ENTERTAINERS: More than 500 competitors graced the Horsham Town Hall stage across three days last week during Horsham Calisthenic’s Club's annual competition. Teams and solo competitors from across regional Victoria and South Australia competed at the competition, with the Horsham club’s junior team winning the aggregate and intermediate team finishing runner-up. Pictured are Warrnambool Calisthenic Club sub-juniors Kiara De Bono and Elkie McLean. More pictures, page 69.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
BY LAUREN HENRY
Pressure continues to build on Horsham Rural City Council after more than 60 people attended Monday evening’s ordinary meeting seeking answers.
Security was present at council chambers as mineral sands opponents, business contractors, farmers, council staff, and older and middle-aged community-minded residents filled the room.
The community’s interest especially piqued since news broke late last week that council staff had called for chief executive Sunil Bhalla to be stood down while an investigation takes place into ‘serious allegations of inappropriate and potentially unlawful conduct of senior staff of council, including the chief executive’.
It is the latest in issues surrounding council, following its failure to adopt
its annual Budget before the June 30 deadline that prompted a Local Government Inspectorate investigation; councillors publicly criticising each other; and a Municipal Monitor being appointed and set to start on Monday.
The Australian Services Union, ASU, hosted a meeting on Thursday where staff, both ASU members and non-members, moved a motion of no confidence in the ability of the chief executive to manage the council and protect staff health and wellbeing.
In a letter to Mayor Robyn Gulline and councillors, ASU organiser Billy King wrote the motion related to concern about the chief executive’s leadership style and the ‘impact of that style on that ability’.
“Staff are feeling intimidated, belittled and fearful at work and in their public life as well,” the letter states.
“Staff are being questioned and sometimes abused by members of
the public simply because they work for council. This behaviour is unacceptable and has been happening for far too long.
“While the CEO has an obligation for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, he has not done anything to address this awful situation.”
The letter lists several examples of allegations relating to withholding and misusing information, especially in relation to budgetary processes; abrogation of responsibility for management communication; delegitimising staff concerns in relation to feeling bullied, harassed or unsafe; creating a culture of division by making statements about the work of other team members in the presence of staff; belittling and undermining staff members; undermining staff morale, including micromanaging and allowing the development of a cultural perception of officer incompetence;
and failure to act to resolve identified concerns, such as addressing continuous and widespread claims of a ‘problematic culture’.
In its first meeting since Cr Bob Redden died suddenly earlier this month, Crs Gulline, Ian Ross, Les Power, David Bowe and Claudia Haenel were present, while Cr Penny Flynn appeared by video link.
Corporate services director Kim Hargreaves was the only director absent from the meeting.
After a warning from Cr Gulline that members of the gallery could not address councillors, only via prepared questions, and that she may order removal of people in gallery if they disrupted proceedings, public question time commenced.
Continued page 3
VEC's election "Candidate Helper" available
Candidates ready to stand in the upcoming Horsham Rural City Council postal election are urged to use the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC’s) newly refreshed Candidate Helper to get their applications ready for submission when nominations open on Monday 9 September.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel reminded candidates that there were several important steps they must complete before nominating.
"If you want to represent your local community, make sure to confirm your eligibility and complete the mandatory online candidate training through Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination. This rule applies to all candidates, including those who are currently or have previously been a councillor," Mr Bluemmel said.
The VEC’s online Candidate Helper at vec.vic.gov.au/council-candidate allows candidates to pre-fill their nomination forms before submitting them at their nomination appointment.
Candidates can also watch a series of videos on key topics such as the nomination process, including the rules and procedures that apply. More information is available online at vec.vic.gov.au.
The Candidate Handbook is also available on the VEC website.
Prospective candidates are also encouraged to attend the candidate information sessions being held in each electorate before the opening of nominations.
Prospective candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination forms and pay the $250 fee in person during business hours. They must provide evidence that they have completed the online candidate training, as this is required by law and will be shown on each candidate’s nomination form.
Candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination form in person at the election office by calling the Candidate Helpline 03 8620 1316 between Tuesday 20 August and Monday 9 September.
From Monday 9 September candidates can call 131 832 and they will be directed through to the relevant election office.
Nominations close at 12noon on Tuesday 17 September. Late nominations will not be accepted. More information on nominating is available at vec.vic.gov.au
Current Community Engagements
PLOZZAS ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Council has received multiple requests from members of community regarding road safety risks for the growing population along Plozzas Road, this population includes many children. These requests have been received since 2021 and the latest request was received in November 2023.
The adjoining section of Henty Highway is an 80 km/h speed zone.
A traffic count was conducted which found that 17.4 per cent of vehicles were observed to have been travelling at speeds of more than 80 km/h. The heavy vehicle percentage on Plozzas Road is 28.41 per cent.
The proposal is now open for public feedback until 3pm Monday 9 September.
For details visit the Have Your Say section of HRCC's website
Riverfront illumination continues
Work has begun this week to illuminate the riverfront along the Maydale Reserve, after the area saw a massive increase in foot and bike traffic following the construction of the Hamilton footbridge.
This project is intended to help pedestrians and cyclists feel safer using the paths during evenings and early hours.
The lighting project will begin at the Hamilton Street bridge and extend down the riverfront for 750 metres along the eastern edge of the Maydale Reserve until it meets the Wimmera Bridge.
The construction, funded by the Transport Accident Commission, is expected to last for two weeks.
Horsham Regional Art Gallery (HRAG) is pleased to announce a new acquisition to the gallery’s 2,500-strong collection.
Horsham Deity by Melbourne-based artist Vipoo Srivilasa, is a ceramic sculpture standing 87cm high which represents a universal concept of divinity, offering blessings and comfort to all who visit Horsham. It stands atop an indigo altar, decorated with friendly characters, symbolising the welcoming nature of the Horsham community. Adorned with local flowers like the Button Everlasting and Bulbine Lily, the deity reflects Horsham's natural beauty. With a gesture of peace and goodwill, the deity forms the ‘Peace’ sign with both hands, spreading positive energy to all.
Srivilasa’s work was on display at HRAG during summer as part of the group-exhibition Worlds of Infinite Possibility. Following on from this, Horsham Deity was created in early 2024. The artist works mostly in ceramics, exploring the inherent commonalities between the cultures of his native homeland, Thailand, and his adoptive home, Australia. His works are theatrical, flamboyant, humorous and always enriched with an inherent search for beauty. Many of his themes draw on his bicultural experiences and reference his place between the two worlds.
Image: Vipoo SRIVILASA Horsham Deity 2024, ceramic, glaze, gold lustre 87 x 29 x 29cm. 2024-14, Horsham Regional Art Gallery collection, purchased through the Horsham Art Gallery Trust, 2024.
Next Council Meeting: September 16, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue
Victoria’s largest seniors’ festival returns this October with thousands of opportunities to participate in community events.
6 October, 2pm - Come and Try Croquet Horsham Croquet Club, William Guilfoyle Drive
9 October, 10am - Maydale Reserve Tour
Maydale Reserve, 22 McBride St, Horsham
9 October, 1.30pm - Natimuk Tai Chi
Natimuk Gymnastics Club, 1 Sudholz Street
11 October, 10am - Horsham Tai Chi
Hamilton Lamb Hall, 23 Kalkee Rd, Horsham
11 October, 7.30pm - Ballroom Dance
Hamilton Lamb Hall, 23 Kalkee Rd, Horsham
14 October, 10am - Honky Tonk Queens
Horsham RSL, 36 McLachlan Street, Horsham
15 October, 12pm - Maydale Reserve Tour
Maydale Reserve, 22 McBride St, Horsham
16 October, 9am - Walking Group and Morning Tea
Horsham Angling Club, Dixon Dr, Horsham
17 October, 9am - Horsham Seniors Concert
Horsham Church of Christ, 91 River Rd, Horsham
22 October, 10am - High Tea
Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13-15 Robin Street
22 October, 7.30pm - Ballroom Dance
Hamilton Lamb Hall, 23 Kalkee Rd, Horsham
23 October, 1.30pm - Silver Strings
Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13-15 Robin Street
24 October, 11am - Share Your Life Stories
Horsham Library, 28 McLachlan Street
28 October, 10am - Horsham Tai Chi
Hamilton Lamb Hall, 23 Kalkee Rd, Horsham
29 October, 10am - Come and Try the Harp The Station, 16 Pynsent Street, Horsham
Some events may require registration or entry cost.
For more information about events, please visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival
Physical copies of the schedule will also be available at Council reception, Horsham Library and Horsham Town Hall.
If you have a question about a particular event, please call (03) 5382 9777.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Proposed animal care and protection law changes may change the future of fishing competitions.
The State Government bill, due to be tabled in Parliament by the end of this year, does not exclude fishing in prohibited events involving animals.
Horsham Fishing Competition president Bart Turgoose said a clause in the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act had an exemption for fishing competitions.
“If the new draft legislation is put before the Parliament, we would see an outlaw of all fishing competitions right across Victoria – it would be illegal to organise a fishing competition,” he said.
“I’m not sure of the move on it, I
don’t know if it’s a lack of care or if they are going further down the track of banning outdoor recreation.
“We have seen them take an attack on duck hunting, and on park users, now they’re actually looking at whether fishing competitions are going to be a part of the attack.”
Mr Turgoose said fishing competitions were generally catch-and-release events.
“Our fishing competition is a catch and release – you take a photo of it on the brag mat and release it,” he said.
“The fish isn’t kept, the fish doesn’t die, the fish is at front of mind for us.”
Mr Turgoose said more than 300,000 anglers were registered in Victoria, and relatively few ‘do the wrong thing’.
“They come to things like the Hor-
sham Fishing Competition because it’s a traditional pursuit, for the family friendly part of it, to teach their kids about fishing,” he said.
“The Labor Government seems to be saying that’s not okay.
“The Horsham Fishing Competition works closely with the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority to reduce carp numbers and get numbers of native fish populations built back up and look after them.
“Duck bag limits have dropped, the season has reduced, we don’t want that to happen to the fishing sector.
“All we’re asking them to do is include that clause in the draft legislation and we’ll all be happy.”
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said fishing competitions were a great
Stawell West Primary School is one of 28 Victorian schools to participate in the Glasses for Kids program, which tests the vision of students and prescribes glasses at no cost, if required.
Provided by State Schools Relief and the State Government, the 20242027 program aims to remove vision impairment as a potential barrier to
learning and engagement. Research shows about 83 per cent of prep students have not been seen by an optometrist in more than 12 months, while more than 56 per cent of parents of disadvantaged prep students had expressed concerns about the child’s eyesight but had not attended a vision service.
Early screening in children for my-
opia – short sightedness – is important, as it develops in young children from an early age and affects about 6.3 million Australians.
Stawell West Primary School had a total of 42 students from foundation to year three screened, with 15 of those prescribed glasses. Seven of those students were in year three.
– Bronwyn Hastings
way for people to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family.
“Fishing competitions help attract people to our beautiful part of the state and give local businesses a financial boost,” she said.
“Labor plans on banning fishing comps forever with the inexplicable failure to exclude fishing from prohibited events involving animals in new animal welfare laws.”
As it stands, fishing competitions are under threat, with clubs and anglers facing huge fines under Labor’s Animal Care and Protection Bill.
Victoria’s 300 fishing clubs will face penalties of almost $58,000 for running competitions, and individuals almost $12,000.
“Labor has lost its way when ban-
ning fishing competitions is more important than fixing our roads, driving down the cost of living or addressing the statewide health crisis,” Ms Kealy said.
More than 2000 concerned anglers have signed a petition, which closes this week and will be presented to Parliament on September 10.
People can sign the petition via parliament.vic.gov.au or on the Horsham Fishing Competition Facebook page.
Until now, all recreational fishing, including competitions, were exempt from animal welfare laws as long as they complied with the Fisheries Act 1995.
From page 1
The first question, from Craig Gawith, of Horsham, asked how the council was going to actively respond to the vote of no confidence in Mr Bhalla to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of staff.
In a prepared answer, similar to what was issued to the media on Friday, Cr Gulline said councillors were ‘taking it seriously’.
“Councillors are reviewing the complaint and considering the most appropriate course of action in responding to it,” she said.
“Out of respect for all parties, and to ensure that they are afforded procedural fairness, no further comment will be made in respect of this matter at this time. Matters relating to staff management, other than the CEO, is not the responsibility of councillors, therefor a response cannot be provided in relation to staff welfare, however suffice to say that council is actively responding to this matter.”
Yesterday council released a statement in relation to an investigation into it failing to adopt its annual
Budget by June 30, saying the Local Government Inspectorate had concluded its investigation.
“The investigation found that HRCC failed to adopt its annual budget by the statutory deadline ... instead adopted at a council meeting held on July 22, 2024,” the statement read.
“The Inspectorate reviewed relevant documentation and held discussions with HRCC staff to understand the reasons behind the delay.
“It was acknowledged that HRCC had applied for an extension from the Minister for Local Government in mid-June 2024, but due to timing, the request could not be considered.
“While there is no offence or penalty provision for breaching Section 94(1) of the Act, the Inspectorate emphasised the importance of timely budget adoption as a cornerstone for council operations.
“HRCC will continue to work with the Inspectorate as it monitors compliance with future budgetary and governance requirements.”
• Editorial, page 11.
The last of the Norfolk Island pines lining Ararat’s Barkly Street are scheduled to be removed today.
The pines were the subject of community consultation by Ararat Rural City Council, with the council deciding to remove them.
Chief executive Tim Harrison said the trees might have been affected by disease, reduced rainfall or had simply reached the end of their natural
lifespan, but that their poor condition posed a risk to public safety.
Dr Harrison said the council used public consultation to determine the historical significance of the trees, hear residents’ thoughts and suggestions on their removal, and identify replacement species more suited to the local climate.
Works to remove the pines are scheduled to finish today.
Afire that started in a bank of six accommodation units at the Olde Horsham motel on Monday is being treated as suspicious.
Victoria Police western division acting inspector Brendan Broadbent yesterday said an arson chemist would inspect the scene after it was deemed suspicious by a CFA fire investigator.
“A crime scene has been established to keep the scene in situ so it can be inspected by an arson chemist,” he
said. “Horsham Criminal Investigation Unit has taken over investigation of the scene.
“They have been in contact with an arson chemist, who will come up and inspect the scene to fully determine the cause of the fire.
“Given there was a large explosion or bang heard prior to the fire igniting, and the CFA fire investigator deeming it suspicious, we must not discount that it was deliberately lit.
“The arson chemist will attend and
ascertain how the fire actually occurred.”
Eight firefighting appliances from Horsham, Green Lake and Wonwondah were called to the Western Highway motel just before 6pm, and worked alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and Powercor.
Although there were no reported injuries, paramedics monitored the health of firefighters during the incident.
Mr Broadbent said the full extent
of damage was unknown, although there was considerable fire, smoke, and water damage to the unoccupied building.
“We established there were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire,” he said. The scene was declared safe just after 9pm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Celebrations marking Horsham hospital’s 150 years of service to the Wimmera region began this week, with an afternoon tea and plaque unveiling on Monday.
Grampians Health chief executive
Dale Fraser said healthcare in the area had been ‘alive and well’ for 150 years.
“It’s a great day to celebrate the pioneers who brought health care to the Wimmera,” he said.
“The Horsham hospital has been in existence since the 1870s, with 150 years of continuing service, bringing care to thousands of people over many years.”
The hospital began as Horsham District Hospital in 1874, then Wimmera Base Hospital, then formed part of the Wimmera Health Care Group, before becoming Grampians Health.
“There have been lots of pioneers who have had fantastic advancements in care, and we have seen phenomenal growth over the time,” Mr Fraser said.
“Clearly the services here are so highly valued by the community – it’s one of the things we take seriously every single day, to make sure the care provided continues to meet the high needs of our community –let’s hope for another 150 years.”
The afternoon tea attracted more than 100 people, including former Wimmera doctor Peter Haslau, who was president of the Wimmera Base Hospital board from 1988 until 1991, and Graham Kitchen, a visiting surgeon.
Long-serving staff members included orderly Frank Marklew, who started at the hospital in 1979, district nursing teams co-ordinator Jill Roberts, and the hospital’s longestserving volunteer Una Faux.
Mrs Faux said her involvement with the hospital started when her
MARKING HISTORY: Una Faux and Jill Roberts unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Wimmera Base Hospital. Una is a volunteer of 24 years and Jill started working at the hospital in 1979.
mother was a resident at Sir Robert Menzies nursing home in the 1970s.
“After she passed on, my motherin-law was in Matron Arthur around 1990, then I joined the support group,” she said.
“They asked me to stay on after my mother-in-law died, helping with the activities several days a week.
“We would drive the residents around on the bus, I used to be the spokesperson.
“We’d drive down Baillie Street and I’d say where all the different doctors and people and places used to be, I was the tour guide.
“Sometimes we’d go out for the day, to the Grampians or Dimboola.”
Mrs Faux, who is ‘coming up 88’, said she continued to volunteer as it gave her ‘so much pleasure’.
“I go to Kurrajong Lodge every second Monday and I walk out of there feeling 10-foot tall,” she said.
“The people there are so grateful for me to spend time just to read to them for an hour and talk about old times – about things we used to do, like when we had to boil the copper and before washing machines.”
When Mrs Faux started volunteering, she took a resident from Sir Robert Menzies home, back to Matron Arthur.
“I spoke to her for five minutes or so. As I went to leave, she said, ‘thank you so much for talking to me tonight – my son died last week. I was feeling so sad, but I didn’t want to worry the nurses, I really thank you so much for stopping and talking to me’.
“That made me realise that five minutes of my time could mean everything to someone.”
The 150-year celebrations will continue throughout the year, including a display of historical items at the hospital, and more events are scheduled to mark the milestone.
People are invited to write in a memory book, via email horsham150@gh.com.au, or in person at the Ladies’ Auxiliary Op Shop on Darlot Street from September 9 to 15; Horsham Library, McLachlan Street, from September 16 until October 2; and at Horsham Plaza from October 4.
– Bronwyn Hastings
Detectives from Horsham Crime Investigation Unit executed three search warrants at tobacco stores in Horsham on the morning of August 20.
With assistance from uniform members, the detectives seized almost 60,000 illicit cigarettes, almost 400 vapes, 10 kilograms of loose leaf tobacco and more than $5000 cash as part of an investigation into the alleged sale of illicit tobacco in Victoria. More than 42,000 illicit cigarette sticks, sandwich bags filled with one kilogram of loose leaf tobacco, more than 300 vapes and cash were seized from a Firebrace Street store.
A Black Range man, 36, in the store at the time, was arrested and charged with tobacco related offences under the Commonwealth Customs Act 1901. He was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on December 18.
Nearly 10,000 illicit cigarettes, more than 70 vapes, at least 170 vape refills, loose leaf tobacco and about $5000 cash were seized from a Roberts Avenue store. A Horsham woman, 53, inside the store at the time, is expected to be charged on summons. At a second Firebrace Street store, about 6300 sticks of illicit tobacco and almost 10 kilograms of loose leaf tobacco were seized. A Dimboola woman, 50, inside the store at the time, is expected to be charged on summons. The street value of the products seized is about $60,000 worth of illicit cigarette sticks, vapes worth more than $27,000, and at least $16,000 worth of loose-leaf tobacco.
Anyone with information on illicit tobacco activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash in Wal Wal on Sunday. It is believed a Ford Territory travelling on Stawell-Warracknabeal Road attempted to avoid a fallen tree branch and crashed into trees.
Paramedics assessed the five passengers at the scene. Two adults were transported to Horsham hospital – a man in his 30s with upper-body injuries, and a woman, believed to have minor injuries. Two children were transported to hospital with non-lifethreatening-injuries, including one child with upper and lower body injuries, who was taken to Ballarat hospital. A third child did not sustain any physical injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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• Worksafe approved • Council, contractors, farmers and cartage trucks all catered for.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham School of Music will stage its 25th and final vocal showcase next month – teacher
Lisa Thomas has announced her retirement.
About 500 students have attended classes with Mrs Thomas during the past 25 years – all for enjoyment, but some who have sustained continuing success in their careers.
“I taught now singer-songwriter Alice Anderson, and performers Grace O’Donnell-Clancy and Liam Robertson,” Mrs Thomas said.
“I have also taught people who enjoy music and performance as a sideline, including Kessia Peterson and Meg Sampson, and others who have gone into streams such as speech pathology.”
Mrs Thomas took over Val McKenzie’s singing school, which she attended.
“I started singing when I was about 16, but didn’t start singing lessons until I was about 25, just before my son was born,” she said.
“I started teaching singing the year my daughter was born, when I was 30.
“I could play the organ, but after I taught a few students for a couple of years, I thought I had better get some serious lessons from another teacher, so I went to Connie Coward-Lemke in Ballarat.
“She’s highly respected and still teaches, she’d be about 70 now, and would have taught thousands of students.”
Mrs Thomas started teaching from a studio at her Wallup family farm, where the first concert was staged on the home’s wide verandah with four or five students – the school grew over time with 53 students at its most recent show.
“I’ve taught individuals and small groups, at my home studio, at schools and at church,” she said.
“I’ve had students from about eight
years of age – I found they needed to be able to read, be fluent in their speaking and be able to focus for half an hour – to people aged in their 70s.
“I’ve seen a lot of children grow up, and I’ve seen a lot of people sing for a variety of reasons – some want to perform, others want to do it purely for their confidence.”
As for her own performing career, shows were surprisingly few and far between.
“I did one production with my son Jamie when he was in year four –that was Bye Bye Birdie. I wasn’t in another show until I did the lead for
Mia in 2019, about 15 years later,” Mrs Thomas said.
Mrs Thomas originally planned to retire when she turned 50, but instead battled through the blur that was COVID.
“And here we are, five years later. I’m 55 and it’s been 25 years of teaching. I have a granddaughter and I still want to do some travelling,” she said.
“I’m still a part of the Wimmera eisteddfod and other community events like Carols by Candlelight, I love the Carols. It’s been really good to be involved with that and work on those committees and with all the
different performers. But I’d love to have a bit more freedom, to be able to drop in and drop out of things and not be restricted by the school.”
At this stage, there is no one to take over the business.
“But who knows, someone might pick it up down the track and fill the gap – that’s what I did, so I am hoping somebody else will and they can have the journey as well,” Mrs Thomas said.
Horsham School of Music’s final vocal showcase is on Saturday, September 7 at 7.30pm at Horsham’s Harvest Church. Tickets are available at the door.
Four contestants from across the Wimmera will compete in West Wimmera Health Service’s Cooking Competition final on Saturday, with celebrity chef judge
Tim Bone set to crown the winner.
People can cheer on the budding chefs as they cook their own plant-based dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, hit up the ‘taster table’ to sample some of the region’s finest jams, oils and chutneys, and share in games and activities at the familyfriendly event.
The competition starts at 10.30am at
Nhill Uniting Church, with entry being a gold coin donation to the local Foodbank. Organised by West Wimmera Health Service’s health promotion team, the competition aims to inject excitement and fun into nutrition and put local produce and ingredients in the spotlight.
Competition organiser and health promotion officer Jake Wiffen said taste would not be the only winning factor, with dishes also judged on how well local ingredients were featured and whether it was a dish the whole family could enjoy.
“We’re hoping this year’s event will be bigger and better than the last, with everyone from near and far welcome to attend – there will be plenty of food and free activities for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
Attendees will also be treated to a cooking masterclass by Mr Bone.
People wanting to register for the masterclass can email health.promotion@ wwhs.net.au or call Mr Wiffen on 0487 573 224, as places are limited.
The 2024 East Grampians Business Awards are imminent and businesses across Ararat Rural City Council are invited to submit applications.
Now in its seventh year, the awards celebrate business talent across the municipality and recognise the role businesses play in supporting the community while boosting the region’s economy.
Entries are now open for seven award categories, including three new additions in 2024 – trades and construction; professional services; and young person of the year.
The full list of categories include business of the year; best new business; innovation and change; retail and hospitality; trades and construction; professional services; and young person of the year.
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the awards provided a platform for businesses to showcase their accomplishments and reflect on their impact on the community, with the aim of inspiring greater community support for businesses and highlighting their vital role in job creation and economic growth.
“Local businesses are the heart of our community, so we’re exceptionally pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 East Grampians Business Awards,” he said.
“As our region evolves, these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise business excellence, inspire innovation, and nurture a flourishing environment.”
All businesses located or operating in Ararat Rural City are eligible to apply and businesses are welcome to enter more than one category.
All categories will be judged by an independent panel. Applications close on Sunday, September 15.
Winners will be announced at a gala presentation evening at Ararat Town Hall on November 7, where they will receive a cash prize of between $1000 and $3000, or an advertising package, dependant on the individual category.
To find more about the award categories, entry guidelines and application process, people can visit council’s website at www.ararat.vic.gov.au/awards2024.
Dalki Garringa = Good Growing in Wergaia Language
BGLC’s Native Nursery + Coffee Van is now open the First Friday and Saturday of every month.
Discover native trees and shrubs of the Wotjobaluk Nations and share in our knowledge.
9am - 3pm | 127 Wail Road, Wail
www.bglc.com.au
Stawell is set to ring in spring with style this weekend as it prepares to host the inaugural Stawell Bluesfest.
The two-day event on Saturday and Sunday is the first of what organisers hope will be an annual fixture on the Grampians-region entertainment calendar.
Headlining the festival at Stawell Harness Racing Club are Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, and Wilbur Wilde and the Troublemakers, with other acts on the lineup including Geoff Achison and the Soul Diggers, Collard Greens and Gravy, The Detonators, and Rod Paine and the Full Time Lovers.
Stawell Harness Racing Club’s Mark Percival said preparations were well underway, with a marquee erected at the club to provide an ideal viewing environment for patrons.
He said the festival had potential to boost tourism to the region.
“It’s shaping up for a fantastic weekend,” he said.
“We’ve still got some work to go to get it up, but it’s going to be a magnificent addition for our entertainment options in the region and we’re really looking forward to it.
“We’re hoping to get 600 or 700 people on Saturday and about 300 or 400 on Sunday.
“Most people are buying weekend tickets, which is good to see,
and taking advantage of the discount for weekend passes.
“We’re getting people from all over the state.
“We’re expecting a last-minute uptick in local sales, but since tickets have been on sale it’s been very pleasing to see the distance that people are prepared to travel for it.”
The festival will be from 11am to 10pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday, with a variety of food and drink vendors to keep patrons satisfied.
Mr Percival said several Wimmera acts would feature on Saturday’s line-up.
“We’ve got a couple of really good, strong local bands playing on the Saturday in Jeff Woodward and the Doodads, so we’re quite excited about that,” he said.
“There’s a great deal of variety in the line-up, and a pleasing thing is that it’s all original music rather than cover acts.
“We’ve got a strong line-up of musical artists, a great variety of food and drinks that will be available, and we’re looking forward to a great weekend.”
People can book tickets via website www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1239776, and more information on the festival is available on the Stawell Harness Racing Club’s website at www.stawellharnessracing.com.au/stawell-bluesfest.
Civil construction occupational health and safety trainer
Dave Lockyer with Horsham College student Dylan Seymour and Horsham Special School student Thomas Kennedy at a training day with 40 school children from building and trades subjects.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Horsham secondary school students have completed a National Accredited Work Safety Course, giving them their ‘white card’ and the beginning skills for a career in a variety of trades.
Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN project manager David Crooks said the training was provided in partnership with Horsham Rural City Council and the Victorian State Government
Youth Development Skills program. “Students from Horsham College, St Brigid’s College, Holy Trinity Lutheran College and Horsham Special School completed the day-long training,” he said.
“It was great to see students taking advantage of the program, it gives them the skills for potential careers in building and construction, trades,
manufacturing and mining. It shows the commitment of Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN and council in supporting local business and to provide positive outcomes for students entering the workforce.”
About 40 students completed the course at Horsham Special School last week.
Wimmera branch of Melbourne Legacy is selling badges across the region during Legacy Badge Week, from September 1 to 7.
Wimmera Legacy’s major fundraiser for the year, money raised will allow
Wimmera Legatees to give continued support to about 70 surviving widows in the region, through visitation, remembering birthdays and giving gifts at Christmas. Where possible, Legacy also offers financial support.
There will be collection points at Birchip, Donald, Dimboola, Nhill, Rainbow, Horsham Plaza, Horsham Post Office, Natimuk, Hopetoun and Warracknabeal.
MIXX FM, 3WM and The Weekly Advertiser are excited to announce five one-day shopping sprees between now and Christmas.
Friday, September 6, 2024
Friday, September 20, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 Nhill
Friday, November 15, 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024 Calendar
Shop to win one of ten $250 vouchers to spend locally!
Nominations now open for Rural Northwest Health
Rural Northwest Health Board of Directors would like to recognise people who have made a significant contribution to the organisation through voluntary, philanthropic and/or professional service.
The Board of Directors believe to be recognised as a Life Governor of Rural Northwest Health, nominees will need to exhibit the following attributes:
• Undertook their role selflessly and worked toward the greatest betterment of Rural Northwest Health
• Excellence of service as a volunteer over an extended time
• Displayed significant philanthropy
• Outstanding professional service
• Exceptional contribution throughout years of service
• Initiated a new and/or innovative idea that has made a significant improvement to our service and/or clients
• Made a contribution significantly above and beyond expectations of their role
Life Governor Awards will be issued in accordance with Rural Northwest Health’s Standing Orders, Section 18 and every appointed Life Governor shall be enrolled on the books of Rural Northwest Health.
Nominations are now invited from the community for Life Governors and/or Award of Excellence.
For a nomination form please call or email Carolyn Conners on 5396 1221 or carolyn.conners@rnh.net.au Nominations close Friday 6 September 2024
Transporting patients with breathing difficulties to different hospital medical rooms is now much easier with the donation of two new high flow humidifiers to Wimmera Base Hospital.
The Horsham branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation purchased two Airvo 3 Optiflow High Flow systems and donated them to Grampians Health Horsham’s emergency department.
The department had previously relied on an inferior item that limited transfers of patients with breathing difficulties.
Emergency department nurse unit manager Rebecca Bolzon said the devices had a 40-minute battery charge so patients could easily be transferred to units such as radiology or intensive care while safely maintaining a high oxygen flow.
“The importance of having these devices has been made clear to the Blue Ribbon Foundation because the day they came in to get a press photo, both devices were being used by patients so we couldn’t even pose with one of them,”
Ms Bolzon said.
“They have instantly gone to work and are doing their job, so we are very grateful to the foundation and the community that supports their events.
“The devices help reduce the work for a patient’s breathing and allows us to give them high amounts of oxygen.
“We will use them a lot on asthmatic patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“Paediatrics also respond well to the devices and they provide humidification
as well. The new device is also very userfriendly because the interface is virtually like a computer.”
Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham chair Paul Margetts said his committee was pleased to be able to provide such important items to the emergency department at Grampians Health Horsham.
“The Blue Ribbon Foundation was created to perpetuate the memory of Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty,” he said.
“Raising money in their honour and then donating it for such important hospital items is our way of ensuring they are remembered always.”
If only the number of people who attended Monday evening’s Horsham Rural City Council meeting had taken an interest in council proceedings earlier, maybe council would not be in this mess.
It’s taken the council to be in turmoil before the community has shown so much interest.
Never have I seen so many people at a Horsham council meeting.
There was a wide variety of the community represented at the meeting – plenty of landowners who oppose proposed mineral sands mines, local contractors, older and middle-aged residents, farmers, council staff, prospective candidates, and community members.
Most media outlets in Horsham were also present – instead of just watching the video stream from home.
Aside from a few snide remarks and sarcasm, councillors were mostly on their best behaviour. And they needed to be.
Never has there been so much pressure on a Horsham council to lift its game.
Some councillors spoke more than usual, while others were hesitant to move a motion.
The gallery was also mostly on their best behaviour – a few grumblings here and there, and a couple of people, particularly the anti-mining sector, applauded certain councillor’s words and amendments.
But many of the gallery left disappointed that key issues were not discussed at all, and if they were, they were prepared answers that were read out.
Some trickled out as the meeting progressed, realising issues they were there to hear about were not going to be addressed in such a public forum.
By Lauren Henry
News last week of council staff having a vote of no confidence in chief executive Sunil Bhalla and a letter, organised by the staff’s union, to the council asking for Mr Bhalla to be stood down pending an investigation was the latest item on a list of controversies surrounding the council.
Council was never going to sack or stand down the chief executive at Monday’s meeting. And nor should they.
It would not be a fair process and against employment laws.
There is so much more to play out with the governance, leadership and personnel at council.
With a municipal monitor due to start on Monday, let’s hope he can put council on a better path of serving the community.
Then, of course, there are the council elections in October and, while there definitely needs to be changes, it would not be beneficial for the entire council to be replaced.
Some continuity would be beneficial if the new council is going to hit the ground running and get Horsham’s local government back on track, with leadership, good governance and cohesiveness needing to be a priority.
Be ready to rally
After eight years of conflict, especially after the past four years of this current Horsham Rural City Council, it was time for restraint to hand over to the new council –not confrontation.
A 2.75 per cent rate rise over each sector was the only solution, not a minus four per cent, $600,000, off residential and a plus 16.4 per cent, $1.241 million, onto farming.
Farmers start listening – in 2018, 10 community members sat down and agreed on the current rate strategy adopted by council that stopped such rate shifts.
To change this policy, council had to take it back to the public. Therefore this year’s rate shift is illegal.
This year the farm differential under the council current rate policy should have been 40 per cent, and council knows it.
Farmers under the Local Government Ministers ‘Fair go’ rate cap of 2.75 per cent, you are only required to pay what you paid in rates last year plus a 2.75 per cent rate increase – not one cent more.
That is a rate increase of $207,000 – not the $1.241 million the HRCC wants to give the residential sector, another $1 million rate reduction.
Farmers battle drums are calling, when the rate notices come out join me in a march on council and burn the rates notice – you will not need them.
All you need is last year’s rate notices and add on a 2.75 per cent increase.
Be buggered if this council is
worth $1 million bonus from farmers.
I urge every farmer to join in this protest. Remember this is a rate shift and you pay this bonus each and every year.
Also remember with previous rate shifts we already pay more than $1 million as a subsidy to the residential sector.
Neville McIntyre, McKenzie Creek
Health care petition
Mergers are mergers, no matter how they’re framed.
The Nationals have launched a petition www.handsoffourhospitals.com.au/ and we urge you to support it.
Regional health services are in crisis, with 22 out of 23 operating in deficit.
Elective surgeries are being cut, and ambulance services are failing to meet critical targets due to insufficient resources.
Patients are enduring over 24hour waits in emergency rooms and hospitals are being told to turn the lights off to save on power bills.
Healthcare cuts, job losses, and mega-mergers are not the answers regional Victoria needs. Join us in demanding better. Stand with us and fight for regional Victoria.
Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our healthcare system and regional Victorians are paying the price.
Peter Walsh, Leader of The Nationals
• When can I retire?
• Do I have enough funds to retire?
• When and how can I access my super?
• Where will my income come from in retirement?
• Will I qualify for any government assistance?
We specialise in retirement advice, and can answer your questions, to help you find peace of mind. You
Keep food scraps and garden clippings out of landfill.
Using your green bin correctly means your organics can be turned into mulch and compost. This reduces the amount of waste going to landfill, keeps our soils healthy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Visit ngshire.vic.gov.au
Rocklands Reservoir is spearheading a tourism boom in western Victoria with the number of people visiting the waterway skyrocketing in the past five years.
In a recent report, commissioned by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, VFA, GWMWater and Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, the value of Rocklands Reservoir as an outdoor recreation destination over the past five years found its economic contribution had grown 164 per cent to $5.5-million each year.
Visitation to the lake near Balmoral has swelled 50 per cent to more than 25,000 people each year.
The report assessed the effect that record fish stocking and facility improvements had on tourism in the area.
The report estimated visitors spent more than $3.4-million in the region’s economy, with 80 per cent of people going fishing during their stay.
Swimming, boating and kayaking were other popular activities for visitors.
VFA has stocked more than five million Murray cod, golden perch, estuary perch and trout at Rocklands Reservoir since 2016, and there has been facility upgrades to the Hynes boat ramp as well as new amenities for campers and day visitors.
Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said fishing continued to be a major drawcard, with anglers reporting regular golden perch up to 50 centimetres, Murray cod to 75 centimetres plus regular catches of redfin and trout.
“We know recreational fishing and boating is big business for many regional communities, and these figures show Rocklands is having a real moment in the sun,” he said.
“Rocklands has terrific outdoor experiences for people of all ages, and it’s great to see so many families enjoying fishing and the great outdoors thanks to our record fish stocking.”
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said most visitors came from outside the Horsham and Southern Grampians municipalities, including 49 per cent from other regional areas, 17 per cent from Melbourne and close to seven per cent travelling from South Australia.
“Rocklands Reservoir is a shining example of how investing in our natural assets can drive economic growth and bring more visitors to enjoy the unique beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of western Victoria,” she said.
GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the report helped the water authority plan for future management of visitors to Rocklands.
“We’re proud of the recreational opportunities Rocklands provides and it’s great to see so many people visiting our region, boosting the economy and supporting local businesses,” he said.
Another one million fish are planned to be stocked into Rocklands Reservoir over the next 18 months, including 500,000 Murray cod and 500,000 golden perch fingerlings.
To read the full report, visit www.vfa.vic.gov. au/about/publications-and-resources.
Begins: Thursday, August 22
QUALIFYING
Saturday, August 31
Davis Park, Nhill
ELIMINATION
Sunday, September 1
Central Park, Stawell
2ND SEMI-FINAL
Saturday, September 7
Anzac Park, Warracknabeal
1ST SEMI-FINAL
Sunday, September 8
Coughlin Park, Horsham
PRELIMINARY
Sunday, September 21
Murtoa Recreation Reserve
Freight trains carrying northwest Victorian produce are now emblazoned with artwork by St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney.
Seven paintings by Torney of fruits, nuts and grains moved via the Murray Basin freight network will decorate a locomotive operated by Pacific National.
The painted locomotive made its debut during a community event at Maryborough’s historic station last month, and follows another boost to the network as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project.
A new passing loop at Elmhurst, between Ararat and Maryborough, enables two 50-wagon freight trains to pass each other, lifting network capacity and giving freight operators more flexibility.
Torney has painted the oil-onboard works at his studio, co-located with the gym he runs with his wife Tessa in St Arnaud.
The 34-year-old has been painting and drawing all his life – including when he attended local primary and secondary schools.
Three of Torney’s artworks commissioned as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project show table grapes, almonds and oranges grown in the Sunraysia region.
Four others depict scenes common in the Wimmera around St Arnaud –an ear of wheat, flowering canola in bloom, grain silos and a crop being harvested.
Silo art painted by Torney reflecting St Arnaud’s gold-mining heritage are dotted around the Northern Grampians Shire town.
There’s also a trail of his narra-
tive portraiture works inspired by Renaissance artists throughout St Arnaud.
Torney is excited about his four young children, Leon, William, Anna and Frank, potentially seeing his art on trains pulling freight through town.
His artwork will feature on trains consisting of 50 wagons carrying up to 3000 tonnes of grain – the equivalent of 70 B-double truckloads.
The new passing loop at Elmhurst is part of a funding commitment by state and federal governments towards the Murray Basin Rail project.
The new project follows upgrades to the 88-kilometre section of track
completed in late 2022, allowing freight trains on the line to carry more product.
Works are continuing at Emu to extend a passing loop on the Yelta Line, with an extra 500 metres of track being installed to enable 1200-metre freight trains to pass each other, and at Ouyen for signalling upgrades and a new mobile refuelling station.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the government had committed $528 million toward the $885 million Murray Basin Rail Project in partnership with the State Government.
“Victorian primary producers are the big winners from the Murray Basin Rail Project, which enables local produce to reach tables globally more quickly and fresher than before,” she said.
State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the upgrades allowed more world-class produce to move from paddock to plate – more easily and efficiently.
“It’s fantastic to see Kyle Torney’s vibrant artworks, featuring the produce of the region, adorn a locomotive to celebrate the benefits of the Murray Basin Rail Project,” she said.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has introduced new technology to ensure the area’s road bridges continue to meet community need in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
Mayor Rob Haswell said the decades-old bridges met standards and needs when they were built.
“Community and commercial needs have changed and many of our bridges no longer meet our transport requirements,” he said.
“Building new bridges is unaffordable for most, so the focus is on strengthening and widening them to ensure they continue to connect local communities and businesses with major roads and highways.”
Senior design engineer Steven Cobden successfully implemented new technology at Carapooee, near St Arnaud, on a 1970sbuilt bridge.
“We strengthened the bridge with carbon fibre and other technologies,” he said.
“The use of carbon fibre is fairly new to local governments, and we are among the first to use it for bridge renewal. It has the strength of steel, but does not corrode, and is light and easy to use.”
The original bridge became unsuitable for farmers needing to move large equipment across multiple sites and commercial quarries, resulting in expensive and timeconsuming detours to move their products.
“Until recently, bridge renewal meant working with large pieces of steel that had to be bolted to concrete. With carbon fibre, we drape it around the underside of the bridge and it resembles a bandaged bridge, to restore its strength,” Mr Cobden said.
Other stand out features include a commercial partnership with a local business and community members who use the bridge, contributing to the cost.
“This says a lot about the proactive communities we work with to ensure effective, safe transport access,” Mr Cobden said.
Date: Friday 20 September 2024 Time: 10 am - 12 pm (lunch included)
Location: Up Tempo Café, Horsham (or option to join online) Register: gwmwater.org.au/stakeholderworkshop
For many Australians, particularly young Australians, the dream of home ownership is often accompanied by the reality of carrying student loans, known as HECSHELP debt.
Understanding the impact of HECS debt on your ability to secure a home loan can help you plan for, and navigate, the home loan process.
Case study – Sarah is a 32-year-old marketing professional from Melbourne. She has a stable job with a steady income and has managed to save a decent deposit for her first home.
However, like many Australians, Sarah carries a HECS debt from her university education.
What is HECS-HELP?
HECS-HELP is a loan offered by the Australian government to pay for studies at a university or approved higher education provider.
Once a person earns above the compulsory repayment threshold, loan repayments are automatically deducted from their pay through the Australian Tax Office, ATO.
There is no interest on the loan, but the debt is annually indexed against inflation.
Sarah’s goal is to purchase a two-bedroom apartment close to the city. She is aiming to take out a $450,000 home loan, considering her savings and the property prices in her desired area.
Sarah is concerned about how her HECS debt will affect her home loan application and how she can maximise the amount she can borrow.
When Sarah approached a mortgage broker to discuss her home loan options, she learned that her HECS debt, while interest-free, would still impact her borrowing capacity.
Sarah’s potential lenders must consider her ability to meet all financial obligations, including her HECS repayments. This could potentially lower the loan amount Sarah qualifies for, as lenders assess her debt-to-income ratio.
Strategies and solutions
Sarah’s mortgage broker advised there are several strategies she can consider to enhance her borrowing capacity despite her student debt:
• Pay off the HECS-HELP loan: Sarah may be
On Friday 23 August Mallee farmers staged their latest in a string of protests from St Arnaud to Horsham to Melbourne to Canberra – and now to Bendigo where Premier Jacinta Allan spoke at a Rural Press Club event.
You’ll see more farmers protesting in Canberra from the week commencing on 9 September, led by the brilliant #KeepTheSheep campaigners opposing Labor’s axing of sheep live exports from 2028.
The National Farmers Federation’s recent survey shows three out of five farmers believe the Albanese government does not understand or listen to farmers.
Almost 75 per cent believe the Albanese government’s policies are harming farming, while 81.6 per cent of farmers are concerned about mining or energy developments on farmland (up 5.2 per cent since last year).
Almost three in five farmers say competing land uses from mining, infrastructure or urban expansion are having a high to medium impact on their productivity, while 72.4 per cent say the Albanese government is not doing enough to protect arable farmland.
In Mallee the reckless race to renew-
able to borrow more if she were able to erase the HECS debt.
• Reduce other debts: clearing or minimising other debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans, would improve Sarah’s debt-toincome ratio.
• Consider government grants or incentives: Sarah could still apply for government assistance such as the First Home Owner grant or the First Home Loan Deposit scheme, even with HECS debt.
• Increase her deposit: by saving more and increasing her deposit, Sarah could reduce the loan amount she needs.
• Choosing the right lender: different lenders have varying policies regarding HECS debt.
Choosing a lender more lenient towards student loans can enhance her chances of approval.
By proactively managing her finances, seeking professional advice, and implementing strategies to manage her HECS debt, Sarah was able to strengthen her home loan application. She successfully secured a home loan with a competitive interest rate, allowing her to purchase an apartment within her parameters. The impact of student loans on home loan applications is a significant consideration for many young Australians. But the good news is there are steps you can take to minimise the impact of HECS- HELP debt. Doing so enhances the chances of securing a home loan, and empowers you to make informed decisions on your financial journey.
• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.
ables will require Labor to accelerate wind, solar and the accompanying transmission lines sixfold to reach their political targets.
Wind turbines aren’t going up overlooking Melbourne or in Port Phillip Bay.
Melbourne’s golf courses aren’t blanketed with black panels nor are people’s homes in Toorak, Brighton or Malvern shadowed by hulking 230-metre towers and transmission lines.
Labor, the Greens and the Teals expect regional Australians to do the heavy lifting on the energy transition, taking away our environment and tranquillity.
Farmers – not the Greens and Teals – are defending their environments, protesting and locking gates as the Labor / Green / Teal socialist hard-left agenda is laid bare.
The Greens and Teals are about looking after their donors, and Labor are falling over themselves to keep up.
The Nationals stand with our farmers, always have and always will.
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Best’s Winery this week celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Great Western cellar door. History plays a vital role in the 158-year-old winery, which has some of the oldest vineyards in Australia, if not the world. Pictured are owners Ben and Nicole Thomson. Story, page 25. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Ararat’s fourth-generation design and manufacturing business Gason has weathered many a storm since beginning in 1946.
Changes in industry, economy and demand have seen the business adapt from motor trimming to fabricating farm machinery and wood heating products, and many things in between.
Managing director Wayne Gason said his grandfather Frank started the business when he moved from Geelong with his young family, seeking post World War II opportunities.
“Frank decided to grab his bicycle, buy a ticket, and travel to Stawell by train back in 1945,” he said.
“Up until that time, he’d been working at the Ford Motor Company in a number of different departments, but mainly as a motor body trimmer.
“At Stawell, he found there was already a motor body trimming business in town. It was doing quite a good job, and he thought he’d have less chance to succeed in Stawell than what he did in Ararat.”
Frank rented a garage shop at the corner of Tobin and View Point streets for 25 shillings a week.
“He would do anything from pram hoods, panel beating to upholstery,” Mr Gason said.
“It all changed one day when a farmer from Tatyoon, Adam Stewart, asked if he could make a cabin for
his Twin City tractor. Adam’s requirements were fairly simple, it just had to have comfort and protection from the weather. And this was pretty well unheard of on a tractor back in those days. But over the following years, all types of cabins were made.
“In 1952, Frank built a new factory in McGibbony Street, then in 1957 as a 15-year-old, my father started with Frank as an apprentice.”
In 1958, Gason was invited to build a cabin for a Minneapolis Moline GTA tractor, the first of tens of thousands to be produced across 40 years.
By the mid-1970s they were the market leaders.
By 1965, the premises in McGib-
bony Street was too small, and council suggested some land in Blake Street.
A 12,000-square-foot premises was built, along with an office block, which still stands today.
Gason diversified to design and manufacture Australia-specific agricultural machinery such as cultivation equipment and air seeders, and in the 1980s helped pioneer an Australian standard for rollover protection structures for tractors, and established an accredited test facility at the factory.
“In 1987, Gason became the fifthlargest car manufacturer in Australia, producing 100 vehicles over the following four years,” Mr Gason said.
“In 2006, we started doing sub-
Gason managing director Wayne Gason, front, with team members Colin Matthews, Aedan Bulger, Patrick Ampt, Brad Makovec, Riley Gason, Damian Garley, Karly Griffiths, Shannon McGrath and Jason Yole.
contract work for other companies – anything that requires cutting, folding, welding, powder coating, we’re interested in doing it.”
Mr Gason said there were five philosophies that have contributed to the business’s success.
“We only expand with our capacity to pay, not our capacity to borrow; we trade fairly and pay our financial commitments when they are due, and we expect our customers to do the same; we only build products that we believe will stand the test of time; we back the products we manufacture with after-sales spare parts; and we have a diversified company, currently working in three business streams,” he said.
Gason continues to fabricate farm machinery and wood-heating products, including the well-known Eureka and Jindara woodfire brands.
“Over the next three years we’ll be investing heavily in engineering, designing new products in the farm machinery and the heating sides of the business,” Mr Gason said.
“From a farming perspective, we’re about to release an active hitch planter bar, which will be released at field days in September.
“The engineering team is working on a new air seeder range, which is going to start at 30,000 litres. It will have sectional control, greater output capacity and higher blower performance, while still retaining a robust, reliable and easy to use machine that Gason is renowned for.
“One of the big things for us is to ensure that we bring apprentices through the business – for more than 50 years, that’s what we’ve done and still do today.
“People who are interested in doing an apprenticeship in metal fabrication can contact us.”
Mr Gason said there was a great business network and community in Ararat.
“Over the years we’ve been blessed to have very supportive people around us, we live in a very supportive community,” he said.
locations in Horsham and Ararat,
BY LAUREN HENRY
When stepping inside Best’s Wines cellar door at Great Western, it certainly feels like history is dripping from the walls.
While the winery this week celebrates 50 years of its cellar door, the building is no doubt reminiscent of an era much older than the 1970s.
And that’s partly because it is.
Originally Henry Best’s old horse stables from the 1870s, the cellar door was meticulously relocated, plank by plank, to its current location at the front of the winery.
At the time of opening, only a handful of wineries existed in Victoria, and very few were familiar with the cellar door concept.
But visitation was increasing to Best’s and the owners, the Thomson family, wanted a place to share their wines and sell directly to the public.
The stables fitted the brief, and were built to complement the historic underground cellars, dug by hand in the 1870s.
Managing director Ben Thomson remembers the stables in their original form – they were located near a peppercorn tree where his father Viv Thomson built a treehouse for him and his brother Hamish.
He recalls creating some mischief during the relocation project.
Each plank of the stables was numbered and taken apart piece by piece for careful reconstruction.
“They put 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and us little buggers, as kids we went around and changed all the numbers so nothing would fit,” he said.
The 158-year-old winery is steeped in history, and the Thomson family has valued that since taking ownership – ensuring items such as Henry Best’s diary, tools and photographs were kept, restored if needed and put on display for the public to see.
Wandering through the cellar door, a highlight is seeing those historical items being treasured.
Mr Thomson said the 50-year milestone further cemented the longevity of the Best’s brand.
“People walk through the door and are immediately taken by the history and the story,” he said.
“Many have heard about the cellar door, but until you’ve visited, it’s hard to visualise how special this place is.
“It’s not shiny but oozes character, and the people who work here take great pride in sharing our stories with customers.”
Similar to how the cellar door opened 50 years ago, without ceremonial grandeur, the Thomson family hosted an intimate celebration with its 20 staff to mark the 50-year milestone.
Since its opening on August 26, 1974, Best’s cellar door continues to welcome visitors seven days a week, offering wine tastings, guided underground cellar tours, and special tastings, all steeped in rich history.
The vines at the winery date back to 1868, playing a vital role in the Thomson’s wines.
In fact, Mr Thomson said some of the oldest vines in the world were at Best’s.
“We think we’ve probably got the oldest Pinot Meunier in the world, the oldest Pinot Noir in the world, and probably the oldest Dolcetto in the world, because we’ve never had Phylloxera here,” he said.
“The Australian wine industry is not that old. And to be able to have some of the oldest varieties in the world here is pretty important.”
Phylloxera attacks the roots of vines and spread through Europe and America in the mid 19th century, destroy-
ing just under half of all vineyards in France within a few decades.
“The more I think about it, the nursery block out the front – and that’s not all the varieties – we’ve got varieties like grec rose, gamay, piccolo, all these, they could be the oldest known variety in Australia, and we’ve still got seven that are unknown,” he said.
“They’ve been DNA tested a number of years ago and they don’t know what they are.
“I would like to try and get a grant through the government or the historical society or something like that to do a proper replanting of it, out of our other vineyard where it’s out of the frost, it’s going to be well preserved, with plenty of water, and just keep the heritage of these original vines.”
Best’s direct to consumer manager Nicole Thomson, Ben’s wife, said the winery would also like to have some of the historic vines DNA tested again.
“Science has developed a lot since they were done so perhaps there is some new scientific way of identifying those ones,” she said.
The Thomsons agreed their older vines made for a more unique type of produce, describing older vines as having ‘their own personality’.
“It’s a bit like people. As you get older you get more character and tell more stories,” Mr Thomson said.
“This is the way I describe it –young vines are still a bit dumb and thick and know it all. They think they’re spruicking this and that and then they’re knackered.
“But you get your old vines and they’ve just learnt to survive. They get older and you really can’t influence their flavours much when they’re 120, 140 ... you can’t really do much to them because their roots are down that far and they’ve had 150 haircuts.”
The industry
Mr Thomson said times were currently tough in much of the wine industry but he remained optimistic.
“For some strange reason, I feel quite positive about the future,” he said.
“I don’t know why – I’ve got no crystal ball – but I think if you keep trying hard and try new stuff ... we’ve just made two white wines out of Shiraz.
“It’s something different. It was our first year last year, this year we’re making a lot more of it because it seems to have worked.”
Mrs Thomson said a new variety they had introduced was the Blanc de Noir Cuvée.
“I describe it as like a Prosecco apple cider,” he said.
“We weren’t trying to make a French style, we weren’t trying to make a
Australian white bubbles, we weren’t trying to make a prosecco.
“We were trying to make something that’s really unique to us that’s made from a hundred per cent Shiraz grapes, but it’s just white.
“And it appealed to even the top people who love wine because it’s just refreshing.
“So we made four times as much this year, so it will go out further abroad, whereas we just kept it to cellar door.” A lack of rain this year is impacting vineyards, requiring winery owners to pay for water.
Another challenge is the way life has changed since the COVID pandemic.
“There’s a lot of five-star restaurants closing down. There’s a lot of places who are reducing their hours and also now putting a surcharge on weekends,” Mrs Thomson said.
“People who would normally go out and maybe have two bottles of wine or so, they would probably just go out once a week instead of three times a week, and they’d only buy the one bottle of wine.”
The Thomsons said another challenge was marketing the region as a wine destination.
“There’s a lot of people in Melbourne who’ve never come out of Melbourne,” Mrs Thomson said.
“They’ve never come to the Grampians, they go the other side.
“Grampians Tourism, working with the government and Visit Victoria in the last five years, the visitation here has grown because they’re really pushing the Grampians and to go wine tasting.”
The Thomsons said they would like to see more Victorians, including the State Government, local governments and businesses, supporting Victorian wineries.
“We should be going to our councillors and saying when you’ve got people coming, you should be buying local wines from your region and from Victoria, for events and gifts,” Mrs Thomson said.
“The same with Parliament – if the State Government is having a meeting or stocking its bar or hosting an event, they shouldn’t have any South Australian wine. It should be all Victorian.”
I’vebeen around long enough to remember when China was a minor player in the wool market.
If my memory serves me correctly, in the 1980s the then Australian Wool Corporation began touting China as the next big thing for wool.
It was along the lines of – imagine if every person in China bought woolen socks.
Then, as now, I found it rather condescending and culturally inappropriate, but then, lo and behold, fast forward to now, and China is buying 80 per cent of our wool, and India is overtaking Europe as a key export market.
The grains industry has made a similar, though less momentous, prediction.
A delegation has been in Canberra to try to convince the Standing Committee on Agriculture that the industry needs government support to make the most of the emerging market for feed grains in southeast Asia.
We currently export in excess of 15 million tonnes of grain, most of it wheat, to Asia.
As with China, there is a growing middle class and the face of agriculture in Asia is changing. Large corporates are now investing in intensive livestock production and aquaculture and with that comes huge demand for feed grains.
In an interview with Country Today, Grain Trade Australia chief executive Pat O’Shannassy said the feed grain consumption in southeast Asia was already enormous.
“It’s got to about 70 million tonnes in just the last few years. We think there’s enormous growth there as those markets move to more protein in their diets. A lot of it is sourced from domestic corn producers, but what we see is
Libby Price
that, as demand increases, their capacity to meet that demand will diminish and that will open up opportunities for other sources of feed grain, such as Australia,” Mr O’Shannassy said.
The most grains with the most potential for export are wheat, barley and sorghum, depending on pricing.
There is a caveat though. Grain growers would be mistaken in thinking it’s a potential market for downgraded grain due to weather damage.
“One of the things we’ve done as an industry over the years is to convince our farmers that feed value is failure. What we need to do is turn that around and say that feed producers are looking for high-quality grains. They’re not looking for weather damaged grain. They are looking for high quality grain to improve their output,” Mr O’Shannassy said.
So the take-home message?
“From an Australian farmer’s point of view, we’ve got to move away from this concept of feed grain equals failure, to say that feed is the target market. For instance, some of the low protein wheats in the past few years have moved very readily into this market in the Philippines, Vietnam and others markets as well,” Mr O’Shannassy said.
Organisers of the annual Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day declared this year’s sale a success, despite the season’s adverse conditions.
Field day president Warren Russell said the event was well-attended, with a good sale rate.
“It went quite well considering the season we’re having – how tough it’s been and how much money everyone has been spending on keeping sheep alive by buying feed,” he said.
“We ended up selling 93 of
104 rams, with the top sale being $4400 for a Gleneden horn ram. This year the average sale price was $1655.”
Mr Russell said this year’s ram sale followed much the same trend as previous years –last year 99 of 107 were sold, averaging $2439 and top-selling at $7000, twice; in 2022, 86 of 96 were sold, averaging $2230 and top-selling $7250; and in 2021, 90 of 94 were sold, with an average of $2541 and top-selling at $7500.
“Sheepvention dropped off this year, we seem to be the only seller in western Victoria – once there was Hamilton, Ballarat and Bendigo, now there’s only Bendigo and us.
“I think the fact that it’s been a grassroots, local event, has been its strength. It’s local breeders providing rams for local clients, and that’s why it’s so well supported.”
“We’ve a good group of young stud-breeders driving it forward, I think it’s gaining momentum – there’s more and more people wanting to join the group. It’s in a good position at the moment,” he said.
KANIVA,1pm
THUR 12TH FOREST SPRINGS MERINO RAM SALE JOEL JOEL, 1pm FRI 13TH SOHNIC MERINO RAM SALE MARNOO EAST, 1pm
THUR 19TH MARNOO GROUP – Inspection Day WALLALOO PARK / OAKBANK ON PROPERTY, 10-5pm
SUNNYDALE WHITE SUFFOLK RAM SALE RUPANYUP, 1pm
CURLEW MERINO RAMS – Inspection Day CHARAM 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 O C T O B E R
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 VICTORIAL MERINO FIELD DAY ARARAT REG., 9am-4pm
TUES 22ND STUD PARK SOUTH MERINO RAM SALE WILLAURA, 1pm
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Two
Horsham mechanics have been nominated for the annual John Deere Technician awards – Emmetts’ Nick Lattanzio and James Smart for Apprentice of the Year and Service Technician of the Year, respectively.
Horsham Emmetts training and apprenticeships co-ordinator Amber Peters said Emmetts had several nominations for the awards this year, which included employees from Australia and New Zealand.
“We have finalists in every category of the awards, all except for the construction and forestry,” she said.
“We have three in the apprenticeship group – we’ve got another two in South Australia, and they compete against each other as well as four others in the category, John Deere is very well represented.”
Mr Lattanzio, who is in his fourth year of his apprenticeship, did not set out to be a diesel mechanic.
“I went to university for six months and it wasn’t my kind of cup of tea, so I came back and worked around here,” he said.
“I did harvest on a farm and heard on the radio they were looking for someone here at Emmetts and I thought I’d give it a go.
“I put my name in, and sure enough I got it – it’s been fun ever since.”
Ms Peters said nominees were selected by a service manager, putting forward employees who have been outstanding in all aspects of their work, and who go above and beyond to support customers.
“We have so many finalists this year, we’ve had to book two tables – it’s very exciting. We’ve done incredibly well this year, we are so, so proud of these guys”
– Amber Peters
“I started my apprenticeship in 2007 at a John Deere dealer, before I came to Australia,” he said.
“I worked on a few farms and with a few different dealerships and was meant to go back to the UK, but I didn’t.”
Mr Smart, who has worked at Emmetts for about 18 months, said there was not much difference between equipment in the UK and in Australia.
“The tractors are generally bigger here. I worked in Western Australia on some of the biggest stuff you can probably get, but Emmetts has a good mix of small and big stuff,” he said.
Ms Peters said the awards would be presented in Queensland next week.
“Once nominated, the nominee has to do a written application, with case studies and diagnostics, for example, followed by an online test.”
Ms Peters described Mr Smart as
“The manager needs to believe they are the best of the best in the business,” she said.
Agriculture Victoria confirmed last week Varroa mite had been detected for the first time in the state.
The infested hive was identified at a property in Nangiloc, near Mildura, during surveillance activities that are carried out each year during almond pollination.
A parasite of adult honeybees and honeybee brood, Varroa mite weakens and kills honeybee colonies. The parasites can also transmit honey bee viruses. It does not affect native bees.
A team of 12 Varroa development officers have been recruited in Victoria to provide guidance to beekeepers about how to manage the mite and appropriately use the chemical control options available.
There are also Varroa management training workshops occurring across Victoria for both commercial and recreational beekeepers, which
cover monitoring and threshold surveillance actions, integrated pest management techniques, record-keeping, and chemical treatments, including organic options.
Beekeepers in Victoria are urged to check their hives and to report suspected cases of Varroa mite to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
All Victorian beekeepers are encouraged to record all hive movements and inspections, and the results of mite testing in BeeMAX.
Beekeepers with concerns can contact Victorian Varroa development officers by email at Victorian.VDO@agriculture.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 958 485.
For more information and updates on the detection, and any further Victorian varroa mite detections, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/varroa.
a ‘no-brainer’ nominee. He is in the running for Service Technician of the Year.
He has been in Australia for 12 years and Horsham for two, moving from North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom.
“The nominees have a week of intensive training and competing before a big gala awards night,” she said.
“We have so many finalists this year, we’ve had to book two tables – it’s very exciting. We’ve done incredibly well this year, we are so, so proud of these guys.”
Coach: Jake McQueen
Round 1: L. 7.10 (52) to Minyip-Murtoa 12.11 (83). Away.
Round 2: W. 14.15 (99) d Dimboola 8.4 (52). Home.
Round 3: Bye.
Round 4: L. 9.8 (62) to Stawell 12.11 (83). Away.
Round 5: L. 10.10 (70) to Horsham 11.14 (80). Home.
Round 6: W. 16.8 (104) d Warrack Eagles 11.6 (72). Away.
Round 7: L. 7.10 (52) to Southern Mallee Thunder 14.13 (97). Home.
Round 8: L. 7.6 (48) d Ararat 17.13 (115). Away.
Round 9: W. 15.17 (107) d Horsham Saints 8.15 (63). Home.
Round 10: W. 15.12 (102) d Minyip-Murtoa 11.9 (75). Home.
Round 11: W. 19.15 (129) d Dimboola 4.3 (27). Away.*
Round 12: Bye.
Round 13: W. 6.8 (44) d Stawell 4.8 (32). Home.**
Round 14: L.11.5 (71) to Horsham 16.9 (105). Away. Round 15: W. 17.18 (120) d Warrack Eagles 8.7 (13). Home.
Round 16: L. 8.5 (53) to Southern Mallee Thun der 14.17 (101). Away.
Round 17: 10.10 (70) drew with Ararat 9.16 (70). Home.
Round 18: W. 18.15 (123) d Horsham Saints 10.13 (73). Away.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 7. D. 1. For: 1306. Against: 1183. Points: 34. Percentage: 110.40.
Leading goal-kickers
Drew Schneider 29, Jake McQueen 26, Dylan Ridding 24, Xavier Bone 21, Daniel Batson 19.
BY LAUREN HENRY
hill senior coach Jake McQueen and many of his team mates would have been in primary school the last time the Tigers played senior finals in the Wimmera league.
Excitement is building at Nhill with the senior side about to play its first finals after a 14-year hiatus.
The Tigers sealed a finals spot when they drew with Ararat in the second last round of the home-and-away season – but there was a downside to that match, losing Lucas Dahlenburg for the season after he suffered a serious facial injury.
“There’d be only a handful of us that’s probably played finals before, so it’s exciting,” McQueen said.
“When we first sat down with the club, we said that we wanted to try and make finals this year.
“We didn’t want to put any pressure on anyone but, as a coaching group, we felt like we could make finals.
“We’ve ticked that off and we’ve found some form in the second half the year, so we feel like we’ve got every chance of going deep into finals now.
“We’ll give it a crack and hopefully we can.”
While not many Nhill players have senior finals experience, they come up against a relatively inexperienced Horsham Demons on Sunday at Stawell’s Central Park.
The two sides are on a pretty even playing field – the Demons with a psychological advantage after beating Nhill twice this
But the Tigers can draw on plenty of positives in season 2024 –particularly the second half of the year – where, after a heavy loss to Ararat in round eight, they went on to win four games in row, beating Horsham Saints, Minyip-Murtoa, Dimboola and Stawell. It was that 67-point drubbing by the reigning premiers that was pivotal in the Tigers’ season.
“I think that was a turning point for us as a group,” McQueen said.
“We, as a coaching group, thought we just needed to knuckle down. We felt like we had a good six or seven weeks ahead of us that we knew we could find some form.
“We sat down and worked out what we needed to improve on and worked on that at training and that was definitely a pivotal moment in our season.”
McQueen, in his first season coaching, has had plenty of challenges this season – learning to juggle coaching while playing, as well as dealing with a bunch midseason.
“Halfway through the year, I reckon there was probably about five, six or seven blokes who were out injured, so it’s nice get ting them back now,” he said.
One of those players Nhill will welcome back is Matt Kennedy.
“He’s been really good down back for us this year and he’s had the last couple of weeks off, but he’ll be right to come in for finals,” McQueen said.
McQueen has been a welcomed return to the Wimmera league, and along with Liam Albrecht and Darcy Honeyman, have fea tured heavily in the Tigers’ best.
“Jarryd Dahlenburg has had a cracker year. He’s just improving every week, and then we’ve got a couple of young fellas – Con nor Jones, he’s been in and out of the side, but he’s been really good the last few weeks, which I’ve been quite impressed with,” McQueen said.
While focused on his side making it past week one of finals, McQueen tipped if his side were going to make the grand final, it would be against ladder leaders Southern Mallee Thunder.
“They’ve definitely been the hardest team for us both times we’ve played them, so it would be nice to go up against them again,” he said.
A favourite son who returned home to take the helm this season, McQueen has led from the front and guided his side into finals for the first time in a number of years. Lightly built, he inspires his teammates with his courage and skill, and will be one to watch if Nhill gets on a roll.
Ridding joined the club from the Adelaide Football League this season. The key forward oozes class and is extremely dangerous, whether the ball is in the air or on the ground. He will need to kick a bag of goals if Nhill is to win finals games.
Daniel Batson
Veteran Batson came back to the club after a stint at Jeparit-Rainbow. The man mountain has had a great season in the ruck and also hits the scoreboard when forward. If his form in the stoppages continues, the Nhill midfielders will have plenty of opportunities to send the ball into the attacking zone.
Deek Roberts
Roberts joined the club mid season. The former Horsham premiership coach will be leaned on heavily to provide leadership to the young playing group that is bereft of finals experience. Deadly on both sides of his body, Nhill relies on him to transition the ball from midfield to forward line with precision.
Coach: Jordyn Burke
Round 1: L. 11.4 (70) to Ararat 14.15 (99). Away.
Round 2: W. 10.15 (75) d Horsham Saints 8.6 (54). Home.
Round 3: L. 8.10 (58) to Minyip-Murtoa 10.14 (74). Away.
Round 4: L. 11.13 (79) to Dimboola 13.6 (84). Home.
Round 5: W. 11.14 (80) d Nhill 10.10 (70). Away.
Round 6: W. 9.19 (73) d Stawell 6.8 (44). Home. Round 7: Bye.
Round 8: W. 19.15 (129) d Warrack Eagles 10.11 (71). Away.
Round 9: L. 9.12 (66) d Southern Mallee Thunder 12.15 (87). Home.
Round 10: W. 11.13 (79) d Ararat 10.17 (77). Home.
Round 11: W. 13.12 (90) d Horsham Saints 6.12 (48). Away.
Round 12: L. 8.13 (61) to Minyip-Murtoa 16.10 (106). Home.
Round 13: W. 16.12 (108) d Dimboola 3.9 (27). Away.
Round 14: W. 16.9 (105) d Nhill 11.5 (71). Home.
Round 15: L. 10.5 (65) to Stawell 15.10 (100). Away.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: W. 19.18 (132) d Warrack Eagles 5.7 (37). Home.*
Round 18: L. 5.11 (41) to Southern Mallee Thunder 15.17 (107). Away.**
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 1311. Against: 1156. Points: 36. Percentage: 113.41.
Leading goal-kickers
Ryan Kemp 43, Jordon Motton 35, Matt Long 19, Hugo Papst 17, Jasper Gunn 12.
BY LAUREN HENRY
orsham Demons are hoping its improved form in the second half of season 2024 can carry into Wimmera league senior football finals.
The Demons’ topsy-turvy season has featured unexpected wins, against the likes of Stawell and Ararat, and included losses against teams they probably should have beaten, such as Dimboola.
But senior coach Jordyn Burke said the Demons biggest challenge this season was finding their best football with a team mix of new players and juniors progressing to senior footy.
“We’ve found a groove a little bit more and had some nice wins in there, but, our form has been fairly solid with some big wins, but we’ve also a tough loss or two – and ones that we’ve learnt
“And that’s the biggest thing I used to keep telling my boys –you’re not going to win them all, but I think as long as you learn from them, and are fixing those issues, you turn them into a good
Burke said looking back at the home-and-away season, with new additions to the side, it was ‘always going to take time to
“We’ve been inconsistent with results but overall with the effort, it’s been really consistent and that’s something that I’m super proud of – the boys the way they’re training week in, week out, and the way they’re presenting every game.
“We’ve had a couple of losses here and there, but that’s going to happen with young groups, so you’ve just got to keep perspective too – we’ve got a lot of young guys that are still developing.
“We’ve given ourselves now a chance to play some finals, which at the start of the year I would have taken that for
Burke said the 29-point win against Stawell in round six at Horsham City Oval stood out as important game to the Demons.
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“We’d had a couple of losses against some really good sides and just to get over that hump a little bit with the Stawell win was nice,” he said.
“Even Nhill, at Nhill, was a really good win by 10 points. They’re a really good side.
“And then the obvious one is Ararat, which just gives a little bit of belief for the boys, too.”
Burke said there had been plenty of positives to take out of the season – with highlights the form of their midfield led by Tyler Blake, Brody Pope and Ben Janetzki, forward Hugo Papst, recruit Ryan Kemp and ruckman Billy Carberry.
“Jack Dalziel at centre-half-back has really, really stepped up, which has been huge for us, which is great,” he said.
“The group of young boys who have come through out of juniors, they’ve all just kept stepping up every week. It’s been fantastic.
“Their second half of the year, you can see they’re really start ing to gain confidence.
“It’s a learning curve as you’re doing it every game, and each game now you can see, it’s really good to watch – overall that’s why I took the job on, for those young boys, but the rest of the result has been an added bonus.”
Burke said the Demons would focus week-by-week in the finals as they have done all year.
“It’s a tricky spot because everyone knows you’re going to be playing finals ... but it’s making sure that we know exactly what our challenge is,” he said.
“I think every year and any time I’ve ever approached finals is literally one week at a time because for us it’s going to be do or die.”
Horsham will play Nhill in an elimination final at Central Park, Stawell, on Sunday.
Kemp returned to the Demons this year after VFL and WAFL stints during the past five years. He is an extremely smart forward who loves to push up the ground to give options and has been hitting his straps in front of goal in the past month.
A new recruit for the Demons this season, Papst is extremely versatile and the ‘Mister Fix-it’ of the side. He started the season in the defensive 50 before becoming a hard-working midfielder – the further the season has gone the more dangerous he has
Brody Pope
Pope accumulates possession at will around the stoppages. His kicking can let him down at times, but his ability to win the hard football is second to none. He rarely plays a bad game and Horsham will need that to continue if they are to progress in the finals.
Billy Carberry
Carberry plays as an undersized ruckman but uses his body superbly to get the ball to the advantage of his small men around his feet. Carberry has the ability to play forward or back if required and can take pack marks and kick long goals.
Coach: Tom Eckel
Round 1: W. 14.18 (102) d Horsham Saints 8.10 (58). Away.
Round 2: W. 15.15 (105) d Minyip-Murtoa 2.7 (19). Home.
Round 3: W. 12.10 (82) d Dimboola 11.11 (77). Away.
Round 4: W. 12.11 (83) d Nhill 9.8 (62). Home.
Round 5: Bye.
Round 6: L. 6.8 (44) to Horsham 9.19 (73). Away.
Round 7: W. 14.18 (102) d Warrack Eagles 4.6 (30). Home.
Round 8: L. 4.10 (34) to Southern Mallee Thunder 7.15 (57). Away.
Round 9: W. 10.17 (77) d Ararat 8.15 (63). Home.
Round 10: W. 9.14 (68) d Horsham Saints 10.4 (64). Home.
Round 11: W. 10.7 (67) d Minyip-Murtoa 7.15 (57). Away.
Round 12: W. 13.15 (93) d Dimboola 5.8 (38). Home.
Round 13: L. 4.8 (32) to Nhill 6.8 (44). Away.** Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: W. 15.10 (100) d Horsham 10.5 (65). Home.
Round 16: W. 24.12 (156) d Warrack Eagles 7.5 (47). Away.*
Round 17: L. 7.3 (45) to Southern Mallee Thunder 15.16 (106). Home.
Round 18: L. 10.10 (70) to Ararat 15.15 (105). Away.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1260. Against: 965. Points: 44. Percentage: 130.57.
Leading goal-kickers
Cody Driscoll 54, Ash Driscoll 23, Jack Walker 11, James Sullivan 11, Tom Eckel 10.
BY LAUREN HENRY
ast your mind back to April – a Good Friday win over reigning premiers Ararat was the catalyst for a five-game winning streak for Stawell.
The greatest start in years for the Warriors, capped off by the club’s 150th year celebrations, and suddenly everyone was talking about Stawell breaking its 24-year premiership drought.
It was a dream start for Stawell senior coach Tom Eckel, who will step down as Warriors coach at the end of 2024.
Finishing in the top three was always the Warriors’ aim in 2024, and they have consistently maintained that position along with Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat all season.
Eckel said with a top three finish now achieved, Stawell was aiming for a grand final berth.
“That’s our goal – to get there. It’s been bloody too long for our footy club to make one,” he said.
“The goal is to work hard, to try and reach the grand final and then anything can happen from there.”
Eckel said Stawell’s season had panned out well – with highlights the wins against Ararat on Good Friday, MinyipMurtoa in front of a huge crowd for the club’s 150th anniversary, and then a five-point win over Dimboola when fielding an undermanned side, which instilled a lot of belief into the players.
“We started off really well and we didn’t really buy into some people getting a bit excited about what the possibility is after about three weeks in,” he said.
“We knew that during the middle part of the year we were going to have some guys missing, away on holidays and honeymoons, so we knew it was going to be a tough stretch.
“We actually pushed through that pretty well, dropped a couple of games, which we probably didn’t want to, but that’s just the season this year. It’s really even and anyone can really win it in the top five.”
Health choices can be like that.
What’s Chiropractic got to do with football?
When there is pain, some people just take medication or wait for it to go away. That’s like playing only defence. It’s a low scoring game.
Chiropractic is designed to move the vertebrate and get the nervous system responding to all states of play.
Chiropractic keeps you moving so the rest of your body can work better.
Eckel, the reigning Toohey medallist, has again been a standout for the Warriors, featuring in the best in 11 of Stawell’s 16 games this season, but he’s also had quality players in Josh Fowkes and full forward Cody Driscoll, who finished runner-up in the league goal-kicking on 54 goals for the home and away season, in support.
Reliable Warriors Jackson Dark and Sean Mantell have also had consistent seasons.
But after dropping the past two games to Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat, Eckel is hoping his side can get back in form for finals – starting with rectifying two poor starts in the past fortnight.
The Warriors will play in a qualifying final against Ararat – for the second week in a row.
Prior to Saturday’s 35-point loss, it had been four months since the Warriors had played Ararat due to the round nine match being played on Good Friday.
“It was good to play them last week because now we know what we are up against – it has been such a long time and the teams have changed a fair bit and momentum swings during the season,” Eckel said.
If the Warriors can win on Saturday, they will progress through to a second semifinal against Southern Mallee Thunder – who Eckel sees as their toughest opponent for the flag.
“They’re just all men across all lines – they’ve got no boys playing for them,” he said.
“Ararat has done a great job considering how many injuries they’ve had all year –they just keep winning, but at the moment, in my opinion, the team to beat will be Southern Mallee.”
Tom Eckel
Eckel is a reigning Toohey Medallist who has an insatiable appetite for the football. He runs hard all day and rarely plays a bad game. He often provides inspirational moments for his team-mates. If Stawell is going to go deep into the finals series, Eckel will need to be at his brilliant best.
Joining the Warriors from Navarre this season, the blonde ruckman has impressed. He is good in the air and when the ball hits the ground, he has become another midfielder. He is extremely versatile and can play in other key positions if required.
A tough, in-and-under player, Mantell rarely loses his feet and is a good user of the football. He has had his most consistent year for a number of seasons. He enjoys the game tough and physical, so expect him to relish the finals stage.
Mitch Taylor
The cool-as-a-cucumber defender gives plenty of run from the back half. New to the club this season, Taylor has made an immediate impact with his ability to read the ball and use it effectively when in possession. Coming down from Darwin, he has only played seven games this season but is a key to the Warriors’ success.
Coaches: Tom Mills and Tom Williamson
Round 1: W. 14.15 (99) d Horsham 11.4 (70). Home.
Round 2: W. 28.24 (192) d Warrack Eagles 5.5 (35). Away.
Round 3: W. 14.9 (93) d Southern Mallee Thunder 12.6 (78). Home.
Round 4: Bye.
Round 5: W. 23.17 (155) d Horsham Saints 7.8 (50). Away.
Round 6: W. 11.15 (81) d Minyip-Murtoa 9.9 (63). Home.
Round 7: W. 16.14 (110) d Dimboola 10.9 (69). Away.
Round 8: W. 17.13 (115) d Nhill 7.6 (48). Home.
Round 9: L. 8.15 (63) to Stawell 10.17 (77). Away.
Round 10: L. 10.17 (77) to Horsham 11.13 (79). Away.
Round 11: W. 24.16 (160) d Warrack Eagles 6.3 (39). Home.
Round 12: W. 16.6 (102) d Southern Mallee Thunder 8.7 (55). Away.
Round 13: Bye.
Round 14: W. 6.14 (50) d Horsham Saints 3.9 (27). Home.
Round 15: W. 19.16 (130) d Minyip-Murtoa 10.3 (63). Away.
Round 16: W. 23.17 (155) d Dimboola 5.5 (35). Home. Round 17: 9.16 (70) drew with Nhill 10.10 (70). Away.
Round 18: W. 15.15 (105) d Stawell 10.10 (70). Home.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 13. Lost: 2. For: 1757. Against: 928. Points: 54. Percentage: 189.33.
Leading goal-kickers
Tom Williamson 57, Jack Ganley 29, Tom Mills 27.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
rarat has made no secret of its goal to win back-toback Wimmera league premierships.
After winning its first flag in 22 years, the Rats are keen to continue tasting success.
But the competition has evened up this season, and unlike last year, Ararat has lost home-and-away games – to Stawell and Horsham – then drew with Nhill late in the season.
Ararat co-coach Tom Mills said winning the flag again this season was ‘definitely the goal’.
“We identified pretty early that our team is not a whole lot different to last year, and then getting Ben Taylor a few games in, that helped a lot,” he said.
Mills listed Stawell, Southern Mallee Thunder, and Horsham as the Rats’ top challengers in the finals race.
“I think we’re going to have to be on our game every week if we want to win it. I don’t think out of the four other teams, anyone’s really a standout,” he said.
The Rats have been hit hard by injuries in 2024, prompting Mills and co-coach Tom Williamson to select unexpected debutants.
“Realistically, when you look at our wins and losses, our season has been pretty good,” Mills said.
“We’ve had probably five or six blokes play their first games, who we didn’t think were going to play seniors, but it turned out to be a good thing – to give them some experience – and we’re not relying on the same people all the time. That’s been a positive out of a negative.”
Most games, the Rats field a team brimming with footballers who are one-point players under the player point system, which means they have progressed through the junior ranks of Ararat and stayed at their home club.
“It’s been like that for the past couple of years, so it’s just to maintain it – it’s been really good for us,” Mills said.
“It’s pleasing to see young kids come in and do their job and get some experience.
“That loss to Horsham sort of smartened us up a bit too.”
Mills and Williamson are among those ‘one-pointers’ despite their extensive football experience at AFL and VFL level.
The pair have grown up at Ararat and returned home to play in last year’s premiership, then take on the role of senior coaches –which they have signed on to continue next season.
“It’s going well, it’s a lot easier when you’ve known a lot of these people for a long time, so your relationship is pretty rock solid,” Mills said.
Williamson has continued on with his good form from last season to lead the league’s goal kicking, while also playing a key midfielder role.
Ruckman Cody Lindsay has excelled in the ruck and while he’s missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, Mills expects him to return for finals.
Other important pieces in the Rats’ jigsaw puzzle are Jack Gangley, Ben Taylor and Baydn Cosgriff, and if they can perform well in finals, there is every chance Ararat will win back-to-back flags.
Mills said a particular game that stood out in the Rats’ season was the win over Southern Mallee Thunder in round three.
“I think we only had one player on the bench for the second half, and it was just a tough win,” he said.
“I think that sort of gave everyone a bit of a belief, once that happens, and it sets you up for the season when you play a good game like that.”
An unexpected two-point loss to Horsham in round 10 stopped a seven-game winning streak for Ararat, but could have been a blessing in disguise.
Tom Williamson
Arguably the best player in the competition, he has become more dangerous this year as he moves between midfield and forward. The first-year joint coach loves the big stage and will be pivotal to back-to-back flags for the Rats.
Cody Lindsay
Lindsay is a big ruckman who has missed a number of games coming into finals. He is possibly the most important player for Ararat and if he gets first hands to the football in the middle, Ararat will be
Mills is a key forward who has been another player hit by injury, but the former VFL footballer is dangerous in the front half. A beautiful mark and long kick, he will be primed in his first year as a joint coach to have a big impact on the finals.
Ben Taylor
Taylor started the season in Queensland before returning home to Ararat to become a vital part in the breathtaking midfield. He works extremely hard defensively and can break the lines and bring other players into the game with his
Coach: Kieran Delahunty
Round 1: W. 25.11 (161) d Warrack Eagles 5.2 (32). Home.*
Round 2: Bye.
Round 3: L. 12.6 (78) to Ararat 14.9 (93). Away.
Round 4: W. 9.14 (68) d Horsham Saints 3.9 (27). Home.
Round 5: W. 21.20 (146) d Minyip-Murtoa 6.10 (46). Away.
Round 6: W. 22.15 (147) d Dimboola 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 7: W. 14.13 (97) d Nhill 7.10 (52). Away.
Round 8: W. 7.15 (57) d Stawell 4.10 (34). Home.
Round 9: W. 12.15 (87) d Horsham 9.12 (66). Away.
Round 10: W. 18.12 (120) d Warrack Eagles 3.5 (23). Away.
Round 11: Bye.
Round 12: L. 8.7 (55) to Ararat 16.6 (102). Home.**
Round 13: W. 11.15 (81) d Horsham Saints 5.6 (39). Away.
Round 14: W. 9.13 (67) d Minyip-Murtoa 6.7 (43). Home.
Round 15: W. 23.10 (148) d Dimboola 6.10 (46). Away.
Round 16: W. 14.17 (101) d Nhill 8.5 (53). Home.
Round 17: W. 15.16 (106) d Stawell 7.3 (45). Away. Round 18: W. 15.17 (107) d Horsham 5.11 (41). Home.
*Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Total: Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 1626. Against: 782. Points: 56. Percentage: 207.93.
Leading goal-kickers
Brad Lowe 31, Tom Clarke 29, Coleman Schache 20, Kieran Delahunty 17, Liam Nelson 17.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
Atop-of-the-table finish in the Wimmera league for a senior team in its first year as a merged club has been quite a feat for Southern Mallee Thunder.
But the journey is not over yet for the club in its inau-
A 14-2 win-loss record is an impressive result for the home-andaway season, but one team has stood in the Thunder’s way – the reigning premier, Ararat.
The Southern Mallee Giants, who merged with Horsham District league club Jeparit-Rainbow in the off-season to form the Thunder, lost last year’s grand final to Ararat.
But the Thunder is hoping this year is different.
With home games, training sessions and functions hosted across all their home grounds – Rainbow, Jeparit, Beulah and Hopetoun – the logistics alone have presented challenges that not a lot of
But coach Kieran Delahunty and his senior football leadership team have taken it all in their stride.
“It was good to bank wins early on, particularly when we were a new club coming together and still trying to find out where everyone plays their best footy, but overall it’s been a successful home-and-away season,” Delahunty said.
“As a club that’s come together, there’s a lot of new faces, a lot of new names, and there’s been a lot of change.
“But it’s been a success, and I think everyone’s enjoying their footy, and hopefully we can go deep into September.”
As well as the usual suspects such as Coleman Schache, Billy Lloyd, Liam Nelson, Jackson Fisher and Sam White, Delahunty said there had been several other players who were equally as
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“I think there’s also been some unsung heroes like Zach Rob bins who has played roles for us at both ends,” he said.
“There’s been a number of guys that have really stood up, but I think that probably the most satisfying thing is it’s been more of a complete team performance this year. We haven’t relied on one or two to win us a game.”
Delahunty said the Thunder would welcome back forward Brad Lowe, their leading goal-kicker this season with 31 goals, for finals after he had been missing since round 10 when he suffered a hamstring injury.
“Tommy Clark’s kicked quite a few goals as a small forward, and resting midfielders have kicked goals, as well as Jake Garvey, he’s been a bit more of a focal point, and even Peter Weir has come into the side and played his role, so there’s plenty of op tions,” he said.
“Obviously we’d prefer Brad to be playing, but the good thing is other guys get opportunities to showcase their talent.”
Delahunty, a three-time Toohey medallist who is in super form in the ruck for the Thunder, said his side had started to hit its straps in the past few weeks, playing consistent football leading into the finals series.
“All the other four teams have shown they can play really good footy and I think it’ll be a cracking final series, whoever we come up against,” he said.
“Obviously Ararat has beaten us twice this year and played some good footy.
“I think during patches in all the games – Stawell, Horsham and Nhill – they’ve certainly challenged us in different areas and different strengths they bring to the table.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty even final series.”
Southern Mallee Thunder will play against the winner of Ararat and Stawell in a second semi-final in week two of finals, at War racknabeal.
A three-time Toohey Medallist, Delahunty has been in scintillating form leading into finals. He is extremely fit and can ruck all day. He often gives his on-ballers first use of the ball and is also dangerous around the goal front.
Lloyd is the extractor who does a lot of heavy work in and under the contest. He is often feeding it out to his outside runners to set up attacking thrusts. Ball in hand, his foot skills are exquisite and rarely does he lower his colors.
A new role this year for the silky skilled left-footer, Schache moves between midfield and the forward half rather than the defensive half and has been hitting the scoreboard. He is extremely hard to match up on as he is good in the air and on the ground.
Nelson is a silky skilled midfielder who punishes the opposition with ball in hand, one of a plethora of midfielders who is willing to sacrifice his game for the betterment of the team but can become very dangerous offensively if not paid the respect he deserves.
Coach: Jemma Clarkson
Round 1: L. 39 to Horsham Saints 84. Away.
Round 2: W. 48 d Minyip-Murtoa 43. Home.
Round 3: L. 42 to Dimboola 47. Away.
Round 4: L. 38 to Nhill 50. Home.
Round 5: Bye.
Round 6: L. 43 to Horsham 78. Away.
Round 7: W. 52 d Warrack Eagles 34. Home.
Round 8: L. 43 to Southern Mallee Thunder 62. Away.
Round 9: W. 59 d Ararat 33. Home.
Round 10: L. 45 to Horsham Saints 54. Home.
Round 11: W. 58 d Minyip-Murtoa 48. Away.
Round 12: W. 54 d Dimboola 53. Home.
Round 13: L. 34 to Nhill 39. Away.**
Round 14: Bye.
Round 15: L. 38 to Horsham 60. Home.
Round 16: W. 44 d Warrack Eagles 35. Away.
Round 17: W. 51 d Southern Mallee Thunder 47. Hom
Round 18: W. 63 d Ararat 41. Away.*
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 8. Lost: 8. For: 751. Against: 808. Points: 32. Percentage: 92.95.
Ayva Mitchell
While still playing in Stawell’s 15 and under team, Mitchell has become a focal point in the goal circle. The young gun, who has shot 277 goals in A Grade this year, will be one to watch now and in the future.
Madi Taylor
Stawell’s utility who can play in the centre or wing attack, or in goals. The versatile netballer is hard at the ball in attack but also has a strong defensive game. Watch on as she puts in 100 per cent.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
n her own words, Stawell A Grade netball coach Jemma Clarkson believes the Warriors have had an ‘up and down’ season, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Clarkson and the Warriors did not officially punch their finals ticket until they defeated Ararat at the weekend, but now the team is in, Clarkson cannot wait to get stuck in.
“I think the league has had a great season in that it’s been really close,” she said.
“We were pushing for finals, as were MinyipMurtoa and Southern Mallee Thunder.
“It was really great to see it come down to the wire – that’s how it should be, with people jostling for those finals positions until the very end.”
While acknowledging Horsham and Horsham Saints as two clear standout teams in this year’s competition, she said her side would push as deep into the finals as it could.
“To get to the grand final would be amazing, but to get through to the semi-finals or a prelim would be a real achievement for our team,” she said.
“We definitely have the strength to win those first few finals, and then from there, as they say, finals is anyone’s game and you never know what’s going to happen.”
Clarkson said she had enjoyed watching the development of Stawell’s younger players this season, as well as their growing camaraderie.
“We have Ayva Mitchell playing in our A Grade side and she’s only 15. She plays in our 15-and-under side as well and we really
wanted to encourage her netball and increase her court time as the season went on,” Clarkson said.
“She had probably one of the best games she’s had for the season in round 17 – she shot 36 goals and she’s really embraced her senior role.
“Introducing some of our juniors to the senior netball scene has been a real highlight, as well as the positivity on court from the girls.
“They’re very encouraging of each other, everyone is out there playing for the team, and that’s what we really strive for at Stawell – everyone is playing as a club and working together well.”
Along with the development of junior players like Mitchell, the Warriors have also enjoyed the return of Madi Taylor, who missed last season with university commitments.
“As the season has gone on she has shown huge improvement,” Clarkson said.
“We convinced her to pull the netball runners back on at the start of the season and every week she’s gotten better and better.
“Watch out for her in finals, because she’s ultracompetitive and loves to win.
“She’s got great hands and reads the ball beautifully.”
Lisa Considine will be another player for Stawell to rely on in the finals, anchoring the Warriors’ defensive end.
Stawell will play a home elimination final against Nhill on Sunday, with the Tigers having beaten the Warriors by 12 goals in their first encounter before a closer five-goal win in round 13.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Two years after Nhill and District Sporting Club was unable to field an A Grade netball team, the Tigers have unequivocally re-established themselves in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
It was a successful return to top-tier netball for Nhill last season, with the team reaching finals. Now the next step is to win one.
The Tigers will return to post-season action once again on the strength of a season that saw them finish with nine wins, six losses and a draw.
Had Nhill scored one more goal in its draw against Dimboola in round 11, the Tigers would have finished third and would be preparing for a qualifying final against two-time reigning premier Horsham Saints.
Instead, they will play a cut-throat elimination final against Stawell at Central Park.
The good news for Nhill supporters is that the Tigers have beaten the Warriors in each of their two encounters this season.
Round four saw Nhill post a 12-goal win, while a closer rematch in round 13 saw the Tigers prevail by five goals.
But Nhill A Grade coach Emma Hawker is under no illusions that earning a finals win will be simple for her side.
She said the team had been building towards the finals, and was ready to play its best netball in Sunday’s elimination final.
“We’ve worked hard all year to bring together the pieces we’ve been building, and it’s been rewarding to see that starting to pay off,” she said.
“The team is feeling confident and excited heading into the fi nals.”
Important for Nhill in the finals will be players such as co-captain and defensive anchor Larnie Hobbs, midcourter Ellen Bennett and Ruby James, who had a strong back half of the season to finish as Nhill’s leading goal scorer.
While Hawker acknowledged teams such as the Saints and minor premier Horsham deservedly entered the finals as premiership frontrunners, she believed her side was more than capable of challenging them if it played to its potential.
“The aim for every team coming into finals is to take away the premiership, and we are no different,” she said.
“It really comes down to who is putting their best foot forward and playing the best team game when it matters most.
“This season has seen an increase in competitiveness across the board, so we’re expecting a tough and exciting finals se ries.
“There are a few teams that have been strong all year, and they’ll definitely be challenging, but we’re focused on bringing our best and seeing where that takes us.”
Coach: Emma Hawker
W. 53 d Minyip-Murtoa 36. Away. L. 26 to Dimboola 44. Home.**
W. 50 d Stawell 38. Away. L. 30 to Horsham 74. Home. W. 46 d Warrack Eagles 36. Away. W. 46 d Southern Mallee Thunder 38. Home. W. 53 d Ararat 47. Away. L. 47 to Horsham Saints 59. Home. W. 58 d Minyip-Murtoa 45. Home. 49 drew with Dimboola 49. Away.
W. 39 d Stawell 34. Home. L. 37 to Horsham 55. Away. W. 63 d Warrack Eagles 34. Home. L. 49 to Southern Mallee Thunder 60. Away. W. 65 d Ararat 30. Home.* Horsham Saints 82. Away.
* Highest score ** Lowest score Won: 9. Lost: 6. D. 1. For: 756. Against: 761. Points: 38. Percentage: 99.34.
Playing in the centre, Bennett is not only a fierce competitor but brings stability to the Tigers with her on court leadership. A very handy pickup after crossing from Kaniva-Leeor United last year, Bennett will feature heavily in the finals
Coach: Ash Morrish
Round 1: Bye.
Round 2: W. 44 d Nhill 26. Away.
Round 3: W. 47 d Stawell 42. Home.
Round 4: L. 39 to Horsham 57. Away.
Round 5: W. 65 d Warrack Eagles 27. Home.*
Round 6: W. 55 d Southern Mallee Thunder 51. Away.
Round 7: W. 59 d Ararat 31. Home.
Round 8: L. 37 to Horsham Saints 70. Away.
Round 9: W. 54 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Home.
Round 10: Bye.
Round 11: 49 drew with Nhill 49. Home.
Round 12: L. 53 to Stawell 54. Away.
Round 13: L. 34 to Horsham 43. Home.**
Round 14: W. 49 d Warrack Eagles 26. Away.
Round 15: L. 49 to Southern Mallee Thunder 60. Home.
Round 16: W. 57 d Ararat 47. Away.
Round 17: L. 46 to Horsham Saints 77. Home.
Round 18: W. 56 d Minyip-Murtoa 54. Away.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 9. Lost: 6. D. 1. For: 793. Against: 756. Points: 38. Percentage: 104.89.
Nicole Polycarpou
With 407 goals to her name this season, Polycarpou is one of the top shooters in the league. She has been a consistent force in Dimboola’s side in 2024, and always troubles opposition defenders.
Indy Ward
Another young gun to keep an eye on now and into the future, the defender has stood out when she gets game time in the Roos A Grade. Ward is a key player in Dimboola’s 17 and under team and will make the most of A Grade final court time.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
After a home-and-away season in which Horsham and Horsham Saints dominated proceedings, Dimboola is hoping it can be the Wimmera A Grade netball competition’s finals dark horse.
The Roos finished third on the ladder with nine wins, six losses and a draw, and were the only team other than the Horsham-based powerhouses to finish with a percentage above 100.
And while Dimboola was winless against the top two sides in the home-and-away season, coach Ash Morrish said there were encouraging passages of play.
“At the start of the season I thought the two Horsham sides would be well out in front, which they are to an extent, but it’s proved to be a bit more even of a competition, which is good,” she said.
“The first time we played the Saints we matched them in the first quarter, so I think that was a highlight for us.
“The last time we played the Demons we came back at them and got within six in the last quarter.
“I think that proves to the girls that we can do it and be up there with them.”
Morrish believes positional versatility will give the Roos a boost in the finals.
The team features the dangerous Nicole Polycarpou in goals, but it was younger players such as Maddison Marra, Bridget Dorrington, Steph Glover and Indy Ward that Morrish said would need to elevate their games to propel
Dimboola deep into the finals. “I’m keen to watch our newer players in the finals. The likes of Steph, Bridge and Maddie. It’ll be interest ing to see how they go in the she said.
“It should be a good learning experience for them.
“We’re very versatile. We’ve got heaps of different combinations, so it’s about trying to match up on our opponents and working out what’s the best combo.”
A qualifying final against the Saints looms on Saturday, and with two losses by more than 30 goals to the two-time reigning premiers this season, Morrish knows her team will be a heavy underdog.
But she said her players could use successful patches against the top teams as a roadmap towards an upset win.
“I guess to challenge Horsham and Horsham Saints it’s about shutting down some of their key players,” she said.
“For the Saints, we’ll look at trying to shut down Jorja Clode a bit, if that’s even possible.
“We’ll try to quieten down a few of their other key players as much as we can. We want to take their game away from them.”
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acGILLIVRAY
s the 2024 Wimmera Football Netball League finals commence, Horsham Saints know they stand on the precipice of a special achievement – three consecutive A Grade netball premierships.
Whether that knowledge is a blessing or a curse is difficult to say.
“I think three in a row is always something that’s going to be hanging over us and motivating us,” coach Jess Cannane said.
“We know that’s no easy feat to do. In games this season we’ve had really good wins and been able to play our game for the majority of the time, but finals are a different kettle of fish.
“It would be something pretty special, particularly because we’ve got a group of five or six players who have played for all of those finals and have
“It would be great for them to be rewarded for all the hard work they’ve done with more success.”
The Saints stand an excellent chance of challenging for a third successive premiership, having finished second on the ladder with 15 wins and only one loss. That loss came courtesy of Horsham Demons, who the Saints have narrowly defeated in each of the past two grand finals.
Cannane said the two meetings between the sides this season – the first of which the Saints won 65-48 and the second of which the Demons won 56-43 –were played at a high standard.
“When we come up against Horsham it’s always a really good opportunity for us to see where we’re sitting,” she said.
“The first time we played them on Anzac Day it was really nice to be able to get a good, solid win against them, because it’s something we probably haven’t done on an Anzac Day for quite some time.”
Cannane also described the Saints’ 92-40 win against Ararat in round 14 as a season highlight.
“That game was the return of Jorja Clode, and she came back after five weeks out with injury and shot about 70 goals,” she said.
In addition to Clode, Cannane said she was thrilled to see the development of several other youngsters.
“We’ve got four 17-and-under players who feature quite heavily in A Grade,” she said.
“Their development and the way they go about their netball is something that’s really pleasing, not only from a coaching point of view but also with regards to the future of our club.
“We’ve seen Maddison Bethune grow from strength to strength. She’s one of those 17-andunder players who has really stepped into her A Grade role and is playing really big minutes.
“She’s continued to improve since round one, so I’m really excited to see what she can do in a finals series.”
The Saints will kick off their finals campaign with a qualifying final against Dimboola this weekend.
The two previous meetings between the sides this season resulted in Horsham Saints victories by 33 and 31-goal margins.
Coach: Jess Cannane
Round 1: W. 84 d Stawell 39. Home.
Round 2: W. 65 d Horsham 48. Away.
Round 3: W. 68 d Warrack Eagles 32. Home.
Round 4: W. 59 d Southern Mallee Thunder 29. Away.
Round 5: W. 75 d Ararat 37. Home.
Round 6: Bye.
Round 7: W. 67 d Minyip-Murtoa 46. Away.
Round 8: W. 70 d Dimboola 37. Home.
Round 9: W. 59 d Nhill 47. Away.
Round 10: W. 54 d Stawell 45. Away.
Round 11: L. 43 to Horsham 56. Home.**
Round 12: W. 55 d Warrack Eagles 23. Away.
Round 13: W. 67 d Southern Mallee Thunder 41. Home.
Round 14: W. 92 d Ararat 40. Away*
Round 15: Bye.
Round 16: W. 78 d Minyip-Murtoa 42. Home.
Round 17: W. 77 d Dimboola 46. Away.
Round 18: W. 82 d Nhill 45. Home.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 1095. Against: 653. Points: 60. Percentage: 167.69.
Jorja Clode
Despite missing a few games through injury, the young Saints star still leads the league’s goal-shooting award. A tall target for the Saints, Clode, still playing 17 and under, is destined for higher levels of netball in her future.
Ash Grace
The Saints stalwart is captain consistency as she leads her top-class team to finals again. The former A Grade coach has the netball smarts to really influence finals games.
Coach: Ebonie Salter
Round 1: W. 59 d Ararat 34. Away.
Round 2: L. 48 to Horsham Saints 65. Home.
Round 3: W. 60 d Minyip-Murtoa 35. Away.
Round 4: W. 57 d Dimboola 39. Home.
Round 5: W. 74 d Nhill 30. Away.
Round 6: W. 78 d Stawell 43. Home.
Round 7: Bye.
Round 8: W. 47 d Warrack Eagles 23. Away.
Round 9: W. 71 d Southern Mallee Thunder 41. Home.
Round 10: W. 82 d Ararat 21. Home.*
Round 11: W. 56 d Horsham Saints 43. Away.
Round 12: W. 71 d Minyip-Murtoa 34. Home.
Round 13: W. 43 d Dimboola 34. Away.**
Round 14: W. 55 d Nhill 37. Home.
Round 15: W. 60 d Stawell 38. Away.
Round 16: Bye.
Round 17: W. 75 d Warrack Eagles 23. Home.
Round 18: W. 54 d Southern Mallee Thunder 42. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 990. Against: 582. Points: 60. Percentage: 170.10.
Georgie Carberry
Whether playing wing attack or centre, or thrown into goals, Carberry consistently plays at a high standard. The captain and former league best and fairest has been an important part of the Demons’ A Grade for several seasons.
Keely Pope
Mostly playing wing defence, Pope has had a great season. An important piece of the puzzle, she provides great connection between the defensive end and midcourt.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
HorshamFootball Netball Club plays under the moniker Demons, but the club’s A Grade netball side has some demons of its own to exorcise as it enters the 2024 finals.
Horsham has an enviable record of success and consistency, qualifying for each of the past four Wimmera league A Grade grand finals. The only problem is it has lost each of them.
The past two grand finals have featured the Demons against Horsham Saints, with the Saints winning both encounters narrowly.
As both sides enter the finals with impressive 15-1 records, the possibility of a third straight grand final meeting looms over the competition.
But for Horsham player and netball director Romi Miller, the past will not play a factor in this season’s proceedings.
“We’re just focused on each game as it comes and trying to put our best netball on the court,” she said.
“I think previous finals losses are something you put to the side.
“Every year we’ve had a new group, so we haven’t really been playing with the same group of girls each season.”
Miller said while Horsham drew plenty of confidence from its most recent meeting with the Saints – a 56-43 win – the team would not underestimate any opponent in the finals.
“We’ve played a lot of teams where possibly the scores haven’t reflected the intensity of the game,” she said.
“It’s quite a physical season this year and all the teams are quite strong. It’s been a competitive season.”
Leading the charge for Horsham in the finals will be players such as Georgie Carberry – a popular tip for this season’s Hatcher Medal, who plays primarily in the midcourt but possesses the versatility to line up as a goalie.
Miller said she hoped starting goal ies Imogen Worthy and Georgia Batson would carry their recent strong form into the finals.
“Tahlia Thompson in the centre court has also had a really good season, and she’ll be influential in our finals series too,” Miller said.
Horsham’s narrow percentage advantage over the Saints gave the Demons the minor premiership and a first-week bye in the finals.
They will play the winner of this weekend’s qualifying final between Saints and Dimboola, with a spot in the grand final up for grabs.
But Miller said regardless of the stakes, the Demons were determined to enjoy themselves in the finals.
“We’ve built a good bond on the court. We’re playing as a team and we’ve got each other’s backs, so I don’t think the last two years are on our mind at all – we’re just focused on this season and the game ahead of us,” she said.
“We’re really proud of all our senior grades and where they’ve gotten to.
“Hopefully we get some nice weather and we can put some good games together.”
Proudly supporting grassroots football, netball and umpiring throughout the region with our partnerships
Travel safely as you, your team-mates and supporters travel to-and-from your games Congratulations to all who have participated in 2024. Best wishes to all still participating in finals action.
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the delayed shutdown date of the 3G network, now set for October 28.
Telstra and Optus have launched a public safety awareness campaign to make sure people take action ahead of the shutdown.
It is the second extension by Telstra in regards to the closure of the 3G network.
National Farmers Federation, NFF, president David Jochinke said while people now had time to prepare, it was important they did not leave it to the last minute.
“This is not the time to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks,” he said.
Beyond mobile phones, the NFF urged rural Australians to think about what other technologies might be using the 3G network, including ag tech such as livestock and dog trackers, weather stations, soil moisture probes, yield monitors and variable rate technology.
There are also security cameras, EFTPOS machines, medical monitors, 3G landlines, repeaters, antennas and electronic road signs.
“We can’t keep prolonging the inevitable. Let’s use this time wisely and then start focusing on how we move forward and address the systemic issues facing rural connectivity.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said she had called for Telstra and Optus to delay the 3G shutdown for the past four months because residents across her electorate were ‘stressed about not being able use health alert devices or farm technology that was 3Gdependent’.
“The elderly, farmers, motorists and communities need a guarantee that services will continue,” she said.
“As the Coalition has been highlighting for months, the government was too slow to act on the warning signs, and significant responsibility for the delay lies with the Communications Minister.”
Dr Webster said an IT expert told a Senate inquiry into the 3G shutdown that he wrote to the Communications Minister in June last year to warn about risks of 4G phones being unable to call triple zero. Optus was also highlighting
“If you don’t know whether your device runs on the 3G network, you must contact the manufacturer to find out. Make sure this is on the top of your priority list,” Mr Jochinke said.
problems to the government in July.
“The Senate inquiry report recommended the Communications Minister use her powers, if guarantees are not given of continuity of service for current 3G reliant devices, to force those guarantees to be given,” Dr Webster said.
“The question remains, will the minister use her powers and show strength so that regional Australians are not abandoned yet again by the Labor government? Why have they taken so long to act?”
National Rural Health Alliance
chief executive Susi Tegen also welcomed the news for rural, regional and remote communities as it gives more opportunity to ensure their health and wellbeing is not compromised.
“This is an acknowledgment that the voice of the seven-million people in rural, regional and remote Australia has been listened to, allowing more preparation and support where needed, in time for the changeover,” she said.
“While we welcome the decision to delay the shutdown, we urge the telecommunications industry to use this extra time to work with the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, to ensure those without coverage are supported financially as well as from a digital literacy perspective.”
BCG’s Main Field Day, set to take place at Nullawil, north east of Birchip, on September 11, will showcase the latest advancements in pulse agronomy.
Leading experts, BCG research and extension officer Kelly Angel, Audrey Delahunty from Agriculture Victoria, Stuart Nagle from South Australian Research and Development Institute, and Jason Brand from Frontier Farming Systems, will present breakthroughs in pulse variety selection, disease management, and end-use strategies to enhance the role of pulses in farming systems.
A highlight of the day will be the pulse super session, where experts will discuss new vetch varieties entering the market. BCG is currently investigating the per-
formance of existing pulse varieties while also offering an exclusive preview of soon-to-be-released varieties.
With both vetch and pulse experts on hand, growers will have the opportunity to ask pressing questions about the management of these crops.
BCG’s Main Field Day offers the latest in local agronomic research to farmers, agronomists, and advisors.
In addition to pulse agronomy, the event will cover new cereal varieties, canola establishment, long coleoptile wheat, and disease management in wheat and barley. People can visit the BCG website, bcg. org.au/events for more information and to purchase tickets.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Longerenong College has re-
ceived the donation of a worldclass chemical handling system for sprayers, from Burando Hill, an Australian distributor of agricultural farm equipment, parts and machinery.
Burando Hill Wangaratta manager Andrew Way said the donation of a Handler III was initiated by a former Longerenong College student.
“I’ve a nephew who graduated from Longy, and I mentioned to him that I’d like to get in front of the schools and be able to promote the safety of what Burando Hill is about,” he said.
“He told me the best thing to do would be to donate them a handler.
“I said get me a contact and I’ll get it started.”
The equipment addresses one of the biggest challenges in agricultural spraying – safely loading, mixing, and transferring crop protection products to the sprayer in as little time as possible, while minimising contact with the product.
The Handler III will provide an invaluable resource for Longerenong College students to learn with and will be used across agronomy and chemical training throughout both full-time and short course deliveries at the college.
Avian influenza movements and restrictions have lifted for some birds near Terang and Meredith, after no further cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza have been detected in Victoria since June 24.
The housing requirement for poultry in the control areas have been lifted, while the restricted area around the infected Terang property has been reduced from a five-kilometre to a 1.5-kilometre radius. The control area at Terang has also been reduced from a 15-kilometre to a five-kilometre radius.
Control and restrictions in the Meredith area will remain the same.
Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
DEMONSTRATION: Longerenong College students, front, Edward Davis, Jack Sapuppo and Edward Gooden; and back, Amity Smith, Charlotte Cain and Mackenzie Metcalf, with Skillinvest chief financial officer Jason Maybery, and Andrew Way and Simon Hill from Burando Hill, with a chemical mixer donated to the college. A demonstration of the Handler III followed.
Skillinvest and Longerenong College chief executive Darren Webster said the college was grateful for Burando Hill’s significant contribution and opening learning opportunities for their students.
experience is both safe and efficient,” he said.
“Burando Hill’s generous donation of the Handler III, a piece of worldclass, industry-standard equipment, not only enriches our resources but also ensures our students’ learning
“This contribution will undeniably enhance our students’ practical skills and knowledge.”
Burando Hill owner Simon Hill said he was pleased to provide Longerenong College students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experi-
ence using the Handler III. “Education needs to keep up with the evolution of farming and safety and efficiency plays a huge part,” he said.
“It’s important to keep students at the forefront, as they are the ones paving the way for the future.”
Kaniva-born Rhodes Scholar Kate Maddern will share her agricultural story at a Women’s Health Week event in Kaniva next week.
The event, Young Women in Ag, will also feature experiences and insights from a panel of Kaniva women who are involved in agriculture.
The event, at Little Guys Pizza from 6.30pm on September 5, costs $5 to attend. Meals are available.
General Motors Special Vehicles has announced details of its newly facelifted, upper-large American SUV that will launch Down Under in 2025.
The MY25 GMC Yukon AT4 and AT4 Ultimate are a range-topping duo that will introduce not only the Yukon nameplate to Australian buyers, but also debut here in facelifted form with major technology updates, bold looks, and a tasteful – not to mention incredibly spacious – interior design.
Built in Texas, and almost as big, the GMC Yukon will be offered with a choice of 6.2-litre V8 petrol or 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engines, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard.
Power figures for the duo are listed at 313kW-624Nm and 227kW-673Nm respectively with a braked towing capacity of up to 3800kg on offer.
GMC and Buick executive director of communications Sean Poppitt said the 2025 GMC Yukon would ‘of course’ be launching in Australia in the 2025 calendar year.
“We will have some different specifications and trim differences between the vehicles here in the US and those offered in Australia, which will be
advised closer to the launch in Australia,” he said.
Mr Poppitt – an Australian who previously held public relations roles at Audi and GM Holden, having jumped the fence from automotive journalism – said the brand was enjoying strong sales success as it expanded its offerings globally, with record performance in the first half of 2024.
“The GMC brand has been on the tear here at home in the US and abroad also,” he said.
“In the first half of 2024 – and on the back of record 2023 performance – we saw best share ever.
“June saw our best sales in almost 20 years, and the second quarter of 2024 was our best quarter in four years.
“The GMC brand offers an entirely refreshed line-up, and on top of the strength we are seeing elsewhere, we expect that momentum will continue as we launch into Australia, New Zealand and China in 2025 … we’re super excited to get the Yukon onto Australian roads.”
GMC said the flagship model would set a new bar for the nameplate, with a distinctive and premium design language offering a ‘muscular yet refined character’.
Highlights of the range-topping variant include a unique grille and badg-
ing, animated LED head and taillights, and an available panoramic sunroof.
The AT4 variant rides on 24-inch eight-spoked machined alloy wheels with laser etching and offers 16-way powered heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, captain’s chair second-row seats, and 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound, while the AT4 Ultimate adds a front skid plate, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres,
air suspension, and leather upholstery.
Other technology highlights include a 16.8-inch inch infotainment array and 8.0-inch HVAC display screen, night vision camera, adaptive cruise control, AEB, rear-cross traffic braking, cyclist alert, towing assistance, and more.
GMC and Buick global vice-president Duncan Aldred said following
the all-new GMC Acadia and next-gen GMC Terrain, the addition of the 2025 GMC Yukon completed GMC’s reimagined SUV line-up.
“We’re raising the bar on what our customers expect from GMC’s flagship and the addition of the AT4 Ultimate trim fuses ruggedness and capability with craftsmanship and refinement,” he said.
– Matt Brogan
The effect of the European Union’s new import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles has begun to show its impact on regional sales figures.
Sales of imported models, including those from BYD and MG, fell by up to 45 per cent in July when compared with those in June, research agency Dataforce figures revealed.
Dataforce compiled results across the 16 member countries that have reported July sales figures to date.
Though the drop may have been exaggerated by Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, rushing to get vehicles into dealerships before the levy’s July 5 introduction, Dataforce suggests it is merely a blip on the radar, saying sales of Chinese imports will eventually continue their steady rise.
From a standing start in 2019, Chinese electric vehicle importers have seen steady growth across most European markets, their share of sales in the bloc hitting 8.5 per cent last month, up from 7.4 per cent the year prior.
In Germany, Chinese brands comprised eight per cent of all vehicle registrations in July, down from 13 per cent in June, while French sales fell three per cent to five.
The report shows that while EVs still represent ‘just a small part of the
IMPORT: BYD sold three times the number of EVs in Europe than it did a year earlier.
entire European market’, they are set to dominate over time as regulations push Internal Combustion Engine, ICE, cars out.
Looking at July alone, GoAuto notes that BYD sold three times the number of EVs in Europe than it did a year earlier.
MG, however, posted a 20 per cent drop in sales, while Polestar sales fell 42 per cent.
BYD’s future production facility in
Hungary is likely to see sales growth continue – its European-made vehicles avoiding an importation tax of as high as 38.1 per cent on top of the EU’s standard 10 per cent import duty already in effect.
The European Commission’s import tariff aims to protect European manufacturers from what is describes as a ‘flood of cheaper imports’.
It comes just months after the United States announced similar plans, aim-
ing to quadruple duties for Chinesemade EVs to 100 per cent on top of its existing 7.5 per cent import tax.
Europe’s Chinese EV levy will become permanent in November, barring a deal between Brussels and Beijing.
The tariff debate has coincided with a global slowdown in EV uptake that has put pressure on OEMs not only in Europe and China, but across the globe.
In recent months, OEMs including Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo have made statements regarding lowering or delaying EV investments, a reduction in EV production forecasts, or on the reintroduction of older technologies, including range-extension or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
– Matt Brogan
Audi has announced updates to its hard-charging RS 3 range, the Sedan and Sportback duo featuring a revised design with added carbon-fibre detailing, flat top and bottom steering wheel, new standard and optional tyre offerings, and ‘more precise tuning of its chassis control systems’.
The changes are sufficient, Audi says, they ensure the RS 3 is the fastest car in its class with a Nürburgring Nordschleife record lap time of 7:33.123 – outpacing the BMW M2 by a full five seconds and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S by more than 10 seconds.
While Audi Australia has yet to confirm the arrival of the updated RS 3 for local showrooms, head office says the model would be offered with optional semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, and as standard with revised front-to-rear and left-to-right torque variation, electronic stability control and adaptive dampers.
Audi says the revised components enhance the lateral dynamics of the RS 3 to offer improved agility and higher cornering speeds.
Understeer is reduced with the assistance of ‘finely dosed brake interventions’, the compact sports car said to follow corner radii more precisely
than before allowing the driver to accelerate sooner when exiting bends.
The changes are also said to make oversteer easier to initiate, allowing drivers to obtain the same drift angle faster than before.
The ‘evolved oversteer’ of the RS 3 is aimed at improving racetrack performance, with stability control deactivated, allowing skilled drivers
greater flexibility in eking the most from their lap time.
Interestingly, all the changes listed come with no alteration to Audi’s renowned 2.5-litre turbocharged fivecylinder petrol engine, which continues to produce 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
The zero to 100 kilometre and hour standard remains unaltered at 3.8 sec-
Mazda Australia has announced details of the CX-30 Touring LE set to arrive in dealerships next month.
Priced from $41,940 plus on-road costs and based on the popular G20 Touring grade, the well-equipped ‘LE’ sports a unique terracotta Maztex and suede combination interior, with matching stitch work extending to the door cards, centre console armrest, and dashboard.
The interior treatment is complemented externally by blackened alloy wheels, grille, signature wing, and door mirror caps.
Importantly, the LE continues to include the ‘vision pack’ available on the G20 CX-30 Touring grade, bestowing the variant with a 360-degree camera system, 10.25-inch infotainment array, adaptive cruise control,
driver monitoring, and front crosstraffic alert.
Rounding out the CX30 Touring LE specification is the addition of Mazda Connected Services – which will join the updated CX-30 range from next month – making it the second model in Mazda Australia to receive the new features following their debut on the MX-5.
The technology bundle offers CX30 owners seamless connectivity with their vehicle via the MyMazda app, allowing geofencing capabilities, a flashing lights feature, curfew notifications, remote locking, vehicle health and stolen vehicle tracking assistance.
An SOS button is also fitted to the roof panel of the CX-30 and is activated in the event on an emergency.
Elsewhere in the updated CX-30
range customers will find illuminated USB-C ports replacing the outgoing USB-A connectors and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and wireless device charging.
The range is offered in a choice of nine paint colours, unchanged from the current lineup.
Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-30 range increases by as much as $1000 on some variants.
The Mazda CX-30 competes within the SUV small under $45,000 segment where it currently ranks in fifth place with year-to-date sales of 1146 units.
The segment is led by the MG ZS with 3852 year-to-date sales, ahead of the Subaru Crosstrek, 1179, Toyota Corolla Cross, 1154, and Hyundai Kona, 1147.
onds. Top speed is listed at 290kmh.
The 2.5 TFSI engine remains paired with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
Visually, changes to the RS 3 Sedan and Sportback provide a sharper aesthetic, the duo sporting a new frontal motif with hexagonal-shaped Singleframe grille, dual side intakes, and
new-look daytime running and LED headlights with chequered flag signature.
Fascia changes are joined by newlook tail-lights, oval exhaust tips, and a choice of three new paint colours –ascari blue, daytona grey in matte, and progressive red.
Optional ten-spoke Performance Edition alloy wheels are now available.
Joining the newly shaped steering wheel inside the cabin are Nappa leather or optional RS sport seats alongside carryover 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrumentation, 10.1inch infotainment array, LED ambient lighting, coloured seatbelt options and transmission shift indicator – displayed when transmission is set to manual mode.
Since its launch in 2011, the Audi RS 3 has sold almost 80,000 units worldwide, all manufacturer at the brand’s Ingolstadt, German, plant.
The latest iteration will be priced at an Australian $3300 premium over the outgoing model, retailing from $108,860 in Germany.
Australian availability, specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed, though we expect an increase in price over the current $95,715 starting point when the model touches down in local dealerships.
– Matt Brogan
WELL-EQUIPPED: Mazda’s G20 Touring based CX-30 derivative offers unique equipment enhancements.
and the surrounding region within a 50km radius. They specialise in building new homes and renovations or extension projects, and they offer free, no obligation, quotes for any building job, big or small.
For your next new home or renovation idea, ensure you contact Peter on: 0418 524 879.
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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.
Whillier
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
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 26, 2004 –Leanne Schilling was preparing her Keeshond Candy for the Horsham Kennel Club and Wimmera Canine and Obedience Club Champion Dog Show. Candy, whose registered name is Keez Sweet Revenge, was one of about 485 dogs to appear at the two-day event.
10 years ago: August 27, 2014
Demolition work was almost complete at the Dimboola Hotel site, where fire destroyed the building in October 2003. Contractors spent a fortnight at the Lloyd Street site, following a decade-long battle between the owner and council. Community members watched during the process
Five years ago: August 28, 2019
Organisers of two major Horsham events – Kannamaroo Festival and Horsham Carols by Candlelight – planned to trial a joint weekend of celebrations. Kannamaroo Festival committee chair Di Bell said by combining events, a feature-festival weekend could draw in more locals and attract visitors, and lessen the load for organising committees. The fundraising Great Wimmera Duck Race, organised by Friends of Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation, was also to be part of the new arrangements.
One year ago: August 30, 2023
East Grampians Health Service 70 Lowe Street resident Cherry Morgan published her first book – The Canal Princess – at the age of 78. Mrs Morgan had always had a love of writing and had written many stories throughout the years, but only completed her first novel when an injury kept her chair-bound in 2017. The book was – and still is – available at Amazon Australia.
1. Marrying editor Major Hugh Alexander Pollock on this day in 1924, was which British children’s writer, most famous for her books The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, and Noddy?
2. True or false – Mungo National Park is Australia’s oldest national park?
3. Which artist was once suspected of stealing Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911?
4. A congregation of rhinoceroses is known as a – band, pod, crash, or bouquet?
5. Aided by his six-foot, four-inch height, which US president won an estimated 300 wrestling matches?
6. In 1986, Victoria Police translated its Latin motto of Tenez Le droit into English. What does it mean?
7. What Wimmera settlement’s name supposedly comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘finger’ – Marnoo, Vectis, Glenorchy, or Ledcourt?
8. What is the nickname of Wimmera Football Netball League club Minyip-Murtoa, and what was previously the nicknames of Murtoa and Minyip, before the clubs merged?
9. Having just celebrated Book Week – what plant-based ingredient gives a book’s page its strength?
10. Which sense does a cochlear implant assist?
FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 6
ARIES: (March 21-April 20)
Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,15,213,34,42,11
In your love life, think carefully before acting, or there could be a breakup. Stay out of arguments with loved ones; perhaps a heart-to-heart talk will solve a family problem.
TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)
Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,4,3,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,42,11
A little thought before impulsive action could avoid friction with loved ones or partners. You could benefit from taking up some physical exercise. An unexpected windfall could occur.
GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 8,4,5,23,31,22
It is a delightful period with much to keep you busy and amused. It would be best if you were at your best in organising everything and your advice and company seem very welcome for many occasions.
CANCER: (June 22-July 22)
Lucky Colour: Dark Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,5 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,24,34,45,33
Your friends will demand more, and you may reconsider some of your plans. Many will be taking off on an exciting new path, and a good deed you have done in the past will bring rewards now.
LEO: (July 23-August 22)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6,7,3,4 Lotto Numbers: 3,5,23,31,11,10
New friends will add a bit of drama to your life, and for many, some sort of enlightenment can take on a brand-new path. This is a time when business will successfully be mixed with pleasure.
VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Abraham Lincoln – he suffered only one recorded defeat and was posthumously inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. 6.
Answers: 1. Enid Blyton. 2. False. Royal National Park in Sydney’s South is. It also lays claim to being the second oldest national park in the world, after Yellowstone National Park. 3. Pable Picasso – a friend of Picasso had previously stolen statues from the Louvre and given them to him as gifts. This involvement made Picasso a suspect, but he was eventually cleared. 4. A crash, named for their strength. A group of rhinos is also known as a stubbornness. 5.
Uphold the right. 7. Marnoo. 8. Burras. Murtoa was the Magpies, and Minyip the Royal Blues. 9. Cellulose – sourced from wood, straw and bamboo. 10. Hearing. 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:
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
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4 Lotto Numbers: 2,4,5,6,14,45
You should be a pleasure to work with during this period, and your company is eagerly sought by many. For the very ambitious advancement in career matters, a great relationship could start now.
LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,24,28,35,45
Major changes are indicated during a period of important decision-making. Matters concerning financial affairs could be in for a shakeup, so make sure everything is in writing.
SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,2,334,42,33
A new love interest could enter the seeker’s life, and the mate will be happier in their relationship. Many could visit places they never thought about before. Contacts from the past should be interesting.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,45,5
Depression is a pitfall to avoid. A more practical attitude will improve your mood. Accept invitations to socialise; someone you meet during this period could change your outlook and luck.
CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 6,4,7,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,45,5
Personal relationships could prove a problem, or there could be heavier demands on your time, so take life as it comes. Many will find themselves powerfully attracted to a new acquaintance.
AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,41,22
Stay cheerful and optimistic, and you will influence those around you. If you have been planning a new venture, this is an excellent time to embark on it. The family could be more pleasant to deal with.
PISCES: (February 20-March 20)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3
Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22
Not a period to go and look for trouble with your love. In other ways, your potential for success could be almost unlimited; your judgement could be trusted to turn success in your direction.
BROE (nee Sharp), Lorraine Joy of Horsham formerly Warracknabeal on August 22nd, 2024
Loved wife of Robert
Loved Mother & Mother-InLaw of Christine, Jason (dec),
Melinda & Mick
Loved Nanna of Emily & Layla
ELLIS, Gail
Passed away on August 22, 2024 aged 74 years.
Dearly love wife of Robin.
Loving Mum of Max & Stac.
Adored Nanna to Hayley, Jayde and Ash.
Forever In Our Hearts
HEINRICH (nee Tischler), Marie Christine
10.12.1942 to 22.08.2024
Loving wife of Ross (dec.) and mum and mother-inlaw to Sharon & Lyall, Tim & Debra, Mark & Elaine, Trish & Stephen and Nicole & Jarrad.
Grandma to Miriam & Ryan, Tabitha, Jake & Lucy, Eden & Connor, Chelsea & Dane, Zoe, Holly, Cody & Ella, Hayden & Harmoni, Grace and Isaak.
Great grandma to Jaxon and William.
Now at peace, forever in our hearts
HOLLAND, Alfred Stanley (Boyce)
Of Brim East
Passed away peacefully on Friday August 23rd, 2024 at Dunmunkle Lodge
Devoted Husband to Gwenyth
Loving Father, Father-InLaw & Grandfather to David, Fiona, Benjamin & Amy AND Graeme, Sarah-Jayne, Ella, Lucy & Oliver.
Loved Brother of Joy, Lola (dec) & Shirley.
A Passionate Farmer who was deeply connected to the land he nurtured. He will be sadly missed.
Rosemary “Rose”
Passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024 aged 69 years.
Loved wife of Ron.
Loving mother of Monique (dec), Jodie, William and Paul.
Adored Nanny Rose to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Godmother to Joel. Forever loved and forever missed
PERKINS (Church), Rosealea Anne
8-9-1947 to 25-8-2024
Passed away suddenly.
Dearly loved wife of Colin.
Much loved mother & mother-in-law to Jacinta, Stuart, Jason, Joanne & Bradley.
Adored Nan of Sam, Jacqui, Nathan, Jordi, Rylee & Matthew.
Cherished Mama to great grandchildren Ace, Sloane, Madelyn, Elliott & Brooks. Forever in our hearts
RURADE, John William
Passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 aged 90 years.
Dearly loved husband of Annette.
Loving father and fatherin-law of Kristin & Dave; Heidi & Mike. Now safely Home
SANDERS ~ Narelle
21-12-1975 to 25-8-2024
Loved daughter of Lorna and Victor (dec), and stepdaughter of Arty.
Loved sister of Judy, Dianne and Jeffrey (dec).
Narelle will be forever in our hearts and remembered always with love.
A huge thank you to Tony and the staff at Hunts Road for your wonderful and professional care looking after Narelle over the last eleven years.
Reunited with Dad and Jeffrey.
WEBSTER, Elaine Margaret Of Rainbow on August 23, 2024
Loved wife of Athol (dec).
Loved mother of Nigel, Megan, Andrea & their families.
BROE (nee Sharp), Lorraine Joy
The Funeral of Mrs Lorraine Joy Broe will leave The Uniting Church Warracknabeal, on Friday August 30th, 2024 after a Service commencing at 11am for the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery.
W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
ELLIS, Gail
An informal gathering to celebrate the life of Gail Ellis will take place at the Horsham RSL on Monday, September 2, 2024 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Privately interred.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gail may be made to Wimmera Hospice Care. Donation envelopes will be available at the gathering.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
GRAMBEAU, Noelene Joy
The funeral service for the late Noelene Grambeau will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church on Friday, September 6, commencing at 2pm
A private cremation will follow.
Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
HEINRICH, Marie Christine 10-12-1942 to 22-8-2024
The funeral service for Marie will be held at the St John’s Lutheran Church, Pella on Friday, August 30 at 2pm Interment to follow at the Rainbow Cemetery.
Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
HOLLAND, Alfred Stanley (Boyce)
The Funeral of Mr Alfred Stanley (Boyce) Holland will leave the Anglican Church Warracknabeal on Thursday September 5th, 2024 after a Service commencing at 1pm for the Brim Cemetery.
No Flowers - Donations to Parkinson’s: https://www.parkinsons.org. au/make-a-donation/
W.B. Gardiner & Son
Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
LOVERIDGE, Rosemary “Rose”
Rose Loveridge will be farewelled at a private family gathering.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
PERKINS (Church), Rosealea Anne Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Rosealea Anne Perkins will be offered at the Catholic Church Rainbow on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 commencing at 11am At the conclusion of Mass the cortege will leave for the Rainbow Lawn Cemetery.
W.B. Gardiner & Son
Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
RURADE, John William
A memorial service to celebrate the life of John William Rurade will take place at St John’s Lutheran Church, Minyip on Friday, August 30, 2024 commencing at 11.30am Privately interred.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
WEBSTER, Elaine Margaret
The funeral of Mrs Elaine Margaret Webster will leave the Uniting Church Rainbow on Monday, September 2, 2024 after a service commencing at 11am for the Rainbow Lawn Cemetery.
W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
WILLIS, Diane Gwendoline 20-8-1952 to 13-8-2024
The funeral service for the late Diane Gwendoline Willis will be held at Horsham & District Funerals Chapel on Friday, August 30 commencing at 1pm A private cremation will take place.
Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
HEARD, Wendy (nee RICHIE)
16.09-1935 – 24.07.2024
The family of Wendy Heard would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness on her recent passing. Please accept our personal thanks.
~ SCOTT ~ Angus & Pat
The family would like to thank everyone for the flowers, cards and messages of sympathy and support. Also to those that joined us in celebration of their lives, it was very much appreciated.
A special thank to the Sunnyside Lutheran retirement Village, Dylan & Amity - HDF for their care and support. Now together forever.
Australian Cattle dogs , Heelers, 4 blue females, 5 red males, vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated, great nature, can view mum and dad m/chip# 95301000 6857591/62701/57592/62729 /57870/57596/57595/62709/5 7636 source# MB259122 Ph or text 0429417372
Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell
Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579
1 Honey Boy
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
Female desexed mini dachshund , I like kids, dogs, cats, I am toilet trained, love walks and snuggles, microchip# 900141000504012, source# MB197522 $1400ono Nhill Ph 0431725487
German( Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip#
956000017131984/1718
1902/17166017, 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
Merino Sheep , 1 Suffolk merino cross, 1 whether suffolk merino cross, $600 and no separation Ph 0481756063
Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola
Pure bred Jack Russell puppies, 1 male & 2 female, source number
MB116613, microchip numbers 985141007722133 985141007722131 985141007722130, ready to go contact Peter 0403409354
Purebred black faced
Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267
Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723
Self shedding sheep for sale, $60 each, pick # 3HSDH097 Ph 0419293500
Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940
Working Kelpie pups, 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip#781 42000129103//937/1520/1099
source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301
Young Muscovy duck s, available now, $15 each Ph 0429912620
A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 53cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788
2010 Galaxy Odyssey , combined shower/toilet, queen bed, air con, battery, awning, annexe, tare 1900kg,
$24,990 Ph 0418504985
2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras
$42,000 Ph 0427909230
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
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
$18,500ono Ph 0407360212
Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729
MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $15,500 Ph 0493394223
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
Paramount Caravan, VGC, registered, rollout awning, full kitchen $22,000 Ph 0407542856
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 2024, U28090 $9,000ono Ph 0429942936
2009 Roma Elegance
Pop Top, 18ft 6, air bags, full canvas annexe, has new awning and hot water service, VGC, $25,000ono Ph 0429951322
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
REDUCED Concept
Ascot caravan , 2006, 18', pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $20,000 Ph Ray 0413445347
REDUCED Goldstream RV Off Road 2007, solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $14,750 Ph 0409967815, Horsham
REDUCED Isuzu Outback
Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 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
Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662
Vintage 1964 Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $9500 ono Ph 0431820493
1984 Inter Acco 1830A , 18' tray with bulk bin and double deck sheep crate, 02697P $16,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022
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
Connor Shea, 18 plate disc, hydraulic lift and fold
$850ono,Southern cross pump jack, electric motor, working $80, Asuc wool table
$120ono Ph 0407911884
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 Case IH 2144
Harvester, 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $40,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa
REDUCED Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/ operator, $70,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa
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
Versatile 555 Tractor, good working order $23,000 ono Ph 0493394223
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
1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre, R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $50 Ph0428504558
2 hand made Kennett step ladders, 4.2m high Ph 0419359501
2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer, registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856
4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $650 Ph 0428504558
Saturday, 31 August 8am
12pm
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
Aluminium windows, 4 x double approx 6'x6', 2 x single approx 6'x3', other smaller sizes, VGC, also quantity of timber louvre wardrobe doors, make an offer Ph 0437754474
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
Falken 2 65=60R=18, as new
$950 Ph 0423967449
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
Half size pool/billiard table, slate top, folds for storage, comes with balls, cues & racks $100 cash Ph 0427545424
Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510
Marking cradle, GC $300 Ph 0419389693
Massage Machine, duo MKII
Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692
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
REDUCED Horse hames old, 8 pairs $10 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884
Ryobi router $100, Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200,
Slasher , GC $2000 Ph 0419389693
Stramit roller door, series
A, woodland grey, 3050H x 3000W, brand new, unopened $1,100 Ph 0491033643 Nhill
Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501
Wagner Pro 20 spray gun, no use retired painter, S5 new tips 517 Ph 0419359501
3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899
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
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 no 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398
Aspire Wheelchair, extremely comfortable, padded headrest, additional padded section for leg support, barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913
Invacre Comet Alpine, EC, just serviced, purchased 2023 for $5,200, will sell for $3,500 Ph 0413832765
Walker , 210kg, wider than normal, GC $280 Ph 0423967449
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
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
Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic,aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109
Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396
1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109
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
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
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
VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto, silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towning 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
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0i PHEV Auto, plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi serviced, superb condition throughout, near new tyres, 30-40km electric range, reg to April 2025, RWC supplied, 100,732 kms, 1XN2NP $24,500 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat area
2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $26000 ono 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
2 bedroom house for rent in Horsham Ph 0432774645
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
Housemate wanted , clean home in Haven, large furnished bedroom, double carport, private yard, no pets, $200 per week includes bills Ph 0407043917
Massage Service, full body massage, 1 or 2 masseuses available, call for a quote and booking Ph 0460500827
Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David0427864628
Wanted, Land to "Share-Farm" or "Lease" , anywhere south of Horsham and across to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700
0400005266
"Playola" Pianola , good condition, tuned and with 65 rolls, $500 Ph 53827026
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
2013 Jeep Compass , reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms 1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555 Kia Cerato Koup 2 door 2013, 1.6L turbo, 6 speed auto, 7L/100km, bluetooth, reverse camera, new tyres, VGC, RWC, 3mths rego, 285,000kms, ZTD649, $6800 Ph 0429857255
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: ROAD VEHICLESAll advertisements for road vehicles must include a price, as well as:
• A registration number, if registered
• Either an engine number, VIN or chassis number if the vehicle is not registered.
I couldn’t believe it. I had been selected as one of 7 Australian delegates to represent our country attending the 56th meeting of Nobel Laureates (Nobel Prize winners) in Chemistry in Germany. How inconvenient. My thesis was due soon, and it would cut into my writing time. Never-the-less, I had prayed about it, and this was a yes response. So, away I went, and what an amazing experience it was. Everything was perfect until, one evening, they lined up all the girls and all the boys for a dance. The music started to play, and I nervously awaited my turn for the waltz.
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION
Hindmarsh Shire Council invites suitably qualified and experienced persons / organisations to respond to its RFQs for -
RFQ NO. 2024-2025-04 - REPLACEMENT OF ROOF AT DIMBOOLA SWIMMING POOL
RFQ NO. 2024-2025-08 - SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS TO HEAT WATER AT DIMBOOLA SWIMMING POOL
Closing time for the above RFQs are 2:00pm on Thursday 12 September 2024.
RFQ NO. 2024-2025-05 - ANNUAL TEST & TAG AND FIRE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (FEM) INSPECTION PROGRAM
RFQ NO. 2024-2025-06 - ANNUAL GUTTER CLEANING PROGRAM FOR COUNCILBUILDINGS
RFQ NO. 2024-2025-07 - ANNUAL PEST CONTROL PROGRAM
Closing time for the above RFQs are 2:00pm on Thursday 19 September 2024.
The specific requirements are detailed in the RFQ documents, which can be downloaded via Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/tenders.
All enquiries should be directed to Laura Sonnberger, Contracts & Procurement Officer, via email to info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5391 4444.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer
Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish
Sunday, September 1
Edenhope 9am HC Goroke 11am HC Natimuk Join Vectis Vectis 10am LR Dimboola 10am LR
Arkona Tennis Club In the Dimboola and District Tennis Association, is seeking tennis players for the upcoming tennis season!
Enjoy being active and socialising with like minded people No age or ability restrictions! For more information please contact: Tracey Jorgensen on 0428 894 232 or Evan Hunter on 0429 210 995
Are you passionate about governance, strategic oversight, and making a difference in your community? We’re seeking dynamic and experienced individuals to fill three (3) vacancies on our Board of Directors. Our Board, comprised of members with diverse skills and backgrounds, plays a vital role in steering our organisation towards success. We are particularly interested in leaders with expertise in the Disability or Aged Care sectors, fundraising, financial sustainability, and a deep understanding of the Wimmera Southern Mallee region.
As a Director, you’ll play a key role in shaping our organisation’s future while collaborating with a dedicated team in a supportive, inclusive environment. You’ll participate in developing our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and attend Board meetings, with the option for virtual participation. We seek candidates with strong governance experience and a commitment to our local community. Directors are covered by Officers & Directors Insurance and are eligible for reimbursement of official travel exceeding 60km.
If you’re ready to contribute your skills and passion to a forward-thinking organisation, please download the expression of interest document from www.cfp.org.au/our-vacancies. All submissions must be returned to the Nominations Committee by COB Monday, 9 September 2024.
If you have any points of clarification, please contact the Board Secretary Robbie Millar on 0427 503 679 or secretary@cfp.org.au
GWMWater is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from National Electricity Market (NEM) participants that can offer a tailored suite of electricity supply and service contracts for 108 of its sites, that optimises GWMWater’s current and future investment in solar generation and storage capacity.
The successful applicant would be required to manage GWMWater’s generation and battery storage portfolio to minimise net electricity cost across the sites.
The scope of services sought includes:
• Retail electricity supply agreement for approximately 108 NMIs (approximately half with behind-the-meter solar generation);
• The retail supply offer should include spot-exposed pricing or a hybrid product of spot-exposure and fixed pricing;
• Retail electricity export agreement for a 4.95MWac solar farm with 2.75MW (6.5MWh) BESS, connected in-front of the meter at Nhill;
• Demand management program participation, including FCAS, Demand Response and RERT; and
• The term of agreements is proposed to be 2-years minimum.
A non-compulsory online briefing session will be held at 11 am Friday 13 September 2024. A link to the briefing session can be found in the invitation documentation on the Buying for Victoria website.
More information regarding this invitation is available from the Buying for Victoria website, www.tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries may be directed to Graeme Dick on 1300 659 961.
EOI close 2 pm Thursday 26 September 2024.
GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
Mark Williams Managing Director
GWMWater is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria.
Full-time (1.0FTE) position for 2025 (with potential to be ongoing)
Nhill Lutheran School is seeking a passionate educator to teach eager-to-learn students. The successful applicant should be willing to support the Christian ethos of the school.
For a job description please email principal@nls.vic.edu.au with the subject line of ‘Classroom Teacher Position’ or view teachers.on.net
Applications to be sent to principal@nls.vic.edu.au or 2 Mackay Street, Nhill 3418
Applications close: September 6, 2024
Position commences: January 22, 2025
Contact: Brad Tarr Orange Door Practitioner (Victim Survivor Focussed) 38 hours per week or as negotiated $49.28 per hour
Contact: Gemma Beavis Specialist AOD Family Violence Adviser 22.8 hours per week
$43.08 to $49.28 per hour
The Centre for Participation say a big thank you to volunteers across Western Victoria for ‘heartbeat’ of our communities.
Contact:
Contact:
Contact: Nicole Jhureea
Multidisciplinary Counsellor (Aged Care)
30.4 hours per week
$43.08 to $46.35 per hour
Contact: Sarah Sargeant
Cleaner
National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. At this uncertain time we feel that it is more important than ever to recognise and acknowledge Australia’s volunteers.
10 hours per week
$27.17 per hour
Contact: Luke Bibby
National Volunteer Week begins Monday May 18 and runs until Sunday 24 May. This years theme is ‘Changing Communities.
Closing: 12pm Monday 9 September 2024
It’satimewhenwetipourcollectivehatsand saythankyouforthetireless,wonderfulworkofvolunteers
’ said Julie Pettet, CEO at the Centre for
As a mark of thanks, the Centre for Participation and the Volunteer Coordinators Network have published a series of postcards.
WRSA Female Administrators Network, Edenhope Memorial Hospital, Horsham Rural City Council, Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, Rural Northwest Health, West Wimmera Shire Council, Emma Kealy’s Office and Grampians Community Health have joined us to send postcards to volunteers across our communities.
We invite volunteers from across the Wimmera to come together at 10am on Friday 22 May for an online morning tea to celebrate volunteers. If you would like to join in, call 5382 5607 or email info@centreforparticipation to get a Zoom link and password.
If you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start, Julie Pettet, CEO of the Centre for Participation in Horsham has a few ideas to help you on your way.
> Follow your passion - you’ll be happier and more effective volunteering in something you love
> Know what you want out of it - to meet people? change the world? care for animals? share skills? get a job?
Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best. Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed. We are looking for GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SPECIALIST TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2025 Fulltime, part time and ongoing positions available If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au
> Contact Centre for Participation or a community group near you, to match your skills and needs, with volunteering vacancies
Happy Volunteering!
Classroom Teacher for 2025 Full Time Applications are invited for a classroom teacher, including graduates for 2025.
Full Time contract is available with the possibility of an ongoing position. Two year POL 2 position available for an experienced teacher.
Graduate teachers will be supported throughout the DOBCEL Graduate teacher program.
Suitable applicants may be eligible for the DOBCEL Small and Remote Schools Incentive scheme, which includes a POL 3 allowance over 3 years and relocation costs reimbursements.
Applications close 5pm 13th September 2024.
Successful applicants must have:
• Current VIT Registration.
• Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School (or willingness to undertake this).
• Accreditation to teach RE (or working towards).
• A commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children.
• A commitment to the Catholic education and the Catholic ethos of the school.
• The skills and abilities necessary to provide students with a rich and rewarding educational experience
The Home Help Mentor role is dedicated to providing essential asset maintenance services, including gardening, cleaning, and home maintenance, to support people with disabilities and older adults in maintaining their independence. This role is crucial in enabling participants to live comfortably and safely in their own homes, fostering their autonomy and well-being.
As a Home Help Mentor, you will train, mentor, and supervise Home Help Workers and learning participants, ensuring they acquire the skills necessary to deliver high-quality maintenance services. Your guidance will be key in empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the community, particularly those facing barriers to employment and social inclusion.
In this role, you will make a significant impact by enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults, helping them remain independent in their homes. This position is ideal for someone passionate about community service, with a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in leading fulfilling, selfsufficient lives. If you are driven by the desire to make a real difference, this role offers a rewarding and impactful career path.
To find out more please
The Bentley Group of Companies has a position available for immediate start as a “B” Double Truck Driver.
Position is based in Warracknabeal.
•Applicant must have a B Double Heavy Combination Truck licence.
•Supply of Vic Roads Driving History report is required.
•Dangerous Good licence would be an advantage
Please forward your inquiry to: The Managing Director, Bentley Group of Companies PO Box 104, Warracknabeal, Vic. 3393 or E-mail: bentleysfuelservice@bigpond.com Applications close 13th September 2024
A local business based at Warracknabeal, is seeking an honest and reliable person to work within their farming enterprise.
The position is fulltime with immediate start and would suit a mutli skilled person who enjoys differing work duties throughout the day and week.
•Drivers licence essential and current HA / HC truck licence and Chemical Users Permit would be viewed highly.
We are a family business offering a full-time position and an attractive remuneration package based on experience.
Please forward your inquiry to:
The Managing Director, Bentley Group PO Box 104, Warracknabeal, Vic. 3393 or E-mail: bentleys@netconnect.com.au
Applications close 13th September 2024
southern Mallee and Grampians.
Telephone (03) 5382 1351 Email horshamreception@ team.aceradio.com.au
from 6am to 9am
Andrea Gurry of Nhill had a week to remember training four winners in the space of six days across three separate race meetings, with Spring Port being the standout.
Team Hammerstein of Ararat were also victorious at Horsham and Garry George, Beulah, got the chocolates at Bendigo.
Gurry started her run with a double at Warrnambool on Tuesday last week, when Circle The Sun and Circle The Space both saluted.
Circle the Space did it the easy way, leading from start to finish in an easy threelength victory, running 22:46 seconds.
Circle The Sun did it the hard way after being caught up in traffic.
Running midfield early, it wasn’t until the greyhounds turned for home that the chaser finally found clear air and was able to put in the big ones, hitting the line hard in unison with Wairua’s Way.
The result was sent to a photo finish and Circle The Sun got the nod by half a nose in a run of 22:56 seconds.
Gurry returned to Warrnambool on Thursday and success followed when Spring Port broke the magical 22-second mark, running 21:995 seconds.
Jumping second, Spring Port worked his way to the lead and exploded away
with Peter Carter
and cruised to a two-length victory. Gurry then backed Spring Port up at Ballarat on Sunday and it was a carbon copy result with ‘The Port’ smashing his rivals by six lengths in a fast 22:06 seconds, in a magnificent week for Gurry.
On Monday at Horsham, it was team Hammerstein producing Rev Querida over the 410-metre journey.
Jumping midfield, Rev Querida was forced to work hard for the early lead, but finding the lead on cornering was never going to be beaten and went home a two-length victor in the fast time of 23:31 seconds.
Garry George then struck at Bendigo on Friday night with his fawn chaser Show Cause producing a rail running masterclass.
Jumping well and settling in second, Show Cause railed hard through the turn and straightening for home had taken over the race and cruised away to win by two lengths in 24:06 seconds.
more photographs go to
SUCCESS: Horsham Calisthenics College hosted more than 500 competitors from across regional Victoria at its annual competition last week. The competition featured both team and solo divisions. The Horsham club featured among the winners, with its junior team winning its division and intermediate team finishing runner-up. Its sub-junior and senior teams were awarded places for several of their routines. Pictured are Horsham sub-juniors Anna and Matilda Delahunty, above, and Luella Ruwoldt, left. Pictures: PAUL
BY SIMON KING
With the 15 rounds of Wimmera Hockey Assocation’s regular season complete, the four teams in each division remaining in the race for premierships can now turn their attention to the first round of finals.
Across all six matches, to be played on Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday, it is difficult to look past ladder positions when predicting results.
However, finals often come down to which teams can manage the nerves and expectations better, which can create opportunities for lower-ranked teams to perform better than expected.
Second semi-final: Yanac Tigers v Warrack Hoops.
Yanac Tigers have been undefeated since 2019, but it was in the same game that year against the same opponent they suffered their last loss.
The only blemishes on their record this year have been three uncharacteristic, tied matches, and they always take their game up a notch in the big matches, so it’s difficult to see them faltering.
However, the Hoops also find that little bit extra in the big games against its long-time rival and will not leave anything out on the pitch, so regardless of the result, this will be a cracking game of hockey.
First semi-final: Kaniva Cobras v Horsham Hurricanes.
The Cobras went into the last round with a chance of finishing second, proving they are pretty close behind the leading two teams, while the Hurricanes have been inconsistent throughout this season but look good when things come together.
If both teams can put their best combination on the field, this will also be a competitive match.
Head-to-head records this year show the Cobras should have the edge, particularly on the grass surface at Warracknabeal.
Second semi-final: Yanac v Kaniva.
These two teams have forged quite a rivalry over recent years, including playing off in two of the last three grand finals, from which they have claimed one premiership each.
So far this year, you could not get two more evenly matched teams, having defeated each other once and playing a draw in their third encounter.
In the three matches, they have both scored and conceded just two goals.
Yanac’s better overall record for the season and its history of performing in big games, having played in
LEAP: Horsham Hurricanes’ Maddy Spano gets off a hit, while Warrack Hoops’ Oskar Nuske jumps to avoid the ball. Picture: JOHAN PRETORIOUS
PRESSURE: Horsham
every grand final since 2013, should give it the edge, but Kaniva is also developing a hunger for the pressure games and will ensure a cracking match regardless of who finished ahead.
First semi-final: Dimboola Roos v Horsham Jets.
The return of Dimboola Roos has added a new dimension to the women’s competition this season. They have proven they aren’t back just to make up the numbers after finishing the regular season in third place.
Their opponent on Saturday will have unfinished business after missing the finals last season when they dropped out of the top four on the result of the last match of the regular season. The Jets will be out to experience what they missed out on in 2023.
Their record against each other this season suggests the Roos go in as favourites, but a full-strength Jets could be hard to beat.
Second semi-final: Yanac Warriors v Kaniva Raiders.
Although the Warriors hold the advantage in the three games against their semi-final opponent this season, the Raiders have always been competitive and are the best-equipped to inflict the reigning premiers its first defeat this season if the Warriors were to take them too lightly.
Recent form suggests another Warriors’ victory, but they will have to play at their best to convert their potential into a direct path to the grand final.
First semi-final: Nhill Leopards v Horsham Bombers.
Throughout this season, there has been a noticeable gap between the top three and the lower three teams, which appears between Nhill Leopards and Horsham Bombers.
While the Bombers have shown plenty of potential this year, they are not quite at the same level as the Leopards, but as the Nhill team
proved last weekend with an unexpected win against the team above them on the ladder, anything can happen on the field.
At their best, the Leopards should win this game, but the Bombers have no pressure, so they can play more freely, which could yield an unexpected result.
Round 15 results –Open: Warrack Hoops 1 (goal, E. Schilling; best, R. Bennett, T. Jorgensen, E. Schilling) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (M. Spano, J. Harris, T. Batchelor). Kaniva Cobras 3 (L. Mills 2, C. Beattie; T. Krelle, C. Beattie, L. Mills) d Nhill Rangers 1 (D. Clark; J. Reichelt, D. Reichelt, K. Rowe).
Women: Horsham Jets 10 (M. Spano 5, H. Werner 2, A. Heal 2, L. Schilling; M. Spano, H. Werner, A. Heal) d Warrack Women 1 (S. Williamson; E. Beckett, E. Williamson, Mel Bentley). Kaniva Women 5 (L. Shurdington, I. Williams, J. Braisby, S. Braisby, H. Beattie; H. Braisby, S. Williams, H. Beattie) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (C. Kessler, H. Cannell, N. Kuhnell). Dimboola Roos 1 (E. Klinge; J. Hauselberger, E. Klinge, A. Baker) drew with Yanac 1 (C. Alexander; M. Mackley, C. Alexander, E. Alexander).
Under-16: Warrack Revengers 4 (S. Williamson 2, N. Eilola, C. Peters; S. Williamson, E. Williamson, N. Eilola) d Horsham Bombers 3 (J. Schwarz, H. Mackereth, H. Mitchell; H. Mackereth, J. Schwarz, C. Blake). Nhill Leopards 1 (J. Cannell; D. Clark, O. Bone, T. S. Bee) d Kaniva Raiders 0 (C. White, L. Krelle, C. Bedford, F. Dodson). Yanac Warriors 13 (Archie Zanker 7, S. Pedie 3, A. Pedie, Asher Zanker, R. Dickinson; Archie Zanker, Asher Zanker, L. Cramer) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (R. Hadzig, J. Ward, A. Pretorius).
Under-12 development program: Horsham Black Hawks 2 (J. Mackereth, H. Taylor-Carman) v Warrack Avengers 1. (Goal, Daniel). Nhill Bandits 3 (Goals, J. Bee 3) v Kaniva Rampagers 2 (Goals, R. Williams, J. Beattie). Dimboola Kangaroos 1 (Goal, R. Hadzig) v Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (Goals, S. Farmers, M. Zanker).
A contractor has been appointed to commence stage one of the proposed multistage redevelopment of Nhill’s Davis Park. Stage one includes the construction of two AFL-compliant changerooms, medical rooms, administration office and storage space, as well as an undercover grandstand with a media room and timekeepers’ room.
Hindmarsh Mayor Brett Ireland said it was fantastic to see the hard work by Nhill and District Sporting Club committee and Hindmarsh Shire senior management team come to fruition.
“It is with this collaboration that we have satisfied the funding requirements to deliver such a fantastic project in a difficult economic climate that we are now facing,” he said.
“It is a great outcome for the community.”
Proposed future stages include new netball change rooms, a second netball court, refurbished or new clubrooms and increased power and lighting facilities.
Council will continue to seek funding for the developments.
Construction of the first stage of the Davis Park redevelopment is funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, the State Government’s Country Football Netball Program, Hindmarsh Shire Council, and Nhill and District Sporting Club.
Construction of the multi-stage redevelopment will commence in October and will be complete by July next year.
Ararat Rural City Council has tasked Melbourne-based irrigation company Aqualines Irrigation with delivering a $330,000 upgrade to Tatyoon Oval, outlined in its 2024-25 budget.
The project aims to improve drainage and irrigation on the oval’s playing surface.
Council chief executive Tim Harrison said enhancing the systems would improve the quality of the playing surface and reduce maintenance requirements.
“These comprehensive upgrade works are aimed at revitalising Tatyoon sports oval into a premier sporting venue within our community,” he said.
“The project marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting local sports and community engagement.”
Dr Harrison said the project would also increase participation among disadvantaged and under-represented groups, helping Tatyoon Football Netball Club achieve a goal of remaining an active part of the Tatyoon and district community.
The council has allocated $330,000 for the project in its 2024-25 capital works budget, with an additional $250,000 from the Country Football and Netball funding program and $80,000 from the council’s property capital budget.
Works are scheduled to be completed between October 2024 and January 2025.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Ararat Eagles’ Mininera and District football finals series came to a premature end on Sunday, with inaccurate goalkicking consigning the team to a 15-point elimination final loss against Hawkesdale-Macarthur.
Ararat was forced to play catch-up after the first quarter, with Hawkesdale-Macarthur kicking three goals to one in the term.
Ararat slipped even further behind in the second term as James North and Patrick Sinnott hit the scoreboard for Hawkesdale-Macarthur.
At the long break the Eagles
trailed by 23 points, and hopes of advancing to a semi-final seemed remote.
But just as all seemed lost, Ararat played its best quarter of the game to climb back into the match.
Behind the play of Kade Bohner and skipper Naish McRoberts, Ararat held Hawkesdale-Macarthur to only two behinds in the quarter, kicking nine scoring shots of their own – the only problem was that six of the nine scoring shots were behinds.
Down by only a point entering the fourth quarter, Ararat’s inaccurate day in front of goal continued, with the Eagles adding 1.3 to their
tally while Hawkesdale-Macarthur kicked away with 3.5 to win 10.14 (74) to 7.17 (59).
It was a bitter end to the season for Ararat, which was also plagued by inaccuracy in a narrow loss to Hawkesdale-Macarthur during the home-and-away season.
In addition to McRoberts and Bohner, Ararat saw strong games from the likes of Ben Robertson, Tom Cousins and Luke Briggs.
Tom Taurau was the team’s only multiple-goal scorer with two.
Ararat’s loss ends the hopes of a northern-region side from the Mininera league claiming this year’s premiership, with reigning
premier Tatyoon, Moyston-Willaura and Great Western all failing to qualify for finals.
Penshurst dispatched LismoreDerrinallum 19.12 (126) to 9.8 (62) in Saturday’s qualifying final to advance to a blockbuster qualifying final this weekend against minor premier Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Hawkesdale on Saturday.
The winner of that match will advance directly to the grand final, while the loser will receive a second chance against the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between LismoreDerrinallum and Hawkesdale-Macarthur at Woorndoo.
Horsham
Horsham District Football Netball League hosted its annual junior vote count on Monday, crowning league best and fairest winners across its junior football and netball grades. A convincing winner of the under-17 football best and fairest award was Pimpinio’s Austin Simpson, who polled 31 votes at an average of more than 2.2 a match to win by eight from runner-up Ri-
ley Downer of Rupanyup. Natimuk United’s Ned Glascott and Noradjuha-Quantong’s Micah Erhardt tied for third with 17 votes.
Chase Whelan of Laharum was the under-14 football best and fairest, earning 37 votes to finish just ahead of Kalkee player Jye Dolan on 35, with another Kee, Aiden Reinheimer, third on 34 votes.
The 17-and-under netball best and
fairest went to versatile HarrowBalmoral player Tara McIntyre. McIntyre finished with 30 votes, three ahead of Taylors Lake’s Lilly Weir and six ahead of third-placed Holly Whitehead of EdenhopeApsley.
Phoebe Downer topped the 15-and-under netball vote count for Rupanyup, with her 30 votes just enough to beat Pimpinio runner-up
Ruby Williams, who had 29. Heidi Robinson of Harrow-Balmoral and Ilze Van Zyl of Rupanyup tied for third with 23 votes apiece.
Natimuk United’s Gretel Blake was the best and fairest of the 13-and-under netball competition after polling 34 votes, winning from Kaniva-Leeor United’s Pippa Vivian on 31 and Kalkee’s Ella Schultz on 28.
with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh Match in review
Pimpinio 8.9 (57) d Laharum 5.11 (41)
Under the conditions, which were hurricane-like winds and intermittent showers, the game was played in a ferocious spirit from both teams – completely fair, but neither side took a backward step all day. Both teams were desperate to win and laid everything on the line.
The fact that Pimpinio got to kick with the wind in the first quarter in what turned out to be a low-scoring game gave them an early advantage.
Laharum this year has been renowned to be defensive and then attack, and they haven’t kicked big scores but they’ve held opposition sides to low scores.
Pimpinio was just able to capitalise and kick enough goals to give themselves a handy buffer leading into three-quarter time.
Laharum got within 12 points with eight to 10 minutes to go, and it seemed there was a big chance Laharum could overrun them, but to Pimpinio’s credit they continued to fight.
The ball went forward and landed in Jye Brown’s arms. He had a very difficult kick directly into the gale with the man on the mark about 30 metres out, and he composed himself well and slotted it through for the sealing goal.
Laharum should hold their heads high because they were gallant in defeat and they’ve had a fantastic season. They’ll build on that for next year.
Pimpinio hasn’t played finals for 15 years, so to not only make finals but win one this year is a hell of a result.
With Pimpinio’s coach Guy Smith on the sidelines reported, Brett Thompson, their assistant coach, did an amazing job. The standout player: There were two –Matt Rosier and Mackay Baker.
Pimpinio wanted to nullify Shannon Argall’s impact on the game by tagging him with Baker, because they understand what a quality footballer he is. Baker did a really good job competing with Argall all day.
Rosier is an absolute star and controlled the game from start to finish. He was instrumental in getting them over the line. The rising star: Jye Brown played a very good game and did some nice things throughout the match.
The composure he showed in the last quarter with his shot on goal, where there had been a lot of goals missed by both sides all day, to set his side up for victory was excellent. It was a real inspiration.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Pimpinio supporters shed tears of joy on Sunday after the Tigers earned their first senior football finals win in 17 years, beating Laharum in an elimination final.
While the result was a rapturous one for Pimpinio, the club was made to fight for it every step of the way.
Conditions at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve were not for the faint of heart, with a strong wind that favoured the eastern end of the ground developing into a near gale by the third quarter as rain lashed down.
The Tigers kicked with the wind in the first quarter, with Brock Hamerston and Darcy Conlan converting after Laharum squandered early opportunities.
A second goal to Conlan gave the Tigers a 19-point lead at quarter time, but Laharum struck back in the second quarter with the aid of the wind.
The Demons peppered the goals but could not find the middle until Pat Lattanzio converted for the first time to bring them within 11 points.
Robbie Miller followed with another major soon after, but Pimpinio’s Daniel Baker prevented further scoreboard damage with timely spoils and intercept marks.
The Demons dominated field position but kicked a wasteful 2.6 to remain one point in arrears at the long break.
As conditions worsened in the third
quarter, the game devolved into a slog, with John Doyle stealing an early goal into the wind to give Laharum the lead for the first time.
It remained the only goal of the quarter until the 10-minute mark, when Pimpinio forward Nick Groves converted a terrific set shot from the boundary, hanging the ball in the air and letting the wind carry it through the goals.
In time-on Tiger captain Jason Westley, whose clean skills shone in the wet along with those of his brother Adam and veteran midfielder Matt Rosier, made a miraculous gather off the ground at full pace and snapped a goal.
Two more Groves’ majors extended Pimpinio’s lead to four goals at the final break.
Tiger coach Guy Smith, who watched on separately after receiving a suspension for a verbal altercation with an umpire, said the burst was the difference in the game.
“All those goals in the last five or 10 minutes of the third quarter is what really set the win up. They kept fighting for it and getting it forward and giving our blokes opportunities,” he said.
“Because the ball had gotten a bit heavy by the last quarter, it was getting a bit hard to control. That fourgoal wind to one end I reckon turned back down to about a two-goal wind because of the heavy ball.”
Smith’s assessment proved accurate, with Laharum struggling to score in
the last quarter despite the aid of the wind.
Despite goals to Angus Atchison and Ambrose Launder, the Demons were unable to close the gap and, at the final siren, the scoreboard showed Pimpinio 8.9 (57) defeating Laharum 5.11 (41), sending Tigers players and supporters into a frenzy.
“Our team are kind of like chameleons. They can adapt to anything, really. I’ve seen it before in wet games – they can really lock down and work hard at the stoppages,” Smith said. Bomber showdown awaits Pimpinio will now face NoradjuhaQuantong in a semi final at Rupanyup this Sunday after the Bombers easily defeated Rupanyup at the weekend.
The 23.18 (156) to 2.5 (17) thrashing far exceeded Noradjuha-Quantong coach Damian Cameron’s expectations.
“You always have to go in confident, but in a final like that you’re prepared for a big battle. It was a bit of a luxury … to get a big win like that,” Cameron said.
“Our whole midfield from the ruckman through to the three starting in there were probably four of our best players, so to get our hands on the footy first and get a lot of clearances goes a long way.”
In addition to the on-ball dominance, Judah Hobbs had a day out with eight goals and Brock Orvall kicked six.
Cameron said Noradjuha-Quantong
would enter this weekend’s semi-final with plenty of confidence after beating Pimpinio twice this season, including by 69 points less than two weeks ago.
“They’ve got quite a strong midfield as well as we do, so it starts there with trying to get your hands on the footy first,” he said.
Noradjuha-Quantong will go into the game at full strength after coming through Saturday’s match unscathed, while Pimpinio will need to replace Darcy Conlan, who broke his collarbone after crashing into a goal post.
Reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral
and second-placed Swifts will be well rested ahead of their semi final at Edenhope on Saturday with a spot in the grand final on the line.
The Baggies have shown themselves capable of pushing the Roos in patches, recording the two highest scores against Harrow-Balmoral this season. With both teams boasting dangerous goal-kickers – the likes of Jai Thompson, Cody Deutscher and Nick Pekin for the Roos and league-leading goal-kicker Paul Summers for the Baggies – the midfield battle will go a long way towards determining the outcome.
Rupanyup and Kalkee will square off in a Horsham District A Grade netball semi-final this weekend after a first week of finals that yielded few surprises.
Edenhope-Apsley’s premiership defence is officially over after Kalkee beat the Saints in blustery conditions at Pimpinio on Sunday.
The match was neck and neck through the first two quarters, with the Kees leading by a goal at quarter time before Edenhope-Apsley squared the match at 23 apiece by half time. With goal keeper Rebecca
Heath and midcourter Morgan Coventry working hard to deny Kalkee easy forward entries, while Penny Fisher and Clair McDonald did the same to the Saints at the other end, the game looked set to go down to the wire.
But in the third quarter Kalkee clicked into gear, scoring 15 goals and restricting Edenhope-Apsley to only five to open up a match-winning lead.
Centre Molly Lakin was superb, working hard to give Kalkee defenders an option after their many steals and re-
bounds, while feeding goalies Jarrah Martin and Jenna Bywaters at the other end.
The persistent wind made life difficult for goalies at either end, but Martin and Bywaters outdueled Edenhope-Apsley pair Lavinia Fox and Tahlia Sailor to put a winning score on the board. Kalkee extended its lead again in the final term to run away with a 52-36 win.
Rupanyup will take confidence into Sunday’s match after posting its own impressive win against Kaniva-Leeor United.
Unlike Kalkee, the Panthers
dominated from the outset, leading 18-6 at quarter time and 32-14 at half time, cantering to the finish line after the long break.
Rupanyup’s Zanaiya Bergen has been one of the league’s best goal shooters this season, but Bianca Drum matched her more heralded team mate’s efforts, with the pair each scoring 30 goals in the win.
Centre Meg Cashin was, as usual, in the thick of the action for the Panthers, playing another impressive game.
Captain Lauren Brown led the way for the Cougars in
the midcourt, along with Zoe Hawker. While Kaniva-Leeor United’s season is now over, it can still be considered a resounding success after the Cougars returned to the A Grade competition after failing to field a team last year.
Rupanyup and Kalkee have played twice this year, with the Kees winning in a 36-35 thriller in round three before Rupanyup got revenge with a 35-27 win in round 14.
The Panthers will have home ground advantage, with the second semi-final to be played
at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
Rupanyup will fight the Kees for the right to take on the loser of Saturday’s first semi-final between Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong.
The Demons will start the match at Edenhope as deserving favourites after completing an undefeated home-and-away season.
However, the Bombers are likely to fancy their chances of an upset, after finishing within three goals of Laharum in the only meeting between the sides this season.
BY LAUREN HENRY
It is the business end of the Wimmera league football season, with two hotly-contested finals set to be played this weekend.
It took until the last round of the home-and-away season on Saturday for ladder positions of the top five to be finalised.
Southern Mallee Thunder’s 66-point win over Horsham Demons cemented top spot and earned them a week’s rest, while Ararat defeated Stawell in a match that will be replayed in a qualifying final at Nhill on Saturday.
The Demons, who finished fourth, will face Nhill, fifth, in an elimination final at Stawell on Sunday.
Nhill, playing senior finals for the first time in 14 years, is coming off an impressive second half of the year – losing only two of its past nine matches.
Similarly, the Demons have just lost three of their past nine matches.
Both sides took a while to gel this season, with a few recruits combined with young players, making for relatively inexperienced finals contenders.
Nhill senior coach Jake McQueen, who has re-signed to coach the Tigers for next season, said he was particularly pleased with his team’s second half against Horsham Saints, with the eventual scoreline 123-73.
“We definitely had a better second
half than we did the first half. We finally started to do what we wanted to do at the start of the game,” he said.
McQueen said despite not having a win over the Demons this season –losing by 10 points in round five and then 34 in round 15 – he was quietly confident.
“We haven’t beaten them yet, but I reckon we’ve still got a bloody good chance,” he said.
“We’ll go into the game just the same as every other week, bringing our pressure, and we’re moving the ball how we want to move the ball with our game plan.”
While Nhill has lost Lucas Dahlenburg for the season after he suffered a facial injury against Ararat, the Tigers also await the result of a fitness test for forward Dylan Ridding.
Demons coach Jordyn Burke said his side was looking forward to participating in what was expected to be the closest finals series in years.
“Within the final five, everyone has beaten someone within that five,” he said.
“It’s riding the wave is what I call it – you’ve just got to capitalise if you get a chance with momentum and absorb the pressure.
“But as I said to the boys, that’s exactly why you play footy. Just accept that pressure and enjoy it. The rest of it will take care of itself.”
The Demons will need to bounce
back quickly following a heavy loss to the Thunder.
A poor start, scoring just nine points to half time, proved costly for the Demons, who trailed by 42 points at the main break at Beulah.
The Thunder did not take their foot off the accelerator, piling on another 16 scoring shots to the Demons’ inaccurate four goals, eight points.
Jackson Fisher, Lou White and Kieran Delahunty were again in good form for the Thunder, who will play the winner of the Ararat versus Stawell
qualifying final. The second-semi final, at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal on September 7, will be a preview to the grand final, with the winner to progress straight through to the big dance.
Ararat will go into the qualifying final as favourites after its 35-point win over Stawell.
A quiet first quarter by the Warriors proved costly as the Rats piled on six goals to be 34 points ahead.
Henry Shea, Ben Taylor and Baydn Cosgriff impressed for Ararat.
Co-coach Tom Mills kicked six goals
but it was his colleague Tom Williamson, with four goals, who did enough to win the league’s goal-kicking on 57 goals, ahead of Stawell’s Cody Driscoll, on 54 goals after he booted three on Saturday.
Stawell coach Tom Eckel said his team needed to rectify its poor starts.
“We also need to work a little bit harder on our defensive side of our game, where Ararat got a lot of easy outside ball, which was quite disappointing on our end, so there’s a couple of things, we just have to make sure we get some match ups right and then go from there,” he said.
“We’ll get Mitch Taylor and Marlon Motlop back – they’ll come back in to the side, so that’ll make a difference.”
The other match in round 18 between Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola at Murtoa resulted in an upset with the Roos winning by six points.
Dimboola’s five-goal third term was a highlight as forward Jackson Calder kicked seven goals for the match, to be among the best players along with Darcy Dubois, Andrew Moore and Jack Landt.
The Burras came back strongly in the last quarter, outscoring Dimboola seven goals to two, but couldn’t claw their way back for a final win of the season.
• For Wimmera league finals feature, see page 31.
Stawell will use a home court advantage in its elimination final against Nhill on Sunday.
The Warriors secured its fifth position in the second last round of the season, and is yet to beat the Tigers this season.
But with only five goals separating the two sides in their last encounter, in round 13, and Stawell in hot form, having won its past three matches, the elimination final is set to be an enthralling watch.
The Warriors scored a convincing 22-goal win over the bottom-of-theladder Ararat on Saturday, with captain Ebony Summers combining well with Madi Taylor in goals.
Stawell A Grade coach Jemma Clarkson said the Warriors aimed to
push deep into the finals series, but acknowledged how competitive the competition was in 2024.
“We definitely have the strength to win those first few finals, and then from there, as they say, finals is anyone’s game and you never know what’s going to happen,” she said.
Nhill, having finished in fourth spot but on the same points as third-placed Dimboola, has won nine games this season, with six losses and a draw against the Roos.
Nhill A Grade coach Emma Hawker said the increase in competitiveness across the competition set up a tough finals series.
“There are a few teams that have been strong all year, and they’ll definitely be challenging, but we’re fo-
cused on bringing our best and seeing where that takes us,” she said.
One of the strong teams is no doubt Horsham Saints, who the Tigers went down to by 37 goals on Saturday.
The reigning premiers were a class above as attackers Megan Byrne, in wing attack, and Abby Hallam, goal attack, shone.
The Saints, in second place to Horsham Demons on percentage, now find themselves in a qualifying final against Dimboola at Nhill on Saturday.
The Roos snuck home with a twogoal win over Minyip-Murtoa in the last home and away game for the season, with centre Billie Barber and goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou, 34 goals, both displaying strong form.
Saints and Dimboola met only two weeks ago in round 17 where the Roos lost by 31 goals.
The match earlier in the year, in round eight, was a similar margin, 70-37.
With the Saints hot favourite to take out the qualifying final, they are likely to play minor premier Horsham in the second semifinal in week two of finals, with the winner to progress straight to the grand final.
The Demons were simply too strong for Southern Mallee Thunder on Saturday, with a 54-42 win ending the Thunder’s season.
Goal defender Romi Miller and wing defence Keely Pope were stars for the Demons, who have a well-deserved rest in the first week of finals.
Stawell’s
Elie Enock will be the flag bearer for her native country of Vanuatu at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics, which start today in Paris.
Enock will also be the first female athlete to represent Vanuatu at the Paralympics as she pushes to win a medal in shotput.
“I’m so excited to be the flag bearer and to represent my country,” she said.
Although Enock was not into sport growing up, after her accident and due to the proactive Vanuatu Paralympic Committee, she became involved in 2014, participating in her first competition in 2017 at the Pacific MiniGames.
Since then, she has collected medals and embraced the opportunities athletics has presented.
It’s a long way from a life-changing car accident in 2009 when she was out celebrating her birthday. The accident took her leg and almost her life.
“After the accident when they had to amputate my leg, I just stayed home doing nothing,” Enock said.
“I thought being a person with a disability, this was the end of my life.”
But a chance encounter with Rainbow Disability Theatre changed her life, encouraging her out of the house and starting her on a pathway to become a disability advocate, actor and now a paralympian.
“From that time, I realised that being a person with disability, you still have access to every opportunity to enjoy your life,” she said. Her outlook on life is now ‘to not limit your challenge but challenge your limits’.
Enock now works for Thomas Foods International, TFI, Stawell and is about to start training at South West TAFE after completing her induction programs.
She came to Australia in 2023 and is one of 40 employees from Vanuatu at TFI Stawell, hired through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility, PALM, Scheme.
Enock has made great sacrifices to join the TFI team and provide a better life for her family, including being away from her 10-year-old son.
“I wanted to come here and have a go,” she said.
“Many people in Vanuatu are afraid
to go out and try different things, but I wanted to show people with a disability that you don’t have to look at that disability, you should look at your ability and what you can do.”
Enock also hopes to raise money to help her son, who remains in Vanuatu with her mother, with his future education.
“Being in Stawell is a really good experience – totally different to where I came from, but it’s good to experi-
ence new things,” she said. “Thomas Food International and South West TAFE have been very helpful and really good mentors and I’ve met a lot of nice people.”
TFI Stawell operations manager
Shane Wittmann and South West TAFE Meat Training Australia teacher
Mick McCartney have been helping with her shotput training, as well as supporting her at work.
TFI has built a frame and training arena onsite for Enock, as well as arranging a gym membership, coaching and an endless supply of encouragement.
Mr Wittman is also going to Paris to support his employee.
“Elie has always been backed by a loving and supportive family. We are proud that TFI is now a part of that,” he said.
“Elie’s determination to succeed is a real credit to her and we wish her all the best on her Olympic journey.”
Blair primed
Former Horsham man Jannik Blair will compete for the Australian Rollers at the Paris Paralympics.
The Rollers will compete in Group B against the Netherlands and Spain on Friday; and then USA on Sunday. The quarter finals will be played on Wednesday, September 4, then semifinals on September 6, followed by the gold and bronze medal matches on September 8.
Closing date: ASAP Requirements:
• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient
• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages
• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance
• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
Cookery Apprenticeship
Horsham
Closing date: ASAP Requirements:
• Assist and work with other team members
• Good communication skills
• Be able to work in a busy environment
• Willingness to commit to work and study
• Have a passion for the hospitality field of work
• Be able to undertake and follow instructions
For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.
Closing date: ASAP Requirements:
• Genuine interest in Hydraulic & Mechanical repairs
• Willingness to commit to work, study & learn
• Required to get own way to and from work and on time
• Initiative and responsible attitude
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures & work independently
For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.
About you:
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Able to work independently & in team
• Strong attention to detail
• Driver’s licence or reliable transport to/from work
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions
• Physically fit and able to meet manual requirements
BY DAVID BERRY
After four consecutive weeks on the road where he played four cut-throat finals, Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden, playing for Phantoms in State League one men’s division, has returned with a well-earned bronze medal.
Snowden’s team finished the regular season with a nine-five win-loss record to qualify in fourth position on the ladder, with the competition, featuring 23 teams, split into two pools.
A four set quarter final win against Volley Friends United set up a semi-final showdown with Latrobe Uni, which they won in five tight sets.
That win secured a spot in the preliminary finals, where they played an epic five-setter against Derrimut Knights, only to be denied by the eventual gold medal winning team, resulting in a bronze medal showdown against Western Region Wolves.
In the bronze final, Snowden’s team was too strong, winning in straight sets – 25-18, 25-19, 25-23.
The bronze win was one for perseverance as the team played without their first and second choice liberos Tim Carter and Henry Murnane – both boys unable to play due to season ending injuries.
Volleyball Horsham’s Tim Carter said Snowden had worked hard on his game throughout the course of the year, diversifying from his traditional middle blocking role, and being able to
fulfill whatever role was required of him with confidence.
“Snowy has been first to training and last to leave all season and you can see the improvement in his game in that time,” he said.
“To be able to play in any role asked of you by the coach is a feather in his cap.”
The bronze medal will sit nicely beside the one Snowden won at the recent country championships, his first at the level, and will only serve to inspire the experienced but still developing player.
The Mahindra Australian Volleyball Superleague commences on Sunday for the Melbourne Vipers, with plenty of local interest in the madefor-television product.
The Vipers men will be coached by Josh Cowan and he will be supported by Matthew Berry, while on his roster will be Phantoms duo Paul Sanderson and Scott Johnson.
The women’s team will have Phantoms pair Brooke Symes and Hillary Hannagan both making their Superleague debuts.
Vipers will make the trek north to play the Queensland Pirates, with the game being televised on SBS On Demand from 1pm on Sunday.
The Vipers first home game will be next Saturday at the State Volleyball Centre in Dandenong against Canberra Heat.
Tickets for this home game are selling fast, so volleyball enthusiasts interested in supporting the Vipers are encouraged to get in quick.
Horsham-based swimmers have qualified to compete in the South Australian State Championships in coming weeks.
Ballarat Gold Club swimmers Ellua Boyd, 14, Chase Briggs, 16, and Sebastian Smith, 18, will compete at South Australia in their sections at the three-day championship competition this week, while Flynn Dodson, 11, will compete in the 11-12 years section on September 14 and 15.
The swimmers competed at the Victorian Country Championships, where new personal best times were set and qualifying times were obtained for both South Australia and Victorian state championships.
Ellua said swimming at the Victorian championships was a familiar experience, but with a ‘different feel’.
“I have participated at the Victorian Short Course Country Championships before, but this event felt completely different, as I was representing a new club,” she said.
“The support and atmosphere was a completely
new experience, having multiple coaches on deck and teammates everywhere, which made for a great experience.”
Chase said all clubs showed ‘exceptional skills’ at the Victorian Short Course Country Championships.
“They showed them not only in their racing but also in the support the coaches and swimmers had for each other,” he said.
“I enjoyed the atmosphere there, and the opportunity to catch up with my mates from different clubs.”
Sebastian said the Victorian Short Course Country Championships qualifying event was his first.
“It motivated me to perform at my absolute best,” he said.
“SA States gives me the opportunity to swim in many races against the best South Australia has to offer. I haven’t had this opportunity before and I’m hoping it will encourage me to swim some faster times.”
Vol. 27 No. 9
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Star Pimpinio onballer Matt Rosier gets a kick away under pressure from Laharum’s Jackson Price in a Horsham District Football Netball League elimination final at Pimpinio on Sunday. Rosier starred for the Tigers in the senior team’s return to finals after a 15-year finals drought. It was their first finals win in 17 years. The Tigers next take on Noradjuha-Quantong, who demolished Rupanyup by 139 points on Saturday, and Harrow-Balmoral will play Swifts after both teams enjoyed a week off.
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