The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Remain vigilant

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

A64,000-hectare fire in Little Desert National Park forced the evacuation of Dimboola, Wail and Pimpinio and destroyed Little Desert Nature Lodge on Monday.

The day of extreme fire danger saw high temperatures, winds up to 70 kilometres an hour and about 10,000 lightning strikes across the state.

The strikes resulted in multiple ignitions, including one 15 kilometres north of Goroke which spread towards Dimboola.

Dimboola resident and Hindmarsh Shire deputy mayor Chan Uoy said he knew the situation was serious when he received a text to ‘evacuate now’.

“At 6.57pm the text came through and we knew we were in trouble,” he said.

“When I read we should evacuate by 7.30pm, it became quite real. The smell of smoke confirmed it was serious, and within that half an hour it was a quick pack and go – the only evacuation in living memory.”

Mr Uoy said he evacuated with his partner Jamie, and after watching a string of cars leave the town, drove to Horsham’s relief centre, established by Horsham Rural City and Hindmarsh Shire councils.

“People went to the centre to register, then most found alternate accommodation, and came back in the morning for breakfast,” he said.

Mr Uoy said some trees were still burning along the river, and people were trying to save the culturally significant canoe trees in the area.

He said he was saddened to hear of the loss of Little Desert Nature Lodge,

which was established in 1969 near Nhill for awareness and conservation of flora and fauna, before expanding to include a 120-capacity function centre and camping ground.

“I was only at the lodge a few months ago, for my council induction. There was a lot of local art there too, which is now lost,” he said.

In an online statement, Little Desert Nature Lodge camp director Moshe Kahn announced the ‘complete destruction’ of the venue, however confirmed there were no injuries or loss of life.

“Staff and animals left the property as a precautionary measure before the fire began, ensuring there were no injuries or harm,” he said.

“We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning the next steps forward.

“Updates will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we extend our thanks to the community for their messages of support and encouragement during this difficult time.

“We remain committed to the spirit of the lodge and the values it represents, and we are optimistic about rebuilding a future where nature, wildlife and community continue to thrive together.”

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said about 60 to 70 new fires started on private land and about 80 started on public land and in national parks, including Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park.

“Little Desert started about 1.20pm by, what we believe to be, lightning,” he said.

“The spread was incredibly fast, at

rates of 14 to 18 kilometres an hour.

For comparison, the Little Desert National Park grew to 64,000 hectares in hours, and the Grampians’ 21-day fire was about 76,000 to 77,000 hectares.” Dimboola’s hospital and aged care facilities were unable to fully evacuate and sheltered in place.

People who could not leave Dimboola also sheltered at the hospital.

“An assessment is currently underway to understand and appreciate the full impact and consequences of the fire,” Mr Nugent said.

“The Little Desert National Park and Wail State Forest are closed, and there are a number of rail and road closures in place – but that can change at any time, so people should check the VicTraffic website for current information.”

Continued page 3

CFA members Rohan Richards, Warracknabeal, and Philip Lehmann, Brim, monitor the Little Desert National Park fire at Dimboola. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

We sat down with our newly elected Councillors to get to know them a little better. First cab off the rank is Councillor Rebecca Sluggett, who was elected to represent the Kalimna Ward.

How did you come to live in the Horsham Rural City Council?

HRCC NEWS

I grew up in Nhill and lived in Nurcoung and Goroke for the first 11 years of our marriage. My whole life I have often come to Horsham for shopping, health care, entertainment, and further education. While undertaking full time study at Longerenong College my family moved to a rental in Vectis to be closer to Longy and my husband Dale’s new job. We purchased our home near Pimpinio in 2020, where we plan to stay.

What do you enjoy about living in our municipality?

We love living in the Wimmera and Horsham area for the natural beauty, the agricultural industry and people within our community that generally have a relaxed and friendly personality. We enjoy that Horsham has a good range of shopping opportunities, a lot of day trip locations to explore so far, we are yet to be without employment opportunities. As a family we have found that there are a wide range of different schooling and job opportunities for our children.

What inspired you to become a councillor?

I enjoy knowing how things work, the 'whys' behind decisions as well as meeting and supporting people. I have always had a strong interest in politics, debating and research. The 2024 Leadership Program gave me the confidence to put myself forward as a candidate for Kalimna Ward. I had often been frustrated with decisions of Council, and decided by getting involved I might be able to understand and influence the decision making process in a way that positively included community.

How have you found the first three months? It’s has been a bit of a whirlwind of activity and emotions. There has been a lot of training, catching up on what is already happening and trying to fit it all in around work. I am really enjoying working with the entire team, I feel we have different skill sets that really complement one another and that we are all getting comfortable with discussing matters in a constructive manner.

The enormity of the role is really starting to sink in, especially as we move through the process of hiring a new CEO. There are times I have felt frustrated with process, as I am generally a person who likes to find a solution quickly. Overall, I am really enjoying the role of councillor thus far, I am looking forward to the next four years.

What are your goals for our community during your term?

• To ensure that community can engage with Council, and that they feel heard when they do.

• That volunteers and not for profits that bring events, infrastructure and services to our community are well supported to do so.

• That community are encouraged and supported to consider contributing to infrastructure projects with grants and funding that isn’t available to council.

• That we ensure spending is sensible, considered, and practicable.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of your work as a councillor?

I have a hobby farm where the animals are more in charge than we are, and delight in highlighting that I need to spend a lot more time replacing internal fencing. Luckily the 20 odd sheep and 10 chooks are happy to follow me anywhere if I have a bucket in hand. I enjoy reading, board games and a lazy day in the kayak. I love the smell of a rainstorm just before it hits, watching the birds going crazy as it starts and the sound of rain on the roof. Despite been a busy person I enjoy taking the time to appreciate the small things in life.

Our community came together to celebrate Australia Day with lots of happy faces, as we welcomed new Australian citizens and congratulated our award winners.

Citizen of the Year - Gavin Morrow

Gavin Morrow received the Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding community involvement and contributions over many years.

Young Citizen of the Year - Julia Hastings

Julia Hastings received the Young Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership qualities and volunteer work with Girl Guides Horsham.

Community Event of the Year - Love Your Mum

The Love Your Mum afternoon high tea was held on Sunday 12 May 2024 at the Horsham Town Hall, organised by five community minded women Mary Marchesini, Teresa Marchesini, Helen Fisher, Lee Elliot and Robyn Lardner.

The group self-funded the event to pay tribute to Horsham local, Susan Schilling, who passed away in November 2021 from heart disease and offer an opportunity to educate guests about heart disease symptoms and the early signs of heart attack.

“On behalf of Council, I wish to extend my congratulations to Gavin Morrow, Julia Hastings and the Love Your Mum fundraising event organisers for their selfless contributions to the community," Mayor Cr Ross said.

Each year, HRCC allocates funding to support community and sporting groups through its Community Grants program.

The application period for the next round of grants opens on 3 February, and groups are encouraged to plan their applications early to maximise their chances of success.

For more information, visit the Council website or scan the QR code.

Next Council Meeting: February 24, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal

TENDERS AND RFQ

UPGRADE OF KENNY RD TRANSFER STATION (DESIGN) Closes Sunday 2 February

LOT 2 CROSSOVER CONSTRUCTION BURGIN DRIVE WAL HUB Closes Friday 31 January

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF DADSWELLS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Closes Wednesday 5 February

All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

RATES PAYMENT REMINDERS

Council reminds property owners who pay their rates in full, that the annual payment is due Monday 17 February 2025.

If you are paying by instalments, your next instalment is due on Friday 28 February 2025. Notices will be issued in early February.

If you have not received your 2024/2025 annual notice, are having difficulty paying by the due date, or want to speak to a member of the Rates team, please contact our office on 03 5382 9777

City Oval pavilion funding

Council has welcomed $4.8 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program to help build a new community pavilion at Horsham City Oval.

The $9.6 million project will see the development of a multi-purpose community pavilion, AFL-compliant change rooms, a food kiosk, ticket boxes, and landscaping at the main precinct entrance.

The new pavilion will replace outdated facilities, ensuring Horsham City Oval remains a premier venue for key sporting and tourism events in the Wimmera region.

The single-storey building will serve as a shared community space, featuring seating for up to 200 people, accessible amenities, catering and conference facilities and meeting rooms.

The project also includes the construction of AFL-compliant multi-purpose change rooms, umpire amenities, a medical room, storage, a gym, public toilets, and a covered verandah for an all-weather walkway and viewing area.

Additional developments include a new north-west precinct area with a food kiosk, ticket box, and landscaping as well as a second ticket box at the oval’s southern entry and a new south-west entry.

Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2025, following a tender process. HRCC will collaborate with user groups such as the Horsham Cricket Association, Horsham Football and Netball Club and other City Oval stakeholders to minimise disruptions during the construction period. HRCC’s co-contribution is $4.8 million, as allocated in the capital works program.

VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

New fires in the Grampians

BY LAUREN HENRY

New fires in the Grampians

National Park are expected to put surrounding northern and western communities under threat in coming days as temperatures increase towards 40 degrees on Sunday.

Fire authorities expect Halls Gap to again come under threat by the new northerly fires.

Lightning strikes started five new fires in the Grampians late Monday afternoon – three in the north-western part of the national park, and two in the south-west.

As of yesterday afternoon, the bushfire in the Wallaby Rocks Road area near the Zumsteins remained out of control, travelling in a northerly direction towards Wartook.

Firefighters conducted burning-out operations in the Asses Ears area, south of Wartook, yesterday in an attempt to slow the fire.

A Watch and Act message was also in place for the Victoria Range in the south end of the Grampians, travelling from Strachans in a northerly direction towards Mt Thackeray.

Southerly and south-westerly winds in coming days will push the fires in a northerly direction, before an expected wind change on Saturday, with an easterly wind set to create concern for communities on the western side of

Opening memories

Lions Club of Horsham members opened the time capsule at Lions Park on Monday, retrieving hundreds of letters and distributing many of them to their authors a quarter of a century after they were written.

Horsham Rural City Mayor Ian Ross opened the capsule with an audience of about 120 people – some of whom had contributed to the time capsule personally, while others were descendants or representatives of contributors.

Lions club president Jeff Both said then-mayor Bernie Dunn opened the capsule in January 2000.

“It started in 1976 as a project of our former Leo Club, to raise money for Wimmera River improvement work,” he said.

“Peter Creek, who is here today, built it from a naval mine with a world globe design in mind.”

the Grampians. The untouched bushland on the western side, with fewer roads and tracks, will make it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire due to a limited ability to conduct suppression operations.

The fires are expected to grow in size and burn for weeks, adding to the Yarram Gap fire on the eastern side of the Grampians, which is now under control, but firefighters continue to monitor hotspots, treat hazardous trees, clear tracks and rehabilitate control lines.

The majority of the Grampians National Park remains closed, but Halls Gap and Pomonal townships remain open.

A base camp is expected to be set up in Horsham to house visiting firefighters, and allow them to be deployed to both the Grampians and Little Desert fires.

Forest Fire Minister of Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said this week’s fires started in particularly remote and inaccessible areas, and would likely meet up to make one large fire, creating a ‘campaign fire’ for emergency services to tackle.

“ The communities most at risk at this time include the Wartook community and the Halls Gap community again,” he said.

“Those fires do, in the next few days, have the potential to continue to spread and impact those communities.

“Firefighters are planning to do everything in their powers to protect the communities of Wartook and Halls Gap from the progression of this fire over the coming days.”

Mr Hardman said firefighters would attempt to keep the fire to the south of Mount Victory Road.

“That’s going to be one of the key strategies that firefighters will utilise, and then they will work on the fallback options and make sure the township protection around Wartook and Halls Gap is in place when those fires eventually reach those communities.

“At this stage, we’re not looking at evacuating Halls Gap.

“Certainly access into Halls Gap from the Grampians Road will be available for an undefined period of time, but from the other side on Mount Victory Road, that road will be closed.”

The 76,000-hectare Yarram Gap fire in the Grampians, started by lightning on December 17, has burnt about one third of the national park.

But Mr Hardman said the new fires would spread into the two thirds of the national park that was unburnt.

He urged people to keep up-to-date about the current situation, which could regularly change, and access more than one source – through the Vic Emergency app and emergency service broadcasters.

“It could change very, very quickly.

Knowledge is power when it comes to these events,” he said.

Heatwave forecast

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said wind direction, no matter what the direction, could produce a rapid fire spread.

“The two things that take it to the next level from a significant fire day to a critical fire weather day is the instability in the atmosphere; the fire generates its own lightning, downstream of the fire that exacerbates the fire at the ground level, but also starts new fires,” he said.

“And the second component is the wind change. Any wind change and the fire is problematic and can exacerbate the fire behaviour further and push it in a different direction, affecting communities. We’ve seen it before and we’ll see it again.”

Mr Parkyn said a hot dome would remain over Victoria for the next seven to 10 days.

“Once we get into the weekend, don’t be surprised if we see heatwave conditions unfold across the state and continue to intensify into next week,” he said.

“Beyond that, the crystal ball is probably a little bit cloudy at this stage, but we need to be prepared.

“The landscape’s dry. If we continue to see these hot conditions, that’ll just continue to dry the landscape.”

Mr Both said people could still contribute to the next 25-year time capsule, to be opened about 2050.

“We will keep the capsule open until February 28 – at this stage people can give letters to a Lions

Cr Ross thanked Lions club volunteers for their contribution to the community.

TREASURE: Sisters Lisa Fulton, left, Tanya Stanley, and Kylie Christian, represented by her son Jasper, received letters written to them by their mother Marie and sealed in the Lions Club of Horsham time capsule 25 years ago.

Cooper and Toby Stanley joined the celebrations at Lions Park. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

“Everywhere we go where there’s an event on, the Lions are there helping out. So, a really big thank you to the club for facilitating this,” he said. The event concluded with a barbecue lunch.

Stay alert

From page 1

Mr Nugent thanked the community for actively monitoring conditions and listening to and acting on the advice provided, as well as the on-ground and in-air firefighters.

“I also want to thank the families and employers of volunteers – thank you so much for your support which enables our volunteers to get out there on the trucks.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria announced the threat to the Dimboola and Wail areas was reduced mid afternoon yesterday, allowing residents with authorised access to return to their homes.

CFA, FFMVic and private units continue to patrol fire edges and extinguish spot fires – Gerang Gerung resident Katelynn Clark has teamed with her family, neighbours and firefighters to defend their properties.

“It came really quick – we worked all Monday night and into Tuesday, stopping about 3.30am to go back out at 6am,” she said.

“We’ve lost a couple of hundred acres of pasture, and fences too, but we’ve been able to save our homes.

“We’re just watching and waiting for it to come out of the desert, and putting out spot fires and treelines. It’s been pretty hectic.”

A recovery centre will be set up at Dimboola Library from 9am today, Wednesday, and a community meeting will take place at 5pm at the rear of the library.

People are encouraged to keep upto-date with warnings and advice by checking multiple sources across radio, social media and the VicEmergency app.

Fatal collision near Nhill

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a fatal collision near Nhill on Thursday evening when a traffic control worker was hit by a truck.

Police believe a truck travelling on the Western Highway just after 6pm struck a male performing traffic control duties for road works in the area.

The man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

The truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined at this stage. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have passed through the area with dashcam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers vic.com.au.

club member, and we will set up a receiver box somewhere in the near future,” he said.

An unexpected honour

Murtoa’s

Gwen Blandthorn has received a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, in the General Division for her lifetime of volunteer work in her community.

Mrs Blandthorn said it was unexpected to be included in the Australia Day Honours.

“It’s a great honour, but you don’t expect that – you work for different organisations, but you don’t expect a reward at the end of it,” she said.

Within weeks of moving from Birchip to Murtoa in 1973 with her husband Ernie and five children, Mrs Blandthorn was recruited to cut sandwiches for swimming race events.

“We had been here about a fortnight when Mary Rabl came around and welcomed us to the town – and asked me to help at the pool at the same time,” she said.

The catering expanded; she was

the mechanics institute’s catering co-ordinator for 30 years.

“The shire extended our supper room and we had to pay back the expenses, so I suggested we do catering,” Mrs Blandthorn said.

“Before the first one, we thought we’d do small parties and things. I went to the meeting and told them I had a booking.

“When I said it was a wedding with 130 people, they nearly flipped because there was only about four or five of us.

“But we got through that, and then we even catered for large football functions.”

Mrs Blandthorn’s volunteerism portfolio expanded too, taking on general and committee positions within local groups, including Murtoa’s agricultural and pastoral society, Australian Red Cross branch, golf club, fire brigade, Girl Guides, meals on wheels, schools, and netball club, and in 1988 she was

named Dunmunkle Shire’s Citizen of the Year.

Mrs Blandthorn also worked casually, as a relieving telephonist and postie between her many and varied volunteer roles.

“I was commissioner in the Girl Guides because my daughters were involved – when you’ve got your kids doing something, you just sort of help out, don’t you,” she said.

Mrs Blandthorn said volunteering was beneficial to both the volunteer, and the town.

“When you move to a town and can join a few organisations you get to meet people, you make friends that way because it’s very hard when you’ve got a young family, where do you go,” she said.

“But if you don’t join in a few things, well, they close down.”

Mrs Blandthorn will receive her award at Government House later this year.

Community involvement encouraged

Long-time resident Jan Ballard’s passion for Dimboola and its community are being celebrated with a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, award.

Mrs Ballard was among 732 Australians to receive Australia Day honours and awards from governor-general Sam Mostyn, including 320 OAMs.

Mrs Ballard’s award was presented for service to the community of Dimboola, with 20 years as a member of the Dimboola Town Committee, including time as secretary and treasurer.

In addition to her service on the committee, Mrs Ballard was an organist for Dimboola’s Uniting Church for 40 years and coordinator of Dimboola’s Tidy Towns committee.

She is a previous winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Award from Keep Australia Beautiful in 2006, as well as a vocational excellence award from Dimboola Rotary Club in 1994.

Mrs Ballard, who now lives with her husband Bill at Dimboola Nursing Home, said she was unsure of how to react to her Australia Day honour.

“I feel very grateful but I feel as though I don’t deserve it, because other people worked just as hard as I did and they

still are working,” she said. Mrs Ballard encouraged people to be involved in their community, describing it as rewarding.

“A town is not going to survive if the public don’t support things that are going on,” she said.

“Dimboola was looking very shabby and that was why I started. I think I helped start the ball rolling and people kept going with it.”

Mrs Ballard said a highlight of her involvement with the Dimboola township was its win in the Keep Australia

Beautiful Tiny Towns awards in 2018.

And she said the future of Dimboola looked bright, highlighting the efforts of Chan and Jamie Uoy, who purchased the former National Bank of Australasia building on Lochiel Street to establish the Dimboola Imaginarium.

“We had a couple of new chaps come in and they’ve just done wonders for the town,” she said.

“Dimboola is quite vibrant now. On weekends it’s alive.”

Family ties lead to OAM

For Horsham’s Debbie Boutcher, performing arts is ‘all in the blood’.

Ms Boutcher’s decades of dedication to the Horsham Arts Council, HAC, along with other community-related endeavours, were recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, announced on Australia Day.

Ms Boutcher joined HAC in 1968 and was involved until 1984, pausing to raise her children before rejoining in 2001.

She has been involved ever since, serving as a performer, director, mentor and committee member, and formerly as vice-president and costume coordinator.

Ms Boutcher said a life of performing felt like an inevitability given her family background.

“My mum was a singer and my grandfather had his own band, which used to play for a lot of the balls and things around the district,” she said.

“He also wrote programs and shows for the town hall and would organise everything. It’s all in the blood. It’s been there for a while.”

Family ties to performing arts have continued through Ms Boutcher’s daughter Erin and her husband Chris, who are both involved in HAC.

Ms Boutcher said a highlight of her career was seeing her grandson on stage.

“I’ve watched my daughter come through the arts, and in Shrek I had my little four-year-old grandson on stage – that made me cry,” she said.

Ms Boutcher’s service to the arts formed only part of her Australia Day recognition.

She was also recognised for her work to support victims of violent crime, as well as a foster care support worker and fundraising coordinator.

As Yvonne Derbyshire steps into a well-earned retirement, O’Brien & Smith Lawyers are excited to continue Derbyshire Legal’s tradition of exceptional legal service. O’Brien & Smith Lawyers extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Yvonne on her retirement and thank her for her continued trust and support.

The team O’Brien & Smith Lawyers will be available to assist you with your legal needs from the same familiar location at 178 Main Street, Stawell from 1 March 2025.

Please note that consultations will be conducted by appointment only to ensure the highest level of service.

To arrange your appointment, kindly contact O’Brien Smith Lawyers’ reception by calling 5381 2222 or visit www.obsl.com.au.

“I worked with victims of violent crime and helped them go through the court process and organise counselling and anything else they might have needed,” she said.

“It was difficult. Everyone needed different things. Some were easy and some were not so easy. The court process is quite difficult for victims and I found that challenging but got used to it. I enjoyed my work because someone had to do it. We mostly had good outcomes for the victims.”

Ms Boutcher was overwhelmed by her OAM honour, and thanked the person who nominated her who had chosen to remain anonymous.

“It has come as a total shock,” she said.

“I feel quite humbled and even teary about it, because I don’t know who, but someone out there has recommended me for this. They must think I do something right.

“To have something like this is quite special. It really is an honour.”

January 29, 2025 www.

Lauren Emblem

LL.B., B.A., GDLP M.App Law (Family Law)

Patrick Smith

LL.B. (Hons), B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP

GREAT HONOUR: Murtoa’s Gwen Blandthorn has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in Australia Day Honours. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Jan Ballard

Debbie Boutcher

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”

Romeo & Juliet Masquerade Ball

Friday, February 14

6.30pm

Warracknabeal Town Hall

BYO Drinks / Finger food provided / Strictly 18+

Dress: Formal or Costume Masquerade mask mandatory

Music by Jeff Woodward and Darryn Wardle

Entry via gold coin (proceeds to RNH Cancer Support Group)

RSVP: noon, January 31 TO BOOK

Scan the QR Code or Call/Email

Tif: 5396 1223

tifaniya.devasia@rnh.net.au

Bernie: 5396 1200

bernie.oconnor@rnh.net.au

READY TO RIDE:

Back, from left, ride chairman Dean Pinniger, Pomonal Tennis Club’s Sue Macaffer, Ararat Rural City’s John Matthews, forward command for ride Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Allen, of Northern Grampians police, front from left ride marshall Torin Sampson and ride participant Anton Henrikson, from Pomonal, ahead of the event on Sunday.

Revised ride for Ararat hospital fundraiser

A revised Ride to Remember will attract about 500 motorcyclists to its Ararat-based annual event, while raising money for an anaesthetic machine for the Ararat hospital.

Hosted by Ararat’s branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation on Sunday, the 185-kilometre ride will this year avoid parts of the fireaffected Grampians National Park.

Ride chairman Dean Pinniger said he was grateful for the co-operation of bodies involved in re-routing the ride.

“Planning for the 2025 ride is back on track after having to re-visit the route due to the recent Grampians

fires, and we thank all the relevant bodies for working with us so we have a safe and enjoyable ride,” he said.

The ride starts at 9am from the Queen-Barkly streets roundabout and travels rural to Crowlands, Joel Joel, Stawell, Pomonal for morning tea, then Lake Fyans, Lake Lonsdale, Pomonal, Moyston and back to Ararat for lunch at the Alexandra Gardens around 12.30pm.

Morning tea will be hosted by Pomonal Tennis Club, Ararat Lions Club will cater lunch, and there will be a dinner at Ararat RSL for participants.

A six-section show ‘n’ shine and the

Blue Ribbon merchandise van will also be at Alexandra Gardens following the ride.

“We are pleased also that Pomonal is able to be involved again as riders and pillions will be keen to return and check out the upgraded tennis courts, which many contributed a donation through the Giving Back to Pomonal fundraising co-ordinated by our Ararat Branch last year,” Mr Pinniger said.

“This is the 17th year of the ride, and we are again looking towards another successful event for Blue Ribbon Ararat.

“Importantly, the ride remembers

the sacrifice of Victoria Police who have fallen in the line of duty and to show all serving members their work and commitment is valued by our community.”

The ride’s proceeds will go towards a $114,070 anaesthetic machine for the Jason Bond Perioperative Unit at East Grampians Health Service’s Ararat campus.

Registration for the ride is $50 for riders and pillions. For more information, visit www.trybooking.com/ CVEUM.

Town Hall season launch

Horsham Town Hall will launch its 2025 season on Sunday, with a day of free events.

The informal activities, from 11am to 3pm, will offer a sneak peek into the diverse range of programs, performances, and exhibitions planned for the year.

The event will also feature the official opening of the newly-revamped Horsham Visitor Information Centre at 11.30am, before the 2025 season is officially opened at 2pm. Attendees can look forward to performing arts and gallery previews, with guided tours of the gallery at noon and 1pm; kids’ makers section for children to engage in fun craft activities; Wesley Committee updates to learn about the latest fundraising efforts for The Wesley; local produce samples available to taste and purchase at the visitor centre; and staff to be on hand to answer questions about workshops, programs, and memberships.

Visitors can also enjoy a sneak peak of shows coming to the theatre this year, with the advance of trying different seats, and attend a behind-the-scenes backstage tour at noon and 1pm.

For more details, visit www. horshamtownhall.com.au/ hthevent/2025-horsham-townhall-season-launch.

Australian Fire Service Medal honour

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Mark Gunning has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his leadership and contribution to the Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria, in both volunteer and employee roles.

A Horsham-based assistant chief fire officer with FRV, Mr Gunning has filled firefighting and emergency management roles across 40 years and four Australian states, and has numerous tertiary qualifications related to law, leadership, disaster, fire and emergency management.

He is well-respected for his tailored responses for the most vulnerable and marginalised demographics during emergencies.

Most recently, Mr Gunning’s role in managing the Grampians fires ensured the community was informed and loss was limited.

“We made sure people made good decisions to look after themselves,” he said.

“We knew Boxing Day was going to be a shocker. The fire was going to get out of containment lines and lives and property were at risk – I counted 5185 houses at threat.

“We didn’t have 5185 fire trucks to look after those houses, but a lot of local people were mobilised to work on fire breaks and such, and we got really good results.”

Mr Gunning said the same community awareness and the timeliness of ‘leave now’ messages saved lives at last year’s Pomonal fire.

“Our accuracy at the incident control centre allows people to make life-saving decisions – one night, our warning said the fire would impact an area in between one and three hours; it impacted in an hour and two minutes,” he said.

Mr Gunning was also involved

in the 1983 Ash Wednesday, 2009 Black Saturday, and 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, 2011 and 2022 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic response, where he worked with residents of North Melbourne’s housing commission towers.

“The multicultural population, and the vulnerability of people who don’t speak or read English, people really sick and dying, and the police presence – trying to interact with the community under those circumstances wasn’t easy at all,” he said.

“I have found that no matter where you are, people are people, and if you treat them with respect and inform them and work with them you get good results back.

“About 18 months later myself and another assistant fire chief ran into one of Victoria’s multicultural commissioners we met during the pandemic – he said he remembered

us fondly as the only two leaders who looked at it from a community perspective instead of a policy perspective.

“I walked away that day thinking, ‘gee, we must have done something right’.”

Mr Gunning’s lifelong connections with people impacted by emergencies motivates him to seek continual improvement in his practice, including physical and psychological wellbeing.

His connection with 17-year-old Linton firefighter Matthew Armstrong’s family 25 years after his death still brings raw emotion.

“It’s a remembrance, we’re not forgetting – and we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Mr Gunning, who is transitioning into the role of assistant chief fire officer regional commander, will receive his award at Government House in coming months.

Mark Gunning

It was refreshing to yet again see positive news in the local newspaper in last week’s Weekly Advertiser as we celebrated our local Australia Day award nominees.

Congratulations to Gavin Morrow, 2025 Citizen of the Year, Julia Hastings the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year and to the organisers of the Love Your Mum afternoon high tea, Horsham’s community event of the year.

On January 26th Australia Day has long been an opportunity to celebrate what is great about our nation, for instance: generosity. Gavin, Julia and others don’t do charitable, loving things for recognition – it is because they care. When we welcome new citizens on Australia Day it is vital that at the same time we are show everyone the civic service and community spirit that we uphold.

I reached out to my Wimmera farming contacts just before Christmas because some face a very distressing year with major projects threatening their farming future. I encourage everyone to be kind to those who are struggling during this challenging year.

Fighting for Mallee

A little civility and kindness make for a good start to 2025. You may have your own views about changes of leadership from the United States of America to new faces at the Horsham Rural City Council, but let’s be respectful and grateful that people continue to put up their hand to serve. As your Federal Member for Mallee, I remain very focussed on the local views and issues that I take on your behalf, to Canberra. Ever since you entrusted me as your advocate in 2019 I have been consistently giving you a voice. It is my highest priority that your voice is heard, which is at times challenging when over 160,000 people live in the electorate!

Some of you might have noticed my new advertising in Firebrace Street. I would dearly love to open a Horsham office. Federal funding is simply inadequate at this stage. I am in the Wimmera frequently and I am blessed to have dedicated staff from all over Mallee who help me serve our community. If you’d like to raise and issue or meet me locally, email anne. webster.mp@aph.gov.au or sms 0447 186 893 and I’ll be in touch.

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

City Oval vision continues to grow

Anew single-storey community pavilion and change rooms

will proceed at Horsham City Oval after a $4.8-million Federal Government grant was secured last week.

The project was successful in applying for $4,805,000 in funding under round two of the government’s Growing Regions Program.

The aim is to ensure Horsham City Oval is a premier venue for key sporting and tourism events in the Wimmera region.

Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2025, following a tender process.

Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed the funding, which it will match for the $9.6-million project to build a multi-purpose community pavilion, AFL-compliant multi-purpose change rooms, a food kiosk, ticket boxes, and landscaping at the main precinct entrance.

The new pavilion will replace the

LEADERS: Wimmera Lutheran College leaders, standing from left, deputy principal Kate Carter, executive principal Jason Przibilla, Lutheran education executive director Colin Minke, Nhill campus principal Damon Prenzler, Horsham campus head of school Adam Borgas, college board member Andrew Wundke, college board chair Mark Hughes, learning leader Kim Powell and seated, head of schools assistant Jacqui North and Dimboola campus head of school Millie Dent. Picture:

two-storey Horsham Demons clubrooms building, and serve as a shared community space, featuring seating for up to 200 people, accessible amenities, catering and conference facilities and meeting rooms.

The project also includes the construction of umpire amenities, a medical room, storage, a gym, public toilets, and a covered verandah for an all-weather walkway and viewing area.

Additional developments include a new north-west precinct area with a food kiosk, ticket box, and landscaping as well as a second ticket box at the oval’s southern entry and a new south-west entry.

Horsham Mayor Ian Ross said the new community pavilion was a muchneeded addition to city oval.

“Securing funding for this project is a fantastic result for our community. We sincerely thank the Australian government for its investment in our regional city, which will be appreci-

ated for many decades to come,” he said.

“Recognition should also go to members of the community reference group who were instrumental in the City Oval-Sawyer Park concept design process.

“The Growing Regions Program is delivering fantastic projects for regional communities across Australia, and we are rapt that our regional city is among the recipients.”

The council will collaborate with user groups such as Horsham Cricket Association, Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club and other stakeholders to minimise disruptions during the construction period.

Community consultation for the project started in November 2020, and included establishing a community reference group, meetings with user groups, face-to-face community engagement and a six-week public consultation period.

The final concept plan was endorsed

by the community reference group before being adopted by the council.

The Growing Regions Program is a Federal Government initiative that funds infrastructure – like cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks – to build community and improve liveability in remote, rural and regional Australia.

It provides funding of between $500,000 and $15-million for each project, with $600-million delivered nationwide under the program.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the government was focused on making regions ‘even better places to live by delivering the infrastructure that forms the social fabric of communities’.

“It’s the places where people not only gather, but learn to participate in teamwork, to collaborate, and it’s critical to social cohesion,” she said.

Senator Jana Stewart said the community had called for the new fa-

cilities at Horsham City Oval, and she was thrilled to be able to deliver.

“Having grown up in the region I know how important it is to have quality sporting facilities no matter what your postcode is. I can’t wait to see the budding young sports stars enjoying the facilities,” she said.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster congratulated all involved in the vision and investment in Horsham City Oval.

“While it is long overdue, I am concerned the Labor government’s funding does not go far enough,” she said. “I hope the project can be implemented in a way that allows further improvements in the future, so the upgrades are fit-for-purpose for the long-term benefit of the community.”

The community pavilion and change rooms project adds to the multipurpose event stage, two new netball courts and new netball pavilion currently under construction at city oval.

Milestone day for college

As students and staff across the state return to school this week, staff from Lutheran schools at Nhill, Dimboola and Horsham marked a milestone last week, coming together for the first time as the amalgamated Wimmera Lutheran College.

Following an opening service by Pastor Hans Peethala and worship led by Horsham campus chapel band, members of the executive leadership team outlined what they were looking forward to under the school’s new banner.

Learning leader Kim Powell led a Free 2 Flourish session for staff, who explored the concept of ‘Who We Are’, as well as learner profiles and visions for the college.

A team-building Amazing Race activity around the Horsham campus was also a highlight of the day.

The college’s landing page wlc. vic.edu.au is now live, along with each campus’s own website, for people to access information.

PAUL CARRACHER

Opportunity for arts community

Creativity

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

takes courage’ – a quote from French artist Henri Matisse – and so does embarking on community projects.

Courage to start the project, to go through the process to bring it to life, and for its completion – all while enduring the varying public opinions that it attracts.

While Matisse was no doubt talking about art, the quote can be applied to a myriad of aspects. Personally, art has not played a significant role in my life.

Not inheriting my mother’s ability to draw, my upbringing and interests never led me to enter the art world.

It hasn’t been until I got older that I have grown to have a better appreciation of and interest in art, but my knowledge of the art world is a work in progress.

In fact, it wasn’t until I moved to Horsham 15plus years ago and made friends with people in the art world that my interest in art began.

Since that time, a range of public artworks has popped up across the region – much of it due to the Silo Art Trail – and it has not only become a tourist attraction, but it has increased the appreciation of public art.

Standing in front of a huge mural, it’s hard not to marvel at the artist’s work.

Take for example, the work of Kyle Torney, a St Arnaud artist who not only has his masterpieces on the sides of buildings spread around his home town, but is currently in the midst of painting a significant mural at Stawell’s Central Park.

It’s a marvelous depiction to pay tribute to past competitors of the famous Stawell Gift, and like many of the other public artwork across the region, will become a part of local history.

I often take time to appreciate Torney’s artwork as I often travel through St Arnaud, and it has certainly added to the town’s historic feel, and its overall attractiveness.

Another location I travel to regularly is Bendigo. It, too, has a thriving art scene – often hosting international-calibre exhibitions at its gallery – but it also has a major piece of public art sitting right in the heart of the regional city.

The ‘Bendigo’ sign in Rosalind Park is hard to miss whether you are walking or driving through the central Victorian city. It first came to Bendigo as part of the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery in 2022, and stayed on to create a legacy for Bendigo long after the exhibition finished.

Originally with the giant lettering spelling ‘Viva Bendigo’, the Bendigo letters remain as a blank canvas for various themes to promote.

Whether it be used to promote visiting exhibitions, such as Paris last year, or to promote other local events and campaigns, or just annual celebrations such as International Women’s Day, Christmas and Easter, it has become a welcome addition to light up beautiful Bendigo.

Currently it has provided a space for art students from La Trobe University in Bendigo to showcase their work to thousands of people.

The Bendigo sign also provides a great photo opportunity for residents and tourists – even becoming the backdrop for marriage proposals, wedding photos, public demonstrations and other events.

While not wanting to be labelled copy-cats, wouldn’t it be great to see something similar in the heart of Horsham?

May Park, an already picturesque place where people passing through often stop, would be an ideal location.

It would not only provide a place for local artists to showcase their art, but it would allow an add-on to visiting exhibitions, and encourage more people to visit our own gallery.

A larger-than-life sign could also be used as a promotional tool for regional events – think field days, the Steampunk Festival, or even to draw the attention and encourage people to stop on their way to Gather Round in Adelaide.

Or even to use to mark worldwide annual events that are important to the people of the Wimmera – 16 Days of Activism, harvest, Christmas, NAIDOC Week, and the like.

It doesn’t always have to be done by professional artists – but it certainly would provide a very public space for our local artists to be promoted, admired and appreciated.

Blue-green algae at Lake Lonsdale

Recreational water users are advised to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Lonsdale following the detection of elevated blue-green algae levels.

Warning signs have been positioned at major recreational areas at the lake and will remain in place until algae levels drop below the threshold considered safe for recreational use.

Torney shares his gift with Stawell

A new mural is set to adorn Central Park to pay tribute to the history of the Stawell Gift.

St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney is currently painting the mural, on the back wall of the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame building.

The mural will be noticed by the large audiences of the Easter foot race, which is broadcast nationally.

Torney’s mural fits his mantra of telling local stories with intricate detail.

“It’s more or less depicting a bit of a pictorial narrative of the Stawell Gift,” Torney said.

“So if you look at it from one end, it’s almost chronological order – we look at having a starter, to people in the blocks, to a lady taking off, to people racing one another, to celebration, and then the visual of the trophy with the grandstand behind.”

Torney’s style of focusing attention on people and telling their story through narrative portraiture is evident in his work dotted around his hometown, including two 40-footy silo murals.

But for Torney, a self-taught artist who is heavily influenced by da Vinci, Caravaggio and John Singer Sargent, his work has spread much fur-

ther afield than the Northern Grampians Shire, with artwork displayed as far away as the New York Art Gallery.

Torney said the people in the Stawell Gift mural were of reimagined competitors, not paintings of exact people.

He is about 60 per cent complete, with colour needing to be added to the artwork.

“ I treat this the same as I do an oil painting, whereby I paint an underpainting in brown and white, and then once I’m happy with the proportions and the tones and values, then I paint the colour on top,” he said.

“Like all large scale stuff, it’s supposed to be viewed from afar so it will look nice in the background from further back, watching the race.”

The mural is funded by Northern Grampians Shire Council through its Arts and Culture Grant Program.

Community members and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $5000 for projects that align with the council’s arts and culture strategy 2020-2024 and public art guidelines 2023.

Pet owners should also ensure their animals do not come in contact with the water. Anglers wanting more information can search ‘bluegreen algae’ at Victorian Fisheries Authority website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au.

The lake will be monitored regularly, and the community informed of any changes regarding blue-green algae alerts through GWMWater’s disruptions website page at www.gwmwater. org.au/bga.

Are you a hardworking individual who has dedicated your life to raising and supporting your children? As they grow into successful adults, have you ever wondered about your own financial situation? Are you on track for a comfortable retirement? Don’t worry, we are here to help!

TRIBUTE: St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney at Central Park, Stawell. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

CAREY COVERS have got you covered!

A show of shows

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Acast of 60 will present highlights of Horsham Arts Council’s shows in its production The Last 10 Years, featuring scenes from the past decade’s 16 shows that were staged, and some that were forced from the stage by COVID-19 restrictions.

A celebration of the council’s 60 years, The Last 10 Years will include 2016’s The Wedding Singer, 2017’s Annie and Rent, 2021’s unstaged High School Musical, through to last year’s Shrek: The Musical and Pirates of Penzance.

Executive producer Chris Versteegen said the production was a fun celebration, where people could revisit shows they enjoyed, as well as it being a chance for newcomers to see what HAC offers.

“We have a few people coming back to reprise roles, which is really exciting,” he said.

“I’ve got a few of my roles that I’m going back over – I’ll be playing Donkey from Shrek, Lonnie from Rock of Ages, and Mark from Rent.”

Mr Versteegen said the nature of some of the shows had prevented the original actors from reprising their roles.

“We’ve new people playing the two romantic leads of The Wedding Singer, the two original ones are a bit older now,” he said.

“And High School Musical – there was just no hope because the people who were originally cast are not teenagers anymore.”

The cast features local talent, people who have performed in churches, Carols by Candlelight, and the like, who are making their HAC debuts.

Ella Bailey, 12, is debuting in Annie, Joseph

and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Disney: When You Wish Upon A Star, as Simba, but is no stranger to the stage.

“I have performed in school productions and calisthenics competitions, and I’d like to get into more productions. I’m really excited,” she said.

Harlow Janetzki has a range of experience, from HAC’s Shrek and Pirates of Penzance, to dancing, and singing at Carols by Candlelight.

“I play young Sophie in Mama Mia, and am in ensembles in Annie, Joseph and Disney. I’m looking forward to performing in front of a big audience,” she said.

Mr Versteegen said the production had required a collaborative approach.

“We’ve reached out to some of our previous directors who are on board, with Debbie Boutcher the overall executive director,” he said.

“We’ve chosen a scene from every show, with either two or three musical numbers that flow from one show to the next. We had to try and find some moments to breathe, so there are some quieter ballads and duets.

“It’s not all big, high-energy, full-stage ensemble numbers, but it’s definitely like writing your own show because you have to pick moments for big ensemble numbers and quieter moments.

“It took a lot of collaboration with the previous directors to narrow down multiple great numbers to two or three.”

Presale tickets are available at Horsham Town Hall website www.horshamtownhall.com.au and box office for 7.30pm shows on May 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16; 1.30pm shows on May 10 and 11; and a 4pm show on May 17.

Water report shows increase

Key findings in the Essential Service Commission’s Water Performance Report 2023-24 include increased water usage and higher water bills for customers across Victoria, but more opportunities for water businesses to support customers seeking financial hardship support.

A typical GWMWater owner-occupier customer’s annual bill increased from $1338 in 2022-23 to $1352 in 2023-24, while a renter’s annual bill increased from $349 to $376 in the same periods. In 2023-24 GWMWater approved 304 of the 331 financial support grants initiated by customers, for the average value of $350. GWMWater executive manager customer and

employee experience Adele Rohde said people facing hardship had payment and assistance options.

“With cost-of-living pressures impacting customers, GWMWater has been more proactive in our approach to supporting customers to pay their bills,” she said.

“We have dedicated resources to assist customers to access utility relief and hardship grants, and payment instalment plans are available to help customers with budgeting.

“If customers would like to discuss what help is available, please call us during business hours on 1300 659 961.”

GJ Gardner health service donation

GJ Gardner Homes Ararat has donated to East Grampians Health Service through its Community Growth Program.

New homes consultant Shae Solomon said clients who build with GJ Gardner Homes have the option to participate in the program, nominating their preferred club, charity, school, kindergarten or not-for-profit

organisation, to receive 0.1 per cent of the contract price.

“GJ Gardner Homes prides itself on being part of the local community and through the Community Growth Program shows its appreciation by giving back to the locals who support us,” she said.

Health service chief executive Nick Bush thanked GJ

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO

SMALL GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Join us on our private small group tour of Spain, Portugal & Morocco with Insight Vacations departing in September 2025.

We will be hosting an information evening on Wednesday, February 19 to showcase this amazing itinerary and what you will experience on tour.

Registration is essential for this information evening, please contact us to register your interest.

Gardner Homes and their client for their generosity.

“Funds donated will go towards equipment and services to benefit our patients and consumers,” he said.

“The support of our community and generosity of local businesses enables us to continue to provide quality care.”

KATE

CHRIS KELLY LEANNE

RISING STARS: Children’s cast members, back row from left, Sophie Fletcher, Khaia McPhee, Stella Moore, Adele Meyer and Emily Lesser; middle, Dakota Oakley, Ellarah Abernethy, Melissa Sierra and Ashling Barber; and front, Ella Bailey, Valeria Sierra, Lola Bales, Harlow Janetzki and Amelia Albrecht are looking forward to being part of Horsham Arts Council’s Last 10 Years.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Honouring community members

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Australia Day awards were presented to individuals and groups who made significant impacts on their communities in the past 12 months, or across many years, in a variety of capacities.

Hindmarsh Shire Council announced Rainbow’s Allira Roberts as Citizen of the Year; she has volunteered time to the town’s advisory committee and historical society, and has advocated for all-access areas within the town and swimming pool.

Nhill’s Bailee White is Hindmarsh’s Young Citizen of the Year: she has represented Nhill Lions Club as Youth of the Year and on an exchange to Canada, and contributed to sporting groups and aged care.

Dimboola’s Janet Pilmore gained a Lifetime Achievement award for her years of voluntary work with Girl Guides, at The Gateway Shop, and Dimboola Garden Club and fire brigade ladies’ auxiliary.

West Wimmera Shire Council recognised Kaye Bothe’s contribution to the Kaniva community, naming her Citizen of the Year.

Ms Bothe has been involved in the town’s agricultural and pastoral show and other town projects.

Bonnie Gordon, Young Citizen of the Year, contributed to both her school and wider communities.

She has twice been Lions’ Youth of the Year, was a school-based student representative council member, and has participated in workshops to advocate for rural education and communities.

The Kaniva Agricultural and Pastoral Societyhosted Victoria Agricultural Shows State Convention was Event of the Year, and Edenhope Flora Reserve Committee was Group of the Year. Northern Grampians Shire Council named St Arnaud volunteer John Beggs and Glenorchy historian Linda Fearon its Citizens of the Year.

McIntyre was announced Kara Kara ward’s Young Citizen of the Year for her contributions through a Rural Youth Ambassador Program and Youth Parliament, including initiating a youth space at Raillery Hub.

William Bray, Senior Citizen of the Year, has served St Arnaud’s community through 55 years as a member of the Rotary club, a member of the hospital board, and an inaugural member of Saints and Sinners Bike Riding Group.

Outstanding nominations in the Event of the Year/Community Group of the Year saw two awards presented: St Arnaud Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary torchlight parade the event,

Central and Grampians Local Hero of the Year is Jo Betram, while athlete Xyrus Gragasin and up-and-coming community leader Zachary Ford are joint Young Citizens of the Year.

Stawell Agricultural Society was awarded Community Group of the Year.

Rotary Club of Warracknabeal announced Dianne Marchment the Citizen of the Year, Barry Schilling Sportsman of the Year, and Ava Koschitzke Young Achiever of the Year.

Minyip Lions Club’s Citizens of the Year were Ray White and Gina Gellion, and Nina Den-

HONOUR: Rainbow’s

Roberts receives Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year award from Mayor Ron Ismay. Mrs Roberts won recognition for volunteering time to the town’s advisory committee and historical society, and advocating for all-access areas within the town and swimming pool.

ham was awarded Pat Walsh Memorial Young Achiever.

Hopetoun and District CWA’s certificate of appreciation was awarded to Norma Decker, Marilyn Clancy and Phillip Roberts.

Rupanyup Major Events awarded its Citizens’ Award to Jenny Boyd, and its Young Achiever award to Connor Weidemann.

Ararat Rural City Council’s Citizen of the Year is Julie McDougall, young citizen is Maxi Starick, Kerrin and Irene Gellie are the Volunteers of the Year, and Ararat parkrun the Project of the Year.

Town Maintenance and Parks and Gardens, Jeparit (Permanent Full Time, 9-day fortnight, Band 3)

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire We currently have the following position/s vacant:

Applications close Monday 3 February 2025 at 12noon. Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or for more information, visit our website at: www hindmarsh vic gov au/workin-council You can also contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444

Council is in the process of preparing a grant application seeking funds to undertake significant improvements to the Dimboola Swimming Pool Council’s grant application will be strengthened through demonstrated community support for the project To show your support, please scan the QR code and complete the Community Support Response Form

These sessions will be held on Thursday 30 January 2025:

Dimboola Library from 10am to 1pm

Council will be holding two drop-in sessions where members of the community can pop in to ask Council Officers questions about this grant application

Dimboola Swimming Pool from 2pm to 5pm

DustyRaiyn

and Pebble Church Heritage Association the group.

PROUD: St Arnaud volunteer John Beggs is Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Kara Kara Citizen of the Year, pictured with his wife Brenda.

LOCAL HERO: Jo Bertram was awarded Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Local Hero of the Year award at an event in Stawell.

RECOGNITION: 2025 Ararat Australia Day award recipients included Volunteers of the Year, Kerrin and Irene Gellie, Citizen of the Year Julie McDougall, and Young Citizen of the Year Maxi Starick. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

REWARD: Cr Rob Armstrong, left, with Ararat parkrun committee, from left, Sharon Baker, Irene Kelly, Meryl McDonald, Marianne Wilson, Angela Reynolds and Tricia Ruthven after receiving Ararat Rural City Council’s Project of the Year accolade. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Allira

AustrAliA DAy

TOGETHER: Hundreds gathered for Australia Day festivities in Horsham on Sunday where awards were presented and new citizens announced.

Pictured are, clockwise from above: Horsham Rural City Council Community Event of the Year, Love Your Mum afternoon high tea organisers. Robyn Lardner, Lee Elliott, Helen Fisher, Teresa Marchesini and Mary Marchesini; Citizen of the year Gavin Morrow accepts his award from Mayor Ian Ross; Horsham Girl Guides and Scouts, including Young Citizen of the Year Julia Hastings, front left; Swathi Sunilkumar, Nishamol Sasikuma, Sarang Kalluvettimyalil and Sreekumarran Kalluvettimyalil; guest speaker David Jochinke; and Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club members Sam Howard, Mavic Vix and Pamela Labordo.

NEW LEADER:

Federation

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We currently have the following position/s vacant: TownMaintenance and Parks and Gardens,Jeparit (PermanentFullTime, 9-day fortnight, Band3) Applicationsclose Scanthe QRcodefor detailsabout this role and how to apply, orfor moreinformation, visit our website at: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council.

You can alsocontact our CustomerServiceCentreon(03)53914444. You must havethe right toliveand workinAustralia toapply for these jobs.

University vicechancellor and president Duncan Bentley, new associate deputy vice-chancellor, Indigenous Katrina Beer, and associate deputy vice-chancellor, reconciliation Andrew Gunstone following the appointment of Ms Beer to the university’s first position of its kind.

POOL UPGRADES - DROP-IN SESSIONS

Council isinthe process ofpreparing a grant application seeking funds to undertake significant improvementstothe DimboolaSwimmingPool.

Council’s grant application willbestrengthenedthrough demonstrated community support for the project. Toshowyoursupport, pleasescanthe QR codeand completethe Community Support ResponseForm.

F

ederation University has appointed Wotjobaluk

woman Katrina Beer as its inaugural associate deputy vicechancellor, Indigenous.

Council will beholdingtwo drop-in sessions where members ofthe community can pop in toask Council Officers questions about thisgrant application.

lander peoples’ and community advancement,” she said.

These sessionswillbeheld on Thursday30January 2025: DimboolaSwimmingPool 2pm to5pm

DimboolaLibrary 10amto1pm

In the new position Ms Beer will drive the university’s Indigenous strategies to achieve better outcomes and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in education, training, employment, and research.

JOINOUR TEAM

“This role will build on selfdetermination principles and embedding respectfully cultural ways of knowing, being and doing with a whole of university strategy response.”

For more news, and to view Council’s newsletters and media releases, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/news

Banner& Argus (T32) Nhill FreePress (3ColumnWidth)

Ms Beer will aim to promote a culture of inclusion, diversity and cultural competency within the university.

Ms Beer said she was ‘proud and excited’ to be Federation University’s first associate deputy vice-chancellor, Indigenous.

“I am passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is-

During her career Ms Beer has built relationships with government departments, industry and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the vocational and higher education sectors, working with Federation University since 2017 – most recently as senior manager of the university’s Aboriginal Education Centre. She previously ran her own business, Yanikan-Werritj Training and Employment, working to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve their goals.

Last year Ms Beer led the university’s successful bid for the 2024 Wurreker Award for Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways, and has won recognition in Federation’s vicechancellor’s awards on multiple occasions. She will work with the university’s extended leadership team, including associate deputy vice-chancellor, reconciliation Andrew Gunstone, who

Weaving workshop

The art of backstrap weaving will be the focus of a workshop at Ararat Gallery TAMA next month, hosted by artist Ilka White.

Backstrap weaving is a traditional weaving technique that uses simple tools to create textiles and uses a weaver’s body to control loom tension.

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We currently have the TownMaintenanceand Parks and Gardens,Jeparit (Permanent Full Time, 9-dayfortnight, Band3) Monday3 February2025 at 12noon.

Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or for more information, visit our website at: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work- in-council. You can also contact our Customer Service Centre on (03)

Participants will have an opportunity to create a woven band, as well as explore pattern making, learn basic techniques and connect with a textile tradition practiced across cultures for more than 4000 years.

DIMBOOLAPOOLUPGRADES-

DROP-IN SESSIONS

Council isintheprocess ofpreparing a grant applicationseekingfundsto undertake significantimprovements to theDimboola Swimming Pool.

Ms White has previously taught textile history, weaving and crafts in society at RMIT University and maintained a production studio before working throughout Australia as an independent artist, teacher and facilitator.

Council’s grant applicationwill bestrengthened throughdemonstratedcommunity support for the project. Toshow yoursupport, pleasescantheQRcodeand complete theCommunity Support Response Form.

New Indigenous role

Her work has been published and exhibited in Australia and overseas for nearly 30 years and is in public collections including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Council will beholding twodrop-in sessions where members ofthe community can pop into askCouncil Officersquestionsabout this grant application. These sessions will beheld on Thursday30January 2025: Dimboola Library from10am to1pm Dimboola SwimmingPool from 2pm to5pm

She has learned alongside traditional weavers in Indonesia, India, Nepal and Bhutan.

The one-day workshop will be on Sunday, February 16 from 9.30am to 4.30pm and is suitable for beginners aged 14 and older. All workshop materials are provided.

leads the university’s National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

Vice-chancellor and president Duncan Bentley said Ms Beer’s appointment highlighted Federation’s commitment to reconciliation.

“Katrina is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, reconciliation and transformational change,” he said.

“Her appointment as ADVC, Indigenous will support Federation in continuing to build a sustainable culture of inclusivity, equity, diversity, collaboration and high cultural competency for First Nations people.”

Those interested in participating are encouraged to book spots as soon as possible as there are only 12 places available. The cost to participate is $130 per person or $120 for concession holders.

Bookings can be made online at araratgallerytama.com.au/ event/backstrap-band-weaving-workshop-with-ilka-white

This workshop is held in conjunction with the gallery’s ‘Weaving matter: material experimentation’ exhibition, which is on now and runs until February 16.

Council survey starts

Community satisfaction will be measured in West Wimmera Shire with survey phone interviews with some residents in coming weeks.

From January 20 to mid-March, independent market research agency National Field Services will seek information on council’s performance and community satisfaction across a range of measures.

Responses will be confidential, with only the overall results shared with council. People with questions or concerns can call council on 13 99 72.

Not all glass can go in your purple bin.

Different types of glass have different melting points, so they can’t all be recycled together.

Only put glass bottles and jars from food, drink, medicine and toiletries in your glass recycling bin.

All other items made from glass (such as drinking glasses, windows, mirrors, vases, crystal, glass cooking dishes, and perfume bottles) must go your general rubbish bin.

Your small acts make a big impact. Find out more: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/rubbish-and-recycling

DIMBOOLA

Sheep scouting

Money to build resilience plans

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera Southern Mallee Devel-

opment will receive a $380,000 grant for its resilience plan, which supports 11 projects in the region.

Sharing in $3.42-million in funding for resilience-strengthening projects and strategies, WSM’s projects are delivered in partnership with other organisations.

WSM chief executive Chris Sounness said of the 11 projects, six were funded by Agriculture Victoria’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning grants.

“These projects play an important role in building resilience in good times so we can all be better prepared when the next drought arrives,” he said.

“WSM drought resilience projects have involved communities, councils, businesses, farmers, migrants, First Nations people and organisations.”

Mr Sounness said the projects collectively addressed a range of issues.

“We work with community, including young migrants, to embed resilience building into business as usual, and we work to build business resilience and changemaking leadership for community members,” he said.

“We know the importance of sharing local stories and partnering on climate ad-

aptation and community resilience issues.

We understand the future needs of our current housing stock and energy supplies as the climate changes.”

Mr Sounness said WSM’s projects also included the support of the extension and optimum use of on-farm weather stations, and provided local research about the shift to renewable energy.

“Our projects also ensure we plan to maintain green spaces in drought, and that we provide Wimmera River water flows to culturally important locations,” he said.

Victoria has regional drought resilience plans in place for all nine regions across the state – the first state to do so through the national Regional Drought Resilience Planning program.

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said the grants provided vital support to the state’s regions in continuing to grow world-class produce.

“We know the next drought could be just around the corner, that’s why it’s so impor

tant we give agricultural communities the support they need now to plan and prepare for the future,” she said.

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is funded through the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund and co-funded by the State Government.

Bumper field days forecast

Wimmera Events Centre staff and field days committee members are preparing for its biggest event of the year at Longerenong, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, which attracts people from across the district.

Newly elected Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee president Harry Young said this year’s three-day event was on track to be bigger than last year’s.

“We’ve got more exhibitors

booked in now for this year than we did at this time last year, for last year’s event,” he said.

“We have got incredibly good staff in the office, so it’s been great.”

Mr Young said he hoped people would have more time this year to visit the field days, after a betterthan-expected harvest for most.

“I think a lot of people had a very good year, most were pleasantly surprised, which is a testa-

ment to modern farming technology,” he said.

“It just staggered me, personally, what we achieved this season.”

In its 61st year, Wimmera Machinery Field Days brings modern agriculture technology and innovations – machinery, technology, finance, tools, and home and lifestyle products and innovations – while providing a social opportunity for members of the farming and wider communities.

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Wimmera Events Centre office manager Sally Hernon, events assistant Rebecca Steadman and events manager Vanessa Lenehan are in full swing organising the 2025 Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

New faces to make changes Hosking at helm

New Victorian Farmers Federation president and Mallee farmer Brett Hosking hopes to restore membership numbers and confidence in the state’s peak agricultural body.

Mr Hosking was elected as president in December, with Peter Star the vice-president.

A Quambatook mixed farmer, Mr Hosking has previously served as Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, vice-president from 2016 to 2018, and VFF grains group president.

His term as VFF vice-president was served under the presidency of Murra Warra farmer and now National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke.

Mr Hosking is a fifth-generation farmer and grows wheat, barley, canola, lentils, field peas as well as running sheep and cattle.

He is also a director of BCG and Farmers for Climate Action, chair of the Grains Market Access Committee for Grains Australia and a former chair of Grain Growers.

Mr Hosking said he believed the VFF’s greatest opportunities come through strong members, branches and commodity groups aligned together under stable and inclusive leadership where informed and enthusiastic voices combine to create greater outcomes for all farmers.

Mr Hosking said membership numbers had declined from about 8000 when he first became involved with the VFF to sit at about 3200-3300 at the end of September last year.

“We’re sitting up around 3800 currently, so we’ve had a little bit of a boost since then,” he said.

“It’s declined quite significantly in the time since I’ve last been involved in VFF.

“There’s always a whole host of reasons why membership might decline, but I think culture is a big one at the moment.”

Mr Hosking told Country Today there needed to be a change of culture within the VFF.

“The culture is already changing and that’s what I’m excited about – just in a few short weeks that Peter and I have been involved,” he said.

“We’re also seeing new leadership stepping up in some of the commodities and the commodities actually seizing the opportunity to be more involved and to be better spokespeople for their members.

“As that culture grows and improves and becomes focused away from Collins Street and back onto the members on their farms, I actually think membership will naturally grow, but we need to make it easy for members, too. We need to go to them.”

Mr Hosking said there were no plans to make any immediate changes in the short term.

“There’s probably members out there who would have loved to have seen that,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean it’s off the radar for sure.

“We have to look at our structure around what we charge, and how we charge it and how we use our membership fees to, A – attract members, but also make sure they’re getting the services and the support they require.

“So, it is a task, but we don’t want to just rush in and change everything tomorrow.”

A big talking point and issue for the new leaders to address is how the VFF will regain the membership and trust from Victoria’s dairy farmers.

The leadership of the VFF’s dairy branch, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, UDV, resigned from the commodity group in 2023, starting their own group, Dairy Farmers Victoria, and much of their membership.

Mr Hosking said he had begun discussions with Mark Billing, president of Dairy Farmers Victoria, about returning to the VFF.

“They’ve actually gone out and they’ve achieved some really good things since they did depart from VFF,” he said.

“The way they’ve been able to engage with younger farmers in particular – we can learn some real lessons from.

“To be certain, I would love to have them back as part of the VFF community, but we can’t just expect to sit around a campfire and sing Kumbaya and have everyone come back happy.

“So it should be an easy conversation to progress, but we just need to have it.”

Another hot topic in agricultural circles is if the VFF will backflip on its plans to no longer fund its membership of the National Farmers Federation.

During Emma Germano’s time as president, she restructured the organisation, overhauled its membership structure, and gave notice that the VFF would resign its membership of national bodies such as the National Farmers Federation.

In Mr Hosking’s campaign, he had stated he believed the VFF would not have to rejoin the NFF, rather revoke its planned resignation, effective September 30, 2025, but said membership fees would need to be looked at.

He told Country Today earlier this month that he had spoken to his friend David Jochinke, National Farmers Federation president.

“We are still a member until September this year, so there’s no immediate rush, but it’s something that I personally want to get resolved,” he said.

“There’s a federal election – I don’t know when, let’s take a punt – a few are saying around April – we could be at the polls.

“We need to be engaged federally. There’s no doubt about it. We’re not representing Victorian farmers if we’re not.

“So the NFF is our gateway to doing that along with the peak bodies. We need to be engaging.”

Several new farmers have joined in an official capacity of the Victorian Farmers Federation, taking on various positions as the organisation looks to turn around its reputation from its troubled recent past.

Joining Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking in a leadership position is vice-president Peter Star, who has been VFF Livestock vicepresident since 2022.

A livestock farmer from Tallangatta in Victoria’s north-east, Mr Star is also the current VFF representative to the National Wild Dog Action Plan Stakeholder Consultative Group.

VFF returning officer Brendan Tatham congratulated all successful office bearers as the future leaders of Victoria’s peak agricultural advocacy body.

“I congratulate both Brett and Peter and look forward to working with them and the wider VFF team to help deliver for farmers and regional Victorians in the coming years,” he said.

“The VFF would like to acknowledge and thank all candidates for their interest in positions and encourage them to continue to contribute to the VFF and the farming community into the future.

“The VFF also thanks all outgoing office bearers for their contributions over the years and helping to facilitate succession in the VFF to the next generation of VFF leaders.”

Former vice-president Danyel Cucinotta stood against Mr Hosking for the presidency.

The following positions were uncontested: VFF United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president: Bernie Free.

VFF Livestock president: Scott Young. VFF Livestock vice-president: Peter Miller. VFF Livestock Commodity Council: Wimmera: Graeme Mahar; East Gippsland: Trent Anderson; additional councillor: Bradley Venning

The 2024 VFF election vote counting process was conducted on December 20, last year at Farrer House in Melbourne.

AGM

The VFF is preparing for its annual general meeting on February 19.

The meeting, at 10am at Telstra Auditorium in Melbourne, will include members who will need to pre-register for administrative purposes.

Members who attend the meeting will be provided with an opportunity to ask questions of the board and the external auditor.

Items of business include a president’s report; chief executive’s report; chair of Risk, Audit and Finance Committee report; and to receive and consider the 2024 VFF Financial Report.

The VFF’s annual report 2023-2024 will be available on the VFF website in advance of the meeting.

The board is: chair and president Brett Hosking; vice-president Peter Star; special skills director James Downing; Horticulture director Nathan Free; special skills director Terrie Morgan; intensives director Colin Peel; livestock director Scott Young; UDV director Bernie Free; grains director Ryan Milgate.

Mr Milgate, a farmer from Minyip, is new to the board, along with four others – Mr Hosking, Mr Star, Mr Young and Bernie Free.

The board has hit the ground running and appointed directors to the key governance and strategy, and risk, audit and finance committees to accelerate the development of the strategic direction and implement initiatives focused on business improvement.

The newly-appointed board has met for the first time to scope the year ahead and work delivering on behalf of all members.

In a statement on the VFF website, the board said the VFF remained ‘steadfast on delivering a clear, achievable and united strategic direction that reflects the needs of our members’.

“A key priority is fostering a culture that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diversity within our farming community.

“Our collective voice is stronger in numbers and helps us effectively advocate on behalf of the entire Victorian rural and regional community.”

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking

Drought leader to help farmers

New south-west Victorian drought coordinator Ralph Cotter is set to help farmers and the community access financial, technical and wellbeing support.

Mr Cotter has strong connections with industry, government and local service providers and has had a long involvement with the agriculture sector.

Based in south-west Victoria, the regional drought co-ordinator will meet regularly with industry and local governments to understand the challenges specific to the region and co-ordinate tailored support and advice to impacted communities.

“I’ve been meeting with industry and councils across the south west and hearing about the challenges farmers in the region are facing,” Mr Cotter said.

“Farmers experiencing drought conditions are urged

to reach out. We are here to help. Whether it’s through connecting you with financial grants, technical advice or wellbeing support, we can connect you with the resources you need to navigate this difficult time.”

Since announcing the State Government’s $13.53 million Drought Support Package in September last year, 969 on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000 have been approved and paid to farmers.

The grants enable farmers to complete infrastructure improvements that respond to the current drought and build their resilience for future droughts.

Farmer wellbeing remains a critical focus with a $1.43million investment in farmer wellbeing and technical advice to acknowledge the emotional toll on farmers as they respond to the drought and the recent bushfires.

As part of the package,

$80,000 was provided to boost the capacity of the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West along with a further investment of $160,000 to support a full-time wellbeing counsellor working in the region.

In addition to the package, the government has provided $35,000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health’s new mental health hub, offering tailored mental health information and resources for farmers.

Drought technical decisionmaking support continues to be delivered by Agriculture Victoria and partners, with a range of events and information available, including one-on-one consultations and group workshops.

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought affected farmers, people can visit agriculture. vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.

ALL ACTION: Horsham

Regional Livestock Exchange is back in action for 2025, hosting two sales so far this year. The exchange hosts sheep and lamb sales every Wednesday, starting at 9.30am, and cattle every second Wednesday, one hour after the sheep sale, as required. The exchange is Victoria’s fourth-largest sheep and lamb market.

Pictured at the sales on Wednesday, January 22, are, top from left, Paul Christopher, Scott Jackson, Dusty Cross, Dale Dridan and Wayne Driscoll; and left Ben Molineaux talks to buyers. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Agriculture news in brief

Mental health workshop

Doctors Jane Gaussen and Julie Rowse will present expert advice and solutions at a workshop at Goroke in March to assist farmers in caring for themselves and their animals.

The one-day workshop will feature Dr Gaussen, The Livestock Vet, address topics including minimising livestock stress to maximise outcomes; optimising performance in a challenging season; and animal health management and disease prevention.

Healthy Mind and Soul’s Dr Rowse, occupational therapist, will discuss the importance of caring for mental health; understanding the ‘stress bucket’; practical strategies for improving mental health; and a plan to thrive.

The event will be at Goroke Community Centre on March 13 from 8.30am until 3pm. People can learn more and register at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.

Rabbit-ripping grant

Hopetoun Landcare Group has received $20,000 in grant funding for its ‘Hopetoun Hopefully Hits Hoppers’ rabbit-ripping project, one of seven in the state to share in more than $97,000 in Landcare Australia Community Grants program.

Landcare facilitator for southern and eastern Mallee Tim Carr said the next stage of the project was to identify the rabbit burrows to be excavated.

“We travel the roads within our Landcare areas and work out which roadside burrows have the most impact on an area before the contractor begins any ripping work, and we will do the same for the grant,” he said.

Mr Carr, who facilitates eight Landcare groups from Hopetoun to Robinvale, said a separate grant for weed and rabbit control would complement this funding.

Hopetoun Landcare Group’s major priorities have been the control and eradication of pest plant and animals since 2005; the group has co-ordinated an ongoing rabbit-ripping program and has administered a Silverleaf Nightshade weed eradication program in the Mallee region.

Mr Carr invited people to contact him on 0478 170 765 to report rabbit burrows on public land in Hopetoun Landcare Group’s area – approximately 42,200 hectares at the end of the Yarriambiack Creek system – for consideration in the program.

Confined stock vitamins

Cattle and sheep eating in confinement may need vitamin supplements to ensure they remain healthy throughout summer.

Essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and E, are consumed in green grass and stored in the animal’s body, but are depleted during summer when green feed is lacking.

Livestock industry development officer Hannah Manning said animals fed in confinement for three months or more could run out of their vitamin reserves.

“It’s easier and there is a larger success rate if vitamin levels are maintained with supplements, rather than treating the animal once their body has used up their reserves,” she said.

“Clinical signs of vitamin deficiencies can include weakness, scouring, lameness, ill thrift and, in severe cases, death.

“It is advised that vitamins are added to the animal’s diet from the beginning.”

The program offers eligible farmers the opportunity to sit down with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.

The one-on-one includes a drought management planning session of up to 3 hours and follow up call to develop a Drought Management Action Plan. For more information, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

TALKING WEEDS: Research agronomist

Angus Butterfield will be guest speaker at BCG’s review day on February 21.

Weed, seed and ball events

Researchagronomist Angus Butterfield will speak at BCG’s Trials Review Day next month, in one of several on-site information and entertainment events the group is hosting in coming weeks.

Mr Butterfield will detail why the key to controlling mature flaxleaf fleabane is in the first pass of a double-knock strategy, following two trials he undertook researching the stubborn weed near Birchip in the summer of 2023-24, focusing on double-knock control.

The first trial focused on the effectiveness of different first-pass options and the second trial, second-pass treatments.

Mr Butterfield said growers might find the results surprising.

“What we found is that first spray applications are critical for effective control of mature flaxleaf fleabane, and premium herbicide products often deliver better results in the first spray,” he said.

The wind-borne surface germinating weed has become prolific since the adop-

tion of no till farming systems. Each plant can produce up to 110,000 seeds and its waxy surface gives it a natural tolerance to glyphosate.

“What makes it particularly tricky to control is that fleabane often comes up in spring under crops and therefore options for its control while it is still small and easier to kill are limited,” Mr Butterfield said.

“Our trial work highlights that the addition of Dropzone to a standard summer spray significantly improves control of flaxleaf fleabane, while common mixes such as 2,4-D ester and triclopyr offer no additional control over a standard glyphosate mix.”

Mr Butterfield said another interesting finding of the trials was that glyphosate and Terrad’or might not be needed to control flaxleaf fleabane and excluding the products could significantly reduce costs.

People can find out more at www. bcg.org.au/flaxleaf-fleabane-control or on Shared Ag Solutions podcast by BCG.

BCG will release its latest research results to BCG members on Friday February 21 at Birchip Community Leisure Centre.

People can book places and receive the 2024 BCG Season Research Results compendium by signing up to become a member at bcg.org.au or by phoning on 5492 2787.

Coming events

BCG will host leading spray application expert Craig Day on February 11 at Birchip; the workshop is sold out, but people can email info@bcg.org.au to be added to the waiting list.

A free seeder set-up information day is scheduled for February 12 from 9am until 2pm at Vectis, and from 9am until 2.30pm on February 13 at Kaniva BCG’s second annual Young Farmer Network Ball is on March 14 at Swan Hill; featuring live music, tickets are $80. For tickets and more information about coming BCG events, people can visit www.bcg.org.au/events.

GrainGrowers marketing workshop at Nhill

GrainGrowers will host halfday grain marketing and risk management workshops in 10 locations across five states.

Victoria is hosting two workshops: at Nhill on February 26 and at Echuca on February 25.

Delivered by grain marketing experts Lachstock Consulting, the workshop is based on grower feedback and designed to build on growers’ understanding of the marketing process and navigating risk associated with grain contracts.

The Highline NT Rock Picker is built for Aussie conditions and offers capacities up to 2.56m3.

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GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said the workshops were a great opportunity for growers to gain valuable insights and knowledge on grain marketing and risk management.

The Nhill workshop will be at Nhill and District Sporting Club from 9am to 2pm. To find out more details and to register, people can visit www.graingrowers.com. au/events/grain-marketingand-risk-management-workshops-2025

Water quality focus

Inresponse to the Grampians bushfires, GWMWater is working with Ararat Rural City Council to facilitate emergency tank refills for rural customers’ drinking water, while preserving water quality.

Managing director Mark Williams said the organisation incurred some damage to assets, but for the most part infrastructure was protected.

“We thank all the firefighters and emergency service partners who worked together to minimise the impacts of the fires,” he said.

GWMWater is developing a water quality protection plan to manage any potential longer-term impacts of the bushfires on catchments within the Grampians National Park.

“The Grampians bushfires burned around Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir. There have been no water quality impacts from retard-

ants or agents used in fighting the fires,” he said.

“So far there has also been no evidence of ash or other debris from rainfall runoff that helped contain the fires in those catchments.

“Water in our Grampians reservoirs is traditionally of a very high quality, so our focus is making sure we preserve those catchments and continue to deliver a secure water supply to customers.”

Areas that were not impacted by fires in the Grampians National Park are now reopen to visitors, including lakes Wartook, Fyans and Bellfield.

GWMWater will continue to work with Emergency Management Victoria to assess the ongoing impacts of the bushfires.

Landholders who rely on rainwater for drinking can register for tank refills with Ararat Rural City Council.

GWMWater’s Gebiaw Ayele and Matthew Kube testing water in a tank.

BlazeAid leading hands in recovery

BlazeAid

volunteers continue to work through fixing damaged fencing around farms affected by the Grampians fire.

The volunteer-based organisation that works with landowners in rural Australia following natural disasters was quick to set up camp at Willaura. About 540 kilometres of fencing was damaged in the fire – the worst of it occurring on Boxing Day.

A total of 13,538 hectares of farmland was scorched by the fires, which first started on December 17 after multiple lightning strikes hit the southern part of the Grampians National Park.

While livestock losses were minimal given the scale of the fire – preliminary reports include 775 sheep, one horse and one cow – there has been significant on-farm infrastructure losses with 40 outbuildings, 10,053 hectares of pasture and a huge amount of other equipment damaged.

With a camp set up at Willaura Recreation Reserve, co-ordinator Simon Hardy said BlazeAid would likely be set up in the southern Grampians for about the next six months.

There are currently 50 volunteers on hand to help, but with most coming and going at various times, more people are always needed.

“We always need more volunteers,” Mr Hardy said.

“We’ve a nice little pipeline at the moment, but we want people to contact us. Even if they are not going to be ready for three, four, five weeks to come and see us, it helps us plan ahead and be ready for when we get really busy.”

Mr Hardy said volunteers were made up of grey nomads, retired people, backpackers and some local residents.

“We have some really good local helpers, and we have helpers from Finland, Germany, France, Western Australia and New South Wales, they come from all over. It’s fantastic,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t know anything about fencing when they come. Hopefully they leave with some knowledge and enjoy their time here.”

Mr Hardy said the Willaura Recreation Reserve provided a good facility for volunteers.

“We’ve our own little tent city up one end of the recreation reserve and very good cooking facilities,” he said. He said volunteers start work early

in the day – particularly in summer due to the hotter days.

“Our primary role is to replace boundary fencing for farmers who have lost it through fire or flood,” he said.

“We do other jobs as well, clearing of lines and some little jobs to help particular people. But the primary role is to do those boundary fences for farmers.”

Mr Hardy said while it was difficult to estimate exactly how long BlazeAid volunteers would be required to assist Grampians farmers, he estimated about six months.

He said farmers generally paid for fencing materials, often funded through insurance, but BlazeAid volunteers installed or fixed the fences.

“We are a volunteer organisation and we’re funded by donations. We have a number of benefactors who help us, but far and wide, we get most of our donations from small organisations and individuals who donate to the cause,” he said.

“We also get sponsorships from some companies who donate equipment to us – two of the big ones are Isuzu and Dometic.

“We have a lot of organisations that support us, which is fantastic, but we’re always looking for more money so that we can help run these camps, which are very expensive to run.”

David O Jones Mitre 10 in Ararat donated protective gear for the volunteers.

People interested in volunteering can visit blazeAid.com.au.

Hit hardest

Lynden and Amy Brewis, mixed farmers at Willaura, had the highest stock losses, with 500 sheep deaths, and about 65 kilometres of fencing burnt in the fire.

The Brewis’ farm borders the national park, and they thought it would spread to their property when the fire first started a week before Christmas.

Mr Brewis said they had time to prepare for the predicted dangerous fire danger conditions on Boxing Day.

“We had all the houses set up and we had nearly all our breeding stock in, except obviously we had some wethers still out,” he said.

“We had them on pretty bare paddock, and we thought they’d be okay, but just the ferocity of the fire coming through with the wind that day … it just went straight through them, unfortunately.

“On that fateful day, the wind picked up and we knew it was going to come out of the national park at some stage, it came out and we were able to save all the houses and that with the massive help of CFA and local support, with private units.

“The local community banded together and were able to contain the fire amazingly, really.”

Mr Brewis said he was concerned about the impact the fire would have on his farm and stock long-term.

“ The problem I suppose we have at the moment is, we’ve a lot away on agistment – most of our stock – and it’ll be okay in the short term, but it’s been such a tight year around this

area, and a lot of the state as well, so fodder supplies are low,” he said.

Mr Brewis said he was concerned about feeding his stock midyear.

“Realistically we could be feeding into June, July, or if it’s like the season just gone, be feeding right through the year,” he said.

“We’re probably all right in the short term, but it worries me a fair bit when we get to the end of March.”

Victoria Agricultural Minister Ros Spence visited the Brewis farm, accompanied by Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking, in the wake of the fire, but the State Government is yet to offer financial assistance for farmers in the area.

“She listened to our concerns but even though the area was burnt, because we had so much warning, everyone did such a great job in the area of yarding up sheep and everything – we didn’t reach the threshold for a lot of subsidies for stock going away on agistment and for fodder subsidies,”

Mr Brewis said.

Assistance

Agriculture Victoria is urging affected farmers to seek support and use the resources available to them.

Agriculture services acting director Aimee McCutcheon said a specialised wellbeing support program was now available.

Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West is rolling out the program to help people manage mental health stresses.

“They can talk through and provide assistance with strategies to cope with stress, recognising signs, and how to set up support networks and access actual support as well,” Ms McCutcheon said.

People can access the program via the Rural Financial Counselling Service website or call 1300 735 578.

Issues to the fore

Replacing fodder, access to water, and mobile phone coverage were key issues to emerge for primary producers following and during the bushfire.

Westmere Fire Brigade group officer

Pat Millear, who is also a Willaura farmer, said fire-fighters faced communication issues during the bushfire, and he believed it was compounded by the shutting down of the 3G network.

Mr Millear said communication with fire trucks was available through UHF

radio, but  those in FCVs and command vehicles were affected.

“We were working on that side, right through the park there, south of Yarram Gap Road and phone service through there, it was nearly non-existent,” he said.

“It made it really hard for planning and just talking to people in general.

“It was very hard to get a good signal out, text messaging and so it’s just hard to plan.

“From a group officer’s point of view, and strike team leaders and sector commanders out there throughout the whole fire, it was hard to communicate to people outside the fire ground.

“It’s not just all happening inside the fires – you’re getting messages out and there are a lot of black spots.”

Mr Millear said once an area was found where fire commanders received mobile phone reception, they had to stay in that location to finish their calls – but it could drop out there two or three times.

“There were no specific spots anywhere, when you got some signal, which was only one bar, you just limped through that and got messages done there,” he said.

Mr Millear said authorities had spoken to Telstra about the communication issues, but nothing could be done soon enough to help during the Grampians fire.

“We’ve obviously had meetings since the fire, a few debriefs with some key people and certainly some action is going to happen,” he said.

Mr Millear said mobile phone coverage was not the only issue to be discussed post the fires.

“The whole national park management system needs looking at and the prevention work needs to happen on a year-to-year basis, not just every three or four years,” he said.

“There’s lots of issues to come out of this fire that need addressing and we’ll keep, with my key people, rattling the cages so to speak, and talking to politicians and trying to get everything sorted so it's for the betterment of everyone going forward.”

• With many farmers in desperate need of hay for their livestock, Ararat Rural City Council and ACE Radio are co-ordinating a hay drive. Anyone wishing to donate hay can contact Chandra at the council on 5355 0980.

READY TO ASSIST: BlazeAid volunteers will be actively assisting farmers affected by the Grampians fire for the next six months.

SPIRAFLEX AIR SEEDER HOSE

Goodyear’s Spiraflex Air Seeder hose is designed for use in Air Seeding applications where there is a requirement to view the product being conveyed.

This hose is specially formulated with a Clear Thermosplastic Urethane Liner offering superior wear resistance in not only seeding applications, but many other dry bulk material delivery applications.

Viruses spreading a concern

It’s not a matter of if, but when. I’m talking about a catastrophic disease outbreak, most likely coming from imports to the country.

Like COVID-19, we will have to learn to live with the consequences.

My first experience of reporting on an animal disease outbreak was in the 1990s when Ovine Johnes Disease was detected in sheep in Gippsland. Very quickly the number of infected flocks grew. It was thought the disease had come from imports from New Zealand. As is the usual response with animal disease outbreaks, infected flocks were quarantined and the sheep euthanised.

It was heart-breaking for some stud merino breeders with generations of fine wool sheep put down and burned. For several farmers, it was too much, and they gave up farming.

With the benefit of hindsight, it was possibly a futile exercise as the disease had spread undetected and is now something farmers must manage.

The latest is the outbreak of Tomato Rugose Fruit Virus which was first reported in South Australia in August last year, and this month in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley.

To try to contain the virus, all tomato plants have been destroyed. In SA, it was hundreds of tonnes which meant hundreds of job losses, many of them PALM scheme workers. The disease can also infect capsicums and chilies.

The Victorian government was quick to act in also destroying all plants on the Goulburn Valley farm. Victoria’s chief plant health officer Rosa Crnov told Country Today seedlings had been transported from

Country Today

with Libby Price

SA to Victoria without authorisation. “We know that the movement that occurred was unauthorised, and we are just working through exactly what happened,” Ms Crnov said.

“We know that the seedlings came into Victoria in December, we know it’s a direct movement so it’s a very different situation to what happened in August in South Australia.”

While there is no threat to human health from the diseases, it’s a very different situation with the latest case of a Japanese Encephalitis infection in a person in Cobram in northern Victoria, reported earlier this month.

The disease is spread by mosquitoes and can, though rarely, be fatal.

Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Christian McGrath told Country Today, it was the first case in nearly three years.

“That’s the first case in Australia since 2022 in a human,” Dr McGrath said.

“That occurs on the background of actually detecting Japanese Encephalitis in mosquitoes and wild pigs in NSW in December last year as well, in addition to Victoria finding evidence of the virus along the Murray.”

And that’s not where it ends. Mosquitoes can also transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, West Nile virus and Murray Valley encephalitis. The only one with a vaccine is Japanese Encephalitis. Being forewarned is being forearmed.

Keeping sheep off stubble

Sheep producers who moved their sheep onto stubble at the conclusion of harvest, should look to move the flock after no more than six weeks, depending on a range of factors.

District veterinary officer Cathy Bunter said a good rule-of-thumb was the value of the feed equalled the amount of residual grain and green plant growth from sprouted grain and summer weeds.

“In drier years, the stems and leaves can be quite nutritious as less energy and protein has ended up in the grain,” she said.

“Windy weather can also cause grain to drop to the ground.

“Paddock size, stocking density, and how much grain and green shoots remain will be factors in your decision.”

Dr Bunter said a key indicator would be animals no longer maintaining their weight.

“Stubble doesn’t contain much calcium, but licks and supplements can make up for this,” she said.

“A simple solution is to provide your sheep with limestone plus five per cent salt to help solve the deficiency.

“Trace elements, vitamins, urea and topping up the nutrition shortfall with pellets and grain such as lupins to increase protein intake will help.”

Dr Bunter said there were some animal health issues to watch out for when grazing sheep on stubble, such as water belly, grain poisoning, polio encephalomalacia or thiamine deficiency, nitrate and nitrite poisoning from oilseed crops like canola, and lupinosis from a fungus in lupins that produced a toxin.

“Sheep are helpful at reducing high stubble load but be careful not to overgraze the paddock and leave at least 50 per cent ground cover to prevent wind erosion and help retain moisture in the paddock,” she said.

For more information on grazing sheep on stubble people can contact their consultant nutritionist or veterinarian, or visit websites agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-andhorticulture/grains-pulses-and-cereals/ crop-production/general-agronomy/sheepnutritional-requirements-when-grazingstubble, and www.feedinglivestock.vic. gov.au/sheep-resources/sheep-droughtfeeding-book/sheep-pdf.

For specific drought management support, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Stunning Glenisla Farming & Lifestyle Property

135.82ha/ 335.6 acres – C/A 5 Red Rock Road

Water is a big feature of this trophy property with several winter creeks running through. Spectacular views set at the foot hills of the Grampians National Park &close proximity to Rockland Reservoir 16kms. Divided into 4 paddocks, gives you a good management tool to graze the mainly grass & clover pastures.

PRICED @ $3850 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

1790

Harrow-Balmoral Road, Balmoral

104.2ha / 257.5 acres in 2 titles

6080 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge

129.42ha / 319.80 acres

Looking for a scenic income producing block with some lifestyle benefits along with great mountain views. Loamy soil types suitable for grazing or opportunity cropping. Divided into 5 paddocks, well-watered with several dams, solar bore & troughs. Over 1.0 km of frontage to Mt William Creek.

PRICED @ $2850 per acre

Mark Clyne 0417 568 200

Southern

Wimmera Cropping/Grazing Lot 2 / 1878 Northern Grampians Road, Laharum

Southern Wimmera Cropping/ Grazing - 101.2 ha/ 250.07 acres. Excellent fencing with good access with road frontages on 3 sides. Outstanding Mountain views, 2 catchment dams & GWM Pipeline water.

PRICED @ $7000 per acre – $1,750,490

Mark Clyne 0417 568 200

Elliots

Lane, Clear Lake

127.6ha / 315.3 acres – Cropping/Grazing

Currently divided in to two paddocks. Watered by 4 dams, access to the GWM pipeline water supply. Great opportunity to secure an affordable block in a reliable higher Southern Wimmera rainfall zone.

PRICED @ $3850 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Immaculate & productive farming property with substantial shedding. With scenic rolling hills to fertile creek flats, will suit a variety of farming and lifestyle uses. 15kms to the Rocklands reservoir. Excellent fencing with most as new. Extensive water supply via dams, creek & town water supply with tank & troughs.

PRICED @ $1,650,000

Mark Clyne 0417 568 200

121.1 ha / 299.4 Acres 28 Jackmans Road, Dadswells Bridge

Frontage of approx. 900mts along the Mount William Creek, the property has been farmed under Demeter biodynamic principles for approx. 20 years. Unique zoning of predominately RLZ Rural Living Zone & Farm Zone. Divided into four paddocks with very good fencing, great shelter belts & exc. water supply.

Priced @ $3300 per acre ($988,020)

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road, Brimpaen

952.05ha / 2352.56 acres

Southern Wimmera Cropping/Grazing – A great opportunity to secure reliable farming land all in the same location in 6 titles. Gently rolling land, well-drained with brown loam soil types with a good clover history. Exc. water assets & fencing along with good 3BR home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. 40kms (25 mins south of Horsham) with handy views of the Grampians.

PRICED @ $4800 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Fischers Road, St Helens Plains

79.85ha / 197.31 acres – Prime Cropping Country

Located in the sought after St Helens Plains area near Taylors Lake. One paddock, Bitumen Road frontage. GWM Pipeline water connected. GWM Water marginal land licence on adjoining land (subject to transfer)

PRICED @ $10,500 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

A lamb advert roasting

Australia’s favourite lamb advertisement is back and it’s ‘roasting the comments section’ as part of this year’s Summer Lamb Campaign by Meat and Livestock Australia.

From how to make the perfect cuppa, to some of the year’s most viral moments – the advertising campaign was created using real online comments that divided Australia on many topics. With its typical tongue-in-cheek humour, people are encouraged to get out of the comments and get stuck into a lamb cutlet instead.

MLA marketing and insights general manager Nathan Low said the Summer Lamb campaign showcased lamb as the protein that brought Australians together. “When you delve into the world of online commentary, it would leave you thinking we’re all at each other’s throats, no matter how trivial the topic,” he said. “But in real life, we don’t treat each other like that.

“The Summer Lamb Campaign is an irreverent reminder that we’re at our best when we’re united, and there’s no better way to bring everyone together than an Aussie Lamb barbecue.”

The annual lamb advert comes off the back of an incredible year for lamb production in Australia.

For the year to September 2024, Australia produced 488,566 tonnes of lamb meat – almost as high as the number reached for the full year of 2023, which was the highest on record. MLA’s Sheep Industry Projections update in September 2024 predicts that 2024’s lamb slaughter will beat the 2023 record, climbing to 27.7 million head.

The forecast is due to 2024 having the highest national sheep flock since 2007, corresponding to increasingly high slaughter and production numbers.

“As producers have continued to send their lambs to the market leading into summer, we can expect plenty of lamb on the shelves as the campaign launches,” Mr Low said. “Consumers have also continued to show their support for lamb on the back of these campaigns.

“For example, during the six-week campaign in 2024, pur-

ROASTING COMMENTS: Sam Kekovich in Meat and Livestock Australia’s annual lamb advertisement.

chase volume increased 18.9 per cent compared to the previous year and purchase volume per trip increased nine per cent compared to the previous year. “We hope Aussies enjoy the ad and it prompts them to share the lamb in 2025. Leave us a nice comment while you are at it.”

Building on the ‘Share the Lamb’ brand platform, the fiveweek campaign features topical jokes, a good dose of satire and of course, lots of mouth-watering lamb.

It will feature across online video, cinema, retail out-of-home, paid social and PR.

People can view the advert by visiting https://youtu. be/75BAUXZyWw0

Planning for algae

Livestock owners should be aware of blue-green algae when inspecting farm dams, troughs and other water sources, particularly during the warmer months when algal blooms are more likely to occur.

Principal veterinary officer Alison Lee said blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, were bacteria that could multiply rapidly under certain conditions.

“Blue-green algae is more likely to occur when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen,” she said.

“While blue-green algal blooms typically appear as green paintlike surface scum in water, they can also be reddish-purple or brown in colour. It can be difficult to tell blue-green algae from other less toxic algal species.”

Dr Lee said blue-green algae might contain toxins that damaged the liver or nervous system; drinking contaminated water could kill livestock quickly and several livestock might be affected at the same time.

“Animals exposed to affected water supplies may continue to die over a prolonged period. In milder cases, productivity losses may occur, which in dairy cattle may be seen as decreased milk yield,” she said.

“If a suspicious bloom is found, farmers should move their stock to an area on the property with a safe alternative water source.”

Farmers can plan for managing water availability if a blue-green algal bloom impacts their primary livestock drinking water supply.

The plan should include calculating how much water livestock would require if the primary water supply was unsafe to drink and identifying additional alternative on-farm water supplies that could be utilised quickly.

“In the medium-term, your plan could include improving water reticulation systems, considering options for treating blue-green algae affected water, or agisting your stock elsewhere until your farm water is safe again,” Dr Lee said.

People can find more information at Agriculture Victoria’s website agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Don’t drive further than Horsham this year for

fertiliser needs

Free online business program

Farm business owners can learn how to strengthen their businesses and be better equipped to manage variable climate risks in a free online business program.

Delivered by Kit Duncan-Jones one day a week across six weeks, the program is suitable for livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.

Project leader Mr Duncan-Jones said participants would improve their skills and knowledge to better prepare for and manage risk, adapt to change, and strengthen their farm businesses.

“The course is designed to help farm-

ers set and achieve their individual business goals and is relevant to those who are new to farming and young farmers, as well as more experienced farmers,” he said.

The program will be made up of five sessions on key farm management topics, including: identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals; financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making; managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety; climate risk and natural resource management; and business planning.

After completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with an experienced farm management consultant to review their business plan.

Mr Duncan-Jones said participants would be supported by Agriculture Victoria staff and farm business consultants from Rural People Co.

People can register their interest via https://forms.office.com/r/ wUGjPY3MvJ, and can contact Sarah Clack on 0417 316 345 or at sarah. clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information.

Kit Duncan-Jones

New year – time to review legal affairs

BY DEBORAH ANDERSON, PRINCIPAL LAWYER, HARWOOD ANDREWS

At this time of the year many people make resolutions and plans for the new year.

One important new year’s resolution should be to review and update your will and any powers of attorney with your legal advisor.

For individuals engaged in business, including farming and other forms of agribusiness, the consequences of not having a will or an outdated will can be significant in terms of personal and business succession and can give rise to disputes.

A lack of appropriate powers of

attorney can also create difficulty in managing personal and business affairs if a business owner becomes incapacitated due to illness or accident. If you are in agribusiness, your personal legal affairs should be considered and reviewed as part of your business continuity plan.

Having a valid, up-to-date will ensures your estate is controlled by your nominated executors, and your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes.

Life changes rapidly, and a will you made many years ago may no longer reflect your current situation or wishes.

Reasons to update your will include

changes in family circumstances or your assets.

Birth, deaths, marriages or relationship breakdowns all mean you may want to include new family members, remove others or reallocate your assets.

If you have purchased or sold property, disposed of significant assets, inherited assets or started a business, your will should reflect those changes. While many people focus on their will, powers of attorney are equally important. Those documents empower trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf while you are alive if you are unable to make those decisions yourself.

An enduring power of attorney – financial and personal – allows someone to manage your financial and legal affairs, such as selling assets on your behalf or paying household bills, as well as to make lifestyle decisions for you such as where you will live and the type of activities you undertake.

A medical treatment decision-maker document allows you to appoint someone to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf, including consenting to or refusing medical treatment if you are unable to make your own decisions and ensures your healthcare preferences are honoured.

As situations change, so too might your choice of attorney or medical

treatment decision-maker. It is worth assessing whether the people you initially appointed are still the best fit for those roles.

For those planning holidays, particularly overseas trips, having up-todate legal documents is essential. The unexpected can happen and ensuring your will and powers of attorney are current provides security while you are away.

Make assessing your legal documents with your lawyer a new year’s priority, so you, your family and business are prepared.

The best gift you can give is to ensure your affairs are in order.

Departing Friday, March 28 and returning Sunday, March 30

To participate, each car must raise a minimum of $2000 which will be donated to FECRI. This tour is all about raising money and having fun at the same time. Each day will have a theme and a ‘Whats App’ group post will be set up to provide information along the way.

To enter this event please email the participants names, primary contact phone number and email address, vehicle type (if known yet) to gavin@morrow.net.au or visit our Facebook page Drive to Survive

$20-million on-farm connectivity program returns

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed funding for a third round of the Federal Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program.

The program is designed to assist farmers to adopt advanced connected machinery and sensor technology.

In previous rounds of the program, farmers have benefited from a 50 per cent rebate on eligible equipment costs, including installation and training, with rebates ranging from $1000 to $30,000.

NFF president David Jochinke praised the value of the program, with funding increased to a pool of $20 million for round three.

“Embracing connectivity and digital infrastructure is key to unlocking the productivity of the ag sector, but high upfront costs are often a barrier. This program is a smart investment for the government and a win for Australian farmers – who, through the NFF, have been calling for further rounds,” he said.

The NFF’s Regional Tech Hub has resources and advice available for farmers wanting to join the program.

“I encourage farmers to get prepared for when applications open later this year. Find a spare moment to give the Regional Tech Hub a buzz and make the most of this opportunity,” Mr Jochinke said.

“My advice to farmers however would be that like previous rounds, round three is likely to be oversubscribed. So if you’re ready to buy

Water help available

Ashortage of stock water across most of Victoria has renewed interest in constructing farm dams and water infrastructure, with up to $5000 of grants available to support such installations through drought support.

Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer

Clem Sturmfels said farmers were advised to investigate before constructing a new dam or adding water infrastructure or equipment to their properties.

“Before engaging an earthmoving contractor for a new dam, ask important questions like: how much water do I need, will the dam hold water, will it fill most years, how big should it be, is there a good site for a spillway, do I need a permit or licence, what will it cost,” he said.

Mr Sturmfels said longer, hotter summers and decreased cool season rainfall has meant many smaller dams built in previous years were drying up.

“Many new dams built across Victoria are also failing within the first few years due to inappropriate materials or poor construction techniques. Selecting an experienced and reliable contractor, plus a few basic soil tests, will minimise the risk of failure,” he said.

“Ensure your contractor has the appropriate skills, a good reputation and up-to-date equipment. Ask the contractor for examples of their work and a guarantee.”

RESEARCH REQUIRED: Sinking a bore can be expensive – farmers are advised to do their homework first.

A permit or licence may be required to build, extend or repair a farm dam in Victoria; people should contact their local rural water authority before commencing works.

Numerous bores are sunk across Victoria every year, with some generating good quantities of water, while others produce small amounts of water or water that is high in salt or other impurities.

Mr Sturmfels said sinking a bore was expensive, so it was important landholders do their homework prior to engaging a drilling contractor.

“Landholders should review the depth, yield and quality of water in their area before applying for a groundwater licence from the relevant water authority,” he said.

They can check out existing bores in the area, or access the online interactive map, Visual-

ising Victoria’s Groundwater.”

“This map allows the user to zoom into their farm and turn on various coloured layers, which indicate the likely depth, yield and quality of water in the area. The map is based on drillers’ records of approximately 300,000 bores sunk over the past 130 years across Victoria.”

Mr Sturmfels said while underground water exists across much of Victoria, it’s depth, quality and yield varied enormously.

For further information about accessing groundwater, people can visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website. South-west farmers may be eligible for on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000 to upgrade farm water systems. Further information can be found at ruralfinance.com.au.

Optimise your own seeding with

some kit and the investment makes sense without the rebate, buy now.”

Following the success of the previous rounds and increasing industry interest, the NFF is calling on all sides of politics to get behind the program.

“This program has been a stroke of genius. As we head into an election, we would like to see all parties support further funding for the program to give producers and agtech providers confidence that this funding will flow,” Mr Jochinke said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Now more than ever, we need programs which support increased productivity and sustainability.

“The On Farm Connectivity Program does exactly that by allowing more farmers to adopt technology that makes their farms safer, more productive and more sustainable.

For more information about the program and to access the free advisory service, including case studies from round one, visit regionaltechhub.org. au/onfarm.

Why You Need an Insurance Broker

Personalised Solutions

In a world where insurance options are endless and policies are packed with fine print, navigating the complexities of coverage can feel overwhelming.

This is where an insurance broker steps in - your trusted partner in securing the right protection for your needs.

Insurance brokers are professionals who work for you, not the insurance companies. Their goal is to understand your unique circumstances—whether personal or business-related—and find tailored solutions that provide value and peace of mind.

Unlike dealing directly with an insurer, brokers have access to a wide range of policies from multiple providers, ensuring they can find the best coverage at competitive rates.

One of the greatest advantages of using a broker is their expertise.

They’re skilled at identifying gaps in coverage that could leave you exposed. For example, are you confident your home policy adequately covers recent renovations? Is your business protected against emerging risks, such as cyberattacks? Brokers take the guesswork out of these scenarios, saving you time and stress.

Another key benefit is advocacy. When it’s time to make a claim, a broker becomes your strongest ally, guiding you through the process and negotiating on your behalf.

This personalised support can make all the difference during what is often a stressful and uncertain time.

Contrary to popular belief, engaging a broker doesn’t necessarily cost more. In many cases, they can save you money by securing better deals or ensuring you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage.

“Insurance isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about protecting what matters most. By partnering with a qualified insurance broker, you gain a dedicated expert who understands your needs, advocates for your interests, and helps you make informed decisions.

In today’s complex insurance landscape, a broker isn’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity.”

Abbie Wilson, National Insurance Brokers

NIBA VIC / TAS Broker Of The Year

Peter Cross has been in the building industry for nearly 50 years, gaining valuable building knowledge and skills working for two experienced builders – Fred Harris and Perc Coutts, before branching out by himself.

Nic also has over 21 years in the trade himself, and is very proud of his work.

Together, both Nic and Peter will provide all your building needs for commercial and domestic projects, servicing Horsham 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.

Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional trade-based businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory.

The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multimedia platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians. It’s affordable and effective! For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Ford Australia will reintroduce the Everest Wildtrak to its line-up this year for a limited time.

Just 950 examples of its ‘rugged, go-anywhere’ SUV will be made available to Aussie buyers, no doubt leveraging the success of the 2023 variant of the same name.

Priced from $76,950 plus on-road costs, the Everest Wildtrak will be powered exclusively by Ford’s 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine paired as standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive.

Outputs are listed at 184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm between 1750-2250rpm.

Braked towing capacity remains unchanged at 3500 kilograms, with Ford offering its premium towing pack as standard bundling tow bar and integrated trailer brake controller, blind spot monitoring trailer coverage, and pro trailer backup assist, normally $2900.

Externally, the Ford Everest Wildtrak is characterised by 3D badging on the tailgate, a bespoke grille and front bumper, accented wheel lip mouldings and wing mirror scalps, chrome stand-ff roof rails, and an exclusive paint colour dubbed luxe yellow – additional cost applies. The kit joins 20-inch machine-faced alloy wheels with all-season tyres, or no-cost optional 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. Either option is accompanied by a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Elsewhere, the Ford Everest Wildtrak features a panoramic roof with powered sun blind, 360-degree camera system, Ford’s zone lighting package, a 400-watt power inverter, and black embossed leather accented front seats with Wildtrak orange stitching.

“Following last year’s sales and the sell-out success of Everest Wildtrak in 2023, it made perfect sense to bring the badge back to Australia,” Ford Australia Everest product and retail marketing manager George Thomas said.

“For the past 16 years, Wildtrak has been synonymous with the Ranger brand, and once again we are offering customers in Australia the opportunity to enjoy the same legendary reputation as the ute, but in a practical and luxurious SUV body style.”

Production of the MY25.25 Ford Everest Wildtrak has commenced, with first deliveries expected in quarter one, 2025.

Wild and wacky at electronics show

Consumer Electronics’ annual show in Las Vegas kicked off the year with a dizzying array of futuristic gadgets, technology and, of course, vehicles on show.

While some of the concepts on display, such as Honda’s future ‘0’ electric vehicle range, have been shown before, there were several firsts, such as a three-wheeled solar-powered car, Hyundai’s sci-fi-esque holographic windscreen technology, and even a flying van – kind of.

The themes across the automotive offerings were a mix of AI, new energy and, oddly, intercity air travel.

Only a handful of manufacturers unveiled new and exciting technology but, among those who did, punters were given a look at what the future of urban mobility might look like.

Following are GoAuto’s top hightech vehicle innovations from the show, in no particular order.

Hip Hondas

Honda first introduced the world to its 0 Series EV range at last year’s event, with the Saloon and Space-Hub models representing a shift towards innovative new body styles.

At this year’s event, Honda revealed additional details for the 0 Series Saloon and SUV, which were displayed in prototype form, confirming the models for 2026 with full ‘Level 3’ autonomous driving potential.

SOLAR

SENSATION: US-based startup Aptera debuted its productionready solar electric vehicle, sEV, at the Consumer Electronics Show, showcasing a three-wheeled car that can add 64 kilometres of driving range a day from solar power alone.

The design theme Honda adopted was, ‘Thin, Light and Wise’, which the carmaker said challenged the conventional bulky EV aesthetic – flying in the face of the ‘add more’ approach to modern vehicles.

The ‘wise’ element of the equation comes in the form of level-three automated driving technology, alongside Honda’s new vehicle operating system, the ASIMO OS, which will be installed in 0 Series vehicles.

ASIMO was Honda’s early 2000s humanoid robot, with the new operating system aiming to achieve a similar level of human integration – controlling automated driving systems,

in-vehicle infotainment, and various other electronic functions.

Honda also debuted a new H mark logo that will be exclusively used on its next-generation EVs, starting with the 0 Series models.

Bavarian Vision

BMW premiered its new iDrive user experience system, which will be featured in the brand’s next-generation Neue Klasse range of electric vehicles, with a new panoramic vision heads-up display stealing the spotlight.

The display, which spans from Apillar to A-pillar, reflects visible information onto a black surface in the lower section of the windscreen,

making it visible to all occupants. An optional 3D head-up display above the panoramic vision area will show additional navigation and automated driving information, meaning a Neue Klasse model could in fact have two stacked head-up displays.

The new iDrive system also features a central display with matrix backlight technology, and a multifunction steering wheel.

BMW’s new AI-powered intelligent personal assistant will also get smarter, apparently even prompting drivers to engage sports mode on certain routes.

Holographic

Hyundai Mobis seemingly oneupped BMW’s panoramic vision, unveiling a holographic head-up display that covers much of the windscreen – and it looks like something straight out of a video game.

Not to be mistaken for the carmaker, Hyundai Mobis is a global automotive supplier that produces parts for Hyundai and Kia – akin to Denso, which supplies Toyota and other Japanese OEMs, or ZF which supplies various German players.

The company showcased its new holographic head-up display in a Kia EV9, effectively transforming the windscreen into a blank canvas on which it can project an array of information, images and even video.

According to Hyundai Mobi, the se-

cret sauce, which it developed alongside German optical specialist Zeiss, is a special film on the windscreen that contains a holographic optical element, HOE, and uses light diffraction. This allows the windscreen to appear transparent, while offering crystal clear visuals and high brightness even in sunny conditions – complete with a privacy mode.

Pre-development of the holographic technology is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with Hyundai Mobis planning to launch the system by 2027.

XPeng sky-high

Xpeng AeroHT, the aerospace company majority-owned by Chinese carmaker Xpeng, shot for the stars, unveiling its Land Aircraft Carrier – a mothership that combines an electric six-wheeled van and electric vertical take-off and landing, eVTOL, vehicle.

The company is calling the Xpeng Aero HT a modular flying car, but it looks more like an extended-wheelbase Cybertruck with a giant humancarrying drone in the boot – and the car itself never leaves the ground, just to clarify.

Who would possibly buy one? Well, Xpeng AeroHT claims the Land Aircraft Carrier is designed for intercity commuters, offering high-speed, lowaltitude air travel.

On this DAy

20 years ago – January 27, 2005 Dot Armstrong, pictured, was named Horsham Rural City’s Citizen of the Year for her volunteer work, particularly at Wimmera Health Care Group. Mrs Armstrong made and delivered teddy bears and other soft toys to hospital patients, who she visited and helped to keep their spirits up. Hannah French was Young Citizen, while Triple J One Night Stand concert at Natimuk was Community Event of the Year.

10 years ago: January 28, 2015

Horsham Showground would see $160,000 in infrastructure upgrades, including building renovations and a solar power system, as part of multi-million-dollar greyhound racing developments. Significant changes in the redevelopment included the widening of the circuit by 10 to 12 metres, the removal of the trotting track, and the ability of spectators to be closer to the action.

Five years ago: January 29, 2020

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Rob Gersch called for State Government support to upgrade the unusable Rainbow-Dimboola railway line amid fears of increased trucks on the area’s fragile roads during harvest. Cr Gersch said council was also speaking to VicRoads about upgrading the roads.

One year ago: January 31, 2024

Ararat Regional Theatre Society, ARTS, began auditions for its 2024 production ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. Formerly Ararat Musical Comedy Society and Ararat Theatre Company, the group staged the production in June.

tAKE A BrEAK

yOur luCKy stArs

FOR THE WEEK FEBRUARY 1 TO FEBRUARY 8

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

1. Born on this day in 1953 was which Australian actress, most famous for her role on television soap opera Home and Away?

2. What disease is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C?

3. ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey’ was written by which author?

4. What television show did Elon Musk appear as a guest in 2015?

5. Until the Middle Ages, which popular vegetable was always purple in colour?

6. All the kings of The House of Lancaster had the same name – what was it?

7. Which singer played Catwoman in the Bat man television series?

8. Which noble gas, widely used in lights and advertising, has the chemical symbol Ne?

9. Name the four main mountain ranges that make up Grampians National Park?

10. Which American poet, born in 1874 and the recipient of four Pulitzers, died on this day in 1963 at the age of 88?

Answers: 1. Lynne McGranger. She has played Irene Roberts since 1993. 2. Scurvy. 3. Oscar Wilde. 4. The Simpsons. He has also voiced roles on South Park and Rick and Morty, in 2016 and 2019 respectively. 5. The carrot. It is believed the orange variety originated in the Netherlands, and was more yielding, uniform and reliable. 6. Henry. 7. Eartha Kitt. 8. Neon. 9. Mt Difficult, Mt William, Serra, Victoria. 10. Robert Frost, who summed up everything he learnt about life in three words – ‘it goes on’.

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

Advertising 5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au;

heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 6, 7

Lotto Numbers: 12, 45, 18, 17, 44, 22

Take nothing and no one at face value, as your judgment might not be up to scratch. Progress in your love life could be crucial, and your social calendar is about to get very hectic. Watch out for a potential hitch in your money-making scheme.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 19, 45, 24, 26, 25

A very pleasant period is ahead. Take advantage of any invitations you receive. Wanderlust might grip you, and many will soon be travelling, either for money or better career prospects.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 15, 18, 45, 8, 5, 22

Avoid confrontations with authority figures. This is a very impatient period, so be cautious on the roads. Major changes are indicated in relationships, and a career change could be on the horizon.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Colour: White

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 8

Lotto Numbers: 1, 10, 18, 24, 25, 41

Personal relationships will be highlighted, and it’s a happy time for family gatherings. Ensure you make time to enjoy social activities rather than being stuck with all the hard work behind the scenes. Business opportunities may expand for many.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 12, 16, 18, 1, 45, 21

A happier and more relaxed period is in store. Many could see luck in lotteries, legacies, or wise investments. Career opportunities may arise, and some could welcome a returning traveller. Happiness in your love life is just around the corner.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 8

Lotto Numbers: 18, 13, 21, 24, 45, 32

Many Virgos will be considering buying property or moving interstate. Social activities could introduce you to people who may become permanent fixtures in your life. Engagements, marriages, or reconciliations with current lovers are all possibilities.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5, 7, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 18, 14, 21, 22, 9, 39

Health may become a major focus for you during this period. Improving your performance in your career will also be on your mind. Now is the time to work on your well-being and set professional goals.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 10, 19, 23, 32, 45, 22

A marvellous time for lovers and those young at heart. Social life may become overwhelming if you don’t pace yourself. In business and career matters, your achievements will speak for themselves.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 12, 19, 23, 32, 25, 44

Someone interesting from your past may suddenly re-enter your life. However, avoid offering accommodation during the next few weeks, as it could land you in an awkward position.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 2, 4, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 24, 25, 32, 33

A venture you were unsure about may turn out to be a successful move. Travel is likely, either for you or someone close. This period could bring an unexpected opportunity for growth and success.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4, 1, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 4, 45, 24, 34, 33

Special people in your life may feel neglected, so it’s time to give them more attention. Don’t let someone irritating spoil an otherwise happy time with your loved ones.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 3, 2, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 4, 7, 8, 12, 45, 21

Business and career matters are looking up, and people will be more receptive to your ideas. Happy reunions with long-lost friends are something to look forward to during this time.

^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i

puZZlEs

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each

Quick Workout

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

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

Classifieds

Ha y

60th Birthday

TAYLOR (nee McFarlane), Tracey Lee

3-9-1969 to 22-1-2025

O’CONNELL, Jason Andrew

GLARE, Damien Peter

17/3/1967 - 5/2/1970

aged 2 years and 10 months

Rosemary, Elisabeth and Nicholas Michael Jones 31-1-2025

Loving wife of Adrian. Mother of Jeremy.

Loving daughter of Cecily & Ron.

We wish you endless happiness, good health, and the love of those who cherish you.

80th Birthday

Elaine Quick

Will be celebration 80 years with an Open House at the Brim Sports Centre on Sunday, February 9 from 2pm

Afternoon Tea provided, no gifts please

Adored sister of Grant, Karen & Jodie.

Passed away after a courageous battle. Resting peacefully now

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

WATSON, Errol

2-10-1938 to 24-1-2025

He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Jeparit Hospital

Loving husband of Julie.

Loved father & father-in-law of Carolyn & Anthony, Gavin & Pam.

Adored Pa of Amanda, Samantha, Lochlan, Oliver & Lexi.

HEARD,

Lionel Stanley

Passed away aged 86 years.

Husband of Beth.

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Janet & Garth (dec); Wayne & Roxy.

Adored Pop to Meaghan, Rory and Lachlan; Maddison, Jake and Sophie. Cherished great grandfather.

O’CONNELL, Jason Andrew

Passed away surrounded by family on January 23, 2025 aged 46 years.

Dearly loved husband of Sally.

Devoted father to Makaira and Ashie.

Son-in-law to Trish Barrett. Now At Peace

~ QUICK ~ Lorna

Lorna left us peacefully after living a full life aged 89 years old.

She will be dearly missed by us and all who knew her.

Loved and forever missed by Nigel, Kim, Sarina, Louis, Corey and Bec.

Adored Great Pa of Mahlia & Leo. To be privately farewelled

HEARD, Lionel Stanley

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lionel Stanley Heard will take place at the Natimuk Showgrounds Pavilion on Friday, January 31, 2025 commencing at 1.30pm Private cremation.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KRUGER/ BOSCHEN, Esma Dorothy

The Funeral of Esma

Dorothy Kruger/Boschen will leave the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Thursday, 30 January 2025 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/@horshamlutheran churchaustr7146

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

The funeral of Jason Andrew O’Connell will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 commencing at 1.30pm Private cremation.

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

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

TAYLOR, Tracey Lee

The celebration of life service to farewell the late Mrs Tracey Taylor will be held at Horsham Golf Course on Golf Course Road. Please join the family in sharing memories and stories of Tracey on Friday, February 14, 2025. Formalities to begin at 3.30pm – 5.30pm Tracey will be privately cremated.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

Behind life’s smiles, lies many a tear. For the one we lost and loved so dear.

Mum, Dad (dec), Simon, Mathew and Melanie

Our little angel, Rocky.

GLARE, Peter James

18/3/1944 - 29/1/2019

I’m sending you a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much I miss you and send you all my love. Your are my heart and soul. Till we meet again. Love always Dianne, Simon, Mathew and Melanie.

SEMMLER, Lorraine Hilda

21/03/1948 - 29/01/2024

There’s a sister who misses you dearly, In a home where you used to be.

No matter how happy the occasion, Or cheerful we seem to be.

There is always a face before us, a voice we would love to hear, a smile we will always remember, as it dawns this first year.

Joy

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666706/6579578 source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

2 beautiful sweet 20 yr old mares, need a perfect forever home, unfortunately I can’t afford all that I have anymore, both $800 ONO, to good homes ONLY Ph 0423182267

2 Jack Russell Male Pups, m/chip 978142000347448/ 978142000347452, source # MB110435, $700 each Ph 0417055338

Beeamma White, Australian White Stud purebred rams, private sale on farm, BRUC, ACC, OJD, VAC, ewes available, Elders Alan Thompson 0427849779, Rod Donnell (08) 87582095

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

Birds, 3 young opaline Turks and mum $150 each, Pair

Princess Lutino hen normal/blue male $300, Steel aviary bolt tog, 3m L 1.2w 1.8h $600 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies, pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham

German (Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pups, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984/17181902/1 7166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996

Ararat

Pembroke Corgi Pups, male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

Purebred German Shepherd, 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys source# MB115424, m/chip# 953010007067038/7069200 Ph 0421018631

Purebred German Shepherd, 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl source# MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/6681104 Ph 0421018631

Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of 5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph

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

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

2017 Ezytrail Stirling, excellent condition, forward folding hard floor, full annex, 600w inverter, TV, 80lt WACO fridge, memory foam mattress topper, always stored undercover, $18,500 ono Ph 0439022870

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796

Caravan 20’ full length, solid annex, ensuite shower, basin toilet, on permanent site in Portland Seaside Caravan Park, fully furnished, for holidays or permanent living $5800ono Ph 0432544164

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

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

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

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

REDUCED 2006 Concept

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

REDUCED 2009 Jayco Stirling

Expander, immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/ bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex $40,000ono Ph 0428913307

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

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

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

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

REDUCED MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition

$11,500 Ph 0493394223

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

1997 Hercules Tipper $76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

Leith 7000 Gypsum and fertiliser spreader, spreader in good to very good condition, always shedded when not in use, comes with tarp and fertiliser bottom system, has had little use over the years and well maintained $25,000 plus Gst Ph 0428824316

Camping Equipment, including as new Yamaha 2KVa inverter generator never used, aqua cube shower, porta potty, Komodo pantry, and clothesline

$2500 Ph 0458683879

REDUCED 1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre , R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $30 Ph0428504558

REDUCED 4KW 240V

Generator, gauges and trolley $550 Ph 0428504558

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

CAT , 955 K traxcavator

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

Clipex Sheep Handler, 2018 Portable Contractor Model, 3 way auto-draft, includes : foot pedal, remote control, cover, manuals, tool kit and spare parts, always shedded and covered, not done a lot of work, $16,500 PLUS gst, Located Balmoral Ph 0429 846 236 Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097 Freighter 40 ft trailer,

0419778181

Massey Ferguson Tractor , 3 cylinder, perkins hydraulics, safety cab, low hours $7000 Ph 0428822730 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

CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight

$50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, leith grain measuring sheep feeder $1000, new Holland Mower GC with parts, best offer Ph 0429857207

REDUCED 2022 Mahindra 6110, 60 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock $43,900 Ph 0428349401

REDUCED Versatile 555

Tractor, good working order

$15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097

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

Various Steel Trusses, approx 20ft long, $2 per foot ONO, Jeparit Ph 0419778181

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

12L weathershield Indian red , semi gloss $120 Ph 0419359501

Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig $500 Ph 0429164375

ARKPAK AP620 Battery Box, 150w Inverter, C/W 105 AH deep cycle battery $400 Ph 0408442497

Camping equipment, 2 dome tents, 10 man and 4 man, sleeping chair tent, 3 roll up tables, shower tent, 2 gas stoves, 4 spare bottles, camp kitchen, blow up q/bed $450 Ph 0429164375

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

Darche Panorama 2 with roof top tent $1000, Darche Eclipse 270 awning, drivers side, plus side walls $600 Ph 0428506423

Elvis Presley collection $250 firm Ph 53581800

Exercise treadmill , Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Flip Billard/ Air Hockey table, 110cm x 210cm, accessories included, trailer required $300 Ph 0409122968

Hay for Sale, Wheaten hay top quality in 5x4 round bales $290 + gst per ton can deliver 14 bale loads. Ph 0429954795.

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

John Berend’s 12ft pasture harrow’s hardy, used $950 Ph 0429200566

ZG 222 Zero turn, commercial mower, as new condition, 48 inch deck, 91 hrs, $10,500 Ph 0429200566

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

Metres Console Radio , ex.condition, Ph 53824316

Pea straw small square bales, $7 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Horsham Ph 0488303725

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

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

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

Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566

Round dining table with 4 velvet chairs $340 Ph 53824788

Royal Family collection $350 firm Ph 53581800

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

Slow juicer, Kuvings, very good condition, no further use $295 Ph 0408823136

bike $250 Ph 0428506423

Carlson Console Radio, ex.condition, Ph 53824316

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

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

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

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

Spin

Strongberg

Freedom forearm walker $250, wheelchair $150 Ph 0437600095

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

Dimboola

2020 Harley Low Rider 107, FXLR 1745 cc, heaps of extras, EC, rego 3 monthly basis, 27,270 kms, 2K4ZJ $20,000 Ph 0409590596

BMW K1200 RS, 2010 model, comes with panniers, top box, reg til Aug, RW, BY136 $4800ono Ph 0419508310 Stawell area

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

REDUCED BMW RT1200

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

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

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

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

2005 SP Mazda 3 Hatch, 5 speed manual, power steering & aircon, black in colour, 1YD6TE, 193000km, RWC, $4500, Ph 0423335246

2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent auto, EC, second owner, RWC, 4 new tyres, 107,000kms, UGX252 $7500 Ph 0429963559

2012 Holden Cruze 2.0 ltr, diesel, auto, white, tidy condition, 163,000 kms, 1FG4PY $4250 Ph 0427957243

Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141 $10,000 Ph 0428501109

Mercedes S 350, silver, full service history, top of the range, 250,000kms ZIC400 $7500 Ph 0427828420

1999 Toyota Dual Cab Ute, 4x4 diesel with fold out camper $12,500 Ph 0428822730

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

2007 BMW 650i Coupe, 4.8 V8, auto,197,000 kms, reg Jan 2025 and RWC $10,500 Ph 0490364260

2018 Holden Colorado 4WD twin cab ute, good condition, RWC, 12 month reg, new battery, just been serviced, 190,000kms, 1OC8QD $19,500 ono Ph 0428149414

Kia Optima GT, 2016 fully optioned, sunroof, heated and cooled seats, sold with RWC, beautiful economical and safe car, ACJ085, $18,900 Ph 0427957243

REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $12,000 Ph 0400728252

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

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

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

2016 Mitsubishi Triton Twin Cab, diesel, 5 speed auto, near new tyres, hard lid, H/D tow bar and plug, elect brakes, great tow vehicle, good condition, regularly serviced, 128,00km, Reg July,1EV1VA, $22,000 ONO, inspection invited Ph 0429491426

Avan Motorhome Applause

600, Fiat Ducato diesel, full ensuite, DB innerspring, G/E Hot Water, MW, TV, washing machine, R/C air conditioner, 100L 2-way fridge, roof solar panel, RWC, 19,500km, $99,500 Ph 0427792326

Mini Cooper S , 2016, 5 door hatch, 2.0L, 6speed auto, near new condition, 51,900kms AHB987 $29,900 Ph 0428320108 Horsham

REDUCED 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, $30,990 ONO Ph Eddy 0428922335

REDUCED Nissan Navarra, STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2” lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms $32,000 Ph 0413992594

Ararat man, 67 years old, interests include gym, fishing, camping, singing, acting, Lions Club, bushwalking, ballroom dancing, looking for a lady aged between 40-70 years old, Ph 0467791009 Ararat

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

Massage service, very clean, full body massages available for both men and women, very discreet, you come to us or we can come to you, call for quote and booking, in the Wimmera area and beyond Ph 0473311660

Sheep slaughtered at $15 per head Ph Andy 53838240

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David- 0427864628

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

Wanted Mackenzie punch and shear, have you got one in the shed not being used? Ph 0499911102

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

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.

Waiting For A ‘New’ New Year

New Year’s Resolutions are filled with ambition, goals and hopes. New jobs, new schools, new opportunities, new habits. But what if you don’t progress as quickly as hoped? You will enter a period of waiting. In many aspects of life, we inevitably have to wait. However, waiting can often lead to a dilemma, as it brings about a mix of emotions, including anxiety and frustration.

Those in a season of waiting understand that it can bring either agony or peace. So, how can we ensure that our waiting doesn’t turn into an agonising time?

Consider this account from the book of Habakkuk. He lived in a time of chaos and injustice. During this time, Habakkuk prayed to God. The response he recieved confused Habakkuk and led him into a period of waiting. This interval was difficult for Habakkuk, as he wanted change to happen quickly. But in that moment, he did something interesting;

motorcycles

Christian Devotion

Clerical / Yandilla

Available hours

Fixed Term Part Time - 22 hours per week

$27.75 Per Hour + Salary Packaging

About the Role

Join the dynamic Yandilla Team as a Ward Clerk, providing vital clerical and administrative support to ensure the efficient day-today operations of the ward. This role is ideal for someone with strong organisational skills and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Collate and process confidential patient data for reporting.

Prepare and manage medical records for each patient’s care episode.

Liaise with internal departments and external medical service providers.

Provide frontline reception and administrative support to the clinical unit.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure accurate and confidential documentation of patient data.

Liaise effectively with hospital departments and external providers.

Maintain medical records in compliance with the Medical Records Act.

Support the team with administrative and reception duties.

Contribute to the smooth running of the ward through efficient clerical support.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and confidentiality in record-keeping.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, BOSSnet, and iPM.

Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Availability for a rotating roster over weekdays and weekends.

Desirable:

Certificate III in Business Administration.

Previous healthcare experience.

Understanding of medical terminology.

To see a full copy of the Position Description, apply please visit our careers page.

https://careers.grampianshealth.com/jobinvite/1760//nIf you wish to discuss the role prior to applying, contact Michelle Coutts, Nurse Unit Manager, on 5381 9256 for a confidential discussion.

We’re actively seeking candidates for this role and will review applications as they are submitted. Applications will close when the position is filled.

Contact:

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Plant Irrigation Site Survey & Design

Contract Number: C01376

flood irrigation systems at Horsham, Ararat and St Arnaud Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). The scope of works includes, but is not limited to:

> Site feature survey.

> Review of the existing site layout (including supply and tailwater systems) and conditions.

> Detailed design for the renewed flood irrigation systems.

> Development of a pricing schedule for construction works. More information regarding this tender is available from the Buying for Victoria website, www.tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries may be directed to Damith Amaratunga on 1300 659 961.

Tenders close: 2 pm, Thursday 20 February 2025.

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.

Horsham, Ararat and St Arnaud

Volleyball momentum builds

BY DAVID BERRY

Momentum is building for the new season of volleyball in Horsham – three weeks away from starting.

Phantoms trials started on Saturday in Bendigo, in which Volleyball Horsham members indicated their desire to participate.

Momentum also comes from the level of enquiry for when the season starts via social media and publicly, as well as the positive way the year finished in 2024.

While there will be some faces missing as another batch of hopefuls make their way to different places in the state to start university, another young group of hopefuls will get their chance to step up into the A Grade men’s and women’s competitions and test their development

against some of the strongest players in the state.

The same can be said for a young group of female players who are champing at the bit to test their development as they progress through to the women’s A Grade competition, where they will face off against some experienced veterans.

Volleyball Horsham is gearing up for another huge season of volleyball across seven divisions of competition, with play pencilled in for Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday evenings.

With school returning for the majority of students this week, there will be information available for those who want to give volleyball a try.

School is where most students have their first experience of many different sports that are on offer in

the community, and to those teachers who help their students develop their love of whatever sport they choose, on behalf of these sporting opportunities, we say thanks.

To assist not just students but anyone in the community who wish to give volleyball a try, Volleyball Horsham will host two come-and-try nights at the home of volleyball in Horsham, St Brigid’s College stadium, on Wednesday, February 5 from 6pm and the following Wednesday from 5.30pm.

There is no cost to participate, and if nothing else having fun is assured.

For the uninitiated, junior volleyball is played on Monday evenings from 5pm. This competition suits upper primary and lower secondary students.

That is followed by the B and C grade competitions, which suit older

adults and those students who have progressed their game.

Tuesday nights is the night for A Reserve competition, and it would suit those who have progressed their game and have a level of competitiveness when they play.

Wednesday nights is a big night for volleyball at St Brigid’s with academy athletes training from 4.30pm followed by women’s A and B grades, as well as the flagship A Grade competition.

Volleyball Horsham encourages anyone interested in participating in any of the competitions to touch base with their teacher contacts at all our schools, attend any of the two come-and-try nights or drop an enquiry onto Volleyball Horsham website or social media platforms. Further enquiries can be submitted to info@volleyballhorsham.com.au.

Virtual final in Grampians

This week’s Grampians Cricket Association meeting between Rhymney-Moyston and Halls Gap will serve as a virtual final, with the loser set to drop out of the top four only two weeks before finals commence.

Rhymney-Moyston is coming off a heavy 175-run loss to Pomonal on January 18 and will need to regroup to have any chance of defeating the Gappers.

Big games are required from Eyan Habib, Daniel Taylor, Daniel Walker and Clinton Slorach to match Halls Gap’s Max McMahon, Charlie McIntosh and Luke Stevens.

The Gappers started the season with three wins but have not won a match since, so a win this weekend is essential.

Round 13’s other game will see Pomonal tested against St Andrews at Gordon Street, Ararat.

If the Tigers are to stay in touch with Swifts-Great Western, which has a bye on Saturday, this is a must-win game.

The Saints are taking all before them currently, making Pomonal’s task difficult.

St Andrews captain Tom Mills seems to make runs every time he bats, and the team’s attack is led by James Hosking, who takes wickets every time he bowls.

The pair are supported by a group of team mates who contribute at various times, so it will be a challenge for Tigers players Lynden Brewis, Matt Peel, Tyler Cronin and Clayton Mackley to prove they are genuine flag contenders.

In other news, former Grampians Cricket Association club Marnoo is planning an explayer reunion on February 22.

The reunion will take the form of a lunch followed by the Marnoo v Birchip Swans match. People interested in attending can call 0408 723 320 for more information.

The GCA will host a delegates meeting on Monday at 7pm at the Gordon Street clubrooms to vote on the future of the association. The meeting is a follow-up to crisis meetings held at the start of the year, with association officials urging all clubs to prepare plans for the 2025-26 season.

Delegates from all senior and junior clubs are invited to attend the meeting. Round 13 draw: St Andrews v Pomonal at Gordon Street, Ararat; Rhymney-Moyston v Halls Gap at Moyston.

Ladders: A Grade: St Andrews 51, SwiftsGreat Western 39, Pomonal 36, Halls Gap 24, Rhymney-Moyston 21. Under-16: Tatyoon 51, Halls Gap 36, Swifts-Great Western 21. Under-13: Navarre 38, Swifts-Great Western 38, Tatyoon Maroon 33, Tatyoon Gold 30, Halls Gap 22, Pomonal 15, Buangor 9. – One Short

CELEBRATION: Horsham Croquet Club hosted an Australia Day competition on Sunday evening. Club president June Liddy and Horsham councillor Todd Wilson raised a flag before play started. Dressed for the occasion are, from left, Rae Hill, Marlene Schmidt and Rachel Cousins. The club’s regular competition continued throughout the week, with David Wortley winning Horsham Golf Croquet’s division one competition on Saturday, ahead of runner-up Gary Devlin. Marg Pope and Elaine Nicholls led division two, while Dawn Scott and Robyn Devlin placed in division three. Thursday’s competition saw Glenn Price win division one, with Donna Frost and Shirley Price both the runner-up. June Liddy won division two ahead of Valmai Hood, with Graham Schmidt and Bev Meyer taking out division three’s honours.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

DAY AT THE RACES:

Pictured enjoying the Great Western Cup on Saturday are, clockwise from above:

Elise Amarant, Amy Cattanach, Spencer Campbell, Lilly Need and Giaan Watts; Liv Cooper, Alex Barnett and Sam Tanner; Bruce Turrell, Jesse Todd and Andrew Thompson; Phil Haley, Bill Haley and Ted Maher; Kate Gibson, Kate Bucknall, Amy Hinchliffe and Bianca Kilpatrick; and Kate and Michelle Mulvenney. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

WINNERS:

Connections of 2025 Great Western Cup winner Brawl, ridden by jockey Dean Yendall, centre. Yendall rode another winner on the day, claiming the Ian Kilpatrick Memorial Maiden Plate astride Jamie Edwards’ Bo Cougar.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Brawl storms home in cup

Horsham trainer-jockey duo Paul Preusker and Dean Yendall celebrated a victory at Saturday’s Great Western Cup, with seven-year-old gelding Brawl storming home to win the $50,000 feature race.

Yendall sat Brawl astern of the pack for much of the 1950-metre race, as the Thomas Carberrytrained Kokonotsu led the way from pre-race favourite Chimed. Brawl remained in last place at the final turn, but thundered down the outside on the back straight to pip Kokonotsu by less than half a length, with Patrick Kearney’s The Nephew running third.

It was veteran jockey Yendall’s first victory at the Great Western Cup since 2001 and his first feature race win since returning from hip surgery that sidelined him from July to December last year.

It also marked the first victory for Brawl since 2023, as the $27,500 first-place winnings

took his career prize money to $257,930.

Yendall rode another winner on the day, claiming the Ian Kilpatrick Memorial Maiden Plate astride Jamie Edwards’ Bo Cougar.

While Alana Kelly had to settle for second place aboard Kokonotsu in the feature race, it remained a day out for the Ballarat-based jockey.

Kelly rode winners for Tom Conlan in race two with Red Sparks, Patrick and Michelle Payne in

race three with Oh So Thrilling and Simon Gebert’s Thunder Park in race six, and finished her day on a high note by claiming a fourth win aboard Max Mercury in the eighth race.

Kelly continued her run of success on Sunday, riding three winners from four starts – all for Conlan – at Hanging Rock, giving her seven wins in two days.

“I’ve had a few big weekends in terms of getting city winners, but it’s definitely a feather in the

VICTORY:

Dean Yendall on Brawl, left, wins the 2025 Great Western Cup.

cap to get that many winners in a couple of days,” she said.

“Obviously, I went into Great Western with a full book, but it turned out a lot better than I thought it would on paper – all four were really tough winners.

“Stepping into Sunday, Tom took the full team to Hanging Rock, and it really paid off.

“They’d all been going around in those sorts of grades, but Tom really planned it out for that meeting, and it worked out great.”

spOrt

Cricketers in action

An under-17 squad representing Grampians Cricket Association completed the last of the Country Week competitions for teams from the Wimmera-Grampians region last week.

The Grampians players were in action in Ballarat as part of the Central Highlands region Kirton Shield competition, winning one of their three matches.

The team started its campaign on Monday with a hard-fought nine-run loss to Castlemaine, with Will Chamings making 41 with the bat and taking two wickets in the 8-177 to 10-168 loss.

The Grampians rebounded on Tuesday, defeating Maryborough in another thrilling contest. Winning the toss, Grampians co-captains Brady McMahon and Jacob Dunn elected to bowl, and were vindicated when a mini collapse left Maryborough at 4-39.

The Grampians looked likely to bowl their opposition out for less than 100 runs before Maryborough’s Cooper Mark made a valuable 37 runs batting at number eight, helping his team to an eventual 10-125 total. Dunn opened the batting for the Grampians alongside Lane Jackson, and the pair made a strong start before falling for 16 and 13 respectively.

The side’s middle order failed to fire, and when McMahon fell for 13, the Grampians were 7-76 with hopes of victory seemingly fading.

McMahon’s dismissal brought Rishi Kalluri to the crease, with Kalluri making a match-winning 29 not out as partners – first Charlie Dunn, 13, then Hamish Barr, two, and Kemith Wickramasinghe, four – continued to fall around him.

The Grampians were down to their final wicket when number 11 William Hinkley joined Kalluri at the crease, with their team still 33 runs short of victory. Hinkley not only survived, he thrived, hitting a teamhigh three fours to finish unbeaten on 20 as his team scraped its way to a memorable one-wicket win.

The Grampians were unable to follow up the feat with another win against a powerful Ballarat side in their final match on Thursday, losing by seven wickets, 10-142 to 3-143.

After winning the toss and batting, the Grampians appeared to be in a strong position when top four batsmen Euan Lennie, 22, Tom Collins, 24, Lane Jackson, 13, and Jacob Dunn, 35, all made double-digit starts, but the team struggled thereafter.

Ballarat chased the total quickly, with Jackson Chalmers, 50, and Zachary Simon, 40 not out, leading the way.

The final of the Kirton Shield between Ballarat and Gisborne will be on February 2.

Warriors pile on runs at Nhill

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

West Wimmera sent an ominous message on day one of its grand final rematch against reigning Horsham Cricket Association A Grade premier Homers, piling on 7-321 at Nhill’s Davis Park.

The ladder-leading Warriors were sent in by the visiting Pigeons after losing the toss, but after losing opening batsman Jobe Dickinson for six, immediately put their stamp on the game.

Fellow opener Brad Alexander and number three Mitch Dahlenburg built a huge second-wicket partnership before falling for 94 and 92 respectively.

Brodie Cramer also played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 51 in the middle order, while Homers bowler Adam Atwood led his team with four wickets.

Warrior Nathan Alexander lauded Dahlenburg and Brad Alexander for capitalising on a good batting pitch.

“I’m guessing Homers sent us in because they have a few batsmen to come back next week,” he said.

“Our plan was to bat through the 75 overs and we knew that if we did we could make a decent total, but to make about 320 was really good.

“Brad and Mitch batted really well and were the rock for our innings. They made 90-odd each and then near the end a few people tried to up the scoring rate a little bit. Everything went to plan.”

Alexander said the team was ‘pretty confident’ of defending its total on Saturday, but admitted it would be difficult.

“They’re a pretty decent batting lineup, so it’s not going to be easy, especially on a hard wicket,” he said.

“They’ve got guys like Paddy Mills, Adam Atwood and Baxter Perry who have been making a few.

“It might take us the full 75 overs, but hopefully if we keep it nice and tight and restrict them a bit we can defend the total, and if we’re lucky bowl them out.

“I reckon Josh Lees might do a bit of damage with the ball this week. We’ll look to him to do a bit and it will be up to everyone else to provide an even spread and field well.”

With an opportunity to move two games clear of Homers at the top of the ladder, Alexander said a win would be vital for the Warriors, with only two rounds remaining before finals.

At Horsham City Oval, a match between Noradjuha-Toolondo and Horsham Tigers is in the balance.

After being sent in, the Tigers finished their innings at 9-198 as star batsman Angus Adams led the way with 64, while Martyn Knight, 42, and Codi Kenny, 35, provided valuable support.

LAUNCH: Horsham Saints’ Brock Hamerston launches into his delivery

backs up.

nearly 20 complete overs. In reply the Bullants were 1-84 at stumps, with opener Justtin Combe out for 34 and Austin Smith, 35, and Jamie Byrne, 10, unbeaten at the crease.

who made an unbeaten 67, the Laharum batting order was kept quiet as Brock Hamerston took 3-35 to lead the Saints’ bowlers.

Murtoa, scoring 210 runs with the Mudlarks at 4-27 in reply.

Bullant Matt Combe produced one of the bowling performances of the season to keep the Tiger total below 200, taking 7-50 while delivering

The Horsham Saints are poised to record their second win of the season after bowling out Laharum for 148 and reaching 81 for the loss of only one wicket in reply at Coughlin Park.

Other than skipper Josh Mahoney,

Dezi Carter, 23 not out, and Corey Smith, 29 not out, had built the foundations of a solid partnership at stumps, with Saints skipper Gary Davidson, 14, the sole wicket to fall.

Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills appears in control in its match against Lubeck-

Tim Bell starred for the Eagles with 106 runs from 114 balls, slashing 14 boundaries including four sixes.

The home side continued to press its advantage in the field, with Jeremy Preston ripping through LubeckMurtoa’s top order to claim 3-6 in six overs before stumps.

CONTRIBUTOR: Laharum captain Josh Mahoney made 67 not out for the Mountain Men. OPENER: Laharum opener Dayan Wilfred made a quick 28 before being dismissed.

stride as Laharum’s Harry Hoffman

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

spOrt

Gliders prepare for launch

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Despite disruptions caused by bushfires in the Little Desert National Park west of Dimboola, organisers expect the Horsham Week gliding competition to run smoothly from Saturday.

Horsham Week is an annual gliding competition hosted by Horsham Flying Club, drawing some of Australia’s top gliding talent from across Victoria and interstate.

Horsham Week is customarily preceded by a week of coaching for flyers to learn new skills in Wimmera conditions.

But Horsham Flying Club president Michael Sudholz said a need for firebombing aircraft to use the Horsham Aerodrome took precedence over coaching yesterday.

“We made the decision that there was going to be too much activity with the demand of the firefighters coming in,” he said.

“They were hoping to operate out of Nhill, but the smoke has stopped them operating out of there and they’re operating out of here now.

“We’ve cancelled the day to let them do what they need to do.”

Mr Sudholz said the club remained hopeful that coaching sessions could resume today or tomorrow if firebombing aircraft no longer required use of the Horsham airfield. “We’ll

just take it day by day for the rest of the week with the coaching course that’s on,” he said.

But Mr Sudholz said he was confident the Horsham Week competition, due to begin on Saturday and run until February 8, would be uninterrupted.

He said club members believed the event, which is set to celebrate its 60th year in 2026, was the oldest continually running gliding competition in the world.

“There are other competitions that are older but they’ve had to stop because of wars or different things,” he said. “From what we can work

out we’re the longest continually running gliding competition in the world.

“We didn’t stop during COVID. The pandemic hit just after we finished one competition and restrictions had eased by the time we started the next one, so we haven’t stopped.”

Mr Sudholz encouraged curious Wimmera residents to visit the club while competitors launched each day in order to learn more about gliding, in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft using rising air currents. He said some of the best glider pilots in Australia would be in action.

COMPETITION

READY:

Gliding coach Mike Durrant, right, with pilot Peter Mack during Horsham Flying Club coaching week in the lead up to its annual Horsham Week competition.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

“The last report I got was that we had 35 gliders booked in, so we could end up with a full field. The limit is 40 gliders, so we might get a full field this year,” he said.

“If people come to the terminal building there is good viewing here. They can watch the launching going on and there are certain spots they can view from.

“Launching is usually at about 1.30pm on a normal day. It takes about an hour to launch all the gliders, so if people look up and see them starting to launch, they’ve got a good hour to come out and have a look.”

6am

Try badminton

People are invited to a free come-and-try badminton session on Monday, in the leadup to the Horsham Badminton Association’s summer competition.

Association president Luke Dunn said people of all playing abilities were welcome.

“Beginners are most welcome, and we have racquets available,” he said.

“We cater for all abilities and have a vast array of ages among our members.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone considering badminton as a sport to come and try in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.”

Starting at 7pm at Horsham College’s Baillie Street gymnasium, people do not need to register, but can find more information on the association’s Facebook page.

The weekly summer competition starts the week beginning Monday, February 10 with a flexible round robin format.

Tennis resumes

Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s junior and senior competitions will resume this weekend, after respective seven and six-week breaks.

Pennant competition finished with Horsham Lawn on top of the ladder with 40 points, just ahead of its nearest competition Central Park on 38. St Michaels, who had an extra week off with a bye in round 12, is still in contention with 32 points.

Drung South and Kalkee hold fourth and fifth positions with 22 and 12 points.

Horsham Lawn will meet Central Park on Saturday, Drung South will face St Michaels, while Kalkee has the bye.

Junortoun

Closing date: February 11, 2025

Duties:

• Opportunity to work in multiple work groups with a variety of people

• Loading and unloading equipment

• Handling/operating hand tools and mobile equipment

• Traffic controller duties

• Operate and maintain major plant and equipment

• Work in road surfacing

Natimuk

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Co-ordinate administrative duties, rostering and schedules

• Work closely with Head Coach, interacting with parents, gymnasts, staff and external bodies

• Take on beginner coaching roles

• Assist with events, birthday parties and future building utilisation

• Attend culinary classes and workbook sessions to develop your skills

Warracknabeal

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Provide personal care to assist participants to meet their daily living needs

• Implement activities which maintain and promote the physical, mental, social, creative and psychological aspects of the participants

• Observe the condition of the participants and report any changes

• Required for overtime and after hours call outs

Civil Construction Apprenticeship –Road Surfaces

Sport Development Traineeship

FAST FINISH: Horsham based six-year-old gelding Vinny Rock, back, with Michael Bellman aboard, makes the most of the Stawell sprint-lane on Friday afternoon and holds off the fast finishing Time To Torque, Kerryn Manning, to take out the Judith McLeod Memorial Pace for owner-trainer Rod Carberry. Picture: Claire Weston Photography

Bigger and better ahead for ‘Fred’ spOrt

BY TONY LOGAN

It would be a rare day indeed that the Manning name did not feature in results of a Stawell race meeting, and three-year-old gelding Mystery Fred’s victory in the James and Lorna McLeod Memorial Trot ensured that last Friday was not one of them.

Mystery Fred began best of the seven runners when the green light signalled and easily found the top, with Kerryn Manning rating the son of ill-fated stallion, Aldebaran Eagle USA at a leisurely tempo throughout the 2180-metre journey. Still trotting solidly at the top of the home stretch, Mystery Fred had plenty in reserve and staved off the pursuing trio of Maximez, Michelle Wight, Rastamon, Tina Ridis, and Icicle, Jackie Barker, to score by 3.2 metres in an all girls first four.

The win took the gelding’s record to three wins from 15, and probably should have had a couple more on the board with manners costing dearly on a number of occasions.

Peter Manning is the master of the squaregaiters and given more time and confidence I’m sure ‘Fred’ can go on to bigger and better things. Bred and raced by the Benson and Hegyi family of NSW, the trotter continues a long association with the Manning camp that began in 1999 with their smart trotter, Kim’s Fantasy, 20 wins. Kim’s Fantasy then produced offspring with an aggregate of 61 wins when retired to the breeding barn.

Her first foal, Pocket Fantasy, won five races in the double blue silks and has left winners of 69

races including Edge Hill and Plymouth Chub. Manning also trained Pocket Fantasy’s 2013 foal, which raced as Garston Girl, for 10 wins and is the dam of Mystery Fred.

‘She’s a star’

Racecaller Dan Mieliki cried ‘she’s a star in the making’ as four-year-old Sweetnikkilou cruised to the line at Melton on Saturday night, winner of the $22,000 Logical Staffing Solutions FFA for Horsham trainer-driver Aaron Dunn.

Dunn took the initiative at the start, making the most of Sweetnikkilou’s early speed to cross to the pegs and hold out the main danger Sweet Bella, Ryan Duffy, around the first bend.

He then elected to hand up as the mare relaxed beautifully to enjoy a sweet trip on the back of the leader for most of the 2240-metre journey.

At the 800-metre mark Duffy upped the ante with a 28.1 second quarter with ‘Nikki’ still in touch and halfway around the home turn Dunn eased away from the markers to eyeball the leader at the top of home stretch.

The daughter of Sweet Lou USA was much too strong over the final stages and scored by 9.2-metres in a rate of 1:55.2 with a final split in 27 seconds.

Sweetnikkilou is the first foal from the Dunn family’s former smart racemare, Nikkibadwagon and Saturday night was her seventh win from just 15 starts.

Provided ‘Nikki’ pulls up well, Dunn will take her back to Melton on Saturday night to contest the $50,000 Group Three Alabar Farms Ladyship Cup.

Tatyoon oval upgrade nearing end

Major improvement works at the Tatyoon Recreation Reserve oval are in their final stages, with the project scheduled to be finished by the end of this month.

The final stage includes the installation of a new drainage system, aiming to improve the drainage of the oval’s turf and avoid the need for a costly and disruptive reconstruction.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong said the drainage system would enhance the quality of the playing surface and reduce maintenance requirements.

Cr Armstrong said winter sports could significantly damage the oval’s playing surface, with wet weather and cold temperatures hindering grass growth and recovery, often leading to muddy and unstable playing surfaces that could affect players.

She said the new drainage system would ensure

a dry and resilient playing surface that could withstand the demands of year-round sporting activity.

“Local sports play a crucial role in supporting not only physical health and well-being but also building social connections within the community” she said.

“This upgrade will provide a high-quality sporting facility that will benefit our community for many years to come.”

Electrical and irrigation works, as well as the installation of a new pump and tank were completed at the oval last year. Surface upgrades and new line markings will complete the final stages of the project.

The council contributed $80,000 towards the project’s $330,000 total with $250,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program completing the total.

Mounted Fire Pump Wildland 1.5 Honda

Vol. 27 No. 29

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Despite being grounded yesterday due to Little Desert fire-fighting activity, gliding coach Mike Durrant, right, with pilot Peter Mack, managed to get classes underway during Horsham Flying Club coaching week in the lead-up to its annual Horsham Week competition. Story, page 58. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Blue skies beckon