Thornton on this day in 1926, at the respective ages of 15 and 17 years?

9. What do the letters in the word ‘laser’ stand for?

10. In 1995, more than 22 million people tuned into a special BBC Panorama interview with Princess Diana. Which journalist conducted the interview?

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.45.5. The unexpected concerning money debts could increase, yet money is coming in to improve conditions. Love life looks good. It is much wiser not to mix business with pleasure and find a little time for yourself.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6.7.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 3.12.23.24.35.44. Life is about to become pretty exciting. Be very discreet in your love relationships. News from a distance could startle you. A friend may need your down-to-earth advice and support.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.23.23.34.43.44. Be discreet in love relationships. Your intuition could be a definite plus in any business transaction. An unexpected invitation could improve your mood.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 6.7.23.34.41.33.

It would be best if you considered others before making significant decisions. A new friend could become very important, and things you want will happen.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.35.28.6.

People you thought you knew well may surprise you. Something nice and delightful could happen soon. Try with loved ones.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5,7,6,2 Lotto Numbers: 1,16,26,39,41,3

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. 10.

Stawell’s previous nickname was the Redlegs. 3. Waterloo. 4. 2008. 5. 85 per cent. 6. Call of Duty. 7. Pepper and mustard – if you guessed ‘salt’, you are wrong as salt is not a spice, it’s a mineral. 8. Bonnie Parker. The couple separated in 1929. 9.

Answers: 1. Catherine Zeta-Jones. 2. Redlegged earth mite.

Martin Bashir. Getting in

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

Advertising 5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia

georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

Many will be making changes in most aspects of their lives. Love life looks happier, and time spent with lovers is the most enjoyable part of this period.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.37.45.9.

You should be able to receive some good news from a distance; people you did not care much for in the past could be a surprise. Memorable moments with loved ones are about.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.6.7. Lotto Numbers: 5.7.23.34.33.44.

Make sure you know the contents of the papers you sign, and if in doubt, seek expert advice. Real estate and related matters are very much on your mind during this period.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.34.42.11.

If you do not take care of your health now, you could be feeling overwhelmed by so many plans and not enough energy to do them. Many people find themselves in a dilemma of too many choices.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.3.5.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.45.22.

This should be a very romantic period for you, and some of your fondest wishes should come true. You might have to make an extra effort to get things working at your workplace.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.25.34.44.

Financially, it is a very profitable period to develop a new idea. This idea could carry your plans much further. It was also a busy time socially, and I made some new and exciting friends.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.4.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.24.34.35.

More harmony and understanding in your personal affairs. Many could find them only during this period. Your charm should be able to get you everywhere.

Quick Workout

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

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

3935 TODAY’S Good: 8 words FOCUS Very good: 14 words Excellent: 24 words

Macquarie Concise

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

Focus

Top safety marks for new Toyota Camry

Australasian New Car Assessment Program, ANCAP, has assessed the new-generation Toyota Camry as five-star safe, saying the mid-sized sedan set a record high score for adult occupant protection of 95 per cent in its latest round of testing.

The assessment saw Camry achieve maximum points in the side impact, oblique pole, whiplash and far-side impact tests, providing occupants with a high level of protection.

The Camry also exhibited a lower risk to occupants from oncoming vehicles in the ‘compatibility’ assessment, with a 0.96-point penalty out of eight in the mobile progressive

deformable barrier test. In the full width frontal test, the Camry performed well, with full points for head and upper leg protection for both the driver and rear passenger.

An ‘adequate’ result was achieved for driver and rear passenger chest protection.

For child occupant protection, the Camry achieved a score of 87 per cent.

Good levels of head protection were recorded for both child dummies in both the frontal offset and side impact tests, with an ‘adequate’ level of protection recorded for the neck and chest of the 10-year-old dummy in the frontal offset test. Within the child occupant protection

area of assessment, all vehicles tested by ANCAP are assessed for their ability to safely accommodate a range of child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand.

The Camry successfully accommodated most child restraints, with the exception of the rearward facing baby capsule in the rear outboard seating positions, and one of the child booster seats in the centre rear seating position.

Under ANCAP’s vulnerable road user protection criteria, the Camry scored 84 per cent.

The physical protection provided to pedestrians – if struck by the Camry – was good, with full points recorded for pelvis, femur, knee and tibia protection.

The Camry’s autonomous emergency braking, AEB, system also showed effective performance in forward test scenarios, including turning and overtaking scenarios with most collisions either avoided or mitigated.

The AEB system fitted to the Camry has the ability to respond to pedestrians in reverse, however it is not enabled by default, therefore reversing tests were not conducted and no points were awarded.

Within the safety assist area of assessment, the Toyota Camry achieved full points for its lane support system, LSS, function, with good scores recorded in all LSS assessment areas.

The Camry is fitted with a camerabased speed assist system with capa-

bility for some advanced features, including the ability to recognise curves while using the cruise control system and reduce speed accordingly.

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said the Toyota Camry offered robust protection for both occupants and vulnerable road users.

“This is a popular vehicle, widely used for both private and business purposes, which offers the five-star safety that drivers and passengers expect,” she said.

The five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all hybrid variants of the Toyota Camry available for purchase in Australia this month.

– Matt Brogan

PROUD TO BE PARTNERS WITH MORROW MOTOR GROUP’S V.I.P. PROGRAM

years in 50business

Splash & Dash Car Wash makes cleaning your vehicle a breeze – with self-serve or automatic bays... and there’s credit card facilities too!

Congratulations to Morrow Motor Group on reaching the remarkable milestone of 50 years in the motor industry!

Your commitment to excellence in selling and servicing vehicles is matched only by your dedication to uplifting the community.

Over the decades, you have not only provided outstanding automotive care but have also played a vital role in building local relationships and supported many various initiatives.

and many more.

This impressive family legacy of quality and service is a testament to your hard work and vision. Rowly and Judy Paterson (Owners), Mark Taylor (CEO), Brendan O’Loughlin (General Manager) the team at

Weekly Advertiser, 3WM, MIXX FM and the broader ACE Family.

Morrow’s building on the past

As Morrow Motor Group celebrates 50 years in business, the Morrow family is reflecting on a changing industry – they have sold more than 30,000 new and used vehicles, and given hundreds of people the opportunity to work in the motor industry.

The business has also traded from three different premises, growing and changing with technological and cus-

tomer demand, in Warracknabeal and Horsham.

Morrow Motor Group director Gavin Morrow said they were again moving with the demand of the business – the current premises on Dimboola Road, Horsham would undergo some substantial changes in the near future.

“We’re just about to undertake a pretty significant building extension,” he said.

“We’re refreshing the building and adding a new showroom in the coming

months, we will add a four-car showroom onto the six-car showroom we currently have.

“We are also going to add a verandah between the two buildings so people can move between the two and stay out of the weather.”

The showroom on Dimboola Road was purpose-built by Morrow Motor Group in 1996 and officially opened by former AFL footballer Tom Hafey.

MORROW

MOTOR GROUP

Morrow Motor Group’s Amor Motors in Warracknabeal in 1995. The group has traded from Warracknabeal and two Horsham sites in its 50-year history.

Former AFL footballer Tom Hafey officially opened Morrow’s new building on Dimboola Road in 1996, and is pictured with Gavin Morrow. Several celebrities have been involved in Morrows’ events, including Peter Brock, Dean Jones, James Sicily, and Anthony Koutoufides.

Holden representative Brian Mynott, centre, celebrating Morrow Motor Group’s 25 years with Holden – he is pictured with, from left, Kevin, Barbara, Wade and Gavin Morrow.

National honour for glass team

Horsham

Auto Glass has won this year’s national O’Brien Silver Award in recognition of their level of performance and commitment as an authorised O’Brien AutoGlass dealer.

Horsham Auto Glass’ Shane Thomas, who is a director along with wife Marianne, said they met criteria set by O’Brien and achieved good customer feedback to win the award.

“We have to meet all O’Brien’s processes and the way they fit windscreens, as well as rate highly in customer surveys,” he said.

“O’Brien has their own way of fitting windscreens, so you could go to any of their dealers and it would be done the same way.”

One of 88 dealers across Australia, Mr and Mrs Thomas opened in Horsham in February 2020 – shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before opening the business, Mr Thomas worked on a farm and Mrs Thomas worked at the hospital, which she continues to do part-time around working at Horsham Auto Glass.

Mrs Thomas said the award was a ‘huge accolade’ for their business.

“It says something about the quality, the excellence, and the stance that everyone here has in their work,” she said.

“It’s not as simple as it used to be, taking the windscreen out,” he said.

“They work to such a high standard.”

Mr Thomas said there was a high level of skill involved in auto glass fitting.

“It’s a team effort, from Shane’s personal service to our fitters – if our guys weren’t as good as they are, we wouldn’t have achieved this.

“Now there’s all the sensors and the cameras, and our fitters know and understand it.

“The fact they have to know everything about every car, as well as

other vehicles like those at Stawell Gold Mine, the cranes at the wind farm, tractors and other agricultural machinery, means the work they do is amazing.

“The award reflects on us as a whole, all the fitters, Christie in the office, and just how we provide good customer service and quality work.”

Mr and Mrs Thomas received the award at a ceremony in Melbourne last month.

REWARD: From left, Horsham Auto Glass glazier technician Will McCulloch, Harrison Penny, company directors Shane and Marianne Thomas, and administration officer Christie McRae.

JAMES GRACE

Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional tradebased businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory. The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multi-media platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians. It’s affordable and effective! For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Classifieds

BERRY, Phyllis Gertrude

Passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, aged 88.

Beloved wife of Henry, much loved and loving Mum, Nanna, and Great-Nanna to her extended family.

A funeral service will be held at Nhill Uniting Church on Friday, September 27 at 11am You will be forever in our hearts.

Love always Liz and Bron. x Phyllis’s funeral service is in the hands of:

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

BLOCK (nee Plush), Morva

Passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024 aged 95 years.

Loved wife of Lindsay (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Robert & Heather; Jenny & William.

Adored Nana to Paul, Glenn & Margaret, Mark & Millie, and Tony; Coby & Darcy, Jude, and Coen.

Great Nana to Oliver and Blair.

In God’s Care

DUMESNY, Naomi Lee

Passed away on September 15, 2024 aged 49 years.

Loved daughter of Jenny Pole and Robert Dumesny.

Loving mother to Tyler, Gary and Karissa.

Nanny to her grandchildren.

Cherished sister to Shaune.

“Love you to the moon and back”

MUNDAY, Kenny James

of Ararat, passed away on Thursday 19/09/24.

Much loved nephew of Les POWER

Son of Julie MUNDAY

Brother of David and Sally

MUNDAY

His funeral will be held at John DUNN’s Funeral Home Ararat on Thursday 26/09/2024 at 11 AM

OVERALL,

Don

The Worshipful Master and brethren of Wimmera Lodge No 70 mourn the passing of our esteemed Brother Don Overall.

We offer our sincere condolences to Riona and family.

BLOCK (nee Plush), Morva

The Funeral of Morva Block will leave St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham on Thursday, 26 September 2024 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

CASTLES, Cheryl Heather

The funeral of Cheryl Heather Castles will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham next Thursday, October 3, 2024 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

DUMESNY, Naomi Lee

Naomi Lee Dumesny will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

~ DRENDEL ~ Chris 1955-2020

There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think about you and miss you, wishing you were still here with us.

It may be four years since you got your wings, but we cherish your memory each and every day.

Life will never be the same without you.

Forever heartbroken.

Love and miss you so much. Trevor, Melissa, Matt, Riley and Bella.

SIMMONS, Helen (nee Schilling) 1961-2004

In loving memory of our Wonderful Sister, Of all the special gifts in life however great or small, to have you as our Sister was the greatest gift of all.

May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear, “We love and miss you Helen and wish that you were here”.

Deep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget.

No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there.

A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near and forever in our hearts.

It’s been 20 long years since we were able to hug you and laugh with you, even though you are worlds away a sister’s love is an unspoken bond, knowing no distance can keep us apart.

Love you always, your loving sisters Maria, Jenni & Launa & all extended family. XX

Thank you

The family of the late ~ GAIL ELLIS ~ wish to extend their personal thanks for all the care and support of family, friends and medical staff in their loss of Gail. Your attendance a the celebration of her life – especially those who travelled from afar – cards and messages of sympathy and support were gratefully appreciated.

Robin, Max, Stace, Hayls, Jade and Ash.

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip-

956000016666706/6579578

source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

3 mini Dachshund x mini

Foxy male pups, 3 months, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, source no MB255251 Ph 0400083880

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

Border Collie pups, 3 male tan and white, microchip# 985141007722107 /22108/21629, source# MB260070 $800 Ph 0407852509

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham

Cocker Spaniel pups,1 choc male, 1 black girl and 1 choc girl available from August 25th, both parents reg with Dogs Vic, m/chop# 956000 018888816/18815499/18844

391, souce# RB185238 ph 0429912620

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

Horse rug, 6 foot wanted Ph 0427361940

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

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

Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola

Pembroke Corgi Pups, male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph

Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940 Working Kelpie pups, 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 97 8142000129

103//937/1520/1099 source#

MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

Young Muscovy duck s, available now, $15 each Ph 0429912620

1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $18,000ono Ph 0419514118

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230

Death Notices

Death Notices

Funeral Notices

Bereavement Thanks

Memorial Notices

Animals & Accessories

Animals & Accessories

caravans

Animals & Accessories

2013 Jurgens Lunagzer

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

$38,500 Ph 0418350445

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited

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

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796

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

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan , 2004, 19', EC, shower on outside $18,000 Ph 0400603022

Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729

Motorhome Jayco Conquest

2021 , 25', satellite system, diesel, heater, 7625knms, 1UU2JX $168,000 Ph 0429821461

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

REDUCED 2006 Concept

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

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank, sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2025, U28090 $7,500ono Ph 0429942936

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

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

REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards $20,000ono, Ph 0427467622 Kaniva

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

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

REDUCED MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $11,500 Ph 0493394223

REDUCED Vintage 1964

Viscount Ambassador

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

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

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

Stylish vintage 1930's/1940's radiogram, in need of restoration $100 ono Ph 0427545424

4 x Falken 2 65=60R=18, as new $800 Ph 0423967449

1984 Inter Acco 1830A , 18' tray with bulk bin and double deck sheep crate, 02697P $16,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

4080 Tractor, 3pl, GC $11,000 Ph 0419389693

Brandt 46' auger, 8" super charge, new battery, new motor 3rd wheel drive $14,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

CAT , 955 K traxcavator DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097

Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer, all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832

REDUCED Versatile 555

Tractor, good working order

$15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

Sunbeam twin box electric wool press , good order, $1000 plus Gst Ph 55877233 evenings please

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

Tradesman trailer, off road

$4500 Ph 0407285097

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs $220 inc Ph 0428579838

Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

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

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

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

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

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

Wagner Pro 20 spray gun, no use retired painter, S5 new tips 517 Ph 0419359501

Mattress $250 , single bed blackwood $250, as new Ph 0437688336

Old wood burning stove, GC, located in Goroke, $500 ono Ph Mick 0400005266

Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097

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

4.0m Stessl Aluminium Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial # 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

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

REDUCED BMW RT1200 Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961

Yamaha Scooter, excellent condition, 6100km, RWC, 6 months reg, ideal for learner, $1800ono Ph 0408824739

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

Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

Ford XF Wagon ,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109 Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic, aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre, R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $50 Ph0428504558

Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000 REDUCED Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $200 Ph 0408504633 Stramit roller door, series A, woodland grey, 3050H x 3000W, brand new, unopened $1,100 Ph 0491033643 Nhill

2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009

2013 Holden Cruze SRI, full service history, rego until mid November 2024, RWC, 6 speed automatic, touchscreen, bluetooth, cruise control, reverse sensors, brand new tyres and windscreen, only selling due to upgrade, 203,xxx km, AKH160 $9000 ono Call or text 0438405429

2013 Jeep Compass , reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms

1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555

Price reduced to sell Ute

2012 Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12 RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so "as new", solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520

REDUCED 2010 Hyundai

i30 diesel wagon, GC, RWC, economical, XWS504 $5500 Ph 0419132137 Ararat

2004 VY SS Commodore , black, RWC, VGC, YKW598

$16,000 Ph 0400603022

2013 Toyota ATARA , 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $14,000 Ph 0400728252

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nissan Navarra , STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2" lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms, $39,500 Ph 0413992594

2BR unit for rent - Kaniva, suit professional or retiree with good history, quality rental, excellent brick unit, single garage, 2BR with BIR, walk in shower, neutral decor, open plan living kitchen with dishwasher, lounge, split system, secure backyard, $1256 p/month, bond req Ph 0419546410

Mental health contacts

Lifeline 13 11 14

1800Respect 1800 737 732 MensLine 1300 789 978

Suicide Callback Service

1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

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

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

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Headspace 1800 650 890

Mental Health Access Line

1800 011 511

Black Dog Institute www.blackdog institute.org.au

Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe. org.au

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

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

•

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

Christian Devotion

Classroom Teacher

Food Services Chef (64 hours fortnight, Horsham)

This exciting part-time role offers you the chance to craft diverse and delicious meals for our patients, residents, and clients. Reporting to the Food Services Manager, you’ll work from 6:30 AM to 3:00

Contact Stephen Hill,

Services - Manager / Food Services on 03 53819238 or stephen.hill@gh.org.au Electrician

(2 positions available, Horsham & Dimboola)

This permanent full-time position with a monthly ADO is available for an immediate start and the successful applicant will be involved in working a rotating roster including afternoon & weekend shifts, public holidays and participation in an oncall roster. The primary purpose of this position is to provide electrical maintenance and installation services to Grampians Health facilities, to relevant Australian Standards and Regulations and ensuring facilities and equipment are maintained and operated in a safe, compliant and efficient condition.

Contact Terry Cameron, Engineering Manager on

from 6am to 9am

Horsham Hockey Club celebrates

HorshamHockey Club hosted its presentation day on September 8, celebrating a season in which its men, women and juniors teams all played finals.

The club’s men, the Hurricanes, women, Jets, juniors, Bombers, all reached at least semi-finals, with the men’s and women’s teams progressing to preliminary finals – the first for the men’s team since 2008.

Both teams bowed out at the preliminary final stage, but put up good fights in both games.

About 70 club members attended the end-ofseason celebration, with the club thanking its committee, volunteers, parents and players for a successful year.

The club appointed its 2025 committee at the event: president Rebecca Batchelor, vicepresident Launa Schilling, secretary Carmel Lawson and treasurer Paul Mackereth.

The club will host week-long Hockey Victoria Hockey Road Shows in schools starting in February, with a club come-and-try day on Sunday, February 17 followed by a Hookin2 Hockey program.

Award winners at the presentation night were:

Men: best and fairest, Paul Mackereth; runner-up, Charles Hassall; most consistent, Justin Hawke; coach’s award, Brett Luy.

Women: best and fairest, Hannah Werner; runner-up, Hannah Mackereth; most consistent, Annabelle Heal; coach’s award, Jennifer Taylor.

Juniors: best and fairest, Jack Di Pietro; runner-up, Justin Schwarz; most consistent, Keisha Besselaar; coach’s award, Audrey Jochinke; encouragement award, Abel Neumann.

HOCKEY HEROES: Winners at Horsham Hockey Club’s presentation day included. top left, women’s Jets, from left, best and fairest Hannah Werner, runnerup Hannah Mackereth, most consistent Annabelle Heal and coaches award Jennifer Taylor; top right, men’s Hurricanes, from left, best and fairest Paul Mackereth, runner-up Charles Hassall, most consistent Justine Hawke and coaches award Brett Luy; bottom left, junior Jets, from left, best and fairest Jack Di Pietro, runner-up Justin Schwarz and most consistent Keisha Besselaar; junior Jets coaches award winner Audrey Jochinke; and under 12s encouragement Abel Neumann.

HORSHAM’S

Saturday, September 28 from 5pm-9pm

Sunday, September 29 from 10am-10pm

SUNDAY TIMETABLE:

from 6am to 9am

Sport

Teams ready for championships

BY DAVID BERRY

The preparations are over and the time has come for Volleyball Horsham’s junior country championship teams to put their best foot forward, as they ready themselves for this weekend’s event.

All six teams have received eight weeks of playing and training, with a Bendigo Junior Tournament in between. Hopefully this will stand them in good stead for all players to perform at their best.

The new look event for junior country volleyballers has come about to give these young athletes the opportunity to play in a stand-alone championship event, something they haven’t had in recent years, having to share the spotlight with their senior teams.

The championships, at Horsham basketball stadium, will kick off on Thursday night with the Volleyball Horsham under-19 boys taking on Warrnambool at 6.30pm, followed at 7.45pm by Volleyball Horsham under-19 girls doing battle with Mildura Academy.

Both teams have been gaining valuable match play in A grade for the boys and Women’s A for the girls, giving coaches the opportunity to try different combinations and see players in different positions.

The boys will face strong opposition in Warrnambool, with the southern team well represented by players who have had state league experience with Phantoms this year.

Joey A’Hearn, Will Fowler and Andrei Khaidurov are all talented athletes who will make life tough for the Horsham boys.

To round out this division, there will be strong teams representing Geelong, South Gippsland and Mildura Academy.

The Horsham girls will face a tough task against Mildura Academy, who will be well prepared by Phantoms premier two coach Brooke Symes.

For Horsham, much will rest on the shoulders of Paige Hemley and Ella Van Duren as both girls also played state league this year, and it is this experience they will call on to get the wins on the board.

In the under-17 girls’ division, a young Volleyball Horsham team will face off against teams from Geelong, South Gippsland and Mildura Academy, while the association’s under-15 team, led by Eden Pumpa and Stella Angue, has been entered to gain valuable experience.

The under-17 girls will look to Ilze Van Zyl to carry her stellar netball form onto the volleyball court, with support from Serena Johns, Molly Gawith and Amelia Van Buuren.

The under-17 boys’ division will see Sunraysia do battle against two Horsham teams, with Joel Brilliant and Malakai Van Buuren key players for the team, while Kayne Sartori-Billman, Luke Brilliant and Bentley Pendlebury will be key players for the under-15 team.

Matches get under way at 8.30am each day, with an opening ceremony on Friday at 1.30pm.

Medal matches will be played on Sunday with the closing ceremony set for 12.30pm.

Wortley

KEY: Heath Warrick will play a key role for Volleyball Horsham’s under- 19 boys’ team in this weekend’s Junior Country Championships at the Horsham Basketball Stadium.

There is no charge for spectators to attend and a canteen will be in operation throughout the event.

Vipers bye round

The Melbourne Vipers will enjoy a well earned rest this weekend after four rounds of the Mahindra Australian Volleyball Superleague.

The men’s team went down in five sets to Adelaide Storm last weekend after enjoying a confidence boosting win against Perth Steel at home the week before.

With one round remaining the men are sitting third on the ladder, and barring some unforeseen circumstances should end NSW Phoenix’s season next week, and head into the finals weekend in Adelaide on October 12, ready to make an impression.

The women also suffered a five set loss to Storm last round and are sitting in third spot on the ladder.

Like the men, they should end NSW Phoenix’s season next week and head to Adelaide confident for the finals.

Volleyball Horsham members have been given the opportunity to support the Vipers against Phoenix next Saturday, with tickets available in the VIP area – a bus has been booked to take members to MSAC for the final round.

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register their expression of interest by contacting the association on info@volleyballhorsham.com. au by Monday of next week.

Saturday’s winner

David Wortley was Horsham Golf Croquet Club’s division one winner on Saturday, with two games and 23 hoops, Shirley Price was runner-up with 2/21.

In division two, Elaine Nichols and Robyn Devlin tied with 2/22, ahead of runner-up Greg Phillips with 2/19. Rachel Cousins won division three with 2/23, with June Liddy the runner-up with 2/21. Ian Rees won Thursday’s division one event with 2/21, David Wortley scored 2/14 to be

DAY 1

MOIST

Wetting agent, water retention.

HISTORY

Systemic insecticide for lawn pests (inc. african black beetle, scarabs and larvae).

HERO

Promotes soil structure & stimulates growth.

WEEK 1

Launch+ 50ml

Specifically formulated for stimulating growth.

Root Builder+ 50ml

Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.

WEEK 2

Four Seasons

Slow release fertiliser, nitrogen and potassium to promote growth and health.

WEEK 3

Launch+ 50ml

Specifically formulated for stimulating growth.

Root Builder+ 50ml

Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.

WEEK 4

Launch+ 50ml

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Root Builder+ 50ml

Promotes root growth for uptake of nutrients and water.

runner-up. Rosemary Rees won division two with 2/17, Elaine Nicholls was runner-up with 2/16. Rob Bahr scored 2/21 to win division three, ahead of runner-up Bev Keogh with 2/20.

The division one winner on Tuesday, September 17 was Marj Weidermann with 2/22, and Sue Nicholls and Jennie Mitchell won division two with 1/18. Allan Meyer won division three with 3/22, with Therese Wright the runner-up with 3/21.

Career highlight for water skier

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Wimmera water skier Peter Smith has returned to Australia with a bronze medal around his neck after ‘a trip of a lifetime’ to compete at the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation, IWWF, World Over-35 Waterski Championships in Spain.

Smith modestly predicted he would be ‘going across just to make up the numbers’ after he was picked for the Australian team in April, but exceeded his expectations to finish third in the over-65 ski jump final.

“I came in hoping to make the jump final, which is the top eight,” he said.

“I qualified for the final in fifth place, and in the final I jumped a little bit better and ended up with the bronze medal, so I was really excited about that.

“This is my career highlight by a long shot.

“I’ve been to a lot of Australian national championships, but this is the next level. It was a real bucket list thing to do for me.”

The Australian team also recorded its best ever result at the championships, finishing second behind the USA.

“We did really well. The USA was the top team, and Australia and France tussled it out for the second and third spots.

“We got in front of France by just 150 points, which isn’t much at all out of about 10,000 points.

“It’s the best an Australian team has ever done at the worlds, so it was really exciting to be part of it.”

Smith, 65, is a member of Dimboola Ski Club and Natimuk Lake Water Ski Club.

He thanked his wife Mary, who travelled to Spain with him, as well as the Wimmera water skiing community for their support.

“I’d like to thank the Dimboola Ski Club and the committee at Green Lake, because I’ve trained at both of those places. Without their facilities I certainly couldn’t do it,” he said.

“I go over to Bridgewater to train for the jump event that I came third in, and they’ve been really helpful and supportive of me as well.”

Smith will now turn his attention to the Australian water skiing season, with plans to compete at several events in Victoria and South Australia before the Australian championships at Port Macquarie next year.

The IWWF championships are a biennial event, with the next competition taking place in Canada in 2026, and Smith said he was keen to compete again if possible.

“I’d definitely like to go again, but it’s a long time between now and then and it’s a sport with a high risk of injury,” he said.

“We’ll see how we go, but if I’m fit and well and I get picked next time, I’d definitely like to go to Canada.”

CHS, empowering safe digging

Damage to telecommunications occurs 20,000 times a year with estimates that around 30% of reported incidents involving underground infrastructure occur because people failed to check before digging. There are also over 13,000 damage incidents reported each year.

They’re the only local accredited group using

BUCKET LIST TICKED: Peter Smith, right, receives his bronze medal alongside the Australian team captain Mark Louder, centre, who won gold in the jump event, while an Austrian competitor claimed silver.

Sportsmanship in the spotlight –

Horsham District Football Netball League and Wimmera Football Netball League award one under-17 footballer and one 17-and-under netballer a spirit of sport award each playing round.

The Spirit of Football and Spirit of Netball awards are presented by either Victoria Police officers or Blue Ribbon Foundation members.

Hofmaier – WFNL

Horsham Saints footballer Lewis Hofmaier, a first-year player at the club, instantly became popular with his coaches and team-mates. He has shown dedication in always being first to arrive at training, is fiercely competitive with his attack on the ball, and always puts his team first, making him a weekly contributor to the Saints’ success on the field. Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation member Sam Foster presented Lewis with his award.

Minyip-Murtoa netballer Mikaela Wright is a strong player, who shines in defence. Her drive and determination along with her great sportsmanship and respect to all makes her a stand-out player. She is pictured with Horsham Police Senior Constable Angie Clark.

Mia Rees – HDFNL

Harrow-Balmoral netballer Mia Rees, pictured with Harrow Police Leading Senior Constable Alan Perry, began her netball career in the Moddies. Her dedication and love for the sport is shown in her commitment to every aspect of the game, whether it’s training sessions, game days, or seizing any opportunity to improve her skills.

sportsmanship and leadership, both on and off the field. He is an active listener, is always learning, and is always the first person to help around the club – a true asset.

Darius Yates – WFNL

Minyip-Murtoa footballer Darius Yates, pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power, is devoted to doing his best both in his football and in his contribution to the club. On field, he is the ultimate team player and willing to play in any position that is best for the team. Darius is a leader among his peers and is always the first to help out where possible, whether playing two games of footy most weeks, boundary umpiring or running water.

Elizabeth Van Der Linden – WFNL

Nhill netballer Elizabeth Van Der Linden brings enthusiasm and positivity to the centre court, no matter the score, and continues to improve her game each week. She is pictured with Rainbow Police Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark.

Finn Arnel – HDFNL

Kalkee footballer Finn Arnelis is new to the club this year. His ability, sportsmanship and determination to keep playing until the final whistle makes him ‘a pleasure to watch’. Finn is a supportive team-mate who does what he can to make sure everyone is able to be at their best each time they take the field, and his club looks forward to watching him develop on and off the field.

Izabella McIntyre – HDFNL

Noradjuha-Quantong netballer Izabella McIntyre is described as an exceptionally good role model on and off the court, and an outstanding player and club person. She shows leadership and maturity both on and off the court. Izabella is pictured with Horsham Police Sergeant Jason Bergen, who presented the award.

Poppy Toner – WFNL

Ararat netballer Poppy Toner, pictured with Ararat Police Constable Holly Dove, is a committed team player who displays great levels of sportsmanship. Poppy is constantly improving her netball skills with confidence and precision and brings endless joy, enthusiasm and energy, making her a delight to coach.

Jade Smith – WFNL Stawell Warriors netballer Jade Smith has displayed excellent skills and sportsmanship this season. Playing a variety of key positions, her game has grown, and she has been particularly dynamic in wing attack, wing defence and centre. Jade has a strong voice on court and provides plenty of drive and options for her team-mates. She is pictured with Stawell Police Senior Constable Chris Tyler.

Byron Merrett – HDFNL

Kaniva-Leeor United footballer Byron Merrett is described as an exceptionally good role model, outstanding player and well-rounded young man. He shows a high level of

Round 12

Round 13

Round 14

Round 15

Lewis

Mikaela Wright –WFNL

Bronte Hiscock – WFNL Nhill footballer Bronte Hiscock has been with the club a short time, but has already shown great skill and passion in his game. He is inclusive in his play, with his hard work, effort and talent resulting in his debut in a senior game this season. Bronte is pictured with Rainbow Police Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark.

spirit of players shining through

Round 15

Evie Repper – HDFNL

Swifts netballer Evie Repper, pictured with Stawell Police Senior Constable Edwina Flakemore, shows great sportsmanship towards her team-mates and opponents. Evie works hard and listens to feedback, which has paid off in her growth and development.

Hugh Weidemann – HDFNL

Rupanyup footballer Hugh Weidemann is already described as a stalwart of his club, and the epitome of a perfect club person. He is an exceptional role model for his peers, he volunteers broadly in all weather, and leads both on and off the field. He is one of the smaller frames on the field, but he is the one going the hardest at the ball every week, showing he is not only one of the toughest, but one of the highest-skilled. Hugh is pictured with Minyip Police Leading Senior Constable Michael Baldock and club president Matt Webb.

Blue Ribbon Foundation spirit of football and netball awards are presented to players when Blue Ribbon and police members are available, which may result in awards presented during a later round.

Jed Hurley – WFNL

Ararat footballer Jed Hurley, a new player to Ararat Football Netball Club, always asks questions to improve himself and his game. He is versatile and adaptable, playing in key positions at both ends of the ground. He loves the team spirit and embraces everything that is good about football. Jed is pictured with Ararat Police Constable Holly Dove.

Round

16

Pimpinio footballer Will Schache has established himself as a leader, and is team vicecaptain this year. He always volunteers without hesitation when there is a job to be done. Will is pictured with

Les

Summer Campey – HDFNL

Taylors Lake netballer Summer Campey, pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power, has been part of the club since joining as a 13-and-under player in 2019. She was named most improved junior and C Grade runner-up best and fairest in 2023. Summer played her 100th club game this year and graduated to B Grade. She is a leader on and off the court, volunteering and umpiring.

has quietly made her way through the junior grades to play her first season in 17-and-unders this year. Ever reliable, Evie has grown in confidence and leads by example on and off the court. She is a mature young netballer who shows great support and respect.

Stevens – WFNL

Stawell Warriors footballer Jack Stevens shows a real passion for the game and a will to improve his on-field skills. He can play forward, back, or in the middle and give a great contest, with eyes for the ball only. Jack shows great courage, fairness and is a great team-mate. He is pictured with Stawell Police Sergeant Richard Lane and Senior Constable Chris Tyler.

Ada Binney – HDFNL

Pimpinio netballer Ada Binney is an integral part of her team, and has also stepped up to A Grade this season. She is also a great umpire and is always willing to do extra jobs at the club. Ada is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon member Les Power, who presented her with the award.

McGennisken – WFNL

Horsham Saints netballer Violet McGennisken, pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power, is a versatile and positive player. She is an accurate and fast-paced goalie, and in the mid-court, feeds the ball with precision to create play and bring all her team members into the game. She hits the ball hard but still shows respect to all players and umpires during games.

is a dedicated junior footballer, exemplifying the true spirit of football through his unwavering commitment, sportsmanship, and team-first mentality. On and off the field, Caleb consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, always ready to support his team-mates and contribute to the club’s success. His enthusiasm for the game is infectious, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence. He is pictured with Ararat Police Constables Jason McGrath and Renee Mellor.

Round 17

Will Schache – HDFNL

Horsham Blue Ribbon member

Power.

Angus Norton – HDFNL

Noradjuha-Quantong footballer Angus Norton, a top-age player, leads by example and is a fantastic role model for others in his team. He has worked hard and shown great dedication to the team across a number of years. He is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon Member Les Power.

Evie Everett – WFNL

Dimboola netballer Evie Everett, pictured with Warracknabeal Police Leading Senior Constable Anna Lake,

Jack

Violet

Caleb Summers – WFNL Ararat footballer Caleb Summers

Spirit awards on grand final days

The overall Spirit of Football and Spirit of Netball awards for the year were presented at Horsham District and Wimmera football netball leagues’ grand final days.

Victoria Police officers or Blue Ribbon Foundation members Les Power, Paul Margetts, Sharon McCrory and Dale Russell made the presentations following the under 17 matches of football and netball.

Pictured, clockwise from top left, is Wimmera league netball 17 and under spirit award recipient Maddison Bethune, Horsham Saints; Warrack Eagles 17 and under netball team; Warrack Eagles under 17 football team; Horsham District league’s Noradjuha-Quantong under 17 footballers; Edenhope-Apsley’s under 17 netballers; under 17s football recipient Micah Erhardt, Noradjuha-Quantong; Edenhope-Aspley spirit of netball coaches of the year coaches Nashira Lees and Morgan Kealy; and Laharum under 17s netballer Ava Bell; and Jobe Dickinson, of Nhill.

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Top teams and players awarded

Wimmera Hockey Association concluded its 2024 season with grand finals and an awards night, recognising the top teams and individual players of the year.

Yanac Tigers were crowned champions of the open competition after defeating Warracknabeal Hoops 3-0, with Kaniva winning the women’s grand final 2-1 over Yanac and Yanac Warriors completing a perfect season by winning the under-16 grand final 5-3 against Nhill Leopards.

At the presentation night following the grand finals, Kaniva Cobras’ Lachlan Mills took out the Aitken-Findlay Award as the open competition’s best and fairest player on 45 votes, well ahead of joint runners-up Shaun Alexander of Yanac Tigers and Tim Jorgensen of Warracknabeal Hoops, who polled 24 each.

It was Mills’ second Aitken-Findlay Award, which he also won in 2019.

Open goalkeeper of the year was Kayden Rowe of Nhill Rangers, with Yanac Tigers’ Rourkey Crook named best on ground in the grand final.

The women’s best and fairest count was closer, with Dimboola Roos’ Jennie Hauselberger winning on 59 votes, four ahead of Horsham Jets runner-up Hannah Werner.

Yanac pair Caitlyn and Erin Alexander both finished with 14 goals to tie for the leading goal-scorer award, with goalkeeper of the year going to Melanie Bentley of Warracknabeal and best on ground in the grand final going to Mikayla Mackley of Yanac.

Deegan Clark of Nhill Leopards took out the boys under-16 best and fairest ahead of runner-up Charlie White from Kaniva Raiders, while Warrack Revengers’ Ellie Williamson won the girl’s under-16 award from Hannah Mackereth of the Horsham Bombers.

Leading goal scorers were Archie Zanker and Imogen Hedt of the Yanac Warriors in the boys and girls categories respectively, while Madisson Bentley of the Warrack Revengers was under-16 goalkeeper of the year and Yanac Warriors’ Archie Zanker was named best afield in the grand final.

The Annie Anderson Memorial Award for goalkeeper encouragement went to Rebecca-May Williams, who developed her skill and confidence in her first season for the reformed Dimboola Kangaroos.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the association’s formation in 1974, nine of its 15 life members were on hand to cut a cake at the awards ceremony.

Nhill’s Rachel Clark later became a new life member after more than 20 years of service to the association, including as its official historian since 2012.

The WHA also presented an encouragement award to Horsham umpire Thomas Batchelor, as well as recognising the milestones of umpires Launa Schilling, who officiated her 200th game, and Clint Beattie, who umpired his 400th game in the last round of the season.

Additional encouragement awards went to Warracknabeal’s Ellie Williamson in the under-16 competition, Thomas Batchelor in the open grade, and Jennie Hauselberger for senior women. The association also appointed its leadership team for 2025 at the meeting, with Brad Alexander named president, Jennie Hauselberger as vice-president, Donna Krelle continuing as secretary-treasurer, Rachel Clark as records secretary and historian, and Simon King handling media duties.

STARS: Clockwise from left: Open equal runner-up best and fairest and open top goal scorer Shaun Alexander; new life member Rachel Clark; life members, from left, Launa Schilling, Simon King, Clint Beattie, Jean Darnell, Sally Klinge, Jenny Smith, Casey Phelan, Christine Dufty, and Helen Cannell; open best and fairest Lachie Mills; under-16 best and fairest and runners-up Charlie White, Deegan Clark, Hannah Mackereth and Ellie Williamson; under-16 boys and under-16 girls top goal scorers Imogen Hedt and Archie Zanker; and women’s best and fairest Jennie Hauselberger and runner-up Hannah Werner.

WFNL GrAND FINAL

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

For more netball photos, see grand final lift-out on pages 31-38.

Demons hold strong in flag win

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham Demons were victorious in the Wimmera league

A Grade grand final on Saturday, keeping calm and steady to hang onto a 63-58 win.

Defeating rivals and reigning premiers Horsham Saints, the Demons won their first premiership since 2016.

Horsham coach Ebonie Salter said she was proud of her team and what her players had achieved this season.

“It’s been a long time coming and a lot of people are interested in the flag this year and not just the group of us are out there on the court,” she said.

“It means a lot for the club and we knew that, but we didn’t want to focus on that too much ... it just feels really nice to be able to do it.”

Horsham goal shooter Imogen Worthy, with 36 goals, was awarded best

on court, combining well with goal attack Georgia Batson, 27, but as Salter pointed out, the Demons ‘did not have any passengers’ at Dimboola on Saturday.

The grand final opened with a first quarter that couldn’t get more even, with the score line at 14-all at the first break.

The Demons settled to shoot out to a 23-17 lead, as the Saints scrambled to claw back the margin.

Saints coach Jess Cannane swung changes to her defence end, but it didn’t faze the Demons who extended their lead to 27-19.

Horsham kept its game steady and remained calm, dominating the second term thanks to its goalers finding their groove to lead 32-25 at half time.

The Saints struggled to gain an advantage in the third term and more changes were made to their defence

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end, to no avail. Meanwhile the Demons’ defenders were solid as a rock, as smiling assassin Romi Miller worked tirelessly in goal defence to quell Abby Hallam.

While it was mostly an even third term, the Demons edged out to a 5142 lead, as the crowd watched on and waited for a Saints’ comeback.

It was all systems go in the fourth quarter as the Demons increased their lead to 10 goals.

Both the players and the crowd were more vocal but, try and they might, the Saints could not make the inroads required.

The Saints mounted a mini comeback, largely thanks to under-17 goal shooter Jorja Clode who shot 46 goals, and at one stage the margin was reduced to six late in the game.

But the Demons displayed a steady, safe, and consistent game, cherishing

every possession and hanging onto the win, 63-58.

“We know that Saints score most of the time off their centre passes and so when we could get those couple of rebounds, turnovers and forced some errors, we had to convert those and that’s what our focus had been,” Salter said.

“We’ve probably given ourselves a lot of opportunities throughout the year but we haven’t always capitalised on them.

“We just wanted to make sure that we really shored things up and looked after the ball a bit better – and we did that in that second quarter really well and then continued to do that all throughout the game.

“They did come back in that last quarter, and we had talked about what it takes to win a premiership – and none of those girls out there had ever

won an A grade premiership before – it takes a lot of focus to really play through those last few minutes and not throw things away.”

Salter said the Demons had worked on playing through tense patches in games.

“We’ve had to work on that. We worked on that right up until the game, and even throughout the game.

“It takes a lot of focus, just a lot of talking about that, and trying to remind ourselves that a good team like the Saints will come back,” she said.

“They’ll always come back and we need to just stay calm and just keep going.

“We probably didn’t do that so well in that semi-final where we did have the lead, and they came back and got a few late ones and that we ended up losing the game.”

CLASH OF THE TITANS:

Clockwise, from top left, Horsham A Grade captain Georgie Carberry in attack; Demons shooter Imogen Worthy with a strong lead; playing coach Ebonie Salter; Demons defender Romi Miller jostles with Saints goal attack Abby Hallam; and Hallam shoots for goal as Miller tries to defend Saints goal shooter Jorja Clode.

WFNL GrAND FINALS

Relentless Rats earn flag

BY LAUREN HENRY

It was a grand final for the ages, capped off with a thrilling, lead-changing fourth quarter to decide the 2024 Wimmera league senior premiership.

Winning back-to-back premierships, Ararat’s class and will to win shone through at Dimboola Recreation Reserve, in front of more than 4000 spectators.

After early sprinkles of rain, conditions were perfect for the senior match, as flag favourites Ararat battled Southern Mallee Thunder.

A nine-goal last quarter with several lead changes was the highlight of the match, leaving the crowd buzzing, and the red and white army in celebration mode.

Ararat co-coach and this year’s Toohey medallist Tom Williamson said he felt ‘massive relief’ as the final siren sounded with the Rats leading by nine points.

“They came and came and came –they were just relentless in that last quarter,” he said.

“Billy Lloyd kicked an unbelievable goal and then Pat Toner goes down the other end and slots it too. I don’t think anyone would have went away from the game with the spectacle that they got, and at stages throughout the day it was pretty fierce footy.

“The overall quality I thought was really good.”

Williamson said he had belief in his side to win even with the ebb and flow of the game.

He acknowledged his coaching partner Tom Mills, whom he described as keeping calm under pressure. The pair, in their first year of coaching their hometown club, are now premiership coaches.

They were among nine players in the Ararat side who followed in the footsteps of their fathers to play for the Rats – with all 21 players listed as one-point players under AFL Victoria’s player points system.

“We’ve worked well all year –we haven’t tried to make up anything along the way, it’s just been a natural occurrence. Tom has been unbelievable and I can’t thank him enough.”

Mills thanked the club, its supporters and the wider playing group.

“Like I said to a few of our boys, that was probably the greatest game we’ll ever play in,” he said.

“To all our supporters – we heard you loud and clear and you probably got us over the line in the end.”

Williamson, who returned to Ararat after a short AFL career with Carlton, this year has won the league’s goal-kicking and best-andfairest award and is now a premiership coach.

He kicked his side’s first goal at the 22-minute mark of the first quarter, chasing 3.3 (21) after a good start by the Thunder.

Ben Taylor kicked the opening goal of the second term when he ran into goal to score for Ararat, as the physicality of the game amped up.

Williamson began to look dangerous, kicking his second goal to even up the scoreboard.

It was a tale of two teams in the second term, as the Thunder did not capitalise on their opportunities whereas the Rats ran rampant, kicking four goals, including an impressive goal on the run by Ethan Summers to give Ararat a five-point lead.

With a two-goal margin at halftime, the flag was well and truly still up for grabs.

Ararat had a majority of the ball in the third term but couldn’t convert.

In fact, both sides uncharacteristically missed shots on goal. It

took until the 13-minute mark of the third quarter before Southern Mallee scored a goal, bringing the margin back to four points.

The next centre bounce showed the Thunder were back in the game, quickly clearing out of the centre to give forward Brad Lowe his second goal of the match and his side a twopoint lead.

The Thunder, leading in hit-outs and clearances, dominated the third quarter, but kicking 3.6 would later prove costly.

After taking a ripper one-handed mark 30 metres out from goal but missing a set shot, Zac Robbins made up for his mistake to snap a goal and extend the Thunder’s lead to nine points.

Tension was high at Dimboola, as the scoreboard read 37-47 and the wind starting to pick up – it was anyone’s guess how the last quarter would play out.

Ararat, with its big guns in the middle, was straight out of the blocks to score through Mills.

It was pressure-fuelled football in the fourth with plenty of missed shots at goals and lots of fumbles.

Southern Mallee’s Liam Nelson kicked a goal on the run to give the Thunder another 10-point buffer.

But the Rats kept coming – a Matthew Spalding goal on the run followed by a turnover in the Thunder’s forward line that gave Ararat

possession and allowed them to quickly respond through Ben Taylor soon saw the lead switch.

Thunder fought hard to regain the lead – a free kick in their forward line had their fans on their feet in anticipation.

But another miss in front of goal in what was a frenetic last quarter led to Ararat transition down the ground and convert through another Spalding goal.

With the Rats up by eight points, Xavier Oakley snapped from the boundary to treat the crowd to another ripper last-quarter goal.

The margin was brought back to two points, and with Thunder coach and ruckman Kieran Delahunty given a free kick at the centre bounce, the Southern Mallee men were given another opportunity.

Onballer Billy Lloyd kicked an impressive goal from a boundary throw-in to give Thunder the lead, and after Delahunty received another free kick at the next centre bounce, the Rats and their large red-and-white supporter base were nervous.

However the Rats’ defence held strong, allowing Ararat to quickly attack and goal through vice-captain Jack Ganley.

As quick as Ganley celebrated his match-winning goal, he came from the ground with blood streaming from his forehead, only adding to the tension in the last few minutes.

Patrick Toner sealed the win with a goal from the boundary, earning the Rats a flag in a game they and many others at Dimboola Recreation Reserve will never forget.

While the class of the Rats’ topline players shone through at times, Ararat’s lesser-light players were the difference on the day as Spalding was awarded the Binns Medal for best on ground and Henry Shea won best under-21 player.

Other Ararat players to earn their name in the best were Summers, Ben Taylor, Cody Lindsay, and Toner. It was a heart-breaking result for the Thunder, who in their first year as a merged club battled hard all year. Southern Mallee’s best players were Sam White, Lloyd, Oakley, Simon Clugston, Lou White and Zachary Robins.

AFTER THE SIREN

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with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh Match in review

Ararat 11.11 (77) d Southern Mallee 9.14 (68)

It was a game for the decades. It was absolutely brilliant. As you’d expect in a grand final when the heat is on, both teams were really hard at the contest and the pressure was enormous.

That meant the skills weren’t always as silky as what we’ve seen both teams display in the past, but the highlight was the pressure. The attitude of every player on the ground to have a red-hot crack was just brilliant. Not one player would have walked off the ground that couldn’t hold his head high after the contest. It was an exciting, close game all the way through. In the early to middle stages of the game Ararat seemed in control even though there wasn’t a big margin.

Going into the final quarter, Ararat was going towards the scoring end of the ground, and it had been very difficult to score into the breeze at the clubroom end. But to the Thunder’s credit, they ramped it up another gear and hit the front into time on – it looked like they were going to cause a boilover.

Then two unbelievable late goals saw Ararat get their nose back in front and win the game.

You could see the Thunder boys were shattered because they threw everything they had at it, as well as the elation on the Ararat players’ faces knowing this was an extra-special win because of how hard they fought for it.

It was one of the best games we’ve seen for a long time between two highquality sides.

Player of the game: I don’t normally pick a player from a losing side, but Billy Lloyd was outstanding from the start to the finish. He kicked the goal that put the Thunder in front in the last quarter and he looked like he was going to win the game off his own boot before Ararat responded. Lots of other players bobbed in and out of the game, but Billy was a standout right throughout. One of Ararat’s best players was Ben Taylor, who worked his way into the game.

Rising star: Henry Shea won the best under-21 player medal and thoroughly deserved the accolade, but also Pat Toner, who is only about 16, really stood up and announced himself on the big stage.

Get out there and take the pressure down, on a day where your only job is to relax! + Join us with Isaac Smith, 4-times premiership winner + Live entertainment with Aaron Murray and Luke Brennan + Fashions on the Field

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PREMIERS: Ararat co-coaches Tom Williamson and Tom Mills hold the premiership cup. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

AFL premiership medal on the line

ABY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

chapter of the storied rivalry between Horsham Saints and Horsham Demons will be written on the national stage this weekend when Jarrod Berry and Jake Lloyd square off in the AFL grand final.

Berry, a former Horsham Saints junior, and Lloyd, a Demons product, will line up for the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans respectively in the grand final.

While both players have appeared in football’s biggest game before, neither has earned a coveted premiership medal.

Lloyd has appeared in losing grand finals for Sydney in 2014, 2016 and 2022, while Berry and the Lions lost a thrilling premiership decider against Collingwood last season.

Lloyd, 31, has become one of Sydney’s mostdecorated players since being taken with pick 16 in the 2013 AFL rookie draft, winning the Bob Skilton Medal as the club’s best and fairest twice in 2018 and 2020, as well as finishing runner-up twice.

Saturday’s grand final will be his 249th AFL game.

Berry, 26, has also won renown at the Lions after being taken with pick 17 in the 2016 national draft, establishing himself as one of the team’s toughest and hardest-working players.

Horsham Saints president Scott Bond said the club was excited to watch Berry play in another grand final.

He said the Saints had maintained a connection with Berry despite his relocation to Brisbane.

The club welcomed Jarrod and his fellow AFL-listed brother Tom back to the region in late 2023 when they completed a run from Dadswells Bridge to Horsham to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research in honour of their late mother Jedda, who died of the disease.

“We try to maintain a connection with all of our players,” Bond said.

“We’ve got the likes of Jarrod and Tom Berry, Darcy Tucker, Joel Freijah, Rene Caris and Ella Friend all playing at the top level of football at the moment.

“We often have our AFL-listed guys record little clips for us and we play them at the Auskick break-up. They give a lot of encouragement.

“We’re very proud of all of them, and to have one of them get through to a grand final – well, that’s the ultimate, isn’t it?”

Bond admitted that as a Geelong supporter, his loyalties were torn when Berry’s Lions played the Cats in Saturday’s preliminary final, but with the Lions advancing, he said his full support would be behind Brisbane.

“Isn’t it ironic that we’ve got such competition between the Saints and the Demons in town and here they are playing each other at the highest level of competition?” he said.

“It’s fantastic for both of them. We’re proud of Jake too – he’s had a stellar career as well.”

Rebels claim badminton win

and

a crucial opening match. Paul Paterson and Daniel Aitken then took down Caitlin Sawyer and Jinu Antony in another tough encounter, and Avin James and Harry Foster kept Skywalkers in the hunt after defeating Sue Goudie and Ally Baker. Many close matches followed but Rebels’ Joel and Daniel then went on to win all their remaining matches, which was enough to claim a 6-3 victory. Pictured from left is Ally Baker, Daniel Aitken, Sue Goudie, Peter Brennan, Joel Beggs, and Paul Paterson.

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Supervise and monitor pool activities

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Laboratory & Field Worker Traineeship

Closing date: October 1, 2024

Duties:

• Provide soil testing and other engineering support services for various developments and social infrastructure construction projects.

• Working in a laboratory and conducting field testing services on projects

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Delivering customer orders

• Manually loading and unloading truck

• Pick and pack orders in coolroom

• Other duties as required

• Preparing for and testing soils and concrete in accordance with industry standards

• Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

Technology Traineeship

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Identify the hardware and software needed to provide solutions to problems

• Assist with work colleagues adaptation of existing programmes to meet users’ requirements

• Download and install appropriate software

• Connect users to networks and provide initial training in facilities and applications

Expressions of Interest – Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice

Ararat

Closing date: October 1, 2024

Duties:

• Undertake routine services on light vehicles

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To

• Use technical equipment to test the function of engines and their parts

• Maintain clean, tidy and safe working areas

Horsham Badminton teams’ competition has been decided in a close match between the Rebels and Skywalkers. Joel Beggs combined with Peter Brennan to narrowly defeat Ben Sawyer

James Gardner 2-1 in

Footraces for the King and Queen

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

T

he Mallee town of Wycheproof is gearing up for another running of one of Australia’s most unique footraces on Saturday.

The Wycheproof King of the Mountain, which last year made a triumphant return after being dormant for 35 years, is staged on what is officially the world’s smallest mountain – Mount Wycheproof, which stands only 42 metres above the surrounding Mallee plains.

But while the elevation is modest, the prize pool of $19,000 across 10 race categories is not.

The premiere King and Queen of the Mountain events will involve an extra challenge of hauling 60 and 20-kilogram bags of wheat respectively to the summit, in recognition of the region’s wheat-growing heritage.

The event will also feature wheelbarrow racers weighed down with extra luggage.

Last year’s race attracted more than 3000 spectators and more than 120 competitors, which exceeded Wycheproof-Narraport Football Netball Club president Ricky Allan’s expectations.

“It was an incredible comeback for an event that went into hibernation for 35 years,” he said.

“We were delighted to see so many people come along, spend the day with friends, and support our rural club. For visitors to town, it’s an opportunity to tackle the officially recognised smallest mountain in the world.”

Mr Allen said after this year’s race, competitors and spectators could gather at Wycheproof’s Centenary Park for a community picnic

lunch, with kids’ activities, food, drink stands, live music and the AFL grand final on a big screen.

“We’ve changed the format to be more inclusive and the community has responded overwhelmingly,” he said.

“As well as being an opportunity for the community to come together, it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved by a dedicated band of volunteers and sponsors. It also provides an economic boost to the entire region, with pubs and accommodation packed for last year’s event.”

Riordan Grain and Riordan Fuels are the major sponsors of the event again this year.

Riordan Grain managing director Jim Riordan said his company was pleased to support the event.

“The main race is an impressive demonstration of strength and stamina, and the wheelbarrow race is teamwork at its best. These values represent the backbone of our rural communities,” he said.

“We look forward to the competition and celebrating with everyone at the picnic afterwards.”

Race categories include mountain dashes, wheelbarrow relays and the title event, with $5000 on offer for the respective winners of the King and Queen of the Mountain categories.

Entries for the King, Queen and relay races close today, with dash entries open until race day.

Full details, including the race schedule, entry details, location maps and contact information, are available at www.kingofthemount.com.au.

Field and Game members, back, from left, Brian Klowss, Liam Klowss, Sam Mitchell, Rob Nelson and Bill Jorgensen; and front, Keith Fischer of WACK, Natimuk president Tom Hardman and Zakk Taylor.

Natimuk charity shoot success

More than $3000 raised by Natimuk and District Field and Game will help support group Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, purchase goods for charity Ronald McDonald House.

Natimuk and District Field and Game hosted its annual charity shoot this month, raising more than $1700 for WACK.

In addition, the club donated a corporate shoot package for WACK to auction at its annual fundraiser, garnering an additional $1600.

WACK trustee Keith Fischer said the money would go towards Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for fami-

lies with children suffering a serious illness.

“We’ve got a wishlist at Ronald McDonald House in Parkville, Melbourne, that will probably go to pillows and manchester,” he said.

“We’re also looking at renovating a room at the Adelaide Ronald McDonald House as well.

“This money is going to be fantastic for those two projects.”

Natimuk and District Field and Game’s Tom Hardman said the club was glad to be able to support local charities through its annual shoot.

“We had 143 shooters on the day. It went really well and was well supported by the members,” he said.

DONATION: Natimuk

Grand winners

Ararat senior footballers and Horsham A Grade netballers took out the main prizes from the Wimmera Football Netball League grand finals at Dimboola on Saturday. Ararat withheld a strong Southern Mallee Thunder to go back-to-back in the football, while Horsham topped reigning premiers Horsham Saints in the netball.

Full grand final wraps in Sport.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Celebrating 50 years in the motor industry MORROW

The Morrow family, whose name is synonymous with car sales and service in the Horsham area and beyond, is celebrating 50 years in the motor industry.

Gavin Morrow, who has worked in the family business Morrow Motor Group for more than 40 years, said they would celebrate its half century of being part of Wimmera communities by giving back to customers.

“We know we would be nowhere without our clients, so to celebrate and thank our clients on our 50th anniversary, for the month of October we will be giving every customer who has their vehicle serviced with us, a small gift.

“In our sales department, everyone who purchases a new or used car will go into a draw to win $5000 cash.”

“We have never taken our customers for granted, and wholeheartedly support our community in many ways,” he said.

Morrow Motor Group sponsors six football

clubs, four bowling clubs, five golf clubs, local schools and events, as well as ongoing support for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre.

“We have been raising money for the cancer centre for 10 years now, and have donated more than $100,000 through doing community events and donating the proceeds of sales from one month each year.

“We want to support it because Dr George Kannourakis and his team provide a vital service for the Wimmera and beyond.”

Gavin said his parents Kevin and Barbara established the business at Amor Motors Aubrey Truck Sales in Warracknabeal, as Holden dealers.

“I started working as soon as I finished school, in December 1983,” he said.

“In 1984 we took on the Mazda dealership, and shortly after that, Suzuki.”

Wade Morrow, the second son, joined eldest son Gavin and their parents at the beginning of 1986.

In July that year, Kevin had the vision

that they needed to move to an a higherpopulated area, so they opened another dealership in Horsham, with new brand Hyundai initially, before adding Mazda and then Toyota.

“We outgrew the Stawell Road site, so we purchased a large block in Dimboola Road, Horsham, built a new dealership and shifted there in December, 1996,” Gavin said.

“My sister Tanya then started working at the dealership in the service office.”

In the year 2000, Morrow Motor Group added Nissan to their stable.

“In 2003, my youngest brother Shannon started working with us, and eventually took over as service manager, a position he still has today.

“We had to make a tough decision in 2005, and closed the Amor Motors dealership after 31 years. After a run of 12 droughts, it just made it financially unviable to continue.”

Morrow Motor Group has now been a Mazda dealer for 40 years, and is the longest-serving Hyundai dealer in Victoria.

Gavin said Morrow Motor Group’s Prime Market Area, PMA, is the largest in Victoria, at 42,000-square-kilometres.

But it’s not only the badges that have been the longstays of the company – several staff have been with the company for decades.

“In Warracknabeal we had staff work at the dealership for over 50 years, including Noel Tempest, Bruce Hunter and Gordon Daniel.

“At Horsham, our long-term staff include Craig Kemp and Rod Avery, who have worked for us for more than 30 years, and Chris O’Connell was another who worked right up to her retirement.

“Our workmates are like family, and many of our customers have become friends.

“We have even had customers from families that have spanned three generations.

“We have employed a few father and son pairings across the years, and currently employ a grandfather and grandson together, which is great,” he said.

MORROW

A huge congratulations to Gavin, Wade, Shannon and the fantastic team at Morrow Motor Group on reaching an incredible milestone: 50 years in business.

This is an amazing accomplishment that speaks to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your customers. Here’s to continued success in the many years to come!

We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with you!

We e in edibly pr d to be y r p tn in this j rney, the team at Cas .

Congratulations to Gavin and the team at Morrow Motor Group on 50 years in Business.

David Bond