The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, October 30, 2024 by The Weekly Advertiser

for growth

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Aplan to develop community and support early education in Horsham’s south is at the core of West Vic Business’ latest project.

The planned Haven development was also the focus of a town strategy masterclass program.

West Vic Business ambassador Stacey Taig said the Haven community was uniquely situated and had the capability to expand.

“Sustainability and growth for our area is best achieved through sound planning and linking in with essential key stakeholders to start conversations and gain input early,” she said.

“This is exactly what the masterclass

was designed to do.” Facilitated by Spark Strategy, the community placemaking program began at the start of this year with a series of online sessions and concluded with a two-day in-person immersion event in Haven and Horsham.

It provided representatives from across north-west Victoria with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of strategic positioning and planning.

Haven Community Enterprise secretary Sue Exell, who attended the masterclass, said Horsham Rural City Council’s Draft Horsham South Structure Plan, released for feedback this week, allowed for developing Haven in order to accommodate more families.

The draft outlines a vision for the coordinated development of a 4540-hec-

tare area, which encompasses residential, industrial and commercial land south of the Wimmera River in Horsham and aims to remedy challenges related to planning for growth and associated infrastructure.

“We would like to make sure a kindergarten is part of the planning,” Mrs Exell said.

“We have so many young families at Haven, and we’ve got the space.

“A kindergarten at Haven will take pressure off the other kindergartens, and will feed into the Haven school.”

Mrs Exell said there was a petition to implement a kindergarten at Haven.

“We have a 150-signature petition.

We know there’s no guarantee that we’ll get a kindergarten, but we are asking the question,” she said.

“We also have a childcare shortage – we have one mum who’s travelling back to Melbourne to work and has two small children here in Horsham.

“We have people moving here for one parent’s work, and if they haven’t got childcare support, the other parent can’t work.

“We need people like that – builders, police, nurses – to come and live in our area, and we need to support them to do that.”

Spark Strategy founder George Liacos, during the two-day workshop in Haven and Horsham, said there was a lot of ‘good heart’ in the Haven community regarding the project.

“There’s a lot of potential in the community and there’s a lot of goodwill,” he said.

“But the challenge can be getting straight what you want to do as a community.

“It can be communicating that to other people, or it can be finding the right partner organisations to work with to achieve what it is you want.” Mr Liacos said he understood community organisations could feel alone or under-resourced when addressing a development strategy.

“If they could just pull together a strategic plan, which is what we’re doing at the workshop, it helps them identify what they are going to try and do, by when, and what they need to do to make it happen,” he said.

“We’re giving people those skills, that’s what it’s about.”

Continued page 3

COMPETITIVE: Students from Nhill and Murtoa colleges, including Nhill’s Jobe Dickinson, left, and Archie Zanker, are competing in a Victoria-first crop trial program at Rupanyup, giving them the opportunity to make decisions on growing from sowing to harvest. Read more in today’s AgLife edition inside.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Draft Horsham South plan released

for consultation

Horsham Rural City Council

has released the Draft Horsham South Structure Plan (Draft HSSP), outlining a comprehensive vision for the coordinated development of the area.

The plan is the culmination of community feedback and technical analysis, aiming to guide future growth and development effectively.

This round of community consultation offers residents a crucial opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

To ensure transparency and informed participation, Council is providing background reports and summaries detailing the development process of the Draft HSSP.

Additionally, responses to issues raised in previous written submissions are being provided to submitters.

Structure plans like the Draft HSSP are essential for efficient planning for residential, employment, open space, and infrastructure.

Council is seeking feedback on the Draft HSSP over a seven-week consultation period, ending on Friday, 13 December 2024.

Residents can access detailed information about the Draft HSSP on the Council’s website. Various engagement opportunities are available, including:

• Webinar

Join the webinar on Thursday, 31 October, at 6pm. The session will be recorded and available on the website.

• Haven Market

Meet Council representatives on Saturday, 2 November 2024.

• In-person meetings

Book a session with Council officers on Tuesdays or Thursdays during the consultation period.

Appointments can be made via the website or by calling 03 5382 9777 or email strategic.planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au

• Community drop-in sessions

Attend sessions at Haven Hall on:

Wednesday, 20 November, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm Friday, 22 November, from 12noon to 2pm.

During the consultation period, written feedback can be submitted directly through the online form on the Council’s website or via email at strategic.planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au.

Event to assist heavy vehicle operators

Heavy vehicle owners and drivers will have the chance to drop in and hear from industry experts at the Nhill Trailer Exchange where there will be multiple road safety displays and presentations next month.

Horsham Rural City Council is partnering with a group of organisations to deliver the event at the Nhill Trailer Exchange on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November 2024.

This event was initially scheduled for February this year but had to be cancelled at the last minute owing to the devastating fires in the Grampians and across the region, which tied up resources of Victoria Police and other agencies that had planned to be involved in the road safety event. The Western Highway was also temporarily closed due to these fires.

Themes to be addressed at the road safety event include vehicle safety, roadworthiness, overloading, towing, fatigue, speed, and a range of road safety issues.

Representatives of Victoria Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will be there with a focus on providing information and education rather than enforcement.

The event will be on from 4pm to 11pm on both days. Drivers and operators are invited to attend this drop-in event based on their availability.

Riverfront events return this summer

The Riverfront Summer Series is returning over the coming months.

Over the last summer, the Riverfront Meeting Place played host to several gatherings, with live music, food trucks, drinks and cocktails. Despite some mixed luck with the weather, the events were well attended and well received.

As a result of the positive feedback from locals and visitors, the Summer Series will return, beginning Saturday 14 December from 5-9pm, with events continuing into April 2025.

Waste tip - wrap up your scraps

Wrap your organic waste in a sheet of newspaper before tossing it into the bin.

It's biodegradable, eco-friendly, keeps your bins clean and helps with odour during the hot summer months.

Feel free to use this page to wrap your FOGO waste.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

HORSHAM SOUTH STRUCTURE PLAN

HRCC has released the Draft Horsham South Structure Plan (Draft HSSP), outlining a comprehensive vision for the coordinated development of the area.

The plan is the culmination of community feedback and technical analysis, aiming to guide future growth and development effectively.

This round of community consultation offers residents a crucial opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Feedback can be lodged with the QR code below, or by filling out the form at the Civic Centre.

Closes Friday 13 December

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

What is thunderstorm asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by excessive pollens in the air often triggered during thunderstorm conditions due to heightened wind activity.

When is it most common?

Between October and December each year when our plants are flowering and seasonal thunderstorms are more prevalent in our region.

Who is most at risk?

People who have existing asthma conditions, or who are sensitive to grass pollens or experience seasonal hay fever.

What should I do if I'm at risk?

If you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors before, during and after a thunderstorm in the peak pollen season. If you experience any shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing or persistent coughing that doesn't improve using your regular asthma medicine, you should see your doctor.

For more information and to stay across any alerts over the coming months, please visit the Victorian Government's Better Health website.

Complaints about burning off in urban areas

Following an increase in complaints from the community, Council is reminding residents of the strict regulations regarding open-air burning in urban areas.

Under the current guidelines, lighting fires in the open air within urban areas is prohibited unless specifically approved under an Act or prescribed by the Council.

Exceptions are made only for fires intended for meal preparation or personal comfort, provided they comply with the conditions outlined in section 38A(1)(a) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.

Smoke and ash from open-air burning are increasingly unacceptable due to their negative impact on health and the environment.

HRCC encourages residents to consider alternatives to burning, such as mulching and reusing wood, to help maintain air quality and community well-being.

Council has received numerous complaints from residents about the adverse effects of smoke from openair burning, highlighting the importance of adhering to these regulations.

By following these guidelines, the community can contribute to a healthier and more pleasant living environment for everyone.

Next Council Meeting: November 21, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO

| Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

Groundbreaking study open to all

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic is one of three sites nationwide to trial a new heart-failure program, which uses a combination of human and artificial intelligence to diagnose heart health and implement strategies for best patient outcomes.

University of Notre Dame professor Simon Stewart said people typically had to go to a laboratory with a clinical team to diagnose problems, but that new technology would allow general practitioners to take images of the heart.

“People come to their GP every day, but up until now the GP has not had the capability of checking out your heart by actually imaging it,” he said.

“The exciting part of this is we are using two different forms of artificial intelligence that helps us do what we could not do before.”

Professor Stewart said practice nurses would be trained to use the new technology, which uses a small probe to identify the structure of the heart and maps it out to determine if it is pumping and relaxing properly, before it is analysed.

“It’s a one-stop shop for imaging the heart and then getting a report so the GP and the healthcare team can decide

what to do to protect the heart health of that person,” he said.

Funded by the Medical Research Future Fund of Australia, two other teams will work at Salisbury, and at Daylesford and Kyneton.

“These are three very different communities, all with their challenges, but all with people who have probably got problems with the heart that we don’t know about yet,” Professor Stewart said.

“Once we find someone with a problem with the heart, we’ll talk to them and then offer them the chance to go into this trial.”

Lister House Medical Clinic chief executive Amanda Wilson said people in the community who were interested in participating in the program were welcome to register their interest.

“At the moment we’re hoping people are going to come and just be guinea pigs for us, so we can get our skills up and then move into the next phase of putting participants into the study,” she said.

“Anyone can come in – they don’t have to have heart concerns, or be pre-existing patients at Lister House.”

Professor Stewart said following the initial stages of training and skillbuilding, the second part of the program would see more specific criteria applied.

“We will look for people who are

over 60 years old and have a pre-existing condition like diabetes, hypertension or any form of heart disease,” he said.

“Prevention is better than cure, and that’s what all this program is about.

“It’s a national program and I can guarantee there’s no one else in the world doing it the way we are, so

we’re really excited. The results are going to be fantastic.”

Mrs Wilson said the program would include factors such as gender, environmental heat effects, workplaces and lifestyle.

“I did a study about 25 years ago actually looking at that, and we’re still trying to work out what the prevalence is and why.”

Mrs Wilson said nurse practitioner Jo Marchesini and lead nurses Casey Kosch and Sharon Hedt would lead the program.

“We’re really excited that we have such skilled nurses in our community and that they’re doing something that’s groundbreaking and going to have papers and studies written about it and what it looks like,” she said.

Lister House Medical Clinic general practitioner, principal and clinical lead David Wilson said the technology would allow for early intervention.

“It’s all about picking things up before people get a problem and getting early intervention to make their lives better,” he said.

“We are looking at recruiting about 400 people over the course of the study, so it’ll need a lot of community involvement, and there’s no cost to the patient.”

People can call Lister House Medical Clinic on 5382 0011 for more information or to register interest in participating in the program.

“It will provide other ways of looking at occupational health and safety for people moving forward as well,” she said. “The Wimmera is known for its cardiovascular risk factors – we have a really high relationship with cardiovascular disease here.

Big rigs lead activities Haven plan

More than 150 trucks, live music, food and family entertainment will feature at the Driller Transport Horsham Truck Show at Horsham Showground this weekend.

Organisers are expecting more than 150 trucks in 18 categories of competition, from historic restorations to modern-day working rigs, and rigs from the farm to the highway.

Event co-ordinator Stephen Carman said aside from the truck show component of the two-day showcase, including a model and Lego display, there was plenty for people to see and do.

“We will have locally-run food and drink stalls, apparel, all-American chrome truck parts, football shorts, swags for utes, and heaps more,” he said.

“We will also have facepainting and a jumping castle.”

Allan Webster, The Austins and Don Costa will perform live music.

BIG DAYS: Driller Transport 2024 Horsham Truck Show sponsor Tim Driller and event co-ordinator Stephen Carman at Horsham Showground in the lead-up to this weekend’s event. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

“We will have a convoy from Natimuk Road into McPherson Street, Hamilton Street, Robinson Street and into the showground, with all proceeds going to Wimmera Against

Cancer in Kids – WACK,” Mr Carman said.

The show is from 9.30am to 10pm on Saturday, and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday. The children’s convoy will take place from 9am on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students aged 12 to 16 years, and children under 12 years free of charge.

From page 1

Mr Liacos said he had been working with community groups for 25 years and had about 650 clients across Australia and internationally.

“I find it really powerful and fun. I love country people’s hearts,” he said.

The West Vic Business project is supported by Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal, FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and is key in helping largely agriculturaldependent towns and precincts to start formulating strategic plans that can assist in building spaces that people want to be in and visit.

The program concluded with a twoday in-person immersion event, where Mr Liacos guided participants and stakeholders to form community alliances and create plans that could be used as a platform to take in their ideas, wants and needs, and make connections.

People can access the Draft Horsham South plan via Horsham Rural City Council’s website. For details, see page 2.

OFFICIAL: From left, Lister House Medical Clinic chief executive Amanda Wilson, nurse practitioner Jo Marchesini, University of Notre Dame professor Simon Stewart, Lister House general practitioner, principal and clinical lead David Wilson and lead nurse Casey Kosch launch the trial heart-failure program at Lister House in Horsham.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Dalki

9am

United to drive positive, lasting change

BY LAUREN HENRY

Wimmera Primary Care Partnership has joined with Ballarat Foundation to establish a health and wellbeing fund that will provide grants for community groups across the Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack municipalities.

It is the first time the Ballarat Foundation has extended its services outside Ballarat.

The foundation is a registered charity that retains donations to use as capital to build a perpetual and substantial fund for philanthropic purposes, with the income from the capital used for community grants.

Wimmera PCP’s committee of management has worked with the Ballarat Foundation for more than 18 months to develop the health and wellbeing fund, ensuring it would provide ongoing and long-lasting opportunities.

The Ballarat Foundation will manage the fund and grant-making processes, ensuring long-term sustainability for health-related initiatives in the region.

Meanwhile, a committee comprising Wimmera residents, will be established to allow local voices to lead the grant decision-making process, ensuring the funding allocations are aligned with the region’s most pressing health and wellbeing needs.

The Wimmera PCP Health and Wellbeing Fund will provide financial support to charitable and non-profit organisations for initiatives, projects and programs that will improve health

BOO – EEK! MIXX FM is offering spooks for all ages at its haunted house Halloween event tomorrow, inviting people to walk through its Stawell Road offices between 5.30pm and 8pm. People are encouraged to park at Horsham’s Sawyer Park and walk across the bridge to the venue, where trick-or-treaters will find a range of spooky experiences and jump scares before being rewarded with some treats. A gold coin donation on entry will go towards Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK. Organisers advise there will be music, strobe lighting, artificial smoke and active video recording and photography during the event. MIXX FM staff and event organisers, from left, Kayla Wilson, Olivia Lenehan and Kaycee Tickner are looking forward to welcoming people to the event.

outcomes, address mental health challenges, and tackle community health concerns.

Wimmera PCP was a collaborative network of health and community service organisations with a focus on improving health and wellbeing outcomes by fostering partnerships, coordinating services, and addressing issues such as chronic disease prevention, mental health, and social inclusion.

Wimmera PCP transition officer Geoff Witmitz said the organisation, made up of 30 member agencies, had been funding projects and programs to make a difference to health outcomes in various communities in the region.

Examples of past projects include men’s sheds, community gardens, festivals and health initiatives such as diabetes management programs.

“When they announced the decision to wind up the 20-year program of the PCPs and relocate us in the Public Health Units, we were one of two of the organisations that were independent and were self-governing as an incorporated body, so that meant we were probably more business-like in that we had a lot of provisions and therefore a sum of money at the end of it all – and we’re not quite there – we thought what would be the legacy that we could have, and that’s where Foundation for Ballarat came in,” he said.

“We’ve developed a concept around this fund that it’d be an investment through the Ballarat Foundation’s services, which they’ve done for many years and had a really great reputa-

tion, so that can be an ongoing legacy forever in a day.

“But it’s also the opportunity for others to contribute to it so that each year there’ll be funding around for amounts up to $5000.”

Mr Witmitz said Wimmera PCP envisaged between $45,000 and $60,000 a year would go into Wimmera communities through small grants.

Ballarat Foundation chief executive Andrew Eales said by continuing the legacy of Wimmera PCP, the fund would empower local organisations to drive positive and lasting change.

“We are proud to manage this fund and work alongside local voices to ensure the grant-making process addresses the region’s most urgent

health and wellbeing needs,” he said.

Mr Eales said the Ballarat Foundation had more than 40 years of history in supporting funds like the Wimmera PCP Health and Wellbeing Fund in communities in Ballarat and surrounds.

“When this opportunity came up –we’ve got this incredible expertise, we’ve got the trust of our community – and we’d love to be able to use all of those mechanisms to support this community,” he said.

“I want to make the point really clearly, that while we can provide administrative support and expertise around engaging donors and community groups to apply for funds, the decision-making is really crucial

that it stays within this community because we know, and we see this everywhere we operate, that local people know their local communities.”

Mr Eales said the Ballarat Foundation already managed 18 separate sub funds.

“These are legacy funds, so they’re not just funds that are donated and then we distribute back to the community,” he said.

“We utilise the services of JBWere, who have a philanthropic section, and the purpose of involving JBWere is that when we invest with them, hopefully – and we put measures around this – that delivers a return.

“That return is then invested back into the communities that the funds support so the capital that the funds start with never diminishes.

“This is a fund forever for this community because of that investment process. We’re just utilising the growth in the investment to deliver back to the community.

“This is not a one-year, a five-year, a 10-year partnership – this is going to deliver for community groups in this community for 50 and a 100 years.”

Mr Eales said people for the Wimmera-based committee would be selected in coming months, and applications for grants will open in early 2025.

People can also donate to the Wimmera PCP fund by visiting www. ballaratfoundation.org.au/ campaign/18/wimmera-primary-carepartnership-health-and-wellbeingfund.

House fires

A house fire in Horsham’s Watts Street has been deemed suspicious.

Volunteer firefighters responded to reports of a house fire about 5.10pm on Sunday, with three units arriving on scene to find the house fully involved. No occupants were inside the house at the time.

Police, paramedics and PowerCor also attended.

Firefighters declared the scene safe and handed control to police at 7.40pm.

Volunteer firefighters from multiple brigades responded to reports of a house fire on Kennedys Road at Nhill about 6.45pm on Sunday.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Six firefighting units attended alongside police, ambulance, VICSES and PowerCor, finding the house fully involved – there were no occupants in the house. The incident was deemed safe about 9.50pm.

FUTURE PLANNING: Ballarat Foundation chief executive Andrew Eales with Wimmera Primary Care Partnership representatives Andrew Saunders and Geoff Witmitz.

HINDMARSH AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

The Australia Day Awards recognise outstanding community service to the Hindmarsh Shire community during the current year and/or over a number of years

Nominations are now being called for:

2025 Hindmarsh Shire Citizen of the Year

2025 Hindmarsh Shire Young Citizen of the Year

2025 Hindmarsh Shire Community Event of the Year 2025 Hindmarsh Shire Lifetime Achievement

Nomination forms are available on Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/australia-day, or you can collect a hard copy from any Hindmarsh Shire Customer Service Centre and Library or by emailing info@hindmarsh vic gov au

Nominations close at 5:00pm on Monday 2 December 2024. Nominations should be addressed to: CONFIDENTIAL

Chief Executive Officer

Australia Day Awards

Hindmarsh Shire Council PO Box 250, NHILL VIC 3418

TENDERS INVITED

Hindmarsh Shire Council invites suitably qualified and experienced persons / organisations to respond to -

CONTRACT 2024-2025-17

PROVISION OF STABILISATION WORKS FOR 2024/2025 PROGRAM

CONTRACT 2024-2025-18

WINIFRED STREET RAINBOW KERB AND CHANNEL INSTALLATION

CONTRACT 2024-2025-20

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF AN EMULSION TANK TO JEPARIT DEPOT

The specific requirements are detailed in the tender documents, which can be downloaded via Council’s website at www hindmarsh vic gov au/tenders

Closing time for the above tenders is 2:00pm on Thursday 14 November 2024

All enquiries should be directed to Laura Sonnberger, Contracts & Procurement Officer, via email to info@hindmarsh vic gov au or telephone (03) 5391 4444

2024 ANNUAL STATUTORY MEETING & SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL

The Annual Statutory Meeting of Hindmarsh Shire Council will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024 at the Nhill Council Chambers, 92 Nelson Street, Nhill The purpose of the meeting is to swear in new Councillors, elect a new Mayor, Deputy Mayor and appoint delegates to committees

This meeting will be open to members of the public who are encouraged to attend to see the new Hindmarsh Shire Councillors sworn in.

Light refreshments will follow the meeting with an opportunity to talk to councillors and executive staff

APPLY FOR YOUTH COUNCIL

Could you be one of our 2025 Youth Councillors?

Do you see yourself as a leader who wants to create change? Do you want to improve the lives of your friends and peers? If you answered yes, we encourage you to apply for Youth Council 2025!

Youth Council is a fantastic opportunity to meet likeminded young people from across the Shire, learn new skills and have your say on issues that impact young people

You’ll also get the opportunity to be involved in training and development programs

Scan the QR code to apply for Youth Council, or visit Council’s website

Nominations close on Friday 29 November 2024 at 11:59pm.

OPPORTUNITY THIS WAY

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire.

Library and Customer Service Support OfficerDimboola

Part Time (2 days per week, Thursday-Friday) $34.61 per hour

We are looking for a community-minded person to join our wonderful Libraries and Customer Service team in a jobshare position If you are an exceptional communicator with a passion for customer service, we want to hear from you!

Applications close Wednesday 13 November 2024 at 12noon

Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or for more information, visit our website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-incouncil or contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444

Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to increasing diversity across the organisation We encourage anyone to apply for our vacancies regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status

UPCOMING EVENTS IN HINDMARSH

Did you know that Council advertises upcoming events on its website? Some of these events include:

Community Activism Walks in Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow

Upcoming movie screenings in Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow

Weekly Playgroup and Story Time Sessions

Weekly Cuppa Connections

Library activities like Jigsaw Club, Book Chat, Writing Hour, Free Creative and craft classes Council Meetings

For more info, scan the QR code

If you have an upcoming event in Hindmarsh Shire, you can submit a request to advertise it via our website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/advertisingan-event

Fire danger period comes into force

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The Country Fire Authoritydeclared 2024-25 fire danger period began on Monday in Horsham Rural City, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack municipalities.

CFA west region acting deputy chief officer Mark Gunning said Victorians could expect a hotter and drier summer this year.

“Communities should be preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan,” he said.

“Following a devastating fire season

in the Wimmera earlier this year, we saw many people who prepared their properties for fire, survive the passage of the bushfires in the Grampians and southern Wimmera.

“We live in a fire prone part of Australia and the world, people need to plan and prepare for fire – even if you’re in a township area.”

The dry conditions saw volunteer firefighters fight a fire on Moyston’s Redman Road on Saturday afternoon, which started at a tree and spread across both sides of the road and into scrub.

Sixteen firefighting appliances attacked the fire for 90 minutes and a bulldozer created a fire break before the fire was brought under control.

CFA will introduce further fire danger periods for Victorian municipalities in coming weeks, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate, and local conditions.

People wanting to conduct burn-offs of grass, undergrowth, weeds or vegetation during the fire danger period must have a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

People burning off without a permit can receive a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment. A full list of conditions can be found at cfa.vic.gov.au/can.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said with an increased fire risk expected in the west and southwest of the state, now was the time to take action and prepare.

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to be prepared and stay informed,” he said.

“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, but

also be cautious when burning off and ensure the fire is properly extinguished.

“Now is also the time to sit down with your household and prepare your bushfire plan.”

Mr Gunning said reduced rain across the state had resulted in dry conditions.

“Underlying dryness is a real issue for us – the Grampians is extremely dry,” he said.

“Fires will move quickly this year.”

To find out more, people can visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare.

Richard Morris Scholarship

A scholarship to the value of $3000 is now open for people in the areas of singing, acting, musical instrument, theatre technician, and other arts development related activities.

The scholarship honours the memory of Richard Morris, who was killed in a road accident near Ballarat 20 years ago, and supports people to develop their talents in the performing arts.

People can apply online via a link on the RM Showcase Facebook page. Recipients will be announced at the RM Showcase on November 16.

Bushwalking club invitation

Wimmera Bushwalking Club members are inviting people to join them on the Barri Yulug Gariwerd, Grampians, Experience as part of Try Bushwalking month and to celebrate 90 years of Bushwalking Victoria.

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, from 8.45am to 12.45pm. People can call Rob Walter on 0428 504 383 for details.

Are you a local employer interested in having genuine conversations with your business peers?

SUPPORT: R U OK? Day representatives Shirley Semmens, Neil Murdoch, Dan Moore, Rebecca Wood, Phil Maher and Garry Semmens were in Stawell last week to promote R U OK? and its work around giving people the confidence and skills to have a meaningful conversation with someone who might be struggling.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Conversation convoy visits Stawell

Stawell’s community hosted the R U OK? Conversation Convoy last week, which is visiting regional areas across Australia to share the suicide prevention charity’s public health promotion of helping each other through difficult times.

Marketing manager Rebecca Wood said the convoy left Sydney on September 4.

“R U OK? is in town at the moment on day 51 of the convoy – we’re travelling from Sydney and will go through to Tasmania and then back up the coast of New South Wales to Canberra,” she said.

“We’ve been stopping off at regional and remote communities along the way, just to encourage everyone to look out for each other and to recognise the signs that someone in their life might be struggling.”

Ms Wood said Stawell residents took part in a community workshop to go through the steps of how to ask R U OK? in a genuine way.

“It’s also a workshop on brainstorming ways that people within the community can make R U OK? every day in a way that works right for them, so there’s no right or wrong way to do it, but we do encourage people to do it for whatever works for them,” she said.

A crew of four is travelling by road and has a caravan that is used as an incidental counselling space.

“The caravan is a beautiful safe space if anyone is really struggling. We have trained people here who can go in and have a chat as well,” Ms Wood said. Born from a lived experience, R U OK?

was a question championed by Gavin Larkin in 2009 in a bid to protect other families from the grief his family endured after his father died by suicide in 1995.

The R U OK? conversation movement continues as Mr Larkin’s legacy – he lost his life to cancer in 2011.

People can find more information about the convoy, mental health resources and an expression of interest form to host a convoy event at www.ruok.org.au.

• If you, or anyone you know, needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 13YARN on 13 92 76, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call triple zero.

– Bronwyn Hastings

‘Wimmera Southern Mallee Business Connect’ is the place where employers can build resilience, together.

Be part of the discussion, hear from guest speakers and connect on local issues to make our community stronger.

Membership is free and employers from all sectors across the WSM region are welcome.

If you are experiencing difficulty in paying your water bill and would like support to manage your payments, we’re here to listen and assist you where we can.

Our customer service team can help with a range of options including:

•Flexible payment arrangements

•Payment cards

•Direct debit

Please phone us on 1300 659 961 to discuss how we can assist you.

21ST ANNUAL

SHOPPING SPREE WEEK

Monday 4 November 2024 to Saturday 9 November 2024

SHOP LOCAL

All proceeds towards new operating theatre

Australia Post Stawell

Axis Employment

Chris N Diʼs

Clarks Furniture*

Corner Cafe Stawell

Eleanor Clark Furniture & Bedding

Emma Kealy Member for Lowan

Fosters Mensland

Green Leaf Cafe

House + Party

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KFC

Lyal Eales

Mitre 10 Stawell

Perryʼs Shoes*

Pyrenees Premium Cuts

Raynerʼs Fruit & Vegetables

Sneek ʻAʼ Peek Boutique*

We’re recruiting for various roles at our new early learning and childcare centre in Murtoa opening in 2025!

• be part of the new Victorian government-run

• work in high- quality spaces.

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$20Passports selectedfrom stores*

Stawell Alliance Pharmacy

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Stawell Lawnmower Centre

Stawell Lotto

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That One Place

Join us in Murtoa and you may be eligible to receive a $9,000 Educator Location Incentive.

SubRosa wins silver abroad

Ararat

winery SubRosa won an award at an international wine show in London last week.

Co-founded by winemaker Adam Louder and partner Nancy Panter, SubRosa’s 2019 Nebbiolo, crafted from Pyreneesgrown Nebbiolo grapes, was awarded a silver medal and 92 points for best nonItalian Nebbiolo at the International Wine Challenge in London.

Nebbiolo is a sought-after Italian grape variety known for producing complex wines, with high tannin and acidity making it ideal for ageing.

Ms Panter said no other non-Italian Nebbiolo was rated higher at the London challenge.

“We entered the International Wine Challenge to benchmark our wines against the best and we’re incredibly proud of the high rating for our SubRosa 2019 Nebbiolo,” she said.

“This recognition reassures us that our wines made by Adam are truly worldclass, which is what we strive for.”

The 2019 SubRosa Pyrenees Nebbiolo was described by the 2024 International Wine Challenge judges as ‘rose, cherry and spice with dried herbs and hints of mushroom. Light, bright, and crunchy with a mineral core. This shows that Aussie Nebbiolo can age beautifully. Delicious plums and herbaceousness’.

Founded in 2013, SubRosa has built a reputation for producing premium, smallbatch wine from fruit grown in the coolclimate regions of the Grampians and Pyrenees.

It is the second major recognition for SubRosa this month after earning a fivestar rating in the Halliday Wine Companion.

Mr Louder said it was the first time SubRosa had earned the five-star rating.

“It’s great to be recognised as one of the top producers in Australia by the Halliday team,” he said.

“This honour highlights our dedication to produce premium cool-climate wines.”

According to the Halliday Wine Companion, a five-star winery is an ‘outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality’ and must have at least two wines rated at 95 points or above.

Ms Panter said being a very small winery meant there was no room for error.

“Adam is an incredibly talented winemaker. He’s completed 40 vintages around the world, which speaks to his passion and skill in crafting exceptional wines,” she said.

“Halliday ratings are important for our reputation.

“A five-star rating will help build reputation and trust with our customers, industry and export partners.”

Grampians Fine Wine Festival is celebrating the accolade with a buy one, get one free promotion at Grampians Wine Cellar in Halls Gap until Sunday.

People can purchase a glass of the award-winning SubRosa 2019 Nebbiolo and enjoy a complimentary glass of SubRosa.

SubRosa wines are also available for purchase online at subrosawine.com and at IGA Liquor in Ararat and Stawell.

Milestone for teenage sweethearts

Maurice Lawson suggests ‘it had nothing to do with me’ in getting together with his future wife Joan.

On the cusp of the couple’s 70th wedding anniversary today, Mr Lawson, 91, said: “She’s since informed me that she had her eye on me years beforehand.”

Teenage sweethearts, the Lawsons revealed they became a couple in form four at Horsham High School.

“That’s where we first came into contact,” Mrs Lawson, 89, said.

The couple then spent their entire working life either side of Horsham Town Hall in Wilson Street.

“When we left school, we started

Spring into Cleanliness with Waste Busters

work at the same time. Maurie started at The Horsham Times on the Sunday, and I started at Brown and Proudfoot solicitors on the Monday,” Mrs Lawson said.

The Rev Howard Kettle married the pair at Horsham’s Wesley Methodist Church before the newlyweds honeymooned in Adelaide.

The couple then had four children and raised three and now have seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Sticking to a working-life formula, the couple retired in the same week in 1998.

Mr Lawson said the pair achieved two of three major retirement

goals. “We went to China and Japan but never made it to Europe,” he said.

Mrs Lawson added: “We were going to do wonderful things, then I broke my leg, then Maurie broke his leg, and then he was in hospital for a couple of operations and that’s where the past 20 years have gone.”

The couple agreed that success to having a long marriage was to have mutual interests and to understand each other.

“We did everything – we rode motorbikes, went fishing and played tennis together,” Mrs Lawson said.

PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY: Maurice and Joan Lawson celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary today, October 30.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Memorial walk to show support

Organisers of Ararat’s Suicide Prevention Memorial Walk on Saturday are encouraging people to show their support as they remember loved ones lost to suicide.

The walk, organised by Ararat Suicide Prevention Awareness Group, has drawn about 30 people to Alexandra Gardens in its past two iterations, but group chair Linda Nyikos said she believed this year’s attendance would be larger.

“We’re hoping we’ll get more this year. There wouldn’t be many people in the community who haven’t been affected by suicide,” she said.

“My husband died by suicide. We’re very passionate about what we do in trying to do something about the terrible statistics.

“We’ve had quite a few deaths by suicide in our region in the past 12 months, and it’s too much.”

Ms Nyikos said the event would be a chance to express love for people who died by suicide, as well as support for friends and family left behind.

“We do a reflective walk around the lake and it’s a chance for people to think about loved ones they’ve lost to suicide,” she said.

“We’ll also have a wreath laying and people can write their loved ones’ names on a pebble and toss them into the lake to demonstrate the ripple effect suicide has on our community.”

Ms Nyikos said members of suicide support group StandBy would be on hand to help anyone who found the ceremony confronting.

She said the group was ‘very fortunate’ to have Tatyoon farmer Leila McDougall as a guest speaker for the event.

Ms McDougall helped form the annual Mellow in the Yellow event to raise money for mental health support in farming communities.

She also wrote, produced and acted in the independent film Just a Farmer, which was released earlier this year and deals with the impact of suicide on farming familes.

“Leila had personal reasons behind the film with the high incidence of suicide with farmers,” Ms Nyikos said.

“She’ll come along and speak about the film and why she made it.

“She’s very passionate about her work in suicide prevention and mental health.”

Ms Nyikos said people were becoming more open about their mental health thanks to events such as R U OK? Day, but that there was still room for improvement.

“I think it’s allowing people to speak more about suicide and ask others how they’re going,” she said.

“People are getting better at seeking help, but we’ve still got a way to go.”

The Suicide Prevention Memorial Walk will be from 11am to 12.30pm at Alexandra Gardens on November 2.

People can email araratspag@gmail.com or visit Ararat Suicide Prevention Awareness Group’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/AraratSuicidePreventionAwareness for more information.

Students on show at plaza

There was plenty of student activity at Horsham Plaza in October, with two schools using the shopping destination as an avenue to showcase work and raise money.

Ss Michael and John’s Primary School had artwork on display at the plaza as part of National Children’s Week.

Teacher Kate Wade said the artworks, from all year levels, included works based on scar trees, designer boots, wreaths,

upcycling, and marionettes.

“The kids love seeing their things on display, and it gives some of them their first exhibition,” she said.

“The kids will end up in their visual diaries receiving a ticket, which will say that they’ve exhibited.”

Meanwhile, Horsham’s St Brigid’s College students sold handmade products at a pop-up shop, with proceeds to be donated to Wimmera Cancer Centre.

Students Phoenix McKinnon, Jessica Dunn, teacher Chris Rook, Noah Kinnane, Sean Makoni and Ryan Ahern made items including 3D-printed items, wooden chopping boards, pallet Christmas trees and jewellery as part of their VET Certificate II small business course.

ON SHOW: Ss Michael and John’s Primary School art teacher Kate Wade with students, from left, Henry Taylor, Poppy O’Connor, Sophie Sparke and Cruz Sudholz display artwork at Horsham Plaza for National Children’s Week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

NOVEMBER 22, 23, 24

Friday, Nov 22 – CBD Shopping event – NO STREET CLOSURES

Horsham welcomes “The Push” youth music event – 5pm – 9pm Maydale Pavilion.

Saturday, Nov 23

Maydale Reserve & Horsham Showgrounds. Free Entry

Sawyer Park – 8am Wimmera River Park Run – Run, Jog, Walk – family fun Hsm Showgrounds – 10am-10pm Carnival rides and amusements

Maydale Pavilion – from 6 - 9.15pm Family Concert, singing and dancing Hsm Showgrounds – 9.30 pm. MiXX FM Fireworks spectacular

Sunday, Nov 24

Maydale Reserve & Horsham Showgrounds - Free Entry

9am - 2pm – Market – indoor/outdoor, magician, dress-ups, Hsm City Brass Band, Mini Goats, face painting, “paint a car”, balloons, games, Box Car Derby, water play, slime play, Come n Try Soccer, Historical vehicles, Army Display and Vehicles, music, dancing, dress ups, mini golf, Scouts and Guides activities and our NEW Sensory Nook. 10am - 2pm – Carnival rides and amusements 2pm - Santa arrives

West Wimmera honours seniors

Serviceton’s

Angela Heinrich is the West Wimmera Shire Council senior citizen of the year for 2024, receiving her award at the council’s seniors concert in Edenhope last week.

The award recognised Ms Heinrich’s years of active community volunteering and her continued contributions to both the Serviceton and Kaniva districts.

Ms Heinrich has served on several local committees, helping to keep local facilities running smoothly and engaging younger community members to take on volunteering roles.

She has been a spokesperson for the Serviceton Railway Station Committee since 1986, regularly offering guided tours of the station, and also plays a key role in the Serviceton and District Action Group, where she is currently both secretary and treasurer.

Ms Heinrich is one of three editors of the Servi Snippets newsletter, helping to keep the community informed for nearly two decades.

As president of the Serviceton Recreation and Sports Association, Ms Heinrich also manages the local clubrooms and camping grounds, often filling in for others to meet the community’s needs.

Her contributions also extend to the Serviceton

Rural Fire Brigade, where she has served as secretary for years, as well as the Serviceton Ladies Fellowship, where she is the current vice-president.

On top of her many other commitments, Ms Heinrich also regularly drives a community bus from Kaniva to Horsham and volunteers at the Kaniva Purple Starfish community shop.

West Wimmera Shire Council chief executive

David Bezuidenhout praised Ms Heinrich’s exceptional contributions to the community when presenting her with her award.

“Angela is an outstanding example of dedication and service. Her tireless work in the Serviceton and Kaniva districts is deeply appreciated by all who know her,” he said.

“She has an incredible ability to bring people together and has encouraged the younger generation to take on important community roles.

“Angela’s commitment and energy are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to recognise her with this award.”

The council’s senior citizen of the year award recognises shire residents aged 60 years or older who have contributed to community wellbeing, have a positive attitude towards ageing, continue to be active in their community and encourage others to do the same.

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TOP SENIOR: West Wimmera Shire Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout with senior citizen of the year Angela Heinrich.

CELEBRATION: Jodie Pretlove joins Merna and Ralph Zwar at West Wimmera Shire seniors week celebrations.

SHOWCASE: Paul Oliver, James Sweetin and Allen Horneij showcase Edenhope Men’s Shed. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ENTERTAINMENT: Wendy Stapleton performing at seniors week celebrations at Edenhope with backup singers, her niece Angie Stapleton and daughter Ally Stapleton.

CELEBRATION: From left, Northern Grampians Shire Council director strategy, prosperity and engagement Justine Kingan, tourism and marketing officer Anna Gellert and chief executive Brent McAlister celebrate the organisation being named a finalist at the 2024 National Economic Development Awards in Melbourne on October 17.

Tourism branding wins recognition

ANorthern Grampians Shire Council campaign aimed at establishing the region as a tourist destination was one of three finalists at the recent 2024 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence.

The awards, presented at a ceremony in Melbourne this month, recognise individuals and organisations who drive growth and community prosperity, with Northern Grampians Shire Council finishing runner-up to the City of Whittlesea in its category.

The council was named a finalist for its Discover Northern Grampians brand, which chief executive Brent McAlister described as best practice in destination marketing.

“We are thrilled to be recognised as a finalist in these prestigious and highly competitive awards, among projects from municipal councils and regional development organisations throughout Australia,” he said.

“Developing the Discover Northern Grampians – DNG – brand involved a comprehensive process that took almost two years from planning to implementation.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their vision, collaboration and hard work, that has not only resulted in the DNG brand’s creation, but its ongoing success.”

Mr McAlister said DNG was designed to appreciate, celebrate and build upon the municipality’s unique tourism value, so visitors were sustainably dispersed and increased their length of stay.

BOWERS

“The brand also includes the current community and future community as audiences, to ensure Northern Grampians residents know this destination brand exists to improve their lives by strengthening the visitor economy,” he said.

Mr McAlister said the council’s economic development team developed a distinctive DNG brand separate from the organisation’s corporate brand to ensure clear communication with the right audiences

“Collaborating closely with the local communities, industry stakeholders and regional tourism partner Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, we gathered insights to develop the value propositions and the compelling brand story,” he said.

“Any potential audience should have a smooth and clear experience when learning about Northern Grampians towns in the context of the broader region.”

Mr McAlister said the brand emphasised and represented people who ‘live, work, invest and love’ the region.

He said the brand was rolled out through a website and digital presence; social media; events partnership and promotion; outdoor signs and printed materials; special projects; and billboards and digital assets.

People can follow Discover Northern Grampians on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for updates about events and tourism assets in the shire.

CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

SHOULDER JOINT PROBLEMS

Is the shoulder joint really a joint?

Not really, it’s a shallow cavity with the A/C joint on top. The shoulder has a wonderful range of movement. If you think of a cup and saucer, the hip is a bit like a cup (a ball and socket joint) and the shoulder is more like the saucer, shallow with a small lip on one side. The average person can move their shoulder in a number of ranges of motion: up, down, in, out, large circles and up behind your back, or in your case, maybe not. The shoulder is supported by 16 muscles and they’re a bit like a union, one out all out. Also, it has close association with the neck and upper back. So, when there is a problem with the shoulder as chiropractors, we often see locked up muscles in the shoulder region, the shoulder joint not moving as freely as it should and tight, locked up upper back and neck, shoulder blade and clavicle.

So how does a Chiropractor help? With adjustment to move the jammed-up areas in the neck, upper back, and shoulder, corrective posture and sometimes massage, you can see a huge improvement. This is also relevant care if you have had shoulder surgery or a fracture in your arm which means you haven’t been able to move it properly. Getting all these areas to move better means that any physio or other treatment, will work better with better results.

Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP

MP delights at King’s visit

Member for Mallee Anne Webster was among federal politicians to briefly speak with King Charles III at a civic reception in Canberra during a four-day visit to Australia last week.

Dr Webster said King Charles had demonstrated his commitment to Australia by postponing his cancer treatment to meet the public and politicians in Canberra.

“The relatively brief tour is understandable, being His Majesty’s first royal visit to another nation since his cancer diagnosis,” she said.

“His Majesty told the gathered audience in Canberra how sad he was that the visit was so short.

“His Majesty paid tribute to Australia’s bravery and resilience in the face of natural disasters as the essence of the Australian character, also remarking on our economic growth and diversity.

“As we all know, health can limit your best intentions and I am sure the turnout would have been even stronger if the King and Queen could have visited more of Australia, including regional Australia – as the King and the late Queen Elizabeth the Second have done in the past.

“That’s not a criticism, I acknowledge the great honour Their Majesties gave Australia in this first visit to another nation under very trying personal circumstances.”

Dr Webster was critical of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan who had rebuffed the invitation to travel to Canberra for the reception.

“Most of the Premiers have snubbed our reigning head of state, which I

HONOUR:

consider to be callous given they are Ministers of the Crown,” Dr Webster said.

“It is disappointing that when Their Majesties have flown from the other side of the world to make their first visit to our wonderful country as King and Queen, Premiers and parliamentarians alike were too busy politicking.”

Dr Webster said she believed a ma-

jority of Australians embraced the monarchy – despite the behaviour of Senator Lidia Thorpe, who yelled at the King, saying ‘give us our land back’, ‘you are not my king. You are not our king’ and ‘give us a treaty’.

Dr Webster said Ms Thorpe should face motions to remove her from the Senate for her behaviour toward King Charles.

“I told her in the Great Hall that

Free access to campgrounds

Camping in all of Victoria’s state and national parks will be free this summer under a new State Government plan.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced last week camping would be free at Parks Victoria’s 131 paid campgrounds between December 1 and June 30 – saving campers a combined $7.3-million in booking fees.

An additional $1.7-million will go towards extra campground maintenance, repairs and operating costs under the plan.

Ms Allen said the $9-million announcement would ensure campers had free access to all campgrounds statewide, including at popular destinations such as Tidal River in Wilson’s Promontory, where fees are currently $40.70 a night.

“Busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors – and this summer, they can stay for free,” she said.

“I grew up camping with my family and those special memories have stayed with me forever.”

she is a disgrace to the Parliament,” she said.

“I am encouraging Coalition colleagues to explore using both the full force of the law and the Constitution to examine how Senator Thorpe can be removed from Parliament.

“We cannot allow her behaviour towards Their Majesties, our Constitution and our heritage to go unchecked.”

Mr Dimopoulos said families who had already booked and paid for campgrounds during the free camping period would have their bookings refunded.

He said the announcement built on a previous half-price camping initiative introduced by the State Government in 2019.

“There is no better time than this summer to get out and enjoy nature, all while saving the cost of your holiday and boosting tourism in regional communities,” he said.

Local Kailee Rose shares excitement for Horsham’s Push All Ages Tour

Horsham singer Kailee Rose has shared her excitement of the Push All Ages Tour event at the Maydale Pavilion on Friday, 22 November.

The collaboration between Triple J Unearthed and Always Live Victoria will see The Rions, South Summit, Jem Cassar-Daley headline the show along with triple j Unearthed competition winner Rose and fellow local support act Jack Doolan and the Scrubs.

“I am as excited as I am nervous! I have been pinching myself since the call from triple j Unearthed, and it’s finally starting to feel more real seeing the local acts being announced,” Rose said.

Known for her cover gigs, Kailee is rapt to showcase her original music to a larger audience.

“It’s really exciting to be able to showcase my original music which rarely leaves the four walls of my home.”

When asked about her readiness for the performance, Kailee admitted, “As ready as I’ll ever be! I am currently in the midst of trying to choose which tracks make it onto the set list, that’s the tricky part.”

Tickets for the Horsham Push are selling fast, a testament to the region’s hunger for live music.

Kailee attributes this to the strong demand in Horsham and surrounding rural towns.

“I think there is a huge demand for live music in Horsham and in surrounding rural towns, and there is definitely potential for the live music scene to grow.

Hopefully, an event such as The Push in Horsham encourages this to happen,” she said.

Playing in front of a big local crowd is both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Kailee.

“This will potentially be the largest event and crowd I’ve played in front of which is quite nerve-wracking. However, the first time I ever played in front of an audience was at the Horsham Show over 10 years ago, so to be performing at the Maydale Pavilion with such an impressive lineup feels like the perfect full circle moment.”

Following a successful application from Horsham Rural City Council, Horsham was chosen as one of the four locations for the tour, offering a rare opportunity for young music fans to attend a touring event without hours of travel.

Tickets for the The Push All-Ages Tour are $30 (plus booking fees) are available through Moshtix. Visit alwayslive.com.au for program and ticket details.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster briefly speaks with King Charles III at a civic reception in Canberra.

Kailee Rose

Ararat man charged

An Ararat man was one of nine people charged last week as part of an ongoing investigation targeting serious organised crime in the illicit tobacco market.

Detectives from the VIPER and Lunar taskforces charged the people with Commonwealth offences for their part in directing and assisting an organised crime syndicate.

It will be alleged the syndicate was leasing stores, employing staff as supervisors, store managers and couriers and commencing deliveries under the guise of operating the stores as legitimate gifts and confectionary stores, while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.

Investigators have obtained transactional records that reflect the syndicate earned more than $30-million in a 12-month period through the sale of illicit tobacco in the stores.

Three tobacco stores in Ararat were raided, with the assistance of Ararat and Northern Grampians crime investigation units.

Two people were arrested at Ararat – a 46-year-old Ararat man and a Hoppers Crossing man, 25, who were both charged with supporting a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences.

Another Hoppers Crossing man, 25, was arrested at Melbourne Airport just before 6am on Tuesday last week, and charged with the Commonwealth offence of directing the activities of a criminal organisation, possessing tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue, possessing proceeds of crime and selling or distributing e-cigarettes.

Four other people, including two

Hoppers Crossing men, a 50-year-old Grovedale woman, and a 51-yearold Glen Waverley man, were also arrested and charged with the same offences.

Three other people were arrested, including a Tarneit man, 38, who was arrested attempting to remove stock from a retail outlet in Werribee.

He was charged with supporting a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences.

Supported by the Australian Federal Police, AFP, the Australian Taxation Office, ATO, Australian Border Force’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and Therapeutic Goods Administration, officers executed more than 27 search warrants across Victoria.

Searched properties included three industrial properties in Truganina, residential addresses in Truganina, Hoppers Crossing, Glen Waverley, Lara, Grovedale, Footscray and Mount Cottrell, and tobacco stores in Herne Hill, Bell Park, Grovedale, Werribee, Dallas, Kensington, Boronia, Ararat, Kyabram, Echuca and Yarrawonga.

During the warrants, police seized a Lamborghini Coupe and Range Rover from the Hoppers Crossing address, at least 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks, over 75 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco and a significant quantity of cash as well as utilities and vans investigators will allege were used in the distribution of illicit tobacco.

Victoria Police has identified a number of state, national and global organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict, including personnel from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw mo-

torcycle gangs who are then engaging local networked youth and youth gangs to carry out the offending.

Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the disruption of the syndicate would have a substantial impact on the illicit tobacco trade.

“These were significant players who we believe were directing the activity of a criminal organisation, turning a huge profit at the expense of others,” he said.

“Those involved have the potential and the propensity to commit serious acts of violence and given their complete disregard for the safety of others, pose a serious risk to the community. Their criminality cannot be tolerated.

“We have said a number of times that Victoria Police is focused on targeting syndicate leaders, directors, facilitators and organisers.

“That remains critical for us, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to bring this criminality to an end and to make involvement in illicit tobacco as hostile a proposition as possible for organised crime groups.”

Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.

Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Lions club goes green

In a bid to avoid confusion with a fellow club and reflect its association with Green Park Dog Park, City of Horsham Lions Club has changed its name to Green Park Lions Club.

Lions V2 district governor Michelle Challis visited Horsham to present club president Carolyn Maltry and her members with the Green Park Lions Club bannerette, name badge and polo shirt, showing the change.

Green Park Lions Club members said they would continue to provide contributions to its many charitable

agencies, including Christian Emergency Food Centre, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Riding for the Disabled, Horsham Military Collection and Wimmera Animal Rescue.

The club is currently recruiting for new members and volunteer supporters who could offer some assistance at its monthly market barbecues and club meetings.

People can call president Carolyn Maltry on 0417 102 380 for more information.

NAME CHANGE: From left, Mark Maltry, Lions V2 District Governor Michelle Challis, Emma Maltry and Green Park Lions Club president Carolyn Maltry with new branding material.

6080 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge

129.42ha / 319.80 acres

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

PRICED @ $2850 per acre

Mark Clyne 0417 568 200

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

Southern Wimmera Cropping/ Grazing - 101.2 ha/ 250.07 acres. Excellent fencing with good

1790 Harrow-Balmoral Road, Balmoral

104.2ha / 257.5 acres in 2 titles

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

PRICED @ $1,650,000

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

M 0417 568 200

PRICED

Mark Clyne 0417 568

Stunning Glenisla Farming & Lifestyle Property

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

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

PRICED @ $3850 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Yarto-Speed Road, Patchewollock

Approx. 1180ha / 2915 acres

Comprising of 3 titles - C/A 25,29 & 30 - located 36k north of Hopetoun. To be sold as a whole. Undulating country with a mix of soil types. Approx. 53% arable with the balance remnant vegetation. Suitable for cropping or grazing. GWM pipeline water connected, tanks & troughs.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 4.00pm 13th December 2024

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Cnr Blue Ribbon Road & Keam Road, Cannum 109.5ha / 270.58acres

Quality Wimmera cropping soil types, well located north of Wallup & the Borung Hwy. A good opportunity to add to your current holdings or those looking for a block further aﬁeld. Soil types are classed as mixed cropping & range from grey to red rising clay type soils, ideal cropping/hay country.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 4.00pm 6th December 2024

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Would you like to learn more about the VNI West project?

Come and meet with the Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) team to learn more about the route refinement process and project impact assessments. Specialists will be available to discuss agriculture, compensation and environmental issues.

VNI West Community Reference Group seeking new members

TCV is looking for residents from the areas of Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon and Northern Grampians to join the VNI West Community Reference Group (CRG). TCV is seeking community-minded people who are ready to get involved and share ideas, to help minimise impacts and deliver long-lasting community benefits from the VNI West project. Members of the CRG independently represent the needs and interests of their community, providing essential local knowledge as the VNI West project team plans and seeks approvals for this important infrastructure project.

The CRG has been running since 2023. The group has met five times and will look to meet every two months either in person or online.

Have your say on VNI West

These sessions will be one of many opportunities to engage with the project as it progresses. We’re here and we’re listening - in the near future, you’ll see our team on a more regular basis at pop ups across the project area. We will provide details of these sessions as they are confirmed through our website and social media.

Get in Touch

You can learn more about upcoming community sessions and apply to join the CRG through our website below.

Head to our website to complete our survey and help us understand what could change as a result of the VNI West project, including potential negative impacts and opportunities for the project to support positive change. This information can help with the design programs, policies and initiatives that minimise negative impacts and maximise positive impacts.

Web: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Free call: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Facebook: @TransmissionVictoria

Municipality in good shape

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Northern Grampians Shire Council’s books appear to be in good shape as residents across the municipality prepare for the next four-year council term.

The council hosted an unscheduled meeting last week to receive a financial report for the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year, as well as the completed annual report for 2023-24.

Cr Karen Hyslop said the quarterly financial report painted a picture of a healthy municipality.

“This financial report is quite good. It’s $490,000 in a favourable variance,” she said.

“There is an adjustment to capital expenditure for additional grant funding received, and there is an adjustment for additional grant income expected for works completed in the previous financial year, which is quite favourable.

“That’s what we want to see in our quarterly financial report.”

Councillors said the annual report, the preparation of which they met on September 30 to discuss, also showed good signs.

“It’s important to recognise the activities that have been delivered over the past four years,” Cr Eddy Ostarcevic said.

“Noticeably in the last year where we’ve had upgrades to St Arnaud’s Lord Nelson Park, we’ve had up-

grades to Stawell’s North Park, we’ve had a number of other projects that have started, for example a new sporting pavilion at Great Western.

“Those three projects alone have totalled somewhere in the vicinity of $12-million of funds that have been spent.”

Call for greater support

Cr Ostarcevic said the council had done well to fund key projects but called on the state and federal governments to provide greater support.

“Council has provided a great deal of infrastructure for the community through prudent use of funds that have been gained from ratepayers and also secured through state and federal funds,” he said.

“The report highlights activities that council delivers – not just roads, rates and rubbish, but also things like the St Arnaud Early Learning Centre and its progress through immunisation, albeit almost entirely at the cost of the ratepayer rather than subsidised from the state coffers.

“There are areas of support that would be welcome from state and federal governments towards the delivery of these types of services –maternal care, aged care.”

Councillors encouraged residents to read the annual report by visiting www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Council/ Governance-and-transparency/Coun cil-publications/Annual-Report to see how the council spent its money.

GATHERING: Pictured from left, at the board chairs’ lunch, East Grampians Health Service director of support services Stuart Kerr, Nancy Panter, Faye Hull, Christine Forster, Ken Weldin, Graeme Foster, chief executive Nick Bush, Bill Jones, and John Evans.

Health leaders help guide developments

East Grampians Health Service Board

chair Ken Weldin hosted a lunch with former EGHS Board chairs.

The lunch was to brief the former board chairs about the future developments at the health service, with director of support services Stuart Kerr presenting to the group.

“It is important to get the former board chairs together to share with them the developments of the health service that are upcoming and to learn

from their experiences,” Mr Weldin said.

Mr Weldin said it was approaching 30 years since the creation of East Grampians Health Service following the merger of Ararat District Hospital, Willaura District Hospital and John Pickford Geriatric Centre.

“It was very pleasing to see John Evans in attendance, as we advocate with the government to redevelop Willaura. John was the former board

chair of Willaura District Hospital,” he said.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush said it was pleasing to catch up with the former board chairs who gave so much to the health service and are still active supporters.

“It is good to get their feedback on the health service’s performance and the opportunities for the future and if they are witnessing areas where we need to improve,” he said.

Nhill secures state-of-the-art dental machine

People can now receive comprehensive dental scans at Nhill Hospital, with a new state-of-the-art dental x-ray machine installed.

The machine, known as an Orthopantomogram or OPG, can provide multiple angled panoramic x-ray im-

ages of both the lower and upper jaw, allowing for a thorough investigation of consumer’s dental health.

West Wimmera Health Service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the x-ray machine was a key piece of equipment used by dental surgeon Sean Hogan,

therefore making the investment imperative.

“It means people in our communities can access this service more locally rather than having to travel significant distances otherwise,” he said.

rural communities.

Scholarships for rural health

Partial scholarships are available for health professionals to assist rural communities by extending their qualifications with a graduate certificate of agricultural health and medicine.

Supported by the Grampians Public Health unit, the partial scholarship is valued at more than $7000 and will cover two core units offered by the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Applicants from across the Grampians region who are either working in or aspiring to work in rural health, medicine, nursing, health management, work health and safety, agriculture, or rural policy are encouraged to apply.

National Centre for Farmer Health course director Jacquie Cotton said the scholarship provided an incredible opportunity for rural professionals to make a real difference.

“We’re seeking individuals who are dedicated

to making a lasting impact on our farming communities and are passionate about driving long-term positive health, wellbeing and safety outcomes,” she said.

Applicants must have satisfactorily completed an appropriate undergraduate qualification from a recognised health, agricultural, medical, allied health or veterinary course.

Alternatively, candidates who demonstrate to the course chair that they have applicable professional experience in the areas of health and/or agriculture will be assessed for eligibility on an individual basis.

People have until November 15 to apply, and can find more information at National Centre for Farmer Health’s website or by contacting Dr Cotton at j.cotton@deakin.edu.au.

DEDICATED: Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Health and Medicine participants join the National Centre for Farmer Health to build knowledge and skills needed to tackle the dynamic health challenges faced by

SUPPORT: Gwen Dunn and Olive Karam turned a terrible situation of being in hospital with significant injuries into a beautiful friendship.

The silver lining

Two dedicated Stawell volunteers have formed an inseparable friendship after sharing a room at Grampians Health’s Stawell campus.

Olive Karam and Gwen Dunn were leading almost parallel lives in Stawell, but had never met until Ms Karam was wheeled into the Simpson ward room where Ms Dunn was convalescing after a fall at home in August 2023.

Ms Dunn, who has lived in Stawell her entire life, worked at a dry-cleaning business and volunteered with the Salvation Army, said she fell after her leg was caught while standing up from a chair.

“I rang my son and his wife, and they came around. I was in too much pain for them to touch me so they rang an ambulance and I was taken directly to Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham,” she said.

“The next morning I was transferred to Ballarat where I had a partial hip replacement. I didn’t know anything about it until afterwards because they operated straight away.

“After a while I was transferred back to Stawell for my recovery.”

Ms Karam grew up in Great Western and spent much of her life in Melbourne before returning to Stawell 14 years ago. Since returning she has regularly volunteered four days a week at Grampians Health’s Bennett Day Centre.

In the same month of Ms Dunn’s accident, she fell while helping with bingo at the day centre.

“Someone yelled ‘bingo’ and I turned around to get a prize. The next thing I’m on the ground and I don’t remember what happened,” Ms Karam said.

“I recovered enough to walk to the car and drive home, but the next morning I didn’t feel right so I went back to bed and about 3am the following morning I was climbing the walls in pain.

“I rang my sister at about 11am and asked her to take me to the doctor. She came in and looked at me and said ‘no you’re going to the hospital in an ambulance’.

“It turned out I had cracked five ribs and my patella.”

Ms Karam was transferred from Stawell campus to Ballarat Base Hospital for 10 days.

“They brought me back to Stawell in midSeptember and they wheeled me into this room.

I remember being peeved off because Gwen was already in the room and she had the bed by the window,” Ms Karam said.

“I was thinking oh my goodness I’m going to be stuck with this old bird, we don’t know each other and I’m going to be talking to a curtain ... but it didn’t happen that way at all.”

Both women struck up an immediate friendship that amused the nursing staff.

“We’re both pretty good talkers and we don’t know what we talk about, but we just talk,” Ms Karam said.

The pair continued their friendship after returning home from their hospital stays.

When Ms Dunn was unable to continue volunteering with the Salvation Army as a result of her fall, she said Ms Karam suggested she join her at the Bennett Day Centre.

“I’ve been helping out there ever since,” Ms Dunn said.

“I absolutely love it, having a chat with everyone and helping out with all the activities.”

Grampians Health rural workforce development lead and occupational therapist Kirby Egan said it was great to see how 12 months on from their meeting, both women continued to support each other with their healthcare needs.

“I was working with Gwen to help get her a personal alarm so that she could get help quickly if a fall happened again,” Ms Egan said.

“Gwen knew that Olive was also interested in an alarm so when I turned up to Gwen’s house one day, Olive was there too, and I helped them both at the same time.

“It’s been inspiring to hear how they have both turned a terrible situation of being in hospital with significant injuries into a beautiful friendship which has improved both their social and emotional wellbeing. It shows there can always be a silver lining from a bad situation.”

Reducing in-hospital strokes

Grampians Health is undertaking a study into reducing the risk of strokes in people who have been admitted to hospital – who have a worse outcome than people who suffer a stroke outside the hospital environment.

Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with in-hospital strokes accounting for up to 17 per cent of these.

Grampians Health’s Casey Hair, the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine site co-ordinator, is working with a team of researchers.

“The aim of this study is to identify people atrisk for suffering in-hospital strokes, and from this, to understand how to guide hospital policy, education, and practice to mitigate as much risk for these patients as possible,” she said.

Studies from the UK, Sweden and Korea have analysed characteristics, management, and outcomes of in-hospital stroke patients.

While a study like this has not necessarily been

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conducted in Australia, an analysis of in-hospital stroke and long-term outcomes when treated under a stroke unit versus another admitted unit has been accomplished over the last decade.

“There is a gap in our knowledge in Australia about patients at risk of in-hospital stroke. With this, we can better understand our patient cohort and guide our hospitals policies and practices for stroke to provide more streamlined, and evidence-based, care for our patients,” Ms Hair said.

Former Grampians Health junior medical doctor Matthew Heard started this project in early 2024 with a team of researchers, who are now continuing the project under the guidance of Ms Hair.

“With the work that Matt and our team have put in, we’re hoping this project could be expanded to understand the patients who could be at risk of in-hospital stroke nationally,” Ms Hair said.

H O R S H A M R S L

THE DETAILS

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Thursday, December 5 BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY! Doors open 6.30pm – $85pp incl. 3-course meal

FUN AT THE FAIR: Stawell agricultural and Ararat show societies hosted their annual shows at the weekend. Pictured enjoying some time out and about are, clockwise from above: Stawell Brass Band member Gary Saunders; sisters Siobhan and Carter Rodriguex at Ararat show; Savannah Farrell demonstrating Tae Kwon Do at Stawell show; Aliera Maxwell dancing to The Mik Maks at Ararat show; Matt Coffey woodchopping at the Stawell show; Chris Reynolds chats to Dimboola’s Robert Glatz at Ararat show; and centre, Robbie Parker deals with Ace Shack at Stawell.

Deckert, Vincent Brennan, Mackenzie Fry and Camille Arthur; Mia Yendall,

Starks, Indi Walker, Valeria Sierra

and Mackenzie Fry; Charlotte Kelly; Myra Sharma, Layla King, Alvin Jiss, Greta Smith, Sophia Gerdtz, Matisse Hose, Ane van Zyl and Ella Bailey; Aizla Shrestha, Layla King, Ruby Hallam, Myra Sharma, Alvin Jiss, Matisse Hose, Sophia Gerdtz, Sasha Hinch, Lara Todman and Greta Smith; Camille Arthur and Vincent Brennan; and centre, Luella Burke.

Jodi Hutson, pictured with her dog Kobe, grows more than 1500 varieties of iris at her Jeparit property. Story, page 35. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Research boost to drive market

The State Government will contrib-

ute $2.4-million to a new national research project at Horsham Smart Farm that aims to develop pulse varieties with traits driven by the market.

Grains Research and Development Corporation, GRDC, has invested $8.8-million in the project on behalf of Australian grain growers, plus $2.4-million from industry collaborators.

The four-year project will help pulse producers develop varieties with traits that are driven by the market and will involve all parts of the pulse supply chain, including 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, as well as an international partner.

GRDC chair Sharon Starick said the project would capitalise on a growing plant-based protein market, with demand for foods forecast to surpass $250-billion globally by 2035.

“As GRDC seeks to optimise productivity and increase the production of pulse crops as part of a profitable farming system for Australian growers, it is essential Australian pulses are fit-for-purpose for existing and new markets,” she said.

“This national project seeks to maintain Australia’s competitiveness and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities in value addition, and provide opportunities

to capture value from greater levels of onshore processing that attract higher premiums for growers, as well as providing a diversity of markets.”

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence made the funding announcement last week, and said the new research would help solidify Australia as an industry leader and meet growing global demand for plant proteins.

“We’re working with the grains industry to deliver innovative new research that will put Victorian producers at the forefront of the growing plant-based protein market,” she said.

“This research will help Australian farmers to better meet market needs, strengthening export opportunities and increasing jobs along the supply chain.”

Australia exports on average 2.5 million tonnes of pulses a year – the second largest pulse exporter in the world.

More than 90 per cent of Australia’s pulses are exported with prices defined by visual quality and used primarily for human consumption with a small proportion sold into the lower value, domestic livestock feed market.

Victoria is a major contributor to Australia’s pulse industry, generating $638-million in export income last financial year.

People wanting more information about the project can visit grdc.com.au.

STORIES

SHARED:

Simon Tickner, pictured with his wife Susan Findlay on their Wallup property, will feature in a new film series about Australia’s shift to renewable energy.

Spotlight on renewable energy

Wimmera grain grower Simon Tickner will feature in a new film series about Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.

Mr Tickner, who farms at Wallup, southwest of Warracknabeal, joins parents, community leaders and former councillors and coal workers to deliver his perspective about what regional Australia can gain from the energy shift.

For 50 years, the Tickners’ broadacre grain farming enterprise has operated under transmission lines and they have now added wind turbines to the mix.

Mr Tickner agreed to share his family’s story as preferred easement discussions are carried out with landholders in the eastern part of the Wimmera about

new transmission infrastructure.

“Before the transmission lines went in, I remember my father being a bit unsure about the impact it would have on our farming operations,” he said.

“But 50 years on, and we can tell you that transmission lines matched with renewable energy like wind towers have made our property worth more.

“It’s simple economics. You’re earning extra income off that plot of land, that makes the farm worth more.”

Produced by the New Joneses and hosted by Neighbours star Ryan Moloney, the film series ‘Good Neighbours’ follows Moloney as he hits the road to Horsham and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria,

and Wollongong, Goulburn and Crookwell in New South Wales to learn about renewable energy and the regional communities it affects.

The stories have formed part of a submission to the Australian Senate’s Select Committee Inquiry on Energy Planning and Regulation, to articulate issues about communities benefitting from hosting large-scale renewable infrastructure; the possibility of communities owning renewables; pros and cons of living next to a wind farm; and what can be learned from farmers who have farmed with transmission lines.

The ‘Good Neighbours’ series can be watched for free at www. thenewjoneses.com.

Blossoming venture

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

An incidental interest in irises five years ago has grown into a fullblown farming venture for Jodi Hutson.

Ms Hutson is growing more than 1500 varieties of iris on her property near the Wimmera River at Jeparit.

She said a friend introduced her to irises, but her sister was instrumental in the farm’s beginnings.

“Nhill breeder Rob Harding gave my sister some overstock and she left them in her car boot for about two weeks before giving them to our mum,” she said.

“She planted them and when they flowered I said how nice they were.

“I then bought some from some people in Horsham before going to Rob in Nhill.”

Although Ms Hutson does not describe herself as green-thumbed, she has successfully established the rhizomes and is now branching out into hybridising.

“Rob has taught me how to breed them, by taking the pollen from one and putting it on another,” she said.

Ms Hutson said she would like to create a new hybrid, but that it could take years to achieve the desired flower shape and colour.

“I have a really nice bright orange one, and there are some I like in Rob’s surplus stock he has given me, but with a minimum of three years from seedling to flowering in the first stage, it will take time,” she said.

“There are a couple I like that I’ve done, but they’re not quite good enough, so I’ve crossed them again.”

Ms Hutson grows tall and medium irises, with her stock coming from across Australia.

She also assists Mr Harding in registering his stock online, which must be done with new breeds before they can be sold commercially.

“He’s 75 and has about 40 years of

breeding there that should be out in everyone’s gardens – we registered about a dozen last year and we’ve got more to do this year,” Ms Hutson said.

Ms Hutson tends to her garden after work and on weekends and works ‘close to fulltime’ as a horse barefoot trimmer, as much as post-spinal surgery recovery will allow. She said irises were suited to most Australian climates and gardening abilities.

03 5225 5225 info@ha.legal harwoodandrews.com.au

“You can grow them quite well here, quite easily. They’re not suited to the tropics, but they need the frost – the colder and frostier it is, the better, that’s what stimulates them to flower,” she said.

“They also like full sun and watering a couple of times a week, depending on the rain, so they are perfect for our climate.”

Ms Hutson sells her stock at markets and via her Facebook page, Tullyvea Iris Farm.

Drought readiness grants

Primary producers can apply for matched grants of up to $5000 to assist the implementation of on-farm infrastructure that improves drought management and preparedness.

The State Government has established an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program to cover activities such as constructing or upgrading existing stock containment areas, reticulated water systems, irrigation system upgrades, grain and fodder storage, internal re-fencing to better match property layout, and feed system upgrades.

The $12.1-million grants program is open to farmers in local government areas in Victoria’s south west who have been most severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions, including the Southern Grampians, Pyrenees, Ararat and the southern half of West Wimmera Shire.

For eligibility requirements, guidelines and to apply, people can visit ruralfinance.smartygrants.com.au/on-farm-droughtinfrastructure-grants.

GROWING BUSINESS: Jeparit’s Jodi Hutson grows tall and medium irises on her property and is looking to create a new hybrid. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Retiring Carine’s Merchandise owner Andrew Carine, right, hands over the reins to TractionAg general manager, Vince Carbone.

Carine’s closes doors, TractionAg ﬁlls void United to drive

TractionAG is excited to announce new brands will be added to its range of products at the start of November across its Horsham, Naracoorte and Nhill sites.

TractionAG is taking on brands previously stocked at Carine’s Merchandise, in Golf Course Road Horsham, following the retirement of Andrew and Judy Carine.

Carine’s Merchandise has been in Horsham for nearly 30 years, starting out by selling generic agricultural chemicals and later stocking an

ever-growing range of machinery and equipment.

With the changing times, Mr Carine has announced his family-owned business will cease trading tomorrow.

Mr Carine understands the importance of having a local, committed business to cater for all of peoples’ on-farm needs and was proactive in ensuring his customers’ needs would continue to be met.

TractionAG’s general manager Vince Carbone said he was honoured when contacted by Mr Carine to take on some of the leading brands of agricultural machinery and continue servicing the Wimmera and southeast South Australian areas with a

broad range of farm equipment and machinery.

The new range of products TractionAg are taking on board include:

• Eagle i Machinery – the Australian importers of a range of quality agricultural machinery, including Kwik-Kleen, Kwik-Till and Uni Tube belt shifters and Notch blades.

• Seed and Forage Bags Australia – grain bag loaders, out loaders and bags.

• John Berends Implements

– Designed and built in Australia, for Australian farmers. JBI offers Australia’s largest range of tractor

implements, suitable for anyone from a hobby farmer right up to broad acre farming.

Carine’s Merchandise formed in 1995 by Andrew and Judy Carine, following the family business focusing on plastering for the previous 70 years.

It started out selling generic agricultural chemicals from Western Australia, going on to become the Victorian distributor.

Grain bags and machines were added in the early 2000s with bags and machines being sold throughout western Victoria, the Mallee and southern New South Wales.

Mr Carine said John Berends

Implements were later added, taking over from Royce Crawford.

“We have also sold wheel loaders and forklifts and ﬁnished up selling a wide range of construction machinery for XCMG,” he said.

Mr Carine said this week marked the close of 100 years of Carine’s being in business in some way.

“Judy and I thank all our past customers for their support and wish TractionAg all the best for taking over our Eagle i Machinery, Seed and Forage Bags and John Berends Implements accounts,” he said.

farming future

John Berends Implements

Designed and built in Australia, for Australian farmers. JBI offers Australia’s largest range of tractor implements, suitable for anyone from a hobby farmer right up to broad acre farmer.

Eagle i Machinery

Eagle i Machinery are the Australian importers of a range of quality agricultural machinery, including Kwik-Kleen, Kwik-Till, Uni Tube and Notch Blades.

Richiger

Richiger are a leader in grain bagging systems. Engineered with top quality standards, and built on forward thinking design.

Seed & Forage Bags

Seed & Forage Bags Grain Inloader – 60 or 75 metre bags • 9 foot tunnel • capable of speeds of 220+ tonnes per hour

DAY OUT:

From left, Rachel and Sarah Crothers of Warrnambool, Wimmera

CMA’s Bryana Bisset and Bindy Lees of West Wimmera Shire enjoy a cuppa and chat.

Chicks in the

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Alow-emissions farming focus brought women to the latest Chicks in the Sticks event at Moyston last week, where two guest speakers delivered talks from farming and scientific perspectives.

A decade since the last event, a crowd of about 40 women participated in the day at Grampians Park Station, organised by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.

Wimmera CMA sustainable agriculture facilitator Bronwyn Bant said the concept was born in about 2009, after

observing most farming events were male dominated.

“Way back when we first started Chicks in the Sticks we noticed that often a lot of our events were just attracting the men farmers in our region,” she said.

“We know that women make up a large percentage of our farmers and they’re decision makers as well, so we wanted to make an event for women that was appealing to them.” Family friendly and ran during school hours, the event has been hosted by women farmers across the Wimmera to showcase a variety of sustainable agricultural practices.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Wimmera CMA sustainable agriculture facilitator

DISCUSSION: Ararat’s Debbie Shea, left, Brim’s Annie Erhardt and Cavendish’s Cal Stewart, right, spend some time in the sun.

Bronwyn Bant, centre, with guest speakers Fiona Conroy, left, and Cassandra Schefe.

Pictures: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Sticks rehatched after decade break

Ms Bant said last week’s guest speakers, The Cool Soil Initiative principal scientist Cassandra Schefe and Bellarine Peninsula farmer Fiona Conroy, shared their knowledge and practical experience in low-emissions farming.

“Dr Schefe has worked with many Wimmera farmers in helping them understand their farming systems and soil health through her business AgriSci, while Ms Conroy runs a mixed farming enterprise with her husband Cam Nicholson and is using a variety of practices to achieve carbon-neutral status,” Ms Bant said.

Dr Schefe said her specialty was in

soil-carbon interactions at fundamental levels, and the connection between farming at a molecular level to global events.

“There’s a lot of perceptions of carbon and emissions being a big impost on agriculture,” she said.

“My world is working with farmers around the fact they’re already doing really well in understanding the fundamental processes that happen with carbon and organic matter on farm and how they’re already doing a lot of the good things.

“This new world of emission reporting and acknowledgement of carbon in the system is really an opportunity

for farmers to show how good they are and to tell their story.

“Australian farming overall has much better practices, sustainability stories and track record compared to a lot of the world – it’s our chance to really shine and to demonstrate that we’ve already done a lot of the heavy lifting in this space.”

Ms Conroy said she had been recording production, emissions, and other factors on her farm for about three decades.

“We’ve got data going back 30 years in terms of soil carbon, soil fertility, animal performance and tree planting,” she said. “We can bring all that

together to get a farm carbon account, and we can watch how it changes in good seasons and bad seasons, and hopefully that will give people a bit of an insight on their implications for farm management.”

Ms Conroy said livestock producers faced a lot of challenges because 95 per cent of their emissions came from livestock.

“Eighty-eight per cent of those emissions are in the form of methane, and there is no silver bullets to reduce methane at a farm level, yet,” she said.

“I suppose what we’ve found is that by improving our soil fertility and

our productivity, we’ve managed to reduce our emissions’ intensity.

“Carbon accounting is something we’ve all got to look at doing, because it’s going to be a market requirement, so it’s good that people are out here today learning about it.”

Chicks in the Sticks was delivered with funding support from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Carbon Farming Outreach program.

Wimmera CMA plans to bring more low emissions farming events to the Wimmera next year.

CATCH UP: Buangor’s Katie Sanford with Beau, and Lindy Smith of Horsham.

ALL SMILES: From left, Rita Bikins of Black Range, Mary-Ellen Jess of Glenorchy and Rosie Nater of Moyston enjoying Chicks in the Sticks

Janmac sets new ram record

The Goroke-based Hausler family’s Janmac Poll Dorset White Suffolk Stud achieved a record high price when it sold a Poll Dorset ram at its most recent sale for $13,000.

Janmac co-principal Grant Hausler said the ram would be going over a Poll Dorset ewe flock, having sold to a large commercial operation – Charles Koch of Tallageira Pastoral Co from Frances, South Australia – that bred its own rams.

“There was quite a bit of interest in the ram from a few parties, he was just a great carcass sheep, with wonderful loin and hindquarter and a really good Dorset type,” he said.

“It was also a well-boned, correct ram – one of the most complete rams we’ve bred.”

The ram was a twin by Ulandi Park 210217, weighing 136 kilograms with an eye muscle depth of 52 millimetres and 10 millimetres of fat.

It also had an impressive post-weaning weight ASBV figure of 15.84, the highest in the catalogue.

The sale saw solid clearance across both breeds of the 144 Poll Dorsets offered, 136 sold to average $1549 – nearly $300 more than the previous sale.

The stud also offered 36 white Suffolk rams, selling 34 at auction for an average of $1260 and to a top price of $2300 for lot 157 – a twin ram weighing 118 kilograms with a Lambplan total carcass production index of 141, picked up by

Craig Hole and family from KP Farms at Naracoorte.

The Hole family of KP Farms picked up 11 rams total averaging $1718.

Mr Hausler said Janmac was pleased to welcome six new clients, all of whom found the rams they were looking for, as well as a good number of volume buyers.

“We had 43 registered bidders, with nine clients who purchased more than seven rams, and four who took more than 10, so it was a great spread of buyers,” he said.

One of the new clients was also a volume buyer, with the Martin family of Horsham buying seven rams for a great value average of $857, while the West family of Westwood at Edenhope purchased 13 rams for an average of $1500, paying to $2200 three times.

The Robinson family of Edenhope bought 11 rams for an average of $1218 and top of $1400, and long-time buyers the Rich family of Goroke paid to $1300 and averaged $1127.

Mr Hausler said after a tough 12 months of poor lamb prices and below average seasons, they were very happy with the sale result.

“It was a year that those sheep that were visually appealing sold really well. We pride ourselves on those type of sheep and they sold accordingly – we made a big effort in a difficult year to make sure they were up to their usual standard, and the group was as good as

they’ve been,” he said. “And the most positive thing was that the people who attended were prepared to invest in the future and look forward to the coming years with confidence – and I am positive the next few years will see great results.

“We’ve a reliable clientele who don’t chop and change with trends and prices, they do what they’ve always done and what has always worked for them, which has included our genetics.”

The Hausler family boosted their own sire battery prior to the sale, purchas-

ing Mallee Park 230255 privately from Hopetoun’s Ferguson family.

He was the grand champion Poll Dorset ram at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show, by Pepperton 210136.

“We were lucky enough to secure the ram from Mallee Park, as well as another Kurralea sire for our stud this year – we continue to invest in genetics that can hold our positions and move us forward,” Mr Hausler said.

People can visit www.janmac.com.au or Janmac’s Facebook page for more information.

New board directors

The National Farmers’ Federation, NFF, has welcomed two familiar faces to its board.

Former director Mark Horan was elected, replacing Tony Yorke who reached the maximum six-year term, and current director Georgie Somerset was re-elected at the NFF’s annual general meeting on October 21.

Mr Horan and Ms Somerset join the eight-member board following a vote from representatives from the NFF’s member organisations.

Mr Horan is a cattle producer in New South Wales and Ms Somerset is a cattle producer from Queensland.

NFF president David Jochinke welcomed the pair.

“Georgie and Mark both bring extensive experience to the NFF board, through their previous roles at the organisation, as well as their knowledge of the ag industry,” he said.

“I look forward to working with them both.”

NFF board members are: president David Jochinke; vice-president John Hassell; directors Lisa Minogue, Georgie Somerset, Mark Horan, Hamish McIntyre and David Connolly; and independent director Nat Sommerville.

SUCCESS: Janmac’s Carl Hausler, Bryce Hausler and Grant Hausler, front, with Richard Miller of Nutrien Stud Stock, David Hanel, AWN Edenhope, and Nick Heffernan, Nutrien Stud Stock, at the sale.

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Quotes and premium

I’mgoing to let you in on a little secret.

I’m approaching 40 years as a reporter.

If I could count writing a few stories for the original R. M. Williams magazine, Hoof and Horns, it is closer to 45 years.

As much as I love my job, there are elements that I find a tad soul destroying.

And it’s all about politics and media spin. Cliched perhaps, but it’s dramatically changed how journalists do their jobs and, in my view, not for the better.

The obvious change has been the speed of the news cycle and the death of a thousand cuts to some sectors of the media.

Take regional newspapers as an example. I spent three years as editor of a regional paper and had four staff and a manager. When editors of papers under the same ownership went on leave, I’d have to edit two weekly papers. Now, the one editor is responsible for three weekly papers with half the staff.

This plays right into the hands of the spin doctors who put out a media release that is pretty much printed verbatim.

It’s far more serious than that though. It’s become undemocratic.

Political media releases are churned out with the usual blurb, followed by ‘quotes from the minister’.

Print journalists at least have a quote. For a radio program like Country Today it means we can’t do the story other than a minor mention.

I’ll give you an example – a media release last week quoting the Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Carers and Volunteers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence: “We’re enabling collaboration between food relief providers right

STILL IN FRONT!

Country Today

with Libby Price

across Victoria, to reduce duplication, increase efficiency, pool resources, and ultimately – get more food to people in need.”

I duly emailed the media contact on the release, suggesting perhaps it might be time the audience heard from the Agriculture Minister for the first time, and no response. Ros Spence has been ag minister for 12 months and she has never been on Country Today.

Federally, it’s not much better. The previous Agriculture Minister Murray Watt was usually quite obliging, but not his replacement.

Do you know her name? You could be forgiven for not knowing as she seems to be media shy. She’s only been in the job since July, but her media minders ignore interview requests, and on the day of the ‘Keep and Sheep’ campaign in Canberra, she was at an organic farming conference. I can remember working in radio current affairs in the 1990s and being rather bored having to go to the weekly Premier’s media conference at Parliament House in Melbourne.

The late John Cain knew just about every single one of us by name, and always answered questions with honesty and respect.

I’d say the same about former Prime Minister John Howard. A decade after I’d interviewed him as leader of the opposition, as Prime Minister he remembered my name and again, responded with honesty and respect. Those were the days.

Ready to ‘hit the ground running’

Mallee farmer Brett Hosking has put his hat in the ring for the Victorian Farmers Federation presidency.

Mr Hosking, of Quambatook, will go head-to-head against VFF vicepresident and Werribee egg producer Danyel Cucinotta.

The positions of president, vicepresident, Livestock Group president, Livestock Group vice-president and UDV president are open at the 2024 VFF general elections.

Mr Hosking has previously served as vice-president of the VFF, was president of the VFF Grains Group, chair of Grain Growers and is now on the board of Farmers for Climate Action and Birchip Cropping Group.

Outgoing president Emma Germano will not stand as presidents can serve only two two-year terms.

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

She also faced opposition from key commodity groups, United Dairy Farmers and the Grains Group.

Mr Hosking told 3WM’s Country Today there had been a lot of change and that change could be uncomfortable at times.

“Now’s an opportunity for fresh leadership, modern leadership to come in behind Emma Germano to restore some of that difficulty that people faced with some of that change, but also to get on with the job, most importantly, to get out there advocating for growers on the issues that really matter,” he said.

Mr Hosking said he believed the VFF would not have to rejoin the NFF, rather revoke its planned resignation, which was effective September 30, 2025, but said membership fees would need to be looked at.

Perfect down to the

“If you’re going to be out of all the peak bodies, then you probably may as well be out of NFF as well,” he said.

“But the reality is that leaves VFF and Victorian farmers with no representation federally for issues like the biosecurity tax that almost came in. Things like that could become a reality without VFF having any say.

“We all pay levies towards research development corporations like GRDC, Australian Pork Limited, Meat and Livestock Australia.

“Without membership of the peak

“For me, for us, it’s about moving forward, it’s about what do we do next, and I think the next step that members want to see is they want to see the VFF getting some runs on the board, they want to see them engaging with government, with industry, with the community on issues that really matter to their businesses, to their families and to their local communities”

– Brett Hosking, left

bodies, our members have no voice into how those levies are invested and how they’re used.

“Again, our members, they’re paying their levies, but they get no voice into those agencies without membership of those peak bodies, those national bodies.”

Mr Hosking said funding the VFF would be one of the first issues he addressed if elected president.

He said he would also reach out to commodity group United Dairy Farmers, who broke away from the VFF and formed a new organisation, Dairy Farmers of Victoria.

“For me, for us, it’s about moving forward, it’s about what do we do

next, and I think the next step that members want to see is they want to see the VFF getting some runs on the board, they want to see them engaging with government, with industry, with the community on issues that really matter to their businesses, to their families and to their local communities,” he said.

“They want to hear VFF’s voice shouting loudly as we’re looking at new animal welfare bills and things like that.

“They want to hear VFF standing up for the issues that matter and they actually want a VFF that comes out and listens to them.

“What I’m about is engaging directly with the members themselves and not going out and advocating on their behalf, but us going out and advocating together – a partnership where all voices can be heard and where all issues can be contested.

“And that’s what I think we need for the way forward.

“And we need to hit the ground running.

“It’s really important that we make up for any lost ground and we get ahead of the game.”

Nominations for positions have closed, with ballots to be distributed November 18-20 and voting to open on November 25.

Voting closes on December 6, with results announced December 20.

Mulesed flock project

Aproject aimed to assist sheep producers transition to nonmulesed flocks has concluded, with four groups trialling a variety of methods across different environments to identify varying flystrike risk factors, evaluate costs and benefits, and develop a fiveyear transition plan.

Sheep Metrix independent consultant Sally Martin was involved in the Meat and Livestock Australia project, which started in January 2021 and ended in June this year.

“We had three groups in Victoria and one in New South Wales,” she said.

“We were able to work with a number of producers in different environments, because there’s not one answer that’s going to meet everyone’s needs.”

The groups represented different production systems, environments, and flystrike risk factors, and were supported by the project team and district-specific producer advocates, who have successfully transitioned to running non-mulesed flocks.

Ms Martin said knowing where to start with the variety of different tools and management strategies available came down to individual circumstance.

“Knowing where your sheep are at, your management system, the people who are working in your business and

where you’re located is important in terms of getting advice,” she said.

“We had a number of producers who had started the process and they’ve a longer time frame than others who have gone in with some more aggressive strategies, so they have been able to transition that way.

“It really depends on how quickly you want to get there and also what your motivation is.”

Ram selection plays a critical role in reducing breech wrinkle – for example, British breed and cross-bred prime-lamb mothers are unlikely to need mulesing.

“We were able to set up two SAR evaluations on producers’ properties and we actually identified a team of rams, we had five in each syndicate, so one lot of five rams,” Ms Martin said.

“Their average breeding value for early breech wrinkle was ‘negative’ and we had a one breeding value difference between the two syndicates of rams. The other ones were a bit higher, and we tried to keep the other traits quite uniform. When we compared the progeny, we found that just from that one joining, we were on average, half a wrinkle score difference between the two side groups.

“What that says is one, the breeding values are working, and two, we can make some pretty significant inroads with our sire selections.”

Ms Martin said people wanting to

stop mulesing could monitor a specific mob to gain an understanding while they developed a plan.

“I think if there’s any message for anybody who’s thinking about it is to start thinking about what your plan is going to be and how you’re going to stage it, how you’re going to dip your toe in the water and build your confidence and your expertise as you go, knowing also that there is help available,” she said.

“The project found a positive cash flow for prime lamb operations transitioning to non-mulesing, with the main cost coming from additional chemical controls required.

“Further financial benefits could be added if there was the potential for a price premium for non-mulesed wool, but the biggest driver of a shift in practice is producer attitude and approach.”

Suggested further research included trialling the extension strategy, the on-farm prevalence of breech flystrike in mulesed compared to non-mulesed sheep, and the market and national and international consumer risks associated with mulesing for the lamb meat supply chain.

Information on breeding sheep with less breech wrinkle is available on the Australian Wool Innovation and FlyBoss websites. People can visit www. animalwelfarestandards.net.au/sheep for the legal requirements.

DRESSED UP: Ellie and Charlotte McCartney snuggle up with a Valais Blacknose sheep at Stawell Agricultural Society’s annual show on Saturday. The show included an animal nursery, mullet competition, all-ages hall exhibits, woodchop competition and MXW pro wrestling among live entertainment, market stalls, carnival rides and food delights. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Unearthing crop rotation benefits

Research into three different crop rotation treatments in Victoria’s Mallee has shown a legume, fallow and wheat combination will bring additional moisture and nitrogen to the subsequent crop.

Agriculture Victoria senior research scientist

professor Roger Armstrong said the research trial MC14 was established at Walpeup in 1985 and looks at the impact of different types of crop management on soil carbon and nitrogen stocks.

Professor Armstrong said the research had been testing three different crop rotation treatments –legume/wheat, legume/fallow/wheat and fallow/ wheat, using either mechanical cultivation or direct drilling stubble management practices.

“The standout treatment was the legume/fallow/wheat in terms of the significant productivity benefits of additional moisture and nitrogen added to the subsequent crop,” he said.

“However, this needs to be balanced with the finding of nitrate leaching, as well as a reduction in the accumulation of soil carbon compared to the other continuous rotations.”

Professor Armstrong said in the early years of the trial, the legume in the rotation was medic, a low-growing clover-like annual, but it’s now vetch, in keeping with modern farming practices.

“Cropping farmers know that adding a legume into the rotation increases nitrogen in the soil,” he said.

“When an annual legume phase is included in the rotation, we have recorded not only good grain yield responses but also large amounts of soil nitrate, a valuable commodity in low rainfall Mallee cropping zone.

“Most notably, the amount of soil nitrate is greater in the crop rotations that exclude a fallow period.’

“Cropping farmers know that adding a legume into the rotation increases nitrogen in the soil. When an annual legume phase is included in the rotation, we have recorded not only good grain yield responses but also large amounts of soil nitrate, a valuable commodity in low rainfall Mallee cropping zone,”

– Professor Roger Armstrong

Professor Armstrong said the legume/wheat treatment had increased nitrogen in the soil by 21 per cent compared to the legume/fallow/wheat treatment, which recorded 15 per cent more nitrogen in the soil.

“Another critical observation from the longterm trial is that fallowing, as opposed to maintaining continuous plant cover, resulted in a decline in soil carbon,” he said.

Professor Armstrong said the results suggested whereas fallowing could produce short term benefits to productivity in terms of soil water and mineral nitrogen accumulation, it came at the expense of a critical soil resource – organic carbon.

The study also highlighted the value of trials such as MC14 in assessing the impact of different management practices on long-term productivity and agricultural sustainability.

Professor Armstrong said adopting a direct drilling approach could help minimise the reduction in soil carbon, but it would not completely stop its decline.

To learn more about Agriculture Victoria’s work, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

SUCCESS: From left, Australian Beef Industry Foundation’s John Gunthorpe, Longerenong College students Tom Richies, Abbey Benson, Alana Bascombe, Tyler Harris, Bailey Rothall and Ted Davis, and Longerenong trainer Vivien Welsh at the Melbourne Royal Show. The college has competed at shows across the state since the 1950s, and this year was up against interstate schools, studs and private individuals.

Students lead at competition

Longerenong College students’ show steers placed six animals in the top 20 carcasses at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show.

The team also won best maintained school or college exhibit from 120 entries.

Eight students took nine steers, eight of which were home-bred from Longerenong’s herd with donated sires, to the event as part of the college’s Prepare Livestock for Competition course.

College staff teach students studying Certifi-

cate IV in Agriculture and Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management to break in the cattle to halter, stand, tie and lead.

The cattle are displayed at the college’s open day, then travel to Melbourne to compete in the beef carcass, formerly hoof and hook.

The students compete as handlers, the steers as led animals before processing and judging across three weight divisions.

‘Marginally larger’ winter harvest

Australia is looking towards harvesting a ‘marginally larger’ winter crop this season despite significant weather challenges experienced in western Victoria, Rabobank’s 2024-25 Australian Winter Crop Forecast report shows.

The agribusiness bank says the nation is on track to produce an estimated total winter crop of 47.1 million tonnes – a one per cent increase, or half a million tonnes, on the previous season – but down 13 per cent on the five-year average.

A combination of lack of timely rain along with late frosts in some regions has taken the edge off this year’s production prospects, with overall grain and oilseed production forecast to be down 43 per cent on the previous year in South Australia and 35 per cent in Victoria.

After five consecutive average to above-average winter crops, Victoria’s harvest this year is forecast to come in at 6.8 million tonnes, due to a late seasonal break, low ‘growing season’ rain and late frosts.

However, the report forecasts that Queensland is set to do the heaviest lifting when it comes to production tallies, with the northern state’s grain and oilseed totals estimated to be up a record-breaking 107 per cent on the previous season.

New South Wales production is forecast to increase 30 per cent year-on-

year and Western Australia, the nation’s largest grain-exporting state, is tracking towards a harvest 19 per cent larger than last, despite a worryingly late start to its growing season.

Report author, RaboResearch analyst Vitor Pistoia, said the projected small increase in total crop production in 2024-25 was ‘poised to come mainly from wheat’ and, to a smaller extent, pulses and oats.

“While the wheat harvest is expected to be an improvement on last year, canola and barley production look set to be down year-on-year,” he said.

Mr Pistoia said the cropping season had been a ‘mixed bag’, characterised by patchy rain, a warm winter and late frosts.

He said a good start to the season and rain through the growing period in Queensland, northern New South Wales and some areas of Western Australia had largely been counterbalanced by a lack of rain affecting Victorian and South Australian crops.

“This season’s start was variable across the country. While Queensland, the majority of New South Wales and one particular region in Western Australia got going early on, large swathes of WA, Victoria and South Australia had to wait until early June to see seed germination,” he said.

Commodities

The Rabobank report estimates Australia’s 2024-25 wheat production to

total about 27.6 million tonnes, an increase of six per cent, 1.6 million tonnes, on the previous year, albeit down eight per cent on the five-year average.

Australia’s barley harvest is forecast to decline five per cent on the previous year to 10.4 million tonnes.

Victoria’s barley harvest is expected to be down by one million tonnes on last season, at 1.7 million tonnes.

Similarly, total canola production is predicted to contract by 21 per cent on last year’s harvest to 4.7 million tonnes, down 17 per cent on the fiveyear average.

The report forecasts Australia’s grains and oilseeds to trade in a relatively range-bound market when it comes to prices, with the exception of canola, where ‘market fundamentals’

support an outlook for higher prices.

“The worldwide grain and oilseeds outlook has changed in recent months from a potential glut to a patchier stocks picture,” Mr Pistoia said.

“An uncertain outlook for Black Sea wheat production due to dry weather is supporting wheat prices, although this is being buffered by notable increases in US wheat and corn stocks.”

The report shows compared with the past 20 years, the 2024-25 projected global stocks-to-use ratios of wheat and corn are ‘virtually at their median point’, while soybeans and rice are above it.

For wheat, the bank forecasts Australian premium white port prices to range between $320 and $360/tonne by the end of 2024 until halfway through the first half of 2025.

“Despite the lower stocks, global demand for malting barley is also soft and in addition Australia’s distance from key markets puts us at a disadvantage,” Mr Pistoia said.

“However, the re-opening of the Chinese market to Australian barley producers is supporting the Australian barley demand outlook.

“Following the removal of Chinese tariffs on Australian barley, China regained its position as the number one destination for Australia’s barley exports in 2023-24.”

Based on current barley market fundamentals, the report has port zone feed barley forecast to trade in the $290 to $320/tonne range.

The report says canola prices, a combination of global geopolitics, bad weather and high farming costs had tempered harvest sizes.

“Putting all these elements into the picture, we expect Australian nonGM port prices for canola could range between $730 and $780/tonne in the first half of 2025, and the GM canola price to potentially trade at an eight to 12 per cent discount to this,” Mr Pistoia said.

For cereal hay, assuming a slight increase in cattle and sheep prices and that feedlots maintain high numbers of cattle on feed during 2025, the bank is forecasting prices to likely range between $350 and $400/tonne.

POSITIVE: Canola crop at Warracknabeal. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Students reap farm rewards

Students from Nhill and Murtoa colleges are competing in a Victoria-first crop trial program at Rupanyup, giving them the opportunity to make decisions on growing from sowing to harvest.

AgXtra broadacre manager and senior agronomist Josh Mahoney said the Victorian trial was an extension of interstate programs.

“We’re getting students in the year nine and 10 bracket to make decisions about crops they grow,” he said.

“We guide students in planting wheat and barley varieties in two- by 10-metre plots and support them in managing these crops throughout the season.

“Our aim is to help them make informed decisions to maximise their potential gross margin.

“We give them fertiliser, a fertiliser rate, wheat variety, wheat sowing rate and then some in-season fertiliser options as well.

“The students then make decisions based on the season, with their teacher and some advice from us and other people.”

Mr Mahoney said the program followed through the cropping season to show students real-life results.

“Come harvest, we’ll measure the yield of each plot and then send the grain from each plot on to testing to get grain quality,” he said.

Mr Mahoney said the program aimed to involve students in agriculture.

“We are training a future work force, and highlighting different career options within agriculture, and

in doing so we’re also hoping to keep students local after they leave school,” he said.

“We plan to expand the program next year to include more schools and

secure additional funding and sponsorship, allowing us to grow its impact and reach.”

People can visit www.agxtra.com.au for more information.

Stock support

The challenge of caring for stock during dry seasonal conditions can be remedied by the use of a stock containment area, which minimises stock loss and illness, and protects other parts of a property.

Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels said caring for stock during a drought could be challenging.

“A stock containment area is a small, fenced section of farm set up to hold, feed and water livestock,” he said.

“Typical pens measure 50 by 50 metres, which can hold about 500 sheep or 170 cattle, and ensure stock have room to move around and spend time on their own.”

Mr Sturmfels said having animals close-by made feeding, watering, and management easier and more efficient.

“An additional benefit of containing stock is that you can maintain ground cover across the rest of the property, protecting soils, water, and pastures,” he said.

For more information on stock containment areas, people can visit agriculture.vic. gov.au/farm-management/ land-and-pasture-management/ stock-containment-areas-foremergencies.

FOLLOWING THE PROCESS: AgXtra’s Tristan Hilbig, left, at the group’s crop trial site at Rupanyup with Nhill College students Izaha Whitehead, Rylan Scheider and Mardi Bone, and Murtoa College’s William Henley and Frazer Garton. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

OBSERVERS: Deegan Clark and Riley White of Nhill College check on the trial crop at Rupanyup.

Wind farm leases – common pitfalls

BY DANIEL FULLERTON, PrinciPal lawyer, Harwood

andrews

Developers are increasingly looking to contract with rural landowners to develop wind farms and other forms of renewable energy.

While these contracts can provide valuable alternative revenue streams for primary producers, they can also carry common pitfalls that are often not realised until it is too late.

Developers often want to take possession of, and licence back to the landowner, the entire parcel of land, not just the section of land where the infrastructure will be located.

This can cause problems if a landowner later wants to sell, as a purchaser may be reluctant to accept a mere licence interest for the entire parcel of land.

Upon signing a contract, a developer may lodge a caveat on title.

This can cause problems when it comes to selling the property, or obtaining finance, if there is no contractual obligation on the developer to remove the caveat.

The developer will usually take the above ground infrastructure with them when they leave.

However, they will often leave behind below ground and other infrastructure such as large concrete bases which the landowner then must remove, unless the contract requires the developer to make good the land.

Most relevant to battery storage, many contracts contain inadequate indemnities if the developer causes environmental harm; meaning a landowner could ultimately be held liable for significant remediation costs.

Many contracts contain insufficient or imbalanced provisions about the payment of outgoings.

Landowners should be wary of being pressured to sign up to exclusive option agreements that block the landowner from dealing with any other developer for multiple years.

While these agreements may confer a valuable call-option fee, the proposed developments are often speculative and never approved.

In the meantime, the landowner may miss out on negotiating a truly valuable contract for a legitimate project.

Further, many option agreements provide the developer with a broad ability to vary the land being leased.

Ideally, any variation to the leased land should not exceed five per cent.

It is important to remember rural landowners are entitled to negotiate the terms of any contract.

With developers eager to lock landholders into deals, landholders have leverage to negotiate fair terms.

Through early legal advice many of the above pitfalls can be avoided and a fair and mutually beneficial agreement reached.

HONOUR: Horsham-based Agriculture Victoria researcher Joshua Fanning, left, won recognition for his work in integrated pulse disease management and was presented the 2023 GRDC Emerging Leader award by GRDC Southern Panel chair Andrew Russell.

Study tour part of award win

For Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist Joshua Fanning, winning the 2023 Grains Research and Development Corporations’s Emerging Leader Award was honour enough.

But it was icing on the cake to travel to America and Canada to tour leading research institutes and cropping regions.

Dr Fanning travelled to Canada in July, visiting research centres such as the University of Saskatchewan and Western Applied Research Corporation, then to America to visit Montana and Washington State universities.

“Many of these institutions are leading research organisations on pulse and legume

pathology, with several pathologists focusing on similar diseases to Australia,” he said.

“There were many key learnings from my tour, but highlights included having the understanding of key methodologies for disease control utilised in other parts of the world.

“One key benefit for Australia is the longer growing season, as we don’t have to be as reactive with disease control when compared to North America.

“However, in many respects, due to the longer growing season we need to ensure disease control is done well as we can have many more lifecycles of a pathogen in the season compared to North America.”

Dr Fanning said soil-borne diseases including Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots were the main constraints to pulse production.

He said crop rotations were not controlling many of the soil-borne diseases, which was a key lesson and highlighted Australia’s need to get on top of diseases early to prevent them from becoming a major constraint to crop yield like in North America.

“Many foliar fungicides were not effective due to fungicide resistance. This is a threat to Australian production that we are observing in cereals, but not yet in pulses,” he said.

MELBOURnE CUP FUn

1. Held by the Victorian Turf Club, the first Melbourne Cup was run in which year?

2. Winning connections of the first Melbourne Cup received what?

3. Which champion placed in the Melbourne Cup as a three-year-old before winning the race the following year?

4. The 1958 Melbourne Cup won by Baystone will be remembered for what?

5. In the last 40 runnings of the Cup, which is the only horse to have come from last position on the turn to win?

6. Which horse was the first Melbourne Cup winner to sire a Melbourne Cup winner?

7. What year did the Cup prize money hit $1 million?

8. Which American-bred Melbourne Cup conquerer holds the record winning time for the race?

9. Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II’s only attempt at capturing Australia’s crown for stayers was with which horse?

10. The sire of which Melbourne Cup winner was a world champion polo stallion?

11. Who was the last southern hemisphere-bred three-year-old to run in the Melbourne Cup?

12. The dam of which Melbourne Cup winner won a Japan Cup?

13. New Zealand trainer Shelia Laxon entered the record books as the first woman to officially train a Melbourne Cup winner with which horse?

14. The highest Melbourne Cup Day attendance of 122,736 was in which year?

15. And which horse won in that year?

18. Make a tear (3)

22. Racetrack observer (9)

23. Gallop off at high speed (4)

24. Floral wrist accessory (7)

25. Withdraw from competition (7)

Down

1. Vision-limiting headgear (8)

2. ‘– you good thing!’ (2)

3. Celebratory beverage (9)

5. Ornate, ostentatious 20-down (10)

7. Iconic NZ-born horse and winner of the 1930 Cup (4,3)

9. Obstacle race (12)

11. A horse that excels on wet tracks (7)

13. Horse’s patterns of leg movement (5)

16. Betting selection of the first three finishers in order (8)

17. Initials of the first woman to win the Cup (1,1)

19. Harness racing competition, the – (coll) (5)

20. Headwear item (3)

21. Young male horse (4)

Which grey horse was the last to win the Melbourne Cup?

Who was the last Melbourne Cup victor to earn their place in the field by winning the exus Stakes (Hotham Handicap) three days earlier on Derby Day?

Which of these Melbourne Cup-winning heroes won by the shorter margin: Empire Rose or Dunaden?

Which champion ustralian jockey of the modern era fell off at his first ride in the Melbourne Cup?

What has been the winner’s average starting price in the last 40 years?

Which barrier has been the most successful in the last 40 years?

Which family training dynasty has recorded the most top three finishes in the Cup over the last 40 years?

How many female jockeys have ridden in the Cup?

24. Which year did they last stage the Melbourne Cup on a Heavy rated track?

25. Which of these settling down ranges has provided the most winners of the cup in the last 40 years: 13–18, 7–12, 1–6?

26. How many times has champion Italian jockey Frankie Dettori ridden a placegetter in the Cup?

27. Which four-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner had colours registered as black and white checks, yellow sleeves and a checked cap?

28. What is the minimum handicap weight for the Melbourne Cup?

29. Bart Cummings holds the record for training how many Melbourne Cup winners?

30. How many horses have won the Melbourne Cup more than once?

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Brought

TaKE a BREaK

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: November 4, 2004 –Australian cycling great Shane Kelly attended a civic reception in his honour during a visit to his home town of Ararat. Ararat Rural City councillor Peter O’Rorke, community services officer Henry Gunstone and Cr Gwenda Allgood were at the event, and heard Mr Kelly’s plans to compete in the world championships and Commonwealth Games.

10 years ago: October 29, 2014

There were plans to resurrect the Wimmera German Fest, with Horsham’s Blue Ribbon Foundation branch and Wimmera Health Care Group planning to stage the event in Horsham. The groups were looking to form a committee to organise the fest, which would be in keeping with the theme set by the Dimboola-based event of the past. Proceeds of the event were to go to the hospital’s emergency department.

Five years ago: October 30, 2019

Ararat’s George Wilson was set to launch his first fiction novel ‘The Amaranth’ at the town’s library. The novel, several years in the making, told the ‘haunting’ tale of a teenager forced to leave their urban lifestyle for a seaside town that progressively became darker and more sinister. Mr Wilson started writing as a coping mechanism for severe panic attacks after he graduated from school, and said he had another five story ideas in the works.

One year ago: November 1, 2023

Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre celebrated 25 years of serving the community. The centre provided fresh food, nonperishable items and assistance in applying for grants to help people pay for utility bills. To mark the occasion, a thanksgiving service at Horsham’s Church of Christ was scheduled, followed by a dinner. Brien Baxter of Foodbank Victoria was guest speaker.

1. Born on this day in 1945 was which American actor, known for his major role in Happy Days and lesserknown roles in The Waterboy, Scream and Robot Chicken?

2. Who was the voice of Smurfette in the 2013 movie The Smurfs 2?

3. There are likely many people in the Wimmera of Pictish ancestry. Picts were Iron Age people who lived in a country now known as what?

4. Revolutionising the frozen food industry since the 1920s, who, on this day in 1952, first sold frozen peas?

5. Which confectionary, first seen in a movie, became a bona fide brand?

6. Maria Shriver used to be married to which action movie star?

7. Sedimentary rocks such as limestone and chalk are largely composed of which element?

8. What profession was Harold Shipman, convicted of 15 murders but probably guilty of about 250?

9. What animal can hold its breath longer than dolphins?

10. What were the names of the Duff children who famously went missing in the bush at Nurcoung in 1864?

Answers: 1. Henry Winkler. 2. Katy Perry. 3. Scotland. 4. Clarence Birdseye. 5. Wonka. 6. Arnold -Schwarzeneg ger. 7. Calcium. 8. Doctor. 9. Sloths. 10. Isaac, Jane and Frank.

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

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au Advertising 5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin,

yOUR LUCKy sTaRs

WiTh KERRy KULKEns

FOR THE WEEK NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 8

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5,7,8,3 Lotto Numbers: 5,12,32,31,11,10, Financial matters will take up a lot of your time. However, it is a rather fortunate period for most. A new undertaking should turn out alright, and the domestic scene is looking good.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8,9,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 7,8,23,31,16,22, The social scene will be rather hectic, and there will be plenty to do at work as well. Take good care of your health, as too much activity could be harmful.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8,8,3,5, Lotto Numbers: 3,13,25,27,34,41, Plenty of opportunities will come your way, but be sure to recognise them and act swiftly. Do not offer your advice unless specifically asked for.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 6,7,4,14,31,22, Don’t make any important decisions hastily. Think them over very carefully and ask the advice of the experts, for you tend to act with your heart rather than your head.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,2, Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,41,22, It’s a very lucky period coming up; however, do not overspend or buy things you don’t really need. Your energy will be getting better, too.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 3,5,12,25,34,41, Love affairs will take up quite a lot of your time. However, do not neglect your work area. This is a good period to try out new ventures. The social scene is a bit hectic.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7,8,2,3, Lotto Numbers: 4,6,12,24,45,21

Make sure you are seen at your best during this period. Someone with clout is watching you closely, and the impression you make could gain you the right support socially or career-wise. News from a distance could bring joy.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7,2,4,3, Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,5,22, A hectic and rewarding period is coming up. Efforts made in the past should soon be reaping benefits. Communications on a personal level bring happier times.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 6,4,2,3, Lotto Numbers: 5,7,12,23,34,45, Have an alternative plan ready for any financial dealings. Make doubly sure any of your investments are in safe and stable hands. Home and work could conﬂict; it is not wise to neglect loved ones.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5, Lotto Numbers: 4,12,23,31,11,18

It is easy to get into arguments, and staying neutral during the coming weeks will be hard. It is unwise to lend money or possessions; you will see neither again.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6,7,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,9,

It is a rather busy period, which could also include your social life. It is wise to look ahead and steer clear of repeating past errors. Rather than rely on memory, it could pay you to jot down important dates and ideas.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7,2,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 7,3,12,23,31,11, A period of excellent opportunities is coming your way. You had better be quick to take full advantage as they may not last. Love should find the seeker.

Bistro Open 7 Days

11.30am to 2pm & 5.30pm to 8pm (8.30pm on Fri & Sat) Available at lunch & dinner

Take advantage of our FREE

*Conditions apply, visit hscc.org.au

Also available over lunch 11.30am to 2pm, Monday to Friday For bookings phone 5382 6262 Available 7 nights a week

Sponsorships

Horsham Rural City Pipe Band, Liz Minne:

Horsham Rural City Pipe band will use a $2000 Horsham Sports and Community Club grant to update equipment and uniforms. Band member Liz Minne said the band had been competing in competitions and the upgrades to drum skins, chanter reeds and uniforms have helped the band get good results. “Uniforms cost a lot of money and if you look and sound good it helps us at competitions. It’s fairly easy to apply for these grants, even though it’s a lot of work, and we appreciate HSCC helping out with the things we ask for.”

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride”

MIXX FM, 3WM and The Weekly Advertiser are excited to announce ﬁve one-day shopping sprees between now and Christmas.

NOTE: Date change

December 6, 2024

to win one of ten $250 vouchers to spend locally!

Before the Hyundai Inster electric light SUV arrives Down

Under early next year, the South Korean manufacturer has announced a semi-toughened version of the everyday model.

Hyundai described the Inster Cross, due in showrooms in quarter one next year just after the Inster, as a ‘versatile electric city car wrapped in an outdoor-focused design’.

Though the same under the skin, the Cross version exhibits a more rugged facade and appropriate design elements that include special bumpers, skid plates, ‘unique’ 17-inch alloy wheels, embossed black claddings, roof racks, and optional roof basket.

Hyundai says the new Inster Cross offers an alternative for those looking for an electric car with a more adventurous look, but are not too concerned about genuine capability.

While the base model will likely be only metro-driven, the additional variant will ‘accompany customers on their mini-adventures in the outdoors’, Hyundai says.

More than just an aggro face, design elements inside the Inster Cross complement its exterior with an outdoorsy focus including the ‘special’ colour and trim combination: Grey cloth with lime-yellow accents complemented by lime-yellow accents on the dash.

On closer scrutiny, the Inster Cross rocks wide, rectangular front and rear

bumpers to highlight its adventurous character, as well as embossed black claddings.

Front and rear skid plates, coupled with the side rocker panels with 17inch alloy wheels, are designed to provide extra protection when driving over rough roads.

The model scores roof racks as standard with a roof basket optional for when you want to take the Victa to the hobby farm, a bale of hay for the nag or a plethora of other oddments and camping kit that may fit in the space.

A camo-like Amazonas green matte colour will be offered as well as five others, some of which are available with a black two-tone roof.

In addition to the camo colour, the palette is atlas white, unbleached ivory, aero silver matte, abyss black pearl, and tomboy khaki.

Equipped with a 42kWh battery as standard, the Inster is also available with a 49kWh battery as an option.

Both powertrains use a single motor driving the front wheels that delivers 71kW in the base variant and 84.5kW in the long range car.

Regardless of battery size, Hyundai says the Inster Cross develops 147Nm of torque and consumes energy at an estimated 15.3kWh/100km for a range of up to 360 kilometres, with DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.

Similar to the regular Inster model,

the Cross will come standard with a range of features more common in cars in higher segments.

Hyundai says the Inster offers a segment-leading ADAS package including highway driving assist 1.5, smart cruise control, and forward collisionavoidance assist 1.5.

The company said the interior offered true versatility with all seats being able to be folded flat, walkthrough access in the front row, and 50/50 split second-row seats that can slide and recline.

Production of Inster Cross is set to begin later this year at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Korea.

Slim margins in new Kia EV5 Air

Kiais hoping plenty of people are tempted to splash out on the panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon sound system of the GT-Line version of its EV5 electric SUV – all in the name of profitability.

Despite the Tesla-beating price tag of the entry-level EV5 Air, Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith has revealed it is not a great money spinner.

The local head of the Korean brand says slim margins mean the entry-level EV5 Air – priced from $56,770 driveaway – is ‘basically break-even’.

In other words, it covers its cost, but the car that slides under the hot-selling Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive by up to $4000 – depending on which state of territory you buy it in – will not be a big contributor to the Kia staff Christmas party.

“The base car is basically a breakeven proposition,” Mr Meredith said.

Kia is expecting roughly one third of buyers to opt for the most affordable Air, another third to go for the midgrade Earth and the remaining third to snap up the range-topping GT-Line.

Whereas the Air sells from $56,770 drive away, the Earth is $68,990 and the GT-Line $75,990 – buyers in Wester Australia pay $1000 more for Air and Earth models and $2000 for a GT-Line.

Mr Meredith says those better specified models – each of which has the larger 88.1kWh battery and two electric motors – are crucial to the profitability of the EV5.

“If it was 80 per cent Air, 10 per cent

Earth, 10 per cent GT-Line, we’d have a problem,” Mr Meredith said of the EV5’s model mix.

But he said he believed buyers would see value in the more expensive models, which get extra features such as a

powered tailgate and, for the GT-Line, a sunroof and 360-degree camera.

“Historically, whether it’s been internal combustion engine, hybrid or EVs, we’re rich in model mix,” he said.

For half a century, we’ve been committed to delivering top-notch vehicles, unparalleled service, and innovative solutions to keep you on the road with confidence. Join us as we celebrate this golden anniversary, we’re rolling out exclusive deals and exciting giveaways throughout the month.

Come by and be part of the celebration! Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.

Here’s to 50 years of driving forward –and many more to come!

Mr Meredith added the margins on the EV5 Air were slimmer than any he had seen in his 10-year tenure at Kia.

“Not in my memory has there been a car with such a low margin,” he said.

That in itself is a remarkable admission from a brand that has sold some of Australia’s most affordable cars; they are the sorts of models that typically have slim margins.

But Mr Meredith said we are in ‘strange times with EVs’.

“The market is pushing back,” he said, saying it was crucial to make the cars appealing to buyers from the moment they launch rather than lower prices as Ford, Subaru, Tesla, MG and others have done.

“You have just got to be competitive.”

That’s arguably more important with the imminent introduction of the new vehicle efficiency standards, which are due to come into force in 2025.

Selling more EVs can allow car makers to offset the zero emissions from electric cars to avoid potential penalties on thirstier vehicles.

For Kia those thirstier models could include the Tasman ute that is due in 2025.

Kia says it wants to sell 20,000 Tasmans each year.

– Toby Hagon

SHARPLY PRICED: Kia is expecting roughly one third of buyers to opt

electric SUV, the Air.

MG’s electric sportscar finally lands

MG’s long-awaited Cyberster two-seater electric sportscar has finally made it Down Under, initially in all-wheel drive form priced from $115,000 excluding on-road costs.

Rumours circulating suggest a cheaper rear-wheel drive version might be in the offing at a later date – along with a hardtop coupe – but in the meantime it is the dual motor convertible only.

The Cyberster enters the sportscar market against a pair of internal combustion engine, ICE-powered droptop roadsters with BMW’s Z4 and low-spec Porsche Boxsters at ballpark money.

At a stretch, buyers may cross-shop four-seat cabrios such as the BMW 420i and new Mercedes-Benz CLE, while Ford’s Mustang GT drop-top offers eight cylinders and four seats at tens-of-thousands less than the MG.

But the Cyberster remains the only battery electric sportscar at this price point for the moment, with Porsche’s next-generation electric Boxster likely to come at a premium over its petrol predecessor and the Polestar 6 being readied for limited production and likely priced for a select few.

It may look compact in photos and have just two seats, but the Cyberster has a footprint comparable to Porsche’s broad-shouldered 911

GROUND-BREAKING: MG’s highly anticipated Cyberster electric sportscar will arrive in Australia priced from $115,000 plus on-road costs.

Turbo Cabriolet, measuring 4535mm in length, 1913mm in width, and 1329mm in height. To recap, MG, replete with scissor doors, uses a similar dual motor powertrain as the MG 4 XPower hot hatch, spinning out a combined 375kW/725Nm and fed by a 77kWh battery integrated within the chassis.

MG Motor says this is sufficient to propel the 1895kg all-wheel drive Cyberster from zero to 100 kilometres

an hour in an impressive 3.2 seconds.

Though a yoke style steering wheel with variable gearing was mooted way back in 2021 when news of the Cyberster emerged, it has a conventional wheel in front of a wide multi-screen digital dash.

It also has sports seats, an extensive range of tech-driven information and infotainment features and the latest ADAS from MG and launch control.

MG Motor is leveraging its 100-year heritage for the Cyberster launch, cel-

ebrating it as a significant milestone that embodies the future of MG’s innovation.

At launch MG Motor said the allelectric MG Cyberster was a groundbreaking addition that represented a major leap forward in both technology and design and marked a new era for MG, merging a century of heritage with cutting-edge advancements to redefine the future of automotive excellence.

MG Motor Australia and New Zea-

land chief executive Peter Ciao said MG Cyberster marked a groundbreaking evolution for the brand, seamlessly merging the legacy of MG Roadsters with a daring, forwardthinking vision.

“Its bold design and exhilarating performance sets an unprecedented standard, making it one of the most advanced vehicles MG has ever unveiled,” he said.

“The all-new MG Cyberster presents uncompromising levels of power and performance, while also continuing our development as a leader in the electric vehicle space here in Australia.

“Crafted with precision from the ground up, this car is not only a tribute to MG’s storied heritage but also a clear statement that we are unwavering in our pursuit of leadership and innovation in Australia’s automotive landscape.”

Mr Ciao said the Cyberster delivered ‘incredible’ performance that would ‘amaze’ car lovers who would be ‘blown away’ when they got behind the wheel.

The manufacturer claims a WLTP range of 443km and rapid charging capability that can power the vehicle from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 40 minutes using a 150kW CCS public charger.

– Peter Barnwell

Meet Your Cleaner: Aaron Jennings of Klean Azz

If you’ve ever admired a spotless carpet or sparkling window in the Wimmera, you’ve likely encountered Aaron Jennings, the mastermind behind Klean Azz.

With over 15 years of experience, he and his full-time employee, Heath Kinnersly, are committed to keeping your spaces immaculate.

Klean Azz is the professional choice for carpet cleaning, leaving your carpets feeling and smelling revitalised.

The best part? You can walk on them dry within just one hour!

Aaron’s team also offers upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and lounge suite cleaning.

Wondering how to make your home shine just in time for Christmas?

Book your cleaning today to get your carpets and fabric upholstery ready for the festive season!

With Aaron’s hands-on approach and strong work ethic, you can trust that your home is in great hands.

When he’s not busy making your home sparkle, you might find Aaron enjoying the great outdoors with his two whippets, Selsy and Scarlo, watching his favourite AFL Team; Geelong, or teeing up a hit on the golf course. Book in with the professionals – just don’t hold his AFL team against him!

Classifieds

Celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary in Horsham today are Maurice and Joan L AWSON

Married in Horsham’s Wesley Church by the Reverend Howard Kettle on October 30, 1954.

Congratulations and love to Mum and Dad from Susanne, Bruce and Dean and families.

EAST, Lillian

16-9-1945 – 22-9-2024

Passed away suddenly at the age of 79.

Dearly loved Mother of Tracey.

Cherished Grandmother to four Grandchildren, Adored Great Grandmother to ten.

God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts. As per the family’s wishes, Lillian will be privately cremated and the ashes will be interred at a later date.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

SCHULTZ,

Graham Clarence

17/01/1938 – 23/10/2024

Passed away peacefully on 23/10/2024 aged 86 years.

Much loved husband of Julet.

Loved uncle of Deidre (dec), Sandy, Janice & their families.

Forever in our hearts, now at peace with god.

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

WORTHY, Dietra Joy (Clements)

Passed away on September 13, 2024 aged 84 years.

Dearly loved wife of Barry Peter Worthy (dec. 2005).

Beloved mother to Nicole, Jane and Chris.

Adored Dee Dee to Michael, Ethan and Jacob.

Loving Great Dee Dee to Charlotte.

Forever cherished and finally free

HAYDEN, Jean Irene

The funeral of Jean Irene Hayden will take place at the graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, October 31, 2024 commencing at 10am

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

SCHULTZ

Graham Clarence

The funeral service for the late Mr. Graham Schultz will be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Thursday the 31st of October, commencing at 11am.

Interment to follow at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

WORTHY, Dietra Joy

An Informal Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Dietra Joy Worthy will take place at the Natimuk Hotel on Sunday, 3 November 2024 commencing at 1.30pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

3 Mini Dachshund x Mini Foxy Male Pups , born May 23, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, 1 brown dapple 953010006753667, source no MB255251, $1600 ONO Ph 0400083880

Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Thank

you

~ BLOCK ~ Morva

The family of Morva Block would like to thank everyone who sent cards, flowers and kind thoughts to us at the time of Morva’s passing.

Thank you to the staﬀ at SLRV for their wonderful care of Morva.

To Suzanne at Wimmera Funerals and Father Robert Caernarvon-Smith, thank you for your caring support.

Sincere thanks to you all from the Block Family

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666706/6579578 source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456 2 Merino Rams, Moorundie Park, 4 and half years, price negotiable Ph 0407911884

Bristlenose catfish , great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham

German (Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984/1718 1902/17166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996 Ararat

Kelpie pups, both parents are good workers, 1 black/ tan female & male, 2 red/tan male, dob 23/6/24, microchip# 956000018884980 /6575 /2051 /7524, source# MB256359 $500 each Ph 0488303725

Pair of Turks ready to breed, scarlet chested dilute/scarlet chested dilute opaline, incl new nest and carry box, $350 Ph 0492486058 Dimboola

Pembroke Corgi Pups, male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267

Working Kelpie pups, 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 978142000129103

//937/1520/1099 source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

Portable cot as new $40, 3 wheel pusher $25, stroller $15, baby/child car seat $25 Ph 0400085025

1998 Jayco Westport, full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded,

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230

2013 Jurgens Lunagzer J24, 6.3m/21’, J2403, 2 berth, shower/toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445

2016 New Age Desert Rose, full off-road built tough, separate shower/toilet, big fridge, lots of storage inside and out, solar power, loads of extras, diesel heater, full annexe, 20’ plus draw bar, EC, $70,000 neg Ph 0409257256

Kildare Border Collies have a one remaining pure bred black and white female puppy for sale from our current litter at $1650, we have been breeding border collies for over 60 years, our puppies are bred true to type and have calm natures, they make excellent working dogs or family pets, she is 7 weeks of age, has a fun-loving nature and ready to find her forever home, she has been microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated and wormed, source# MB196330, microchip# 985141007722113, Ph Brendan Hogan, or Juls on 0429826899 for further information

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24’6”, long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan , 2004, 19’, EC, shower on outside $24,000ono Ph 0400603022

Animals & Accessories

wedding anniversary Funeral

Animals & Accessories

caravans

baby needs

caravans

Majestic Knight Caravan 10/2013, queen bed, ensuite, full annex, free camp ready, many extras, $45,000 Ph 0418506271

New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $45,000 Ph 0427778747

Prattline Fremont pop-top 17’, dual axle, island bed, A/C, solar, 2 deep cycle batteries & inverter, water tank with 12V pump, full annexe, registered, needs new pop-top struts, $4900 Ph Dan 0447323151

REDUCED 2006 Concept

Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper , heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

REDUCED MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $11,500 Ph 0493394223

Royal Flair caravan 2012 20ft, full ensuite, 3 way fridge, electric/gas hot water, TV, diesel heater, solar panel, 2 batteries, washing machine, A/C, $38,000 for more information call Des 0428915255

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662

1997 Hercules Tipper

$76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

2022 Mahindra 6110, 6 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock

$45,800 Ph 0428349401

4080 Tractor, 3pl, GC $11,000 Ph 0419389693 CAT , 955 K traxcavator

DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000ono plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097

New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408

REDUCED Versatile 555

Tractor, good working order

$15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

Tractor Tyre, 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

Tradesman trailer, off road

$4500 Ph 0407285097

Trailing Grain Feeder, with canopy, good condition, $1100 Ph 0400894020

Carryall 6’ x 3’, suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426

Large quantity of second hand Merbau decking timber, 70mm, GC Ph 0353836242

Moving sale , pine bookshelves $40, large green and gray rug $70, round dining table with 4 velvet chairs $340, bookshelves $100, TV cabinet $150 Ph 53824788

1 Bridgestone Turanza Tyre, R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms

$50 Ph0428504558

2 hand made Kennett step ladders, 4.2m high Ph 0419359501

3 tonne block and tackle

$100, 400 gallon Poly Tank

$200, 500 gallon ex fuel tank

$100, Coolgardie safe $100, Briggs and Stratton fire fighter done little work no hoses $250, Galv iron rolled best offer, saw bench with truckston tip saw and belt $100, Elec handpiece sheep or horse clippers $75, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $200, Mobile co rotary hoe Briggs motor goes well $150, Surveyors chains $100 Ph 0429857207

4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $650 Ph 0428504558

A livemor electric massage chair and a proflex slider, $1100 ono for both Ph 0494077845

AMC Ride on Mower, latest model, excellent condition $1900ono Ph 0427822909

Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335

Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

Home brew kit, 3 barrels, clean bottles, caps, books and accessories $200 Ph 0488325634

Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164

Kuvings whole slow juicer, very good condition, no further use $300 Ph 0408823136

Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510

Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000

Rare 1895 Furphy tank, both casts are in good condition $6000 Ph 0428519879

REDUCED Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $150 Ph 0408504633

REDUCED Pair of directors chairs with side tables new $100 Ph 0409799375

REDUCED Stylish vintage 1930’s/1940’s radiogram, in need of restoration $50 ono Ph 0427545424

Shipping Containers , two 40’ high-cube containers, located Haven $8000 pair Ph 0422426377

Spin bike $250 Ph 0428506423

Sunwagon Food Trailer , fully equipped for electric and gas cooking $16,500 Ph 0437581171

Tradies Trailer enclosed , containing shelving storage, power points $680 ono Ph 0432544164

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

and

Mattress $250, single bed blackwood $250, as new Ph 0437688336

Old wood burning stove, GC, located in Goroke, $200 ono Ph Mick 0400005266

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

3.7m stacer aluminium 15HP

Yamaha galvanised trailer and cover $3000 Ph 0427981501

4.0m Stessl Aluminium

Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial # 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602

Gopher, Celebrity X, 4 wheel, good condition, cash on pick up, Rupanyup, $1500 Ph 0429855310

Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola

BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491

Honda CTX200 Ag Bike, as new, 2900 kms, $2750 inc Gst Ph 0428504228

REDUCED BMW RT1200 Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961

1987 XF Falcon sedan S pack, manual, 5 speed gearbox, power steering. 181,000km, eng JG23HE97665C, $2500 Ph 0428501109

2005 Commodore Sedan, 6 months rego, good order, 325,000kms, $2650 Ph 0407911884

Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

Ford XF Wagon ,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109 Mitsubishi Magna Elite sedan, 1990, cruise control, automatic, aircon, excellent condition, unregistered vin 6MMTP4X41LA051102 $3000 negotiable Ph 0428501109

1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109

Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097

2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220 Yamaha Inverter Generator, EF2800i, never used, $1500 Ph 0474099355 2 bedside tables $100 Ph 0428506423 5 drawer tallboy $150 Ph 0428506423

Walker , 210kg, wider than normal, GC $220 Ph 0423967449

2004 Honda Accord, 3.0L

V6 auto, well equipped including sunroof and cruise control, rego til 28/1/25, good tyres, 132,000kms, SQW278 $6999 Ph 0409998004

2006 Nissan Navara 4WD , diesel, dual cab, manual, bull bar, vin#

JMICNUD22A0050448, RWC, 200,000km, $8500ono Ph 0419821563

2010 Holden Cruze CDX, auto, EC, reg til Jan 25, RWC, its a beauty, 71,XXXkms, YET476, $7200 Ph 0437561900

2011 Holden Commodore VE SV6 II sedan, colour ‘Sizzle’ red, tow bar, tinted windows, reversing camera, bluetooth, EC, 198,XXXkms, YNV016 $10,000 neg Ph Glenn 0447799547

2012 Holden Cruze 2.0 ltr , diesel, auto, white, tidy condition, 163,000 kms, 1FG4PY $4250 Ph 0427957243

2013 Jeep Compass , reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms

1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555

Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141

$10,000 Ph 0428501109

Mercedes S 350, silver, full service history, top of the range, 250,000kms ZIC400 $7500 Ph 0427828420

2004 VY SS Commodore, collectors item, black, RWC, immaculate cond, YKW598 $20,000ono Ph 0400603022

Kia Optima GT, 2016 fully optioned, sunroof, heated and cooled seats, sold with RWC, beautiful economical and safe car, ACJ085, $18,900 Ph 0427957243

Mitsubishi Delica Diesel van, 4x4, 1998, 260k kms, camper conversion, GC, ubu692, reg till 4/25 $14500 Ph 0409954491

REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $13,500 Ph 0400728252

VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto, silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towing done, VGC, new tyres, reg till 2/25, YVD520 $10,500 Ph 0428528990

2003 Landcruiser , auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379

2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448

2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebooks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $25000ono Ph 0427822909

2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry SL sedan, with all the luxury features of a top of the range Toyota, pearl white, full service history, RWC, 2AM8IL, $32,250 Ph Eddy 0428922335

REDUCED Nissan Navarra, STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2” lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms $37,000 Ph 0413992594

Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264

Project: Building Extension, Internal

Expressions of Interest are invited from registered commercial Building Companies for building works to St Patrick’s School Nhill at 29 Leahy St, Nhill VIC 3418.

The work comprises approximately 150m2 extension to an existing building, 300m2 of internal refurbishment, and demolition of the existing amenities block.

Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2025.

Email registrations outlining availability to Tender, capability and relevant experience, limited to two A4 pages before 2:00 pm on Friday 15th of November 2024 (from which, a shortlist of Tenderers shall be prepared).

For further information contact: 1:1 Architects Pty Ltd Yamil Khoury Diaz – yamil@one2one.net.au

Tenders

For Lease By Tender

Frews Loop Road, Marnoo West 790 Acres

tree for removal, free,

Organic Or Conventional Cropping & Grazing to be offered as a whole or in 3 separate lots. (Piggery 228 acres) (Tommy Macs 215 acres) (Tickeys 346 acres)

• 5 Year Lease commencing 1st March 2025

• Cropping & Grazing

• Highly arable - reticulated water supply Tenders close at 2pm, 20th November 2024, at Elders Real Estate Offices, 167 Barkly Street Ararat, or 181-187 Main Street, Stawell

For tender details and documents contact Michael Fratin 0409 184 572 or michael.fratin@eldersrealestate.com.au

Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David0427864628

Mazda BT 50 2021 dual cab, silver, fitted with ARB bull bar, driving lights, ascent canopy, rear step towbar, warranty 4/26, reg til 4/25, 4000kms 1NB5DX $48,500 Ph 0428528990

Please note deadline for classifieds for the Wednesday, November 6, 2022 edition will be 10am Monday, NOVEMBER 4.

e Weekly Advertiser Horsham o ce will be closed on Tuesday, November 5.

For any classified enquiries please call the Horsham Oﬃce on 5382 1351

Palm

Lifeline

Black Dog Institute

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Suicide & Mental Illness

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish Sunday, November 3

Edenhope 9am HC Goroke 11am HC Natimuk Join Vectis Vectis 5pm HC Dimboola

MONTHLY PAPER DRIVE IS ON THIS WEEKEND

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Looking for 4-year-old Kindergarten in 2025?

Enrol now with Emerge for our high-quality programs for 4-year-old kindergarten.

Limited Kindergarten places are available for 2025 in:

• Green Park Kindergarten

• Natimuk Road Kindergarten

• Natimuk Preschool

Kindergarten is free and fully funded by the Department of Education.

For more information, please contact our enrolments team at enrol@eeys.com.au 5382 7997

EEYS is a child safe organisation. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children.

The

Statutory

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the following item/s: •

Fire Danger Period

Yet the evidence would suggest the opposite.

and getting smarter as we go.

As ‘intelligent’ as we have become, we find ourselves devolving socially and emotionally. There are lots of reasons ventured for this phenomenon; video games, social media, the great wealth divide, blah blah… But at the heart of this condition is an unrest in the soul.

We are created by a Creator for a reason, to reflect His image. But for the vast majority, that purpose has been submerged under a whole pile of nonsense self centred dreams and aspirations. Read this carefully. Life will be wearisome whilst we strive for stuﬀ that ultimately doesn’t matter. But as the Good Book says… “Seek first God’s approval and his righteousness, and you’ll have everything that really matters” (My paraphrase).

Dave Tolputt, Life Links Church - Ararat

C’Mon Inn

Truck Driver/ Delivery person

• Heavy

•

Senior Adviser

Negotiable between Horsham, Hamilton, Stawell, Warrnambool or Portland Offices (Flexible-Hybrid)

$109,730 - $132,764 (full-time equivalent per annum) plus superannuation

Full-time (76 hours per fortnight). Flexible. Fixed term until 27/06/2025

Events and Social Media Co-Ordinator

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 an exciting opportunity for someone to join our Education Support team as our Sports, Events and Social Media Co-Ordinator.

Please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 to obtain a role description and discuss this opportunity further. Sports,

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

This role located within the Agency Performance and System Support team in the Wimmera South West Area, West Division has responsibility for monitoring the performance of external service providers. The role is accountable for the monitoring and implementation of the Performance Management Framework, including management of local service agreements and the collection and recording of performance data for externally funded Department of Family, Fairness and Housing and Department of Health organisations. The role is responsible to support the development of new initiatives, service pathways and place-based approaches. Contact for further information: Jaclyn Reriti A/Manager, Agency Performance and System Support, 0437 577 680 jaclyn.reriti@dffh.vic.gov.au

Reference number: DFFH/COPL/378975

Applications close: Monday 4 November 2024

For more information about this opportunity, please go to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download a position description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre employment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.

Store Manager Warracknabeal

Jono & Johno is looking for an experienced, hands-on leader to join our passionate team.

If you excel at customer service and have a proven ability to drive sales and manage stock, we'd love to hear from you!

Salary: $70 - 80K

Perks: 25% store discount, birthday vouchers, team breakfasts, and more.

For full details and to apply, visit our ad on Seek by scanning the QR code.

your situation

Director Health Services

Sport

Kees challenge top team

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Central Park retained its place atop the Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant ladder, grinding out an eight-sets-to-six win against Kalkee on Saturday.

Playing at Central Park’s Baillie Street home courts, the Kees were undaunted, winning a pair of early doubles rubbers when women Meaghan Pohlner and Anna Exell defeated the Parkers’ Willow Sainsbury and Eve Wear 8-6, and men Jordan Friberg and Grant Schultz beat Brendan Nitschke and Harry Allan by the same score. But the Parkers matched the Kees blow for blow, with Adele Joseph and Tara McIntyre downing Kees Emily Polack and Keeley Schultz 8-1 to give the home side a narrow games advantage.

Central Park’s women again led the way in the singles section, with Joseph downing Polack 8-3 and Sainsbury defeating Pohlner 8-1 after the men split their singles rubbers.

With a five-sets-to-three lead, the Parkers only needed to split the final doubles rubbers, and did so with Nitschke and Reece Harman defeating Schultz and Aiden Richardson 8-6, with Nitschke then teaming with Matt Jones to win another 8-6 rubber.

Although Kalkee’s Richardson and Friberg played strongly to beat Allan and Harman 8-2 and Exell and Polack beat Joseph and Wear 8-4, it was not enough to turn the tide, with the Parkers holding on to win 8-93 to 6-79.

With the exception of a roundone washout against St Michaels, the Parkers have won every match this season and will hit their first bye in top position on the ladder.

Chasing the Parkers is reigning premier Horsham Lawn, which beat St Michaels 10-105 to 4-72 for its second win of the season.

Saints Peter Hayes and Nick Robertson played a terrific first set to beat Lawn’s Lachlan Punchard and Shane Gillespie in an 8-7 tiebreaker, but from there it was largely one-way traffic as Lawn won the next three doubles rubbers.

The Saints had more success in the singles section, with Hayes beating Punchard 8-4 in the men’s number-one spot and Violet McGennisken scraping through with an 8-7 win against Ella Thompson in the women’s draw, but D’Artagnan Walls and Tahlia Thompson each won their singles rubbers to keep Horsham Lawn comfortably in the lead.

The final doubles rubbers were tightly contested, with three end-

FOCUS: Horsham Lawn’s

ing in tiebreaks, but Horsham Lawn had enough firepower to win five of the final six rubbers.

This weekend Horsham Lawn will host Drung South, which returns from a bye, while St Michaels travels to take on Kalkee.

Other grades

In A Special, Horsham Lawn Thompson continued its undefeated start with a 9-85 to 5-70 win against Central Park, while Natimuk 14-112 dominated Homers 0-29 and Brimpaen defeated Haven 9-89 to 5-78.

In A Grade, Horsham Lawn

of his

O’Connor’s match against Central Park came down to the final few rubbers, with Lawn O’Connor prevailing 6-80 to 6-65. Other matches saw Drung South go down to Horsham Lawn McGennisken 10 sets to two and St Michaels defeat Haven seven sets to five.

Drung South increased its stranglehold on the B Special competition, defeating Central Park 14-92 to 2-51 for its fourth win of the season, while Laharum downed Natimuk seven sets to five and Horsham Lawn Tigers accounted for Haven 13-89 to 3-50.

Brought to

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Seniors

Pennant: Central Park 8-93 d Kalkee 6-9; Horsham Lawn 10-105 d St Michaels 4-72.

A Special: Horsham Lawn Thompson 9-85 d Central Park 5-70; Brimpaen 9-89 d Haven 5-78; Natimuk 14-112 d Homers 0-29.

A Grade: Horsham Lawn McGennisken 10-86 d Drung South 2-65; St Michaels 7-63 d Haven 5-68; Horsham Lawn O’Connor 6-80 d Central Park 6-65. B Special: Drung South 14-92 d Central Park 2-51; Laharum 11-82 d Natimuk 5-46; Horsham Lawn Tigers 13-89 d Haven 3-50.

Juniors

Open: Central Park Blue 6-36 d Homers 0-8; Central Park White 5-33 d Horsham Lawn Green 1-13; Horsham Lawn Gold 4-25 d Quantong 2-27.

Section 1 Boys: Horsham Lawn Green 3-26 d Horsham Lawn White 3-23; Homers forfeited to Central Park Blue; Central Park White 3-31 d Haven 3-26. Section 1 Girls: Haven Red 4-32 d Central Park White 2-17; Central Park Blue 5-35 d Haven Blue 1-15; Horsham Lawn Green 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Gold 0-12; Homers 3-27 drew Horsham Lawn White 3-27.

Section 2 Boys: Horsham Lawn Green 5-32 d Central Park White 1-13; Haven 6-36 d Central Park Blue 0-9; Horsham Lawn Red 4-32 d Horsham Lawn White 2-27; Horsham Lawn Gold 6-36 d Natimuk 0-6.

Acacia Caravan Park

Allan & Trev’s Workwear

Ararat Auto & Ag

Ararat RSL

BJs Furniture and Bedding & Beds R Us

Cafe Chickpea

Cellarbrations Superstore

Centre for Participation

Cooks Of Horsham

Cosmetic Concreting

Curtains by Robyn and Abbey

DMD Horsham & Nhill

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Dooen Hotel

Elite Podiatry Centre

Farrers Tyrepower

SHOP AT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

Forty Winks Horsham

Grampians Office Services

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham

Hayley Maree Bridal

Hermans of Horsham

Holistic Haven

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Doors and Glass

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham RSL

Horsham Sports & Community Club

Intersport Horsham

J&A Shooting and Fishing

Kings Cars Ararat

KLM Concreting, Soil Yard & Nursery

Lardner Bros Locksmiths & Security

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham

Martin’s Hose Repairs

Maxfab

McPhersons of Brim

Moe’s Mexican Bar & Grill

Network Mobility

Poolwerx

Priceline Pharmacy Ararat

Salon Mode

Schiers Cabinet Makers

Senor Mex

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Lotto

Stawell Pharmacy

The Local 165 Cafe & Bar

The Victoria Hotel Horsham

Traction Ag

Tyrepower Ararat

Wade’s Horsham

Wilson Bolton

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors

Wimmera Spas and Pools

Wimmera Truck Centre

YarriYak Cafe (Rural Northwest Health)

D’Artagnan Walls won two

three sets in his team’s win against St Michaels on Saturday.

Telstra Horsham & Ararat Store

The Gums Dental

Sport

Top honour for surprised Hancock

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

After being named Australian motorcycling’s top official, Horsham man Mark Hancock says a step back is on the horizon – at least in a few years.

Mr Hancock was this year honoured with the Graham Stewart Official of the Year Award by Motorcycling Australia – an award he said surprised him despite his years of dedication as a motocross official.

“I was gobsmacked. I wasn’t even really aware of what was going on. I’d seen the award around, but it had mainly been given to officials in road racing and speedway,” he said.

“There are seven different disciplines of motorcycle racing, and motocross makes up more than 40 per cent of the participants in Australia.

“It’s the first time a motocross person has been awarded official of the year.

“The award is recognised internationally as well – the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) recognises it, which is good because I’m also an international official.”

Mr Hancock began his work as a motocross official when he joined the Horsham Motorcycle Club in 1999, helping transform it from ‘virtually a greenfields project’ to an internationally acclaimed track.

“It is the only club in Australia to have ever hosted a world championship,” he said.

“What it has done for Horsham as a sport has been quite exceptional. We went from a club that had not run anything significant to now having run 11 Australian championships in motocross, one in sidecars, one in ATVs, a women’s championship, two junior Australian championships, and that’s brought millions of tourist dollars into Horsham over that period of time.”

Mr Hancock soon rose through the ranks of motocross officialdom, becoming clerk of course for the former MX Nationals motocross series about 15 years ago.

“That was through a private promoter, who at the start of COVID let the contract go, so Motorcycling Australia started the ProMX series and I went from being the clerk of course to being the race director,” he said.

“It means I’m in charge of all things to do with racing, procedures, insurance and risk, and co-ordinating that with the teams, the managers, officials, administration and television.

“We go live to nearly a million viewers per round on SBS on race day each weekend, so I co-ordinate what happens on the ground with what happens in the air.”

Mr Hancock said he was honoured to win the official of the year award, named after respected race official Graham ‘Checkers’ Stewart who died of cancer in 2019.

Among the award’s criteria are excellence, integrity, dedication to the sport during a long period of time,

ACE cyclists help raise $2000

Wet conditions failed to dampen the spirits of riders at the Arapiles Cycling Event earlier this month.

Nearly 90 riders took part in the event on October 5, raising $2000 in support of charity group Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids.

Riders from across Victoria participated, with a choice of completing a 20, 50, 75 or 100-kilometre circuit, starting in Natimuk.

Mark Nuttall travelled from Belmont, near Geelong, to participate and said he loved the experience.

“I really enjoy travelling up to Horsham for the weekend and completing the ride,” he said.

“I like to support rides that are

REWARD: Horsham’s Mark Hancock receives the Motorcycling Australia Graham Stewart Official of the Year Award at Queensland Moto Park from retiring motocross star Brett Metcalfe. Picture: Foremost Media

skills and knowledge, earning the respect of peers, and an ability to impart knowledge and mentor people.

It is the final criterium that Mr Hancock said he was most proud of, after creating a program to mentor new officials in motocross.

“I created a key officials pathway program to try and get more volunteers active in the sport,” he said.

“It’s been a really successful program. It’s a three-day intensive course, and it all happens live at an event, so they’re part of the event.

“Volunteers are a problem in every sport, but we’ve gone from barely being able to scrape up enough officials to run a national to now beating them off with a stick.

smaller, where people give up their time to run the event and the money goes back into the community.

“My friend and I drove up on Friday night, completed the ride and spent the afternoon having lunch at a winery with our wives.”

The 2024 ride included: two fatherson teams; a team of riders from Port Fairy; a man who rode the 100-kilometre circuit in support of a separate cancer charity; two riders who rode the 100-kilometre circuit and returned to Melbourne to complete the ‘Around the Bay’ ride the following day; and a growing number of e-bike riders.

“It’s had fantastic feedback from the participants, and we’ve had repeated attendees.

“We’re trying to introduce new people to the program and all the old people want to come back.”

But while he said he loved being a high-level official and mentor, Mr Hancock admitted it was a demanding role.

“It’s been fun. It’s hard work, and sometimes it’s incredibly stressful,” he said.

“There are terrible things you come across. Unfortunately I’ve been through a few deaths in the sport and you see some bad injuries.

“I’ve also seen some of the most amazing things – amazing races and

meeting people I couldn’t have imagined I would ever meet. It’s not without its sacrifices – things like relationships and missing events and other things that happen when you’re away.

“My grandkids might be in town but I’m away somewhere else in Australia running an event. I tend to run my personal life around the motocross calendar.”

Nearing his 63rd birthday and with his mentoring program thriving, Mr Hancock said he would look to scale back his involvement at a national level in the next two years, but said he would remain involved with the sport in Horsham.

“I’ll still officiate, I’ll work in the canteen – I’ll help out wherever they want me to help out and just be involved,” he said.

“In my retirement this year I’ve learned to drive Bobcats and front-end loaders to do track maintenance, so that’s been fun.”

Finally, Mr Hancock thanked the family, friends and colleagues who had helped him reach the top of the Australian motorcycling tree.

“The award did make me feel proud, but probably more so grateful and thankful for the people I’ve worked with over the journey and the opportunities I’ve been given by working with those people,” he said.

“They are really the cause of it. Without them you can’t achieve anything, because I’m just an individual cog.”

Two each for Gurry and George

Wimmera greyhound trainers Garry George and Andrea Gurry enjoyed success twice this week, at multiple tracks around the state and at home in Horsham.

Western Bale kicked the week off for Gurry winning at Ballarat.

Last away, Western Bale worked to fourth on the corner but was then caught in a bumping duel and looked gone on turning for home, but once he got clear air, he flashed down the outside and got the money in a massive run.

Mean Peace for George continued on her winnings ways, making it three on the bounce for the smart record of four starts for three wins and a second.

Carter

On Tuesday last week at Horsham, she exploded from the middle trap and displayed her customary early pace setting up a race winning lead by the corner and cruising to a four-length victory in the smart time of 23:47 seconds.

Napier Bale then gave Gurry her second winner for the week, also on the Horsham card.

A $1.30 favourite, Napier was midfield early but used great field sense to plot his way through the race until he could find a run half way down the home straight.

From there, he rocketed away winning well in 23:59 seconds.

George then headed to Bendigo on Friday and struck for the second time for the week.

Crank It was victorious over the 500 metre journey.

Jumping straight to the front, Crank It made all the running and was never in danger of being run down, winning well in 28:32 seconds. Box ONE with Peter

Brought to you by

Round of lopsided results

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham Cricket Associa-

tion’s A Grade competition produced three lopsided results in round three, with the final match between Homers and Noradjuha-Toolondo going down to the wire.

Playing at their Sunnyside Recreation Reserve home, the Pigeons fielded first after the Bullants won the toss and elected to bat.

Homers bowler Baxter Perry picked up the wickets of both Bullant openers, but first drop batsman Matt Combe steadied the ship for the visitors with 76 runs from 101 deliveries in an innings that included nine fours.

Despite Combe’s brilliance, he continued to lose batting partners as Troy Dumesny, Justtin Combe, Jack Combe and Jordan McDonald all fell cheaply in the middle order and tailenders Tim Crick and Angus Slatter were both out for ducks.

Noradjuha-Toolondo was all out for 149 in the 41st over, setting Homers a target of 150 for victory.

Homers’ Paddy Mills said the side felt confident as it came out to bat.

“We were pretty happy keeping them to 150. Obviously ‘Melons’ (Matt Combe) got hold of us a bit, but other than that we thought we did a reasonable job,” he said.

“Everyone chipped in, did their bit and bowled reasonably tight.

“Coming out to bat, we just wanted to get through the first 10 overs with no wickets down.

“They have a few good bowlers up front, so we wanted to try to get through their first spell and cash in at the back end.”

Despite the losses of Luke Miller and Monty Wynne, the Pigeons’ innings went largely to script early.

Opener Adam Attwood reached 38 before falling leg before wicket to Justtin Combe, and Mills blasted a team-high 41 runs from only 34 deliveries.

But when Mills was caught, also off the bowling of Justtin Combe, it triggered a middle-order collapse.

Perry came to the crease with the Pigeons at 5-122 and quickly became the team’s sole hope as Homers lost three wickets for only five additional runs.

When Ben Williamson was run out for one, the Pigeons were down to their final wicket and still 11 runs short of victory.

Over the next 15 balls Perry protected the strike, allowing number 11 batsman Aiden Van to face only two balls deliveries.

Fittingly, it was Perry who ended the game with a four in the 41st over to deliver the Pigeons a victory at 9-151. Perry finished unbeaten on 36.

“Baxter was really good and pretty much won the game off his own bat,” Mills said.

“He hogged the strike really well. He did it perfectly – he did what he had to do.”

In addition to excelling with bat in hand, Matt Combe was the pick of the Noradjuha-Toolondo bowlers with 4-29 from nine overs.

The round’s other matches were comparatively drama-free, with Horsham Tigers defeating Horsham Saints by 80 runs, Brim-KellalacSheep Hills recording a nine-wicket victory against Lubeck-Murtoa and West Wimmera requiring less than 11 overs to chase Colts’ total of 32, with all 10 wickets still in hand.

At Coughlin Park, the Tigers batted out their 45 overs at 8-159, with Angus Adams top scoring on 36.

In reply the Saints could muster only 79 runs before being all out,

NOT OUT: Horsham Tigers’ Cody Kenny smashes the ball over cover for four runs on his way to 27 not out.

Slow start for St Andrews

Play is underway in the Grampians Cricket Association and administrators have already encountered problems.

St Andrews was unable to meet its obligations in round two of the 2024-25 season, forfeiting to Swifts-Great Western.

The first round of T20 matches saw SwiftsGreat Western 4-181 dominate RhymneyMoyston.

Batting first, the Combine’s main scorers were Zach Marrow, 44 from 32 balls, and Matt Heffer, 58 not out from 25 balls.

Faced with the task of scoring at nine runs per over, Rhymney-Moyston could only manage 8-91.

At North Park, Halls Gap recorded a 22-run victory over Pomonal with opener Max McMahon top scoring for the Gappers with 38. In reply the Tigers reached 3-97 from their 20 overs

Round two results saw Rhymney-Moyston, 4-86, bounce back with a 38-run victory over Pomonal, 10-48.

3-23 off

with six ducks on the scorecard and only Josh Carrol, 31 runs, making a serious impact with the bat.

Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills bowler

Dale Stephan had a day out in his side’s rout of Lubeck-Murtoa, taking 4-5 as the Mudlarks were all out for 65 in 41 overs.

The Eagles chased the total without breaking a sweat, with Connor McGinniss’ diamond duck run out the only blemish on their scorecard as Leigh Dovaston, 38 not out, and Jeremy Preston, 23 not out, hit the winning runs inside 21 overs.

West Wimmera was even more

dominant against the Colts, with every bowler taking at least one wicket as the home side was all out for 32.

West Wimmera needed only 63 balls in reply, as openers Bradley Alexander and Jobe Dickinson reached the target without loss.

Round four on Saturday will see Homers host Horsham Saints, BrimKellalac-Sheep Hills visit Horsham Tigers, West Wimmera at Murtoa to take on the Mudlarks and Laharum returning from a bye to face the Colts.

The standout performer for RhymneyMoyston was Nathan Quick with 5-12 from his four overs.

Swifts-Great Western was gifted three points when St Andrews forfeited.

Round three and four are scheduled for this Saturday.

Round three is St Andrews v Pomonal at Gordon Street, Halls Gap v Rhymney-Moyston at Central Park, and a bye for Swifts-Great Western.

Round four is St Andrews v RhymneyMoyston at Gordon Street, Halls Gap v SwiftsGreat Western at Central Park, and a Pomonal bye.

The stand-out teams through the first two rounds have been Swifts-Great Western and Halls Gap, with this week’s cricket set to give an indication of ladder positions. – One Short

WFNL

fixture

Wimmera Football Netball League has announced its fixture for the 2025 season.

The season will officially begin on April 12. Warrack Eagles will have a bye in the first round.

The 2024 premiers, Ararat, will travel to Stawell’s North Park for its annual Good Friday game against Stawell on April 18 – it will be considered the clubs’ round-three match-up. The league’s preliminary finals will be on Saturday, September 13 in a break from the traditional Sunday fixture, with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, September 21. Visit theweeklyadvertiser.com.au to see the full fixture.

TIDY: Horsham Saints’ Josh Carroll took a tidy

his nine overs. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Course, competition impress

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham Golf Club president Gerard Bardell believes the club is positioned to thrive into the future after celebrating a successful Golden Putter competition at the weekend and a key milestone at Monday’s annual general meeting.

More than 100 players from across Victoria flocked to the club for the Golden Putter, a 36-hole, four-ball best-ball competition on Saturday and Sunday.

Horsham’s Brendan O’Loughlin and James Davidson were the overall winners, 19 up on a countback from Roger Sordello and Phil Butsch.

The club also hosted its annual holein-one shootout on Friday night, with Adrian Taylor winning division one by holing his shot from 130 metres.

Mr Bardell described it as ‘a really successful weekend’ for the club.

“What was really pleasing was the number of different people who came from all over the state to play in it,” he said.

SUCCESS: Horsham’s James Davidson, left, and Brendan O’Loughlin were the overall winners of a successful Golden Putter competition at Horsham Golf Club at the weekend.

“There were quite a few people who had never played in Horsham before and were blown away by the competition and the quality of the course.

“That was really encouraging to hear as well.

“The team worked really hard to prepare a good course and we were fortunate with the weather as well.”

Mr Bardell said there was even more

Tri State Games ready

Athletes with disabilities from across the Wimmera are preparing to travel to Portland next week to compete at the annual Tri State Games.

The games promote social sports for people with disabilities from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, with five teams from the Wimmera region set to compete.

Taking part in the week-long games will be members of the Horsham Rockets, Just Better Care Jets, JR Crew, Wimmera Weapons and Horsham Heat.

An opening ceremony will be on Sunday, November 10, with the games running from Monday to Friday.

Jeff Pekin, a volunteer organiser with the Horsham Rockets for more than a decade, said the team members were excited for this year’s games after missing most of last year.

“I know they’re all very keen for this year because last year in Cobram the whole team got knocked out with COVID-19,” he said.

“Our guys were thoroughly disappointed to miss more than half the

games because we were all sick and they couldn’t compete or go to any of the night-time events.

“They were devastated with the outcome last year, so hopefully it’s a better year this year.”

Mr Pekin said the Rockets, like most of the teams at the games, were not supported by agencies or government funding, and relied on community donations to compete at the games.

“It is a really good time for these guys, because a lot of them do not have the ability to go to events like this often. They have financial constraints and they need support,” he said.

“The Horsham Rockets have been funded by the Horsham community for the past 10 years. It’s a credit to the Horsham people and organisations who get us there.

“I’ve had individuals come up to me in the street and offer cash for petrol to get us to Portland or to pay for accommodation.”

Among the organisations supporting the Rockets this year are WIM Re-

good news at the club’s AGM on Monday.

At the meeting, he announced the club had successfully repaid four community members who each loaned the club $50,000 when it was struggling to remain financially viable in 2019.

“We’ve received tremendous community support when we threw our hands up and asked for it, and it’s

wonderful that we’re in a position now where we’re meeting all of our requirements and we’re still investing in the club, which is really important,” he said.

Mr Bardell said the club had plans to continue transforming its surroundings as it sought to improve its financial standings.

“We’ve got some good plans for the future and we’re really hopeful that with some good planning and a bit of luck they’ll come to fruition,” he said.

“The key piece from the AGM is that golf participation is up.

“We’re getting more people using the driving range, we’re getting more people on the course and we have more members now than we’ve had for a long, long time.

“It’s great to see so many people using our wonderful facilities and we encourage everyone, even if you’re not a member, to come out and try the driving range.

“We’ve recently completed an extension to the driving range, which really sets us up nicely with a wonderful precinct in our own back yard.”

Rees in form

Ian Rees was Horsham Golf Croquet Club’s Saturday division one winner with three games and 21 hoops.

Glenn Price was runner-up with 2/22.

Gwen McCartney won the division two competition with a score of 3/23, ahead of Marg Pope who scored 2/21.

Rachel Cousins won division three with 3/26, with Lorna Mills the runner-up with 2/21.

On Thursday last week, Glenn Price won division one with 3/22, from Gary Devlin with 2/21. Sue Nicholls won division two with 2/20, ahead of Jenny Pipkorn with 2/16.

Kerrie Brodie won division three with 2/20, with Rachel Cousins the runner-up with 2/19. There was no division one played on October 22, but the division two event saw Greg Phillips win with 2/18, just ahead of Jennie Mitchell with 2/17.

Kerrie Brodie won division three that day, with Allan Meyer the runner-up with 1/12.

source, Rotary Club of Horsham East, Abbie Wilson Insurance, Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.

Wimmera participants at this year’s games are –Horsham Rockets: Jason Perkins, Maureen Cameron, Sharon Creasey, Erin Kearns, Michael Clark, Julie

week.

Clark, Andrew Lang, Warrick Lang and Tom Leembruggen.

Just Better Care Jets: Matthew Schmidt, Adam Werner, Rachael Werner, Indya Baulch, Maree Crouch, Rachael Pring, Jacqui Trigg and Jack Werner.

Wimmera Weapons: Anthony Arts, Shantelle Morrison, Heather Pipkorn, Tori Phelan, Andrew Kent and Donna Leith.

Horsham Heat: Mark Sommerville, Carly Bird, Chelsea O’Connor, Holly Mee, Jess Sorrell, and Glenn Castleman. JR Crew: Jaden Dumesny, Amy Benbow, Kim Graham, Renee CastlemanBrizzi, Abby Dumesny-Huf and Toni Niblett.

MEMORIES: Tri State Games team members and support staff at Cobram in 2022. Five Wimmera teams are preparing to take part in the games at Portland next

Sport

Day of celebration at Pomonal

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

It was a day of celebration in Pomonal on Sunday as the town reopened its tennis courts with a visit from the Australian Open tennis trophies and seven-time grand slam winner John Fitzgerald.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was one of the world’s best doubles tennis players in the 1980s and ’90s and achieved a career grand slam, said he was thrilled to see so many people turn out for the opening of the newly resurfaced courts, calling Pomonal ‘a place after my own heart’.

“I grew up in a small regional community in South Australia called Cockaleechie a long way west of Adelaide,” he said.

“I understand what communities like this are about.

“I love this type of community, and tennis can bring communities together. That’s what it did for our community, and I can see that’s what it’s done here.

“What the locals have done here to upgrade these courts is quite phenomenal I think.”

The project to resurface the court was funded by Ararat Rural City Council, with a $20,000 contribution from the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Ararat company SHS Civil completed the works, removing the existing seal and subgrade, extracting

roots with potential to cause future damage to the courts, and replacing the base with 220mm of fine crushed rock before sealing with asphalt.

Pomonal Tennis Club president Michelle Stewart said the project had a galvanising effect on the community as it continued to recover from a devastating bushfire at the start of the year.

“It’s amazing that our community has pulled together to achieve this,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic community gathering point for us – we have people coming down to play tennis and we have other people come down just to enjoy socialising.

“The community is still recovering, but having these types of activities and places for the community to go to really helps glue them together and helps us keep moving forward.

“We have about 115 members and there are about 300 people in the community, so it’s a really well re-

ceived club.” Ms Stewart said attendees enjoyed hearing Mr Fitzgerald tell stories of his time on the professional tennis tour.

Mr Fitzgerald said he was proud to be part of the town’s recovery.

“People come together. They have to. A lot of regional places in Australia have suffered fires and … sometimes it instigates effort and people come together,” he said.

“It’s a good human trait.”

Dimboola is regatta-ready

Organisers of the Dimboola Regatta on November 9 are optimistic this year’s event will see a jump in numbers.

The regatta is one of the largest events on Dimboola’s calendar each year, frequently attracting hundreds of attendees.

Dimboola Rowing Club president Michael Salter said entries for last year’s regatta – the first in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and flooding in 2022 – were below average, but that this year could see an improvement.

“Clubs and teams have until Monday to enter, so we won’t know exactly how big it’s going to be until then from an attendance point of view,” he said.

“But we’re hopeful because the Bendigo Regatta has usually been a very good guide for us entries-wise, and the entries at this year’s Bendigo Regatta were up on last year.

“One of the biggest regattas we had was about 360 rowers in 2018 or 2019. Last year we were back to about 210, so we’re at about 60 per cent of what we were.

“Bendigo went up by about 100 this year. If we were to capture 80 of those from Bendigo and went to about 290 entries, we’d be extremely happy.”

Mr Salter said club members had been cleaning the banks of the Wimmera River and setting up the rowing course in preparation for the event.

He said the whole town was excited to welcome rowing competitors for another year.

Warracknabeal

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, ﬂexible and resilient

• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages

• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certiﬁcate

• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

• Evidence of up-to-date COVID vaccinations

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.

Closing date: November 8, 2024

Requirements:

• Enjoy mathematical and technical activities

• Good hand-eye coordination, good sense of balance and ability to work at heights.

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• White card

Closing date: ASAP

Skills and Experience:

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

• Able to work independently & in team

• Strong attention to detail

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions

• Physically ﬁt and able to meet manual requirements

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821. For more information, please contact Skillinvest on 1300 135 008.

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Current Police Check

• Driver’s Licence (preferred HR truck licence)

• Trade Qualiﬁed Mechanic (heavy vehicle preferred)

• Demonstrated experience in a similar role

Duties:

• General machine/plant maintenance

• Welding and gas cutting

• Liaise with truck drivers, customers and other personnel

Ideally, we are seeking someone with current Working at Heights and Conﬁded Space tickets. Training/upskilling may be provided for the right candidate.

To learn more about this role, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Closing date: October 31, 2024

Requirements:

• Certiﬁcate III in EngineeringMechanical Trade or equivalent

• Demonstrated experience maintenance machinist role

• Driver’s licence or HC Truck Licence preferred

• Forklift Licence (advantageous)

• Strong communication skills

• Physically ﬁt and able to meet manual demands of role

To learn more about this role, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Seasonal Harvest Intake

Ararat

Horsham

Fleet Maintenance Mechanic

Horsham

Maintenance Fitter

Minyip

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Pomonal Tennis Club president Michelle Stewart and Australian tennis great John Fitzgerald lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at Pomonal Tennis Club on Sunday.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Celebrating state volleyball success

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham members came to the fore at the Phantoms presentation night, which celebrated one of the club’s most successful state league seasons in its history.

The club had seven teams participate this season with four reaching finals, with the state league one men claiming the bronze medal.

It was from this team that Tyler Snowden was recognised with the club’s most serviceable award, one that recognises players that go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Coach Rhys Lade said Snowden was the perfect team player, one that would play any position asked of him no matter the circumstances, without fuss or fanfare and for the betterment of the team.

In reply, Snowden thanked the club for its efforts and his team for being such a wonderful group.

“After being away for a few years and coming back this year I was just happy to play and do my best for the team. I look forward to next year and hope the boys do likewise,” he said.

Not to be outdone, little brother Jack received the state league two men’s coaches award.

Coach Yen Lim said he was impressed by young Snowden’s preparedness to play any role asked of him, which made his job as coach so much easier.

Coach of the premier two men Matthew Berry then presented his awards, with Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Puls taking out the MVP award.

Berry said the award was a reward for effort and the work Puls had put into improving his game, and he encouraged the youngster to continue to improve and push for higher honors next year.

“There is no reason why you can’t aspire to be a premier one libero, and if you continue to improve the way you have that opportunity might come sooner than you think,” he said.

The club also recognised major games milestones with Cameron Robinson now the club games recordholder on 163 games, with both Robinson and Matthew Berry reaching the 100 premier men’s games milestone.

Harry’s Match team announced

The sixth annual Harry’s Match will be played at Horsham Basketball Stadium on Friday, November 15, with the Volleyball Horsham All Stars team confirmed to play the Good Ol’ Boys in this major community event.

The All Stars is a team made up of Volleyball Horsham members who have been major contributors to the association over the course of the year, with this year each member being rewarded with a personalised playing top.

The team is Tyler Puls, Matt McLoughlin,

RECORD: Cameron Robinson, right, won recognition as the club games recordholder on 163. Robinson and Matthew Berry, left, were also awarded for reaching the 100 premier men’s games milestone.

Nathan Berry, Lealah Robertson, Jack Hannan, Cleo Baker, Tyler Snowden, Kara Johnson, Oscar Jackman, Tim Carter, Haidyn Young and Noah Werry.

The game will kick start the annual Horsham Tournament and will shine a light on men’s mental health, raising money for Beyond Blue.

Entries rolling in Volleyball Horsham’s annual tournament will be on the weekend of November 16 and 17, with this year’s tournament having to cap the number of team entries due to lack of available court space.

This is a clear and precise message to Horsham Rural City Council and the potential new councilors that the time has come to ensure a new stadium is a high priority for this community.

To have to cap our entries not only disadvantages the association, but it also is a major blow to the business community in Horsham.

Only last year the Mildura Rural City hosted the Victorian Country Championships with less teams than this tournament can accommodate, with that event alone having a $1.2-million economic boost to the Mildura business community.

This council must ensure any funding opportunities that come across the CEO’s desk are explored with the full due diligence that a major project deserves and that applications are given every possible chance of success.

I personally would like to take this opportunity to invite the new council to pop into the basketball stadium and have a look at what Volleyball Horsham is doing for this community when it brings major events like our tournament to this municipality.

Redbacks continue winning ways

The Ararat Redbacks continued to climb the Country Basketball League men’s south-west division standings with their second win of the season on Saturday.

Playing on the road against the Hamilton Hurricanes, the Redbacks started slowly but hit top gear in the second quarter, hitting five threepointers in the term, including four from playing coach Josh Fiegert.

Fiegert was unstoppable for much of the contest, accruing a season-high 36 points and showcasing his ability to score at all levels with seven three-pointers, six two-point field goals and three made free throws.

The Redbacks were also outstanding on the defensive end of the court, holding Hamilton to 11 points in the third quarter to set up their eventual 84-64 win.

While Fiegert was the star of the show, the likes of Oliver and Ethan Lindeblad chipped in with 14 and 10 points respectively, while Farrell Maharaj had eight.

Josh Miller turned in an excellent game for Hamilton with 29 points, but lacked scoring support for much of the game.

The win saw Ararat improve to 2-4 for the season, keeping the Redbacks in the finals hunt. Horsham, which had a bye at the weekend, will be at home against the Millicent Magic at 6pm on Saturday before travelling to Colac for a game at 3pm on Sunday.

With the Hornets having lost a game on the road to Millicent in round one, coach Scott Benbow said it was an excellent chance for the team to gauge its improvement in the first half of the season.

Dusty drags

and modified drag buggies raised the dust at Taylors Lake at the weekend for a Wimmera Sand Drags event. Competitors from across Victoria as well as New South Wales and South Australia converge on the 150 metre dirt strip on the last weekend of October each year.

Bikes, trikes

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, October 30, 2024

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