The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, May 29, 2024

office. Story, page 18.

Health merger threat

BY LAUREN HENRY

Health services across the Grampians region are facing a merger into a single entity under a Victorian health system reform.

An independent expert advisory committee, EAC, is leading a Health Services Plan that will provide a draft report with recommendations to the Department of Health.

Amalgamation of services are one option being proposed as part of changes to the structure and design of the state’s healthcare system. A new system has been likened to

New South Wales, where there are nine regional health districts, as opposed to the 76 health services currently spread across Victoria.

The merger comes after health services in Stawell, Horsham, Edenhope and Dimboola merged with Ballarat in 2021 to create Grampians Health.

West Wimmera Health Service, WWHS, responded to community concerns last week to provide information on an issue where the public has been largely left in the dark.

Chief executive officer Richie Dodds said he understood the draft report to contain two options – option

one to retain and strengthen the existing formal regional partnership model with WWHS remaining a ‘standalone’ entity with its own board of directors and management team; or option two, to consolidate rural health services into single region-wide entities.

“In WWHS’s final submission to the EAC in April this year, we clearly expressed our full support for option one, and our opposition to option two,” he said.

“We have been assured regardless of the above, this process will not result in the closure of individual hospitals or sites.”

Mr Dodds said WWHS was on track to record a small operating surplus for the current financial year.

“This surplus will be achieved within the service’s original funding budget without the need for additional ‘top-up’ funding,” he said.

“Initial projections indicate the service will achieve a similar financial outcome for the 2024-25 financial year.”

Following the release of the 202425 Budget earlier this month, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas warned hospitals would not be provided extra funding if they exceeded their budg-

ets. Ms Thomas told The Age Victoria had more health services than the rest of Australia combined, and that almost a third of Victoria’s budget was spent on healthcare, and taxpayers expected that money to be spent appropriately.

“The cost of local and agency staff has been increasing rapidly. And one of the reasons for that is we have 76 health services competing against one another for staff. Some health services are spending way too much on consultancies and PR,” she said.

Continued page 3

SHOW TIME: Smart Artz Theatre’s Oedipus the King’s four-day run begins tomorrow at Horsham Town Hall. Featuring Eashaan Dassanayaka as Oedipus and Juliet Hayday as Tiresias, pictured, under award-winning director Amy Anselmi, the contemporary retelling of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy is a must-see. The first show tomorrow is a performance for 100 students from across the region, with tickets still available for the remaining community performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Horsham Town Hall website or box

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Firebrace Street pedestrian crossing pilot installed

In a recent move to prioritise pedestrians, Horsham Rural City Council has installed a new crossing on Firebrace Street.

The decision comes as part of a broader program aimed at improving pedestrian safety throughout the central activity district.

Last year crossings were also installed on Pynsent Street, O’Callaghans Parade and Darlot Street.

The addition of pedestrian crossings was a recommendation of

Horsham marks National Reconciliation Week

The city of Horsham is preparing to commemorate National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June.

A variety of activities have been planned to promote understanding, respect, and reconciliation between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

HRCC Youth Council will host a movie afternoon at The Station on Wednesday, 29 May. The event is open to all ages and families are encouraged to attend. A barbecue will start from 5pm, providing an opportunity for the community to gather in support of Reconciliation Week.

Horsham Library will recognise Reconciliation Week in its regular programs. Join them at Rhymetime on Wednesday, 29 May or Storytime on Friday, 31 May, both at 10.30am, to learn from First Nations stories and celebrate Indigenous authors and illustrators

HRCC Supported Playgroup and Kalkee HUB will have an interactive display that visitors to the HUB can enjoy and contribute to, as well as story books and colouring sheets in the foyer.

Other notable community events for Reconciliation Week include:

1 June – ACT Natimuk

30 May – Skillinvest will be unveiling a piece of artwork and launching their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Stay tuned for more updates as Horsham comes together to celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

It is estimated that Australian coffee enthusiasts send over a billion single-use coffee cups to landfill every year.

Taking a reusable cup with you for your morning coffee will not only help reduce landfill, but also keeps your coffee hotter for longer.

If you can't get enough coffee, consider making the switch, for yourself and for the environment.

the Horsham Urban Transport Plan. They aim to increase foot traffic and boost on-street atmosphere and retail trade.

Community concerns

The decision to install the pedestrian crossing was not without its challenges. Some community members expressed concerns about potential congestion resulting from the new crossing. To address these concerns, HRCC decided to implement the crossing on a pilot basis.

An installation is now complete on Firebrace Street, and in the coming weeks, the post office roundabout will also be upgraded with wombat crossings to prioritise pedestrian movement.

Seeking feedback and temporary measures

Over the next six months, HRCC will actively seek feedback from residents and pedestrians. The current installations are temporary and not aesthetically ideal due to the kerbing on the side of the street.

However, if the crossing proves successful, the appearance and function of the traffic islands will be improved to enhance the overall streetscape.

Share your thoughts

The new pedestrian crossing aims to create a safer environment for all residents and visitors. As people get used to using the new crossing, Council encourages community members to provide feedback and actively participate in shaping the future of the Horsham CAD.

O'Callaghans Parade closed today

O’Callaghans Parade between Hamilton Street and Sloss Street will be temporarily closed today between 7.30am and noon.

The closure is necessary to facilitate pavement works on the outbound lane near the pool, directly opposite the Ampol service station.

During this time, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience.

Local residents and commuters are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and stay informed about any updates related to the road closure.

Council appreciates the community’s co-operation during this essential maintenance work.

Retaining wall completed

Council has completed the construction of a new retaining wall at the Weir Ponds.

This important infrastructure project aims to enhance safety, improve aesthetics and provide a more durable solution for the community.

During the construction phase, temporary access restrictions were in place to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

Now that the project is complete, residents can enjoy the upgraded Weir Ponds area without any disruptions.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

HORSHAM AIRPORT MASTERPLAN

The Draft Horsham Airport Master Plan, which aims to aims to transform the Horsham Aerodrome into a regional flight hub, is available for public comment. Feeback period closes 25 June, 2024.

HOUSING STRATEGY

The Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy will be a 15-year plan to manage demand for housing.

Consultation open until 16 June 2024.

For details visit the Have Your Say section of HRCC's website

The Re-Open The Wesley Campaign aims to fully restore the Roberts Avenue building and give it a refreshed purpose as a niche performing arts space.

HRCC previously matched the Wesley Committee’s cash contribution to the project of $225,000 enabling it to kick off a fundraising campaign with $450,000.

The Wesley Committee is now seeking to raise an additional $550,000 from community donations and contributions from corporate and philanthropic entities.

This will allow the Committee to seek a dollar-for-dollar government grant to reach the final target of $2 million.

Online orders for Horsham Rural City Council’s Rural Revegetation program are now being taken.

People who live in the municipality with a property that is 0.4 hectares (one acre) or larger are eligible to order a selection of subsidised native plants.

The tube-sized trees are just 50c each and people can order up to 300 plants depending on the size of their property.

Pickup will be from the HRCC Depot, Selkirk Drive:

Friday 12 July 8am to 6pm Saturday 13 July 8am to 4pm

Passenger flights plan lands

BY LAUREN HENRY

Regular passenger flights to and from Horsham hinge on a $14-million redevelopment of Horsham aerodrome, as outlined in the Horsham Airport Master Plan.

Engagement of an airline to provide daily passenger transport services from Horsham to Melbourne will also be required, as will upgrades to the runways, aprons and lighting.

The aerodrome’s maintenance hub and hangar space will be expanded, allowing for greater capacity to offer flight training, glider events and training.

The master plan also outlines how the redevelopment will enable the aerodrome to become an aerial firefighting support base.

Horsham Rural City Council received and noted the draft airport master plan at its council meeting on Monday, and will make it available to

Jarratt calls for support

Australian screen legend John Jarratt spent several days in the Wimmera during the past week as he attended special screenings of his new film

What About Sal in Horsham and Ararat.

Jarratt has appeared in a long list of Australian films, including the 1967 classic Picnic at Hanging Rock and popular 2005 horror Wolf Creek.

What About Sal is Jarratt’s second directorial effort, in which he stars alongside Gerard O’Dwyer.

Jarratt attended screenings of the film in Ararat and Horsham between Friday and Tuesday, hosting questionand-answer sessions in both cities.

The sessions were part of a 17-town tour across regional and rural Australia to promote the film.

“My idea is to get it out in independent cinemas, and the bush is the best place for Aussie films because people in the country like them,” he said.

“It’s easier to sell my movie to Horsham than it is to sell to St Kilda. You can’t really put it out there and let the locals know, but with the big towns and cities you can get the word out and get a good cinema audience.”

What About Sal follows a man with Down syndrome, played by O’Dwyer, as he attempts to find his absent father after his mother is diag-

the community for comment up until July 10.

Cr David Bowe said the upgrades were vital to support the growing community and its aviation needs.

“These developments are not just about enhancing the airport infrastructure. They are about fostering economic growth, creating jobs and ensuring we have the facility to support air ambulance services and emergency services and aviation training,” he said.

Cr Ian Ross welcomed the master plan, and the fact it broke down the plans to three stages, which he described as ‘making good business common sense’.

Cr Les Power said upgrading the aerodrome could open up opportunities for businesses to move products out of the region.

“The airport for us, it’s a bit like rail transport – we need it, and we need it in a big way, there’s no doubt

about that at all,” he said. The master plan comes after the council received funding via the Regional Development Victoria Investment Fast Track Fund to develop a business case and feasibility study as part of stage one, followed by stage two of a master plan and detailed designs.

Consultants Stafford Strategy created the master plan, examining historic airport traffic, current demand, and forecasting the aviation activity through to 2044 for the Horsham Airport.

While the master plan timeframe would be implemented over the next 50 years, the $14 million required would occur in the next 15 to 20 years. It recommends external grants be applied for to assist in funding the redevelopment.

Stakeholder engagement between March and July 2023 sought input from air ambulance services, rescue and emergency services, local aero-

nautical support services, flight school and pilot training, gliders, general aviation users and limited charter services.

The consultants also surveyed residents and businesses to identify demand.

An analysis of the fare structures determined suitable fares to support a reasonable demand and a sustainable route structure, resulting in a low forecast of 13,500 passengers each year to a high demand of 53,000 passengers per annum by 2074.

The consultants identified a 19-seat aircraft would be required initially, growing to a 30 to 34 seat aircraft by 2044 and could extend to a 70-seat aircraft by 2074.

The master plan also outlines the need for a 950 square-metre terminal on the site of the current terminal, with a parking lot to be built and accessed via Lauries Drive.

nosed with a terminal illness. Jarratt said the idea for the film was born from a chance encounter at a rugby match.

“Beside me in the stands was a man with Down syndrome who was there with his mum, who was in her 70s, and every time we scored a try he was so exuberant and full of energy. He was such a wonderful, happy, loving person,” Jarratt said.

“All people with Down syndrome I’ve ever met are like that – exuberant people.

“As I was going back to the car I said to my mate, ‘I wonder what would happen if his mum died and

he had nobody’. I thought that was a good idea for a film, so I had a good premise and then off I went and made the movie.”

Jarratt said he wrote the movie with O’Dwyer, who has Down syndrome, in mind.

“Gerard gives an astonishing performance,” he said.

“He’s a seasoned professional, a fantastic actor and he happens to have Down syndrome. He was the man for the job.

“Most films featuring people with Down syndrome are buddy films –they usually have someone with them doing all the work – but this is

ON TOUR:

Australian actor John Jarratt, promoting his film What About Sal. Fans, from left, Teimia Gooch, Kathryn Crutchfield and Kayla Collyer with posters of his iconic character Mick Taylor from Wolf Creek.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Gerard’s film. It’s all about him, and he’s brilliant.”

Jarratt encouraged people to watch the movie and support independent Australian films.

“The best movies to see in the cinemas are great domestic films like this one,” he said.

“Shine is very similar in a lot of ways and Geoffrey Rush was an unknown actor and won an Oscar for it.

“We’re very capable of making really interesting cinema in Australia, and we have been for ages, so don’t miss out on it.”

– Colin MacGillivray

Merger threat

From page 1

“There are also hospitals around our state that are not treating the number of patients they could. I want to see more patients in our small rural and regional hospitals. We need to make sure our health services are providing care as close to home as possible for as many people as possible,” Ms Thomas said.

Mr Dodds said the current uncertainty and speculation was distressing for many stakeholders, including staff, volunteers and the communities.

“We will therefore continue to provide as much support and information as and when possible to assist during this period,” he said.

Rural North West Health chair Genevieve O’Sullivan said the RNH board had consistently expressed its commitment to ensuring the best possible health outcomes for the region.

“We await the release of the final report of the expert advisory committee and communication from the minister,” she said.

An East Grampians Health Service spokesperson said EGHS was awaiting the release of the draft report.

“We understand it is currently being considered by the Department of Health, after which time it will be reviewed by the EGHS Board and chief executive, before making any further comments,” the spokesperson said.

It is understood the hold-up at government level is the legislation requires a 60-day community consultation period for any forced mergers.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was important the Health Minister was upfront with the plans for any forced mergers of health services in the region.

“West Wimmera Health Services have made their position very clear. They don’t want to be part of the Grampians Health merger,” she said.

“We’ve all seen what the impacts have been through the Grampians Health merger, including loss of services, centralised management in Ballarat, and cost blow outs, but also a huge impact on the morale of staff locally because they’re not empowered to make decisions and they’re not respected enough for the good work they do locally. The uncertainty over what happens next for our hospitals that don’t want to merge is creating a lot of stress and anxiety for the staff.”

Ms Kealy said smaller health services often delivered surpluses or were cost neutral.

“It’s the bigger health services where the funding model is broken and Labor has not provided money for them, or the ability to deliver the health services that local people need. Those health services are bleeding money.” • Letter, page 11.

To change the way you think about gambling, call Anglicare Victoria on 1800 244 323.

Forum guiding sustainable future

BY LAUREN HENRY

Creating precincts to drive local economy, attract visitors and assist longevity of businesses was on the agenda at a West Vic Business forum on Monday.

The Precinct Forum, at Dock Lake Reserve, posed the question of why precinct developments are crucial for the future sustainability of regional and rural Victoria, and five guest speakers went about providing the 50 attendees with answers.

Despite being a late inclusion to the guest speaker bill, Chan Uoy was impressive in telling his story of how he came to be in Dimboola, setting up a unique business, which has had a snowball effect on the river town.

Mr Uoy established the Dimboola Imaginarium, after a long career in hospitality in Melbourne.

His love of standout architectural buildings has driven his business decisions, and he has had a knack for buying into a place before it became the trend.

Although he admitted that Dimboola wasn’t his first choice – he had read about Dimboola being on a list of ‘dying towns’ and the fact the highway bypassed the town initially put him off.

“My first visit to Dimboola, I said ‘where is everyone’. It was like the town was in a coma,” he said.

“We had to create a bold, compelling experience – something that would make people drive four hours. It was about creating something you wouldn’t expect in Dimboola.”

Mr Uoy said he had witnessed the reactivation of Dimboola, with the previously empty shops now occupied.

“It is a conservative region but Dimboola has embraced diversity,” he said.

“You need to have a friendly town, there needs to be that wholesome, community connection.

“Precincts also need activities, that is why I organised the Wimmera Steampunk Festival. I wondered if the region could embrace their imagination. And they did.”

Mr Uoy said there was an opportunity for the region to ‘catch up’ with creating vibrant business precincts, with affordable property and an attractive lifestyle.

“We need diversity to come to the region – show the rest of Victoria, and the world, what we have here,”

he said. Cinzea Crea, of Mainstreet Australia, said precincts needed to resonate with residents and appeal to visitors.

Ms Crea said key challenges facing the creation of precincts were limited access to funding, a lack of awareness about applying for government funding, insufficient advocacy to lobby for grants and infrastructure issues.

She outlined examples, including Ararat’s push to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, and how they put in place a strategic approach to achieve that, including attracting health industry businesses, creating partnerships with key organisations and a successful community engagement campaign.

More pedestrian crossings to come

More pedestrian crossings will be installed in Horsham’s city centre, with plans for wombat crossings at the Firebrace and McLachlan street roundabout.

Wombat crossings are a pedestrian zebra crossing that is placed on a flattop road hump.

Horsham Rural City Council last month installed a new crossing on Firebrace Street, near the post office, drawing criticism from many in the community.

Feedback to The Weekly Advertiser’s Facebook page included that the crossing was unnecessary given there were lights at Roberts Avenue, the new crossing’s adjoining traffic islands taking up carparking spaces, the curbing was dangerous, nearby business owners were not consulted

and it caused more traffic congestion in Firebrace Street.

The addition of a pedestrian crossing was a recommendation of the Horsham Urban Transport Plan to improve pedestrian safety in the Horsham CBD.

Last year, crossings were also installed on Pynsent Street, O’Callaghans Parade and Darlot Street.

Infrastructure director John Martin acknowledged the community’s concerns with the new pedestrian crossing, which would be trialled over the next six months.

“The decision to install the pedestrian crossing was not without its challenges,” he said.

“To address these concerns, the council decided to implement the crossing on a pilot basis.

“An installation is now complete on Firebrace Street, and in coming weeks, the post office roundabout will also be upgraded with wombat crossings to prioritise pedestrian movement.”

Mr Martin said the council would actively seek feedback from residents and pedestrians about the crossings.

“The current installations are temporary and not aesthetically ideal due to the kerbing on the side of the street,” he said.

“However, if the crossing proves successful, the appearance and function of the traffic islands will be improved to enhance the overall streetscape.”

The council encourages community members to provide feedback and participate in shaping the future of the Horsham.

“It’s a tired industry – you need fresh people coming through – young, energetic and authentic people to pick up the baton.

“So where do you start? You have to create a destination that will give confidence to someone to start a business in your town.”

Mr Gunn said identifying the specific type of hospitality businesses that were needed in a town, and supporting business owners with start-up costs were integral.

“You need that demand locally, but the visitor economy is just as important – growing visitor numbers to a place is so important,” he said.

“Horsham has so much to offer with its economy and through industry, but also the visitor economy.”

Another example was in Launceston where partnerships across the broader region came together to capitalise on its food and wine to create a major winter event to attract visitors to the region.

“Launceston capitalised on its unique assets to drive tourism growth,” she said.

Iain Gunn, of Gunn and Parkinson, spoke about his expertise in setting up hospitality businesses, including the Capital Horsham, Mercure Ballarat, Carboni’s Italian Kitchen Ballarat and Ararat Hotel Cafe Bistro.

“The most challenging time in hospitality is right now,” he said.

“Post COVID – a lot of people have run out of puff.

Small Business Victoria executive director Ylva Carosene spoke about the various resources and services on offer to small business owners –whether it be financial advice, mediation or helping with business plans – to help achieve their business goals.

Ms Carosene encouraged business owners to work in partnerships where possible in order to boost the likelihood of success.

Horsham Rural City Council communities and place director Kevin O’Brien outlined the council’s City to River Master Plan and the push to connect the city to the river.

Mr O’Brien said seven precincts had been identified in Horsham, with each at varying levels of progression, but all drive investment across the city, as well as increase the liveability of the region.

LEADERS: From left, Small Business Victoria executive director Ylva Carosene, Mainstreet Australia’s Cinzia Crea, Iain Gunn, of Gunn and Parkinson, West Vic Business chairman Mark Clyne and Dimboola Imaginarium owner Chan Uoy at a West Vic Business Precinct Forum.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

FIRST STEP: Horsham Rural City Council installed a new crossing on Firebrace Street last month. The current installations are temporary for a six month trial period. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Look and Play Horsham

HUGE

HONOUR:

Baillie Farley with his image that captures the breathtaking scene at Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve in the Northern Territory. The piece is one of 25 selected from 5000 entries for a global Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Farley’s stellar recognition

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham photographer Baillie Farley has gained international recognition with his image of the milky way, taken over central Australia.

Volunteer skills survey

Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to undertake a quick survey as it attempts to gauge the breadth of potential volunteer skills within the community.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said many people were unaware of how their skills might translate in a volunteer role.

“We’re proud of our community’s thriving volunteer cohort – but there are many potential volunteers who don’t realise how valued their particular talents would be within one of our volunteer organisations,” he said.

“This survey helps us understand skills and interests, giving us the ability to match talents with local programs.”

People can write as much or as little as they like for each question.

Dr Harrison encouraged participants to give as much detail as possible so the council could better understand their experience.

The survey is available at the Engage Ararat website, engage.ararat.vic.gov. au/volunteer-skills-survey-2024.

“It’s extremely satisfying seeing my work in the company of some truly inspirational peers,” he said.

The final Milky Way images were produced by 25 photographers of 19 different nationalities across 15 countries, and includes scenes of deserts, glaciers, volcanoes, mountains and beaches.

“It’s a huge honour to represent and strengthen Australia’s presence in the global astrophotographic community,” Mr Farley said.

“As one of only two Australians –

‘Rainbow Valley’ was chosen as one of 25 pieces to be included in the 2024 edition of the Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection by Capture the Atlas, and has featured on international platforms such as Forbes, BBC, The Guardian and The Daily Mail Mr Farley, aged 24 years, woke up to hundreds of messages of congratulations when the news broke.

John Rutter, my good mate, being the other – I can’t express how much I’ve appreciated the support lately with my work.”

Moving on from taking real estate photos, Mr Farley feels like he ‘has the hang’ of taking skyscapes.

“We’re incredibly lucky in Australia to have some incredibly dark spaces available for us to experience, yet I don’t think people really do appreciate it enough,” he said.

“We’ve had such good weather the past few weeks, clear skies.

“I ended up at the coast taking photos of the aurora – it was like a reun-

ion though, a lot of my photographer mates were down there too.”

Mr Farley said stargazing had been ‘lifechanging’ for him.

“It is truly an under-appreciated part of our lives, and I hope these images inspire people to venture out at night and look up into our galaxy,” he said.

Mr Farley plans to visit South America next, where the skies are ‘crystal clear’, and then the Northern Lights.

Mr Farley sells his images as prints – a website is still under development – but he can be contacted via Instagram @bfarleyphotos.

Rosebery fatal

Police have charged an Epping man following a fatal crash in Rosebery on Sunday.

It is alleged a car and motorbike collided on Windy Ridge Road, near Rosebery East Road, about 4.20pm.

The motorcyclist, a 54-year-old Beulah man, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 40-year-old Epping man, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and bailed to the Horsham Magistrates Court on Monday.

Farmers attempt

VFF leader spill

Frustrated members of the Victorian Farmers Federation have voted at a meeting at St Arnaud on May 10 for the removal of the farming body’s president and vice-president.

A group called VFF Concerned Farmers, led by Rupanyup farmer and former VFF Grains Group president Andrew Weidemann, organised the extraordinary general meeting, EGM, and has called for a change in VFF leadership.

A total of 380 members voted to remove VFF president Emma Germano and vice-president Danyel Cucinotta at the meeting.

The group has attempted to overthrow VFF leadership on multiple occasions, alleging poor financial management, staff and resource cutbacks, communication and a decline in membership. The matter was taken to the Federal Court last year, following failed attempts petitioning the board to hold an EGM.

However Mr Weidemann told ACE Radio’s Country Today the May 10 meeting was the first time members have actually voted on the leadership issue.

“They’re allowed to under the Corporations Act and the VFF’s own constitution, where obviously the decision by the board to deem it invalid on what we would say is pretty frivolous grounds, has meant that the members have taken this action to hold and cast their votes,” he said.

“So that’s the outcome from the meeting and, from here, we’ll obviously lodge this with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, ASIC, and we will then proceed from there and look at whether a court injunction should be taken out.”

Mr Weidemann said the group believed it had

all correct procedures in place to ensure the meeting was valid.

“The reality is there’s so much passion about making sure that farmers’ voices across Victoria are being heard – that’s why there is such a passion about it,” she said.

“There’s people like myself that have spent more than 40 years of our lives working in policy and trying to affect things that make things better for farmers here in Victoria. And that’s why we do what we do – there’s so much effort and energy that’s gone into this.

“The reality is that there is a large group of members who feel as we do, that their voices are not being heard, grassroots members have not been listened to,” he said.

“We had an AGM, which didn’t feel like an AGM to most members, including myself, the way it was conducted, and at that AGM, the discussion from the president was about putting in some reconciliation processes with members. And that hasn’t occurred either.”

Mr Weidemann said Ms Germano and Ms Cucinotta were the only two elected representatives on the board, but the entire board was at fault.

“We feel that it’s time to move on quickly, reset the agenda for the organisation as soon as possible, and this has been going on for more than 12 months now, in terms of the angst with the members and the management,” he said.

“It’s time for that to change and for a more positive tone – new people, new ideas and people getting that connection again.”

ASIC will review the materials from the meeting and deem whether a valid process has occurred before handing down a decision.

Emma Germano declined Country Today’s invitation for an interview.

COLOURFUL: Scott Rigby as Joseph shows off his coat, flanked by the children’s chorus, clockwise from front left, Makayla Fell, Olive Kerr, Shania Atkins, Hope Brew, Sophie Fletcher and Danae Atkins.

Joseph cast ready to shine

Tickets to Ararat Regional Theatre Society’s June production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are now on sale.

Director Leanne McCready said the globally popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical would appeal to people of all ages, through its songs, dances and humour.

Leading the cast as Joseph is Ararat man Scott Rigby, in his debut with ARTS, joining Emily Friedrichsen and Christine Bulger as the narrators.

Other major cast include Russell Purdie as the Elvis-inspired Pharoah, Ian McCready as Potiphar, Jo Rigby as Mrs Potiphar, Jodie Holwell as Butler, Lionel Holt as Baker, Bryan Kennedy as Jacob, Imogene Tonks as Reuben, Lionel Holt as Simeon, Jamie Hartwich as Levi, Daniel McCready as Judah, Daryl Chaplin as Dan, Ian McCready as Naphtali, Nakara Elliott as Gad, Russell Purdie as Asher, Jodie Holwell

as Issachar, Patty Belcher as Zebulun and Harry Belcher as Benjamin.

A large ensemble and children’s choir will support the main cast.

Ms McCready encouraged people to book tickets early.

“Joseph is an amazingly bright and colourful show, and the songs will have you up and dancing by the end, I can guarantee,” she said.

“Our cast and production crew have been working solidly since February and by June will be ready to shine.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be staged at Ararat Town Hall across the weekends of June 21-23 and 28-30, with matinees on June 23 and 30.

Tickets are available through the Ararat Town Hall website ararattownhall.com.au, or phone 1800 657 158, or in person at the Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre.

More than 70 exhibitors expected

With less than one month until the Western Victorian Careers Expo, exhibitors and attendees are gearing up for an informative day at Longerenong.

The Wimmera Events Centre will welcome more than 70 exhibitors from across western Victoria and beyond to showcase their workplaces and offer advice about careers.

The June 25 event is expected to attract more than 2000 attendees from 25 secondary schools.

Expo co-ordinator David Crooks, of Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, said a key feature of the event would be the Federation University Try-ATrade Interactive Zone.

“There will be hands-on activities from three registered training organisations, which offer 18 courses from agriculture and auto, to health and music, to building and engineering,” he said.

Mr Crooks said a majority of the attendees each year were students, mainly in years 10, 11 and 12.

He said a new addition this year was an industrial zone, which would feature outdoor machinery such as bob cats, backhoes and a cherry picker.

“It will have hands-on displays for the students to have a go at – that’s how some kids learn best,” he said.

“Another new addition this year will focus on early childhood education, where there will be a mock childcare centre.”

“The expo is open to anyone who wants to connect with the employers and industry, so any adults seeking to break into the local job market are also more than welcome to attend”

– David Crooks, right

Mr Crooks said the usual seminar program was replaced this year by a panel presentation.

In the WIM Resource Feature Room, there will be three presentations: 11am ‘Local Careers for Local People’; noon ‘Be The Best You’; and 1pm an expert panel focusing on careers in mining.

There will also be a vocational path-

ways presentation at 10.45am, followed by a tertiary information service roadshow and presentations at 11.15am.

The TRY VET Centre will be located in the Alan Heard Pavilion, Skillinvest will host a drop-in apprenticeship centre, while Longerenong Agricultural College will offer bus tours of its campus.

ACE Radio will broadcast live from the expo, which starts at 9.30pm and concludes at 2pm.

“The expo is open to anyone who wants to connect with the employers and industry, so any adults seeking to break into the local job market are also more than welcome to attend,” Mr Crooks said.

For more information, visit wimmeracareerexpo.com.

• The Weekly Advertiser will publish a Western Victorian Careers Expo guide in its June 19 edition.

Girrin and Dyinap, 2023, by Thomas Marks

Natimuk-based arts organisation ACT Natimuk will partner with Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network to host a Reconciliation Week exhibition starting on Saturday. The exhibition is curated by Wotjobaluk, Djubagalk, Jadawadjali woman Gail Harradine and includes works by Ms Harradine and Wotjobaluk, Gunaikurnai man Thomas Marks.

Ms Harradine said the exhibition would explore both artists’ interpretations of culture and strength in identity and country in the context of challenging times for First Peoples.

She said the National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme of ‘Now More Than Ever’ would remind people that ‘no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue’.

ACT Natimuk Chair D’Arcy Molan said an exhibition launch at Natimuk’s Goat Gallery on Saturday would ‘highlight the strong connection to country of two outstanding artists of the Wotjobaluk Nations’.

Mr Molan described National Reconciliation Week as ‘an important reminder for non-Indigenous people to reflect on, and be active in, the significant work and cultural shifts required for a more just future’.

Saturday’s launch will start at 7.30pm, with a welcome drink and nibbles available for guests.

The exhibition is from June 1 to June 30.

Babimbul, Wattle bird, 2024 by Gail Harradine

Fatigued drivers a high risk on roads

Anyone who has driven back home to the Wimmera and Grampians regions from Melbourne, particularly after a busy weekend, knows all too well how fatigue can set in.

Driving along the Western Highway, or any country road, for a long period of time can be a challenge at any time of day, but even more so if the driver hasn’t had enough sleep.

A list of pre-arranged engagements has meant I’ve spent just about every weekend for the past six weeks clocking up thousands of kilometres.

It’s tiring, it’s laborious, and at times, boring. And it’s worrying that, even if you or your driver are wide awake and not tired, you are passing hundreds of cars and any one of those drivers could be fatigued.

Research shows drivers are four times more likely to crash if they’ve had less than five hours’ sleep.

Tired drivers contribute to about 20 percent of fatal crashes on Victorian roads each year.

Crashes caused by fatigue accounts for about 25 percent of road trauma injuries at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.

A new road safety campaign targeting drowsy drivers – ‘Driving tired? Wake up to yourself’ –launched earlier this month reminds drivers that being tired behind the wheel not only makes them a danger to themselves, but a danger to everyone on the roads.

The campaign features a new television ad showing a fatal accident caused by a tired driver crashing into another car with a mother and her young daughter.

Research by Monash University and the Transport Accident Commission, TAC, found most respondents understood the risks of driving while tired and could identify the signs and symptoms, while young men reported a greater risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

It doesn’t seem difficult to prevent fatigue – it’s pretty simple to pull over and have a nap. But time constraints always come into play.

The world is in a rush now more than ever. And getting somewhere by road is just another example of people needing to get somewhere in a hurry.

On a recent trip back to Horsham from Melbourne, I stopped at least three times.

I was the only adult in the car, and had my most precious cargo on board – my daughter – so there was no way I was risking fatigue.

However, unfortunately, driving while tired is a risk that many are prepared to take.

It’s important to consider how much sleep you’ve had before you get behind the wheel, and always watch for the warning signs: difficulty keeping to the centre of the road; struggling to keep your eyes open; blurred vision and eyes losing focus; zoning out, loss of concentration or mind wandering; nodding off to sleep, head nodding, or jerking back up; not being able to recall the previous few minutes of driving; and feeling bored, irritable, aggressive or impatient.

The new fatigue campaign comes as this year’s Victorian road toll surpasses 100 – a total of 113 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads since January.

Let’s not only care about our own safety and those of loved ones, but the impact that driving while fatigued can have on all the other road users.

Health services concern

It has come to my attention that it is highly likely West Wimmera Health Service will be forced to amalgamate with Ballarat Health Service in the near future.

The Horsham health service has been through this process in recent times and the decline in care offered to the local and wider community since that amalgamation has been very noticeable.

I believe the 70-odd health services currently in Victoria will be reduced or amalgamated down to about 12.

However you dress this up, it will mean job losses in all local communities, but not just the jobs of the employees of health services, but their partners and families will also be impacted.

Children will be lost from our schools, and members of many local community groups will also be lost.

Our small communities are struggling to ‘hold our own’ as it is, and the constant reduction of services and disregard for the small communities is making it harder and harder for us to sustain our equilibrium.

It seems that anyone living on the western side of Ballarat is not worth consideration or support by our government; and yet Melbourne is not able to provide the infrastructure for the growth happening in the city.

Since Horsham amalgamated with Ballarat, we are finding that more and more services are only available to us at Ballarat, or even Melbourne, that have previously been available at Horsham.

This means that we have to travel further, on our really bad country roads, to get the specialist health care that we need.

Ballarat is a six-hour round-trip for us, and if unwell, a trip like that is very taxing and wearing, provided you have someone living close by who is able to take you. For those in our community who do not have the support of family it is even harder.

Giving us a token cost for travel expenses is not a substitute for having good health care

close to where we live. There are many who live a lot further from Ballarat than we do, making it even more difficult for them.

The ridiculous part of all this is that the wait times are getting longer due to the fact the hospitals ‘down the line’ are unable to cope with the increase in patients being sent to them. There is no common sense being used here. Recently, my husband had to go to Ballarat for a small procedure. It was expected by the staff that we travel to Ballarat four times to get the procedure done. We stood our ground and were able to have things finalised in two trips, but there are a lot of people who do not stand firm and are strung along by the lack of care and compassion for those who are ill and are made to do a lot more travel than is necessary.

West Wimmera Health Service has up-todate and wonderful facilities, and has been able to provide a great range of services for those in our region, and rather than take services away from the country areas, it would make a lot more sense to increase the services offered in the outlying areas, rather than causing more congestion and pressure on staff in the major centres such as Ballarat and Melbourne. Rather, provide incentives for staff to come out into the regional areas, reducing the pressure on the cities.

I believe WWHS is holding its own and doing a great job, administering nine separate sites, without being a drain on the government and yet it appears they will be forced to jump into the pond with all the other health services, rather than be supported in growing and improving what is offered to people living in western Victoria.

Please consider that every community has differing needs. I plead with you to consider the ‘people’ the ‘human beings’ who live in the outlying regions. We are not just numbers on a piece of paper; we do matter. We are just as worthy of good, accessible health care as anyone.

This letter has been sent to Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas Jennifer Goldsworthy, Nhill

Your aged care specialists

Choosing aged care is emotionally challenging. The complexity of the process can be overwhelming.

Dean Winfield and Richard Goudie, qualified Age Care Advisors, help you determine the costs applicable to your chosen facility, Centrelink impact, family home options, and cash flow strategies to meet living needs.

Personal circumstances shape fees and strategies, emphasizing the need for specific advice before deciding.

Richard and Dean

Funding needed for City Oval pavilion

H

orsham Rural City Council will continue to seek external funding to build a new community pavilion and changerooms at Horsham City Oval after its recent application to the Federal Government was unsuccessful.

The Federal Government announced on May 16 that 40 projects were successful under round one of the Growing Regions Fund.

Eight of the 40 projects are in Victoria – at Swan Hill, Echuca, Bendigo, Heathcote, Seymour, Mansfield, Warragul and Benalla.

Providing Commonwealth funding of between $500,000 and $15 million,

the Growing Regions Program supports local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia that support community socio-economic outcomes and regional priorities.

Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline said the outcome was particularly disappointing for the region, which did not have any projects included in the round.

“Our council remains steadfast in its commitment to this important project and will continue to seek state and federal funding,” she said.

“The new community pavilion and changerooms are seen as a significant

Platinum celebration

Gwen and Keith Wood married in Horsham’s Church of Christ in Baillie Street 70 years ago, after meeting as teenagers.

“We met through Keith’s cousin – he married my sister,” Mrs Wood said.

Mr Wood worked as a panel beater at Wilson Bolton in Pynsent Street for 32 years, while Mrs Wood worked at Holeproof until they wed.

They welcomed two children, Gail and Geoff, four grandchildren and, so far, 11 great-grandchildren.

“We have spent a lot of good times together, from collecting wood on weekends to travelling Australia, we have worked together,” Mrs Wood said.

They have spent most of their married life in Horsham, apart from about six years in Warracknabeal.

The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last week, with a small family gathering.

addition to Horsham City Oval, and we believe that securing funding for this project is crucial for the community.

“Despite the recent setback, our resolve remains strong, and we’ll continue to pursue all available avenues for funding.

“Council thanks the community for its ongoing support and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

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

The project will replace ageing and non-compliant facilities with infrastructure that will ensure Horsham City Oval retains its stature as Horsham’s premier oval attracting key sporting and tourism events to the Wimmera.

The project involves demolishing the existing community facility, changerooms, kiosk and precinct area, and construction of a new community facility seating up to 200 with accessible amenities, catering and conference facilities and meeting space.

The project also involves construction of AFL-compliant multi-purpose changerooms, amenities for umpires, medical room, storage, gym and pub-

Don’t wait until it’s too late

lic toilets, and construction of a covered verandah creating an all weather walkway between buildings and viewing area.

A new north-west area to the precinct would also be built to include a food kiosk, ticket box and landscaping, while a new second ticket box would be constructed at the oval’s southern entry, and a new south-west entry added.

The Growing Regions Program funding is awarded on a merit basis, with the program using a two-stage application process. Round two is expected to open at some stage this year.

Free ballet for region’s seniors

A free, one-off dance class based on movements and music of Australian Ballet productions is open to seniors across the region.

The class, for people aged 60 and older, is inclusive by design with movement options for seated, standing, and supported participants, with no limitations on previous experience. Exercises follow the barre and centre format of a traditional ballet class to provide a gentle, structured and enjoyable dance experience, to improve strength and mobility, and increase hand-eye co-ordination.

Run by Australian Ballet Education and Outreach, the Tuesday, June 11 class is at Horsham library.

People can book via website www. eventbrite.com/e/seniors-dance-class60-horsham-tickets-876398319967?af f=oddtdtcreator.

MILESTONE: Gwen and Keith Wood, both 90, married 70 years ago. One of nine children, Mrs Wood wore the same wedding dress as three of her sisters.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Expression of Interest: Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund Advisory Group

Council on behalf of Neoen Australia is now calling for three interested community members to be involved in the Bulgana Green Power Hub (BGPH) Community Benefit Fund Advisory Group

Stage set for 39th annual careers expo

Thousands of secondary college students and jobseekers will converge on Longerenong next month for country Victoria’s largest annual careers expo.

Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association is in the final stages of planning for the 2024 Western Victorian Careers Expo which will take over the Wimmera Events Centre on June 25.

Project Officer, David Crooks of Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, said the expo was a onestop-shop for vocational information, boasting more than 70 local, regional, metropolitan and interstate exhibitors and presenters.

“This event has been going strong for almost 40 years and is a huge drawcard for the Wimmera, attracting over 2000 people annually,” he said.

“Attendees have the opportunity to talk to a wide range of career, industry and course advisors on a one-to-one basis and gain valuable information on further education and training, career paths and employment opportunities.”

Mr Crooks said popular attractions including

the interactive try-a-trade section, guest speakers, seminar program and jobs market would return to this year’s expo, along with some new additions.

“Hands-on and interactive displays are a really important feature of the event because they allow attendees to immerse themselves in a range of different industries though things like machinery simulators, virtual reality and vehicle samples.

“Students, career-changers, jobseekers and parents can then speak with industry professionals on-site to learn more about qualifications, training and prerequisites, business prospects and vocational opportunities in these sectors.”

More than 20 secondary schools from across the state will visit this year’s expo which is open to the public. Anyone seeking employment, considering a career change or looking to enrol in further education and training is encouraged to attend.

Free buses to the Western Victorian Careers Expo will depart from the Horsham YMCA carpark at 10am and will return at 12.30pm.

Are you a person who has a passion for empowering and enabling community groups to be innovative, creative, and sustainable? If so, being a BGPH Community Benefit Fund Advisory Group member is a fantastic opportunity

Your role as a group member is to be responsible for ensuring that funds committed by Neoen Australia to support community groups and grow the capacity of the region are allocated in a consistent, fair, and transparent manner Applications close on Friday 31 May

You can find more information at https://bit ly/4btnKom or contact Rachel Whittaker for an expression of interest form o 03 5358 0512 or rachel whittaker@ngshire vic gov au

Expand Your Impact Sessions

The Expand Your Impact sessions is a program designed to help people get an idea of the ground and make it into a reality

The next lot of workshops starts on 5 June for three weeks - 5, 12, and 19 June from 5:30pm t 7:30pm

Register

Nominations for Queen Mary Botanic Gardens Advisory Group

The current term for the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens Advisory Group will conclude shortly and Council is currently seeking nominations from community members or re-nominations from current members to join the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens Advisory Group

Nominations close Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Evaluation criteria: Possess a sound knowledge of the local area and recent involvement in the local community

Ability to represent issues impacting the local community concerning the management of the requirements of the gardens Demonstrate relevant experience in the

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Sloane and Patrick StreetIntersection Upgrade

Works commenced Monday 13 May on the safety upgrade project at the Sloane and Patrick Street, Stawell intersection as part of the fully funded Federal Black Spot Program

Works involve installing new drainage, kerb and footpath to improve vehicle visibility and pedestrian safety at the intersection The work will take around 6-8 weeks to complete pending weather conditions There will be traffic detours in place on Sloane Street at times throughout the works

If you have any queries please contact Nic Murphy or Mark Walker on 03 5358 8700 Local Area Action Plan

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with council activities, please keep an eye out for our council news by subscribing to Latest News via the council website at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/latestnews

Forrest Fire Manangment officer Mollie Block with St Brigid’s College students Reece Hammond and Kristina Schwarz at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Accessible event plan now in place

Inspired by a Grampians Wimmera Mallee

Tourism industry forum that focused on accessible tourism, SMOKE on the Water will be more accessible in 2024.

Horsham Agricultural Society launched its first accessible event plan online for the June 9 event, which will welcome residents and visitors for the family-friend gathering to enjoy a smorgasboard of food and drinks.

The society’s executive officer Andrea Cross said the demand for accessible tourism destinations and events was rapidly growing.

“Drawing up the plan was literally a stepby-step process, beginning with where people park, or be dropped off on arrival to the event to where the assistance dog station is located at the venue,” she said.

Tiffany Kenny, from i-Pals, Grampians Disability Advocacy, said people with disabilities needed to know what to expect from an environment so they could make their own decision about whether it meets their needs.

Horsham Agricultural Society began ensuring people with disabilities were catered for in the events industry when they supported Connor

“Drawing up the plan was literally a step-by-step process, beginning with where people park, or be dropped off on arrival to the event to where the assistance dog station is located at the venue”

– Andrea Cross

Dempster’s initiative to provide a sensory space at the Horsham Show in 2022.

“As we begin preparing for the Horsham Show, the location of a sensory space has already been included in our layout for this year’s show and the accessible event plan is next,” Mrs Cross said.

She said organisers of the Kanamaroo Festival, at the Maydale Reserve, would also be including a sensory space this year.

“It’s great to see other events are making sure everyone has a great time and when events are held at the Maydale Reserve, we can assist organisers with an accessible event plan,” she said.

To view the plan, people can visit www.horshamshow.com.au/events.

CAPTURED: Mindful Mobile Photo-making course participant Kellie Dickerson’s image is part of an exhibition opening in Natimuk on Sunday.

Journey of reflection at Natimuk

Changing weekly themes of home, nature, streets, black and white, and portraits led Wimmera photographers through a range of challenges to capture images – all with their smart phones.

During eight weeks, a dozen participants took daily images as part of a Mindful Mobile Photo-making course in Natimuk, which will be exhibited at the National Hotel.

Created and run by Simone Dalton Consulting, supported by Natimuk Show committee and funded by West Wimmera Health Service, the course focused on healthy eating, active living and community, and included weekly mindfulness exercises.

“It has been something quite different for our community, but the results will show that it was certainly a worthwhile course,” he said.

Participant and Natimuk resident Elly Cowling said it had helped her find a new passion for capturing images on her phone.

“I am so glad I enrolled, finding joy through photography has assisted me with navigating the grief of losing a very special person in my life,” she said.

Publican Bill Lovell is also looking forward to creating an exhibition space in the bar.

“I am really excited about being able to host the art of these local photographers,” he said.

The exhibition’s official opening is at 2.30pm on Sunday at the National Hotel, Natimuk.

Natimuk Show photo steward James McCredden said many of the participants had exhibited and won prizes at the March show, and the community would now get to see more of their work.

Reconciliation Week celebrations

People across Australia are celebrating National Reconciliation Week this week with activities for all ages.

National Reconciliation Week is promoted as a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how everyone can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Events include Rhymetime at Horsham library today and Storytime on Friday, both at 10.30am. Horsham Rural City Council Youth Team is

hosting an all-ages movie afternoon at The Station today, with a barbecue from 5pm.

ACT Natimuk, in partnership with Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network, is hosting an exhibition during June at Goat Gallery, featuring the work of Gail Harradine and Thomas Marks.

Running from May 27 until June 3 each year, and this year with the theme ‘now more than ever’, the week started as a Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 before being launched as National Reconciliation Week in 1996.

Budget reflection of ‘tight times’

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Northern Grampians Shire councillors believe draft 2024-25 budget and council plan papers approved for public consultation this month are well-balanced documents that reflect ‘tight times’.

Councillors granted in-principle support to both documents at a special meeting on May 20, with the budget and council plan now open for community comment.

The budget allocated a total of $18.8 million for capital works, including $7.6 million for roads; $6.4 million for buildings, including a Great Western clubroom redevelopment; $1.6 million for bridges; and $900,000 for parks and recreation.

Cr Eddy Ostarcevic approved of the fact the budget proposed no new borrowing in the next financial year.

“This council has no new loans on the books and in fact has an extremely healthy balance sheet compared to others. I think we’re wellserved by our financial team,” he said.

Cr Ostarcevic said the council’s 2.75 percent rate increase was in line with a statewide rates cap, but that several increasing State Government charges would put additional pressure on ratepayers.

“The proposed budget includes the maximum levy of 2.75 percent under the rate cap, however it’s interesting to note prices have far exceeded that cap,” he said.

“The kerbside waste and recycling collection charges have seen a fairly extensive growth in the past 12 months and that’s anticipated to continue into the future, unfortunately.

“The State Government’s fire services levy has grown by some 20 percent, whereas we’re capped to 2.75 percent.

RAISING

AWARENESS:

Grampians Health Edenhope campus manager Tricia McInnes and West Wimmera Shire Council director James Bentley raise a rainbow flag in Edenhope’s main street on International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia Intersexism and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT.

“The anomaly is interesting to note – what’s good for the goose is often not good for the gander.”

Cr Kevin Erwin praised the budget as a responsible document.

“I think we’ve cut our cloth this year to reflect the tight times. There are a couple of major projects on there, but not a huge amount,” he said.

“It’s steady as she goes, and hopefully the ratepayers will be reasonably accepting of this budget.”

Cr Erwin said the council plan also reflected an unstable global economic environment.

“In these tight times we’ve revised the plan. We’re nearly at the end of this council term and I think it displays some restraint,” he said.

“The plan was revised a month or so ago with a couple of things added, including the St Arnaud wayfinding signage program, to undertake a Marnoo flood study, and to investigate the St Arnaud integrated early learning centre.

“There were about 10 things removed.”

Cr Ostarcevic said the plan was primed to leave a strong legacy at the conclusion of the council’s four-year term.

“It’s pleasing to note the four-year council plan is concluding this term, because most of the stuff on that list is green, meaning completed,” he said.

“There are very few projects that are outstanding. Some have not been started because their priorities have changed over the years, and no doubt they’ll be carried forward, but the other projects that have not been completed have been substantially initiated.”

People can view the draft budget and council plan documents and provide feedback via website www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projects-andConsultation/Have-Your-Say.

Grampians Health shows support

Grampians Health and West Wimmera Shire Council this month joined forces to spread a message of solidarity and support on International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia Intersexism and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOBIT is an annual, global event that aims to educate people and raise awareness of the ongoing need to combat discrimination.

Grampians Health Edenhope campus manager

Tricia McInnes and council director James Bentley raised a rainbow flag in Edenhope’s main street, representing two of the community’s largest employers.

“We will be marking IDAHOBIT with internal displays and conversations, but it’s also

important for the wider community to know our stance,” Mrs McInnes said.

“All staff, clients, patients and visitors should feel safe, supported and welcome, no matter their sexuality.

“I look forward to a time we no longer need to mark this day – when everyone in our community feels accepted.”

Grampians Health Edenhope staff hosted a morning tea, complete with rainbow cupcakes, as a demonstration of IDAHOBIT support.

Rainbow flags were also on display at the Edenhope hospital and at the Health and Wellbeing HUB.

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‘Epic’ thriller awaits audience

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham’s Smart Artz Theatre group has modernised the mythical Greek story of Oedipus the King, which unfolds as a murder mystery, a political thriller, and a psychological whodunit.

Award-winning director Amy Anselmi said the performance, the group’s fifth, was set in a corporate environment.

“This production is unique because we’re doing it in modern context, where Oedipus is the chairman of a company called Thebes Tech,” Miss Anselmi said.

“The script still has devastation around health, crops and industry, and as we’ve all just lived through a pandemic, this has informed some of the things we’ve brought into the play.”

Miss Anselmi said at its heart, the performance was an incredibly exciting, thrilling story, and despite being a tragedy, it was not just wall-to-wall sadness, with moments of humour and quirkiness.

The non-profit group’s local cast will open the show to more than 100 students from six secondary schools tomorrow, with a SPARKS performance at Horsham Town Hall.

Miss Anselmi said town hall venue manager Vicki Thomas wanted to have a locally-produced play based on a VCE-defined text.

“The script is on the text list – it’s such a great way for kids to access the text, particularly those who are not particularly literary inclined, seeing it will bring it to life,” she said.

“Students will watch the play then have a question-and-answer session with cast and myself as director about fiends and symbolism and all those things – things they may have to write

about for assessments and exams. It’s also a great networking experience for teachers.

“Experienced teacher Brandi Galpin has prepared a great educational package of teaching resources, with suggested activities and writing prompts.

“After we stage the play, other schools will be able to access a video of it.

“It’s not just for VCE English, but it’s applicable to theatre and media studies, too.”

The cast consists of people wellknown in Horsham, some with an acting reach outside the Wimmera.

“Lilah and Stella Moore – their sister Audrey was the baby in the movie The Dry – play Oedipus’ daughters, and despite their non-speaking roles, deliver very moving performances,” Miss Anselmi said.

“They are both so disciplined, but are really enjoying themselves.”

Juliet Hayday, whose acting career spans 60 years, is well-known in Melbourne for a variety of performances

“Everything about it is epic –there are passionate relationships, big themes, conflict scenes and fiery, confronting scenes,”

– Director Amy Anselmi, left

– including television extra roles in Australian classics such as Bellbird.

“But television didn’t really appeal to me, I liked the stage,” Ms Hayday said. On stage, Ms Hayday played Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Queen Mary in Crown Matrimonial.

“I played a few Maggie Smith roles,” Ms Hayday said.

She describes Smart Artz’s Oedipus the King as Succession meets Game of Thrones.

“Smart Artz has quite a following in Melbourne community theatre circles. The group is known for producing things that are out of the box,” she said. Miss Anselmi said audiences were going to be equal parts shocked and impressed by the depth of acting talent onstage in the play.

“Everything about it is epic – there are passionate relationships, big themes, conflict scenes and fiery, confronting scenes,” she said.

“This is Sophie Koschmann’s acting debut, she has only ever done musicals before, and she has blown everyone away. Teresa Bottoms and Noel Whiteside have pulled out moving performances, also going from musical theatre to straight theatre.

“Tan Mock’s character’s journey is one of most intense in the play. In a short space of time she goes from someone who is controlled and restrained in the way she speaks and

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development have a position available for an:

moves, to someone who is shattered and destroyed.

“For her to portray those depths and despair in that room, some of whom she’s only known for a couple of months, is extraordinary.”

Eashaan Dassanayaka, a newcomer in the titular role, also gives a stellar performance.

“He has had two months of vocal training and while his voice is accented, it’s definitely accessible to an audience.”

Scott Robinson, Elsbeth Schneider, Louis Willemson, Akala Heinzel and Robert Pyers also feature.

The production has ‘texture’, as Miss Anselmi describes it, in the multi-layered approach and attention to detail, from the props to the lighting.

“Brandi has designed logos for on-set coffee cups and t-shirts, the aftermath of an all-night session in the boardroom is shown with a mess of paper and coffee cups, and the static set uses fabrics that appear sheer or solid, depending on the use of light,” she said.

“Shane Podolski is instrumental there – he won best lighting for our 2022 play The Laramie Project.”

Unlike some production companies, Smart Artz can stage as the creative process allows and not be pressured by deadlines or financial commitments.

“We can wait two years and get our creative energy back, we’re a small, barebones theatre company and we put in a lot of work when inspiration strikes,” Miss Anselmi said.

“We can’t wait to get back in front of the audience again.”

Oedipus the King is staging Friday, May 31 until Sunday, June 2 in three public performances – tickets are on sale at www.horshamtownhall.com.au/ hthevent/oedipus-the-king-2.

Police survey

Residents have until Friday to fill out the Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey.

The third annual survey supports the police’s commitment to neighbourhood policing, and asks people to tell police of their key safety concerns, how they would like to interact with police and where the police can focus their efforts to prevent and deter crime.

Horsham Police Service Area Inspector Caroline Johnson said the survey was quick, anonymous and for people of all backgrounds who lived, worked and socialised in Victoria.

The survey asks for ideas to improve safety; comfort in approaching police; contact with police in the past 12 months; engagement preferences with police outside of an emergency; and optional demographic questions.

Police will share a summary of findings on the Engage Victoria website and each region’s Facebook Eyewatch page.

The survey is available to view at engage.vic.gov.au/vicpol-2024.

Night works

Night works at the intersection of Vincent and High streets in Ararat will take place this week.

Centre State Asphalting workers will complete asphalting works at the intersection between 6pm tonight to 6am tomorrow, and from 6pm tomorrow to 6am Friday.

No major detours or traffic closures are entailed in the works, but traffic controllers will attend the worksite to assist as required.

Ararat Rural City Council encouraged people wishing to leave or enter a driveway near the worksite to move their vehicle to the next side street or speak to one of the workers on site.

If works are disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, they will be completed on the next available work day. People can call Centre State Asphalting on 5470 5028 with concerns.

Gerang hall sale

Hindmarsh Shire Council will sell Gerang Memorial Hall.

The hall is one of several buildings in the shire approaching end of life, with issues such as mould, white ant damage and asbestos.

Items of historical significance housed at the hall will be removed and relocated following council collaboration with relevant parties. People can express their views via council’s hindmarsh.vic.gov.au until June 10.

About Wimmera Southern Mallee Development

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development Ltd (WSMDev) is a joint initiative of the Horsham Rural City, Buloke, Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Councils. WSM Development is based in the Wimmera Campus of Federation University, Horsham, and is the peak economic development organisation for the Wimmera Southern-Mallee region, supporting existing local businesses and promoting economic development opportunities to investors. Our purpose is to lead and advocate for responsible economic growth to ensure the future livability and prosperity of our regional communities.

About the role

This part-time/full-time role will provide support to all WSMDev staff in a range of ways, from helping to co-ordinate events, to reviewing and formatting documents, assisting with the finance function, supporting engagement, website updates and communications, through to scheduling regular meetings.

We’re looking for someone experienced, with a positive, dynamic outlook, who is self-motivated and organised, taking initiative to work well as a critical part of our team as well as independently. Although the nature of the role requires you to work in our office, we offer flexibility to work the hours that suit your needs, including during school hours.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING: King Oedipus, played by Eashaan Dassanayaka, during a full stage rehearsal on Monday.

EMOTION: Tan Mock’s character, Queen Jocasta,

most intense in the play. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Insight into a councillor’s role

Councils across the Wimmera and southern Mallee regions are calling for people interested in representing their communities to consider enrolling in a Municipal Association of Victoria, MAV, Stand for Council campaign.

The leadership course aims to help prospective council candidates understand the roles and responsibilities of a councillor and the importance of the position.

A Wimmera Southern Mallee Central Highlands session will be at Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Nhill office on August 14.

MAV will also supply a Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024 – a guide for prospective candidates to better understand the duties of a council position.

Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Brent McAlister encouraged people to enrol in the course and improve their leadership skills.

“If you are thinking of nominating for council as a candidate, these sessions and resources will help you to further consider the broad responsibilities of a councillor”

– Kelly Grisby

MAV chief executive Kelly Grisby said the campaign was designed to encourage and support a diverse range of candidates, including First Nations, new and emerging communities.

“If you are thinking of nominating for council as a candidate, these sessions and resources will help you to further consider the broad responsibilities of a councillor, the wide range of issues you will be required to make decisions about and the time commitment,” she said.

More information about the MAV Stand for Council campaign is available at mav.asn.au/ stand-for-council-2024.

“Northern Grampians Shire Council has a proud history of community representation and this representation relies on community leaders to put their hand up and become a candidate,” he said. “I encourage anyone thinking about standing to come along or log in to the session and utilise the resources of the MAV Stand for Council campaign.”

Farewell to long-serving volunteer

After 14 years of dedicated service, Lenore Grice officially retired from volunteering at the Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre last week.

A farewell morning tea at Ararat Gallery

TAMA celebrated Mrs Grice’s commitment to sharing her knowledge and passion for her community with visitors from across Australia.

Mrs Grice said she and her husband Lloyd ‘got a good gut feeling’ when they moved to Ararat from Queensland 15 years ago.

“Everybody we dealt with seemed very nice and caring,” she said.

Mrs Grice began volunteering with the visitor information centre soon after moving to Ararat and found it was the perfect way to learn about her new home.

“It helps you become part of the community, because you know what’s happening in town,” she said.

“When I started, people were telling me about the paid attractions. But I tell people about the free attractions as well.

“One Tree Hill is a great place to drive up and see the whole town, it’s a great starting point –a brilliant 360-degree lookout.

“I have loved promoting the town, meeting people from all over the place, and hearing

visitors’ stories. You often have people coming into the information centre who are thinking of a tree change, and it’s such an enjoyable experience, because it’s so easy to share things. The town is just a great place to live.”

Mrs Grice encouraged new Ararat residents or community members interested in discovering more of the municipality to consider working at the centre.

“For anyone who is thinking of volunteering, the information centre is a great place to start,” she said.

“It’s a good opportunity for new people in town.”

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the centre would feel Mrs Grice’s absence.

“We have such a magnificent team of volunteers who are valued enormously within the community, and Lenore will be greatly missed,” he said.

“On behalf of council and residents of our municipality, I extend sincere congratulations to Lenore, and our best wishes for the future.

“We are deeply grateful for her hard work, and she remains a true ambassador for our community.”

New reporting system for Ararat council

Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to report issues from escaped livestock to fresh potholes through a dedicated online system.

The ticketing system at ararat-portal.council wise.com.au aims to ensure the council attends to issues as soon as possible.

Users are able to complete a short form specifying the issue, its location and any other relevant details, with the ability to include photos if required. Users are automatically assigned a reference number, which they can use to check

tank to replace a

old concrete tank – it was way past its use-by date.

Everyone at the club is pleased with the Horsham Sports and Community Club’s support and applying for the grant was very easy. We just had to get the information required and wait for the outcome.

their report’s status. Users can also request the council contact them by phone or email by marking a box.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said people could still send maintenance requests directly to council@ararat.vic.gov.au if they preferred to use council’s old system.

“It’s fantastic that the council has an easy way for residents to report these issues,” Dr Harrison said.

“We want to empower residents to quickly and easily share concerns.”

AMBASSADOR: Lenore Grice’s volunteerism was celebrated at a morning tea at Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre last week. Picture: JOANNE HUTCHISON

Biggest morning tea

FUNDRAISER: Communities across the Wimmera gathered to raise money for Cancer Council last week, hosting Biggest Morning Tea events. About 50 people gathered at Laharum Hall, enjoying morning tea, entertainment from Laharum’s Local Vocal Group, guest speaker Donna Bridge, and raising $1210 for the Cancer Council, $200 for Wimmera Cancer Centre, and $200 for Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation from a successful ‘bring and buy’ stall. Centre For Participation in Horsham and ACE Radio, Horsham, also contributed to the fundraising campaign for people impacted by cancer.

Pictured are, clockwise from above: Gil Hopkins, Susan Fowler, Liz Hopkins and Donna Bridge at Laharum; Dino McMillan, Kola Kennedy and Jan Tritton at Centre For Participation; ACE Radio staff Olivia Lenehan, Anthony Thompson and Issa Riches; Nelson Banares, Cynthia Lawrance and Angelo Banares at Laharum; John Keller, Matt Hobbs and Rick Walker at Centre For Participation; and Alex Barnes, Jenny Green and Angela Facey at Laharum.

We’re looking for a qualified and highly motivated heavy vehicle diesel technician to join our Wimmera Truck Centre team. Be a part of something big!

To apply, please forward your resume to careers@barrymaney.com.au or contact Nick on 0427 395 596 to discuss our career opportunities further. Wimmera Truck Centre | 141 Stawell Road, Horsham

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Midwife humbled by national award

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Woomelang midwife

Skye Stewart was recognised with a national award for her work with Aboriginal families who have experienced stillbirth.

Announced Midwife of the Year at the HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards in Melbourne last week, Ms Stewart created the nation’s first stillbirth support guide, Jiba Pepeny: Star Baby, for Aboriginal families.

Ms Stewart travelled more than 32,000 kilometres over 20 months to communities across the country to ensure the stillbirth guide was as relevant as possible to the lived experience of Aboriginal families.

“My cultural role and respon-

sibility as an Aboriginal midwife is to do what I can to ensure that Aboriginal mothers and their babies stay safe, alive, well and together,” Ms Stewart said.

“To be recognised with this award means I’ve paid attention to where it matters, and I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

“The award is a privilege, and I feel incredibly honoured and humbled.

“My work is rewarding because it supports families experiencing vulnerability at an acutely distressing time.

“One of the most rewarding things ever said to me during the making of Jiba Pepeny: Star Baby, was ‘you have to make this, Skye, no one is doing it for us...’” Ms Stewart said she would use

“To be recognised with this award means I’ve paid attention to where it matters, and I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.”

– Skye Stewart

the prize money to print a children’s book and a suite of resources for families, siblings and children affected by stillbirth –another first of its kind.

The widely-recognised HESTA awards acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Australian nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers’ dedication to improving health outcomes.

Blues artist returns to Ararat in trio

From humble beginnings at Ararat’s Courthouse Hotel in the early 2000s to performing across Canada and Europe, 14-time Australian Blues award-winner Lloyd Spiegel will return to Ararat for a live show.

Last year Spiegel toured Australia on the release of his 11th album, staging 50 shows.

This year the Ararat Live performance is one of nine, with Ararat the only venue in western Victoria.

Speigel has performed for the not-forprofit group Ararat Live several times,

again bringing drummer Tim Burnham and trombonist Lisa Baird for the cabaretstyle show.

Speigel, a 14-time Australian Blues Award winner, is looking forward to playing at Ararat again.

“I’ve been performing in regional areas since I was a teen,” he said.

“Long before I was touring nationally or overseas, these communities supported me and helped me grow.

“Nothing feels more like settling in back home than playing in my backyard.

“Music venues are struggling at the

moment and getting behind the incredible people who work so hard to bring live music to Victorians is definitely a focus for me.”

Ararat Live is a not-for-profit group of volunteers whose main objective is to support original music by hosting live music every month from February to November.

Lloyd Speigel Trio will play at Ararat on June 12 – tickets are available through the Ararat Town Hall website www.ararattownhall.com.au/event/performances.

Local-set crime book launch

Author Colin King will present his latest novel Wire and Bone at Rainbow library with a public launch.

Commuting through areas of the Mallee, Big Desert and Lake Albacutya inspired King to write his fourth crime novel.

He will speak about its storyline, inspiration and connection to the area at the launch, with extra time dedicated to speaking with people who attend.

People can call Hindmarsh Shire Council customer service centre on 5391 4444 to register attendance for the Friday, June 14, event where light refreshments will be provided from 4pm.

For Sale by Tender 4561 Henty Highway, Haven

Prime industrial site

This expansive industrial property boasts an ideal location on the Henty Highway, offering potential for subdivision subject to council approval.

* Freehold with vacant possession, presenting a clean site with workshop and office (all cars, parts, and shipping containers to be excluded)

* Approx. 2.19 hectares (source: PriceFinder)

* Zoning: IN1Z (Industrial Zone 1

* Tenders close on the 19th of July 2024 at 12:00

Please note that the business is not included in the sale. Property ID: 990440

HONOURED: Skye Stewart is the HESTA Midwife of the Year, receiving the award for creating a stillbirth support guide for Aboriginal families – an Australian-first.

ON THE ROAD: Bluesman Lloyd Speigel, centre, will return to Ararat in June for one of nine regional performances, backed by trombonist Lisa Baird and drummer Tim Burnham.

RODNEY VINCENT

LUCKY STARR

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

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In The Paddock

With Simon, Jack & Charlie

We’re excited to announce our sponsorship of the Taylors Lake Football Netball Club for the 2024 season! It’s an honor to support such an integral part of our local community.

Just recently, our senior agronomist, Simon Severin, had the pleasure of presenting Coach

With the season underway, we’re eagerly anticipating the exciting games and shared victories ahead. Here’s to a fantastic season for the Taylors Lake Football Netball Club!

and

have been busy the last few weeks with sowing commencing over most of the

Pink Lake

Justin Beugelaar with a set of brand new Sherrin footballs.

Agronomists Simon, Jack

Charlie

Wimmera recently.

Here Simon and Charlie visited a paddock bordering the beautiful Pink Lake near Dimboola.

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

Kristen James LL.B., GDLP

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

Tim and Belinda Wethers are breeding rare Valais Blacknose sheep on their Pomonal hobby farm. Traditionally used for meat and wool in the Swiss highlands, the breed was critically endangered before exporting supported breeding. Story, page 33.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Dairy ‘silly season’

It’s known in the dairy industry as the silly season: the lead up to the announcement by dairy processors of the opening milk price.

This year, one thing is certain.

The price will be down on last year’s high by about 10 percent.

As the old saying goes, farmers are used to being price takers.

As major exporters of agricultural produce we are exposed to the vagaries of global markets, often distorted by subsidies and tariffs.

I find the history of the dairy industry in Victoria as a fascinating study of economic extremes.

For much of last century, the fresh milk price was carefully managed by the State Government and dairy farmers had production quotas. Interstate trade of drinking milk was also restricted.

Dairy farmers were the beneficiaries of an artificially high price.

Victoria has always been by far the largest dairy producing state, and when there’s ample supply, there’s pressure on prices.

Something had to give and in the year 2000, the State Dairy Authorities were disbanded and the milk price deregulated.

Nearly two billion dollars was spent on compensating dairy farmers for their loss of quotas.

Farmers who’d been used to

Country Today

quotas and artificially inflated incomes were suddenly exposed to the free market.

The thinking at the time was that the less efficient farmers would take compensation and get out of the industry. Which certainly happened.

But nearly 25 years later and the industry is still hemorrhaging.

Since 2000 the number of dairy farmers nationally has fallen from nearly 13,000 to 5000 in 2020, marketing and research organisation Dairy Australia shows.

It’s estimated that nearly 10 percent of dairy farmers have left in the past 12 months, with many either getting out of farming altogether, or selling their cows and converting to beef production.

A major catalyst was the decision in 2016 by the two largest processors at the time, New Zealand owned Fonterra and the dairy co-operative, Murray Goulburn, to ask farmers to repay them for what they said was overpayment.

In simple terms, the highly competitive opening milk price had been set too high, the global market for milk products fell, and the

processors say they were losing money.

Farmers could either take a lower price for future milk production or take out loans with the processors to re-pay the money. It was nothing short of a disaster.

The troubled Murray Goulburn was accused of unconscionable conduct by the ACCC and of making false and misleading statements in contravention of consumer law.

Managing director Gary Helou, only a few years earlier, had been lauded as a hero of the industry for negotiating a secret deal with Coles Supermarkets for the notorious discounted milk Canadian giant, Saputo.

The result of this market manipulation was the ACCC intervening and bringing on the mandatory code of conduct, which included opening milk price where processors must state the minimum price by 2.30pm on June 1.

That’s well and good when the demand is high, but that price has to apply for the whole supply period. In my view, when global markets are strong, it works in farmers’ favour. But it could be seen as market manipulation in a different guise and it will be fascinating to see if history will repeat itself and free market pressures will prevail.

Corella management grants

State Government grant funding is now available to organisations and individuals to address agricultural, infrastructural, environmental and social impacts of corellas in the community.

Corellas cause damage to crops, trees, buildings and other assets – in Horsham they have caused an average of $33,000 damage each year to council infrastructure, including defoliating shrubs and trees, damaging turf at ovals and reserves, chewing holes in shade sails, chewing aerial and lighting wiring, and chewing the seal of bike paths.

The Corella Management Grants Program guidelines align with the Victorian Corella Strategy 2022-2032, which promotes a living with wildlife approach and a positive attitude to corellas as part of a broader human-wildlife management strategy. The grants program aims to achieve specific outcomes, including managing the impact of corellas in the community, utilising non-

lethal control methods, better evaluation of the financial impacts of corella damage, trialling and researching new control methods, and review of the social, economic and environmental implications of management practices. Corellas are native wildlife protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Grant funding is available to committees of management, individuals experiencing management issues on their land, local government authorities, private sector businesses and agencies, agricultural industry, Traditional Owner organisations, research institutes, not-for-profit organisations, and other land managers, such as schools, sporting organisations, and recreation reserves. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be the designated land manager of the project site or have permission of the site’s land manager to undertake the project. Applications must be submitted by June 3 at wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/corellamanagement-grants-program.

with Libby Price

Farmers waiting to catch a break

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Maintaining a positive outlook, but with one eye on the sky, farmers are still awaiting the rain to mark the autumn break and signal the start of the growing season.

Despite it being the driest autumn in the past 20 years, many of those 20 years have seen farmers dry-sowing.

Sheep farmer Tim Leeming said he was concerned about what he was seeing, not just in the landscape, but in people.

“I thought we should bring people together over an afternoon to talk about how to handle the late break,”

he said. Initially predicting 50 to 100 people, more than 300 attended a field day at Nareen last week.

“The dry years give you a lot of new experiences and teach you a lot – in 2005 the break was the third week of June,” Mr Leeming said.

“It was a bit of a shocker and it’s very much instilled in my memory.

“I took note of what I had done and what I could do better, and came out with strategies, like early weaning of lambs off their mums, and containing sheep with feed so they’re not wasting energy and turning your farm into a dust bowl while they wander around looking for feed.”

Mr Leeming said there was a multi-

tude of things to think about in maximising lamb survival.

“About 70 percent of the audience at the field day are lambing ewes in the next month, and another 10 to 15 percent are lambing in the month after that,” he said.

“It’s important to have focus on looking after the ewe appropriately during late pregnancy and lactation, at their highest nutritional demand.”

Paddock feed shortfall forces assessments and decisions around the supply of feed, purchase costs, agistments or the sale of stock.

Seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey said dry conditions were widespread.

“The autumn break is two or three

DONATION: Mike McMurtrie and Nick Watson with a donation of bales of barley, oatenwheat, and vetch hay from Sea Lake and Berriwillock farmers.

Generous farmers help Pomonal

May 13 marked three months since the community of Pomonal was impacted by bushfire. While the community is slowly recovering, there are stories of some kind and generous donations, including from farmers in the Sea Lake and Berriwillock districts.

The farmers had heard of the effect of the Pomonal fire, and quickly realised there might be a need for hay and fodder for livestock in the area. They contacted Pomonal publican Col Macaffer, of Barney’s Bar and Bistro, to find out if help was needed and suggested a couple of truck loads of hay would be available.

Mr Macaffer contacted John Matthews, a local volunteer with Pomonal Community Resilience Group, and advised that a couple of truck loads of hay would come from Sea Lake and Berriwillock in a week or so to assist with feeding the animals.

After a few phone calls and some quick-

thinking involving Mr Matthews, Col and Susie Macaffer, Mike McMurtrie and Jill Miller, the location for the hay and the ability to unload it was organised.

On March 1, photos of two B-Double trucks of hay were sent to the Pomonal volunteers, who realised that two truckloads would be too much.

Farmers at Dadswells Bridge were contacted and through some negotiating it was organised for one of the trucks to go to Dadswells Bridge and the other to Pomonal.

On March 2, one B-Double load with 59 large square bales of barley, oaten-wheat, and vetch hay arrived at Pomonal and the other load of 58 bales went to Dadswells Bridge.

The hay has meant a lot to the people with livestock who had lost fences and grass from the fire, allowing livestock to stay in situ and receive the feed they needed.

weeks later than average for the Wimmera, at this point, but Ararat would normally expect a break a lot earlier, so that region is unusually dry,” he said.

“Even if it rained tomorrow, feed is going to be hard to come by until early spring, because it’s so cold.

“However, this weather is not unusual.

“In the millennium drought periods there was a lot of late breaks and a proliferation of dry sowing started.

“The mercy of a good spring will make up for a later start, but it’s certainly very challenging for everyone.”

Mr Grey said there was a big disconnect – about 30 to 40 centime-

tres – from the surface to where the moisture starts in the soil, with about 30 to 40 millimetres of rain needed to join it up.

“Looking at about 12 models from around the world, the forecast is completely neutral for the Wimmera,” he said.

Agronomist Nick Zordan said there had been a relatively good start to the sowing season.

“Everyone is feeling positive, still, the usual canola, cereal and pulses are going in without delays. Some programs have been adjusted for the dry sowing season – now we just need a start,” he said.

MLA board members sought

Meat and Livestock Australia is seeking to appoint three non-executive directors to its board.

The board provides guidance and oversight of the management and performance of MLA in delivering its strategy.

The board operates under corporate governance and risk management frameworks to ensure producer levies, government matching dollars and partner funds are invested effectively to protect the continuing prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

Alongside a broad understanding and genuine interest in the Australian red meat industry, candidates with experience and extensive commercial skills in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Finance, audit and risk experience in agricultural industries.

• Product promotion, strategic marketing and market development experience.

• Early adoption experience and-or commercial delivery in the red meat sector.

Directors are nominated through the selection committee and appointed by members at MLA annual general meetings for a three-year term, with retiring directors able to nominate for re-election.

For further information on MLA and an information pack outlining the application process, people can visit www.mla.com.au/director guidelines.

Turkey breed takes flight

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Travellers on the Western Highway could be forgiven for not knowing where Daryl Deutscher’s turkey farm is –their eyes drawn to the Giant Koala, situated directly opposite at Dadswells Bridge.

With his name synonymous with the Australian turkey industry, Mr Deutscher grows and processes birds on his open range, 32-hectare farm for a variety of meat products.

But turkey drumsticks, steaks, sausages and chops are not all that’s on offer from these majestic birds.

Mr Deutscher has assisted in the expansion of a rare turkey feather business in America.

With farms in Indiana and Michigan, Kevin Porter began breeding turkeys in 1990 to create and harvest a variety of feathers from different breeds.

Part Mohawk, Mr Porter used the unique feathers in creating Native American-style crafts, before selling the feathers alongside his crafts, which expanded into the online and global feather markets.

His goal was to be a one-stop shop for rare varieties.

Mr Porter’s interest in producing rare turkey feathers led him to Mr Deutscher, who had produced an original ‘painted’ turkey around 2001.

In 2015, Mr Deutscher worked with Mr Porter to have fertile eggs exported to America, as the painted turkey seemed to only exist in Australia and Finland.

From these eggs came a painted tom – a male turkey – that Mr Porter used to artificially inseminate the smaller heritage birds.

Using smaller birds would bring the size of future generations down so they could breed naturally.

In his book, The Painted Turkey, Mr Porter wrote that he had to learn how to do artificial insemination in turkeys, as Mr Deutscher’s birds

have ‘commercial’ broad-breasted blood in them.

‘I studied all the books I had on the subject and watched some videos that Daryl shared with me, with the method that he uses with his birds… I was determined to do whatever necessary to preserve this gene.’

Mr Porter’s website – porter turkeys.com – features a comprehensive list of breeds, and a calculator so people can predict what offspring will result from a combination of different sires and dams.

Mr Porter’s 30 years spent raising

and breeding turkeys led him to specialise in the feather colour genetics of rare birds.

Mr Deutscher, whose childhood hobby evolved into a business in the 1970s, also has varieties of rare breeds, including Bourbon Red, Buff, Blue, Black Bronze, Cinnamon, Crimson Dawn, Narragansett, Oregon Grey, Royal Palm, Slate, and Sweetgrass.

All birds are raised, grown and processed on-site and in a short timeframe, resulting in less stress on the birds.

Money to unite communities

Birchip Cropping Group will use a $19,130 grant from the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund to support students to join farmers, agronomists and industry representatives at the BCG Main Field Day later this year.

The grant is aimed at boosting social drought resilience and mental health in regional communities.

Round one of the Small Network grants, funded through the fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, has supported 29 projects to host events, training, networks and courses or community infrastructure, to make it easier for communities to manage drought conditions.

Victorian Senator Jana Stewart said BCG’s grant was just one example of how the government was helping communities to prepare for dry conditions.

BCG will use the money to assist secondary students from the North Central Local Learning and Employment Network to join a specialised stream aimed at highlighting career opportunities in agriculture and in conducting local research.

“The Small Network grants have an emphasis on managing the mental health of the whole community as they deal with the economic downturns and the subsequent mental strain of managing droughts,” Ms Stewart said.

“This complements the Albanese Labor government’s drought preparedness work through the Future Drought Fund to make $100 million available each year for drought and climate related resilience initiatives, including on-farm sustainability.”

IN THE MIX: Turkey farmer Daryl Deutscher on his Dadswells Bridge farm. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

In The Paddock

With Simon, Jack & Charlie Blackleg in Canola

Blackleg, which is caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans is a disease which can affect canola at all stages from cotyledon to pod fill. Blackleg is characterized by a lesion on the plant filled with tiny black dots which are fungal pycnidia or ‘fruiting bodies’.

Blackleg is a unique disease because the fungus will breed between populations, allowing it to quickly develop resistance to fungicides and overcome Major Gene resistance which is bred into all canola varieties. These Major Genes are often called blackleg groups and are best found in the GRDC Variety Guides which are produced each year. It is important to stay one step ahead of the fungus as once it has overcome or broken down the Major Gene, it renders it useless for controlling blackleg.

This breakdown has already occurred in several Major Genes with groups A, B and C overcome by the fungus. Groups D and F are still providing some level of resistance while group H provides the variety with 100% control of Blackleg throughout all growth stages. These do vary by area, however generally speaking the more canola is grown the quicker the fungus overcomes that Major Gene.

Groups A, B and C are still the most common with most Pioneer varieties having a combination of these groups.

DG Bidgee TT is one of the only varieties which has Group H resistance and therefore it is completely resistant to Blackleg, as seen in the picture of a 2023 Bidgee crop which has no sign of any Blackleg Stem Canker.

We have several management methods to help us control Blackleg and to help protect our Major Genes and delay the rate at which the blackleg groups that are still effective are overcome. Rotating your canola variety’s Blackleg Group is the preferred method, however a varieties yield potential often governs the feasibility of this practice.

Hybrid Canola seed is always treated with a fungicide seed treatment when bought new each season which is often Saltro Duo or IleVO which are both effective against Blackleg, however if using an open-pollinated (OP) variety where seed can be retained, it is important to use one of these products.

The use of Flutriafol on fertilizer will provide some meaningful protection for the crop during establishment however will likely run out of legs by flowering.

Post emergent fungicides can also be an option, however achieving a return on these is inconsistent due to varying conditions, yield potential and crop stage.

The potential for Blackleg to

influence yield in 2024 is generally lower than average due to our late break and canola establishment. The critical period for the disease occurs during flowering and the time of year this occurs.

When flowering occurs later there is less time for the fungus to colonize the upper canopy and cause yield loss. However, there is potential for higher Blackleg pressure during establishment and early growth due to this later establishment timing.

As always monitor your canola crop regularly for any signs of Blackleg throughout the growing season.

For any other questions surrounding Blackleg in Canola please contact Jack, Simon or Charlie at Nutrien Ag Solutions Horsham.

MARSHALL MULTISPREAD

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New Morris air carts arrive Controlling foxes

Australiangrain growers could be in for an exciting moment when they next sow their crops following this week’s launch of the latest Morris 10 Series air carts.

In addition to larger capacities that will keep producers seeding in paddocks for longer and spending less time filling, the new carts feature technologies that are set to take seeding efficiency, accuracy and uniformity into another realm.

Distributed by McIntosh Distribution, the Morris 10 Series will complement small and large frame air carts from the manufacturer’s 9 Series.

Growers will have the choice of seven models from the 10 Series, offering capacities ranging from 20,890-34,701 litres in three and four-tank configurations and incorporating an integrated, stainless-steel liquid tank as well as small seeds ‘Optimizer’ tank.

McIntosh Distribution national Morris product manager Duncan Murdoch said in-line with previous tillage and seeding equipment releases from Morris, Australian fingerprints were all over the latest 10 Series, catering to local conditions and producers’ preferred machine setups.

Mr Murdoch said the carts had been tested during the past two

seeding seasons in Australia and several years prior in Canada.

“Three things we particularly focused on to assist the design were high draught loads in towbetween configurations, as well as operating in heat and dust –and we have taken those to the extreme in the past two seasons, also by sowing predominantly in dry conditions,” he said.

Mr Murdoch said there also was a strong Australian influence with the axle design, included to suit the industry preference for big single tyres rather than duals, as well as in the tank configuration, largely to achieve three similar granular tank capacities, or two similar larger tanks, with a liquid tank.

“The frame is a fully boxed and trussed design and it’s certainly over-engineered. If you look at the chassis on the 10 Series and on that of a crane, it’s the same strong design,” he said.

“It incorporates the Morris Duraloc interlocking technology that

has been carried through from Morris Quantum air drills.

“The bigger carts use a threepiece wheel rim and 201 rated tyres that can each carry 26.5 tonnes.

“We have set the tyre specifications in Australia and we haven’t spec’d it to be just enough – there is a lot of extra capacity with the tyres.”

Mr Murdoch said one of the most exciting drawcards expected to attract immediate grower investment in the 10 Series was the use of load cells under every granular tank, which would take seeding rate accuracy and uniformity to a whole new level.

“Load cells have previously been used on extra large Morris carts, but on both sides of the axle and front hitch to cover the entire machine – not on each individual tank,” he said.

“This is the solution to that hidden, unsaid, unknown, misunderstood truth of airseeding – the difference between the calibrated

rate and the applied rate that occurs due to product density changes in tanks.”

A move to electric metering powered by a brushless alternator and driven by brushless motors provides next generation section control and assists accurate application of even lower seeding rates, which is another major attraction for producers.

Mr Murdoch said early brushed systems in the industry were unreliable, however, the technology had since improved considerably and they were now sealed from dust, helping to reduce wear.

The electric system also continues to use the renowned Morris spiral-fluted metering wheels.

Extending from the Morris 9 Series air carts, producers also can put a percentage of fertiliser into seed runs and accommodate different seed sizes by adjusting a single lever, avoiding the need for different metering wheels.

For more information, visit www. mcintoshdistribution.com.au.

Agriculture Victoria fox collections have recommenced, with the current bounty program continuing under the State Government’s new budget, announced earlier this month.

Considered the worst pest in Australia, foxes were introduced for hunting purposes in the mid-1850s and were declared a pest species 20 years later.

Foxes are thought to have played a major part in the demise and extinction of many ground-dwelling native species in the past 130 years and are a threat to at least 14 species of birds, 48 mammals, 12 reptiles and two amphibians.

The economic impact of foxes in Australia has been estimated at about $227.5-million each year, including $17.5-million in sheep production losses, $190-million in environmental impacts, $16-million in management costs, and $4-million in research costs.

Agriculture Victoria says fox control is best achieved with an integrated approach that combines the use of all suitable control tools, alongside monitoring fox numbers and damage so reinfestations can be treated. It is also recommended landholders work together simultaneously to cover a greater area.

Acceptable entire fox scalps will be collected from eligible members of the public at collection centres, including in Horsham, which will be open one day each month until October.

The bounty system is now digital, which streamlines the application process, reduces wait times at collection centres and allows participants to keep track of their applications.

For assistance, people can call the customer service centre on 136 186, and to apply, visit the bounty online registration page at agriculture.vic.gov.au/ biosecurity/pest-animals/victorian-fox-and-wild-dogbounty/digital-bounty-application-system.

Film-maker makes her mark

BY LAUREN HENRY

Affable and entertaining, Tatyoon farmer Leila McDougall spoke at a Wimmera Women Connect breakfast last week about her ‘crazy journey’ to becoming a feature filmmaker.

The breakfast at Up Tempo Café, Horsham, on Wednesday, was also a chance for women to gather, meet new people and make connections.

Mrs McDougall’s passion for mental health advocacy, especially in the agricultural sector, led her to embark on making her first ever film.

Titled ‘Just a Farmer’, the movie featured in cinemas across Australia after its release in March, telling the story of about the devastating aftermath of a rural suicide for both the family and the wider community.

Mrs McDougall not only wrote the script, but she also played a lead role and hosted the shooting of the film on her Tatyoon property.

The film, directed by Simon Lyndon, features actors Joel Jackson, Robert Taylor, Damian WalsheHowling and Susan Prior, and tells the story of a wife left to manage an ailing farm and an alcoholic fatherin-law after her husband’s suicide.

The film explores generational trauma, love, loss, and the resilience of a farming community in the face

of tragedy. Her and husband Sean also funded the project, as well as undertaking a myriad of other roles to bring the movie to fruition.

Their daughter Vivien, a pet calf and plenty of district locals also feature in the production.

The story of Mrs McDougall, originally from Queensland before marrying Tatyoon farmer Sean, featured on the ABC’s Australian Story earlier this month.

“It was a four hour interview for Australia Story, and that’s when it came out publicly that I had been on anti-depressant medication since I was 20,” she said.

“When I moved to Tatyoon, fitting into a small country town was hard for me – my mental health plummeted.”

At last week’s breakfast, Mrs McDougall spoke about her personal connection with mental health, with her father living with bi-polar and her mother having attempted suicide many years ago.

She spoke about how she had witnessed many men in rural areas struggling with mental health with many self-medicating with alcohol.

“I always remember what my father, a former alcoholic, would say to me, ‘if you can’t go out without drinking you need to have a good hard look at yourself’,” she said.

Mrs McDougall said she had based

characters in the film, such as Owen, on people in her own life.

“I hope the film addresses all those things I’ve come across in a small community,” she said.

“Everyone who has lost someone to suicide have all had different stories, but there has been common themes – depending on if they were a partner, a parent or a child.

“There’s always a silence after

“When I moved to Tatyoon, fitting into a small country town was hard for me – my mental health plummeted” – Leila McDougall

NFF seeking young leaders

National Farmers’ Federation, NFF, is encouraging applicants for its flagship leadership and capability development program for young and emerging leaders in Australian agriculture.

Supported by Telstra, the National Agricultural Leadership Program provides targeted activities and unique experiences in leadership, advocacy, policy development, governance, communications and media.

It uses a whole-of-agriculture perspective to build networks across industry and create the next generation of leaders for Australian agriculture.

Targeting participants younger than 35, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to develop a policy project guided by NFF general managers and senior industry leaders.

NFF president David Jochinke highlighted the opportunities the program produces for those interested in the decision-making process and policy development in the industry.

“Participants have the opportunity to tour Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments,” he said.

“By fostering a young person’s interest in advocacy, we are able to showcase the next generation to our political leaders and develop a network of skilled professionals to lead our industry into the future.”

Launched in 2021, the program has a proud alumni base of 20 graduates.

Past participant Abbey O’Callaghan has used the experience to develop a policy that complements her passion for strengthening the agricultural workforce.

“The National Agricultural Leadership Program was a fantastic opportunity for a behind the scenes look at how policy decisions are made, best practice approaches to advocacy and the development of policies,” she said.

“My policy project was all about attracting people from non-traditional backgrounds to the agricultural workforce – which has been highly relevant and valuable in my role as manager, workforce delivery at AgriFutures Australia.”

suicides. But nine people die every day in Australia to suicide.

“We need to be better at making it easier on the people who are left behind.”

• If you, or someone you know, needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 13YARN on 13 92 76 or Suicide

Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

In an emergency, phone triple zero.

The program starts in July, going for five months, including participants coming together for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra, where they will work on a policy project and are matched with an industry leader as part of an ongoing mentoring program.

The program is free for all participants, supported by an NFF member organisation, and supports long-term development and learning.

Applications are open until June 3. For more information, visit nff.org.au/nalp.

ON SET: Actors Joel Jackson and Damian Walshe-Howling talk to children from the Tatyoon district who played extras in the film ‘Just a Farmer’, which was produced by Tatyoon couple Leila and Sean McDougall.

Hobby farmers growing rare flock

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Tim and Belinda Wethers are breeding what is known as the ‘cutest sheep in the world’ – the Valais Blacknose.

A breed known to Australia for only three years, Mr and Mrs Wethers are hoping to build a flock at their Pomonal hobby farm.

Mrs Wethers said the blacknose was listed as critically endangered – in 1983 there were 9940 of the breed in the world, by 2014 there were 17,000.

“They were a very rare breed, but over the past few years there has been a big drive that has seen them exported from Switzerland into the United Kingdom, New Zealand, America and Australia,” she said.

“With a lot of breeding programs, they are no longer endangered.”

Despite its origins in the Alps, the breed is accustomed to the varied climates it’s now living in.

“They’ve been great. They have delivered really easily, they are low maintenance, they do have to be shorn twice a year, but other than that, they are easy, friendly sheep – more like a dog, really,” Mrs Wethers said.

The Wethers family is also running ostriches, alpacas and other sheep on their farm, which the sheep socialise with across the 80 acres.

“We, along with many other people,

“They’ve been great. They have delivered really easily, they are low maintenance, they do have to be shorn twice a year, but other than that, they are easy, friendly sheep – more like a dog, really”

– Belinda Wethers

have been interested in the blacknose for many years,” Mrs Wethers said.

“When the opportunity came up to purchase some, our son was in hospital.

“We decided to refinance our house to buy them, thinking they’d bring in a different source of income, eventually, and enable us to be home a bit more, to meet our son’s needs.

“He loves them, loves coming out to look after them, letting them out and putting them away each day.”

The blacknose was traditionally bred for meat, with wool as its by-product.

The coarse wool was suited to garments made for use in the Alps.

“At this stage, the meat is too valuable to eat, but the quality is meant to be quite exceptional,” Mrs Wethers said.

“The wool dyes and felts up really well.

“To any hobby enthusiast it would be quite desirable, but there’s not a

market at the moment. It will be quite popular as prices come down.”

All the ewes were purchased as embryo transfers, from host Dorcas.

“We are hoping to breed up and get a

flock and then get a ram and maintain pure genetics,” Mrs Wethers said.

“Some breeders in Australia are producing hybrid sheep and after the fifth generation they can register them, but

we want to have a stud, have pure genetics at our farm.”

The Wethers are looking to run a flock of about 30 sheep and eventually sell the offspring.

PURE GENETICS: Tim and Belinda Wethers are breeding rare Valais Blacknose sheep on their Pomonal hobby farm. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

FUN RUN: The Wethers’ family pug Jock joins their Valais Blacknose sheep for a run.

MEET AND GREET: It’s one big, happy family on the farm.

Pushing farmers away

BY DAVID JOCHINKE

President, National Farmers’ Federation and Murra Warra farmer

An open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

Dear Prime Minister, Earlier this month, for the first time in 39 years, farmers from across Australia determined that they no longer have confidence in your government to represent their interests.

This vote followed an unprecedented walk-out by farmers on your Agriculture Minister’s Budget address.

This is not how we usually operate at the National Farmers’ Federation.

Our members are professional business people, and we typically represent them in a professional and business-like way. But decision by decision, your government is pushing farmers away and eroding their trust.

Frankly they’ve had enough.

The appalling decision to ban live sheep exports from 2028 is just the latest example of your government’s refusal to support our industry – even when facts and science are on our side.

When asked why he’s choosing to destroy the livelihoods of farmers, shearers and truckies in West-

ern Australia, your Agriculture Minister simply answers ‘because we said we would’.

When pressed on why this commitment was made in the first place, he offers figures from a limited RSPCA survey suggesting it’s what Australians want.

That isn’t leadership.

Leadership is having tough conversations with voters and when facts change – as they have in the live sheep trade – changing policies to reflect this.

Your government has proven it’s willing to do this, but perhaps that’s only when votes can be gained in the process.

Beyond live sheep, we’ve been steamrolled on water buybacks by a minister who didn’t want to hear the alternatives.

We’ve sat with her and her bureaucrats advising of the impacts

and pleading to save the farms and the communities where they are located – but our voices have been ignored in favour of deals with the Greens.

We have talked about the shortcomings of the pacific labour scheme, which your government has effectively abolished as one of the few workable labour schemes for farmers.

We’ve also had to fight against the biosecurity tax which was dumped on industry without notice and would have seen farmers subsidise their competitors to the tune of half a billion dollars over the next decade – thankfully managing to convince senators that this was bad policy after your government again wouldn’t listen.

You’ve been similarly unyielding on a planned superannuation tax which you embarked on, not realising farmers would be significantly overrepresented among those affected.

Prime Minister, as you face up to the dual challenges of anaemic growth and high inflation, it’s worth considering how your agricultural policies worsen that challenge.

By wiping billions from the value of our industry, you don’t just reduce the economy.

You sentence voters to a more expensive weekly shop. As Prime Minister and president of the NFF, this situation serves neither of us.

We both have a job to do.

The NFF’s role is to represent farmers and producers – we will not apologise for this – if we don’t do it, we are not doing our job and failing our members who are passionate about their farms, businesses and communities.

Yes, our members have lost confidence, but we are not giving it away – we remain committed to working with your government on things we have in common and the issues impacting on farmers to restore that confidence.

Things like working together to ensure farmers can be part of the solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges. Transparent competition policy and investing in Australian industry.

I believe that can be done if your government commits itself to hearing the voices of farmers over the rabble of niche interests, which seems to be dictating decisions at present.

I don’t believe you want to lead an anti-farming government, but the facts lay bare that you are.

Let’s work together to change that.

Burn-off warning

Following a year that saw Country Fire Authority volunteers respond to 815 incidents caused by escaped burn-offs, fire crews are urging landowners to take extra precautions before lighting up.

With fire restrictions now lifted across the state, residents are taking the opportunity to burn off grass, stubble, weeds, and undergrowth to maintain their properties.

While encouraged, CFA reminds people to monitor weather forecasts in the lead up to ignition.

In 2023, more than 22,500 volunteer hours were spent responding to incidents involving escaped private burn-offs.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said the findings from the statistics were a timely reminder for private landowners to make sure they had enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely.

“We know burn-offs can flare-up several days afterwards, so it is important residents are consistently monitoring wind conditions before and after their burning day, while also notifying their neighbours to be mindful of smoke,” he said.

“The overarching message is clear – please don’t leave your burn-off unattended.

“Of the 815 escaped burn offs, 69 percent of them had no record of being registered and 113 required more than five CFA vehicles.

“If you light a fire to burn off, you own it. Registering it is important and may avoid unnecessary responses from CFA brigades, but it does not remove your responsibility.”

Burn-offs are registered using Fire Permits Victoria at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.

For more information on how to prepare properties and to burn off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ prepare.

Gauging farmers’ opinions

Member for Mallee Anne Webster hosted Nationals leader David Littleproud in the electorate last week – and began sprouting an election plan to farmers.

The pair was in Mildura and Maryborough, meeting agriculture and horticulture businesses to discuss key issues, such as cost-of-living, overseas workers, and taxes.

Dr Webster said the National Farmers’ Federation’s decision to move a vote of no confidence against the Federal Government was indicative of farmers’ opinion at the moment.

“Wherever you look, while Labor is finding ways to tax farmers harder, buy back their water and drive up water prices, it has cut back on infrastructure the regional communities desperately need to get an inch closer to the wealth of investment Melbourne people get,” she said.

Mr Littleproud said regional Australians were hurting amid a costof-living crisis, and no one in the Mallee felt better-off under a Labor government.

“What we have seen in the past two years since Labor was elected is an unprecedented assault on the regions,” he said.

“We’ve seen this government tear up the dedicated agriculture visa, continue to use an unworkable Pacific Australia Labour Mobility, PALM Scheme, try to introduce a reckless fresh food tax, or biosecurity protection levy, and press ahead with shutting down the live sheep export industry.

“We’ve seen a tax on new vehicles, where Australian families, farmers, and tradies will pay more for SUVs, four-wheel drives and utes, as well as a truckie tax.”

Mr Littleproud said a future Coali-

“We will restore services to the regions with better childcare and health access, lowering migration rates to help ease the housing crisis”

– David Littleproud

tion government would explore all energy options, with nuclear in the mix, rather than a ‘reckless race to renewables’, including one that required 28,000 kilometres of transmission lines, destroying farming land in areas such as Mallee.

“We will restore services to the regions with better childcare and health access, lowering migration rates to help ease the housing crisis,” he said.

“A future Coalition government will introduce an importer container levy – rather than charging our own farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of importers in the form of a terrible fresh food tax.

“A future Coalition government will also reinstate the Agriculture Visa, ensure the PALM Scheme is workable for farmers, back our live sheep industry and reinstate the live sheep export trade, deliver strong infrastructure for our regional communities and help families struggling with a costof-living crisis by tackling the drivers of inflation.”

Market workshop

Growers interested in understanding grain marketing can learn more with a free half-day workshop in Horsham on July 3.

Organised by GrainGrowers and conducted by Market Check, there will also be a workshop in Ouyen on July 2.

The workshops are designed to provide growers with various tools, market insights and solutions to grain marketing requirements and risk management plans.

GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said the workshops had been developed after grower interest in the organisation’s trade and market access work.

“There is a lot involved in grain marketing and the workshops are a great way to stay up-to-date on ways to maximise your marketing efforts,” she said.

Ms Gawel said growers attending the workshops would leave with a renewed understanding of the grain market, the factors that were driving prices and how things such as options and hedging could be applied in a beneficial manner.

She said Market Check’s years of experience in research and analysis would provide participants with practical, real-world examples of understanding the market’s current state and using available tools to implement appropriate risk management strategies.

To register, visit www.graingrowers.com.au/events.

TOUR: Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Nationals leader David Littleproud, right, with Irymple fruit grower Tim Milner.

Celebrating 40 years

A family business with strong ties to the community, Horsham Wool brings 130-plus years of industry experience to its customers.

The three Nelson brothers – Jamie, Brett and Ricky – have been a mainstay of Horsham Wool for decades following in the footsteps of their father Rob who started the business in May, 1984.

Rob had been a wool buyer since 1968 before starting Horsham Wool.

Jamie joined the business in 1987, then Ricky in 1990 before Brett came on board in 2004, and then Lisa Nelson and Mick Crick were employed seven years ago.

A year ago, Stephen Harvey, who brings more than 30 years of buying wool, joined the business.

Jamie, who has been judging wool for more than 15 years, said Horsham Wool was proud to be a part of Wimmera communities.

He thanked all the groups that took walking tours through Horsham Wool, and showed a genuine interest in the business.

“We are extremely thankful to those we sponsor for their continued loyalty,” he said.

“We get gratification from seeing all our communities grow, knowing we may have played a small part in that.”

Horsham Wool pride themselves on providing farmers with the best market advice on selling options, mixing wools and the best breeds, along with daily and weekly market updates.

With stores in Horsham, Nhill, Kaniva and Edenhope, Horsham Wool has customers from across the Wimmera, and can be contacted on 5382 1628.

Horsham Wool’s team: Brett Nelson, Jamie Nelson, Tyge Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Mick Crick, Rob Nelson, Stephen Harvey, Tatiarna Nelson and Lisa Nelson.

Funding returns for health centre

The National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton will be able to continue supporting the safety and wellbeing of farmers across the country after the State Government backflipped on a decision to strip the centre’s funding.

The centre develops interventions focusing on the prevention and early identification of risk factors associated with farming populations.

Shadow agriculture spokesperson and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy backed the strong advocacy from the centre and farming communities after the government initially failed to provide funding in the 2024-25 State Budget.

The advocacy led the state government to reverse its decision and provide $900,000 to continue the centre’s operations for another year.

Ms Kealy commended the centre’s team for its activism to ensure farmers, farm workers and their families would not lose the much-needed resource and its valuable services.

“The funding cut was deeply disappointing not just for the local Hamilton community but for farmers across the state who have been working with the centre for the past decade through its mental health initiatives, the Sustainable Farm Families program, and its many other programs that are vital in connecting farmers with practical support,” she said.

“The cut not only created huge uncertainty for the centre and all those who rely on its services, but was particularly disappointing given agriculture has the highest number of work-related deaths of any industry in Australia. We have already seen a number of on-farm deaths this year.

“Now is not a time to be cutting funding. We need to make sure we are working together to support and educate farmers to put best-practice in place so that they can be safe at work each day, and the National Centre for Farmer Health

is critical to achieving this. The reinstatement of funding for the National Centre for Farmer Health is imperative in ensuring the centre can continue its high-quality programs, evidencebased services and research initiatives that support the farming sector in dealing with the increasing health, wellbeing and safety challenges it faces.”

Prior to the reversal of the decision to cut funding, the centre’s director Alison Kennedy said they were disappointed the government hadn’t re-funded the centre beyond June 30.

“They have been a provider of core funding for a long time and that’s incredibly important to our sustainability – its not a huge amount of money in government-speak, they’ve been funding us to the tune of about $1 million a year, so it’s really a drop in the bucket of the state coffers, but it’s incredibly important support for the centre,” she said.

Dr Kennedy said the government funding helped programs to continue operating, providing certainty for research projects and retaining high quality staff.

She said the centre had other sources of funding, through grants and commercial partnerships, but they were often reliant on matching government funding.

“We actually save the government money. Our programs save the health system money through the prevention of risk to farmer health,” she said.

A government spokesperson said the funding had been found ‘outside the budget through other sources’.

“We’re continuing our support of the centre with a $900,000 investment next financial year — as we have done every year, when in government. The NCFH plays an important role identifying and preventing chronic disease and safety risk factors in the agriculture and farming community.

AWARDED: Horsham SmartFarm-based PhD student Danielle Tang was given a best student presentation award at a conference in New Zealand.

A University of Melbourne student, Ms Tang’s presentation was on how to predict faba bean grain protein quality before harvest using handheld sensors, gaining her the 2024 Best Student Presentation Award for Near Infrared Science. Ms Tang won the award at the 20th The Australian Near Infrared Spectroscopy Group, and New Zealand Near Infrared Spectroscopy Group conference in New Zealand.

Grains research update at Nhill

Grains Research and Development Corporation is hosting a grains research update event in Nhill for growers and their advisers.

One of 10 events in the southern region, the update will deliver the latest outcomes from the many research, development and extension projects to agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers.

E-Catalogue OUT NOW

The event will feature quality, evidence-based information on topical and practical growing issues presented by industry experts, as well as giving all stakeholders the opportunity to network.

The Nhill event is on July 11 from 9am until 1pm. Register at grdc.com.au/events/ list/2024/07/grdc-grains-research-update-nhill.

‘Familia r’ drive

Kia Australia will offer its first ever ute from 2025 with a familiar turbo-diesel engine.

The brand confirmed to GoAuto that its powertrain was one that many Australians would already be acquainted with.

That can only mean it will be a reworked take on the existing 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine currently employed in the Kia Sorento and Carnival models.

In those applications, the diesel produces 148kW and 440Nm, well below what is available from popular utes such as the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine deployed in the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok to develop 154kW and 500Nm.

Kia Australia general manager of product planning Roland Rivero confirmed the powertrain would not be an all-new one, and nor was it going to be a six-cylinder.

“The brand is heading towards electrification. That’s the horse that’s been backed by our brand in totality,” he said, referring to the fact there would be no further investment in new diesel powertrains.

“Therefore, as you head more and more towards that electrification, investment in internal combustion en-

gines starts to diminish, so don’t be surprised if the powertrain that powers the Tasman is a familiar powertrain that you all have driven.

“We think that, irrespective of what you may deem an older powertrain, it’s what you do with it and how you build around it that determines how good the product is going to be, and our initial testing is looking really, really good at the moment.”

This suggests the Tasman’s oil-burner will not just be the same unit seen in the family-friendly offerings where it currently plays a key role.

“We’re only in prototype mode, and it only gets better and better as you get closer to mass production,” Mr Rivero said.

He revealed the brand had laid down the law to its research and development department to hit the targets expected of a true-blue Aussie ute.

“Because it’s got towing requirements and off-road requirements… a bigger fan and a few little techniques will be applied to try and get the most out of it,” Mr Rivero said.

“So there could be some tweaking in that regard, but so far what we have experienced with it, it’s pretty good.

“We had three non-negotiables that research and development is working towards – 3.5-tonne towing; 10

ON THE ROAD: Kia has

confirmed the powertrain of its new ute is one many Australians will be familiar with.

percent downball weight is equally important; and over a tonne payload.”

Mr Rivero also pushed the point that payload was not just a number that looked good on a billboard.

“As you know with payload – for the amateurs out there, you can’t just assume payload is a whole one-tonne chucked into the tray,” he said.

“Payload is a formula of gross vehicle mass, minus kerb weight, and kerb doesn’t include four burly blokes, bullbar, winch… you have to subtract

all of those and a trailer or caravan on the back.

“The definition of payload is what we’re targeting, at 1000 kilograms.

“By the time you add four burly blokes, bullbar, winch, it’s probably only about 600kg.”

Mr Rivero would not say much more on the topic of power and torque outputs, but it is expected that a more assertive output figure is on the cards, and further details such as the transmission, four-wheel-drive componen-

try and engine changes are still under wraps.

The brand has previously stated it intends to sell 20,000 examples of the Tasman ute in its first full year on the market, equal to the combined sales of the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara in 2023.

Diesel versions of the Tasman are due to launch in 2025, with a fullyelectric take on the theme due a year later.

– Matt Campbell

Honda to go all-electric by 2040

Honda revealed ‘automobile’ electrification initiatives it will adopt through to 2040 at a recent business briefing in Tokyo.

Honda Motor Company director, president and representative executive officer Toshihiro Mibe said Honda had not changed its belief that electric vehicles, EVs, were the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles.

He said Honda’s electrification target to make EVs and fuel cell electric vehicles, FCEVs, represent 100 percent of its global vehicle sales by 2040 remained unchanged.

“Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularisation and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a medium- to long-term perspective,” he said.

The multi-faceted automotive and aircraft manufacturer plans to facilitate its electrification targets in a number of ways, including through structural reform of procurement and production operations.

It says it will establish a vertically integrated EV value chain with a central focus on batteries that will potentially allow Honda to reduce its cost compared to the cost of current batteries procured in North America for example, by more than 20 percent as of 2030.

FUTURE PLANNING:

Honda is working towards building a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a mediumto long-term perspective.

It is also confident of securing enough batteries for the planned production of about two million EVs a year.

In a media statement emanating from the briefing, Honda said it would establish a competitive business structure with an aim to reduce overall production cost by about 35 percent.

Honda’s future EV line-up will be initially called the Honda 0 Series, which will be the ‘flagship’ of its EV range, comprising a total of seven small through to large size models launched globally by 2030.

In striving to achieve this Honda is planning to invest about $95.8-billion in resources across the 10-year period

through to financial year 2031, which is when Honda is expecting the period of full-fledged popularisation of EVs to start.

Honda says it will pursue both ‘bold’ investments for future growth and shareholder returns.

“The environment surrounding automobile electrification is undergoing dramatic changes, and in some regions, the sense of a slowdown in EV market growth is gaining attention,” Mr Mibe said.

“There are various approaches toward Honda’s 2050 goal of carbon neutrality. For example, to achieve ‘zero environmental impact’ in powering large mobility products such as

aircraft and large watercraft, the use of SAF aircraft and e-fuel is being viewed as a high potential solution, from the perspective of range.

“On the other hand, Honda has not changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products, such as motorcycles and automobiles.

“Looking at the trend from a longerterm perspective, Honda is confident the EV shift will continue to proceed steadily.

“Without getting too caught up in the current changes in the situation, Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularisation, which will begin in the second half of the 2020s and

build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business.”

From 2030, Honda plans to make EVs and FCEVs represent 40 percent of its global auto sales, equating to some two-million EVs.

Honda says in future it will steadily pursue the introduction of attractive EVs ‘only Honda can offer’, the establishment of a comprehensive EV value chain with a central focus on batteries and the advancement of EV production technologies and facilities that it hopes will achieve a return on sales of five percent for its EV business as of 2030 to further increase its profit margin and make the EV business self-sustaining.

In relation to Honda’s completely new Zero Series EVs, some of which made an appearance at January’s Consumer Electronics Show in the US, the company says they will be developed using the philosophy of ‘Thin, Light, and Wise’.

Through the use of light body frames, new power units and F1 technology, Honda says it will be able to reduce the weight of its Zero Series EVs by about 100 kilograms.

Heavy components such as the Flex Cell battery and power unit will be placed low and in the centre of the vehicle body to realise a low centre of gravity, resulting in improved stability in conjunction with a sporty drive feel.

– Peter Barnwell

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: May 27, 2004 –Natimuk’s Dave Jones received a $5000 grant to produce an animated short film about life in a Victorian country town in the 1930s. ‘In My Day’ was a produced by Jones after he coordinated interviews of the town’s residents by primary school children to tell the stories of the schoolyard 70 years before. The film was to premiere in Horsham that October before being entered in festivals around Australia and the world.

10 years ago: May 28, 2014

Municipal leaders across the region committed $100,000 to a feasibility study into developing a standard-gauge rail shuttle passenger service connecting key Wimmera centres with trains in Ararat. The concept proposed one or two carriages with a service corresponding with other rail service scheduling, the cost of rolling stock, operating stock and what improvements migh have been needed across signalling, level crossings and stations.

Five years ago: May 29, 2019

Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College hosted an open day to showcase students’ talents as well as its new senior campus, where the school’s first year-12 students started that term. Principal Daniel Weller said the expansion provided flexible and agile learning spaces for older students, who tended to break into small groups for VCE, VCAL and VET studies.

One year ago: May 31, 2023

Construction of new accommodation at Longerenong was on track to house students in 2024. The expansion included three seven-bedroom units and three four-bedroom units and was to be completed by December, by Locks Construction.

TaKe a BreaK

1. What art form is described as ‘decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering’?

2. True of false. People can die sooner from a lack of sleep than from a lack of food?

3. Which driver has won the most Formula 1 championships?

4. The name of what west Wimmera centre supposedly means ‘magpie’ in the Aboriginal language of that area?

5. Which song, recorded on this day in 1942 by Bing Crosby with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra and the Ken Darby Singers in just 18 minutes, became the world’s best-selling single?

6. In what country is the Chernobyl nuclear plant located?

7. Mallee Football League club Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers are the result of mergers involving what original clubs?

8. Norwegian artist Edvard Munch is famous for painting which iconic piece?

9. Part of a British expedition, who was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest on this day in 1953?

10. Which planet in the Milky Way is the hottest?

Goroke. 5. White Christmas – an estimated 100 million copies were sold. 6. Ukraine. 7. Sea Lake, Nandaly, Berriwillock and Culgoa. 8. The Scream. 9. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. 10. Venus.

Answers: 1. Calligraphy. 2. True. 3. Michael Schumacher. 4.

in

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

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

Work could be more demanding, and for a relationship to progress, some inner conflicts should be solved. More social activity is needed, and you could be asked to play a leading role.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Colour: White Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.5. Lotto Numbers: 3.5.6.13.24.34.

It could be a lucky period for career and personal expansions, and much more happens in your social life. Friends could be sending out confusing signals, telling it as it comes.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 6.7.23.34.41.22.

Relationships should deepen and take on a more severe note. Many will be making plans for permanent unions, and many will be in a more powerful position to call the shots.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.9.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 6.23.31.22.29.

Plans for the future are looking good with a very appealing relationship offer. However, despite an improved financial outlook, something you seek to establish is insecure.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 9.5.7.3. Lotto Numbers: 7.3.5.42.31.22.

Many of your hopes and desires can be fulfilled in a romantic relationship, and more energy is needed to pursue your love life ventures. There could be some luck in games of chance.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.3.4.7. Lotto Numbers: 4.6.12..25.42.33.

Your relationship affairs could need a bit of attention to keep moving forward. Some rethinking of your love affairs can lead to a decision about what you expect to gain through them.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8.7.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 3.5.23.35.7.11.

Health and fitness affairs could demand more attention and more focus on exercise and diet rather than rushing aimlessly. Love affairs should go well.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 6.8.3.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.26.45.33.

Most should be heading into a better period and better financial security, and some will be able to take more time out to enjoy themselves.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.42.33.

Take time to study the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Most should be feeling energetic and able to cope with anything. Your plans should take shape, and family affairs should start settling down.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 6.8.3.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.12.24.34.33.

Sharing intimately with loved ones should ease any inner tensions. Some might feel that there is an element of secrecy coming from close ones, but all will be revealed in time.

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

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

Passed away on May 21, 2024 aged 84 years.

Dearly loved wife of Joe (dec).

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Lena & John; Phillip & Denise; Marcelle & Rod; Simonne & Dominic; John & Louise.

Adored Siette to Theresa & Andy, Maree, Olivia & Joseph and Grace; Sam, Sophie and Lachie; Brad, Dylan & Ashleigh; Zoe and Ella; Mia, Alyssa and Lydia.

Great Siette to Charlie, Preston and Michael.

Forever In Our Hearts

HAIR (nee Whitehead), Marlene

Passed away on May 16, 2024 aged 85 years.

Dearly loved wife of Ivan (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Gaven & Gill; Janine & Mark; Lee & Rick.

Adored Mumma to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Forever In Our Hearts

~ HAIR ~ Marlene

6-12-1938 to 16-5-2024

Our dear Mumma

Time was something we never had enough of with you but we are so grateful for the times we did have.

Particularly our last visit with you on Mother’s Day this year. We will hold onto those memories so closely.

Thank you for the woman you were and the women you have helped raise. You were independent and brave and funny and we will miss your kind little gestures that warmed our hearts. A bag of home-grown apples left on the door step, birthday cards in the mailbox or a phone call to congratulate one of the kids on a sporting achievement.

Loved always by your granddaughter Abbey with Mark and greatgrandchildren Chavi, Taj & Mimi x

HAIR, Rhonda “Marlene”

6-12-1938 to 16-5-2024

Result of accident

Loved mother, mother-inlaw & mumma of Gaven, Gillian, Tom & Mitch.

Friend of Nash & Charlotte.

Regular supplier of chocolate chip biscuits to Tom and Mitch.

Will be sadly missed. Thank you for all of your support.

WERNER, Roy Kenneth

20-6-1937 to 27-5-2024

Son of Arthur & Sarah (dec).

Brother of Ian & Noreen (dec).

Loving Husband of Joy.

Devoted Father of Stuart & Peter.

Cherished Grandfather of Nikayla, Grace, Sarah, Tayla, Cooper, Zarina, Quaysha, Jensen, Varli & Ayden. Great Grandfather to Hazel. Forever in our heart

WIRTH, Margaret ‘Joyce’

28/08/1928 - 22/05/2024

Loving mother to Colin, mother-in-law to Wendy

Adored Grandma of Amanda & Adam, Sally & Ryan, Narelle & Jon, and Chloe

Great Grandma to Zoe, Zac & Jed; Edison & Sadie; and Miles

‘Loved always and forever: Resting peacefully’

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

WIRTH, Margaret ‘Joyce’

28/08/1928 - 22/05/2024

Passed away peacefully aged 95 years.

Dearly loved wife of Bob for 70 years.

Loving mother, mother-inlaw, Grandma and Great grandma to Colin & Wendy Amanda, Adam, Edison & Sadie Troeth, Sally, Ryan, Zoe, Zac & Jed Emmerson Narelle, Jon and Miles Baker

Chloe

Brian & Julie

Lauren & Tammy Aaron, Stacey & Alexander ‘Loved & Remembered always’

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

FREIJAH,

Aida

The Funeral of Aida Freijah will leave Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Monday, 3 June 2024 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/@smjchurchhorsham/ streams

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HAIR, Marlene

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Marlene Hair will take place at the Harrow Hall on Friday, 31 May 2024 commencing at 11.30am.

Privately interred. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre by visiting hbnc.org.au/contact-us/ donations-bequests/

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MANDERS, Franciscus Wilhermus

The funeral service to farewell the late Mr Franciscus Manders is to be held at Horsham’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, 123A Wilson St, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 commencing at 11am Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

WERNER, Roy Kenneth 20-6-1937 to 27-5-2024

The funeral service for Roy Werner will be held graveside at the Nhill Lawn Cemetery on Friday, May 31 at 1pm Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill & District Funerals 0419 008 464

WIRTH, Margaret ‘Joyce’

The memorial service to farewell the late Mrs. Margaret ‘Joyce’ Wirth is to be held at St Andrews Uniting Church, Horsham, Tuesday June 4th 2024 commencing at 11am.

Joyce is to be farewelled at a private family burial

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

KIMBER, Judith (Judi) Maree My Blondie, My Best Mate, arrived on God’s Earth 23-7-1942 and returned to God in Heaven 29-5-2019

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

~ POLACK ~ Kevin

To our relatives and friends, we wish to extend a sincere thank you for your cards and messages of sympathy on the death of my husband, Kevin; father of Stephen, Sandra, Adrian, Brendan and families. Polack & Bone Families

DAVISON, Helen Elizabeth

The Funeral of Helen Elizabeth Davison will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Thursday, 30 May 2024 after a service commencing at 10.30am for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

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

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

~ MANDERS, Franciscus ~

As a number of us already know our dear friend Franc has passed away. He was a wonderful man who had a significant impact in many of our lives. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

If you would like to attend his funeral it will be held at the Horsham Adventist Church at 123A Wilson Street, Horsham, on Wednesday June 5 at 11am followed by a committal at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

3 Jack Russell Pups for sale, all vaccinated and microchipped, energetic and ready for their new homes, trained to sit, at 9 weeks old, mchip#

985141007721608/07/06, source#

EE192884 Ph 0423182267

3 Merino Sheeps, 1 Suffolk merino cross, 1 whether suffolk merino cross, $600 and no separation Ph 0481756063

5mth old Guinea fowls $25 each Ph 0435124012 Dimboola

6 yr old Thoroughbred Mare, welcome to take on trail, potential hack, show or whatever, easy to catch float etc ph O447275737

Alaskan Malamute pups , Born 21/2/24 Vet checked , microchipped wormed Source number MB168224 Boy 98514007720630. Boy 985141007720631, Girl 985141007720628 $1000 ph Nadine 0429836214

Aust White x Dorper cross ewe lambs, no shearing, crutching or fly problems, excellent 4 legged lawn mowers, will sell in lots of 10 or over Ph 0447275737 for further details

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , assorted colours, pastels $10 each Ph 0419505737

Cocker spaniel pups, 4 tan 1 black& tan 1 black both parents reg with dogs victoria vet checked vaccinated microchipped & wormed ready for their new homes, m/chip# 956000016725032 956000016330824, source# RB185238 Ph 0429912620

Doberman pups, 4x girls black/ tan, 4x boys 3 black/tan and 1 brown/tan, ready to go, m/c # 956000014813157/14702252 /14697789/14699139/14845771 /14850566/14817621/14810773 $2000 Ph 0431982052

Female desexed mini dachshund, I like kids, dogs, cats, I am toilet trained, love walks and snuggles, microchip# 900141000504012, source#

MB197522 $1400ono Nhill Ph 0431725487

Goats for sale, very quiet, from $120 each Ph 0427361940

Kelpie x Coolie Pup, ready to go, born 15.10.23, raised with kids, female with white marking, m/chip 953010006206891, source # MB238326, $250 Ph Jo 0410331573

Muscovy ducks, 4-6mnths old $20 each Ph 53542590

Parrots for sale, hand raised, young green cheek conures, extremely friendly, young aviary bred bourkes/ turks Ph 0408535515

Purebred black faced Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Purebred German Shepherd, 8wks, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and three girls, source# MB115424, m/ chip# 956000016586733/68728 9/6693126/6668157/6681104 Ph 0421018631

Pure-bred Labrador puppies, ready to go early April, vet checked and will be vaccinated, 1 gold bitch microchip# 985141007305071,1 black male microchip# 985141007305077,1 gold male microchip# 985141007305074, source# MB182447$2200, female $2000 males, Ph Nathan for more information 0418657247

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniels , 2 x males, d.o.b 13/2/24, source no MB246377, microchip# 985141007305080, 985141007305078, $2000 Ph 0421094720

Suffolk Rams, 18 months old,fully vaccinated, OB accredited, PIC3SGP010, ready to work, good bloodlines, well grown, $800 plus GST, can arrange delivery Ph 0429196337

Young Muscovy ducks, available now, $15 each Ph 042992620

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 53cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

18.6 tandem cylmic caravan full length annexe, elec brakes, heating / cooling b/d $27,750 Ph 53911050 Nhill

1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $22,000ono Ph 0419514118

2003 Avan, The Robina, poptop, new awning, new battery, new tyres, diesel heater, immaculate, tare 1150kg, $16,000 Ph 0418504985

2009 Roma Elegance Pop Top, 18ft 6, air bags, full canvas annexe, has new awning and hot water service, VGC, $25,000 ONO, Ph 0429951322

2010 Galaxy Odyssey, combined shower/toilet, queen bed, air con, battery, awning, annexe, tare 1900kg, $24,990 Ph 0418504985

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, reg Y76535 $18500ono Ph 0407360212

2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards, $24000ono, Ph 0427467622 Kaniva

Concept Ascot caravan, 2006, 18’, pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $22,000 Ph Ray 041344534

Goldstream RV Off Road 2007, solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric,

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2024, U28090 $9,000ono Ph 0429942936

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, deisel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $42,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

Seeking Individual Support Worker (Ageing) to provide in-home care, Horsham based, duties include, dressing, bathing, toileting, minimum 1 overnight + 1 day shift per week, male or strong female ideal, Italian/English language skills ideal, more detail on enquiry Ph 0439307176

3PL Super Spreader, done no work, fair condition, $350, Ph 0400894020

3x Ajax wool press $100ea plus Gst ono Ph 0428894258

Ferguson Tea .20, full engine rebuild, new radiator, carby, distributor, oil pump, trans and final drive resealed, HYD system overhauled, new gauges, seat, steering wheel, new paint, good tyres, best Fergi in district, $4200 Ph 0429491426

Header NH TR88 with 36’ McDon front 960, ready to go $25,000, Jaeske field bin, 28 tonne $5500 Ph 0428946395

Heaslip grouper, VGC, 2 bins, 4200L each capacity, Honda motor, new bearings in elevator, adjustable legs, always shedded $7700 inc Gst Ph 0427330078

Macey Field Bin in GO $3000 Ph 0429857207

MF tea 20 with 2 spare rear wheel rims 1 with tyre $2500 Ph 0419574884

REDUCED Field Bins , 2 Jaeschke 32t field bins, one with square top lids with and sight glasses $7500, large round top one with normal lids $6500, all prices plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Small steel sheep ramp suit tandem trailer, $75, Ph 0400894020

Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/operator, $80,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

5 x 30 ton Silos for sale, $1500 ono Ph 0427361940

Brandt 46’ auger , 8” super charge, new battery, new motor 3rd wheel drive $14,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Case IH 2144 Harvester, 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $50,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

Connor Shea, 18 plate, disc plough, hydraulic lift and fold $ 850 ono,Southern cross pump jack, electric motor, working $80, Asuc wool table $120 ono, Briggs and stratton motor, industrial, 16HP $120 ono Ph 0407911884

Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer, all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832

,

$4000 Ph 0408144139 Horsham 2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

Aluminium windows, 4 x double approx 6’x6’, 2 x single approx 6’x3’, other smaller sizes, VGC, also quantity of timber louvre wardrobe doors, make an offer Ph 0437754474

Cattle scales Gallagher, never used, still in box, load bars, 600ml, 2500kgs, stainless steel platform, best offer over $2000 Ph 0438096662

Chicken manure, ex sheds or composted available now The Good Dirt Company Lethbridge Vic Ph 0409889250

Chook house, 1500mm long 1400mm wide 1800mm high, nest box attached keep your chickens safe from predators $350 Ph 53583400

Dine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000 Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs $220 inc Ph 0428579838 Honda EU70is generator, almost brand new, 14 hrs, $5800 Ph 0417500311

Tractor Tyre , 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

Trailing Grain Feeder , with canopy, good condition, $1100, Ph 0400894020

Horse hames, old, 8 pairs $40 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884

Jumbuck outdoor gas oven, trolley and cover, new condition $250 Ph 0448826464

2001 Savage 418 Kestrel SF, reg GG970, exp 18 Sep 2024, 30Hp, 2S Mercury motor, cover and canopy, dunbier gal trailer zeg U57972, exp 18 Sep 2024 all in very good condition $8250 Ph 0429924704

3.7 Boat and cover, on aussie trailer with a Yamaha 15HP motor, $5000 Ph 53582560 Stawell

3.8 Savage aluminium boat, new 18 hp Tohatsu motor, Biminis, Eagle fish finder, Mackay galvanised trailer, GC, $3700 Ph 0428826113

3.8 Stacer Kippa boat,15hp, 2 stroke Mercury, trailer A77849, cover, canopy, extras, boat reg J0296 $3900 Ph 5382 4210

4.0m Stessel Aluminium Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial no 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

Savage Jabiru 1998 , 3.8m reg CZ582 to 4/1/25, recently quality painted, Mercury 15hp motor pristine condition working well, boat trailer reg D90675 til 4/1/25, brilliant for shallow water launching, $2500 the lot Ph 0427023389 Halls Gap

Aspire Wheelchair, extremely comfortable, padded headrest, additional padded section for leg support, barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913

Electric Recliner lift chair, $1500, Ph 0435787449, pick up Horsham

Oscar remote electric lift chair as new hardly used, bargain $1200 Ph 0408504682

Roho Brand Permobill dry flotation pressure cushion and cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph 0435787499

2011 White Nissan Navara D40 STX550 V6 twin cab, auto, diesel, bull bar, driving lights, snorkel, long range fuel tank, duel battery system, 2 inch lift kit, canopy, hard top tonneau cover and roll bar, 1 owner, serviced regularly, rego paid until 23/12/2024, comes with RWC, engine number: V9X007595C, 297,500kms, YTZ 215 $20,800ono Ph Craig 0429832207

2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609

modern 4wd trucks, Floatation tyres, GPS and scales, call Adam Ph 0427552432

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $27000 Ph 0427822909

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3spd manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $25,000ono Ph 0407614706

Honda Civic VTI-L Sportshatch 2017 , CVT auto, 1.5L turbo, 5L/100km, fully optioned, Honda warranty, amazing car, as new, genuine sale, 1MT-2IG, 46,000km, $25,900 Ph 0408881137

REDUCED Silver 2007 Toyota Landcruiser GXL V8 Diesel, EC with accessories, locally purchased and owned, 298,000kms, WEU939

Seat Walker, GC, $175ono, Ph 0435787499

Leave

Stawell Agricultural Society

9am Sunday, June 2nd 78 Patrick Street

SUNDAY,

JUNE 2

ATTENTION Elsie Elizabeth DENTON

This notice has been posted by order of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria at Horsham to bring to your attention that proceeding MAG-Cl-230131450 has been brought against you by West Wimmera Shire Council for payment of unpaid rates and charges of the property - 1 Willis Street, HARROW VIC 3317. The amount sought in the Complaint is $8,071.60 plus interest and costs. If you seek to defend this Complaint, or if any other party claims a proprietary interest in these properties, they can do so by filing a notice of defence in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and serving a copy of that defence on the Plaintiff, care of LawyersAU Pty Ltd Suite 2.05, Level 2, 11 Queens Road Melbourne VIC 3004 or by email ambert@lawyersau.com

Council will be hosting Famer Consultation Sessions during June to discuss Roads, Tree Trimming, Pests & Weeds, the draft 24/25 Annual Budget and draft 24/25 Council Plan Actions, and any other items important to our farming community.

Sessions will be held in the following locations: Rainbow

Tuesday 4 June 2024 from 9:30am until 11am MECCA Supper Room, Federal Street Rainbow Jeparit

Wednesday 5 June from 9am until 10:30am Jeparit Hall, Roy Street Jeparit Yanac

Monday 17 June from 9:30am until 11am Yanac Hall, Francis Street Yanac Nhill

Thursday 20 June from 9am until 10:30am Nhill Memorial Community Centre, Nelson Street Nhill Dimboola

Monday 24 June from 9am until 10:30am Dimboola Customer Service Centre & Library, Lloyd Street Dimboola

Morning Tea will be provided.

Any enquiries regarding the consultation sessions should be directed to Ram Upadhyaya, Director Infrastructure Services, on 03 5391 4444 or by emailing rupadhyaya@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Chief Executive Officer

Governance Officer (Full Time)

If you have a background in compliance, quality assurance, business management or legal practice this maybe the perfect role for you.

We are looking for a business minded person, with the ability to interpret and implement legislative requirements. The person will need to have well developed IT and problem-solving skills. Whilst local government experience is desired, it is not required. Applications close Friday, June 14, 2024.

MARKET Apply today at https://www.yarriambiack. vic.gov.au. Enquiries are to be directed to Manager Organisation Performance Ms Bernadine Schilling on bschilling@ yarriambiack.vic.gov.au or (03) 5398 0100

to 6pm

DISPENSARY TECHNICIAN

Full-Time

Technicians assist pharmacists in unpacking and assembling medications, data entry and label preparation, serving customers, answering phones, ordering stock and maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the dispensary.

Priceline Pharmacy Horsham requires a full-time dispensary technician. Applicants should enjoy both people and task-based activities, have an eye for detail, and ideally would have completed year 12. Once employment commences, some study is required to become credentialled, which the business will support. The position also requires some weekend work.

Applications to the Pharmacist In Charge: hr@horshampharmacy.com.au, by May 31, 2024.

TEACHERS WANTED

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

We have Teaching and Casual Relief Teacher Positions available

**Attractive

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

Family Violence Case Manager

30.4 or 38 hours per week

$32.21 to $47.50 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

Case Manager Aged Care

38 hours per week

$32.21 to $41.52 per hour

Contact: Karen Watson

Closing: 12pm Monday 17

To

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

Customer

Manager to join our team at the Rupanyup site.

As the Customer Service Manager, you will manage the day-today customer service operations at the facility. Your leadership will be critical in managing the daily customer service operations.

Duties will include:

• Constant liaison with grain buyers, operations, and customers with up-to-date and accurate information.

• Overseeing and evaluating storage and inventory systems to ensure they meet supply demands and effectively manage stock levels.

• Overseeing the recording of deliveries, storage, and distribution transactions on a daily basis.

• Monitor all inbound and outbound orders in a timely manner.

You will have:

• 3+ years’ experience in leading a customer service team within the grain export industry or similar area.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills

• Knowledge of the grain market, knowledge of pulse varieties, and experience in grain classification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in management or a relevant field.

• Proven experience in delivering exceptional customer service.

• Proficiency in managing a diverse team. What we will provide:

• Flexible work environment.

• $65,000 - $70,000 + super

If you feel aligned with the job duties outlined above and are eager for a fresh opportunity, kindly submit your application in Word format at your earliest convenience. Alternatively, please reach out to us via email at grain@wimmeragrain.com.au to schedule a confidential discussion.

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

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Senior Customer Service Officer (Fixed Term 12 Months)

Position number VG/3303

The Senior Customer Service Officer is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day functions of the Customer Service team, including the supervision and development of team members. Our Customer Service team strive towards our vision of ‘at all times to exceed customer expectations’ by providing a ‘one-stop’ service for our customers.

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

Principal Strategic Advisor (Family Violence)

30.4 - 38 hours per week

Reduced to 20 hours per week after 12 months

$51.90 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

Grampians Community Health is partnering with the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (SAFV Centre) in the South West to reconvene the Wimmera Southwest Family Violence Partnership (WSWFVP) which the Principal Strategic Advisor (PSA) will play a key role.

Closing: 12pm Monday 3 June 2024

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au be someone making a difference for

If you have a positive and supportive attitude to help create an environment where we provide our customers with an exceptional customer experience, we would love to hear from you!

To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

Applications close: Wednesday 5 June 2024

GWMWater contact: Olwen Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

GWMWater is an EEO employer and is committed to continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems.

To receive information in relation to this vacancy in an accessible format such as large print, please contact our People Talent and Culture team on 1300 659 961.

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams Managing Director 11 McLachlan Street Horsham gwmwater.org.au

George trains four, locals dominate

Garry George of Beulah is riding the wave of momentum after training four winners in the past week, with doubles at Horsham on Tuesday and Bendigo on Friday.

Shawn Fullerton of Red Cliffs, Ian Bibby of Warracknabeal and Andrea Gurry of Nhill were also successful for the week.

George, training his team on the outskirts of Beulah, had a week to remember with four victories and two minor placings.

Legitimate struck first, at Horsham, winning his maiden at start number two.

Jumping to the front from the red box he held sway for the entirety, going home a three-length victor in 23:53 seconds.

Trespassing followed in the very next race. He was forced to work hard from the wide draw and ran down early leader Talkin Bluey, Caitlan Hartigan of Horsham, to win well in 23:45sec.

George then hit the road, travelling to Warrnambool on Thursday for two seconds, followed by a trip to Bendigo on Friday, resulting in two victories.

Passing jumped straight to the front along the 500 metre journey and was challenged strongly late, but kicked back and won a headbobber by a nose in 28:37sec.

Show Cause rounded out the week.

Beginning moderately from the inside draw, she mustered quickly and took a rails run, cornered strongly and put the race to bed by the time the dogs straightened for home, winning by three lengths in a smart 24:24sec.

Tuesday also saw victories to Shawn Fullerton, with Pressure Rising leading all the way in a grade-five event along the 410 metres, stopping the clock in a nice 23:56sec.

The Tuesday prior was also the return to form of Orson Fury, when running second to Andrea Gurry’s smart chaser Udani Bale, but it was last week Orson Fury franked that form winning the second last on the

Vale Brian Powell Sport

Night trots at Horsham Showground in the 1960s was simply spectacular and one of the ‘stars of the show’ was the mighty mare Justaflicka for owner-trainer Bob Baker and his sonin-law driver, Brian Powell.

Brian passed away recently, but the quietly spoken Areegra farmer has left plenty of fond memories with those who were fortunate to have crossed his path.

Powell’s partnership with Baker and the three-year-old filly Justaflicka commenced in 1960 with eight straight wins on Western District tracks.

After a spell, the daughter of Baker’s mare Marjwon, returned to win nine of her seven starts as a four-year-old and went on to post another seven wins from eight starts until 1962. Baker and Powell then decided to give Justaflicka the opportunity to win in Melbourne. First up at the showgrounds she galloped at the start, but still put in a phenomenal effort without winning.

She atoned at her next appearance with a track record and went on to win another 11 including three in town.

Outed after an injury at the Horsham Trials, Justaflicka eventually returned to racing with a first-up victory at Ballarat, but was retired to stud, then finally living out her days at Powell’s Areegra property.

In the mid-80s, Powell was back pottering around with the horses and decided to give one of Justaflicka’s grandsons a try.

The big raw gelding gave him more headaches than joy, but Movin Free eventually made the racetrack as a three-year-old after qualifying at Minyip.

However, the big fella played up badly at his first three starts, ‘trying my patience’, said Powell.

For who knows what reason, Movin Free decided to behave at a Birchip Restricted meeting in February 1988 and gave Powell a huge thrill regardless of the size of the winner’s purse.

card with a brilliant come-from-behind victory. Finding early trouble, Fury was last entering the corner, but chased like a dog possessed to position up second turning for home, and with his strength, Fury hit the front and was going away on the line to be a two-length victor in the smart time of 23:47sec, with kennel mate Crymelon Comet also finishing third.

Gurry has now won her past three starts with new kennel star Udani Bale, with victories at Horsham two weeks ago, and Warrnambool last week – twice, on Monday and Thursday. Udani was able to lead on Monday and once leading, times and margins were all that mattered, Udani went home a two-length victor in 22:43sec with kennel mate Napier Bale getting home strong to run the quinella.

Thursday night was a different story. Only moderately away, Udani was midfield early but was able to find the rail and work his way into third position, but blocked for a run turning for home, Udani used magnificent field sense to rail the ears off them and go home a strong winner in a smart 22:25sec.

Back to his old tricks again for a few more outings, Movin Free put it together at Birchip in May, rewarding Powell for his time and effort.

Movin Free strung together a few minor placings on the TAB circuit before retiring at the end of the ’89 season.

Powell was a highly regarded, un-

assuming and keen volunteer track steward for the Wimmera Trotting Club in Horsham, always smiling and up for a chat.

He was also a committee member, then president of the Minyip Light Harness Club during the time it conducted meetings at Minyip, Horsham and Stawell.

FOND MEMORIES:

Brian Powell reins Justaflicka to one of her 10 victories at Horsham Showground – the most wins by any horse on the track, which hosted harness racing from 1954 to 1992.

A real highlight of the club’s annual dinner was president Powell’s report of the season’s activities – delivered as a rollicking ballad with keyboard accompaniment and lots of laughs from all those present.

Vale Brian Powell.

– Tony Logan

WINNER’S CIRCLE: Warracknabeal trainer Ian Bibby, left, with Katrina Spicer and Gilbert Arnold enjoyed success on the track last week.

ROUND SIX: The Weekly Advertiser photogapher

PAUL CARRACHER caught some of the Wimmera league senior football action between Warrack Eagles and Nhill, where the home side lost 11.6 (72) to the Tigers 16.8 (104), and A Grade netball between Horsham and Stawell, which resulted in a 35-goal to the Demons.

Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Warrack Eagles’ Machok Garang and Daniel Batson, Nhill; Keely Pope, Horsham; Kyle Cheney, Warrack Eagles, tackles Nathan Alexander, Nhill; Brittany Burns, Horsham; William Batson, Warrack Eagles, tackles Drew Schneider, Nhill; and centre, Stawell’s Ebony Summers.

ONE-SIDED: Kalkee enjoyed a successful day out in Horsham District league round seven action at the weekend, with the senior footballers defeating Taylors Lake 13.11 (89) to 9.14 (68) and the A Grade netballers victorious, 68 goals to Taylors Lake’s 30. Pictured in action are, clockwise from left: Isaiah Adams, Kalkee, passes; Justin Beugelaar, Taylors Lake, and Josh Milbourne, Kalkee; Tayla Eltze, Taylors Lake; Jayke Greig , Kalkee, tackles Ryan Gebert, Taylors Lake; Matt Nield, Kalkee, evades Tyson Kidney, Taylors Lake; Georgia Schultz, Kalkee; and centre, Isabelle Hedt, Taylors Lake and Jarrah Martin, Kalkee. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

KIDS & CHIROPRACTIC

Do kids need Chiropractic Care?

Well children are subject to the same forces that adults are, however their bodies can react very differently. An adjustment on a child or infant is very different to adjusting an adult and the amount of force used when adjusting a child or infant is varied depending on the age and development of the child. E.g. The amount of pressure to adjust an infant is the about the same pressure you would gently pressure you would use on your eyeball. Techniques are very different.

A lot more mobilisation techniques in specific directions are used. Neither a child nor an infant can tell you exactly what is going on so specialised assessing techniques are used and as a Chiropractor and a number of years in practice, I did 2 yrs extra study to attain my Grad Dip in Chiropactic Pediatric Care to make sure little ones are well cared for.

I clearly remember one first time Mum coming to see me because she was told, that her 3 week old baby didn’t like breast feeding. The first thing I assured her of was that her baby did indeed like and needed to be breast-fed if at all possible, because it gives the baby the best start in life. I assessed the child and observed that he couldn’t turn his neck comfortably to attach and he would arch and pull off in frustration. So, a hungry baby, an anxious Mum and a very upsetting situation for them. With 3 adjustments the baby was back to being fully breast-fed and Mum didn’t feel like a failure.

(Chiropractic),

100 years of the Hawks

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

There was joy on and off the field for Tatyoon at the weekend as the Hawks celebrated their 100th anniversary with a win against SMW Rovers in Mininera and District Football League.

A strong crowd flocked to Tatyoon Recreation Reserve for the game, which saw the Hawks take control in the second quarter and run away with a 15.11 (101) to 5.4 (34) victory.

Senior coach Zac Tunbridge missed the game after testing positive for COVID-19, but assistant Mat Smith took the reins to good effect.

After the Bulldogs kicked the first two goals of the match, Tatyoon restricted them to only three more for the afternoon.

“We kept possession of the ball pretty well and made the right choices,” Smith said.

“Our skills let us down a bit at the

start, but we improved on that each quarter and were good enough to come away with a good win.

“It was a pretty important game for us, not just because of the 100-year celebrations, but because we were sitting 2-3 and really needed this to try to get our season back on track.”

Ruckman James Shanhun was Tatyoon’s best player, lauded by Smith for his follow-up efforts at each stoppage.

Midfielder Josh Lee hit the scoreboard with a pair of majors, Dave Brady found plenty of the ball and full forward Marcus Darmody had a day out with six goals.

Smith said the good spirits of the game carried into the club’s 100thanniversary function that night.

“It was a really good feel around the club. A lot of people were there for the game, which made it even better to get the win,” he said.

“There was a panel of players from throughout the generations, and our MC and the crowd got to ask them questions.

Juniors gain experience

Two junior Wimmera Football Netball League teams will represent the region at Netball Victoria Association Championships finals in Melbourne next month after successful outings at the weekend.

The Wimmera and Horsham District leagues sent a total of seven teams to the northern region qualifying day in Mildura, with the Wimmera 15-and-under and 13-and-under squads reaching grand finals.

The 15-and-under squad defeated Sunraysia Football Netball League 16-11 in a semi final before falling to Central Victoria Netball Association by the same score in the grand final.

The 13-and-under Wimmera team defeated Central Murray 16-8 in a semi final and was defeated by Central Victoria 25-3 in the final.

The Wimmera’s 15-and-under development and 17-and-under squads also competed, reaching finals, while the District league’s

13-and-under, 15-and-under and 17-and-under squads all took part without reaching finals.

Wimmera District Football Netball Association netball operations manager Jennie French said the Wimmera teams that reached grand finals would compete at state finals in Melbourne on June 16.

She commended each team for their efforts.

“The top two teams from each grade in each region play in the state finals,” she said.

“All of our teams had a great day and competed well against strong competition.

“All four Wimmera teams made the finals and two made the grand final.

“The Horsham District league took three teams and they competed well but didn’t make finals.

“They represented themselves well and gained some good experience.”

“It was great to hear a bit more about the history of the club and how it came about.

“We won a premiership last year, so for some of the younger guys it can feel like Tatyoon has always been successful, but there were also a lot of hard times that we learned about.

“Those grand finals don’t come around easily like everyone thinks – there was actually a long time between premierships at a lot of stages in the club’s history as well.”

The Hawks’ next opponent is Great Western, which was humbled by ladder leader Penshurst 22.24 (156) to 2.5 (17) at the weekend.

Despite the heavy defeat, Smith said Tatyoon would not take Great Western lightly.

“They’re below us on the ladder but they’ve got a pretty good list and by all reports they’ve got a full team for this weekend,” he said.

“If we can get over them we can start shaping our season a bit better than how we started and hopefully

make a push for finals in the back half of the year.”

Elsewhere, Hawkesdale-Macarthur defeated Moyston-Willaura 21.19 (145) to 10.12 (72) despite the best efforts of Puma forward Bailee Turner, and Ararat Eagles were no match for Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, losing 18.17 (125) to 7.6 (48) at Lake Bolac.

Lismore-Derrinallum defeated Caramut 22.20 (152) to 6.2 (38) and Woorndoo-Mortlake outclassed Glenthompson-Dunkeld 15.16 (106) to 9.6 (60).

Round seven will see MoystonWillaura travel to Lake Bolac to play the Magpies, Ararat Eagles at home to Woorndoo-Mortlake, Caramut at Dunkeld against the Rams, SMW Rovers at home to HawkesdaleMacarthur and Lismore-Derrinallum hosting Penshurst.

The match between Great Western and Tatyoon will be at Stawell’s North Park.

Laharum hosts Indigenous round

Laharum Football Netball Club has collaborated with Indigenous artists to produce uniforms, medals and a perpetual trophy for its inaugural annual Indigenous round this weekend. Playing during National Reconciliation Week, Laharum has collaborated with Natimuk United Football Netball Club in the lead-up to the round eight game to recognise the Indigenous roots of Gariwerd.

Laharum secretary Rowena Doyle said the event had been an enormous undertaking and the club was proud at the way it is shaping up.

“The Grampians-Gariwerd holds a special place in the hearts of our community, and we are acutely aware of its significance to the Wotjobaluk people,” she said.

“The proximity of our home ground in Laharum to Gariwerd provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with the community, learn from the Traditional Owners, and celebrate the rich heritage of the area,” she said.

The club chose to partner with Natimuk United for its proximity to Mount Arapiles, Dyuritte, and

the importance of both Dyuritte and Gariwerd to the Wotjobaluk people.

“We wish to use this event as a platform to recognise and pay our respects to the Indigenous culture that enriches the history of our region,” Mrs Doyle said.

The event will be played annually, alternating between the two clubs, with the trophy awarded to the club that wins the most combined football and netball games on the day.

“We are looking forward to unveiling our indigenous football jumper and dress, which were designed by Kenita Lee McCartney, who is a Traditional Owner of the Wotjobaluk peoples,” Mrs Doyle said.

Ms McCartney described the uniforms’ artwork as telling the story of the country surrounding Gariwerd, and of people coming together from different places and cultures to celebrate solidarity, connectedness, and unity through the love of the game.

Ms McCartney will speak at the event at Cameron Oval Reserve and a bush tucker afternoon tea will be shared.

– Bronwyn

Hastings

shirtfront the AFTER THE SIREN

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Match in review

Harrow-Balmoral 13.19 (97) d Rupanyup 11.11 (77)

It was fairly physical, and a good game.

Rupanyup shot themselves in the foot a little bit in the first quarter when they kicked 3.6.

They probably should have led by a few goals at quarter time.

After that, Harrow-Balmoral’s good players worked their way into the game and ground it out.

It was three points at three-quarter time, but Harrow-Balmoral held Rupanyup goalless in the last term to run out 20-point winners in a pretty good game between two sides that I think will be there come the end of the season.

It genuinely felt like it could have gone either way at three-quarter time.

The game ebbed and flowed –Harrow-Balmoral would go out by a little bit and all of a sudden Rupanyup would kick a few goals and take the lead.

I think the experience of Harrow-Balmoral in big games stood out.

Their big-game players got them over the line.

The standout player: Jai Thompson was clearly the best player on the ground, followed by Michael Close.

Thompson played in the middle and was in everything. He kicked two goals out of the midfield. Rupanyup struggled to find a match-up with the size to play on Close, and he probably would have taken 20 marks at centre half forward.

The rising star: Mitchell Grant for Harrow-Balmoral. He’s a lightly built young bloke, but he found plenty of the ball and showed lots of promise.

hOrsham DisTricT league

Laharum on a roll

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Laharum senior football cocoach Shannon Argall is bullish on the team’s future after its season of resurgence continued against Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend.

The Demons went winless in 2023, but their 9.11 (65) to 7.7 (49) win on the road against the Saints on Saturday lifted them to 4-3 with a percentage over 111, good enough for sixth place on the ladder.

Argall said Laharum’s improved onfield fortunes were the result of commitment on and off the field.

“The way the club has responded to the adversity of merger talks during the summer and a lack of numbers and volunteers is a real credit to the board and their leadership,” he said.

“To bring everyone back from last year we’ve managed to keep the continuity in our side and add a lot more depth to our list, which has been amazing.

“We’re a bunch of guys who are really well structured and just going out there and working for each other.”

The Demons’ newfound depth was tested ta the weekend after Pat Lat-

tanzio was sent off for his part in an on-field scuffle.

Argall said his side was forced to adapt.

“We played a quarter without him and we were able to adapt to a slower, possession-style game and absorb the pressure,” he said.

“The leadership of our backline and their willingness to move the ball laterally and slowly work it forward was good. It’s a different style to what we might normally play.

“In the past when we had those close games with an animated crowd we might have struggled to finish them off, so we’re getting there.”

Brett Ervin’s intercept marking in the backline stood out for the Demons, while Hamish Roberts’ ability to pinpoint targets was key to the team’s patient buildup.

Daniel Easson and co-coach Robbie Miller excelled on the ball, and forward Josh Hutchinson kicked three goals.

For the Saints, centre half forward Fraser Thompson led the way with three goals of his own, and ruckman

Jeremy Kealy competed hard.

Edenhope-Apsley has another stern test in store this weekend as it pre-

pares to face Rupanyup, which was beaten but far from disgraced against reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral.

The Panthers matched the Roos’ intensity early on Saturday, registering nine scoring shots to six in the opening quarter, but kicking an errant 3.6.

The Panthers led by two goals at half time as Bill Hansen found plenty of the ball and Mitch Gleeson went forward to hit the scoreboard.

But the Roos struck back in the second half through coach Jai Thompson and Michael Close, playing his first game in a month after missing with injury.

The match hung in the balance at three-quarter time as Harrow-Balmoral held a three-point lead, but the Roos bounded away in the final term with two goals to none, sealing the win.

Next for the undefeated Roos is Pimpinio, which recorded its first blemish of 2024 in a 14.12 (96) to 8.5 (53) loss to Noradjuha-Quantong.

The Tigers came to play early, trailing by only five points at quarter time and eight points at the long break, but the Bombers gave their home crowd plenty to cheer about with eight second-half goals.

Dylan Shelley and Jack Vague were

standouts for the Bombers and Judah Hobbs kicked a game-high four goals, while Matt Rosier, Jye Brown and Adam Westley played well for the Tigers in defeat.

Noradjuha-Quantong will now turn its sights to Kalkee, which scored its second win on the trot, 13.11 (89) to 9.14 (68) against Taylors Lake.

Deacan Campbell proved too much for the Lakers’ backline with five goals, as Matt Nield, Pat Mills and Ja-

kob Butcher led the way for the

Swifts retained their place atop the ladder with a 23.15

six goals from Paul Summers and four each from Seth Blake and best-ongound Ryan Folkes.

The Baggies have a round-eight bye, while the Rams will take on Laharum at Cameron Oval.

Kaniva-Leeor United returns from a bye this week to host Taylors Lake.

Saints firmly in finals mix

Edenhope-Apsley’s Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade premiership defence appears alive and well after the Saints nearly caused the upset of the season against Laharum.

Despite the loss of several key cogs from last year’s undefeated premiership side, Edenhope-Apsley kept itself firmly in the finals mix with four wins and one loss through its first five games.

The Saints’ biggest test came at the weekend against Laharum – a team looking to replicate EdenhopeApsley’s 2023 form and remain undefeated.

Goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story came through for her club again shooting 38 goals, while at the other end Ashlea Bylsma had the unenviable task of guarding star EdenhopeApsley goal attack Lavinia Fox.

While Fox finished with 30 goals to her name, Bylsma and the Laharum defence were able to generate enough turnovers to preserve the lead.

Kalkee and Rupanyup are lurking just behind Laharum, with both posting comfortable wins at the weekend.

of the season, coming from two goals down at half time to defeat Natimuk United 39-35.

Edwina Flakemore showed her versatility by switching between wing defence and goal keeper for the Baggies, with Rebbekkah Seeary netting a game-high 30 goals.

Emily Hateley and Keeta Scown were the Rams’ best players, Hateley playing multiple positions and Scown doing her best to curb Seeary’s influence.

The game was on an even footing throughout, with the Saints leading by a goal at quarter time before scores were level at the half.

The Demons edged their way to a three-goal lead by the final change, and did just enough to hang on for a 47-45 win.

The Kees dispatched Taylors Lake 68-30 behind strong performances from Penny Fisher and Molly Lakin, while goal attack Maddi Morgan led the Panthers to a 56-37 win against Harrow-Balmoral.

Noradjuha-Quantong also remained within striking distance of the top after knocking off Pimpinio 53-29, goal shooter Taylor Shelley starring with 45 goals. Swifts won its fourth game

Next round will pit the Rams against Laharum at Cameron Oval, with Rupanyup set to host Edenhope-Apsley in an entertaining battle, while Noradjuha-Quantong will travel to Kalkee, Pimpinio will host Harrow-Balmoral and Taylors Lake will be on the road against Kaniva-Leeor United. Swifts has a bye.

Kees.

(153) to 6.7 (43) demolition of Natimuk United, led by

LEADER: Kalkee’s Matt Nield, evading Tyson Kidney, Taylors Lake, led the way for the Kees in Saturday’s win. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

BLOCKED: Emmy Weir, Taylors Lake, blocks Kalkee wing attack

Georgia Schultz in A Grade action. The Kees won the encounter, 68-30.

Demons knock off flag favourites

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham caused the biggest upset of the Wimmera football league season so far on Saturday, with a home ground win against Stawell.

The Warriors hadn’t lost a game in 2024 before travelling to Horsham City Oval, where they faced the fifthplaced Demons who had only two wins to their name.

The opening term saw the Warriors skip out to a 11-point lead, but the Demons were inaccurate in front of the scoreboard, kicking 2.9 in the first half.

They had the footy in their forward 50 for most of the second quarter, but kicking shots from 40-plus metres out on the boundary was not working for them.

Horsham should have been in the lead at half time – instead trailing by 14 points – but Horsham coach Jordyn Burke was happy with their overall performance in the second term.

“We’ve had an issue with inaccuracy in the last few weeks, and it’s probably cost us in the past, so it was definitely something that was on my mind, but I just implored the boys to make sure they didn’t let it override the fact that we were still playing good footy,” Burke said.

“Luckily enough in the third quarter we were able to take our opportunities, and really put the scoreboard pressure on when the game was on

our terms a bit more as well.” After half time, Stawell kicked its only goal for the quarter, through coach Tom Eckel, to skip out to a 20-point lead.

But after that, it was all Horsham.

A goal by Hugo Papst brought the margin back to 14 points, as the Demons excelled in retaining possession of the ball to eventually hit the lead through another Papst goal.

In fact Papst kicked three goals

for the quarter to give the Demons a 12-point lead at the last change.

“Hugo is obviously a new recruit this year. It’s getting to that stage now where everyone is starting to settle in properly, and you can really see that with Hugo,” Burke said.

At the three-quarter time huddle, Burke spoke about the game turning in the Demons’ favour and implored his players to take the game on.

At the Stawell huddle, Eckel told

All eyes turn to Davis Park

Nhill will be hoping to cement its spot in the top five with a win against Southern Mallee Thunder in round seven of Wimmera A Grade netball this Saturday.

The Tigers’ topsy-turvy season has seen them alternate between wins and losses each week, but a win against the Thunder will give Nhill its first consecutive win this season.

However the Thunder, after a narrow 51-55 loss to Dimboola on Saturday, finds themselves in a similar position – with two wins and three losses, and sitting sixth on the ladder.

Collecting four points before the general bye on the King’s Birthday weekend could be integral in whether

both sides find themselves playing finals this season.

Nhill’s 46-36 win against Warrack Eagles came thanks to defender Jessica Wilkie and wing-attack Courtney Hillier.

The Eagles were right in the match, as midcourter Ava Koschitzke and goaler Sarah Marchment shone.

Three out of four matches on Saturday were decided by less than 12 goals, as Dimboola notched up its fourth win of the season, overcoming a determined Thunder at Rainbow.

Scores were level at halftime but a 15-10 third term saw the Roos skip ahead to lead by five goals.

Centre Maddison Marra was vital for

the Roos, while Indy Ward came on in goal defence in the second half to produce a dominant display.

The Thunder’s co-coach Steph Thomson with 36 goals and goalkeeper Abby White tried their best to inspire the home team.

Meanwhile, Minyip-Murtoa, led by Johanna Griffiths and Lauren Dodgshun, scored a 55-43 win against Ararat, and Horsham dominated Stawell 78-43.

The Burras will be hoping to take their good form into this weekend’s match against the undefeated Horsham Saints, while Ararat travel to Dimboola, Stawell host Warracknabeal and Horsham has a bye.

his side to not panic and look laterally when kicking into the forward line.

But the fourth quarter continued in the same trend as the third – the Demons seemed to want the win more than the Warriors, who were held goal-less in the last term.

Ten scoring shots to two in the last quarter was indicative of how much Horsham controlled the ball.

When Logan Miller goaled from a ball-up in Horsham’s forward 50 in the last term, the Demons celebrated, confident they were on their way to an upset win.

Burke said he was impressed with the Demon’s on-ball brigade, led by Tyler Blake and Benjamin Janetzki, who performed well against Stawell’s quality midfield.

Horsham has the bye this weekend, which Burke said was definitely needed ‘as there is a few sore boys at the moment’.

The Demons then join the rest of the competition in having a general bye on the King’s Birthday weekend, before travelling to Warracknabeal.

But first, the Eagles, coming off a 32-point loss to Nhill, face Stawell this weekend.

Playing at Warracknabeal, the home side led by 10 points at half time but ran out of puff in the second half as the Tigers piled on 10 goals.

Led by coach Jake McQueen, with five goals, Nhill turned the lead in their favour by 18 points at three quar-

ter time, before a last quarter burst gave the Tigers a 32-point margin. Nhill will return home to Davis Park this Saturday, ready to take on an imposing Southern Mallee Thunder side who know how to win big.

The Thunder came away 104-point winners against Dimboola on Saturday, playing its first game at Rainbow, where it dominated the Roos across the field.

A 10-goal margin at half-time was thanks to solid performances by Liam Nelson, Heath Smith, Oscar Smith and Coleman Schache.

Brad Lowe’s six goals bumped him up to fourth on the league leading goal kickers, on 16 goals for the season, behind Ararat’s Tom Williamson on 24, Dimboola’s Jackson Calder 21, while Horsham’s Ryan Kemp and Stawell’s Cody Driscoll are both on 17.

The Thunder kept Calder relatively quiet on Saturday, held to two goals, but the Roos will need him to bounce back if they are going to be any match for Ararat this weekend.

Racking up an 18-point win against Minyip-Murtoa on Saturday, the Rats are quietly going about their business in season 2024.

They pocketed the four points after a good hit-out against the Burras on Saturday, with an even spread of goalkickers and good team performance.

The Burras will be looking to return to the winner’s list when its hosts Horsham Saints, coming off a bye, at Murtoa this weekend.

ON THE RUN: Tim McCormick, Warrack Eagles, tackles Nhill’s Dylan Ridding.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

FOCUS: Stawell’s Rachel Wood guards Keely Pope, Horsham during Saturday’s clash. Horsham won the day, 78-43. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Golfers gather for cu p

Nearly 20 teams representing 13 golf clubs from across Victoria descended on Lake Bolac earlier this month for its annual women’s teams event – the Lake Bolac Cup.

An East Framlingham team of Barb Hill, Thelma Inverarity and Gwenda Malseed emerged victorious against a field of players from Beaufort, Buninyong, Camperdown, Chalambar, Grampians, Hamilton, Mooralla, Parklands, Port Fairy, Timboon, Willaura and Lake Bolac clubs.

The East Framlingham team finished with a score of 103, narrowly edging out runners-up Liz Fry, Deb Narik and Chris Farmer of Camperdown, who shot 102.

“We would like to express our thanks to Lake Bolac for putting on such a lovely tournament. We were thrilled with our win. We all had a lovely day,” the East Framlingham team said.

Grampians golf club’s Glenys Dixon won the A Grade individual trophy with 36 points at the tournament.

Bunninyong’s Lorraine Smyth scored 37 to win B Grade and Kathy Somerville, also from Grampians, won C Grade with 46 points.

Nearest the pins went to Pam Howell from Grampians, and Alma Fonda and Helen Beattie, both from Hamilton.

Club officials thanked Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Willaura and Lake Bolac for sponsoring the tournament.

A message from Jordyn Burke, now part of CHS

Dear valued clients,

“I am still fully committed to providing the same exceptional service; whether you’re planning a big commercial project, or small domestic job.”

After 7 amazing years, I am excited to announce JB Electrical has merged with CHS Group. Amongst this change, I wanted to take a moment to assure you that my commitment to providing you with exceptional service remains as strong as ever. For me, being an electrician has always been about more than just fixing wires and installing switches - it’s about building relationships with each and every one of you, and ensuring that your electrical needs are met with the highest level of care and expertise.

While there may be a new name on my ute & on my shirt, the things that truly matter remain unchanged. You can still expect the same friendly service, the same dedication to quality workmanship, and the same unwavering commitment to your satisfaction that you’ve come to know and trust over the years.

So, whether you’re a long-time customer or someone who’s just discovering my services for the first time, please know that I am here for you, ready to tackle any electrical challenge you may have, with the support of CHS Group behind me.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

I look forward to serving the community for many years to come.

Warm regards,

Jordyn Burke

Give me a call, 0418 869 919

If it’s important to you, get in touch with Tom on 133 693 8.30am-NOON MONDAY TO FRIDAY

WINNERS: The winning East Framlingham team of Barb Hill, Gwenda Malseed and Thelma Inverarity with Community Bank Willaura and Lake Bolac manager Suzanne Neumann.

A Grade individual winner Glenys Dixon

B Grade winner Lorraine Smyth with Suzanne Neumann.

C Grade winner Kathy Somerville with Suzanne Neumann.

Teams prepare for second chance

BY SIMON KING

Wimmera Hockey Association ventures west on Saturday for its first visit to Kaniva this season, where round five marks the point when each opponent has been played once, giving a good indication of where each team stands.

With just one win still separating places two to four on the open ladder, any game can significantly influence where a team will finish the round.

The big game on Saturday will see second place on the line, when the in-form Hoops and Hurricanes clash.

Warrack Hoops have some momentum after a tight win against Kaniva, while Horsham Hurricanes fought out a draw with competition-leading Yanac Tigers from their last start.

The Hoops go into the round in second place, and a win or a draw will keep them there, but a Hurricanes’ victory would promote them to that spot.

The other open match is a must-win for Nhill Rangers, when they play Cobras. A loss will see the margin between these two teams widen to six points, making the Rangers’ task of claiming a place in the top four by the end of the season more difficult.

The Tigers will finish the round on top of the ladder after they have a bye this week.

Women

Dimboola Roos’ impressive start to the season continued last weekend

with a win against Horsham Jets, but they face their biggest test this week when they take on the reigning premiers.

Although Yanac dropped a game to the Jets two rounds ago, they are still the benchmark of the women’s competition, so the Roos’ performance here will be a good point of reference to their potential later in the season.

Kaniva Women will host Nhill Thunderbirds, who, after their big win last weekend, will start as favourites, and the inexperienced Warrack team has the chance for an upset against Horsham Jets, who have shown some inconsistent form this year.

Under-16

The gap between the top three and lower three teams in the under-16 competition continues to increase, making matches among the lower group significant to their chances of staying in touch with the leaders.

Warrack Revengers and Horsham Bombers have this chance on Saturday when they play off for a foothold in the top four, where the winner stays in touch, and the task for the defeated to make the finals will become a little harder.

The meeting with the most interest will see first-placed Kaniva Raiders take on the third-placed Nhill Leop-

ards in a game that could go either way, and in the last under-16 match, winless Dimboola Kangaroos face a daunting task against the in-form Yanac Warriors.

Round-four results –Open: Yanac Tigers 5 (goals, E. Anderson 3, S. Alexander, J. Cramer; best, E. Anderson, S. Alexander, Z. Dorrington) d Nhill Rangers 0 (J. Knoll, J. Reichelt, B. Tischler). Warrack Hoops 3 (S. Schultz 2, T. Jorgensen; S. Schultz, O. Bennett, R. Bennett) d Kaniva Cobras 2 (L. Mills, C. White; L. Mills, T. Krelle, C. Beattie).

Women: Yanac Women 6 (A. Farmers

2, C. Alexander 2, E. Alexander, S. Alexander; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, C. Alexander) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, N. Kuhnell, H. Cannell). Kaniva Women 14 (J. Braisby 3, N. Hutchins 2, Z. Smith 2, I. Williams 2, S. Williams, H. Pearse, J. Wallis, R. Curtis; N. Hutchins, H. Pearse, I. Williams) d Warrack Women 1 (C. Bennett; E. Williamson, E. Eichberger, N. Eilola). Dimboola Roos 2 (V. Elliott, L Graham; J. Hauselberger, L. Graham, C. Hadzig) d Horsham Jets 0 (H. Werner, H. Knoop, S. O’Connor).

Under 16: Yanac Warriors 5 (Archie Zanker 2, S. Pedie 2, H. Zanker; Archie Zanker, Asher Zanker, S. Pedie) d Nhill Leopards 3 (T. Shue Bee, D. Clark, D. Bee; D. Clark, O. Bone, J. Rowe). Kaniva Raiders 8 (C. White 6, R. Doyle, F. Dodson; C. White, J. Beattie, R. Williams) d Warrack Revengers 1 (N. Eilola; M. Bentley, E. Williamson, B. Clark). Horsham Bombers 4 (J. Schwarz 2, H. Mackereth, H. Knoop; J. Schwarz, H. Knoop, H. Mackereth) d Dimboola Kangaroos 1 (J. Ward; J. Ward, L. Hauselberger, C. Elliott).

Under-12 development program: Nhill Bandits 4 (N. Krelle 2, D. Bee 2) v Yanac Lowan Stars 3 (M. Dart 2, H. Zanker). Warrack Avengers 5 (R. Johnstone 4, C. Peters) v Kaniva Rampagers 1 (A. Bedford). Horsham Black Hawks 7 (J. Mackereth 3, E. Batchelor 2, H. Carman 2) v Dimboola Kookaburras 2 (R. Wallace, L. Hauselberger).

PRESSURE: Kaniva’s Nyree Hutchins controls the ball as Warrack’s Eileen Eichberger, left, and Amber Nuske apply pressure. Picture: RACHEL CLARK

CLEAR: Warrack Hoops’ Hamish Wagenknecht clears the ball out of defence. Picture: SHARON BROWN

SAVE: Kaniva Cobras’ goalkeeper Noah Krelle dives to stop a shot at goal. Picture: SHARON BROWN

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Club’s demise gives rise to others

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The closure of decades-old Horsham West Bowling Club has given new life to three other groups, with the presentation of the club’s residual money last week.

Bowling club president Ian Munn said members went through a process to select which organisations would benefit from the club’s closure.

“We didn’t do it lightly, who we picked. We considered who would benefit most from a donation,” he said.

Horsham Scouts, Horsham Centre for Participation and Christian Emergency Food Centre, Horsham, were selected as the benefactors.

Horsham West Bowling Club

started with a meeting in 1962, and was solely a ladies’ club until 2010 when the men’s club was integrated.

Over time and with age, membership dwindled and the remaining members had to make a choice about the club’s future.

Club secretary David Arnott said membership was down to three women and four men, so it was decided to wind up the club.

“It was a combination of membership numbers, the age of remaining members, and maintenance demands – the damage done to the green by birds was hard to keep on top of,” he said.

There are no definite plans for the council-owned land.

NEW ADDITION: An artist impression of the proposed grandstand at Davis Park, Nhill.

RECIPIENTS: Horsham West Bowling Club has distributed its remaining money to three community groups after folding this year. Secretary

Christian

For Participation,

Nhill grandstand tenders open

Hindmarsh Shire Council is calling for tenders to construct a new grandstand at Nhill’s Davis Park.

Set to feature AFL-compliant changerooms and undercover, tiered spectator seating, it will be built where the original grandstand once stood.

Funding for the $1.5-million project includes $760,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $250,000 from the State Government’s

2023-2024 Country Football Netball Program, $440,000 from the council and $50,000 from the Nhill and District Sporting Club.

The tender will be awarded at the July 24 council meeting with construction to begin in September, soon after the Wimmera league finals.

People wanting more information can call Simon Landrigan on 5391 4444 or email slandrigan@hindmarsh.vic.gov. au.

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David Arnott, front, with Horsham scouts Zane Munn and Lexi Khan, bowls club president Ian Munn, Horsham

Emergency Food Centre’s Ian Walter and Robbie Millar from Centre

right. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SUCCESS:

Chris Young and Warren Perris are the Over-60 pairs state champions.

Young also won the singles title.

Picture:

Bowls

Victoria

State championship wins

Two Wimmera bowlers capped a special week with a pair of state championships on Sunday.

Chalambar Golf bowler Chris Young and Warracknabeal Golf’s Warren Perris combined to take out the men’s pairs championship at Bowls Victoria’s Over-60 State Bowls Carnival, with Young also claiming the singles title.

Young, who lost in the over-60 championship final last year, played 24 matches between May 20 and 26, also competing in the mixed pairs and reaching a quarter final.

He said the tournament was a long and challenging, but enjoyable, experience.

“It’s the first time Bowls Victoria has run the event as a carnival. They’ve always run state over-60 events, but they’ve always been individualised,” he said.

“This was the first time they had it in one location. I think they had more than 1100 players for the week up at Barham and the surrounding clubs.

“Match days were from 9am until almost 7pm

BY DAVID BERRY

All is set for another great day of volleyball on Sunday, as the volleyball community rallies in support of Fletcher Dandy and his family.

Entries have been rolling in, necessitating the need to split the day into junior and senior divisions, as volleyballers of all ages come together, where competition will make way for some serious fundraising.

The format for the day will be lightning spike rules, which has teams playing two 10-minute halves, with games being played every 25 minutes.

The juniors will kick the day off from 9am, with six teams registered to play in what Volleyball Horsham vice-president Matt McLoughlin says is a great sign.

“It’s great the kids have recognised the importance of the day and are getting right behind it,” he said.

“They’ll have a ball and at the same time contribute to what we hope will be a day of great benefit to Fletcher and his family.”

For the families and friends of the junior teams who would like to come down and support the day, there will be a muffin breakfast on offer, while a barbecue lunch will complement the senior component of the day and a canteen will run throughout the day.

“All proceeds from the barbecues and canteen will go towards the overall fundraising goal as well,” McLoughlin said.

Senior team’s co-ordinator Laelah Robertson said the day was another opportunity for many of the country championship players to get some valuable court time, with less than two weeks before the championships.

“We saw on the Ararat versus Horsham Challenge Day that the more our teams took to the court, the better they played, and while the results weren’t what some may have liked, the team play was getting better, which was the important thing,” she said.

on varying surfaces from grass to the indoor surface at Barham.”

Young said his dual victory in the singles and men’s doubles was the first time a player had claimed both titles in the event’s 25-year history.

“It wasn’t a bad result for one day,” he said.

Young predicted the carnival would continue to grow in popularity and said he would return to defend his titles next year.

He is also preparing to fly to the Gold Coast next week for the Australian Open championships.

“We’ve already booked accommodation at the caravan park for next year,” he said.

“I think the event will only get bigger because everyone who was there enjoyed the camaraderie and atmosphere.

“I’m heading up to the Australian Open on the Gold Coast next week.

“There will be about 5000 people playing, so it’s the biggest event on the Australian calendar.”

“While court time is invaluable, the overarching theme for the day will be for everyone to enjoy themselves and try and raise as much money as possible for the Dandy family.”

The day has received great support from nonvolleyball members with donations of Tupperware, exercise classes, cleaning, slices, food and Phantoms and Volleyball Horsham merchandise, making for a great array of raffle prizes.

The Lightning Spike for Fletcher will be played at St Brigid’s College stadium on Sunday. Whether you’re a volleyball enthusiast or not, the community is invited to attend and make a donation.

Fletcher is undergoing treatment for leukaemia. In addition to leukaemia, nine-year-old Fletcher also has a rare condition known as febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome, FIRES, which affects about one in one million children.

Ararat v Horsham challenge

Ararat Volleyball took the honors on the Ararat versus Horsham Challenge Day at Ararat Fitness Centre, with the Pink Panthers and Paradise girls fighting out the women’s division, while Horsham Red and Paradise went head-to-head in the men’s draw.

The day was thrown into turmoil upon arrival at the stadium, when melting ice on the roof caused the courts to become unsafe, amidst a scene of players on their hands and knees mopping up the courts.

While this set back put the day behind slightly, the players put on a great show with many close games, especially on the women’s court with the Horsham Red and Navy girls playing an exciting 33-31 result, with a number of other games being decided in tie-break.

At the end of the day, Horsham Red took out the men’s final defeating Paradise 25-13, while the Pink Panthers were too strong for Paradise in the women’s final winning 25-15.

Overall the day was considered to be a success, with more days like this, and Anzac Day previously, on the agenda for the two groups.

Vol. 26 No. 46

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Nhill coach Jake McQueen drives his team forward in the Tigers’ 32-point win against Warrack Eagles at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday. McQueen kicked five goals in the win to help Nhill move within one game of the Wimmera league’s top five. They will take on third placed Southern Mallee Thunder in Nhill this week. In the round’s big news, Horsham Demons upset flag hope Stawell at Horsham City Oval. Story, page 63.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER