Vol. No. Vol. 2518No. 1027
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Wednesday, September 7, 2022
STRIKING: Wimmera River Improvement Committee member Gary Aitken has encouraged residents to get out and about and admire the Acacia pycnantha, also known as golden wattle, at its most brilliant this month. National Wattle Day, on September 1, commemorated Australia’s floral emblem. Mr Aitken said it was a myth that wattle caused hayfever, though its versatility saw it used in products from fodder to perfume. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Finals fever pitch T
BY JESSICA GRIMBLE and ABBY WALTER
housands of Wimmera sporting followers are rejoicing the long-awaited return of football and netball finals this fortnight.
Sporting leaders are making final preparations for an influx of players and fans to Horsham City Oval as grand finals return from a long hiatus. Horsham District league’s grand finals are on Saturday with Wimmera league’s season to close a week later – the conclusions to the first football and netball finals series since 2019. Horsham District league chair Nathan Neumann said with only one board member having served prior to
the previous finals series in 2019, it had been a ‘huge learning curve’. Clubs will cater the event but the league is responsible for all other aspects – from managing gates and parking to presentations and presenters throughout the day. “We are really looking forward to having the grand final back up and running,” Mr Neumann said. “The series so far has been very successful and we’re very happy with how it has run. We’re anticipating the grand final will be no different.” Wimmera league’s preliminary finals on Sunday at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal, will determine the final draw for September 17.
League chair Pauline Butler said the atmosphere of a grand final was particularly special. “At this stage, most clubs are still in contention, which shows the calibre and depth of our grades and codes,” she said. “That’s what makes it interesting; close games bring the excitement and bring the crowds.” Horsham Inspector Di Thomson said a co-ordinated and strategic approach and ‘highly-visible’ presence would ensure public order and safety for those in attendance. However, Inspector Thomson said ultimately, people should take responsibility for their own behaviour. “This extends to behaviour on
the roads, at the event and after the event,” she said. “Police are encouraging everyone to consider the impact of your behaviour on others. Ensure you act responsibly and take responsibility for family, friends and teammates where you can see there might be a need for an early intervention. “Plan your day and evening to ensure a designated driver is available. “Aim to enjoy the football finals and the days and weeks that follow this. The significant impact from poor decision making could last a lifetime.” West Vic Business ambassador Stacey Taig encouraged business owners to consider the immediate and longer-
term benefits of opening their doors to trade – with two local and the AFL grand finals throughout the month. “From a community standpoint, it’s about being open when we know large events are coming to town, giving back to the community, presenting to the community and visitors and being champions for the community – in business, we are all of those things,” she said. “We know that these events attract a large number of people into town. “This is our opportunity to capture those markets for now and for the future by considering how we can get people to stop and stay in the region – and keep coming back.”
IN THIS ISSUE Horsham • Crisis District accommodation league grand plan final • Quantong previews residents and vote stand count strong– •pages Football-netball 44-49 action Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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