The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Hundreds of competitors graced the performance stages at two venues for the annual Wimmera Music Eisteddfod last week. The

an

family group

Food demand soars

BY LAUREN HENRY

Demand for donated food for those in financial difficulty has increased by up to 33 per cent in the Wimmera.

Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre is assisting about 250-260 individuals and families with food parcels each month – an increase of about one-third compared with last year.

Over the past three years, the centre has donated food to the value of $1.2million back to those in need in the community.

Clients live in municipalities of Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack, as well as some

parts of the Buloke and Northern Grampians shires.

The centre’s volunteer operations manager John Spehr said volunteers believed the increase was mainly due to an increase in food costs, rent and utilities.

“In the Horsham and Natimuk area, we’ve found we’ve had about a 33 per cent increase in numbers this year, and in the wider Wimmera area, because we reach out to surrounding towns as well, we’ve had about a 10 per cent increase in demand,” he said.

Mr Spehr said the centre had never experienced such a significant increase.

“We were actually increasing before

COVID, and then during COVID we had a decrease and now we’re right up again higher than what we were before COVID,” he said.

In order to manage the demand for food donations, the centre receives grants from the Department of Social Services and other organisations and people.

“We also receive fantastic support from our local community and local businesses,” Mr Spehr said.

“We are fortunate to be able to pick up food from our three supermarkets – ALDI, Coles and Woolworths – and also from our local bakers, with things ranging from pies to bread rolls to bread.

“Church of Christ volunteers and Horsham Sports and Community Club on a monthly basis cook pre-prepared meals.

“We freeze those meals and they’re really popular with our clients.

“There’s also local people who provide us with excess produce from their farms or their home gardens, so we get fruit and eggs and things like that from our local community.”

The centre works with Coles and Woolworths food donation programs, and also purchases food from Foodbank.

Mr Spehr said the centre was also fortunate to receive donations through programs such as Horsham Sports

and Community Club’s reverse advent boxes and through schools’ drives to collect non-perishable food.

People can donate to the food centre at donation boxes at supermarkets and churches, or drop into the centre at 28 Firebrace Street, Horsham, open 1pm to 3.45pm Monday to Friday.

“We do need those donations to continue coming in. We are very dependent on our local community supporting us,” Mr Spehr said.

“It’s from their generosity that we are able to continue and to support people at this level, and so far we have been able to cope with the increase of clients.”

Continued page 3

FAMILY FEATURE:

Wundke family, Linda, Andrew, Rebekah and Steph competed in

open age

section. Story, page 7. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Horsham company to build pavilion

Horsham company Locks Constructions has been awarded the contract to build Horsham City Oval’s new community netball pavilion, bringing the much-anticipated project a step closer to reality.

Horsham Rural City Council’s tender process was not without its challenges, with rising construction industry costs necessitating three separate calls for tenders.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said, despite the hurdles, HRCC was pleased to confirm that the pavilion would stay true to its original concept.

“The new pavilion promises to be a modern addition to the City Oval, featuring a curved facade that aligns with the two newly constructed netball courts.

While the design is contemporary, it complements the existing structures at the Oval, ensuring that it will fit nicely into its surrounds,” Mr Bhalla said.

Mr Bhalla said soaring construction industry costs meant Council had to advertise the tender multiple times.

“The building’s design was revisited and reworked to reduce cost while maintaining functionality. Most amendments related to structural steel elements, with some floor plan simplification.

“Our persistence has paid off and we are pleased to have reached this milestone on behalf of the Horsham community and key user groups, including the Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club and the Horsham City Netball Association,” he said.

The completion of the project is scheduled to coincide with the end of the 2025 Wimmera Football and Netball League season, ensuring the facility is ready for use in the following season.

The multi-use pavilion will boast a range of facilities, including:

•Two main change rooms with amenities

•An accessible change room

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

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

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

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

•Three umpire change areas

•A first aid/medical room

•A social space, kiosk, and pantry

•An office for netball administration

•Equipment and storage space

•Three public toilets

•A canopy for external shelter

•Landscaped viewing areas

The project, including the completed courts and lighting, is funded via the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.

Other City Oval projects include the externally funded multipurpose events stage and twin netball courts.

Council is still seeking state and federal grants to build a new general community pavilion to replace the current two-storey building.

TENDERS AND RFQ

25-004

PROVISION OF ROADSIDE PEST AND WEED CONTROL SERVICES

Supply of materials and construction of 395m of chainwire mesh security fence. Closes Wednesday 7 August 25-002

SUPPLY/DELIVERY OF SAPLINGS - RURAL REVEGETATIONPROGRAM2025-2027

Supply of sapling trees for rural revegetation orders from the public. Closes Friday 2 August

25-003

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SIDEWALK ON RIVERSIDE ROAD BRIDGE Installation of new sidewalk on Riverside Road bridge. Closes Thursday 8 August

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

In rural areas where connection to the sewerage system is impractical, standalone onsite wastewater systems are used. These systems, if not properly managed, can pose significant public health and environmental risks. The OWMP, last updated in 2006, has been reviewed and redeveloped to reflect current legislative requirements and improve risk management practices.

The Council invites all community members to participate in the consultation process. The draft plan is available on the Council’s website, social media channels, and in hard copy at the Civic Centre. Submissions will close Wednesday 21 August at 5pm.

Next Council Meeting: August 26, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal

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

Romi Miller, Mahbubur Rahman, Ash Hopper, Sunil Bhalla and Craig O'Connor

Councillor calls for municipal monitor

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Northern Grampians Shire

councillor Lauren Dempsey last week published an open letter to Local Government Minister

Melissa Horne urging her to appoint a State Government monitor to the council amid what she termed ongoing councillor conduct issues.

In March, Cr Dempsey spoke publicly at a council meeting, describing a culture of disrespect and bullying behind closed doors at Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Cr Dempsey said she would forego council briefings due to a ‘psychologically unsafe and toxic environment’ created by other councillors.

Last week’s open letter to Ms Horne

called for a state-appointed municipal monitor to oversee council’s actions.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, Ms Horne can appoint a municipal monitor to observe and report on governance issues at Victorian councils, as well as making recommendations to Ms Horne for further action.

“I have found the councillor conduct complaints process highly inefficient, flawed and traumatic. Hence why I am now writing to you directly rather than completing the complaints process, having tried this avenue,” Cr Demsey’s letter read.

“I would like to be able to return to the chamber and see the governance processes restored and behaviour monitored so I can fulfil my councillor duties.

“I am requesting a municipal monitor

“I have found the councillor conduct complaints process highly inefficient, flawed and traumatic. Hence why I am now writing to you directly rather than completing the complaints process, having tried this avenue”

– Cr Lauren Dempsey

be appointed to the Northern Grampians Shire Council immediately.

“I know several community members and groups have already written to you requesting this, so I hope you can now take action as I am deeply traumatised by my councillor experience and would like to see positive change please.”

Horsham Proactive Policing Unit with Michelle Smith and her children Harrison and Spencer at the first ‘Cordial with a Cop’ event at

Library.

Cordial, cops, kids and questions

‘Cordial with a Cop’ launched in Horsham last week, following the success of the adult-aimed ‘Coffee with a Cop’ initiative.

Proactive Policing Unit’s Leading Senior Constable Teilah Rabone said the event was a chance to meet young people outside of the school and kinder environments.

“It’s been wonderful today, the children have been engaged and we have had lots of really fantastic questions,” she said.

“We also got to talk to the children about safety and who to call in an emergency. They also get to see the police in a different role, rather than out on the road.”

Mayor Rob Haswell released a statement in response to Cr Dempsey’s open letter.

“Northern Grampians Shire Council is concerned by a recent Facebook post by councillor Lauren Dempsey requesting the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Minister Horne MP, to appoint a monitor for the council,” Cr Haswell said.

“Northern Grampians Shire Council is governed by the Local Government Act 2020 which establishes a councillor conduct framework and provides a clear hierarchy for management of councillor conduct issues.

“Councillors will often agree on a wide range of issues, but will also disagree and have robust discussions.

“The request from Cr Dempsey comes after she made a misconduct

complaint against fellow councillors.”

Cr Haswell said there had been no findings of misconduct or serious misconduct against any councillors during the current council term.

“The council is functioning well, including adopting the budget on July 1, and is running its meetings as per the code of conduct,” Cr Haswell said.

Cr Dempsey said Cr Haswell’s disclosure of her misconduct complaint was ‘a massive breach of confidentiality’.

“The council clearly do not have the best interest or safety of their councillors at heart. I’m really disappointed,” she said.

See next week’s edition of The Weekly Advertiser for more.

Food demand soars

From page 1

New research from SecondBite, a national food rescue charity, shows more than three-quarters of Australians, 76 per cent, struggle more financially in winter.

The research, conducted by YouGov, found the most common reason was due to high electricity or energy bills, with those living in South Australia, Victoria and NSW struggling the most.

Ararat Neighbourhood House’s Food Hub operates as a central distribution point for donated food items, including fresh produce, pantry staples and prepared meals.

Manager Teli Kaur said more and more people in Ararat and district were struggling to afford food.

Ms Kaur said people from Willaura, Lake Bolac, Amphitheatre and Moyston used the food hub services at Ararat Neighbourhood House.

“It’s just growing every day – because of this cost of living pressure,” she said.

“We’re helping them and it is just

growing every day. Every day we have 16 to 20 families on the list, plus a few walk-ins.

“And we never turn the walk-ins away because we know that if they ask for help, they need it.”

Ararat Neighbourhood House is a SecondBite registered agency with Foodbank, meaning Aldi and Woolworths supermarkets provide food to the hub, which are purchased at a low cost using community donations.

“Being a not-for-profit, we can’t do everything, especially with the food when we’re short,” Ms Kaur said.

“Even though Foodbank is very low cost, there is still a cost.

“Due to a limited budget, we rely on the local donations. And we are very fortunate to get good stuff from the local supermarkets.”

Ararat Neighbourhood House, at 56 Campbell Street, is open weekdays from 9am to 3pm, or people can call 5352 1551 for assistance.

For more on Ararat Neighbourhood House, see next week’s The Weekly Advertiser

Priest burgled in Ararat

Police have charged a man who allegedly broke into Ararat’s Catholic church and robbed a priest.

Senior Constable Rabone said there was another ‘Cordial with a Cop’ session at Edenhope on Friday.

Community groups interested in running ‘Cordial with a Cop’ can call Horsham Police station on 5382 9200 and ask to speak to the proactive unit.

The man gained entry to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Barkly Street, Ararat, at about 11pm on July 17.

Northern Grampians Crime Investigation Unit detectives were told the man gained access through a bedroom window, before waking a priest who was asleep inside the residence.

The man allegedly demanded money from the priest and fled the scene with about $1000 from the parish safe.

The priest was not physically injured in the aggravated burglary.

A Heidelberg Heights man, 55, has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft and criminal damage. He was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates Court yesterday.

SAFE SPACE: Leading Senior Constable Teilah Rabone from

Horsham

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Grants for Catholic school upgrades

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Catholic schools at Hopetoun, Horsham and Stawell are among several low-fee schools to receive a share of $243 million for classroom upgrades and the building of new facilities.

Education Minister Ben Carroll announced on Monday the schools to receive grants through the Catholic stream of the State Government’s building fund for non-government schools.

Hopetoun’s St Joseph’s School, with a current enrolment of 40 students across three classrooms and nine staff, received $886,000.

Principal Cynthia Maiden said the school community was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive the news.

“Predominantly, the funding will be used to refurbish and extend the school’s multi-purpose room, which has doubled as a third classroom since 2021,” she said.

“These works will once again provide the school with a whole-school gathering space.

“The availability of this space will also allow the school to respond more flexibly to the academic and wellbeing needs of the students.”

Miss Maiden said the St Joseph’s students were already subject to significant disadvantage due to their rela-

tive isolation. “Provision of this extra space is a simple, long-term solution that would go some way to ensuring the students have every opportunity to flourish,” she said.

Miss Maiden said in addition to the extension, works would also be carried out to provide new toilets for students, with the current student toilets to be refurbished for staff use.

“The school is very excited to be able to commence these refurbishment and extension works,” she said.

Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School received $3.6 million to build a new general learning area, breakout spaces, and specialist science, technology, engineering, arts

and mathematics, STEAM, and drama rooms.

Principal Louise Chesterfield said the school community was incredibly grateful for the funding.

“We have grown in numbers, so we are really keen to add additional learning spaces that align with our current pedagogy and philosophy, which is open-plan learning,” she said.

“We are keen to replace our portable, which is now an arts centre, but not as user-friendly as it could be, and redevelop our courtyard for student use.”

The school has a current enrolment of 293 students, with 35 staff, across 12 classes.

“This will allow us to move to 15

Council locks in netball pavilion builder

Horsham company Locks Constructions has been awarded the contract to build Horsham City Oval’s new community netball pavilion.

Horsham Rural City Council’s tender process was not without its challenges, with rising construction industry costs necessitating three separate calls for tenders.

The completion of the project is scheduled for midway through the 2025 Wimmera Football and Netball League season.

The multi-use pavilion and landscaping will include two main change rooms with amenities; an accessible change room; three umpire change areas; a first aid/medical room; a social space, kiosk, and pantry; an office for netball administration; equipment and storage space; three public spectator amenities, including an accessible toilet, all with external access; a canopy for external shelter; mounded viewing areas; landscaped areas and connecting pathways.

Locks Constructions owner Craig O’Connor said he was ‘ecstatic’ about being awarded the tender.

“Being a life member of the footy club and being associated with the club for over 40 years, it’s great to be doing this,” he said.

“We’re just waiting on a couple of subbies to get back to me around the timelines, so we haven’t got a timeline locked in yet for a finish date.”

Horsham Football Netball Club president Ash Hopper said the new pavilion would be the ‘finishing touch’ to the netball court area at the Demons’ home ground.

“It’s the next step towards getting our completed set up, which is great,” he said.

City Oval, to be built by Locks Constructions.

“We’ve battled away. It’s been good to get the courts, obviously, but without having this to coincide with, it’s still got its challenges.”

Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the council was pleased to confirm the pavilion would stay true to its original concept, despite the challenges it faced.

“The new pavilion promises to be a modern addition to the city oval, featuring a curved facade that aligns with the two newly constructed netball courts,” he said.

Mr Bhalla said soaring construction industry costs meant council had to advertise the tender multiple times.

“The building’s design was revisited and reworked to reduce cost while maintaining functionality,” he said.

“Most amendments related to structural steel elements, with some minor floor plan simplification.

“Our persistence has paid off and we are pleased to have reached this milestone on behalf of the Horsham community and key user groups, including Horsham Demons Football Netball

Club and Horsham City Netball Association.”

The project, including the completed courts and lighting, is funded by the State Government and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.

Other city oval projects include the externally-funded multipurpose events stage and twin netball courts.

Council is still seeking state and federal grants to build a new general community pavilion to replace the current two-storey building.

learning spaces, and allows for flexibility when we have an influx of families or students across the years,”

Mrs Chesterfield said.

“We want the opportunity to welcome students into our school, and this will allow us to do that.”

Mrs Chesterfield said the plans were already drawn up ready for council approval, and hoped the tender would go out by the end of the year.

Stawell’s St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School received $2.4 million, for a new general learning area, associated spaces and landscaping, and an upgrade of existing amenities.

Show of support

A community fundraiser for the family of a former Wimmera journalist is scheduled at Moama’s Rich River Golf Club on August 30.

Trent Horneman was 41 when he died at work late last month.

He is survived by his wife Nacole and their children Tyler, 12, and Laura, 8.

Trent worked as a journalist with the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, Wimmera Mail-Times in Horsham, the Riverine Herald in Echuca and ACE Radio, as well as working in the hospitality industry in a variety of marketing and customer relations roles.

Rich River chief executive Shane Gloury said guests would be treated to a two-course meal at the fundraiser, which would feature special guests, plus silent auctions, feature auctions on the night and a major raffle.

“I think the community will rally behind this event because Trent was very popular and very well known in the Echuca Moama region,” he said.

“He was also the first one to put his hand up to help others and I know many people now want to do what they can to support Trent and the people in his life that meant everything to him. The incredible crowd at his funeral earlier this month was testament to Trent’s popularity and the impact he had on people, and we know that support will flow over to helping his young family face a challenging future without him.”

Tickets for the fundraiser are now on sale with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the Horneman family.

Tickets are $75 each and available at www.trybooking.com/CTTSI. People can also donate to a fundraiser for the family at www.gofundme. com/f/support-trent-hornemansfamily?modal=donations&tab=all.

NEXT STEPS: From left, Horsham Football Netball Club netballer Romi Miller, Horsham Rural City Council project manager Mahbubar Rahman, Horsham Football Netball Club president Ash Hopper, council chief executive Sunil Bhalla and Locks Constructions owner Craig O’Connor with plans for a new netball pavilion at Horsham

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Community Newsletter

Care Above State Average

Executive Manager Community Services

Paula Noble congratulates the Community Health team for maintaining the standards of delivering service, following the release of the Victoria Health Experience Survey (VHES) results in June.

Showing a 25% improvement in “if you experienced unexpected harm or distress as a result of your treatment or care, did you have the opportunity to discuss this with the staff?”, RNH secured a score of 83.3%, up from the 58.3% last year.

Of the 616 service recipients who were sent surveys, 92 responded with a 15% return rate.

While RNH Community Health had three aspects of care that were significantly higher in comparison with the state, it also scored lower in some areas although remained well above the state average.

The best achievements were in:

• ‘If you experienced unexpected harm or distress as a result of your treatment or care, did you have the opportunity to discuss this with the staff?’

• ‘Did the Community Health Service offer you a written copy of a plan for your health and wellbeing?’

• ‘Was the Community Health Service clean?’

Summary:

• ‘Overall, how would you rate the care you received in the service?’: Slight decrease from 97.8% in 2023 to 95.5 % 2024. RNH remains over the state average of 93.4%.

• ‘Did you feel that you were listened to and understood by staff?’: Slight decrease from 87.5% in 2023 to 85.7% 2024. RNH remains over the state average of 84.2%.

• ‘Did you feel cared for?’: Moderate decrease from 95.6% in 2023 to 87.1% 2024. This was similar to the overall Victorian score of 89.9%.

• ‘Do you think using this Community Health Service has assisted you in being able to do the things that are important to you?’: Slight decrease from 87.5% in 2023 to 82.7% 2024. RNH remains over the state average of 78.1%.

Where RNH’s aspects of care performed significantly lower:

• ‘If you needed help communicating or understanding English, did staff support you?’: 37.5% decrease from 100% in 2023 to 62.5% in 2024.

• ‘Did you feel cared for?’: 8.5% decrease from 95.6% in 2023 to 87.1% in 2024.

“Whilst changes have occurred over the year, they are minor,” Paula said.

“The Team Leaders and I will go through the changes and see where we can improve on our results for next year’s survey”.

Western Victorian Careers Expo

Our team spent the day at the Western Victorian Careers Expo on June 25th. Rugging up against the cool day Longerenong presented, the team happily and professionally answered many questions from interested secondary students about the various career paths RNH offers, including (but definitely not limited to) kitchen and nursing roles.

Students attended from across the Wimmera Mallee including Warracknabeal, Rainbow, St Arnaud and even Hamilton.

RNH x La Trobe University: Introducing VR to aged care

In the rapidly evolving landscape of aged care, innovation is not just desirable but essential to improving the quality of life for older adults.

At the forefront of such groundbreaking efforts are our dedicated team whose recent work with virtual reality (VR) technology has garnered significant attention and acclaim.

Spearheaded by Jacqueline Johnston (pictured with resident Kieran Lynch), with foundational support from former Executive Manager for Clinical Services Wendy James, this initiative has set a new standard for what is possible in the realm of aged care.

The collaborative project with La Trobe University, culminating in the publication of the insightful paper “Introducing virtual reality to older adults: A qualitative analysis of a co-design innovation with care staff” in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, highlights the transformative potential of VR in aged care settings.

The success of this project serves as an inspiring example of how technology, when thoughtfully integrated into care practices, can significantly improve the lives of older adults.

Jacqueline and Wendy, alongside their dedicated team and partners at La Trobe University, have demonstrated that innovation in aged care is not only possible, but necessary, for delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

Thank You

I want to start and finish with thank you! Thank you for all the work that has occurred over the last months to prepare for, and undertake, Rural Northwest Health accreditations. It is a whole team effort, 24/7.

At the time of writing this, I have just been informed the ACHS accreditation has been announced and we are yet to find out the outcome of the recent aged care accreditation. What I do know is that I am so proud of all that the health service offers our community.

Accreditations are important, but not as much as ensuring every day we do whatever we can to create the most positive experience (at sometimes very challenging times) for residents, patients and their loved ones. There is much in the media presently regarding the Department of Health’s health service plan and health reform. At this point I don’t know what the outcome is likely to be, and I’d suggest nor does anyone else. We are all guessing!

We can only focus on care, our purpose, and values, but I do want to acknowledge that it is a really challenging environment whilst there is so much talk and speculation.

I moved to Patchewollock just before I joined the Board 6 years ago, and it has been a wonderful chapter in our lives, during which we also welcomed our three girls. In the last 12 months we have moved to near-Warrnambool, where we farm, and I have commenced a role myself back in health care.

Improving rural health outcomes was my motivation for joining the Board, but it has been so much more.

Being on the Board, I have felt such a connection to the Wimmera Southern Mallee and RNH communities – I had no idea just how it would get under my skin! I am so grateful to my Board colleagues and the executive staff, from whom I have learnt so much.

But I really want to say thank you for the work you do every day as staff and volunteers to provide the best care possible to residents, their families and friends, and community. Your dedication and commitment are what I am most grateful for as Chair.

John Aitken has been successfully appointed for a third term on the Board and will be interim Chair until the Board meets in July to appoint the next Chair.

I wish you all the best into the future, personally and as a team.

I will absolutely remain connected and will always have an interest in all things RNH as we continue to travel back and forth to Patchewollock.

Genevieve O’Sullivan — Board Chairperson

From the Board

As the interim board chair for RNH, I would like to thank outgoing chair Genevieve O’Sullivan for her great leadership over the last two years and her commitment to ensuring we have quality healthcare in our region.

Gen has been a board member for the last six years. During this period, she also looked after three young daughters, Francesca, Sylvia, and Evelyn who are now commencing kindergarten and primary school.

Gen and Jono have moved to near-Warrnambool but will maintain a local connection through their ongoing ownership of Pine Plains Lodge west of Patchewollock.

Gen has been a constant advocate for improving health services in the remote areas of Yarriambiack Shire. Our board and the RNH leadership team will continue to work with the government and other partners to find solutions that provide better and more equitable health outcomes for rural community members.

Katharine Terkuile has also left our board after three years. Katharine is a pharmacist with an international role at GSK and extensive experience in respiratory medicine. This experience was invaluable during our Covid response and Katharine’s 20 years in management at GSK provided a valuable perspective at our board and committee meetings as we strive to provide quality health care for our community.

We wish Genevieve and Katharine all the best as they continue to work in the health sector and look forward to catching up in the future.

Janet Fisher joins our Board this month. Janet has held senior nursing positions in the Wimmera Southern Mallee and lived at Yaapeet for many years. A full profile of Janet will be in a future publication. I would like to thank our team and community for their ongoing support and look forward to working with you to ensure we have quality and sustainable healthcare in our region, with an emphasis on care that is responsive to community needs and expectations.

Dr John Aitken — Interim Board Chair

Emerge to ease childcare woes

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Emerge Early Years Services

will take over Hopetoun’s childcare and kindergarten services, after staff shortages forced the town’s Uniting Vic Tas-operated early learning centre to shut its doors in April.

Emerge acting chief executive Elicia Napoli said it was well-placed to reinstate early years services across the Grampians and Wimmera southernMallee region.

“All parties recognise Emerge is best-placed, as a locally based, early childhood provider, to re-open childcare services and manage kindergarten in the Hopetoun and Beulah district,” she said.

Emerge operates kindergartens on behalf of Horsham Rural City Council, and kindergartens and childcare centres on behalf of Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians shires.

Emerge operates a total of 12 centres, at Stawell, Horsham, Natimuk, Dimboola, Nhill, Jeparit and Rainbow.

“The Emerge board of management

Rising stars in spotlight

Horsham performer Sienna Walsgott took out two titles at last week’s annual Wimmera Music Eisteddfod – she was again named most promising vocal student and joint winner of the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship, for the second year.

Shanae Thomas shared the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship title.

William Meyer was awarded the most promising piano student, and the Ann Adler memorial piano winner was Joseph Shepherd.

Eisteddfod secretary Georgia Thomas said the two-day event was well-supported.

“We had more than 300 people attend across the two venues, which is more than last year,” she said.

“There was a high calibre of talent, and a lot of first-time performers across the different ages. We had adults participating for the first time, and the feedback is they’re looking forward to competing again, that they felt comfortable and supported in the environment we had.”

This year’s competition saw the introduction of a Taylor Swift section, which was well-supported and well-received.

has endorsed expanding to take over the Hopetoun service and will work with Yarriambiack Shire Council and Uniting through the community consultation and transfer process,” Ms Napoli said.

Yarriambiack chief executive Tammy Smith said although council did not operate childcare services, it had been in active communication with Uniting Vic Tas to find a solution to providing sustainable and sufficient services for the community.

“A co-located model hosting both sessional kindergarten and childcare services, managed by one provider within the same establishment, stands as the most viable strategy for the future and is the optimal path for the centre’s reopening going forward,”

Mrs Smith said.

“This model enables greater flexibility assisting with staff-to-child ratios and meeting safety standards, meaning one provider would operate both the sessional kindergarten service currently operated by Yarriambiack shire, and the childcare service currently operated by Uniting.”

Mrs Smith said discussions had also included Wimmera Southern Mallee By5, as well as not-for-profit provider Emerge Early Years Services, formerly Horsham District Kindergarten Association.

“All parties have been collectively brainstorming and identifying which provider is best placed to re-establish childcare in Hopetoun and operate kindergarten services in the Hopetoun and Beulah district going forward, with an aim of providing a holistic early childhood education and care model for the community,” she said.

Community consultation

Mrs Smith said there would be a community consultation process before the handover to Emerge.

“Yarriambiack councillors have formally resolved to proceed with the community consultation process of the proposal to hand over the Hopetoun and Beulah combined kindergarten services to Emerge,” she said.

Emerge is licensed by the Department of Education and Training to operate children’s services, and is responsible for ensuring compliance

with State Government licensing requirements.

Before Emerge can take over Hopetoun’s services, it must obtain the standard childcare subsidy approval, and be granted allocation of the Community Child Care Funding Restricted, CCCFR.

Uniting Vic Tas’ CCCFR allocation is non-transferable.

“This is disappointing, but it will not hinder our unified goal of reopening the centre,” Mrs Smith said.

In the meantime, the sessional kindergarten model operating across both Hopetoun and Beulah will continue next year, and plans for a pre-prep rollout are underway.

“Families will be invited to participate in an engagement process with both Yarriambiack shire and Emerge shortly about how this will be implemented,” Mrs Smith said.

In addition, Mrs Smith said an individual had shown interest in providing in-venue family day care services from the Hopetoun Early Years building.

“They have been informed to consult

“We’re looking forward to next year, we can’t wait to develop the event and see what we can offer and make it even bigger.”

Mrs Thomas said adjudicators travelled from Melbourne and Gippsland region for the competition.

“We were really happy with their professionalism with the competitors, their critiques were of a high standard,” she said.

Hundreds of performers entered across 45 sections in piano, vocal, instrumental, and choir and ensemble.

– Bronwyn Hastings

SHOWCASE: Left, Anneika and daughter Ebony Hart compete at Wimmera Music Eisteddfod in an open age family section, and below, Horsham School of Music secondary school choir members, from left, Rhianna Williams, Anita Coutts, Paige Millar, Maddie Carracher and Ulani Hobbs.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

with local family day care operators for the necessary approval and to initiate the assessment and registration process,” she said.

Residents of Hopetoun and Beulah are encouraged to provide their input on the proposed changes during the public consultation period, which closes at 9am on August 22.

Community members can submit their thoughts online via council’s website or mail a written response to the chief executive at PO Box 243, Warracknabeal, 3393.

A strongly supported community meeting took place in Hopetoun on July 18, where the proposed plans were presented with representatives from Uniting Vic Tas, Emerge, and council present.

Another meeting is scheduled with families attending the kindergarten during the consultation phase, aiming to inform those who could not attend the July 18 meeting.

Community members who would like further information are encouraged to contact Mrs Smith at the council during business hours.

Wastewater to be released

Due to high levels in GWMWater’s recycled water storages and reduced irrigation demand, GWMWater will start releasing Class C treated recycled water into the Wimmera River from today.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the onset of winter and reduced demand led to an increase in the volume of water stored at the wastewater treatment plant. The recycled water release will be in accordance with GWMWater’s procedures.

Mr Williams said Class C Water was treated recycled water typically used to irrigate racetracks, golf courses, vineyards and recreational reserves.

GWMWater has liaised with the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, which manages the Wimmera River, and notified the Environment Protection Authority Victoria.

GWMWater has developed a water quality monitoring program and will be recording discharge volume on a daily basis to ensure that water releases will have minimal impacts. Water samples will be taken throughout the release period to monitor water quality.

Results will be available on website gwmwater.org.au/recycled-water.

Maintaining link with The Wesley

T

he Wesley fundraising campaign has exceeded the halfway mark, following a donation of $30,000 from the Handbury Foundation.

The campaign to reopen the Horsham performing arts centre and meeting space started in April, and has now raised a total of $570,000.

The Handbury Foundation, started by the late Geoff and Helen Handbury, is aligned with ACE Radio – owners of The Weekly Advertiser, 3WM and MIXX FM – and has a strong association with The Wesley, dating back to its $200,000 donation in 1997 to redevelop the Roberts Avenue building.

The Wesley, a former church, now needs a full restoration costing an estimated $2-million after closing in 2017 due to fire-safety issues.

The building will be upgraded to include a flat floor throughout the entire venue from street front to back-of-house, removing access and mobility issues.

The Wesley fundraising campaign committee has set a funding target of $1-million – with $450,000 already coming from The Wesley committee and Horsham Rural City Council.

Council decided at its June meeting to underwrite $490,000 in its 2025-26 Budget to reach the $1-million target to ensure a better chance of a successful grant application

The council will apply for funding through the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

The Wesley Committee president Mary Starr said there had been incredible support from the community, with donations pouring in from all sectors.

Ms Starr said the $30,000 donation from the Handbury Foundation was a major boost to the campaign.

“The Wesley committee is extremely grateful for this generous contribution, which will ensure the

enduring link between the Handbury family and The Wesley,” she said.

“Once reopened, The Wesley will serve as a medium-sized venue for the entire community, hosting a variety of events including school performances, eisteddfods, intimate theatrical performances, conferences, exhibitions, cabarets, meetings, weddings, and funerals.”

ACE Radio chairman Rowly Paterson said the company and Handbury Foundation was delighted to continue supporting The Wesley.

“The Wesley is an important project for Horsham and we hope to see it open very soon for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Horsham people have supported the campaign, including a successful raffle which raised $10,410 from selling 2082 tickets. First prize, a $5000 voucher donated by Helloworld Travel, Merryn and Geoff Eagle, and Robyn and Des Lardner, was won by David Leembruggen.

Shirley Blackwood won second prize – a $1000 voucher to the Horsham Town Hall, which can be spent on tickets to performances.

The third prize, a hamper donated by Herman’s Interiors, The Capital, Grampians Olive Co and Norton Estate Wines, was won by Peter Hoard.

The Wesley Committee is a non-profit group with deductible gift recipient, and donations more than $2 are tax deductible.

Donations are being accepted at Horsham Town Hall box office, in cash, cheque, card or electronic funds transfer or can also be made via electronic funds to Wesley Performing Arts, BSB: 033 629; account number 362 747. People requiring a receipt can email the committee via TheWesley Horsham@gmail.com.

For more information about the Re-Open Wesley campaign, people can visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/ reopen-wesley.

POSITIVE:

Leadership program graduates

Graduates of Horsham Rural City Council’s Community Leadership Program celebrated the culmination of a three-month program last week.

The free program was designed to generate an engaged, proactive and diverse pool of potential candidates for the Horsham Rural City Council election.

Topics included in the program were practicing good governance; building a strong knowledge base about the business of local government; developing frameworks that contextualise their own experiences and aspirations; and enabling and influence change.

Participant Richard Natoli, who returned to live in Hor-

sham 12 months ago after years away, completed the program but said he was not intending to stand for council at the October elections.

“The program is a great initiative by council. It’s an opportunity for participants from the local area to contribute – whether it’s as a councillor or in a leadership role within the community,” he said.

“My motivation was to actually contribute in some way – not too sure what that’s going to be moving forward, but it gives us some great exposure to governance, how to communicate and deal with council and also take a bit of pride in your community.”

Mr Natoli said he was the

third generation of his family to live in Horsham, with his grandfather known as the owner of the Wonder Bar and Natoli Brothers Fruit Shop.

“It’s been about 40 years or so since I’ve been back, but the key thing is that they say you can’t take the country out of the boy, so it’s nice to be back and it’s nice to help create an awareness of where Horsham’s heading.” Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the leadership program was a key recommendation of the 2023 Municipal Monitor Report and was delivered independently from council by The Victorian Local Governance Association.

Horsham Rural City Community Leadership Program participants, from left, Kathy Ross, Angela Munn, Todd Wilson, Richard Natoli, Brian Basham, Rebecca Sluggett, Brian Klowss and Liesel Legaspi.

Inquiry into Women’s Pain

The State Government has received plenty of criticism this year, but one initiative it must be commended on is its Inquiry into Women’s Pain.

Thousands of women and girls across Victoria have shared their personal experiences of pain and its management to help shape the way the government and health services deliver treatment, care and support.

The submissions have not just come from those suffering, but from family members, carers and supporters as well as clinicians and healthcare workers.

Through the survey, women and girls have told about the daily impact pain conditions have on their lives.

Survey findings along with

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

written submissions and feedback from more than 20 community forum and focus groups, will inform recommendations to Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council by the end of the year. Women’s pain, often in relation to the reproductive system, is an issue that often falls on deaf ears when it comes medical professionals.

A family member of mine who suffers from endometriosis continues to jump through many hoops years after she had a total hysterectomy aged in her 20s. She had suffered from pain since

CELEBRATION: Smallaire owner Gary Small, right, was surprised by the presentation of a reclaimed, refurbished air-conditioning unit at Friday’s 50 years in business celebration.

“I made it 50-odd years ago, it was one of the first, and the first stainless steel one. Stainless is a lot dearer, but it will last another 50 years,” he said. Beginning in a backyard at Rainbow, Smallaire now employees about 24 people, manufacturing products including air seeder parts and industrial air-conditioners.

“We are also working on a few green projects now, including Tarpfast, which uses the wind to develop energy, which will be beneficial at remote bunkers.” A plumber by trade, Mr Small has an inquiring mind. “I just like that sort of thing, I like messing around with different ideas – I suppose that’s why my nickname is Gadget,” he said. Mr Small is pictured with general manager Jock Baker.

her teenage years and lost count of the amount of doctors and specialists she had seen who did not resolve her issues.

Every day, girls and women are enduring excruciating pain and told that it’s just period pain, or worse, it’s all in their head.

To fight the medical system as well as fight ongoing pain is not only physically exhausting but can result in mental exhaustion and ongoing mental health issues.

And once again, the problem can be worse for people in regional areas – with a lack of treatment options and education contributing.

The Federal Government is expanding the number of pelvic pain and endometriosis clinics, which is hoped to shorten diagnosis times and better inform

communities. But the new clinics are only earmarked for the capital cities and major regional centres.

Endometriosis Australia is campaigning for all health practitioners to be better educated.

The scope of the State Government’s inquiry covers more than endometriosis, it looks at all chronic pain suffered by women.

Chronic pain affects a higher proportion of girls and women than men. However, women are less likely to receive treatment.

To make a submission visit health.vic.gov.au/public-health/ inquiry-into-womens-pain.

There are also two community forums planned for August, with registrations now open for the Caroline Springs forum on August 7 and Bendigo forum on August 23.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Excuses are laughable

Farmers have asked me to explain in farm lingo what is happening with this year’s Horsham Rural City Council rates.

Council intends to transfer $1 million in rates off the general sector and add it onto the farm rate base.

This extra $1 million in rates will then have to be paid this year, next year and every other year after that to provide this $1 million rate subsidy to the residential sector.

Council then intends to give the rate base of the residential sector a $591,000 reduction, meaning that each and every year as their rates start at $600,000 behind each year they will never pay another rate increase.

As council will never receive the $400,000 as a normal rate increase from residential, this year they added to the $600,000 reduction meaning a $1-million rates reduction for the residential sector – all paid for by the farmers.

Farmers if battle drums are not already calling then listen to the projected rate increase of $750,000 next year and we will be paying every cent of that increase plus give council $250,000 of rates to play with.

Put into perspective in five years farmers will pay an extra $5 million in rates, plus their normal yearly increases where the residential sector would have been given a $3-million rate subsidy, plus starting $600,000 behind each year what they should be paying will have no effective rate increase at all.

The worst is, when the budget was not released in May, it started to smell, and with the non-deadline release in June the Budget stank.

Everyone asked what are they hiding?

All through July with huge rate transfer leaks everyone was getting their backs up but still no confirmation of the Budget.

Then on July 18, the hidden agenda with this massive farm rate rise was released, even worse than rumoured.

A $1.241-million farm rate increase to cover the $591,000 residential rate reduction plus there no rate increase.

Farmers, we now know why the budget was not released on time.

They have tried to avoid protests, legal action and to stop farmers petitioning or meeting with the Local Government Minister and the Valuer General about not accepting this Budget.

Farmers remember we participated in and the council adopted the current rate review strategy and differential trigger proposal so such rate discrepancies cannot ever happen again?

Neville McIntyre, McKenzie Creek

New weather system in Ararat

Anewweather station system in Ararat municipality will allow farmers to be better informed to make decisions about their agricultural enterprises.

Anthony Evans is part of a triple-generation farming set-up, which comprises his 88-year-old father, himself, 53, and his 22-year-old son.

The Evans property at Willaura is host to one of the 25 multi-sensor weather station units that makes up the Ararat Rural Information Network, ARIN, which is just a few weeks away from public access.

Mr Evans farms sheep and a large cereal crop across 2300 acres at Willaura, with another 1200 acres leased a few kilometres south.

The region’s weather – and its adherence to or detour from the Bureau of Meteorology’s bulletins – plays a part in just about every decision Mr Evans makes about his business, sparking his attendance at an information night at Willaura early last year.

The night provided landowners with information about how they could become part of the weather station project.

“The weather stations are spread out all over the municipality,” Mr Evans said.

“Ours has no trees around it to obstruct its readings, and it’s on the fence line, so there’s access to it all the time.”

The data station collects wind speed, wind direction, wind gusting, barometric pressure, rainfall, thermal imaging and more – all measured continuously, and reported every minute – providing invaluable guidance for on-farm choices.

“It’s very handy for spraying,” Mr Evans said.

“Quite often, just five to 10 kilometres away, you’ll have very different readings. All these things, they count towards decisions you make.”

Mr Evans said prior to the network, he had nothing to base his weather-dependent decisions on.

“We’d use the Bureau of Meteorology, but as you know, they can be pretty… not accurate,” he said.

He also would occasionally use a hand-held weather meter, but it had its own drawbacks and was not an ideal tool.

The weather station’s real-time readings also include soil moisture, collected via a probe that extends nearly a metre into the soil.

“That will give us guidance for fertiliser –whether to fertilise at that time or not – and sowing times, to a certain degree,” he said.

“This is the ‘guinea pig’ probe. Neighbours could also have probes, but you’d need to contact them to get their readings.”

The problem of sharing privately-collected weather information is something Mr Evans had thought about three years ago, when first considering installing a private weather station on his property.

But as part of the ARIN network, now he can consult not just his own readings but those of the 24 other stations within the station network.

“All the neighbours will be able to log into it, too,” he said.

“Anyone can log into all weather stations around the municipality.”

Bin system success in diverting waste

More than 3000 tonnes of waste has been diverted from landfill since the introduction of a new four-bin system last year, according to Horsham Rural City Council data.

Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said since four-bin services were introduced in April 2023, the initiative had diverted an average of 250 tonnes of organic waste and 10 tonnes of glass per month from a Dooen landfill.

“That equates to about 300 truckloads, or just under half the amount of waste being trucked to Dooen landfill compared to before the kerbside collection changes,” Mr Bhalla said.

“That is a terrific result for our community because it is not only better for the environment, but it helps us avoid significant future cost increases that would have otherwise been imposed on council and ratepayers.”

Mr Bhalla said landfill diversion was important for regional communities, after the State Government again lifted the cost of its landfill levies, which councils must pass on to ratepayers.

Mr Bhalla thanked Horsham residents for their efforts in maintaining low contamination rates in each of their bins.

“With contamination rates consistently below other councils, it is evident that almost everyone is using their food and organic waste bins the right way,” he said.

“As part of the change, we’ve all had to adjust to fortnightly collections for our general waste and we understand that has been a challenge for some people in our community.

“We thank all those who have done their best to adapt and understood that maintaining weekly collections would have cost residents more in annual fees, which is what our surveys showed the majority of people wanted to avoid.”

“We are working to help the community reduce the amount of waste going to landfill but every household has an important role to play and the statistics show just how much can be achieved when we all work together.”

WARM WELCOME: Leonie Bugg, left, and Kneller Lehmann enjoying ‘Cuppa Connections’ at Dimboola Library earlier this month, part of a Hindmarsh Shire Council program. The free events feature regularly on the council’s calendar, with weekly catch-ups in Dimboola and Nhill libraries on Thursdays between 10am and noon, Jeparit Library on Wednesdays between 10am and noon, and at Rainbow Library from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesdays.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Memories sought

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham will celebrate 150 years of public hospital service next month, and to mark the occasion, Grampians Health wants to record the memories of staff and patients from different eras.

Horsham campus acting site manager Katie Walsgott said the celebrations would be about both the Wimmera Base Hospital team and the community it serves.

“We want to collate photographs, items and stories from as many different periods as possible, and we need outside help to be able to do that effectively,” Mrs Walsgott said.

“Our communications team has created a memory book that is currently doing the rounds of each department at the hospital and will eventually find its way into the community.”

Mrs Walsgott said one particular team member would be the face for many of the celebrations.

“Our operating suite manager Jenny Thomson is celebrating 50 years of working for Wimmera Base Hospital next month,” she said.

“That means she started during the centenary celebrations and has been working here for one

third of the hospital’s total existence. That is quite an outstanding achievement, and hard to get your head around really.

“It’s also an extremely genuine commitment to health care in Horsham from Jenny.”

Hospital librarian and celebration committee member Michelle Pitman said many plans were still being finalised, but others had already begun.

“We are also planning a colouring competition for the local schools and kindergartens as a way of helping the younger children to recognise the significance of their hospital and its milestone,” she said.

Ms Pitman said the official birthday was August 27, but the celebrations would continue beyond 2024 and throughout the milestone year.

“If anyone has items, pictures or stories that they’d like to share with us, please email horsham150@gh.org.au or people are also welcome to drop items to me at the library in the Arapiles building,” she said.

“We can photograph or scan them to have a digital record if you still want to keep the original.”

Digging holes and kicking goals

Horsham’s Youth councillors have planted hundreds of trees at the town’s cemetery, an initiative supported by the cemetery trust and funded by the Foundation for Young Australians.

Young Mayors program assistant Noah Talbot said the soil was easier to dig into following rain, after the original planting day was postponed owing to dry, hard ground.

“The cemetery trust has been trying to plant out this area because it’s a bit of an eyesore – there’s one tree in the whole top paddock space,” he said.

“The youth council has been kind enough to help out with the planting of about 1400 trees.

“We had preferential voting ballots, and there were 617 votes, which meant 617 trees, but we had the capacity to double that, and a bit more, so we throught ‘why not?’

Mr Murray, 14, initiated the planting.

“I just thought there was a lot of open space in Horsham that could do with a lot more trees, a lot of Horsham spaces haven’t been used to their fullest potential,” he said.

All plants are native to the area and were sourced from Dalki Garringa Nursery, formerly known as Wail Nursery.

“We decided on that number when Charlie Murray, one of the youth councillors, made a pledge to plant a tree for every vote we obtained in the youth council election last year.

VOLUNTEERS: From left, Horsham Young Mayors representatives Logan Henskes, Shivansh Bhutani, William Schache, Tom Luke, Liam Carracher, Ryder Reid and front, Charlie Murray, plant trees.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

50 YEARS: Jenny Thomson celebrates 50 years of working at Wimmera Base Hospital in the same month as its 150-year milestone. She is pictured with the earliest-known photo of nurses at Horsham’s original hospital site, taken in 1916-17.

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United effort secured rail

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

J

uly marked 20 years since regional rail services were restored to Ararat, with politicians past and present recognising the occasion last week.

Former premier Steve Bracks, who headed the State Government when Ararat passenger rail services were restored in 2004, joined former Member for Ripon Joe Helper and incumbent Ripon representative Martha Haylett in Ararat to celebrate the anniversary.

Ms Haylett said the Ararat rail service had become ‘much loved’ by locals in the past 20 years and called on patrons to continue supporting it.

“Since the train line was brought back 20 years ago it has boomed in popularity,” she said.

“We now have 60 weekly services between Ararat and Melbourne.

“We reduced regional train fares a bit over a year ago and that has been so popular.

“You’ve got to use it or lose it, so we want to make sure we never lose it.”

The reintroduction of passenger rail services to Ararat in 2004 followed a 10-year hiatus after cuts to rail services under former premier Jeff Kennett.

Mr Helper said the push to return passenger rail to Ararat was led by the community as much as politicians.

“It’s very important to recognise the community effort that went into getting passenger rail to return to Ararat,” he said.

Groups share fund

Community groups in West Wimmera Shire have benefitted from two council grants programs, with seven groups sharing $27,000.

Five groups will receive money under round two of a community strengthening grants program.

Dinyarrak Fire Brigade will receive $1290 for a quick-fill trailer; Kaniva Lions Club, $4399 for a lawn mower to service the Kaniva cemetery; Apsley Pony Club, $4480 for furniture and appliances for a new kitchen and clubrooms; Apsley Tennis Club, $5000 to upgrade its kitchen facilities; and Lake Charlegrark County Music Marathon Inc, $10,000 for a mobile cool room.

The community strengthening grants program is designed to promote and increase residents’ participation in community initiatives, build and strengthen local networks and partnerships, and support community leadership, learning, and skill development.

Two groups received council sponsorship and contributions grants. Edenhope Pastoral and Agricultural Society received $500, and Kaniva Link Neighbourhood House, $1600.

The sponsorship and contributions grants program provides communities with the opportunity to collaborate with the council to make their locality a better place to live.

People wanting more information on the grants, including guidelines, eligibility, and application forms, can visit www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au or phone 13 99 72.

New care assessment

“It is important to recognise that just as rail services were taken away 30 years ago, we have to keep fighting for them and ensure that no future government deprives communities of their rail services again.”

Mr Bracks said he was proud to mark the 20-year anniversary.

“It was within the context of a government that wanted to support rural and regional communities, and that’s why this community lobbied so hard to have the passenger rail returned.

“It’s great to be here 20 years after we brought back the rail to Ararat and to celebrate what the Labor government achieved and did at that time, and also to reflect on what Martha is doing for the future,” he said.

Ms Haylett said a daily V/Line fare cap of $10.60 introduced last year by the State Government had boosted patronage on the Ararat line.

She said planning was underway to introduce two additional Ararat

You’re invited

to the Horsham Rural Cit y Talks 2024 Expo

You are invited to learn more about what’s happening with specific projects at Council at the Horsham Rural Cit y Talks 2024 Expo.

All contributions will inform further planning and design of projects currently under consideration by Council.

services per day on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We were talking to people on the train from Beaufort to Ararat who said they were able to go and have appointments in Melbourne and go catch up with friends all along the train line because of those reduced fares,” Ms Haylett said.

“It’s so popular that it’s hard to imagine what we would do now, 20 years later, without this train line.”

A new, single assessment model for accessing aged care services has replaced Regional Assessment Service, and Aged Care Assessment Services, forcing residents under the Yarriambiack Shire Council Regional Assessment Service agreement to follow a different care process.

Council, with Rural Northwest Health, is raising awareness of the process for residents to access aged care services after the Commonwealth’s planned implementation started on July 1. Residents, carers or family members seeking more information can visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.

Topics & Projec ts include

•Community Inclusion Plan

•New ward structure

•Horsham and Natimuk Housing strategy

•Horsham City Urban Renewal Project

•On-site waste water management

• Drop in

• Add your ideas

• Talk to staf f and Councillors

Broadcast live on MixxFM

• Friday 9 August 10am to 7pm

• Saturday 10 August 10am to 1pm at Horsham Town Hall

71 Pynsent Street, Horsham, 3400

ANNIVERSARY: Politicians past and present, Jacinta Ermacora, left, Joe Helper and Steve Bracks, centre, and Martha Haylett, second from right, joined Ararat residents to mark the 20th anniversary of passenger rail returning to Ararat.

‘Be the reason someone else gets

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham woman Nicole Wood, now 31, was an active and seemingly healthy girl, until the age of 12, when she was suddenly diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis and had only days to live – unless a donor liver was found.

Ms Wood’s mother Judy Wood said she and husband Deane noticed few symptoms in the lead-up to the their daughter’s diagnosis.

“Nicole had abdominal pain, so we took her to the GP in Horsham,” she said.

“They knew something wasn’t right, but they weren’t sure what, so we took her to the emergency department.

“They thought it was appendicitis, so they took her appendix out and we went home.”

Although Ms Wood was recovering well, she still ‘didn’t look right’, so Mrs Wood, a nurse, took her back to the emergency department.

“They thought it may have been a blood disease, so we had pathology done and we went home,” she said.

“She was still in too much pain, so we went back to the hospital where she stayed for the night.”

The family, including son Stuart, who was about 10 years old at the time, went to Ballarat the following day, where they stayed the night. They then went on to Melbourne to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“It was maybe the Friday when they worked out what was wrong – the doctors said without a transplant, by Sunday she would be dead,” Mrs Wood said.

“So, they put out a call for an organ.

“I got the phone call about 11pm. Deane was across the road with Stuart, I couldn’t call him – I was so relieved but so distressed. I had to get our nurse to call him for me.

“They put you in touch with organ

co-ordinators and I remember my first thought and saying to them, ‘what about all the other people who are waiting for organs?’ They told me we didn’t have time to wait, it didn’t matter.

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“The co-ordinator said it’s not jumping the list, it’s working on priority and assisting the individual.

“So that was Friday, and I remember that night, the head of the transplant team rang me at the hospital and said

Small businesses across Mallee have been telling me exactly what new data is indicating – more than half of them are considering closing their doors under the weight of the Albanese Labor Government’s policies.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) Small Business Conditions Survey 2024 found that 57 per cent of regional and remote small businesses have considered leaving or closing their business in the past 12 months, up from 40 per cent in the previous 12 months. 92 per cent of those regional small businesses said red tape is affecting them negatively, with 36 per cent saying it is having a major impact.

ACCI chief executive officer Andrew McKellar said: “Governments tend to be very good at introducing new regulations but not so good at explaining those changes.” On top of this, McKellar also noted small businesses are very worried about unions interfering in their decision making.

Many small businesses and farmers are not yet fully aware of the radical industrial relations changes Labor and the Greens rushed through parliament. Employers face criminal penalties if they call staff outside of their designated working

“They put you in touch with organ coordinators and I remember my first thought and saying to them, ‘what about all the other people who are waiting for organs?’ They told me we didn’t have time to wait, it didn’t matter”

– Judy Wood

they’d found a donor, and that he would go and do the retrieval, and they’d do the surgery the next day.

“It’s bittersweet because you know someone’s family is mourning.

“She got the transplant about three days after we got to Melbourne.

“The stars and the planets aligned –the blood types and tissue matched. It was just pure luck.”

The auto-immune disease in Ms Wood’s liver had gone unnoticed for a considerable amount of time, causing irreparable damage, but she remembers little of the experience.

“Honestly, I don’t remember a lot, it was quite sudden,” she said.

“I wasn’t a sick child.”

Ms Wood’s body recovered quite well – her spleen and other organs making up for her failing liver.

“Looking back, I can see I couldn’t do certain things – I remember we were climbing up Mt William, and I just couldn’t go any further, so I just stopped in the middle of the road. It all makes sense now.”

Post-transplant, Ms Wood still has the underlying condition auto-immune hepatitis, and with that comes symptoms including chronic fatigue, nausea and headaches.

hours. Unions will be able to appoint a delegate to businesses employing even one person. Union delegates must be consulted on all rosters, process changes, performance management and disciplinary processes. Delegates have the right to use the business communication systems and share information with delegates in rival businesses. Union representatives will be able to enter private farms uninvited to talk to workers and conduct snap inspections of pay records or properties, regardless of the personal or biosecurity risks that presents.

Labor’s new IR laws also effectively end casual employment by August 26th, meaning businesses may be acting illegally if they continue employing casuals.

The Coalition has committed to retain casual employment and repeal the ‘right to disconnect’ if we are returned to Government at the Federal Election, due before May 2024.

Small businesses will be walking on eggshells for the next 10 months and I encourage them to share their concerns with me via anne.webster.mp@aph.gov. au

STARS ALIGNED: Nicole and Judy Wood are promoting organ donation week. Nicole had a life-saving liver transplant in 2006. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

a second chance at life’

“I’m limited in what I can and can’t do,” she said.

“I’ve been on medication since the transplant – quite a lot of it, and that took five or six years to get right.

“One medication I was taking to help with anti-rejection was destroying my kidneys, and another one was destroying my bone marrow.

“I was seeing lots of different doctors and going to consultations.

“We went to a hormone specialist, and I had a kidney doctor for a long time, you go anywhere and everywhere while you’re getting sorted out.

“I can’t work full-time, it just becomes too much.

“I get tired and run-down, I’m more susceptible to colds and common illnesses, and the symptoms will flare up if I get run-down and tired. It’s not a fun time.”

Ms Wood’s medication increases her risk of skin cancer, prompting annual skin checks, and increases the risk of osteoporosis, for which she has a bone scan every couple of years.

“I have to accept the limitations and know I can’t do as much as I’d like,” she said.

“It gets frustrating, but it’s worth it, compared to the other outcome of not being here.

“It feels like such a long time ago now, I don’t remember a lot leading up to it, moreso after it in the hospital, and after we got back to the ward more than in intensive care, which is probably a blessing.”

In Victoria last year...

The Australian Organ Donor Register last year shows –

• 40,454 people registered as organ and tissue donors on the Australian Organ Donor Register;

• 142 people died and became organ donors –down one per cent on the previous year;

• 361 people received organ transplants –down two per cent;

• 1800 people are on the organ waitlist;

• 14,000 people are on dialysis for kidney failure;

• 50 people died last year while on the transplant waitlist;

• Four in five Australians say they support donation, but only 36 per cent are registered.

If an extra three million Australians were to register, about 100 more people would receive a life-saving organ transplant every year.

Ms Wood’s immediate family are all registered organ and tissue donors.

Mrs Wood said without the ‘greatest gift’ given by a stranger, her daughter would not have survived.

“It’s good to have that conversation of organ and tissue donation with your family and other people,” Mrs Wood said.

“It’s so traumatic when people are faced with the decision in a difficult situation, and unless you know someone’s wishes, it’s hard.”

Ms Wood said organ donation

Currently, 2460 people in Ararat’s Local Government area have registered as organ and tissue donors; with 1155 people in Hindmarsh registered; 3982 in Horsham; 2581 in Northern Grampians; 894 in West Wimmera; and 1384 in Yarriambiack.

People aged 16 years and older wanting to register as organ and tissue donors can register at donatelife.gov.au.

was often not something considered.

“Unless you know of someone who is sick, it’s not something you think about,” she said.

“A lot of people just don’t get around to registering, and some people may not be aware of how to do it.”

Ms Wood has worked at the Horsham hospital for about 10 years, and is now a clerk at Oxley ward.

Mrs Wood is co-nurse unit manager at Oxley, which includes the hospital’s intensive care unit.

When the hospital became Gram-

Webster: Join the register

Member for Mallee Anne Webster is encouraging Mallee residents to register with DonateLife to be an organ donor during DonateLife week, as she marks five years since her first speech in Federal Parliament promoting organ donation.

“My first speech on August 1, 2019 coincided with DonateLife week, where I spoke about our first granddaughter Emmeline who received a liver transplant at the tender age of 14 months,” Dr Webster said.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne was her home for months, and the care she received was exceptional.

“I am proud of her and we are so grateful to her donor and their family for their gift of life.”

Dr Webster’s renewed call for improved organ donation comes as recent data highlights a lowerthan-average donor registration in parts of the Mallee electorate.

A Victorian Parliament report published in March showed Mildura Rural City Council area had the lowest reported organ donor registration rate of all regional Victorian shires, at 22 per cent.

The national average is 36 per cent.

pians Health in 2021, it introduced access to a donation specialist nurse, who provides oversight and support to the Horsham campus.

The integrated model of care has given Grampians Health the potential to look at offering organ and tissue donation at Grampians Health Horsham because, like Ballarat, it has an intensive care unit.

DonateLife is promoting the 13th annual DonateLife Week, from July 28 to August 4, with the theme ‘be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life’.

“South Australia’s organ donor registration rate is 72 per cent, as it is the only state where donor registration can be recorded when registering or renewing your driver’s licence,” Dr Webster said.

“We need national leadership to encourage all states and territories to adopt this life-saving reform.”

To date, 1396 Australians have received organ transplants, including 831 kidney transplants and 129 heart transplants, 2486 corneal transplants and 253 have received liver transplants.

Dr Webster is co-chair with Labor Member of Parliament Mike Freelander of the Parliamentary Friends of Organ Donation, and is preparing another event to promote the Australian Transplant Games from October 1 to 6.

People can register with DonateLife on website donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today or via the Medicare app.

Plan ‘gutting prime agricultural land’

S

tate Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster are encouraging people to provide feedback on a forthcoming energy plan they say could jeopardise agricultural land in the Wimmera-Mallee region.

State Government agency VicGrid last week announced guidelines for a draft Victorian Transmission Plan, which it will publish next year.

The plan will guide the restructuring of Victoria’s energy production and transmission systems as the state moves away from coal power towards renewable energy.

The guidelines outline study areas VicGrid will investigate as potential future renewable energy zones, REZs.

Study areas are classified in three tiers, with tier one areas being prioritised for investigation as possible future sites for renewable energy generation and transmission.

A map of study areas published by VicGrid shows large parts of the Mallee and northern Wimmera regions in tier one, along with large parts of southwestern Victoria and smaller parts of Gippsland and northcentral Victoria.

Other areas of the Wimmera

and Mallee are included in tiers two and three.

While VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said initial study areas would reduce dramatically to only a handful of areas as the plan progressed, Ms Kealy said the government risked compromising ‘prime agricultural land’ in the Wimmera and Mallee.

She said the guidelines announced last week showed little consideration for farmers.

“This sends a devastatingly clear message to our food and fibre producers that Labor does not care about the massive impact this plan will have on farmers’ ability to grow the produce that feeds the people of our state,” she said.

“Farmers keep food on our tables and are the cornerstone of our economy in western Victoria, but Labor seemingly has no plans for replacing the huge volumes of lost food production these projects would cause.

“No-one is arguing our power delivery system needs upgrading, but there are ways to achieve this without gutting prime agricultural land.”

Dr Webster said she had written to landholders affected by the ongoing VNI West project aiming to link renewable energy grids in Victoria and New South Wales, encouraging them to make submissions to the

Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses & Health Care Workers

Full Time, Part Time and Casual Various sites

Enrolled Nurse Traineeship

Full Time, Various Sites Closes 30 August

Community Nursing Manager Full Time, Nhill Closes 9 August

Home Care Packages Team

GRATEFUL: George Allitt praised the staff at Dimboola hospital campus, including nurse Mandy Withers, during his stay.

Victorian Transmission Plan.

“Despite earlier indications of six Victorian renewable energy zones, clearly Mallee is the prime target in Labor’s sights,” she said.

“Wind prospect mapping has consistently shown that coastal areas and those with high elevations have the best prospects for wind energy, not the River Murray tributaries and floodplains that are tier one, according to the government.

“We are seeing offshore wind hitting serious community and environmental objections, yet somehow the views of coastal Australians matter more than my constituents.”

Mr Parker said REZs were far from finalised and submissions from residents, as well as local government, traditional owners and the energy industry, would all be considered when shaping the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.

“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” he said.

People can view the plan guidelines, including a map of study areas, as well as provide feedback by visiting engage.vic. gov.au/victransmissionplan.

Submissions close on August 25.

Leader Full Time, Nhill Closes 9 August

George travels full circle

A lot has changed since Jeparit resident and Grampians Health patient George Allitt last spent time at the Dimboola hospital site in the late 1950s – there was nothing standing, he was delivering a load of timber so construction could begin.

Mr Allitt was raised on his parents’ farm near Lawloit and when the farm was sold, he started driving the family trucks to earn a living.

One of his earliest jobs was picking up a load of timber at the Port Adelaide docks on a Friday afternoon and delivering it the next morning to the site of the soon-to-be-built Dimboola Hospital, 67 years ago.

Mr Allitt said after he dropped off the load at Dimboola, he and his mate continued on to the Pimpinio hotel and stayed the night.

The next day he was at the roadhouse in Dadswells Bridge when he heard the Pimpinio hotel had burned down.

After running his transport business from south-west Victoria and keeping tabs on his 28 trucks for most of his life, Mr Allitt retired to Jeparit.

Now at 90, Mr Allitt said he would often drive past the Dimboola hospital and recall his early trip there, but he’d never been inside, until now.

He required medical treatment at Wimmera Base Hospital and as his health improved, Grampians Health’s medical team transferred him to the acute ward at the Dimboola campus.

His admission was a great opportunity for him to reflect on his days as a truck driver and transport business owner, although the hospital has been extended and renovated since its original build.

“It’s a nice-looking hospital and they’ve looked after me well,” Mr Allitt said.

Nhill Closes 9 August

or Part Time Closes 22 August Community

Nhill Closes 9 August

Facelift for Stawell shops

Northern Grampians Shire Council last week congratulated six businesses in Stawell’s Main Street that took up an opportunity to participate in its Shopfront Improvement Program.

Funded by council, the program was established to assist street-facing businesses on Main Street to improve vibrancy, stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of the town.

The council engaged retail design consultants Pop Creative Collective to deliver the program.

The consultants worked with participating businesses to plan and implement strategies to enhance the presentation of their shopfronts. Collectively, the participating businesses – Ginger and Blonde, Gold Reef Clothing, Industry and Co, Mokepilly Café, Solace Skin and Body, and Sneek A Peek – saw outcomes including improved

Ararat bin inspections

A contractor will inspect the contents of residential bins across Ararat Rural City as part of a council survey on waste and recycling.

The council engaged sustainability and resource recovery consultancy EG Sustainable to carry out the survey, which will examine the contents of bins from randomly selected households in July and August.

Among the factors considered by the survey will be the volume of bins used, the condition of the bins and their contents.

Contractors will gather bins from kerbsides on normal waste-collection days, sort the contents of each bin at a waste facility and dispose of rubbish and recycling as normal.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the survey would assist the council to improve its waste services, including bin systems and education programs to increase recycling and reduce landfill waste.

“This initiative provides valuable insights that will guide us in streamlining improvements to our waste services,” he said.

Dr Harrison said random selection of households across the municipality would give an accurate representation of residents’ waste segregation and disposal behaviours.

He said the council and EC Sustainable would collect information only for use in the study, with all information to be kept private and confidential.

Survey data will be analysed and reported in aggregate.

People can find more information by calling the council on 5355 0200, or visiting website www.ararat. vic.gov.au/services/waste-andrecycling/2024-residential-bin-survey.

facades, new business logos and signage, window decals, and repairs to external post mouldings.

Sneek ‘A’ Peek Clothing Boutique owner Adrienne Preston said she felt ‘so lucky’ to participate in the program.

“When I bought the business, I created some signage, as a temporary measure. It was a rushed job, but it remained there,” she said.

“The people from Pop Creative came out, they had some great ideas, and they listened to what I wanted.

They organised a logo and new signage in navy and white with a touch of pink, which was a nod to my mum who died of breast cancer.

“They did an amazing job. I can’t fault it.

“They added the words ‘clothing boutique’ to my name and now everyone knows what sort of business it is.

“I am so stoked that on the long

weekend I painted two walls to match the new logo.

“Thank you to everyone involved from Northern Grampians Shire Council for your support.”

The businesses then covered the remaining costs themselves.

“This is such a simple, yet powerful program,” Mayor Rob Haswell said.

“It was a really successful pilot and is expected to be available across the whole shire late 2024.

Participating businesses received a one-on-one professional design consultancy with Pop Creative Collective and up to $2000 towards the cost of approved shopfront improvements.

“I am excited to see how eligible businesses utilised the program to bring some vibrancy to shop fronts.” People can find information about future rounds of the Shopfront Improvement Program, along with other council initiatives, by subscribing to the council’s business e-news at ngsc. elementorg.com/business-e-news.

FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN: Members of Stawell’s Golf Reef Ladies’ Probus group celebrated Christmas in July at Halls Gap’s Kookaburra Restaurant during one of the group’s regular outings. The group has more than 80 members, who enjoy day trips, craft days, and longer trips with other Probus club members. Also meeting for friendship, fellowship and fun at Trackside Stawell once a month, people are welcome to attend several meetings before joining the group. People wanting more information can email Kath McClintock at grlprobus@gmail. com. Enjoying the Christmas in July celebration are, above, Val Kennedy, Marg Perry and Dot Simmons, and left, Liz Konig, Cheryl Withers and Cath Holden.

Feed supply in spotlight

A BredWell FedWell workshop showcasing the most up-to-date genetics and nutrition research in sheep production will visit Edenhope next month.

Hosted by Meat and Livestock Australia, the workshop will focus on profit drivers to show how the combination of good genetics and nutrition can have a positive impact on a producer’s bottom line, by looking at each stage of the annual production cycle in detail.

During the workshop, attendees can also examine their own feed supply and demand and critically consider their approaches to feeding to maximise their genetic investment.

People can register for the August 13 event via the Meat and Livestock Australia website mla.com.au/newsand-events/events-and-workshops, with registrations closing August 1.

Sensory play

Hindmarsh Shire Libraries is one of 79 libraries across the country to share in a total of $101,429 from the Learning for a Better World, LBW, Trust and Friends Of Libraries Australia, FOLA, 2024 Program.

The program supports a diverse range of projects including back to nature programs; storytelling through puppetry; resources and activities for neurodivergent young people; textile waste awareness workshops; and digital literacy programs for seniors.

The LBW Trust raises money through cricket-related fundraising campaigns and events.

Hindmarsh Shire Libraries will purchase items for sensory play and engagement, for use at the libraries.

NEW-LOOK: Sneek ‘A’ Peek Boutique owner Adrienne Preston jumped onboard Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Shopfront Improvement Program to update her Stawell business. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

New chapter for students

Pomonal Primary School stu-

dents have received a donation of books and book bags from Grampians Health Nursing and Midwifery Education team, replacing what was lost in the devastating bushfires in February.

Grampians Health education and training director Sue Thorpe said the team wanted to support the students following the fire.

“As an education team, we wanted to support the education of the Pomonal Primary School students in some way and donation of books and bags seemed to be a fitting way to do so,” she said.

Clinical nurse educator Katie Lovett, whose children also attend Pomonal Primary School, visited the school with Ms Thorpe to make the donation.

“We know the children had to be really resilient in the wake of such a traumatic event,” Ms Lovett said.

“While the team rallied to support me and my family recover from the devastating fires, they were also keen as educators to help more widely in the community.”

Both Ms Thorpe and Ms Lovett worked with the school’s principal to decide how to best support the

students and eventually decided to donate new book bags, with each containing a new book or two for each student.

“It was a very meaningful gift for the children as a book bag was something they took to school

every day, and it may not be the first thing that everyone thinks to provide after they go through such a damaging event,” Ms Lovett said. She thanked her colleagues for their generous support of the Pomonal community.

“Even though we don’t all work in the same office, everyone came together for a common goal – which was to help our local community recover from a devastating and unexpected event.”

GENEROSITY: Representatives of Blue Ribbon Ararat branch and the

Ararat Rural City Council including Mayor Bob Sanders, Ararat RSL and

Tennis club grateful for donation

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

Ararat Branch has donated $20,000 to Pomonal Tennis Club.

Ararat branch president Dianne Radford said following conversations between branch members, Ararat Rural City Council, and the Pomonal community, it was unanimously agreed the $20,000 would be donated to Pomonal Tennis Club.

“The tennis club was eager to upgrade the tennis court area, which needs repair work to be playable again,” she said.

“The enthusiasm of tennis club members certainly has been heartwarming and with significant financial support confirmed from Ararat Rural City, via Mayor Bob Sanders who was in attendance, the contributions plus applying for a funding grant

Council builds accessible list

Ararat Rural City Council is preparing for a new chapter in residential recuperation efforts as it nears six months since the Pomonal bushfire.

Council has secured a Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment for the Pomonal area, and has now issued a call-out for qualified bushfire consultants.

Specialists are invited to register their interest by tender in joining a coterie of ‘preferred contractors’, which will form a panel that will serve as an easily-accessed resource for Pomonal residents seeking fire risk assessment to assist in rebuilding homes.

Community members will be able to inform council of their preferred consultant from the assembled panel, and council will engage the contractor, streamlining the process towards rebuilding homes for fire-affected residents.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said following the February bushfires, council recognised that a key requirement for rebuilding would be bushfire assessments.

“Council sought, and was successful in applying for, State Government funding to assist with bushfire assessments required for rebuilding homes,” he said.

“This service arrives in conjunction with other measures to aid the rebuilding process, such as waiving council planning and building fees and working with other statutory referral agencies to reduce red tape, allowing the Pomonal community to rebuild quickly and safely.”

Interested consultants can engage in the tender process by visiting app.eprocure.com.au/ararat/ home/public.

will result in an area that will accommodate tennis, netball and pickleball.”

Pomonal Tennis Club secretary Michelle Stewart welcomed the donation.

“Our Pomonal community is so grateful for this wonderful support from you all and are enthusiastically looking forward to taking this project with Ararat Rural City’s support to fruition,” she said.

GRATEFUL: Pomonal Primary School students receive a new book bag and books from Grampians Health Nursing and Midwifery Education team.

Grampians Ride to Remember sub committee,

Pomonal Tennis Club celebrate the $20,000 donation.

Picture: The Ararat Advocate

Ararat drives settlement

Ararat Rural City Council

this month welcomed a second busload of visitors as part of the Ararat Settlement Activity Program.

Participants from Melbourne took part in a guided tour of the Ararat town centre, with stops including the visitor information centre, Gason, AME Systems, Ararat Town Hall, Alexandra Gardens, Ararat Neighbourhood House, several primary and secondary schools, Green Hill Lake, and One Tree Hill Lookout.

The program has so far attracted more than 40 new residents to take up secure, long-term jobs in the rural city.

Maung Thaung Aye attended the first of several planned bus tours as part of the program earlier this year and said he hoped to build a future in Ararat.

“I was referred to the Ararat Settlement Activity Program by my job provider, who recommended I attend an Ararat bus tour,” he said.

“Before that, I participated in an information session about Ararat, where I learned about the job opportunities available.

“During the bus tour, I discovered that Ararat is near the Grampians, with workplaces and amenities in close proximity. Compared to Melbourne, traffic is minimal in Ararat.

“Council assisted me by explaining the induction and application

“Our commitment to the Ararat Settlement Activity Program underscores our belief in fostering both cultural diversity and economic development, ensuring a vibrant future for all residents”

– Dr Tim Harrison

process, and helping me apply for a job at Ararat Meat Exports.

“Looking ahead, once I have settled into my new job, I hope to eventually buy a home in Ararat”.

The initiative is part of a partnership between the council and Wyndham Community Education Centre.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the program focused on matching potential settlers with local employers looking to fill existing roles to grow a diverse local workforce.

“Through our partnership with the Wyndham Community Education Centre, we’re paving the way for long-term employment and community integration,” Dr Harrison said.

“Our commitment to the Ararat Settlement Activity Program underscores our belief in fostering both cultural diversity and economic development, ensuring a vibrant future for all residents.”

SHOW OF SUPPORT: West Wimmera Health Service staff donned pink shirts and opened their pockets this month to raise $3804 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Staff across all sites made a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in exchange for wearing a pink shirt during any shift. The health service leadership team also got involved, committing to dyeing their hair pink if total funds raised exceeded $3000, which inspired staff members dig deep and be generous with their donations.

Horsham family’s heirloom song released

Horsham’s Heather Farrell has welcomed the public release of a song about a significant event in her life.

Australian independent country artist

Justin Landers wrote a traditional country ballad ‘Book Of Endless Wonder’ based on his friend Mrs Farrell’s story of a treasured family heirloom.

“Family heirlooms are extraordinary. They could be anything from an inanimate object to an expensive piece of jewellery,” Landers said.

“What makes them special are the stories and memories that are attached to them.”

Mrs Farrell was preparing to move from her dilapidated family home to a newer home when she came across the

family atlas. “She told me about the story of how she and her late husband, Mick, scrimped and saved to buy the atlas for the kids when they were a young family and how it would come down from the shelf whenever the kids had questions about the world and foreign places,” Landers said.

Landers said despite the emotional tie, Mrs Farrell did not have a place for the atlas.

“She offered it to each of her children, but it was no longer wanted as maps and worldly information are now easily obtained on the internet,” he said.

Mrs Farrell donated the atlas to St Vinnies, where she witnessed an enthusiastic young boy finding the book and

thankfully, the treasured book found a new home.

Mrs Farrell told The Weekly Advertiser in an earlier story in March the song symbolised her.

“The words of the song capture the emotion of it, I was blown away by how well Justin put it, the lyrics on their own, before the music was added had me in tears,” she said.

“There’s something special about his song, it’s something our family will always have and it’s a wonderful gift.”

Book Of Endless Wonder is available for download from Blue Shamrock Music, Australian Music Radio Air Play or from digital media stores.

Tax time

Support and guidance at hand

The Australian Taxation Office, ATO, is committed to helping taxpayers get their tax returns correct at tax time.

ATO assistant commissioner Rob Thomson acknowledged for some, managing their tax affairs can be tricky.

“The ATO is here to help with support and guidance for those struggling with their tax obligations,” he said.

If people need help with their tax affairs, there are many resources to help.

Those earning under $60,000 could be eligible for the Tax Help program.

“From July to October each year, our volunteers help people to lodge their tax returns online,” Mr Thomson said.

People can speak to a Tax Help volunteer in person at Tax Help centres across Australia for help with their tax affairs.

Those not eligible for Tax Help, could qualify for assistance from the National Tax Clinic program.

The National Tax Clinic program is an independently-run initiative that supports eligible individuals who are unable to access tax advice and assistance due to economic, social or personal factors.

Self-help options

The ATO’s digital self-help tools are the easiest and quickest way to resolve queries this tax time.

“We have made significant investments into our online services to provide a fast, secure and easy way to manage most of the interactions

you may have with the ATO,” Mr Thomson said. “You can find answers to a lot of your tax questions, as well as conduct most of your tax obligations online.”

There are a range of online services available for individuals and businesses to assist in managing accounts and resolving a range of queries.

The ATO app, ATO website and myTax are also helpful in managing tax affairs online, without needing to call the ATO, and support

is available through ATO Community. People can check on the progress of their return by using ATO online services through the myGov or the ATO app.

People who like assistance in lodging a tax return, can lodge through a registered tax agent. To check a tax agent is registered, head to the Tax Practitioners Board website.

Support for First Nations people

The ATO’s Indigenous helpline is

for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides specialised tax and super assistance.

The Indigenous Helpline is available on 13 10 30, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, excluding public holidays.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can receive assistance from our trained staff to help with things like getting a tax file number, lodging tax returns, or finding super,” Mr Thomson said.

The helpline can also assist in locating the nearest Tax Help centre if people would prefer face-to-face support.

Culturally, linguistically diverse taxpayers

The ATO has a range of translated information for taxpayers from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds to better understand tax and superannuation in their preferred language.

Taxpayers can find tax time resources in languages other than English, and a range of other tax and superannuation information.

“We have key tax and superannuation information, as well as resources and guides in more than 20 languages. You can find information about lodgement, how to lodge and what deductions you may be able to claim,” Mr Thomson said.

He said the ATO Charter outlined the relationship the ATO sought with the community – a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

The charter outlines the ATO’s commitments; what is asked of taxpayers; and steps taxpayers can take if they are not satisfied.

“The charter outlines the ATO’s commitments to you, and what you can expect when dealing with us,” Mr Thomson said.

The ATO commitments to taxpayers include fair and reasonable treatment; professional service; support and assistance; security of data and privacy; and keeping people informed.

ATO assistant commissioner Rob Thomson

Tax time

FINANCE focus

with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth

The tax basics to share investing

With many ‘safe’ investments such as term deposits offering low interest rates, more people are turning to the share market in pursuit of higher returns.

For new share investors this means understanding not only the risk profile of share investments, but also the different ways in which the returns on shares are taxed.

Jane is one such investor. Looking for a combination of steady income and the potential for capital growth, she recently purchased a portfolio of shares in major companies with a good history of paying regular dividends.

Soon she’ll begin to enjoy receiving dividends and she’s already following the performance of her shares via daily finance reports. But how will her investment income be taxed?

Dividends

Each time Jane receives a dividend statement from a company, usually twice a year, she’ll see the cash amount of her dividend is made up of a franked amount and an unfranked amount.

There will also be a franking credit – imputation credit – that represents tax already paid by the company. In her annual tax return, Jane must declare the cash dividend plus the franking credit. This total amount is then taxed at her marginal rate, but reduced by the value of the franking credit.

For example: BigBank Ltd, BBL, pays Jane a fully franked dividend of $70. The imputation credit is $30, and the unfranked amount is nil. Jane declares the full $100 on her annual tax return, and at her marginal rate of 39 per cent, including Medicare Levy, this creates a tax bill of $39.

However, this is reduced by the franking credit – the tax already paid by BBL – so she only pays an additional $9 in tax.

Capital gains

A capital gain will be realised if Jane sells any shares for more than she paid for them. If the shares have been held for less than 12 months Jane will need to declare the full profit in her annual tax return and it will be taxed at her marginal rate plus Medicare levy.

If the shares have been held for more than 12 months, a 50 per cent discount applies to capital gains tax, so Jane only needs to declare half of her profit.

If Jane sells any shares for a loss, it can be offset against current capital gains, or carried forward indefinitely and offset against future gains.

Alternative vehicles

In the example above Jane has invested in her own name and her portfolio will feel the full drag of being taxed at her marginal rate.

More tax means less money available to generate a return.

Jane could therefore consider investing via superannuation. Super funds in the accumulation phase have a tax rate of just 15 per cent, and the discounted tax rate on capital gains on assets owned for more than 12 months is 10 per cent.

Of course, Jane would need to be happy to have her nest egg locked up in super until she meets a condition of release, potentially decades away.

Unusual economic conditions are seeing more people invest in assets that they may be unfamiliar with. Success means understanding how these investments work, their specific risks, and the tax implications.

Your licenced financial planner can help you identify your needs and design a plan of action to help you make the most of your investment dollars.

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

A timely exercise for safe returns

Filling out your tax return gets easier if you wait an extra couple of weeks to lodge.

By waiting until late July, most of your information from employers, banks, health funds and government agencies will be automatically prefilled in your return for you.

You will need to check the information is correct and add anything that is missing.

People who wait for pre-fill generally will not have their return held up in the system, and will not need to amend it when the information arrives.

Whether you work in an office, herd cattle on a farm, fix computers or mend broken bones – the Australian Taxation Office, ATO, has a range of tailored occupation guides that can help people work out what they can and cannot claim at tax time.

There are three golden rules when it comes to claiming a deduction for a work-related ex-

pense: You must have spent the money yourself and were not reimbursed; it must directly relate to earning your income; and you must have a record, usually a receipt, to prove it.

The simplest of mistakes can hold up a tax return.

To avoid a long wait, make sure your details up to date with the ATO – if you lodge using a different address, for example, the ATO will not be able to match it with your tax file number.

Make sure your bank details are in order so your funds reach your account and be sure to get your spelling right, because one wrong letter can hold up your return.

Tax is complicated. There’s no getting around it, so choose the easy road and stress less, whether that be lodging your return yourself using online help, or reaching out to a qualified tax agent.

TaKE a BrEaK

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: July 29, 2004 –Ararat Community College students were rehearsing their eightminute performance for the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, including, from left, Harriet Laidlaw, Sharie Hirst, Bonnie Plush, Kira Hucker and Angie Ruddle. Their heat was at Vodafone Arena on August 9. About 85 students were set to take the stage, with others working in hair, make-up and lighting.

10 years ago: July 30, 2014

A Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation glamour ball was being organised to raise up to $15,000 for equipment for Wimmera Health Care Group. Foundation branch president Peter Daffy said the money would go towards a new trolley and electronic monitor for the hospital’s emergency department.

Five years ago: July 31, 2019

Dimboola hosted its third annual Human Powered Vehicle Expo at its recreation reserve, the only event of its kind in western Victoria. Described as more ‘laid-back’ than competitive, the expo served as a demonstration and a chance for regional teams to experience the unique, emerging engineering-based sport closer to home. Hindmarsh Shire Council tourism and economic development officer Jeff Woodward hoped representatives from the South Australian HPV Super Series would attend and see opportunities to expand.

One year ago: August 2, 2023

Murra Warra Wind Farm Sustainable Community Grants Fund awarded 13 projects across the Horsham Rural City municipality and Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires with a share of $96,000.

1. Ararat export Daryl Peoples spent from 1965 to 1970 playing in the Victorian Football League, now AFL, for which club?

2. What character have both Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch played?

3. On this day in 1992, at the Barcelona Olympics, there were three world record swims during the final night’s session; Tamás Darnyi of Hungary in the 200-metre backstroke with a time of 1:59.36; China’s Yang Wenyi in the women’s 50-metre freestyle, 24.79 seconds – but who was the third, an Australian, breaking the 1500-metre record?

4. Who has won the most Academy Awards?

5. People in Japan die from tetrodotoxin poisoning every year. How does this poisoning usually occur?

6. What colour is a giraffe’s tongue?

7. Where is the strongest human muscle located?

8. What meat is used in a shepherd’s pie?

9. Name the once-popular children’s building game which was aimed at developing an understanding of mechanics and electronics?

10. Which summer dessert is often eaten during Wimbledon’s tennis matches?

Mechano. 10. Strawberries and cream.

Answers: Fitzroy. 2. Sherlock Holmes. 3. Kieren Perkins, in a time of 14:43.4. 4. Walt Disney. 5. By eating incorrectly -pre pared pufferfish. 6. Black or dark purple. 7. The jaw. 8. Lamb. 9.

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

Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia

georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

yOUr

sTars

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.5.44.

It is a somewhat uneasy period. You will have to spend some money, but ensure it is necessary. Do not waste your hard-earned cash. Problems on the domestic scene are developing.

CANCER: (June 22July 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.5.19.7.22.

It’s not the right time to push your ideas forward. You could lose the support you need. If travel is on your mind, it could also develop into a romantic affair.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3 Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.24.40.11.

Problems in your home area could spill over to the working environment. It is best to keep calm and keep your temper under control. Any decisions should be made based on facts rather than hearsay.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.34.40.

Many will be making long-term commitments during this period, which will be very romantic for some. Do not let other people interfere in your affairs; make your own decisions when you know all the facts.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.22.

Do not spoil your plans or chances by being irritable to people who are in a position to help you advance. Inevitable changes should be accepted, and try to make the best of them.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.6.20.

This should be one of the best periods for you in a long time. Whatever you are after should now eventuate, and your love life should also be pleasing and rewarding.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.37.44.

This could be a period of reviving old love affairs and meeting up with old flames. However, you could be heading for something new and exciting with some new friends.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.26.34.44.

Make sure there are no misunderstandings during this period. Communications could get fouled up otherwise. Stay out of other people’s problems, as your interference will be of no help at all.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.22.

This is a period for family celebrations and meeting up with long-lost relatives. You could be called away suddenly, so it’s best to keep your plans flexible for the time being. Some luck in a game of chance is indicated.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.11.

You will receive some benefits from jobs done in the past and some credit for your efforts. Someone close will need your help again, and this will benefit you at a later stage.

Big plans Cupra confirms new models and variants

Cupra will double its vehicle portfolio in 2025, while also aiming to expand its Australian presence to improve its sales and meet new market demand.

Product wise, there is a rollout of several additional variants, as well as all-new models that will expand the footprint of the range of vehicles that wear a Cupra badge – and that’s not including the new Tavascan electric crossover coupe, which was originally due next year but has been fast-forwarded for a late 2024 arrival.

The company has confirmed it will kick off 2025 with the launch of the Born VZ electric hot hatch, a sportier variant of the rear-wheel drive EV hatch that will sit above the existing Born model, which is still priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs.

The Born VZ scores an uprated 250kW-545Nm rear-mounted e-motor – well above what is currently offered in the entry-grade.

The VZ is expected to host a 77kWh battery pack, as the current Born grade does.

The brand will also launch a facelifted version of the Leon hatchback between April and June 2025, with new powertrain options confirmed for our market comprising a mild-hybrid base model, while at the top of the line-up there will be a revamped VZe with an improved plug-in hybrid system offering considerably more EV range.

Alongside it will be an updated and facelifted Formentor, which gains a new exterior design, revised interior elements, and new powertrains including plug-in hybrid with more than 100km of EV range.

The third quarter of the year will also see the much-anticipated arrival of the Leon SportsTourer wagon, which is expected to be offered with a Golf R-spec performance powertrain, and a plug-in hybrid option, too.

The model is seen as a technical and

spiritual successor to the axed VW Golf R wagon.

And finally, in what could be the biggest news for the brand, literally, the all-new Cupra Terramar SUV will launch in the third quarter of the year. It will be Cupra’s biggest SUV in terms of practicality and boot space, and unlike the also-large Tavascan electric crossover, the pragmatic Terramar will be offered with internal combustion engines and a plug-in hybrid with more than 100 kilometres of EV range.

It will likely compete with five-seat SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan and is expected to be positioned towards the upper end of the mainstream midsize SUV segment. It will strictly be a five-seater, but will have a few different derivatives available.

While the brand is yet to announce any formal pricing and specs for the new model range, Cupra Australia managing director Ben Wilks said

the portfolio expansion must include a physical expansion of the brand’s touchpoints across the country.

During the first two years of operations, with the brand now running 12 sales locations and 14 service centres, Cupra has sold 6000 units; and with increased volume planned and more complexity to the range, Mr Wilks said Cupra needed to expand its physical presence.

“There’s so much more to come. We aim to nearly double the network as at the end of 2025, and we’re doing the same with the product range throughout 2025,” he said.

Through the first six months of 2024, Cupra has moved just 1150 units.

Cupra executive vice-president of sales and marketing Sven Schuwirth said the market realities may mean an adjustment of the 7000-unit target for next year.

“We need to remain flexible. It’s a core recipe of the success of Cupra.

It’s a buzz word, but we are quite agile and flexible, so just in terms of the product offers – BEV, plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid, ICE – we have everything right now, but it’s also how we approach the market,” he said.

“It’s not only the Chinese brands and the competition for us, but whatever happens on the subsidies from the government, the tax regulations.

“We are living in a very unclear environment, which has also made us stronger. Keep in mind, we launched this brand in COVID. Then we had semiconductor shortages, and in Europe we have wars – one in Ukraine, one in Israel – so it’s a different story.

“We have logistics issues, we have energy issues, and I think that remains the same, and that again leads you back to being flexible as an organisation, including our largest national sales companies, but still having a target in mind.”

– Matt Campbell

pUZZLEs

Sudoku Quick Workout

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

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

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

“We

“Our

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

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

Classifieds

Dulcie Ottilla Passed away suddenly 24-7-24.

Mum will always be remembered as a loving, caring and supportive mother, doting grandmother and great grandmother.

She will be remembered by many through her past involvements in the community, multiple sporting interests & work ethic at the Wimmera Base Hospital.

Her devotion to her husband & family were unwavering, much like her love for the farm at Haven.

She will remain in our hearts forever.

From your loving son John & Marg, grandsons Joshua, Sam, Nicholas & families.

Mother, best friend most of all, my rock...

You always believed in us, treasured our dreams, shared our precious moments with love.

Your loving daughter Melinda, son-in-law Neil, Little Man (Zachary), Tamika, Aaron & Jarrah.

Dearest Mum, I remember all of the love you have given me to make me the person I am today.

God called you home and you slipped into His loving arms and left me with a shattered heart.

The tears in my eyes can be wiped away, but the love and memories of you will forever stay.

Your loving daughter Cynthia & Terry xxx

Mum/Nan

Your wings were ready, although our hearts were not, you left us to join up with Pop.

As we adjust to life without you, we know it will be tough. Although we can share no more tomorrows, there are always yesterdays.

We are grateful to have you in our lives and cherish all memories shared.

As we each remember a silent memory or a secret tear forever we hold onto your memories so dear.

Forever in our hearts ❤ Kevin, Elizabeth, Brendon, Raymond, Amanda and all of our family.

BENNETT, Dulcie Ottilia

Passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 24, 2024 aged 90 years.

Dearly loved wife of Raymond (dec).

Loved mother and motherin-law of John and Margaret, Kevin and Elizabeth, Cynthia and Terry, Melinda and Neil.

Loved Nan of 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

CONN, Dorothy Mabel

2-10-1925 to 28-7-2024

Aged 98 years

Loved wife of Arch (dec).

Adored mother & motherin-law of Jennifer, Elizabeth, Graeme & Lynda.

Loved Nan of Catherine, William & James.

As is the family’s wishes, Dorothy is to be farewelled at a private funeral service & interment.

“Forever In Our Hearts”

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

EFFRETT (nee Keller), Dorothy Lois

Passed away on July 23, 2024 aged 89 years.

Dearly loved wife of Walter (dec).

Loving mother of Suzanne, Graeme, Craig and Alison.

Adored Granny to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reunited with Wal

FRANCIS, Wesley George “Pop”

9.2.32 - 24.7.24 Queensland

Dearly loved and loving brother and uncle of Lorraine & family.

Many happy memories.

Sleeping peacefully at last. The O’Beirne Family

HEARD (nee Richie), Wendy Anne

Passed away peacefully at Willaura Hospital on July 24, 2024 aged 88.

Beloved wife of Ian (dec).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Anthony and Lisa.

Adored Grandma of Fraser and Maddy and Cooper. Friend of Elouise.

Cherished Memories.

HUTCHINS

(nee Edlich), Tanya Anne

Passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024 aged 50 years.

Dearly loved wife of Peter. Cherished daughter of Russell & Janet.

Loved sister and sister-inlaw to Sharon & Edward; David & Diane; Stephen & Sharon; Chris & Suzi.

Adored stepmother and friend to Sam and Jacinta. Loved by all her family and friends

PICKERT,

Coral June

07/01/1925 - 22/07/2024

99 years & 6 months

Passed away peacefully at Dimboola

Loving wife of Les (Dec)

Loving Mother of Helen (Dec), Dianne, Brian & Jenny

Loving Mother In-law of Ian & Jenni

Loving Nanna of Ashley & Alison, Carly, Daniel, Brooke & Jake, Tim & Laura

Loving Nanna Nanna to Curtis, Willa, Edward, Johanna, Ace, Mia, Bella, Nate & Brody

In our hearts you will always stay, Loved & remembered everyday.

Reunited with Les & Helen XXXXX

WHELAN (nee Souter), Dorothy Catherine “Dot”

Passed away on July 27, 2024 aged 94 years.

Dearly loved wife of Alan “Bluey” (dec).

Loving mother to Michael, David, Barry, Judy, Wendy and Amanda.

Adored Nanna Dot Dot to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Forever In Our Hearts

BENNETT, Dulcie Ottilia

The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs Dulcie Bennett will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham, Tuesday, August 6, 2024 commencing at 1pm

An interment will follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

EFFRETT, Dorothy Lois

The Funeral of Dot Effrett will take place at The Graveside, Lorquon Cemetery on Monday, 5 August 2024 commencing at 1.30pm.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HEARD

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Wendy will be held in the John Dunn Memorial Chapel, 9 Campbell St, Ararat on THURSDAY (Aug 1st) commencing at 2:00pm.

A private burial will precede.

JOHN DUNN FUNERAL SERVICES Ararat 5352 1047

HUTCHINS, Tanya Anne

The funeral of Tanya Anne Hutchins will commence with burial at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 1.30pm and will be followed by a Memorial Service at the Horsham Church of Christ at 2pm

The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/live/ lw2J5zFm4bo

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tanya may be made to Wildlife Victoria by visiting wildlifevictoria.org.au

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

PICKERT, Coral June

07/01/1925 - 22/07/2024

Please join us as we say goodbye to a loving Mother & Friend, Friday 2nd of August, 11am at the Dimboola Lutheran church. Interment to follow at the Dimboola Cemetery. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

WHELAN, Dorothy Catherine “Dot”

The funeral of Dot Whelan will take place at the graveside, Murtoa Cemetery on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 commencing at 1.30pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member

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

5mth old Guinea fowls $25 each Ph 0435124012

Dimboola

Alaskan Malamute pups , Born 21/2/24 Vet checked, microchipped wormed

Source number MB168224

Boy 98514007720630. Boy 985141007720631, Girl 985141007720628 $1000 Ph Nadine 0429836214

Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Border Collie pups, brown & white, male & female, microchipped and vaccinated, microchip# 985141007 305923,985141007305 924, 985141007305925, 985141007305926, source no E231600, $850 each Ph or text 0493111730

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Doberman pups , 4x girls black/tan, 4x boys

3 black/tan and 1 brown/ tan, ready to go, m/c # 956000014813157/14702252 /14697789/14699139/148457 71/14850566/14817621/1481

0773 $2000 Ph 0431982052

Female desexed mini dachshund , I like kids, dogs, cats, I am toilet trained, love walks and snuggles, microchip# 900141000504012, source#

MB197522 $1400ono Nhill Ph 0431725487

Horse rug, 6 foot wanted Ph 0427361940

Jack Russell Mini Foxie X male pup, good natured, DOB 11/03/24, M/C 953010006753460, source# MB247873 Ph 53910224

Merino Sheep , 1 Suffolk merino cross, 1 whether suffolk merino cross, $600 and no separation Ph 0481756063

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Death Notices Death Notices

Murtoa Funerals

Funeral Notices Funeral Notices

Death Notices

Miniature Dachshund

Puppies,1 black/tan M $3000, 1 black/tan F $3000,1 blonde M $4000, vacc, vet checked & m/ chip 953010006206969/70/71, source# MB257827, ready for collection Ph Grace 0499005268 Nhill

Purebred black faced Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Self shedding sheep for sale, $60 each, pick # 3HSDH097 Ph 0419293500

Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940

Suffolk Rams, 18 months old,fully vaccinated, OB accredited, PIC3SGP010, ready to work, good bloodlines, well grown, $800 plus GST, can arrange delivery Ph 0429196337

Young Muscovy duck s, available now, $15 each Ph 042992620

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 53cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

1998 Jayco Westport, full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras

$22,000ono Ph 0419514118

2009 Roma Elegance Pop Top, 18ft 6, air bags, full canvas annexe, has new awning and hot water service, VGC, $25,000ono Ph 0429951322

2010 Galaxy Odyssey , combined shower/toilet, queen bed, air con, battery, awning, annexe, tare 1900kg, $24,990 Ph 0418504985

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras

$42,000 Ph 0427909230

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited

Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24'6", long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535

$18,500ono Ph 0407360212

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan , 2004, 19', EC, shower on outside $18,000 Ph 0400603022

Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729

Motorhome Jayco Conquest 2021, 25', satellite system, diesel, heater, 7625knms, 1UU2JX $168,000 Ph 0429821461

New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $45,000 Ph 0427778747

Paramount Caravan, VGC, registered, rollout awning, full kitchen $22,000 Ph 0407542856

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2024, U28090 $9,000ono Ph 0429942936

REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan

Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards, $20,000ono, Ph 0427467622 Kaniva

REDUCED Concept

Ascot caravan, 2006, 18', pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $20,000 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED Goldstream RV

Off Road 2007, solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $15,500 Ph 0409967815, Horsham

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662

Vintage 1964 Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $9500 ono Ph 0431820493

Inter Acco 1830A , 18' tray with bulk bin and double deck sheep

Case IH 2144 Harvester , 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $50,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa CAT , 955 K traxcavator DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Chamberlain Countryman 354 plus Cabin & Front end loader, 1960s, going well/good tyres Ph 0477275737

Connor Shea, 18 plate disc, hydraulic lift and fold $850ono,Southern cross pump jack, electric motor, working $80, Asuc wool table $120ono Ph 0407911884

Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer, all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832

Heaslip grouper , VGC, 2 bins, 4200L each capacity, Honda motor, new bearings in elevator, adjustable legs, always shedded $7700 inc Gst Ph 0427330078

Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/ operator, $80,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

Sunbeam twin box electric wool press , good order, $1000 + Gst Ph 55877233 evenings please Tractor Tyre, 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

Trailing Grain Feeder, with canopy, good condition, $1100, Ph 0400894020

Carryall 6' x 3', suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426

New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408

Mattress $250 , single bed blackwood $250, as new Ph 0437688336

Pool table, slate, 2.1/1m , plus accessories, $500ono Ph 0419892890

2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer, registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

Aluminium windows , 4 x double approx 6'x6', 2 x single approx 6'x3', other smaller sizes, VGC, also quantity of timber louvre wardrobe doors, make an offer Ph 0437754474

Chicken manure, ex sheds or composted available now

The Good Dirt Company Lethbridge Vic Ph 0409889250

Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs

$220 inc Ph 0428579838

Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $250 Ph 0408504633

Half size pool/billiard table, slate top, folds for storage, comes with balls, cues & racks $100 cash Ph 0427545424

Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510

Massage Machine, duo MKII

Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692

Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000

REDUCED Horse hames , old, 8 pairs $10 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884

Ryobi router $100 , Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200, band saw small $50, angle grinder $40, air compressor $100, plasma cutter $180, Ryobi drill press $120 Ph 0499769869

Table, black steel, glass top, with three chairs, GC, outdoor $50 Ph 0419560817

3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899

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

3.8 Savage aluminium boat, new 18 hp Tohatsu motor, Biminis, Eagle fish finder, Mackay galvanised trailer, GC, $3700 Ph 0428826113

4.0m Stessl Aluminium Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial no 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Aspire Wheelchair, extremely comfortable, padded headrest, additional padded section for leg support, barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913

Electric Recliner lift chair, $1500, Ph 0435787449, pick up Horsham

Oscar remote electric lift chair as new hardly used, bargain $1200 Ph 0408504682

Roho Brand Permobill dry flotation pressure cushion and cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph 0435787499

Single electric/adjustable bed, includes mattress,used but in EC, Includes as new Health Flex mattress topped with bamboo fabric, designed for pressure redistribution, purchase price $5000, sell for $2500ono Ph0435787449

Yamaha Scooter, excellent condition, 6100km, RWC, 6 months reg, ideal for learner, $1800ono Ph 0408824739

2015 Nissan Navara, bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609

2 bedroom house for rent in Horsham Ph 0432774645

BMW RT1200 Motorcycle, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, reg til 8/24, service manuals, 1H1SM $4000 Ph 0428154961

"Playola" Pianola , good condition, tuned and with 65 rolls, $500 Ph 53827026

Antique German violin, bow and case, excellent playing condition $550 Ph 0417886268

Price reduced to sell Ute 2012 Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12 RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so "as new", solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520

REDUCED 2010 Hyundai i30 diesel wagon, reg, RWC, economical, XWS504 $6500 Ph 0419132137 Ararat

Black EL Futura , 04/98, limited edition factory silhouette black, Geelong plant executive order, complete with books, late model 4ltr engine, auto, air, cruise etc, runs and drives well, no rego, duco average, vin# 6FPAAAJGSWWT37628, 191,000kms $2490ono Ph Max 0477317809

Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396

2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009

Kia Cerato Koup 2 door 2013, 1.6L turbo, 6 speed auto, 7L/100km, bluetooth, reverse camera, new tyres, VGC, RWC, 3mths rego, 285,000kms, ZTD649, $6800 Ph 0429857255

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0i PHEV Auto, plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi serviced, superb condition throughout, near new tyres, 30-40km electric range, reg to April 2025, RWC supplied, 100,732 kms, 1XN2NP $24,500 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat area

2004 VY SS Commodore, black, RWC, VGC, YKW598 $16,000 Ph 0400603022

2009 Holden Colorado , auto, 3.0 diesel, tow bar, steel tray, toolboxes, Sept 2024 rego, RWC, tub with hard lid included, 312,000 kms, XBV738 $12,000 Ph 0458991202

2003 Landcruiser , auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379

2011 White Nissan Navara D40 STX550 V6 twin cab, auto, diesel, bull bar, driving lights, snorkel, long range fuel tank, duel battery system, 2 inch lift kit, canopy, hard top tonneau cover and roll bar, 1 owner, serviced regularly, rego paid until 23/12/2024, comes with RWC, engine number: V9X007595C, 297,500kms, YTZ 215 $20,800ono Ph Craig 0429832207

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $26000 ono Ph 0427822909

2022 Isuzu Dmax X terrain Valencia orange for sale, 25,318 kms,still under new vehicle warranty until 2028 or 150,000 kms, 7 months rego, RWC, BVI103 $60,000 Ph 0438918240

Ford Wildtrak 2018 , 3.2 motor 6 sp auto, bullbar, driving lights, 3'' exhaust, 60 amp Anderson plug to the rear, dc-dc charger, clear view compact extendable mirrors, 175 Ah lithium battery, GVM upgrade, trailer brake controller, 140lt fuel tank, UHF radio & phone aerial, ECU throttle controller, aluminium canopy/under tray boxes, ladder, jerry can holders, roof rack, mounted 160W solar panel, 39lt PVC water storage, Engel fridge on slide, Titan single drawer, battery charger, solar/battery controller, 240 volt inlet, 3 inside powerpoints to run fridge & charge battery etc, USB charging points, cig lighter plugs, inside canopy lights, 2m x 2.5m awning, excellent condition, reg Gadga, 75,360kms $62,000 Phone 0429909210

2BR unit for rent - Kaniva, suit professional or retiree with good history, quality rental, excellent brick unit, single garage, 2BR with BIR, walk in shower, neutral decor, open plan living kitchen with dishwasher, lounge, split system, secure backyard, $1256 p/month, bond req Ph 0419546410

Housemate wanted , clean home in Haven, large furnished bedroom, double carport, private yard, no pets, $200 per week includes bills Ph 0407043917

Gypsum , lime, compost and all granulated fertilizer spreading, modern 4wd trucks, Floatation tyres, GPS and scales, call Adam Ph 0427552432

Massage Service, full body massage, 1 or 2 masseuses available, call for a quote and booking Ph 0460500827

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David0427864628

Wanted, Land to "Share-Farm" or "Lease", anywhere south of Horsham and accross to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

What is walking with God, like?

Have you even been in a place – city or country, where what started out as an enjoyable walk, became a time of fear and anxiety? When you thought you knew where you were, only to find you didn’t?

Rev Jason Kioa writes about visiting with his grandson in Tokyo, where the 7

Christian Devotion

TENDERS

Ararat Rural City Council is seeking suitably qualified bushfire consultants to be registered as preferred contractors to provide individual bushfire management statements and bushfire management plans for replacement dwellings in the fire affected properties in Pomonal.

Lobbying of elected members may disqualify potential tenderers. Documents and full details of this notice are available at www.eprocure.com.au/ararat

Tenders close 2:00pm Tuesday 13 August 2024.

Murtoa Stick Shed Invitation to Tender

The Stick Shed Committee of Management (COM) invites tenders from experienced and qualified individuals or companies for the provision of gardening / grounds maintenance and Stick Shed sweeping services. The successful tenderer will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the gardens and grounds of The Stick Shed, ensuring they are well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, and safe for visitors. In addition, the Stick Shed requires sweeping of the shed using the sweeper provided by the Stick Shed COM. Tender documents are available from the Secretary, Murtoa Stick Shed COM at stickshedcom@gmail.com or phone 0400633802. Tenders close 5.00pm Friday 30th August.

Taxis can no longer offer a twenty-four-hour wheelchair service.

Wheelchair taxis will operate 8am until 7pm weekdays and 8am until 6pm weekends.

Pre-booking recommended.

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Land Liaison Officer (Fixed Term 2 years)

Position number VG/6028

The Land Liaison Officer plays a key role connecting landholders to the East Grampians Pipeline.

Responsibilities include providing landholders with information on water allowances, costs and service connections, as well as coordinating service installations. You’ll will also be responsible to prepare, coordinate and finalise customer Land Access Agreements.

If you enjoy building customer relationships and have a strong attention to detail, we’d like to hear from you.

Applications close: Wednesday 14 August 2024

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

Water Register Administration Officer

Position number VG/2220A

The Water Register Administration Officer will be responsible for processing water trading, amalgamations and subdivision applications and ensure the seamless operation of our integrated billing systems. Maintaining accurate water trading records in the Victorian Water Register is also a requirement.

The successful candidate will assist with raising customer accounts and liaising with customers about their water allowance and account enquiries.

If you have strong attention to detail, we’d like to hear from you!

Applications close: Wednesday 14 August 2024

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams Managing Director

ManagerCaretaker

Exciting opportunity for a live-in position to manage the Halls Gap Valley Lodges & Function Centre. Applications close August 5. Call 0427 810 122 for more information

TEACHERS WANTED

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

Ararat Rural City Council currently has the following positions available: • Casual Learn to Swim Teacher

• Casual Mechanic

We are looking for GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SPECIALIST TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2025 Fulltime, part time and ongoing positions available

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

38

$37.35

Contact:

Closing:

To apply or find out more: Visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/council/careers or contact Human Resources on (03) 5355 0202 or hr@ararat.vic.gov.au for more information

Applications close: Friday 9 August 2024 Dr

& DELIVER PAPERS

Immediate start! • Negotiate your own hours • Earn money straight away

apply, contact The Weekly Advertiser distributor Shannon by emailing horsham.distribution@gmail.com or phone/text 0438 064 269

Join our team by applying for this exciting job opportunity:

Marketing Account Manager

If you’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results for clients in a vibrant, fastpaced environment, this is the job for you! We’re seeking a reliable, accountable, and sales-focused individual who has creativity, self-motivation, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

• Build client relationships and develop strategic marketing plans.

• Coordinate with internal teams to execute campaigns.

• Monitor campaign progress, provide insights, and manage client expectations.

• Work alongside the sales team to collaborate sales and marketing targets. Requirements:

• Reliable, accountable and driven to exceed client expectations.

• Approachable with strong communication and dedicated to building long-term rapport with clients.

• Strong communication and project management skills.

• Creative problem-solving abilities and proactive client management approach.

Remuneration for this position: Salary per annum will be commensurate with experience.

To apply:

For further information or if you’re ready to take on one of these exciting opportunites, send your resume and cover letter to: Olivia Lenehan, Office Manager horshamoffice@aceradio.com.au

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

Contact:

Closing:

Employment Opportunities Inroads are seeking to recruit the following positions

CONTRACTS MANAGER

The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:

• Previous experience in the civil construction industry – highly regarded but not essential.

• A strong attention to detail

• Effective organisational & time management skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite

PROJECT ASSISTANT

The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:

• Experience in an Administration role.

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritisation of key requirements.

• A strong work ethic to operate autonomously when required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite

Please send applications, including cover letter and current CV to reception@inroads.com.au Area: Horsham Ph: 03 5382 4406 Email: reception@inroads.com.au

0.6 EFT - Full

The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL

caught some of the action between Wimmera league teams Horsham and Nhill on Saturday. Horsham’s senior footballers won the clash 16.9 (105) to Nhill’s 11.5 (71). Horsham’s A Grade netballers were also victorious, winning 55-37 against Nhill.

in

ACTION APLENTY:

CARRACHER

Pictured

action are, clockwise from left: Rhys Barber, Horsham, and Dylan Ridding, Nhill; goal attack Ruby James, Nhill; Glen Saniong, Nhill; Billy Carberry, Horsham, and Daniel Batson, Nhill; Larnie Hobbs, Nhill, and Imogen Worthy, Horsham; Lucas Dahlenburg, Nhill, tackles Billy Carberry, Horsham; Deek Roberts, Nhill, tackles Brody Pope, Horsham; Emma Hawker, Nhill, and Georgia Batson, Horsham; and centre, Jarryd Dahlenburg, Nhill, closes in on Corey Williams, Horsham.

spOrT

WEEKEND PLAY: Finals are drawing nearer in Horsham District league with teams pushing hard in the final weeks of the home-and-away season. Noradjuha-Quantong senior footballers were victorious against Swifts at the weekend, winning 12.9 (81) to Swifts’ 7.11 (53). Noradjuha-Quantong’s A Grade netballers also enjoyed a victory, downing Swifts 5332. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Jesse Galea-Portelli, Swifts, and Jayden Besford, NoradjuhaQuantong; Michaela Armer, Swifts; Riley Dunlop, Noradjuha-Quantong, tackles Andrew Cameron, Swifts; Edwina Flakemore, Swifts, and Izabella McIntyre, Noradjuha-Quantong; Harley Pope, NoradjuhaQuantong, tackles Ryan Folkes, Swifts; Angus Murray, Swifts, tackles Judah Hobbs, Noradjuha-Quantong; and centre, Brooke Pay, Noradjuha-Quantong guards Rebbekkah Seeary, Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Looking after your well-being and connecting with others is important in challenging times.

This fun, practical Take a Well-Being Break workshop brings farmers/farming families/couples in your community together to provide well-being tools and information, connect and share ideas, and to identify practical strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being. Give yourself the time and space to bring some calm to the chaos and focus on YOU!

Join us for an evening workshop on Wed 7th Aug from 6-9pm at the Dimboola Bowling Club. A light supper is provided. Tickets $10 with proceeds to be donated to the Rural Outreach Centre. This is an alcohol-free event. Places are limited.

Scan the QR Code to book!

Nhill, Horsham in battle for finals

BY SIMON KING

With just four rounds before finals, several big games will be played in round 12 of the Wimmera Hockey Association season at Kaniva on Saturday.

Some teams are still playing for the opportunity to keep their season alive beyond round 15, while others will be battling for the best positions going into finals.

With a win, Nhill Thunderbirds could climb back into the women’s top four, while Nhill Rangers have their last chance to push for a place in the open finals, and Yanac and Kaniva women are building a spirited rivalry that will continue on Saturday. In open competition, the Rangers take on Horsham Hurricanes in the feature match of the fixture.

A Nhill victory would see them draw equal with their opponent on points, but would require a winning margin of at least four goals for them to end the round in the top four.

A loss would see the gap extend to eight points, or two wins – that won’t be easy to make up in the three rounds remaining before finals.

Kaniva Cobras enjoyed a solid victory against Horsham last weekend, but will find a more significant challenge in Yanac Tigers, who extended their undefeated streak last weekend with a hard-fought one-goal win against the Warrack Hoops.

Although the last time these two met they finished with a one-all draw, the

Tigers, who need just one more win to confirm they will finish on top of the ladder, will go into this one as favourites, but a surprise from the Cobras on their home patch would see them rise to second on the ladder.

The Hoops have the bye and the two points they receive for this should be enough to keep them in second place.

Women

All three games in the women’s competition could have significant repercussions in the race to the finals.

In the replay of last year’s grand final, a win for reigning premiers Yanac would all but ensure they finish on

top of the ladder, while after a drop in form in recent weeks, Kaniva will need a good performance to regain some confidence.

Recent form suggests it is Yanac’s game to lose, but on the Kaniva ground, weather conditions and player availability could influence a very close match.

Both teams have much to play for when Nhill Thunderbirds take on Horsham Jets.

The chance to play finals is still possible for the ’Birds if they come away with a win, while the Jets, who have shown some impressive form in recent

Border Districts celebrate 25 years

Border Districts celebrated a quarter of a century since its merger with Goroke at the weekend, naming teams of the past 25 years and raffling special player-worn guernseys at a postmatch function.

Club president Darren Walter said the 1999 merger between Goroke and Border District had yielded great results for the Eagles – none bigger than last year’s first-ever A Grade premiership in the Kowree-NaracoorteTatiara Football League.

Mr Walter said a huge crowd watched the weekend’s game, with a 53-point loss to Mundulla doing nothing to dampen their spirits.

“Apart from the footy result, which wasn’t in our favour, it was a really

good day,” he said. “The clubrooms afterwards were completely packed.

A lot of past players came back and it was just a really good catch up for people.

“It was a large gate, and the clubrooms had close to 200 people in them after the game. We did about 150 teas, which for a club of our size is pretty big.”

Mr Walter said the 25-year anniversary teams sparked plenty of friendly conversation, while the guernsey raffle was a huge success.

“I heard a lot of favourable comments about the teams. I’m sure not everyone agreed with every position or every player, but there was a lot of discussion and reminiscing about how

good a lot of different players were, or particular games where somebody might have stood out,” he said.

“The raffle went extremely well. The jumpers averaged about $500 each.

“Both current and past players were involved in the bidding, and not just players of the past 25 years, but in one case a player who played about 50 years ago was keen to get his old number. Everybody was involved.”

Mr Walter thanked a large contingent of club volunteers and supporters who helped organise the event.

“There was a lot of work by a number of people to make it happen. I appreciated all the work people put in, and I think everyone else who attended did as well,” he said.

weeks, need to keep winning to keep up their challenge for a top-two finish.

After a solid start to the season, Dimboola Roos have lost form recently and will be looking for a good win against Warracknabeal to regain some confidence and fend off the challenge from Nhill for its place in finals.

Warracknabeal’s mix of young and inexperienced players has been gaining in confidence as the season has progressed and could challenge the Roos if its best team is on the field.

Under-16s

The round will hit off on Saturday with the leading two teams in the under-16 competition playing off for a claim to the top of the ladder.

A win by Yanac Warriors would keep them on top and give them a sixpoint buffer that would be difficult for Kaniva to overcome in the remaining games, but a Raiders’ win would put them on top, which is a position they could defend.

This game could go either way, influenced by many factors on the day.

The clash between Nhill Leopards and Horsham Bombers has less riding on it. The teams are almost certain to finish in third and fourth positions and meet again in the semi-finals. A victory would provide an excellent psychological boost but mean little in the outcome of the season.

One of the best games of the round will be between Dimboola Kangaroos and Warracknabeal Revengers.

Neither of these teams can make the

finals, but going into the game equal on points, the winner should finish the team higher on the ladder. They are very evenly matched, and despite this game not meaning much in the context of the competition, this should still be a great game to watch. Round-11 results –

Open: Kaniva Cobras 4 (Goals, J. Clark 3, J. Bedford; Best, J. Bedford, J. Clark, L. Mills) d Horsham Hurricanes 1 (P. Mackereth; P. Mackereth, M. Spano, L. Marra). Yanac Tigers 1 (B. Alexander; S. Alexander, Z. Dorrington, R. Croot, B. Alexander) d Warrack Hoops 0 (T. Jorgensen, H. Wagenknecht, S. Schultz, O. Bennett). Women: Horsham Jets 1 (H. Werner; H. Werner, M. Spano, C. Lawson) d Kaniva 0 (I. Williams, L. Stimson, H. Pearse). Yanac 11 (C. Alexander 4, E. Alexander 2, S. Hedt 2, M. Mackley, A. Farmers, E. Wheaton; E. Alexander, C. Alexander, M. Mackley) d Warracknabeal 0 (E. Williamson, C. Bennett, E. Bull). Nhill Thunderbirds 2 (J. Rowe, N. Rowe; C. Kessler, C. Shurdington, K. Clark) d Dimboola Roos 0 (J. Hauselberger, E. Klinge, R. Hadzig). Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 5 (L. Krelle 3, C. White 2; C. White, L. Krelle, F. Dodson) d Horsham Bombers 0 (J. Di Pietro, H. Mackereth, C. Blake). Yanac Warriors 11 (Archie Zanker 3, S. Pedie 3, I. Hedt 2, H. Zanker 2, Annabella Zanker; Archie Zanker, Annabella Zanker, S. Pedie) d Warrack Revengers 0 (E. Williamson, M. Bentley, R. Bish). Nhill Leopards 4 (D. Clark 2, C. Bone, B. Clark; B. Clark, D. Clark, T. Bee) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (A. Pretorius, J. Ward, R-M Williams). Under-12 development program: Kaniva Rampagers 1 (L. Williams) v Horsham Black Hawks 2 (J. Mackereth, H. Mitchell). Yanac Lowan Stars 3 (M. Dart, S. Farmers, Z. Rethus) v Warrack Avengers 0. Dimboola Kookaburras 3 (L. Hauselberger 3) v Nhill Bandits 2 (J. Bee, N. Krelle).

IN FORM: Kaniva’s Josh Bedford lines up for a shot at goal in open competition, with Horsham Hurricanes’ Lars Simmons bracing to defend. Bedford scored and was among Kaniva’s best players in its win against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Picture: SIMON KING

RECOGNITION: A Border Districts 25th anniversary netball team was named at the weekend, along with a football team, representing the best players at the club from 1999 to 2024.

arOUnD ThE LEaGUEs

Big margins divide teams

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Ararat Eagles secured an important 22.16 (148) to 9.11 (65) win against Great Western at the weekend as they continue to jockey for finals position.

The Eagles bolted out of the gates to virtually end their match against the Lions by quarter time, kicking 6.7 to a single behind.

From there it was light work for the visitors at Great Western’s makeshift North Park home in Stawell.

Naish McRoberts and Tom Taurau were deadly up forward, kicking a combined 12 goals, while Dustin Okely added three of his own and other contributors such as Adrian Reid, Daniel Waldron and Tom Cousins were prominent.

Great Western put forth a stronger second-half effort, kicking seven goals to the Eagles’ 10 after the long break, but the horse had al-

ready bolted. Renn Lovitt, Sam Raeck and Tom Cairns were among the Lions’ top performers, with Nick Costello kicking three goals to bring him within one of a halfcentury for the season.

The win maintained Ararat’s important two-game lead on reigning premier Tatyoon, which also won handily on Saturday to keep its faint finals hopes flickering.

The Hawks had no trouble demolishing bottom side Caramut, winning 32.16 (208) to 2.5 (17) to give their percentage a healthy boost.

Marcus Darmody kicked a staggering 18 goals to move his personal tally to 59 for the season – good enough for third place in the league and trailing only Penshurst pair Josh Rentsch and Ian Milera.

On any other day Ash Munari’s seven goals for Great Western would have made him the star of the show, but Munari was relegated

to second billing behind Darmody and a host of other contributors that included Josh Lee, Angus Johnston, Josh Brown and Hayden Walters.

The huge win saw the sixthplaced Hawks boost their percentage to 112 – still 16 per cent behind the fifth-placed Eagles with three rounds remaining.

Tatyoon plays Penshurst in an away game this weekend – a clash it appears unlikely to win – meaning the Hawks must win their final two encounters against MoystonWillaura and Glenthompson-Dunkeld, while hoping Ararat loses each of its three remaining games, starting with Lismore-Derrinallum this weekend, to have any chance of playing finals.

Moyston-Willaura’s meeting with Penshurst at the weekend was a predictably lopsided affair, with the Bombers powering their way to a 42.33 (285) to 1.1 (7) win

at Penshurst. Milera and Rentsch kept their leads over Darmody on the goal-kicking table with eight apiece, while Elijah Satala led the destruction with 11 majors.

Ryan Heard, Ben Skubnik and Ned Bohner were Moyston-Willaura’s best in the heavy defeat.

Other games at the weekend saw Lismore-Derrinallum defeat Glenthompson-Dunkeld 8.9 (57) to 6.11 (47), Wickliffe-Lake Bolac beat SMW Rovers 13.16 (94) to 2.2 (14) and Hawkesdale-Macarthur downed Woorndoo-Mortlake 16.12 (108) to 5.4 (34). Ararat will host Lismore-Derrinallum in round 14 and Great Western will travel to face Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, while Moyston-Willaura will host Glenthompson-Dunkeld, Caramut will host HawkesdaleMacarthur and Woorndoo-Mortlake will host SMW Rovers.

Kaniva trio kicking goals across the border

Kaniva’s Zoe Hawker proved her talent crosses both borders and state lines this month after being named in the South Australia Country Championships football team of the carnival.

Hawker, who also plays in Kaniva-Leeor United’s A Grade netball side, won selection for the country championships after appearing for Mundulla in the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League between January and April.

The 22-year-old’s strong play for the Tigers earned her, as well as fellow Kaniva players Mel and Kate Maddern, spots in the South East zone representative side.

South East was unlucky not to record a win at the carnival, losing to Eyre Peninsula by two points and Central by a single point, before falling to Eyre Peninsula again in the third-fourth playoff by six goals.

Hawker’s strong play on a wing for South East earned her a place on the interchange bench for the team of the carnival.

SUCCESS: Kaniva-Leeor players Kate Maddern, Zoe Hawker and Mel Maddern played in South Australia Country Football championships. Picture: Dani Brown, Fleurieu Sun.

Horsham kicked seven goals straight in the last quarter.

Their fitness in the end, combined with Nhill having no bench for most of the last quarter, told the tale.

For Nhill, Glen Saniong and Jake Harrap did hamstrings, Deek Roberts copped a knock in the ribs and Jake McQueen had a calf injury and spent most of his time forward.

Having said that, Horsham lost Sam Janetzki and Jeremy Kemp to concussion for the day.

They were just far slicker.

Horsham was extremely consistent, hard at the footy and its good players controlled the ball when they had to.

They made a couple of crucial moves.

Jack Dalziel became a key defender, and Hugo Papst and Brody Pope gave them a heap of drive through the middle and were consistent all day.

I still think Nhill will make the top five this year if things fall their way, but injuries might make it hard now.

They’ll fight Minyip-Murtoa for fifth spot.

This week will sort a lot of things out – Horsham is pushing for a topthree spot and Nhill are trying to stay in the five.

With all the injuries, it will be survival of the fittest.

The standout player: Hugo Papst ran through the midfield and dominated.

Nhill couldn’t really curtail his influence for a lot of the game.

The rising star: Jack Dalziel took on a key defensive post and was really good.

“I’ve been to the country championships for four years and this next season will be my fifth with Mundulla.

“I love the girls and being able to play with your friends, meeting

“I’m proud at being selected in the team. There were a few teams at the championships,” she said.

new people and travelling to different areas.”

Hawker said her future football goals included winning a premiership with Mundulla, as well as winning the country championships with South East.

“I want to keep improving and make the team next year if I can,” she said.

“We haven’t won a carnival premiership at the country championships, so to win one with the zone would be good.

He shut down Dylan Ridding for a while after he was getting plenty of the footy early on.

He controlled things well and looks like he could develop into a real key defender for Horsham.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

HAMSTRING INJURIES

It’s that time of year again.

It’s cold and you’re playing sport. You’ve warmed up and you’re running around playing on the netball court or football field and you feel that Oh so familiar twinge, in your hamstring. Or maybe the hamstring injury has already occurred and you’ve done the recovery exercises and something still isn’t right.

Often this is because the pelvis where the hamstring attaches to is out of alignment. It causes the muscles to shorten and increases the risk of injury or delay in recovery. This can also change the rest of the spinal movements as the body tries to compensate for the unusual movement of the pelvis.

When chiropractors are looking at your back, we’re looking at all of it seeing what’s working and what’s not.

Chiropractic can help you move better and get more out of your game.

DisTriCT LEaGUE

Day out for the Cougars

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Kaniva-Leeor

United co-

captain Jock Maddern lived every footballer’s dream at the weekend when he kicked a goal after the siren to defeat Rupanyup in the Horsham District Football Netball League.

Facing a set shot from more than 25 metres out on an angle ill suited to his right foot, Maddern was unfazed.

Ignoring a host of Panthers defenders in the goal square attempting to put him off, Maddern calmly strode in and split the middle with his kick, delivering the Cougars a 10.8 (68) to 9.10 (64) win and sending the home crowd at Kaniva Recreation Reserve into raptures.

Maddern’s shot capped off what Kaniva-Leeor coach Jonno Hicks termed his team’s best performance of the season.

Patrick Munn played his best match of the year with a game-high four goals, Daniel White relished an opportunity to play on ball, and former AFL player Harley Bennell again showed his class, but Hicks said it was a team effort that earned the Cougars a win.

“It was one of our more impressive team performances. We have our vote cards every Saturday for best players

and there was a big spread,” he said.

“We named our best side for the year, which always helps. We had everyone available basically for the first time all season.

“They stuck to the task and it was awesome to get a win in that sort of situation, because it doesn’t happen very often. It was an exciting day for the club.”

Best for the visitors were Bill Hansen, Mitch Gleeson and Kane Timmins.

Rupanyup is still certain to play finals, but Saturday’s loss could put the Panthers – who at their best have challenged undefeated reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral – on track to play an away elimination final.

Meanwhile, the Cougars will miss post-season action this year, but Hicks said Saturday’s win could act as a springboard to further improvement next season.

“I feel like we’ve had improvement as a team and as individuals. There are players who have really picked up this year and hopefully they can carry that sort of attitude and keep developing next season,” he said.

“The way we finished the season last year was really disappointing. We really fell away and our attitude dropped off, so this year the group has addressed that.

“We’re really lucky that we’ve a good leadership group and they’ve identified that last year wasn’t good enough and they don’t want that to happen again.”

Hicks said Kaniva-Leeor hoped to entice Bennell to stay beyond this season.

“Adding Harley to the side has been a huge benefit, both with his football but also the direction and the confidence he gives his team mates,” he said.

“He’s been a fantastic team member, and that’s helped boost us in the second half of the year.

“I think Harley is in conversations with the club about playing next year.

“We’ve been thrilled to have him

as a person who was supposed to be coming as a one-off and then it was meant to be two, and then it turned into the whole second half of the season.

“He’s been an absolute pleasure to have.”

Elsewhere, Noradjuha-Quantong received a timely confidence boost with a 12.9 (81) to 7.11 (53) win against Swifts, atoning for a 31-point loss to the Baggies earlier this year.

The win gives the Bombers, who were led by coach Damian Cameron, who has re-signed for 2025, and the likes of Dawson Cross, Jack Vague and James Hallett, an inside track on a top-three finish, leading fourthplaced Laharum by nearly 30 percent-

Jones-Story catapults Laharum in ‘mind-boggling’

Laharum’s A Grade netballers fell just short of a remarkable feat on Saturday when they nearly recorded a tripledigit score in a 61-goal win against Taylors Lake.

The Demons shot a staggering 96 goals at Dock Lake Reserve, with an equally mind-boggling 83 of them coming from the hands of goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story.

Jones-Story has long been among the Horsham District Football Netball League’s elite goal shooters, but she surpassed even her own lofty standards by missing only 13 of her 96 attempts – a conversion rate of better than 86 per cent.

Laker goal keeper Zoe Gray fought

hard in an impossible position, with the weight of entries into the Laharum goal ring proving too much to combat.

The game marked the second occasion the Demons surpassed 90 goals in the past two seasons after they defeated Harrow-Balmoral 92-29 last year. Laharum’s next highest score this season also came against the Roos, when they scored 72 goals in round six.

With a bye this weekend followed by games against the Roos and Saints, Laharum has a chance to enter the finals undefeated as it chases its second A Grade premiership.

The weekend’s other results yielded few surprises, with finals-bound sides Noradjuha-Quantong, Kalkee and Rupanyup defeating Swifts, Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor United, respectively.

age points.

TAKING THE LEAD:

NoradjuhaQuantong’s James Hallett was a leader on the field in his team’s confidenceboosting win against Swifts on Saturday.

Harrow-Balmoral thrashed Natimuk United by 180 points, winning 32.19 (211) to 5.1 (31) with an even distribution of goal kickers, while Laharum easily accounted for Taylors Lake, winning 13.15 (93) to 4.8 (32).

Kalkee upset Pimpinio in the final game of the round, winning 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47) thanks to Ben Lawson’s seven goals.

The Kees have a bye this weekend along with Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong, while Natimuk United hosts Edenhope-Apsley, HarrowBalmoral travels to take on Swifts, Taylors Lake is away to Rupanyup and Pimpinio welcomes Kaniva-Leeor United.

performance

Penny Fisher doing plenty of work in the midcourt.

The Panthers continued their march towards the finals with a 53-35 win against the spirited Cougars, who trailed by only two goals at half time before Zanaiya Bergen’s hot shooting won out for Rupanyup.

Harrow-Balmoral came up short in its bid for a second win of the season, losing to Natimuk United 46-29 at Balmoral.

The win underscored the Demons’ dominance, with Noradjuha-Quantong, Edenhope-Apsley and Rupanyup the only sides to draw within a single-digit margin of Laharum all season.

Leading the way in the Bombers’ 5332 win were defender Brooke Pay and Jayne Tucker, who toggled between wing attack and goal attack.

Clair McDonald continued her stellar season in defence in the Kee’s 61-28 thumping of the Tigers, with

The Roos played a strong first term, limiting the visitors to eight goals, but Natimuk United goalie Emma Uebergang found her rhythm in the second quarter, eventually finishing with 33 goals in a match-winning

performance. With three rounds remaining before finals, Kaniva-Leeor United has a chance to seal the last finals spot in a road game at Pimpinio, while Swifts will be hoping for a Cougar loss and a win of their own against Harrow-Balmoral at North Park to keep their faint hopes alive. Other matches will see Natimuk United host Edenhope-Apsley and Taylors Lake travel to Rupanyup, while heavyweights Kalkee, Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong all have byes.

– Colin MacGillivray

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

WiMMEra LEaGUE

Stawell signs new coach for 2025

BY LAUREN HENRY

Despite having the bye at the weekend, Stawell had the biggest news of the Wimmera league this week.

James Sullivan has signed on as the Warriors’ senior coach for season 2025, replacing longstanding leader Tom Eckel.

Eckel expressed earlier in the season he wanted to step down as senior coach, but the Warriors expect the top-tier player to continue as a player next season.

President Shane Field said Sullivan came to the Warriors late last season after moving to the area with his wife, a paramedic.

Sullivan’s mutual connections with other Warriors led him to play at Stawell this year, following a stint as playing assistant coach at Caulfield Bears under the tutelage of former AFL player Lynden Dunn.

Prior to that, Sullivan was a premiership player with Tatura in the Goulburn Valley league.

“He also went to Box Hill Hawks development squad, where he was seeking to improve his football, but also some coaching skill set,” he said.

“He obviously wanted to be a coach, one way or another, whether he’s still playing or whether he finished playing.”

Field said Sullivan’s high football IQ, personality, communication and leadership skills led the club into coaching talks in mid-May.

“We knew Tom was going to step down at the end of this year so we knew we had to get on the hunt,” Field said.

“When Sullivan was injured about a

month ago, he sort of stepped up and became like a secondary bench coach, so we could see how well he used the bench when he had that chance.”

Field said the announcement, a month ahead of Stawell’s tilt at a premiership in its 150th year, was made in preparation for season 2025.

“Every team is trying to retain their players at this time of the year, and get prospective new recruits, so we’ve started talking to new recruits this time of year as well, and if you haven’t got a coach, you’ve got nothing to talk about,” he said.

Field said while plans were in place for next year, the Warriors still have high hopes of going deep into the finals this season.

“Hopefully we can get our full team playing – we haven’t had a full team together this year. We’ve had a few being overseas, injured and so forth,” he said.

“But, over the next month or so, we should see our full contingent. We’ve some big games coming up, with Horsham this weekend, then Warrack, and Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat to finish off with, so a good preparation going into the finals.”

Round 14

Wimmera league senior football showcased the closest of first halves on Saturday, with all four matches having a margin of less than 10 points at the main break.

Nhill went into half time at Horsham City Oval with a three-point lead, but the Demons put on an accurate display of goal-kicking in the second half to firstly turn around the scoreboard margin to lead by 10 points at the last break, before putting their foot on the accelerator in the last quarter.

Kicking seven goals straight in the fourth term, the Demons showed they had turned around the poor goal-

kicking they displayed in the first half of the 2024 season. Ryan Kemp led the way with five goals, while the Demons’ consistent trio of Brody Pope, Hugo Papst, and skipper Tyler Blake were judged best.

The Demons, now in fourth spot with an eight-point clearance over fifth-placed Nhill, will travel to Central Park, Stawell, to take on the thirdplaced Warriors, coming off a bye.

Marred by injuries to key players, it was Nhill’s first loss since round eight. The Tigers’ finals hopes rest on the remaining four games of the season, starting this week with Warrack Eagles.

The Eagles scored their first win of the season against Dimboola on Saturday.

Down by 10 points at quarter time, the Eagles dominated the second quarter to take the ascendancy on the scoreboard with a nine-point lead at the main break.

Led by Riley Morrow and Kyle Cheney, with two goals each, along with Matthew Penny and Lachie Stewart, the Eagles’ second half impressed their home crowd.

For Dimboola, a season full of promise is heading for disappointment as it lingers in second-last place on the ladder with two wins for the season.

The Roos face another challenge this week when they host Southern Mallee Thunder at Dimboola.

In another match with a close margin at half time, Minyip-Murtoa led by 10 points over Southern Mallee Thunder, but struggled to withstand the home side in the second half.

The Thunder’s defence held strong, restricting the Burras to just four points

after half-time to take a 24-point win and retain top spot on the ladder. The Thunder celebrated Zac Robins’ 200th club game, appropriately at Hopetoun where Robins has played much of his footy before joining Southern Mallee Giants and now the Thunder.

Led by Lou White, Sam White and Billy Lloyd, the Thunder, still without leading goal-kicker Brad Lowe, had Thomas Clarke kick three goals.

Although without multiple goalkickers, the Burras were well served by Luke Fisher, Kade Petering and John Delahunty.

A highlight for Minyip-Murtoa was the debut of Under 17 player Xavier Shevlin, who kicked a goal with his first kick in senior football.

The loss kept the Burras out of the top five, but they remain on the same points as the fifth-placed Nhill, placing even greater importance on this Saturday’s match against Ararat.

Playing at Minyip, the Burras will be hoping to impress as the club celebrates Minyip Football Club’s 1934, 1954 and 1984 premiership reunions.

But the task against the Rats is monumental. Ararat is coming off a 23-point win in a low-scoring match against Horsham Saints.

After a goalless first quarter, the Rats kicked three majors in the second term to even up the scoreline against the Saints’ inaccurate kicking of 2.7.

It was all Ararat in the third quarter, as they piled on 1.9 – as the Saints were held scoreless.

Ben Taylor, Henry Shea and Patrick Toner were impressive for the home side, as it extended its lead to win 6.14 to 3.9.

The Saints have a bye in round 15.

Wimmera league netballers selected for next year’s state squads

Four Wimmera league netballers have been selected in the squads for the 2025 Victorian netball teams.

The 50-player squads will undertake trials in coming weeks before being narrowed down to teams of 12.

In the 17 and under squad is Horsham Saints A Grade defender Maddison Bethune and Ararat 15 and under player Bridie Price.

While the 19 and under squad features Saints A Grade sharp shooter

Jorja Clode, who also plays for Bendigo Strikers’ 23 and under side in the

Victorian Netball League, and Dimboola defender Indy Ward.

Former Horsham Demons player Eva Manserra, now playing in Ballarat, was selected in the 19 and under squad, while Donald’s Addison Funcke was also selected in the 17 and under team.

Clode returned for the Saints in Wimmera league A Grade action at the weekend, shooting 70 goals in the reigning premiers’ 52-goal win against Ararat. It was not the only one-sided match

in round 14, as Dimboola had a solid 23-goal victory over Warrack Eagles.

The Roos were nine goals ahead at the last change, but hit their straps in the fourth quarter to pile on 20 goals to the home side’s six.

Dimboola goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou led the way with 29 as Olivia Beugelaar switched from defence into goal attack in the second half as the Roos used the substitute rule to its full advantage.

Horsham scored a comfortable win against Nhill, building on a 10-goal

lead at halftime to eventually run out 18-goal winners.

Demons goalshooting gun Imogen Worthy, with 41 goals, combined well with goal attack Georgia Batson to lead the way.

For the Tigers, Larnie Hobbs, in goal keeper, and Ashleigh Batson, wing defence, were named the best.

Keeping its finals hopes alive, Minyip-Murtoa was too good for Southern Mallee Thunder at Hopetoun.

The Burras led at every change as midcourter Tamika Mentha inspired

her team to a 55-46 win. MinyipMurtoa sit in fifth spot, on the same points as Stawell, in sixth, so the remaining four games will be crucial for both sides.

In round 16 this Saturday, Dimboola will host the Thunder, Ararat will travel to Minyip to face the Burras, Nhill play Warrack Eagles, and Stawell will need a big effort to knock over the Demons.

– Lauren Henry

UNDER PRESSURE: Nhill’s Daniel Batson kicks against Horsham.

spOrT

Record new entries

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham is gearing up for another record season with 47 teams entering the winter season starting today, surpassing the 44 teams from last season.

The response has necessitated the move of the A Reserve competition, which has eight teams, to Tuesday nights, while the women’s competition continues to grow with 12 teams participating, enabling the competition to be split into Women’s A and Women’s B sections.

Volleyball Horsham vice-president Matt McLoughlin said the response had been overwhelming.

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw the entries at our last committee meeting. We had to make some pretty big decisions about how best to cater for the response – we hadn’t been in that position before,” he said.

“The beauty of this was the support from a broad cross section of players. The Filipino community has doubled its numbers from last season, while we have a B Grade team made up of internationals representing countries from all around the world, as well as players from across the Wimmera.”

McLoughlin said the growth in numbers would see the association hit more than 300 members in a season for the first time, showing just how popular the sport is.

“We’ve had 300 members in a year before, but not 300 in a season, we’re stoked,” he said.

With the focus on juniors as they gear up for the September junior country championships, the association has made the decision to play through the school holidays, enabling the season to finish just before the annual tournament.

“We wanted to ensure the kids played as much

as possible in the lead up to the championships, especially our under-19 boys and girls, as they have been entered as squads into their respective grades of competition,” McLoughlin said.

Coaches appointed

Coaching appointments have been finalised for the junior country championships, with six volunteers putting their hands up.

Experienced Jack Hannan will dip his toes into coaching for the first time as he takes on the under-19 boys’ team, while David Berry will look after the girls. Justin Brilliant continues his role with the under-17 boys, and McLoughlin will coach the under-17 girls. Young gun Oscar Jackman will try coaching for the first time as he looks after the under-15 boys, while the experienced Laelah Robertson will guide a young under-15 group.

Phantoms to finals

Phantoms have qualified four teams for finals in a positive result for the club.

Premier 1 men and women, Premier 2 men and State League 1 men will take to the courts at the State Volleyball Centre on Saturday.

The Premier 1 men failed in their attempt to take top spot on the ladder when they went down to Renegades in five sets last weekend. They will now square-off against Monash in the second quarter final on Saturday, hoping to progress through to semi-finals the following week.

The Premier 1 women will face a tough task against last season’s premiers Dandenong in their quarter final, but the fact they made the finals for the first time in five years is a positive sign.

The Premier 2 men have a very winnable game against Latrobe Uni, while the State League 1 men play KVA Future Stars who finished top in their pool.

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Brought

UP FOR GRABS:

CFA District 17 clay target shoot organiser

Dale Russell with District 17 staff

Shannon Arnott, centre, and Jodie

with armfuls of prizes.

Taking aim for annual fundraiser

Country Fire Authority’s annual fundraising claybird shoot is again offering competitors in all grades thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes, while raising money for The Alfred hospital’s burns unit.

Shoot co-ordinator Dale Russell said both licensed and non-licensed shooters could participate in Sunday’s event at Natimuk.

“Everyone is welcome, members of the public are welcome, and particularly fire brigade members,” he said.

“People without a licence can shoot under the instruc-

tion of a licensed shooter during the event.

“It is a fundraiser for The Alfred hospital burns unit, which is connected to fire brigades, and in fact, we have had a number of our CFA members treated by the burns unit in Melbourne in years gone by, so it hits pretty close to home.”

Since the first shoot in 2001, more than $24,500 has been raised for the burns unit.

“We usually have 120 to 130 participants, and have had as many as 150 over the years,” Mr Russell said. The event is a 52-target

simulated field, with full catering available on the day.

First, second and third placing will be awarded in competition sections including – members of gun clubs, non-members of gun clubs, ladies, juniors, brigade threeperson teams, and brigade aggregate.

People wanting to sponsor the event with items for prizes can leave them at the CFA district office at 19 McLachlan Street, Horsham, or contact Mr Russell on 0427 807 300.

Start time is 10.30am, the entry fee for adults is $35, and juniors $20.

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Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Ika league best

Horsham Football Netball Club capped a premiership season in the Western Victoria Female Football League with Vanilla Ika winning the senior best-and-fairest award at a league count on Sunday.

Ika polled 17 votes to win the award for a second successive season, with Tyrendarra’s Ebony Stiles second on 12 votes and Horsham’s Holly Nuske third.

Elle Treloar topped the senior women’s goalkicking tally with 27, five ahead of South Warrnambool’s Soraya Kearney-Knox, with another Demon, Shannon Cross, in third place.

The Demons also hosted their club awards night on Friday, with Crystal Summers taking home the senior best-and-fairest trophy and Nuske finishing runner-up.

Cross was named most consistent in the senior side, with Dellie Brown winning most determined, Lauren May taking out most improved and Patria Lees the top first-year player, while Maddie Huggins and Catherine O’Dea shared the coaches award.

Lara Purchase was the Demons’ under-18 best-and-fairest, finishing ahead of Charmaine Lockwood.

Poppy Peters and Greta Arnel were most consistent, Violet McGennisken was most valuable, Amaya Woodward most determined, Maggie Fisher the best first-year player, and Teilah Couch picked up the coaches award.

Peters also made her debut for Greater Western Victoria

Rebels on Sunday against Calder Cannons.

Elle Treloar

Vanilla Ika

Crystal Summers Lara Purchase

Charmaine Lockwood

Holly Nuske

Vol. 27 No. 5

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Bombers in sync

Noradjuha-Quantong footballers Declan Bushby, left, and Harley Pope channel their best Olympic-inspired synchronised move on the way to the Bombers’ win against second-placed Swifts in Horsham District football action at Quantong. The win puts the Bombers one win behind the Baggies on the ladder and percentage above Laharum, in fourth. Swifts take on Harrow-Balmoral this week and the Bombers have a bye. Story, page 44.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER