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Loddon HERALD Vol 1 No 1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

LODGE STAYS

Historic pavilion will be retained after latest talks THE HISTORIC Catto Lodge at Melville Caves will be retained when Kooyoora State Park is redeveloped. Weekend talks between the Catto family, community and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation secured the 65-year-old pavilion’s future. Earlier plans to demolish the lodge had angered the local community and Catto family descendants. Corporation CEO Rodney Carter said: “We have chosen to set aside the lodge. That’s the best and sensible approach.” Mr Carter while there had been some consultations on plans for the park, they could have been more detailed and he looked to improvements in engagement. “It would be good to explore opportunities looking at conservation of the lodge when the time is right,” he said. “A collaborative relationship (with community) is the key to doing this properly.” The lodge honours Stan Catto, a Korong Shire councillor who in 1952 had a vision to create a park around Melville Caves.

By CHRIS EARL Stan Catto in conjunction with the then-Forests Commission forged ahead with the plans and formed a park committion. He was the first president. Nephew Matt Catto told the Loddon Herald that last Saturday’s meeting had helped the corporation understand “the importance of the area to us and our connections and community”. Another nephew Glenn Catto said: “The Rheola community established this ... Stan’s vision was for everyone to use the park and share it.” Working bees helped bring the vision to reality and Sunday concerts in the 1960s and 1970s financed infrastructure improvements, including a bitumen road and erosion mitigation works. The lodge was completed in 1956 and has since hosted family picnics, weddings and funerals. Glenn said there were no objections to 90 per cent of the Dja Dja Wurang Corporation plans but locals had been against demolition of the lodge. Hamish Catto said the com-

munity had been temporary custodians of the park for more than 150 years. “The Aboriginal community has returned which is good but don’t erase the contributions the locals have made,” said Hamish, a great-nephew of Stan Catto. Stan son Geoff said: “My father’s vision was to share the park.” Howard Rochester has guided visitors around the park for many years, particularly school groups with Aboriginal students. He was among community members wanting Catto Lodge retained in park plans.

Hamish, Jane, Geoff, Glenn and Lachlan Catto (above) and local residents at the lodge. LH PHOTOS

2 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020

Footy club makes quick sale on pub at town’s heart NEWSBRIDGE Football Netball Club has made one of the fastest sales of a hotel leasehold. The club offered the lease on the town’s pub late last week and wthin 48 hours announced it had been sold. Terry Miller, who owns the freehold on the hotel, has bought back the lease. Terry has has owned the hotel freehold for 16 years. Just over five years ago, the football club took over the lease and has been running the hotel with members volunteering for duties.

The club’s purchase had been spurred by wanting to invest in the local community and raise funds for the club. President Kristian Shevlin sasid: “The hotel was naturally shut during COVID and coming out of that, thought it was the right time to put it on the market.” The club will remain a major supporter of the hotel for bar and meal trade. Miller, who has had a break of 10 years from running the hotel, is a keen supporter of football and netball club. Both say the town needs the hotel for community connection.

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e love a laugh at the Loddon Herald ... so here goes this week with a selection of great “Dad Jokes”.

patient sobs to his doctor, “I feel like a pair of curtains!” Doctor: “Well pull yourself together man!

aughter: “Mum, can I get a cat or a dog at Christmas, please?” Mom: “No honey, you will be getting turkey, like every Christmas!”

guy goes to a doctor because he’s got a strawberry growing out of his chest. The doctor looks, examines and finally says, “Let me give you some cream to put on it.”

magician, decided to incorporate the use of trapdoors in his shows. But I think it’s just a stage he’s going through.

urse to a doctor: Doctor, here’s your list of heart, liver and kidney donors. I already sorted them alphabetically. - Doctor: Excellent job. Seriously well organized.

hich country’s capital is the fastest growing? - Answer: Ireland’s. - Every year it’s Dublin.

he boss yelled at me the other day, “You’ve got to be the worst

train driver in history. How many trains did you derail last year?” Driver replied: “Can’t say for sure, it’s so hard to keep track!”

bacon sandwich walks into one of the local bars a few weeks back and looked at the top shelf behhind the bar and ordered the best 18-year-old Scotch whisky. “Sorry,” growled the bartender, “We don’t serve food here.”

obert Crinklethumbknut, international tongue-twister champion, made headlines when he got arrested. The rumor is, he’s getting a really tough sentence.

hey’re building a restaurant on Mars now. They say the food will be great, but they’re worried about a lack of atmosphere.

Have a funny story to share with readers. Email it to loddonherald@gmail.com

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Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020 | 3

Connection through art

HARVEST LATEST

Strong demand on the domestic and international markets expected for wheat and barley after one of the best harvests on record for grain growers in the Boort district.

Big grain haul puts smiles on the faces A BUMPER harvest, Australia’s international price competiveness and domestic demand for grain could cap off a good season for local farmers. Boort Grain Co-operative manager Jon Bucknall said the local facility received $145,000 tonnes last month, second only to 2016-2017’s 170,000 tonnes. Barley accounted for 60 per cent of of grain stripped from 100 farms in the district and wheat 35 per cent. “It’s been an exceptional season,” he said. Mr Bucknall said an estimated 70 per cent of the grain was currently warehoused at Boort and ready for marketing. “We are expecting strong demand from both export and domestic buyers this year,” he

STOP PRESS JAMBOUREE CANCELLED WEDDERBURN Tourism has cancelled the 2021 Minelab Wedderburn Detector Jamboree. The annual two-day event on the March long weekend has been held since 1998. Wedderburn Tourism said the reluctant decision to cancel was due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the additional requirements volunteers faced under current State Government event regulations. “Hopefully things are back on track in 2022,”

said. “Our grain is of a pretty high quality. “Early fears of a La Nina forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology gave cause for some fears prior to harvest but it has turned out pretty normal for quantities across the quality grades for both wheat and barley.” Mr Bucknall said Australian wheat and barley was extremely competitive in the international market and expects bulk export demand to be strong through to August. He said the market had alrfeady adjusted before China announced increased tariffs on Australian barley. “They first advised of claims of dumping back in 2018,” he said. “So the market had reacted well before China’s an-

nouncement late last year.” Currently listed at just over $200, local barley has also displaced wheat as the preferred feed in some industries including chicken production, Mr Bucknall said. He said a large domestic market had emerged for the local grains, particularly in the Goulburn Valley. About half the total receival at Boort this season came from the co-operative’s 40 members. Industry observers have predicted a possible doubling of Australian barley exports to Thailand and Vietnam with India also indentified as a market to fill the void left by China snubbing the grain. Domestic buyers were faced with balancing local price and

demand with increasing interest from overseas, Mr Bucknall said. “Domestic consumers went into harvest on the short side because they knew there was a big crop, and now they’ve found barley is up $20 on where they could have been buying at harvest,” commodity broker Brad Knight said last week. Mr Knight said they faced competition from container packers chasing tonnage on short notice, as a limited number of boxes became available and from exporters looking for final parcels to top up bulk shipments. Grain Corp in its final harvest report said the total received in Victoria at its sites had been 3,5 million tonnes.

LODDON Shire Council has secured funding from the State Government’s Let’s Stay Connected Fund for 30 shire residents to take part in a free online meditative drawing program to help reduce stress related to COVID-19. The 12-week Artly - Let’s Stay Connected Program starts on February 24 with a live Zoom session. Participants will receive an art materials pack and will be guided through simple pencil and paper-based drawing exercises designed to create feelings of relaxation and increased wellbeing. Mindfulness and relaxation are the focus of the program. Council’s Director Community Wellbeing Wendy Gladman said: “Even though COVID restrictions have eased in our Shire, many people have had a challenging time and are experiencing increased stress or social isolation as a result. “People in our community who will continue to exercise social distancing ... or who are still grappling with stresses associated with changes in social practices, impacts to their livelihoods, or increased care-loads will find this program a great support.” Free places are available on a ‘first-in-best-dressed’ basis, untilFebruary 10. To register: www.artlytherapy.com/ online-courses, adding Loddon to the cart.

Pupils head back to class SCHOOL students today started returning to the classroom to commence the new learning year. Motorists have been asked to make safe driving their number one priority with students back at school and to observe school speed zone restrictions.

Next week’s Loddon Herald will have reports on local students back in class.

Farm IT trial program’s next round GRANT applications for the second round of funding under the State Government’s On-Farm IoT trial close tomorrow. Loddon Shire is one of five areas selected to be part of the trial. Information sessions were held last week for farmers in the region with a presentation by local farm IT provider AgCloud. Under the trial, grants are available for farmers in horticulture, dairy, cattle, sheep and broadacre cropping to invest in IoT technologies

matched to their on-farm needs. The first round of the IoT trial was a pilot round, during which Agriculture Victoria received 92 successful grant applications. Agriculture Victoria is now seeking to enrol additional farms for the second round of the trial The On-Farm IoT Trial will support on-farm adoption of the IoT by addressing barriers to uptake, including: zz Lack of connectivity — Agriculture Victoria is partnering with NBNCo to deliver IoT network connectivity to

each of the four trial regions. zz Digital literacy — Industry Technology Co-ordinators with expertise in farm management and digital technology will support farmers participating in the On-farm IoT Trial. This may also include helping farmers to select IoT solutions and test that they are matched to their on-farm needs. zz Capital to invest in onfarm IoT technologies — Agriculture Victoria will contribute to the cost of purchasing IoT apps and devices for farmers taking part in the trial.

Through the On-Farm IoT Trial, Agriculture Victoria is partnering with up to 600 farms to trial on-farm IoT technology and evaluate the impact these technologies can have on farm performance. For round two of funding, a maximum grant amount of $25,000 (excluding GST) will be awarded per eligible application. Farmers will be required to make a minimum co-contribution of $1 for every $2 grant money awarded, based on the cost of apps and devices excluding GST.

4 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020

Award tops a year of challenge CALIVIL raised the Australian flag in celebration of 2021 Loddon Shire Young Citizen of the Year Hugh Cartwright. Hugh was announced the recipient of the shire’s major youth award by Terrick Ward councillor Dan Straub. The young farmer completed VCE last year at East Loddon P-12 College and is about to study agronomy at Longerenong Agricultural College He helped put together online events last year for the school, including the ANZAC Day service that crossed to all areas of the Shire. Hugh was recognised with the Year 12 ADF Long Tan – innovators East Loddon Award for his significant contribution to the VCE Agriculture and Horticulture program at East Loddon. He was integral in the student voice encouraging this subject to return to the VCE curriculum. He was also the recipient of the Year 10 ADF Long Tan – student leadership and community involvement East

Rae, Tracey recognised RAE Broadbent and Tracey Webb have been recognised with the Loddon Shire’s Inglewood Ward community service awards. They were presented with special certificates by Cr Wendy Murphy during the Australia Day breakfast celebrations in Bridgewater. Rae is a long-time member of Campbells Forest Fire Brigade and hall committee. He has been a member of Bridgewater Cemetery Trust for more than 30 years and is also president of the bowling club. Tracey was active in connecting communities during COVID and organised gifts at Easter, ANZAC Day, Mother’s Day and for significant birthdays of residents. She is also involved with Bridgewater Primary School Parents’ Club and the Mother’s Day Classic.

Young Citizen of the Year Hugh Cartwright. LH PHOTO Loddon Award for his leadership in school and broader community events, particularly with his fundraising and public speaking in the lead up to a school trip to Turkey. Hugh said 2020 had been challenging, thanking family and friends for their support. East Loddon Lions Club provided breakfast for the cel-

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ebrations where guest speaker was Lisa Mitchell. Lisa, a former dux at East Loddon P-12, this week returns to the school as a teacher and is studying for her masters in health and physical education. She encouraged people to create their own opportunities and luck by being “brave enough to try”.

Rae Broadbent and Tracey Webb. LH PHOTO

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Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020 | 5

Howard blows big at shire celebrations LIFE-LONG Wedderburn resident Howard Matthews is the 2021 Loddon Shire Citizen of the Year. The announcement by Cr Gavan Holt at Wedderburn on Tuesday surprised Howard who was sitting to the side of the Oldtimers’ Bandstand after playing the National Anthem on his euphonium. Howard had been a member of the former Wedderburn Brass Band, later playing with bands in Bendigo and is still blowing away with the Charlton-Wycheproof band. His award citation said: “Howard has made tireless contributions to the Wedderburn community since being a founding member of the Wedderburn Cycling Club in the 1950s. “Howard’s service to Wed-

derburn’s sporting clubs extended to the Wedderburn Band Cricket Club where he scored at both home and away matches for many years, and at the Wedderburn Football Club, where he held the office of secretary from 1964 to 1968, and is one of only three people to take on this role for five consecutive years. “He has also volunteered at the Wedderburn Golf Club, where his contribution to the club’s course maintenance was always done humbly and dutifully. “It was at the CFA Region 19 Wedderburn Urban Fire Brigade that Howard’s most significant volunteer service was made. Between 1955 and 1982, Howard held numerous positions including secretary and treasurer from 1969 to 1973,

1st lieutenant from 1973 to 1975, and foreman/apparatus officer from 1961 to 1965. During 27 years of service with the CFA, Howard also attended regular training and competition events.” Accepting the award, Howard was brief: “Thank you very, very much.” Howard was soon joined by wife Margaret, family and friends offering their congratulations. Cr Holt said Howard was a most worthy recipient of the award. Guest speaker was Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program director and local farmer Jude Hannah. Jude returned to the district after a career in the United States. Wedderburn Lions Club provided the barbecue.

NOW HEAR THIS! Cr Gavan Holt with Citizen of the Year Howard Matthews, his wife Margaret and family after the announcement. LH PHOTO

Patchwork in spotlight

FROM helping establish the Dingee Library to the East Loddon Memorial Pillar project and a stalwart of the town’s bush nursing centre and Country Women’s Association branch, Robyn Brown is now a recipient of the Terrick Ward community service award. Cr Dan Straub made the presentation to Robyn during celebrations in Calivil. Robyn is also involved with East Loddon Historical Society.

SUSAN Lockhart has been presented with the Wedderburn Ward community service award and a special recognition award for community engagement during COVID-19 in 2020. She engaged more than 240 households in and around the town for The Front Door photography project. Susan is also involved in local sports administration and as a member of the North Central league board.

The Loddon Shire’s Community Group of the Year award has been received by Wedderburn Patchwork Group for its annual Christmas Tree Festival The Community Event of the Year is Bridgewater Bowling Club for its twilight bowls activity. The Tarnagulla Ward award for community service was presented to Roger Terrill during the Australia Day celebrations in Newbridge. Next week’s Loddon Herald will have more stories and pictorial coverage of Australia Day celebrations from across the region.

6 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020

OPINIONS & QUIZ

By CR NEIL BEATTIE MAYOR, LODDON SHIRE FIRSTLY, I’d like to welcome the Loddon Herald to Loddon Shire and thank its editor Chris Earl for bringing a local newspaper back to our community. It is fantastic to have a local newspaper once again in our Shire, after we lost The Loddon Times last year. During these times of COVID-19, where we have all felt the impacts and uncertainty this pandemic has brought with it, having a local newspaper is especially important. Local newspapers are the lifeblood of our community. It is where we find out about news that affects us as a community, it’s where we discover and celebrate the great work local people and local organisations contribute to our communities, and where we find out about local events. The local newspaper is, of course, where we come to read about that other lifeblood of our community – local sport. Many times you would see a community member get a copy of the local paper and flip it straight to the back page to find out the local sports results. Local newspapers are also at the forefront when tragic events strike our communities. Their editors and reporters live and work in their communities, and are often affected by these events too.

Local PERSPECTIVE

They also provide an important local perspective and understanding of the impacts of these events on communities – something that often lacks in state or national coverage. People in the community also value their local newspaper. Many times you hear “I read in the local paper that ...” People will often take pride in seeing themselves and loved ones’ names or photos in the local paper. Local newspapers also provide an opportunity for local businesses and organisations to help inform and reach into their community through advertising and local stories. This includes Loddon Shire, which

relies on local news and advertising as another way to inform our community about Council news, projects, activities and events. Everything I’ve mentioned so far about the role of local newspapers, in fact, also highlights one other thing – the importance of local newspapers in keeping our community connected. This community connection is especially important in a Shire like ours, which has many small towns and communities spread over a significant land area of around 6700 square kilometres. Through providing a source of local news and events, the Loddon Herald will play an important role in keeping our community across all parts of the Shire not only informed, but connected to each other. We also look forward to sharing what’s happening in Loddon Shire news, including current and upcoming projects, tourism and events, public consultation and feedback being sought, and other general happenings. There’s plenty on the agenda too. This includes the continued roll out of Council’s 2020-21 infrastructure program, the development of Council’s four-year plan and vision through The Loddon Project, further activation of outdoor dining at hospitality venues across the Shire, and much more. On behalf of Loddon Shire, I again welcome and congratulate the Loddon Herald on its first edition.

Local newspapers also provide an opportunity for local businesses ‘and organisations to help inform and reach into their community

’

through advertising and local stories

LH MAILBOX

Letters to the editor can be sent to: loddonherald@gmail.com

1. In what year did explorer Major Thomas Mitchell pass through the Loddon region? 2. Who was Inglewood Football Club’s first paid coach? 3. And what other first did he achieve? 4. What is the world’s population? 5. How old is the Duke of Edinburgh? 6. What was Sir Donald Bradman’s test average? 7. In December 2020, what anniverdary did ABC Radio’s Country Hour mark? 8. What was the nickname of international one-day cricket when it was introduced? 9. How many clubs have not won a VFL/AFL premiership? 10: Name them! 11. Where was Evonne Goolagong Cawley born? 12. How many Grand Slam tournaments did she win? 13. Who was Australia’s first prime minister? 14. Who was the Calder Highway named after? 15. How many stars are on the Australian flag? 16. Who wrote Waltzing Matilda? 17. True or False: Australia is the country with the most islands. 18. Who had the hit Sadie the Cleaning Lady in the 1960s? 19. Where is The Big Banana? 20. How often will the Loddon Herald be published?

ANSWERS 1. 1836. 2. EJ (Carjie) Grieves. 3. First Brownlow medalist. 4. 7.8 billion. 5. 99 (turns 100 in June). 6. 99.94. 7. 75 years on air. 8. Pyjama cricket. 9. Four. 10. University, Fremantle, Gold Coast, GWS. 11. Griffith. 12. Seven. 13. Edmund Barton. 14. William Calder (CRB chairman). 15. Six. 16. Banjo Paterson. 17. False. 18. John Farnham. 19. Coffs Harbor. 20. Weekly.

Local news key to staying in touch

Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020 | 7

History book grant program now open MEMBER for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is encouraging local community organisations to put their hands up for a share in $350,000 of state funding available for projects that preserve and share stories of local history. The Local History Grants Program managed by the Public Record Office Victoria, is currently accepting grant applications for up to $15,000.

Mr Walsh said the grants were a great opportunity for notfor-profit community groups to tackle valuable local history projects. “Local history is irreplaceable for regional communities and our local historical societies and organisations do a great job of collecting and sharing our stories,” Mr Walsh said. “Funds of as much as $15,000

can go a long way towards preserving our history. “I’m strongly urging our local groups to get their applications in so these stories can be heard – now and by future generations.” Examples of projects funded in previous rounds have included making local history accessible through online virtual tours, walking apps, e-books, online digitisation projects

and oral histories. The Public Records Office encourages community groups considering an upcoming history or anniversary project to apply for a grant. Organisations previously have ranged from sports clubs to schools and historical societies. Applications close on March 9. To apply visit https://prov.vic.gov.au/ community/grants-and-awards/ local-history-grants-program.

Call for flood memories BRIDGEWATER has remembered the 10th anniversary of floods across the Loddon Shire with a community barbecue. Local development committee vice-president Graham Morse reminded residents the flooding had caused significant damage in January 2011. But he said there had been positives since with the construction of foreshore paths along the Loddon River and redevelopment of the Bridgewater caravan park. Colleen Condliffe asked those attending the event to celebrate community resilience to record their memories of the floods. She has suggested that books be compiled of resident stories and photographs for each shire ward “while memories are fresh in our minds”. More than 30 per cent of the shire was hit by the second largest flood in recorded history. Only floods in 1909 were larger than January 2011 that followed flooding the previous September and December. At the flood’s peak, water volumes recorded at the Laanecoorie Reservoir spillway reached 194 gigalitres a day and flood waters in the shire 90km long and 50km wide. The barbecue was organised by Kooyoora Women’s Network and Loddon Shire.

IN BRIEF Biosecurity survey AGRICULTURE Victoria has launched a statewide survey on biosecurity. The Understanding Victoria’s Biosecurity System Survey seeks to understand attitudes and knowledge of Victoria’s biosecurity system to improve preparation to meet future biosecurity challenges. Biosecurity Services Executive Director Katherine Clift said farmers, businesses, industry groups and community members were invited to contribute. “The agriculture sector contributes over $14 billion to the Victorian economy, supporting essential food supply both here in Australia and overseas, and providing thousands of jobs,” Dr Clift said. The survey closes on February 11.

Phil’s 50 years

A COMMUNITY TOGETHER: Bridgewater marks the 10th anniversary of major floods across the shire. LH PHOTOS

LODDON Shire CEO Phil Pinyon last week notched up 50 years working in local government. Phil has been at the helm of Loddon for the past five years after earlier senior appointments in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia. Well done Phil!

Jamming at oval MUSIC will have Inglewood Recreation Ground rocking this Saturday. The football netball club will stage Jam at the Oval from 4pm into the evening with children’s activities running until 6pm. Social distancing rules will be in force and patrons are to bring their own chair.

Cool grant NEW FRIDGES have just been installed in Pyramid Hill Football Netball Club pavilion. This follows a Federal Government volunteer grant to the club announced last year by Mallee MP Anne Webster.

8 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020

‘New’ destination on the map VICTORIANS looking for a new holiday experience have doubled Boort’s population this summer. The local caravan park has been at capacity since Christmas, creating a January like no other for owners Wendy and Tim James. Running the past for four years after 25 years as annual visitors, Wendy says this January has been like no other. “With the NSW border clo-

sure, people have been looking closer to home ... to get in or extend their stay,” she said. “It’s been quite amazing as people are looking for a different experience and finding it in Boort. We’re looking at more people who now see Boort as an annual destination for their holidays.” While the State Government released two batches of holiday vouchers that were quickly snapped up, Wendy says there

has been no park visitors with the tourist rebate. She says sites and cabins have been turning over as fast as a booking ends. “People are looking for water, water sports and we have that in Boort,” Wendy said. “The town’s population has doubled since Christmas with people coming here. “The caravan park could be filled if it was twice the size,” said Wendy.

SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER: Tim James. LH PHOTO

Funds grow outdoor dining across region CAFES and hotels across Loddon are expanding their outdoor dining areas to lift business during COVID-19 restrictions. Pyramid Hill’s Coffee Bank last week took delivery of outdoor tables, seats and planter boxes supplied by Loddon Shire Council. The shire received $250,000 from the State Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Activation Project. The Coffee Bank’s Debby Forster said: “We have been able to increase our dining space and still observe the social distancing requirements. “With the fine weather, customers are choosing to use the new outdoor space. It’s being well used.” Debby said the funding was helping support local businesses. “It’s really good. We can only have so many people inside.” Her appreciation for council’s support was echoed by Newbridge Football Club president Kristian Shevlin. The club has been running the town’s hotel and established outdoor dining areas under the verandah of the historic local pub. The first site under the project was launched last month at the Commercial Hotel Boort. “This outdoor dining and entertainment activation funding will deliver a boost for our local pubs and cafes,” Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie said. “It is going to make a big difference to venues like the Commercial Hotel, and is about

COFFEE Bank Pyramid Hill’s Debby Forster enjoys the new outdoor dining area installed last week and work at Tarnagulla (below). LH PHOTO Council, in partnership with the State Government, providing stimulus to the hospitality industry after the tough year that has been 2020.” Outdoor dining spaces have also been created at hotels in Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn while a new space have been developed for the cafe at Taranagulla Community Centre. Umbrellas will also be added to many of the new outdoor dining areas.

Committees in place managing local assets LODDON Shire Council yesterday moved to make appointments to management committees of hall and other facilities in local towns. Councillors received recommendations on appointments including: Donaldson Park: Gavan Holt (Chair), Jon Chandler, Brett Jackson, Laurie Whitham, Danny Fowles, Bruce Hargreaves, Tom Nisbet, Peter McHugh, Tim Lockhart, Alex Holt, Andrew Caserta, Ian Gould, Julie Benaim, Sharyn Lockhart, Trudie Van de Wetering. Jones Eucalyptus Distillery: Jeff Hooley, Ian Collie, Murray Baud, Bert Bradley, Chris Sharp, Leigh Lamprell, Kevin Poyser. Boort Aerodrome: Peter Eicher, Campbell Chalmers, Jamie Whitmore, Ken Loader, Ray Stomann, Adam Wright, Dick Lanyon, Geoff Boutcher. Campbells Forest Hall: Don Wilson, Rae Broadbent, Fred Shea, Gaye Larson, Glenda Wilson, Ann-Maree Davis, Janine Cornish, Robyn Shae, Shaun Cattanach, Toni Shea. Pyramid Hill swimming pool kiosk: Tania Burke, Alison Farrar, Colleen Hampson, Vaughan Herrick, Katrina Van Eyk, Kelly Gould, Kim Lister, Penny Caspani, Nizelle Sawit, Rachel Cain, Karen Apostol. Inglewood Town Hall Hub: Enzo Scafati, Brian Rodwell, Deb Coon, Pauline Wellman, Jean McClymont, Kim Hanlon.

Young professionals join local health service

Georgia Bartels

INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service has its first speech pathologist. Georgia Bartels has just started in the new role that has been funded by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Georgia will provide community speech pathology services for the 0-12 age group across both Loddon and Buloke shires. And with the return of schools, preschools and playgroups, Georgia will

be making her way across the shires to start creating connections with early educators, children and families. IDHS says it is excited to see the expansion of allied health services at IDHS, a great benefit for our community. Meanwhile, another of the newest IDHS staff members Ben Fitzgerald has successfully completing his studies in physiotherapy.

Ben had previously completed a student placement at IDHS as a physiotherapy student. He has chosen to return to Inglewood as a graduate. And graduate nurses Darcey Whitechurch (2020), Sheree Peters (2020), Tiarna Marsh (2019) and Hannah Diamond (2020) have received their certificates for successfully completing their graduate year at IDHS. Tarnia is now on the Inglewood staff.

Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020 | 9

FLOORS PAVED WITH PAGES OF GREAT STORIES

WALKING ON HISTORY By CHRIS EARL TWO Inglewood business owners put time to amazing use during COVID lockdowns. The historic former Inglewood Advertiser and two adjoining shops in the Brooke Street building have become a contemporary time capsule. The restored front door stipped back to reveal charring believed to be from the 1876 Great Fire of Inglewood just before Christmas that year - leads the way to new floors covered in time. Gaylia Bell and Carey Imms spent months during COVID closure replacing floorboards and ripping up lino. Under the floor they found charred timber that Gaylia believes may have been covered over when the Inglewood Advertiser swiftly set about continuing publication. Newspaper reports immediately after the fire said the Advertiser office was “altogether upset internally, and some time must lapse to put the plant in business order”. Carey said: “Gaylia had pulled up the old lino at her Dad’s place and found heaps of newspapers all from the year she was born. “She fronted up the next morning so excited, explaining she would be using them as a floor treatment.” When more newspapers were needed to complete the floor stage of a mammoth restoration project, Gaylia says she just used pages from 2020 papers, linking one new era with another. “Once the floors were cleaned and bondcreted, the magazines and newspapers were put down and sealed with polyurethane,” Carey said. Gaylia, owner of Loddon Larder, and Horse World’s Carey also set about washing down walls, rendering, painting and pointing brickwork. “Every wall required two to three washes with Gaylia putting her mortar pointing skills to work until we had a surface we couid seal,” Carey said. Gaylia expanded her Loddon Larder theme at the same time to include oils, scents, jewelry and native trees. Carey says it was inspirational. “We believe that to combat this insipid virus you need to address mind, body and soul”. “We have also been able to provide sanitiser and bottles to put in in. “And I started a book table where people could make a small donation for a book. So far I think we have gone to

SITTING ON NEWS: Gaylia Bell and Carey Imms after restoring shops that once housed to the Inglewood Advertiser where Sir Julius Vogel (right) wrote and edited the local newspaper before heading to New Zealand and becoming that nation’s premier. LH PHOTO about 18 to 20 boxes and filled quite a few charity tins.” Just over a year from beginning the renovation of the three shops - large palm trees preventing rear access to the building had to be heavily pruned first - has allowed Loddon Larder to open as a new business and Horse World to move into new premises. Gaylia and Carey juggled running businesses with what may have appeared a never-ending restoration project. “We eventually got to the middle shop, had it cleared and even managed to move the old bank safe and have it taken away,” Carey said. “Then there was more scrubbing and cleaning walls, more pointing and more laying of magazines and newspapers, up and down the ladder serving customers, the bonus of losing

weight and gaining fitness has not been lost on me. “And of course the idea to use current papers as we were all living history.” The vision and doggedness of Gaylia and Carey is probably a bit like an earlier dreamer who

vertiser. His sparkling leading ar-ticles, although disparaged for their ‘low and vulgar style’, identified with local needs and interests. He speculated in mining and was for a time director of a gold reef company. He was also a cricketer, an inveterate gambler and an aspiring bon vivant. After failing to win a seat in the Victorian Parliament in 1861, Vogel headed to New Zealand and became a journalist for the Otago Witness. In November 1861, he founded the Otago Daily Times and became the newspaper’s editor. Vogel was elected to the New Zealand Parliament two years later and soon became a government minister. He was was premier (the title prime minister came about from 1907) from 1873 to 1875 and again in

We eventually got to the middle shop, had it cleared and even managed to move the old bank safe and have it taken away plied his trade in the building. Sir Julius Vogel was the owner and editor of the Inglewood Advertiser from 1859 to 1861. He had studied chemistry and metallurgy at the Royal School of Mines (later part of Imperial College London) and emigrated to Victoria in 1852, being editor of several newspapers on the goldfields, including the Inglewood Advertiser and the Maryborough and Dunolly Ad-

1876. From 1876 to 1881, he was agent-general for New Zealand in London. The Australian Dictionary of Biography says Vogel was one of the first Australasian statesmen to see the Pacific as an area for British expansion. He failed to persuade the Colonial Office to annex Fiji and Samoa and turned to the idea of an informal empire — the creation of a joint stock company with a monopoly of trade with Polynesia. He welcomed the occupation of Fiji by Britain in 1874 and the annexation of eastern New Guinea by Queensland in 1883, and was prepared to contribute £2500 for three years towards the administration in New Guinea. Vogel died in London in 1899. Carey says” “Through blood, sweat and tears, but mostly laughter, we hav e built our space and businesses and a wondeful friendship.” A bit like Sir Julius Vogel, Carey and Gaylia are meeting the local needs today.

Celebrating local renovation makeovers

10 | Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020

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Loddon HERALD Thursday 28 January 2020 | 11

Sports NOTEBOOK

Redbacks, Pies start away

League sets opening date

NORTH CENTRAL Football Netball Hockey League has announced its 2021 season will start on April 10. The post-Easter opening round will see Boort play host to reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers. The Tigers had a 19-point victory over Birchip-Watchem in the 2019 grand final while Boort finished the season without a win. Donald will be at home to Wedderburn Redbacks in the opening game. Little separated the two at the end of the 2019 season. In other round one games, Charl-

REIGNING Loddon Valley Football League premiers Mitiamo will meet Bears Lagoon-Serpentine in the opening round of the 2021 season. The minor premiers and runners-up Pyramid Hill will face Inglewood in the same round on April 10 as local clubs look to return after the COVID recess of 2020. Other first round matches are Maiden Gully-YCW versus Newbridge and Marong up against Calivil United. Bridgewater has the bye in the opening round, taking the ground at Serpentine in round two.

ton meets Wycheproof-Narraport and Birchip-Watchem will unfurl the flag before taking on St Arnaud. The second round will see major league football return to Loddon for the first time since August 2019. Boort will be at home to BirchipWatchem and Wedderburn Redbacks hosts St Arnaud. The North Central season has an inter-league game or bye scheduled for May 15 and a school holiday bye on July 3. The grand final will be played on September 11.

For Bridgewater, their first home game comes on ANZAC Eve with the clash against rivals Inglewood. The first clash of 2019 heavyweights Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill since the grand final will be in round seven on May 22 when the premiers have the home game. The Loddon Valley League has made the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June free of matches. After 18 rounds, the league will go into the final series for football and netball with the grand final scheduled for September 11.

Players eager as training pace puts season in focus BOORT Magpies are hoping for on-field success in 2021 after steady recruiting since appointing new coach Andrew Hawker almost 18 months ago. The Magpies and Loddon rival in the North Central League, Wedderburn Redbacks, hit the training track last week ahead of the planned return to match football after more than 18 months. Pies’ secretary Brooke Arnold told the Loddon Herald: “Everyone is excited to get back to the club. We are looking forward to the 2021 season and are hopeful of some success on the field.” She said recruiting in the extended off-season had included new assistant coach Ben Knight. Knight, the Loddon Valley League Harding Medalist in 2017, spent two seasons with Heathcote league club North Bendigo where he was a member of the premiership side in 2019. Returning to the Magpies are Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Pat Boges and Reece Boland after stints in the Loddon Valley league. Brooke said training started with a fitness session run by SoFitness29 trainers Sherryn and Chris O’Flaherty “with everyone keen to get the season going”. Reserves coaches at the Pies this season are Samuel Griffiths and Matt Hodoras, Under 16 Harry Weaver and Under 13 Greg Boyd. Boort won just two games in 2018 and were winless in 2019. Meanwhile, Wedderburn Redbacks are continuing to develop an enthusiastic young team with a possible eye on finals this season for the first time since the last of their four-in-a-row flags in 2014. Co-coach Danny Benaim said: “The club is up and about early as everyone is very keen to get into the season after having so long off. We still have quite a young list which is very enthusiastic about get-

IN BRIEF Byrne’s back FORMER Bendigo Football League chairman Paul Byrne is heading back to Inglewood. The club have announced Byrne as reserves coach for 2021. Byrne is a former Blues player who was a member of the 1989 team which progressed to the preliminary final. He was a member of the Bendigo FNL board from 20082015, including as chairman between 2011 and 2014.

Bowls results Results from last week.Bendigo midweek pennant - Division 1: Bendigo East 47 Inglewood 68. Division 4: Bridgewater 60 Golden Square 56, White Hills 61 Dingee 41, Calivil/Serpentine 61 South Bendigo 58. Division 5: Inglewood 37 Strathfieldsaye 31. Bendigo weekend pennant – Division 1: Eaglehawk 94 Inglewood 60. Division 3: Bendigo 70 Serpentine 78. Division 5: Calivil 72 Inglewood 75, Dingee 68 White Hills 96. Division 6: Bridgewater 15 Bendigo East 0. This week’s midweek pennant was cancelled due to forecast heat.

JUGGLING AWAY: Luke Holt blitzes handball drill when the Redback’s returned to the training track last Thursday. LH PHOTO

EMAIL SPORTS NEWS AND RESULTS TO loddonherald@gmail.com

Youngsters stay course in ‘centre of community’

Coach Danny Benaim and returning recruit Will Holt at training last week. Holt is back after playing with Bendigo Pioneers and Sandhurst. LH PHOTO ting back involved in the club environment.” Benaim, sharing duties with Sam Barnes, said key signings by the Redbacks this season included Will Holt, Jayden Baber and Jayden Leach. Holt, a former Bendigo Pioneers junior player, is return-

ing to Wedderburn after a stint with Sandhurst in the Bendigo league. “We also have Jordan Rosengren and Luke Edwards who actually signed for 2020 but obviously haven’t played a game for us yet!” Benaim told the Loddon Herald.

THE Redbacks were fortunate that their band of young players who had success in junior ranks were now at the senior level and staying with the club, said president Chris Holt. The club has been busy recruiting over the past 14 months adding several quality players to support the young team this year. A full list of new recruits will be made available in future editions of the paper. The reserves are again being coached by local farmer, Chris Hargreaves. Chris is another attraction for the young and not so young players as he provides his mix of dry humour around team meetings. Chris makes the comment, ‘We are keen to get the boys back on the ground

playing football, as long as we can drag them away the golf courses around the region.’ Junior teams are looking for players keen for a game of football. Coaches in 2021 are Joe Lockhart (Under 16) and Shayne Lowe (Under 13). Holt says: “We are very keen to get our club back playing football, netball and hockey this year. While the year off was welcomed by our volunteers, our sporting clubs are very much the centre of our community and our supporters have missed following the Redbacks. “The club is a vital component of the Wedderburn community by providing players with an opportunity to be active and healthy and a social focus for all members both young and old,” he said.

Loddon HERALD

sport

Thursday January 28 2020

CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION HITS BRIDGEWATER THE Loddon River was full of action at the weekend for the annual Australian Masters Water Ski Championships in Bridgewater. Locals and visitors were along the river watching competitors including Anthea Collicoat (main picture) tackle the jumps and other events over three days as part of the Australia Day weekend titles. The championships again saw strong overnight visitation at the town’s caravan park and a busy few days for local businesses. And with warm summer weather, hundreds were also cooling off the other side of the bridge at the swimming hole. LH PHOTOS

PACERS AT READY

DONALDSON Park is being prepared for a big crowd to witness Sunday’s $14,500 Loddon Shire Wedderburn Pacing Cup

Nominations and acceptances for the local harness club’s annual major race meeting closed yesterday. Club president Bruce Hargreaves told the Loddon Herald this week that were

Live crowds, virtual fashions cup line-up

would be ample room for patrons at the cup meeting. “We’ve COVID restrictions but there will be plenty of room in the designated areas, plenty of shade and with a little bit of moisture predicted before the day, that will

top things off,” he said. Hargreaves expects good entries for both the pacing and trotting cups. “Cups are sought after by owners and trainers,” he said. A likely eight-race program will also feature the Richmond

and Association Trotters’ Cup with a prize purse totalling $14,500. Loddon Shire Council sponsors the pacing cup. Hargreaves is also encouraging local residents to take out a club membership. Members will go into the draws throughout Sunday’s cup meeting with race winners picking up $600. Fashions on the field will be conducted online this year to comply with COVID restrictions. Entries will be received until the day.

Wedderburn is yet to be advised of the date for its second allocated meeting of the season. Hargreaves said Harness Racing Victoria had assured the club that the meeting would be allocated. Traditionally held around Easter, the club’s second meeting may technically be as late as New Year’s Eve. The harness racing season now aligns with the calendar year.

To the residents, businesses, students, state government agencies and frontline workers, Loddon Shire Council would like to say

Thank you

for your efforts, understanding and kindness to each other throughout COVID-19. We’re in this together Loddon — Stay safe