The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Duplication demand

BY LAUREN HENRY

Authorities have reduced the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of the Western Highway between Ararat and Buangor to 80 kilometres an hour, following three fatalities this year.

The fatalities – two last month – as well as other serious collisions on the section of the highway east of Ararat, has prompted a community outcry for authorities to ‘fix the road’.

The section of highway remains as single lanes after the duplication project stalled in 2018 due to activists setting up three camps, known collectively as the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy, with the aim of protecting trees of Indigenous sig-

nificance. In 2019, the State Government agreed to alter the design of the project to avoid two trees identified by some members of the Indigenous community as being of cultural significance.

But six years later, construction of the duplication remains at a standstill.

In direct response to the fatalities and community outcry, the 80km zone began last Wednesday, and includes the Langhi Ghiran rail overpass and curved sections of the highway.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the Department of Transport and Planning was implementing a ‘new, safer speed limit of 80 kilometres’ this week, with additional improvements, such as better signage and line markings, to follow in coming weeks.

“I have heard the community’s urgent calls for road safety improvements along the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat after too many tragic accidents along this stretch,” she said.

“I have raised local concerns directly with ministers to get action and am pleased to see immediate changes to keep more drivers safe.

“Even if shovels were in the ground tomorrow for the highway duplication, the scale of the project would take time. These improvements are needed now as a stop gap to keep drivers safe.”

Ms Haylett has written to and met with Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams and Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne

to discuss the issues. “They have heard our community’s urgent calls for road safety improvements while we await construction of the highway duplication to begin,” Ms Haylett said.

She said while she was pushing for progress on the duplication – including more information for the community about the next stages – in the meantime, road safety improvements were ‘desperately needed’ to help prevent crashes.

Road safety research shows the human body is more likely to survive a head-on crash at 80km than 100km.

Social media posts on the Transport Accident Commission and The Weekly Advertiser sites has attracted hundreds of comments – many from residents

of Wimmera and Grampians regions who travel on the highway regularly –displaying outrage by the speed limit changes, labelling them as temporary, band-aid fixes to what is a serious and deadly risk to the community.

Western Highway road-users are demanding the duplication project recommences immediately.

In March, a Major Road Projects Victoria spokesperson told The Weekly Advertiser that work on the new Cultural Heritage Management Plan had made sizeable progress in collaboration with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, the Registered Aboriginal Party responsible for Aboriginal heritage in the region, and heritage advisors.

Continued page 3

HRCC NEWS

Expressions of Interest – Halls Community Asset Committee

Council is currently looking for passionate individuals who care about their local spaces to join the Community Halls Community Asset Committee.

This volunteer group plays an important role in managing and maintaining Council-owned community halls, including Dadswell’s Bridge Hall, Natimuk Community Centre (NC2), and several others across the region.

The Committee is responsible for promoting hall usage, coordinating events, raising funds for hall expenses, and advising Council on improvements and community needs.

Council is seeking up to 10 members, aged 18 or older, who are directly involved or have an interest in their local hall and the surrounding area.

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply. Applications are now open to new and existing members.

To find out more information or to apply, visit the Council website or scan the QR code.

The Wimmera Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) is seeking expressions of interest from community members in the Horsham Rural City who would like to join the committee.

The MEMPC is seeking to appoint one representative who would ideally have an understanding of the Victorian emergency management arrangements and can effectively represent the Horsham Rural City community. The position is voluntary and you must be available to attend at least four meetings annually. Meetings are rotated across the Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack municipalities.

Expressions of interest should include a one-page statement outlining your interest in the position and the attributes you would bring to the role based on the selection criteria in the position description.

For further information and a copy of the position description, please contact Kristi Sullivan, Coordinator Wimmera Emergency Management Team at wemt@hrcc.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5382 9777.

Expressions of interest close on Friday 8 August 2025 and should be forwarded to John Martin, Municipal Emergency Management Officer at council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or PO Box 511, Horsham 3402.

Seniors Festival coming in October

Council is thrilled to partner with local community groups to deliver the 2025 Horsham Seniors Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating seniors in our region.

Running throughout October, the festival will feature a range of events, offering seniors the opportunity to connect, engage, and enjoy a variety of activities.

Aligned with the Victorian Seniors Festival, this initiative celebrates aging while fostering a sense of community and inclusion for older Victorians.

“We are thrilled to partner with our community groups to deliver an experience that truly celebrates our seniors. The 2025 Seniors Festival promises to be an exciting month, filled with memorable events that bring people together, encourage social connections, and celebrate the vitality of our senior residents.” Mayor Cr Ian Ross said.

A highlight of the festival will be the highly anticipated eagerly awaited free Seniors Concert, hosted by the Council on Monday, 20 October, at the Horsham Lutheran Church Hall.

This year’s entertainment will feature the Everly Brothers & Buddy Holly Tribute Show, transporting the audience back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll in the 50s and 60s.

“We’re especially excited about the Seniors Concert, which will feature the iconic Everly Brothers & Buddy Holly Tribute Show.

It’s sure to be a fantastic trip down memory lane for our senior residents, with timeless hits that are both familiar and nostalgic. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy this fun-filled, nostalgic experience” said Cr Ross.

In addition to this event, Council is committed to supporting other community-driven initiatives and events during the festival. A small fund is available to assist local groups with expenses such as venue hire, catering, and event promotion.

“We encourage local community groups to get involved and host their own events,” said Cr Ross. “We’ve seen firsthand how these types of events foster connection, wellbeing, and inclusivity.

If your group is interested in hosting an event as part of the Seniors Festival, we invite you to complete the form online.

The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest form is Friday, 29 August.

The Horsham Rural City Council is grateful to the Victorian Government and the local community for their support in making this festival possible.

Riverfront Winter Warmer event this Sunday

Taking place on Sunday 10 August from 12pm, this special afternoon will showcase the very best of Horsham’s community spirit, food, music, and winter charm. The event includes:

• Voddy and Vacay and Rightbank Brewing Society serving cold drinks.

• Guys Coffee keeping hands warm with hot drinks.

• Live music from 2pm to set a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

• Fire pits to gather around and stay toasty.

• Lawn games to entertain the whole family.

Whether you’re looking to socialise, fill your belly, enjoy local entertainment, or simply stay warm by a fire, the Winter Warmers events offers something for everyone.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 26, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO

TENDERS AND RFQ

26-004

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

Wimmera Libraries is here for the community — and we are keen to know what you think about your local “community living room”.

This survey is your chance to share what you love about your library, what could be improved, and where you would like us to focus our attention next. Whether you visit often, occasionally, interact with us online, or from home, your input helps us grow and evolve.

The survey takes only a few minutes, and invites your feedback on everything from our programs and collections to our spaces and services. It’s an important part of making sure we stay responsive, inclusive, and community-led.

Have your say by completing the survey before Monday 25 August.

ROAD MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

The Road Management Plan is a document that describes the responsibilities for road management, including those of Council, landowners and a range of utilities.

For Council, it also identifies the thresholds at which a defect in the road or its surrounds triggers a maintenance response, and the timeframe for those responses.

The Road Management Plan establishes the minimum maintenance standards Council aims to achieve in relation to its road network (rural and urban). This includes aspects like:

• The frequency of inspection of different classes of roads and footpaths

• The size of defects at which an intervention is triggered

• The response time for different types of defects.

You can have your say by submitting an online feedback form, emailing your feedback to council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or posting your feedback to Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham VIC 3402 before Wednesday 17 September.

For details visit the Engage Horsham section of HRCC's website

511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

Charges follow fraud arrest

AWIM Resource employee has been stood down after being charged with making a false document in relation to the Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen.

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged the man, 55, following allegations that documents were fraudulently prepared and submitted as part of the proposed mining project.

It is understood the documents are in relation to WIM Resource’s documentation submitted to the Environmental Effects Statement, EES, process – a key component in the State Government’s approval of the mineral sands mine.

Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny

Students staging life story

Horsham College will stage ‘13’, a production fronted by seasoned student performers, telling a relatable story of teenagers growing up and fitting in.

About 50 students have contributed to the show, from on stage to set design, with Henry Overman, Annabelle Gregor and Orlan Hart in lead roles, along with Violet McGennisken, Isaac Gregor and Ella Lloyd.

Henry’s first school role was in ‘Cinderella’ two years ago; he auditioned for a small, ensemble role but was cast as the prince.

This newfound passion snowballed, leading to involvement in Horsham Arts Council productions, including October’s Godspell.

Henry said he valued the creative community, and that 13’s storyline was one people could identify with.

“It’s relatable,” he said. “I think it really is just about everyone, growing up and maturing.”

Annabelle, who is also involved in HAC among other arts projects, said she enjoyed playing someone so different to herself.

“I can put on a different face, a different voice, be someone I’m not at school and just really explore new options,” she said.

“I get to have a bit of fun and just walk away knowing that I can do that.”

Orlan, also no stranger to the stage,

announced the approval of the EES in December 2024, following the EES panel assessing public submissions and a panel hearing in 2023.

Detectives executed a warrant at a residential home in Horsham on February 12 as part of the investigation, arresting the man at the scene. He was interviewed and released at the time, but has since been charged with ‘make false document’.

The man has been summoned to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on August 25.

WIM Resource director of projects Michael Winternitz said WIM Resource had been informed that a Horsham-based employee was the subject of criminal charges relating to a public submission process.

“Pending the outcome of the charges, the WIM employee was suspended by WIM Resource, with immediate effect,” he said.

“The alleged conduct does not reflect the values and standards upheld by our organisation.

“WIM remains committed to the highest standards of compliance and transparency and will continue to engage with stakeholders.”

Mr Winternitz said as a company, WIM Resource had ‘a proud and demonstrated track record of compliant and transparent community engagement’ for more than a decade.

“Given the nature of the ongoing court proceedings, WIM will not be making any further public statements regarding this matter,” he said.

The mine spans 3426 hectares, staged over 38 years, and is about 1.3 kilometres northeast of Dooen – with a footprint that is split by the Wimmera Highway.

Earlier this year, WIM Resource applied for a mining licence for its Avonbank project, marking another step in the statutory process to approve the mine.

In March, a Resources Victoria regulator announced it had accepted the application, which will be judged on WIM Resource’s ability to complete the mining project, including its financial position.

The mining licence application was open to public feedback and attracted more than 300 submissions.

has performed with dance schools and in productions.

He said he has made firm friends with people he has performed alongside.

“Communities are such a big part of theatre,” he said.

“I’ve made friends from doing productions, and even though they’re now off at uni, I still go and visit them every holidays.”

Performing arts teacher and director Emily Friedrichsen said the show reflected the commonalities of high school personalities and peer groups.

“It’s all about turning 13 years old and the anxieties and the stresses of actually being a teenager,” she said.

“We touch base on the rumour mill,

the friendship groups, and the girls. We’re trying to call out the behaviour that we see within the school and by putting it on stage, hoping that it says to the kids, hey, we can see this, and we know what’s happening.

“It features a song at the end called ‘A Little More Homework’, where the kids are essentially telling their parents that they’re trying to be what they want them to be, but they still have more growing up to do – a little more homework to go.”

Friedrichsen said the show would be paired with a display of resources available to young people who were experiencing difficulties.

“We also have, which I think is really special, a display organised by

our chaplain Yolande Grosser, which includes organisations such as Headspace, that our youth can access for support,” she said.

“We’re trying to get the message out there to our youth of what is available to them to get them through whatever it might be that they need help getting through.

“It’s a family show, and probably really good given what’s going on in our community at the moment – a really good one for primary school kids and high school kids to come and see.”

Tickets are on sale now from the Horsham Town Hall website and box office for the shows; Thursday, Friday and Saturday August 28, 29 and 30 at 7.30pm each night.

Danger zone

From page 1

But yesterday, MRPV said there was no progress report to provide since the March update. Meanwhile, Northern Grampians Highway Patrol have called for public assistance in their investigation of the fatal collision at Langi Ghiran on July 18.

A White Kia Sedan was travelling east when it collided with a B-Double prime-mover.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the White Kia prior to the collision, or has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Northern Grampians Highway Patrol on 5355 1500.

No felt reports

A 2.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded near Kanagulk on Sunday.

The earthquake, at three kilometres in depth, occurred at about 3.30pm. Geoscience Australia did not received any ‘felt reports’ regarding the earthquake, and there were no requests for emergency assistance from the Vic State Emergency Service. It was first reported to have occurred ‘near Natimuk’ due to the nearest Geoscience Australia station being located at Mount Arapiles, but information from Geoscience Australia shows the epicentre to be just south of the Ti Tree Swamp Wildlife Reserve on the Harrow-Kanagulk Road.

The location is just west of the Douglas mine.

Not legal tender

Ararat police are investigating fake notes being circulated in the community.

The notes are likely to have imprinted ‘used for motion picture production’ and ‘not legal tender’ on both sides.

Police are asking local business owners and staff and members of the community to check any and all notes that are received or going to be used in a transaction.

If the note is suspected of being fake, people are urged to call Ararat Police Station on 5355 1500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Driver over limit

Nhill police detected a drink-driver on July 28, allegedly driving with a blood alcohol reading of .262 – more than five times the legal limit.

Police allege the driver was driving erratically, failing to give way, driving on the wrong side of the road, and being involved in near-collisions.

The driver will be summonsed to appear at court for various drivingrelated offences.

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to renewable energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 1pm to 4pm

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The more than 1000 homeless Wimmera people were represented by 1000 Origami houses at Houses on Firebrace yesterday, a Homelessness Week event highlighting the widespread need for extra housing.

Wimmera Homelessness Alliance chair Lindsay Stow said at the event, more than 60,000 people across the state did not have permanent housing.

“These are not just numbers, they’re real people,” he said.

“They’re real people with real lives, just like you and me, who unexpectedly find themselves with no home.

“There are 1000 people in the Wimmera region at risk of, or experiencing homelessness due to unstable and unsafe housing, and local services just can’t meet demand.”

Mr Stow said last year the Uniting Homelessness Entry Point team had 877 presentations of people facing homelessness – almost 17 each week – and were unable to assist 763 people on the day they presented with homelessness issues.

“Currently there is an eight-day wait just to get an appointment to see a worker,” he said.

“I was looking on the Domain website yesterday, which told me that locally there are a total of 26 houses for rent in the private rental market in Horsham – 26 in a population of 20,000 – and they range in cost from $300 a week up to $1200 a week.

“There are currently little or no vacancies in public and community housing.

“Imagine yourself in this situation

‘Housing ends homelessness’

– you’re facing eviction because your private rental property has been sold, or perhaps you’ve lost your job and you can’t pay the rent.

“If you can’t afford to buy, if you can’t afford to secure another private rental property or if there are none available for you, if you have to wait years for a public housing property to become available, what do you do?

“The answer is you sleep in your car, you bunk in temporarily with friends and move from place to place, you stay in a tent, or if you’re lucky you might happen to secure a rare emergency accommodation placement.”

Mr Stow said a range of people found themselves homeless, from women and children escaping family violence, to elderly people who could no longer afford rent.

Planning for better health

Ararat Rural City Council has endorsed a new draft plan outlining goals and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of the Ararat community, and is seeking input from residents.

The draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 202529 outlines positive changes the council aims to enact, detailing evidence-based actions the council will take in order to implement the changes.

The plan outlines four areas targeted for health and wellbeing improvements during the next four years: social connections and inclusion; natural and built environments; partnerships; and breaking the cycle.

“Everybody has the right to a safe home to live in, and in a country as wealthy as Australia, families should not have to live in cars,” he said.

“Right across Australia, people are bringing this country’s homelessness crisis to the attention of every federal and state member of parliament and sending a clear message that change is needed now.”

Horsham’s event, in front of Hor-

sham Post Office, aligned with other events, including one at Parliament House, where more Origami houses were displayed – 60,000 were on show across the state to represent each person in need of a home.

“We’re calling on the state and federal governments to commit to building at least 60,000 appropriate additional social homes to meet the current need in Victoria,” Mr Stow said.

“And we’re calling on them to implement their 10-year National Housing and Homelessness Plan with a commitment to end homelessness. And why? Because housing ends homelessness.”

The draft plan also includes strategic actions and measures of success the council will use to monitor its progress in the four areas. All Victorian councils are required to prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which must include an examination of local health data, identify evidence-based goals and strategies to enhance community health and wellbeing, and include specific measures for family violence prevention and victim support. Councils are also required to outline how the community will be involved in the plan’s creation, implementation and review.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said the plan was open for community feedback on Engage Ararat, engage.ararat.vic.gov.au, until 5pm on August 15.

Journey through mental wellbeing

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Warracknabeal’s Riley Pres-

ton is travelling interstate to widen his message of wellbeing, while collaboratively working through the challenges of his own mental health.

With a 20,000-strong Australia-wide following of his daily TikTok posts, the 21-year-old is aiming to inspire the community he calls his ‘family’ and those beyond by doing a good deed each day of the trip.

“I reckon I’ll start it off small, maybe even go to an oval and pick up some rubbish, and then by the end of the trip I’ll be taking bunches of flowers into nursing homes and giving everyone a flower,” he said.

“And I’ll take a bunch of what I like to call my little care packages –bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, and take them to a homeless shelter or somewhere.

“It would be awesome if people wanted to go do these good things too, and then let me know what they’ve done for the day – it doesn’t have to be costly, it could be as simple as going and cleaning up your local park or helping an old lady carry her bags to her car, anything like that.”

After years of producing a variety of content across several social media platforms, Mr Preston now livestreams daily on TikTok, where he has found reciprocal support.

“This has been my thing since I was 12 years old – I uploaded YouTube videos and made funny videos” he said.

“When I was probably 15 or 16, I turned more in the direction of mental health.

“I still do all my silly videos, but then at night I jump on my livestream, that’s when it’s really talking about mental health and seeing how everyone’s doing.”

Mr Preston said he had lived with anxiety for most of his life.

As a small child, he took a picture of his mother to kindergarten each day to ease his anxiety, and at the age of 11

or 12, started dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. I have 70-yearolds that’ll jump on there and talk about things that are going on with their grandchildren, and then I’ll have people that could be 12 and might be dealing with suicidal thoughts, and don’t feel connected to their families, so that’s where people can benefit,”

Mr Preston said.

Dorevitch awarded hospital pathology contract

Grampians Health has changed its Horsham hospital pathology provider to Dorevitch Pathology, consistent with other hospitals under its banner.

Under the new contract, which began on July 1, Dorevitch will not have a collection centre at Wimmera Base Hospital.

Instead, it will open a new purposebuilt collection centre in Baillie Street, Horsham, and retain its collection centre at 1 Madden Street.

Former Grampians Health pathology provider, Australian Clinical Labs, has opened a new facility at Horsham Plaza, and remains at Lister House Medical Clinic.

Dorevitch Pathology state laboratories manager Kyle Jackson said as part of the contract, Dorevitch had an

on-site laboratory for pathology testing services.

“We were asked to move the hospital collection centre offsite to provide a larger and more comfortable space for patients to have their pathology samples collected,” he said.

Mr Jackson said the new site would provide a larger and more comfortable collection facility, providing a combination of standard and special tests.

Mr Jackson encouraged patients to use the Madden Street facility until the Baillie Street Collection Centre opened.

“We are delighted to have our pathology services up and running at Grampians Health Horsham to provide a comprehensive range of pathology testing services for the hospital

and local community,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the Horsham community to our new Baillie Street Collection Centre when it opens soon.”

A Grampians Health spokesperson said the new contract supported its goal of delivering consistent, highquality care through a unified provider.

“It also enables better integration, faster turnaround times, and stronger support for both patients and clinical teams,” they said.

“We remain committed to improving patient experience and access to care across the Grampians region.”

People can access up-to-date information for both centres by visiting www.dorevitch.com.au/locations.

Now his full-time passion, Mr Preston said he was always working on videos or writing things down, but he was also aware of his limitations.

“It’s every second of my day, but that’s because it’s what I want to do,” he said.

“I haven’t been feeling the best the last couple of months, so I’ve been able to take months off – everyone

sets up their own little Discord server where they all kept in touch with each other every day – and then I just came straight back to it.

“Everyone in this community are such beautiful people, they understand that if you’re not helping yourself, you can’t help anyone else.”

Mr Preston said hundreds of people had contacted him to tell him how he had made a difference to their lives.

“I have had at least 500 people reach out and confidently say the videos and the connection to the family is what has kept them here,” he said.

“That’s why I do it. It’s worth more than any money than I could even fathom – it’s an awesome feeling.”

Mr Preston left on Friday with his brother-in-law Travis Harris, aiming to hike Mt Kosciuszko before travelling to Canberra on their way to Sydney, before heading home along the coast.

“I’ll probably post the first video of the trip on Monday,” Mr Preston said.

“Hopefully it will inspire some people do some good. I honestly think the best feeling in the world is doing something good for someone else.

“There’s nothing that can top that.” People can search for ‘Riley Preston’ on TikTok, and, if they wish, anonymously join his community.

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

Online policing forums

Both Horsham and Northern Grampians police service areas are hosting neighbourhood policing online forums this week.

The forum for the Horsham PSA, which includes Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires, is on tonight, Wednesday, from 6pm to 8pm.

The Northern Grampians PSA forum, which is for people in the municipalities of Ararat, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack, is tomorrow night, from 6pm to 8pm.

The forums welcomes business owners and community members to hear from local police about what is important to their communities.

The forums will explore a range of topics including current crime trends and crime prevention; family violence; young people; drugs and drug-related crime; and road policing.

A Victoria Police panel will host the forum and questions will be taken from the audience throughout the event.

To attend the forums, people must register.

For the Horsham forum, register at bit.ly/41qzcOX and for the Northern Grampians event, visit bit. ly/40SZSrw.

RENTAL PROVIDERS:

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING WORKSHOPS

Council, with the support of Emergency Management Victoria, is pleased to announce a further round of Community Emergency Management Planning workshops to be held in August and October 2025.

The workshops develop tailored strategies that address unique local vulnerabilities and local capacity to manage emergencies.

Session Dates and Times

• ELMHURST MECHANICS INSTITUTE: Monday 18 August, 6.30pm - 9.30pm

LIFE DRAWING CLASSES AT ARARAT GALLERY TAMA

Multidisciplinary artist Bev Isaac will be teaching an upcoming Life Drawing class at Ararat Gallery TAMA. Sher will guide participants through timed warm-up and extented exercises and techniques to capture the human form. All abiliites welcome and materials are provided.

The next class is on Thursday 14 August 2025, starts at 5:45pm, and tickets are $50 (or $45 concession). Scan the QR code to book your spot.

RATEPAYERS: IT'S TIME TO CHECK YOUR ENROLMENT DETAILS

Council is urging all eligible property owners within the municipality to ensure their details are up to date and registered as soon as possible. Eligible ratepayers can find more information, including enrolment forms and eligibility criteria on our website.

Scan the QR code, or call Council on (03) 5355 0200 for more information.

HAVE

YOUR SAY: COUNCIL'S DRAFT MUNICIPAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN 2025-29

Council has endorsed a new plan that outlines goals and strategies to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for the Ararat Rural City community.

The Draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-29 outlines the positive changes that Council aims to bring to community health and wellbeing. The plan details the actions Council will take, as part of its operations and guided by available evidence, to implement these changes.

The Draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-29 is open for community feedback on Engage Ararat until 5pm on Friday 15 August 2025. Scan the QR code to provide your feedback.

CONTINUED ROAD CLOSURE: CHURCHILL AVE

2025 COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS CLOSING SOON

Council wishes to advise that due to weather delays, there will be continuing road works through to the end of August in Churchill Ave between Port Fairy Rd and Tobin St. Council will endeavour to maintain through-traffic as much as possible, however there will be a continued need for closures at times throughout the works period. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by these road and footpath upgrades. For any further information, please contact Council on (03) 5355 0200.

Milestone ignites joyful memories

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Ed Schultz remembers when Charles Kingsford Smith flew Fokker the ‘Southern Cross’ aircraft over his school, the introduction of calculators and the comfort of his first tractor with a cabin.

Mr Schultz celebrated his 105th birthday on Sunday at Warracknabeal, where he has lived for more than 50 years at the home he shares with his wife of 72 years, Enid, aged 94.

Growing up with five siblings, Mr Schultz’s family farmed north of Sheep Hills.

The children attended Sheep Hills North Primary School, which Mr Schultz did not particularly enjoy, except for one memory.

“Kingsford Smith flew the Southern Cross around all the little schools one day,” he said.

“All the other schools, they’d let their kids out, but our teacher wouldn’t.”

Mr Schultz said he bobbed his head low to see the plane through the window, and later had the opportunity to take a joy flight.

“A couple of my cousins went up, I debated whether to go up or not,” he said.

“I didn’t in the finish. I wish I would have now.”

Mr Schultz left school at 14 and worked on the family farm with a team of horses, when Sheep Hills had a variety of trades, including a wine saloon and blacksmith.

“I can still remember the grocery shop and the hotel,” Mr Schultz said.

“Mrs Powell used to run the hotel, they reckoned you would get the best

meals in Victoria there. Travellers would always stop over there.”

Mr Schultz said his eldest two brothers served in the war, but he was granted an exemption.

“I did have an examination, but my dad was crippled up with his leg,” he said.

“He couldn’t do anything on the farm, so he applied for me to get an exemption.”

Mr and Mrs Schultz met, and married somewhat controversially – Mrs

Schultz said her mother did not approve of the 11 year age difference.

“Mum said I was too young, that he was too old for me. I was 21 at the time, but 22 on our honeymoon,” she said.

“I went with him for 12 months, I was engaged for 15 months or 17 months or something, so if I didn’t know my own mind then, I was never going to know it.”

The couple married at Minyip Lutheran Church and had two children,

Beverley and Garry, and have two grandchildren.

They recall when electricity had not yet reached their home, with kerosene lamps used for light – Mrs Schultz considering candles ‘too dangerous’.

Telephone calls were a community affair; several people could be on the same line at once.

Horses were replaced by kerosenedriven tractors, and diesel tractors replaced those.

The family grew their own vegeta-

“He is the biggest part of my life. I wouldn’t change anything for anything”

– Enid Schultz

bles, sold their cows’ cream, and produced and sold eggs to the egg board at Warracknabeal.

Mr Schultz retired from the farm when he was about 68 – he deemed it too late in life to buy new equipment.

He has enjoyed relatively good health; surviving cancer, undergoing a triple bypass in his 90s, forfeiting his driver’s license after he was 100 owing to macular degeneration, and last week was released from a month-long hospital stint after a fall.

Mrs Schultz said she thought she would lose him half a lifetime ago – he had hydatid disease and was hospitalised in Melbourne for about three months.

“He was under seven stone (44 kilograms),” Mrs Schultz said.

“But they say some good comes out of everything – he can’t see, and he tells me I haven’t got any wrinkles.”

The couple enjoyed old-time dancing, which Mr Schultz hoped he could continue until he turned 100, but COVID-19 thwarted that, when he was 99.

For the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary, they were invited to Government House.

“He is the biggest part of my life,” Mrs Schultz said.

“I wouldn’t change anything for anything.”

CRIME NIGHT SUCCESS: Paul Margetts, centre, is pictured with Detective Sergeant Jake Ferguson and Inspector Tony Combridge after their Inside Story presentations at Horsham Harvest Church on Thursday.

Record crowd, funds

Arecord crowd enjoyed presentations from two of Victoria’s leading detectives during Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham’s annual Inside Story event on Thursday night.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham president Paul Margetts hosted the evening at Horsham’s Harvest Church and announced the committee’s newest fundraising project.

“We are kickstarting our newest campaign with the money we raise from tonight so we can purchase a Hamilton Ventilator for Grampians Health Horsham’s Emergency Department,” he said.

“In the past 12 months we have already purchased for Grampians Health Horsham, two high flow oxygen machines valued at $13,500, an Accu-Vein device to help find veins for canulating valued at $9300, a $6400 Tonometer for testing eye pressure and a Curvilinear ultrasound probe for assessing trauma patients.

“Almost all of these items are being utilised regularly in Wimmera Base Hospital’s ED.

“We also undertook a new project this year where we donated $8000 toward two scholarships for Federation University Horsham nursing students, which will become another regular commitment.

“There is now a need to upgrade the old Ham-

ilton Ventilator in Horsham’s ED. This device is used to provide respiratory support for a wide range of patients including neo-natal.”

The record crowd ensured the event’s biggestever return with $8000 being raised on the night.

“We are absolutely rapt with the crowd numbers and people are still talking about how great the presentations were,” Mr Margetts said.

“We were fortunate to have two great speakers in Inspector Tony Combridge and Detective Sergeant Jake Ferguson who were highly entertaining despite the dark subject of the crimes involved.

“We were also extremely thankful to the generosity of the Harvest Church for providing a great venue and all the visual and audio facilities with it, as well as free espresso coffee for the crowd.

“Grampians Health provided the catering and our major sponsors ACE Radio were very supportive too.”

Mr Margetts also thanked his hard working committee for ensuring the evening ran smoothly. The Horsham branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation formed in 2007 and has since raised almost $500,000 for life saving projects at Grampians Health Horsham.

The projects also ensure the 175 police officers who have died in the line of duty are remembered and honoured.

Pledge your support

F

ollowing the Melbourne Vixens’ thrilling one-goal win in Suncorp Super Netball on Saturday night, Netball Australia chair Liz Ellis put netball’s bid to be included in the Olympics firmly back on the agenda.

In front of a record-breaking 15,000-plus crowd at Rod Laver Arena, plus thousands more watching via broadcasting channels, Ellis took the opportunity to spruik the case for netball to be added at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Ellis was trying to harness people-power to strengthen Netball Australia and World Netball’s bid to convince the International Olympic Committee, IOC, to accept netball as an Olympic sport. It’s not the first time netball has tried to be included on the Olympic program – attempts in 1996, 2008, 2011 and 2020 have been stonewalled for various reasons.

But World Netball did take a positive step in 1995, when the IOC recognised it as an International Federation, meaning it could access some additional funding, but didn’t go so far as to be in the Games.

In order to make it happen for Brisbane – the sport of netball firstly needs to gain the backing of the Australian Olympic Committee.

The host country must make recommendations to the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, OCOG, to make a proposal for the inclusion of one or more additional events in that edition of the Olympic Games.

In Tokyo, it was surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, karate, men’s baseball and women’s softball, and in Paris, the OCOG added skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing and breaking – and we all know the reaction that breaking received as a ‘sport’.

In 2028, the Los Angeles Olympics will add five sports – baseball and softball; T20 cricket; flag football; lacrosse-sixes; and squash.

Reportedly, the IOC wants the additional sports to add relevancy to society and young people, and foster gender equality.

Among the 35 criteria taken into consideration is universality; global spread of excellence; venue requirements; number of days of competition; athlete quota; worldwide media interest; digital followers; and volume of ticket sales.

Remarkably, a key issue of why netball has been previously knocked back is gender equality – the percentage of male and female athletes and the number of mixed gender events.

In a world where women face so much inequal-

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

ity, netball’s standing as a majority women’s sport is being held against it.

The IOC also needs to take into account that men’s netball is growing, and most netball countries have national men’s teams as well.

Another issue is universality and worldwide media interest – with IOC vice-president and former AOC president John Coates saying in 2022: “There’s just not enough countries that play the sport at an elite level. Additionally, all the sports are profiled and one of the areas considered is distribution rights and what is popular for broadcasters. Netball does not have the international broadcast appeal of something like gymnastics.”

Since then, Netball Australia has signed a threeyear global broadcast deal with Whoopi Goldberg’s All Women’s Sports Network, which will result in Suncorp Super Netball broadcast to more than 65 new countries.

In a World Netball position statement from March 2021 and updated in January last year, it lists its inclusion in the Commonwealth Games, The World Games, and other international sports programs as reasons to support its Olympic bid.

But the fact that Commonwealth countries represent where netball is the most popular is also working against the sport – it needs one of its 11 member organisations that hold a netball world ranking or rating and are independent to the Commonwealth, notably the USA, to expand and use its influence.

Hopefully Netball Australia’s signing with the All Women’s Sports Network goes some way to boosting the game’s profile in the US – but for now, Netball Australia is calling on every fan, player, coach, umpire and volunteer to influence the decision.

We all know how popular netball is across the Wimmera and Grampians regions, so now is your time to pledge support by signing an online petition at fans.diamonds.netball.com.au/ tb_app/529450.

With Australia being the top-ranked netball team in the world, there is no better time than the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games to put netball on the world’s greatest sporting stage. It’s time.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Super tax change

Anne Webster, July 30, says the Federal Government’s new tax on superannuation balances of over $3-million is a tax grab, but the Greens wanted a $2-million ceiling and the change only raises over $2-million in its first year of operation.

Sure, it could be indexed, but that is a future issue.

She then says that some farmers will have to sell some land to pay the yearly tax grab. But if farmland has increased in value by 79 per cent between 2020 and 2023, I am sure that they can deal with it.

Tax advisors are suggesting that it would cost more to change their very generous super arrangements than pay the tax.

Webster implies that lots of farmers will be af-

Driving new opportunities

Edenhope residents have welcomed the delivery of a new accessible bus, which is giving day centre clients and Lakeside Living residents the opportunity to take part in excursions.

The bus will also be used by Edenhope’s Murray to Moyne team during its annual cycling event, which raises money for Grampians Health Edenhope.

Lakeside Living resident Marie Colgate said the accessible bus would be life-changing.

“I haven’t been out for a trip in a long time, because I couldn’t get down the steps of the old bus,” she said.

“It will be so lovely to get out and see the sights and enjoy a meal, otherwise, I do feel locked in.”

Ron Williams, who will now be able to travel in his wheelchair, has a list of requests for staff members.

“I’ll be advocating to go to the flower farm in Miga Lake and maybe have a picnic lunch,” he said.

“We could go down to Harrow and see the old Clunie Homestead. Now, with the wheelchair lift, I can get on there and have a look around too.”

Campus manager Tricia McInnes said the new bus had been in high demand since it hit the road two weeks ago.

“Thanks to the sale of the old bus and a generous contribution from the Aged Care Bequest Fund, we’ve been able to purchase this modern and reliable vehicle,” she said.

“This new bus is not just about transporting people around – it’s a vehicle for social connection, adventure and well-being.

“It’s 100 per cent dedicated to the Edenhope community, ensuring residents stay active, engaged and supported.”

Transport Manager Tristan Cooney said his team was proud to assist with delivery of the new vehicle and was excited to see it in use.

fected but the super tax changes affect about one half of one percent of superannuants.

What’s more, only seven per cent of this tiny cohort live in rural areas with only some involved in farming, and even fewer with over $3-million in super.

Most people affected by the super tax change live in affluent regions in the major capital cities with very few in regional and remote areas.

The super tax change is sensible, affects very few people and is badly needed.

It could be a lot worse, if the very generous super tax arrangements applied only to balances of up to $3-million and people paid normal rates of tax on all investments outside this protected superannuation envelope.

Robert Blakeley, Horsham

Approaching retirement can bring forth various emotions – excitement, relief, and concern. Questions like when to retire, financial readiness, accessing super, income sources, and government assistance may arise. Our expertise focuses on advising those aged 55 and above, addressing your queries to provide peace of mind.

Northern Grampians Shire Council

COMMUNITY UPDATES

GROUPS AND PROJECTS TO FLOURISH THANKS TO COMMUNITY GRANTS

Nine groups and not-for-profit organisations have received a share of almost $37,000 in funding through council’s 2025 Community Grants Program. This year’s recipients are: Grampians Multicultural Hub (pictured), St Arnaud Citizens Band, Grampians Studio and Gallery, Concongella Hall Management Committee, Grampians Field and Game, Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network, SwiftsGreat Western Cricket Club, Concongella Primary School and Halls Gap Community Garden. People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Grants/2025-CommunityGrants-Program-Recipients for more information about the grant-winning projects. Applications for council’s 2026 Community Grants Program will open in February.

BENEFIT FUND TO BRING IDEAS TO LIFE

Applications for the 2025 Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund are open until August 31, with $120,000 available. People can visit https://bulganagreenpowerhub.com. au/local-benefits/ to apply. There will be an online information session on August 11 from 6pm to 7pm. You can join via: http://bit.ly/3ZYOzO6

INTEGRATED PLANS OPEN FOR YOUR FEEDBACK UNTIL AUGUST 22

Council's next four-year Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, along with the next 10-year asset and financial plans, is available for community feedback. The three plans form part of an integrated planning approach that sets the agenda for the current council term. Any person wishing to make a feedback submission on any of the proposed plans must do so in writing by 5pm on Friday, August 22, 2025

You can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projects-andConsultation/Have-Your-Say/Council-Financial-and-AssetPlans-Open-for-community-feedback to view the plans and provide feedback online.

The plans are also available for viewing at council customer service offices at Stawell Town Hall or St Arnaud Town Hall. All submissions will be carefully reviewed by council in September. Amendments to the draft plans may be made in response to feedback where appropriate, however not all submissions will result in changes as council must balance a wide range of views, priorities and statutory responsibilities.

All three plans are scheduled to be endorsed by councillors at a council meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025. Feedback can also be provided in writing to: Chief Executive Officer, Northern Grampians Shire Council, PO Box 580, Stawell, VIC, 3380.

Next council meeting: Monday, September 1 in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell at 12.30pm. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel. The agenda will be available on our website.

Statistics prompt regional push

Statistics show less women in the Wimmera are having a cervical screening test – which could lead to an increased risk in developing a cervical cancer.

Women in local government areas across the Wimmera and Grampians regions are below the state average when it comes to having at least one human papillomavirus, HPV, or cervical screening test between 2019 and 2023.

Data from the Victorian Cancer Registry between 2021 and 2023 shows that those living in regional Victoria were 18 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared with those living in capital cities.

The statistics have prompted Cancer Council Victoria to relaunch its ‘In Your Hands’ campaign to improve access and reduce barriers to cervical screening participation across regional Victoria.

The campaign aims to increase awareness of and confidence in the self-collected cervical screening test.

Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer screening senior manager Alice Bastable said there were a lot of barriers to women in regional areas not accessing cervical screening tests, including finding available appointments at health practitioners.

“In addition to accessing a healthcare, it was just simply the perception that people didn’t view it as a priority – they didn’t think that they were at risk,” she said.

“Or that  they were scared of the test or they’d had previous negative screening experiences.”

Ms Bastable said the two best things that women could do to prevent cervical cancer was to have regular cervical screening tests and to have the HPV vaccination if eligible.

“Cervical screening every five years, if you’re aged between 25 and 74, is highly recommended because it can pick up whether or not you have an HPV infection, which is  the infection that causes most cervical cancers.”

Ms Bastable said cervical cancer was one of the most preventable cancers and could be successfully treated if found early.

She said the In Your Hands campaign  was raising awareness of the importance of regular cervical screening, and also letting people know about the option to self-collect their own cervical screening test.

To support the campaign, Sexual Health Victo-

Cervical screening

Percentage of women, aged 25-74, who had at least one HPV test or cervical screening test between 2019 and 2023:

Ararat: 60.3 per cent

Horsham: 68.5 per cent

Hindmarsh: 56.8 per cent

Northern Grampians: 59.4 per cent

West Wimmera: 58.6 per cent

Yarriambiack: 66.2 per cent

• State average 74.4 per cent

ria has expanded its telehealth service to better enable people living in regional areas to access self-collection tests remotely.

“All cervical screening needs to be overseen by a healthcare professional, but there are telehealth services now available, which is great news for those who have issues accessing a doctor faceto-face,” she said.

“If you’re seeing the doctor face-to-face and they’re offering you that self-collect option, it’s ideal just to do it then and there in the clinic and drop it off in the clinic before you go home.

“If you are doing telehealth, they’ll have a consult with a doctor or a trained nurse over the phone, and if you’re eligible for self-collection, which most people are, they’ll then send you out a swab in the mail.

“You do the swab. It’s a really easy test to do. It’s very accurate. It’s private, it’s comfortable. And then you send it back within 30 days to the pathology provider.”

Survey data from the Centre of Behavioural Research in Cancer found that about 25 per cent of regional Victorians eligible for cervical screening were still not aware of the self-collection option for cervical screening.

“ I think really with this campaign, what we’re wanting to get across is for more people to understand that self-collect is an option for cervical screening,” Ms Bastable said.

“So if they’re hesitant to screen regularly because they’ve had negative experiences in the past or that having issues getting into see a doctor, then there’s this other option that’s equally as accurate at detecting cervical cancer risk.”

To learn more about cervical screening and the campaign or to find a cervical screening test provider, people can visit cancervic.org.au/cervical.

Council to advocate for rates review

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham Rural City Council will lobby for advocating for a wholesale review of the State Government’s Payment in Lieu of Rates scheme and a return to standard industrial rates for energy facilities.

At last week’s council meeting, councillors endorsed a submission to Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, on its Payment in Lieu of Rates, PILOR, scheme for Energy Storage Systems Discussion Paper.

Council officers will also engage directly with the State Electricity Commission, SEC, to seek the payment of acceptable rates for the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Williams Road, Horsham.

The PILOR scheme currently allows energy facilities to pay significantly lower rates than comparable commercial and industrial facilities.

Council’s position is the system undermines the government’s aim of providing local and regional community benefits from the energy transition.

Under the current PILOR scheme, the SEC Renewable Energy Park –rated as an industrial building or business – would be charged $1,417,470 in rates.

However, payment in lieu of rates will be $389,849.

Cr Angela Munn described the SEC Renewable Energy Park as ‘now a massive government-funded renewable energy project’.

“It’s no longer a fledgling venture. It’s big business. And so I think we need to treat it as one,” she said.

“So, full rates should apply.  These developments are mature, high value operations, and yet they only contribute a small cap community benefit fund instead of full commercial or industrial rates like other businesses.”

Cr Munn said while  other sectors of

Recognising rural needs

Melanie Wade’s continuing dedication to health services has been recognised with the George Golding Memorial Trust Scholarship.

Awarded to a Deakin University medical student who shows leadership and commitment to community while also having an interest in general practice, the scholarship considers people who are likely to return to rural and regional practice.

Mrs Wade has been a nurse and a midwife for more than 22 years, and a nurse immuniser and maternal and child health nurse, with all her service in the Western Victorian Primary Health Network.

Mrs Wade said she was pleased to receive the scholarship, and for the health network to recognise the need of rural and regional areas.

“The Western Victorian Primary Health Network is based in Geelong, but they’re really invested in rural health and are aware of the health inequities that we face – we need more GPs in our communities,” she said.

“I think that’s great that they put belief in me, but also in the rural training stream that Ararat and Warrnambool are both doing.

“It’s common knowledge or it’s well evidenced that people who have lived rural or regionally are likely to return.”

A second-year Doctor of Medicine student in the rural training stream at Deakin University’s Ararat cam-

pus, Mrs Wade aspires to become a general practitioner with advanced paediatric training.

“Originally I would have loved to have been a paediatrician, but my husband Adrian and I aren’t getting younger, so now I’m thinking more like a rural generalist GP but with advanced paediatric training,” she said.

“For our community – not that I’ll be anywhere near as competent or qualified initially – I will be similar to a David Wilson or a Jagath Ranasinghe, that can support the hospital, and be a bit more focused on women’s and children’s health, which is what my professional life has been.”

Mrs Wade has almost completed the academic portion of her course, and carpools to Ararat, and occasionally Geelong, with two other women.

“I study with two other girls from Horsham – Sonia Barlow and Phoebe Uebergang – we carpool,” she said.

“We are fortunate – there’s no way Phoebe, Sonia or myself would have studied medicine at this stage of our lives unless there was the rural training stream.

“And Nick Bush at East Grampians Health Service in Ararat is very supportive of us.

“Phoebe and Sonia will be here next year, based between the Wimmera Base Hospital and Lister House, but there are only so many spots available rurally.”

the community must pay full rates, the SEC project would be ‘paying peanuts’, despite more than $300-million in government investment.

She also took a swipe at the SEC’s Community Benefit Fund, which will provide $42,000 annually during construction and $70,000 a year once operational, totalling more than $2-milion over its 30-year life.

“It’s a token gesture when weighed against the project’s scale and revenue,” she said.

“It’s certainly not the meaningful and fair contribution of a business looking to integrate itself into this community.

“In fairness to ratepayers, all other entities and ratepayers pay their fair share to fund our infrastructure, roads, waste services, and community support.

“I can find no reason why this park should be treated any differently from that.

“Ratepayers certainly should not

subsidise the shortfall in this or any other enterprise that establishes itself in our municipality.”

Cr Rebecca Sluggett said she echoed everything Cr Munn had said.

“The amount that is suggested that we could get from this PILOR system or payment in lieu of rates is quite laughable,” she said.

“It must be noted that there is a community benefit scheme as well.

“However, we know that many of our businesses also contribute to the community and some far in excess of what has been offered – definitely some of the bigger businesses would easily contribute more than $42,000 a year to Horsham’s community.”

Cr Sluggett said it was not guaranteed the SEC would stay in Horsham, but she hoped the council’s submission would also support any other local government area the SEC might move to.

“But for now, the impact is directly to Horsham and Horsham ratepayers,

Mrs Wade, with her family, will move to Ballarat to enable her to complete her hospital-based studies and her intern year.

and as their council, we need to make sure that we are standing up, and putting forward that the benefit comes to those most affected,” she said.

Cr Brian Klowss said it was close to $1-million dollars’ difference between the rates’ charge and the PILOR charge.

“With the community taking a lot of the risk of this facility, for example fire, floods, rental shortages, there has to be some skin in the game for us,” he said.

“Two-million dollars over the life of the project as a community grant that we may or may not control and, that may be controlled by an organisation that doesn’t have the community’s best interest in them either – we don’t know – just doesn’t cut it.

“I feel like we need to be very strong, and forthcoming in relation to this.

“One-million dollars a year would go a long way in our community to do a lot of things that we need to do.”

Researcher

special guest

Rotary Club of Horsham East will host a night for the public, featuring guest speaker Professor Simon Stewart, a health researcher from the University of Notre Dame Australia.

The August 20 event, at Horsham Golf Club, is $50 and includes a meal.

Mr Stewart has dedicated his career to better understanding and responding to the needs of people most affected by poor health, and is associated with a new AI technology trial – with one of the four trial sites at Lister House Medical Clinic, Horsham.

Registered nurse Casey Kosch will demonstrate the portable AI technology, which can capture moving images of the heart, producing a report for medical professionals.

People aged over 60 with high blood pressure, diabetes or an existing form of health disease may be eligible for a free one-hour test as part of the trial, which is funded by the Federal Government.

“This is a world-first. It will be my pleasure to meet and explain to the Wimmera community how this will be life-changing for the early detection of cardiac symptoms,” Mr Stewart said.

“But definitely never say never –we may well return to Horsham. We just need to get the boys through school first.”

Mrs Wade will also receive $5000 to assist her in her studies.

“I think the move will be a good opportunity, both educationally and sports-wise for our family – and great for Adrian too, because he’s never lived out of Horsham,” she said.

Rotary president Rick Hopper said it was an honour for the club to be involved in the heart health project. All proceeds raised will be donated to help the research team in Horsham to purchase more equipment. Tickets can be purchased from Horsham Plaza Centre Management.

2025 Major Community Project

Horsham Sports & Community is thrilled to announce that $50,000 has been allocated for Major Community Projects!

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on August 14, 2025.

Whether you’re planning a new project, upgrading facilities, or launching a bold community initiative, we want to hear from you.

For more details, or to apply, scan here:

Winners are voted by HSCC Members after being shortlisted by the HSCC Board.

Bistro Open

7 Days

SCAN

Council provides for nine projects

Nine groups and not-for-profit organisations have received a share of almost $37,000 in funding through Northern Grampians Shire Council’s 2025 Community Grants Program.

This year’s program has a focus on projects that promote community equity and inclusion, with grants going towards projects that support opportunities for multicultural inclusion; enable all residents to be socially connected; enable access to healthy and affordable food; and provide leadership opportunities for women and girls.

The recipients of the 2025 community grants were:

St Arnaud Citizens Band: $5000 – for band hall floor restoration project.

Grampians Multicultural Hub: $5000 – for strategic implementation of the hub’s master plan.

Grampians Studio and Gallery: $2000 – for a community art workshop.

Concongella Hall Management Committee: $5000 – for the Concongella Hall Rejuvenation Project.

Grampians Field and Game Aust: $4701.40 – to provide quality food at community and social club events.

Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network: $4276.30 – for Dream Seeds workshops.

Swifts-Great Western Cricket Club: $3500 –for mandatory uniforms.

Concongella Primary School: $4500 – for an ‘outside chill zone’.

Halls Gap Community Garden: $3000 – towards completing the garden and hosting workshops and public events.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said she was impressed by the quality of applicants and the work they were doing to benefit their communities.

“The community grants program is a wonderful program and council is thrilled to be able to support the recipients, who provide fantastic services and opportunities for our residents,” she said.

“We are providing funding for quite a variety of projects in 2025, from floor restoration at St Arnaud Band Hall and an ‘outside chill zone’ at Concongella Primary School to workshops, kitchen upgrades, cricket uniforms and the implementation of Grampians Multicultural Hub’s master plan.

“I commend all the grant recipients on their efforts to improve our community and create active, welcoming spaces for people to enjoy.” Council will open applications for 2026 grants in February next year.

People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Grants/Community-Grants for more information about the grants program or www. ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Grants/2025Community-Grants Program-Recipients to read more about this year’s grant recipients and their projects.

Brim Memorial Hall, Colleen McPherson:

Sponsorships

Brim Anzac Committee has used a $800 Horsham Sport and Community Club donation to purchase two life-size mannequins to display uniforms worn by Brim locals at Brim Memorial Hall.

Ms McPherson said the Anzac display at the hall shows the uniforms worn by a lighthorseman and wartime nurse.

“People can look and see what life was like for these people instead of just a name on an honour board.”

“To see what the lighthorseman had to carry every day hammers home what his life was like.”

“It brings their stories forward and a person to life,” she said.

HSCC – “Working for

Over $3.133 Million has been donated to local communities in cash sponsorship since the club’s inception 11.30am to 2pm & 5.30pm to 8pm (8.30pm on Fri & Sat) Available at lunch & dinner

ACCESS: As part of a State Government program, vending machines, giving access to free pads and tampons, have been installed in three locations at East Grampians Health Service. The vending machines are located in the Community Health Centre, Medical Imaging-radiology department and at Willaura Health Care in the day centre, and are available for use by anyone in the community. People can ask EGHS’s staff in any of the locations if they require help in using the machines. Pictured is Willaura Health Care staff member Angela Nagpal with the newly installed free pad and tampon vending machines.

Gall to inspire at BCG breakfast

Head of one of Australia’s most recognisable rural clothing brands, Jim Gall, will share his story as keynote speaker at BCG’s annual Chair’s Breakfast in Birchip on August 21.

Mr Gall knows firsthand that success in agriculture is not just about what is produced – it is about how people lead, adapt, and tell their story.

From growing up on his family’s farm at Euroa, Mr Gall watched his dad diversify into many niche markets, such as chickens and garlic, teaching him ‘if you make it, you need to sell it’.

It is a lesson that sparked a career that has taken Mr Gall from working on-farm to building brands, leading creative agencies, and now steering rural clothing company RB Sellars.

From growing prime lamb for local butchers to running a national brand, Mr Gall believes that no one is better placed to tell agriculture’s story than farmers themselves, and in today’s digital world, consumers actively seek out brands and producers whose values and origins they understand.

Beyond marketing, he will share practical ideas on building resilient businesses, drawing on his experience leading teams through growth and change.

BCG chairman John Ferrier invites growers, advisors and community members to pause and reflect on the bigger questions that strengthen their businesses.

“Recent rainfall, around 30mm across the region, has renewed optimism for many, but as every grower knows, challenges still lie ahead,” he said.

“That’s why Jim’s message feels so timely –true sustainability isn’t just environmental, but about building businesses, teams and cultures that can keep adapting and thriving for generations to come.”

The Chair’s Breakfast is a free event and registration on the BCG website is essential. For more information or to register, people can visit bcg.org.au.

Blowout evidence of ‘project failure’

The Victorian Farmers Federation has called for the State Government to rethink the viability of the VNI West Transmission Project after reports of a costblowout of up to $11.4-billion.

The Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, last week released its 2025 Electricity Network Options Report, which estimated the project’s cost had more than doubled from its estimate in May of between $3.6-billion to $7.6-billion.

The cost-blowout prompted AEMO to warn that it may need to reconsider its support for some projects.

The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector, VNI, project proposes a high-capacity double-circuit over-

head transmission line that will cut across agricultural land, forming a conduit between the Western Renewables Link project at Bulgana, east of Stawell, to New South Wales.

VFF president Brett Hosking said the estimated cost-blowout added further weight to calls for the project to be scrapped.

“We know this is a failed project and this report only adds to calls for the government to scrap it entirely,” he said.

“To date the energy transition has been a failure and the Victorian government is risking smooth and reliable energy transmission by continuing to force the VNI West project through.”

Mr Hosking said the government’s handling of the energy transition had

Bound for Horsham

Freestyle Kings Live is set to ignite Horsham’s City Oval on February 14, 2026, as part of its explosive sixcountry, 50-show world tour.

The family-friendly event brings together the world’s elite riders in freestyle motocross, FMX, and BMX.

Headlining the tour is modern-day Evel Knievel, Robbie Maddison, alongside his two sons — 14-yearold Kruz and 11-year-old Jagger.

“At 43 years old, it is no secret that I am closer to the end of my freestyle motocross career than I am to the start,” Mr Maddison said.

“My accomplishments on a dirt bike have been beyond my wildest dreams, but by far my greatest achievement is watching my three boys share the same passion I have for this sport.

“They are little showmen at heart, and while I might be a bit biased, I think it’s the favourite part of the show for the crowd.”

Family bonds take centre stage when the boys join the stage.

“For us he is just Dad,” Kruz said.

“We weren’t alive for his first big jumps, but he always shows us on YouTube and tells us how cool he used to be.”

Jagger said their mum also came to all their shows.

“She is our biggest cheerleader although she is probably more nervous than us when it comes to our turn to jump in the show,” he said.

The show also includes 20-time X Games gold medallist and reigning FMX World Champion Rob Adelberg, who will lead a star-studded

international FMX and BMX crew.

Mr Adelberg, renowned for his dominance at the X Games, including nine gold medals in 2025, said he was looking forward to the Horsham performance.

“I’m from regional Victoria and my dirt bike has taken me all over the world for the last 20 years, and I can tell you, there is no better crowd to ride in front of than in places like Horsham,” he said.

“This is the best riders on the planet, who will be throwing down tricks that need to be seen to be believed.”

Freestyle Kings promoter Josh Hannah emphasised the tour’s regional commitment.

“Regional Australia is at the very forefront of our thinking when it comes to live events,” he said.

“We source everything else locally in Horsham, from food and beverage, to ushers, security, machinery and everything else needed.

“We obviously get a lot out of these shows, but we like to think we give a lot back to a regional centre like Horsham.”

Horsham Mayor Ian Ross said a show of the magnitude of Freestyle Kings Live would have a huge economic impact for the region.

“Horsham is proud to host this incredible event, and we look forward to showcasing our town as a vibrant hub for exciting, large-scale entertainment,” he said.

“It’s going to be a spectacular experience that will leave lasting memories for everyone who attends.”

Tickets will go on sale August 28 through Ticketek.

been ‘incredibly clumsy’, particularly in how they engaged and partnered with rural communities along both VNI West and WRL projects.

He said it was time for an urgent rethink and change of approach.

“Owning their mistakes and starting again with landholders and community as partners is the only way to deliver a smooth and timely transition,”

Mr Hosking said.

“Farmers know we need deep, economy wide cuts to emissions.

“We know the world is changing and we’re part of that change, but we won’t cop being steamrolled in the process.

“There’s huge opposition to this project throughout rural communities, and rightly so.

“This won’t change until the government and AEMO revisit their approach and treat farmers and our rural communities with the respect they deserve.”

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the cost-blowout and the announcement that the VNI West completion date was pushed back by two years was evidence the project was a failure.

Dr Webster was also critical of the State Government’s new National Electricity – Victoria Amendment, VicGrid Stage Two Reform, Bill 2025, which could result in fines of more than $12,000 for farmers who lock their gate to Transmission Company Victoria staff.

“Sadly we have to fight Labor’s con-

EXPLOSIVE: Freestyle Kings’ The Greatest Show on Two

ignite Horsham City Oval in February.

TERMITES, Spiders, Black

descending attitude to regional Australia on two fronts, in Canberra and in Melbourne, but the message is getting through – not only for the sake of our farmers and food security, but for the affordability of electricity, which impacts everyone,” she said.

“I’m still processing the 5000-plus Mallee’s Biggest Survey responses and well over 50 per cent so far have said they prefer affordability as a priority in our energy grid, ahead of reliability and reducing emissions at less than nine per cent.”

• For more on the government’s legislative changes and the protest, see pages 20-21.

Crop house

Two men appeared before Ararat Magistrates’ Court on Friday after Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives allegedly located a cannabis crop house at Glenlee the day before. Investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Woorak-Ni NiLorquon Road on July 31 at about 9.45am, where officers allegedly located about 1300 cannabis plants.

The two men were also located inside the premises and were taken into custody.

A crime scene was put in place for the botany unit to attend on Friday and further examine the premises.

The 42-year-old and 54-year-old men from St Albans were charged with cultivation of a large commercial quantity of narcotic plant – cannabis – and theft.

Community grants

West Wimmera Shire community groups and organisations can apply for up to $5000 from council’s community strengthening grants program. Funding is available for community programs, activities and services that meet identified community needs and contribute to building a stronger community.

There are two categories of funding, community projects, and facility upgrades and equipment purchases; both categories have a maximum grant amount of $5000, on a $2 for $1 basis.

Chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the grant program was a fantastic opportunity for community groups to access much-needed funding.

People can find out more information via council’s website, www. westwimmera.vic.gov.au. Round one closes on September 13.

& Mice

Supporting students to ‘Take a Break’

Ararat Rural City Council will sponsor grade five students across the municipality to attend Cottage by the Sea’s ‘Take a Break’ program each year.

Cottage by the Sea, located in Queenscliff, is a not-for-profit children’s charity aiming to enhance the lives of children through fun and inspiring activities in a seaside setting.

The charity was founded in the 1890s and offers children a range of learning and recreational opportunities including surfing lessons, wild-

Rates relief for farmers

Ararat Rural City Council will reduce rates for drought-stricken farmers after the State Government announced an additional $35.8-million for its Primary Producer Support Payments initiative.

The government committed to fund a 40 per cent rate reduction for primary producers in Victoria’s southwest amid a prolonged drought in the region.

Ararat council leaders said the State Government had provided them with key details of the rate-relief package, which will be paid as a lump sum to the council for distribution to the region’s primary producers.

At last month’s meeting councillors approved a 40 per cent reduction in a farm rate and municipal charge across all properties rated as farms in the 2025-26 financial year.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said the money would appear as a credit on eligible rates notices.

“We welcome this additional support as our farming community has been doing it incredibly tough through these extended dry conditions,” he said.

“While it was council discretion as to how this funding reached affected farmers, we’ve chosen an approach that provides cash relief in a simple, fair, and transparent way.”

life encounters, fishing excursions and trips to a marine learning centre.

The Take a Break program takes children through a range of challenging activities aimed at building teamwork, encouraging hands-on learning, and promoting active, healthy, confident, and respectful behaviour.

The program invites grade five students from specific schools to attend.

Following the participation of Ararat North, Pomonal, Maroona and Buangor primary schools last year, the program will now be offered to every

grade five student in Ararat Rural City starting from 2026.

Of the Ararat North Primary School students who attended the camp last year, three saw the ocean for the first time.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said Ararat Rural City Council would support the initiative through an annual investment of $10,000.

“We’re really excited to announce that the fantastic Take a Break program will now be available to every year five student across Ararat Rural

City starting from 2026,” she said.

“This program is all about giving our young people fun, challenging experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and a love for active, healthy living.

“We’re proud to support an initiative that invests so directly in the wellbeing and future of our community’s young people.”

Last year, Ararat leaders implored the community to rally behind a firstof-its-kind initiative to send grade five students to Queenscliff’s Cottage

College embraces foundation project

The Ararat Branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has partnered with Ararat College year12 VCAL students to assemble and decorate a children’s cubby house to raise money for the foundation.

The cubby house will be raffled later this year – with money going

towards the branch’s next project –and drawn just in time for Christmas.

Ararat branch president Dianne Radford said the ‘one-off’ project had been embraced by Ararat College.

“The enthusiasm shown by the VCAL year-12 students on the cubby

house delivery was so pleasing and we look forward to their creativity with putting this all together,” she said.

The completed cubby house will be out on public display at different venues as part of a community raffle.

West Wimmera infrastructure direction plan released

West Wimmera Shire Council is inviting community to provide feedback on its updated asset management plan, to set the direction of how council will manage and maintain its infrastructure across the next 10 years.

The plan outlines council’s approach to maintaining, renewing, upgrading, and, where necessary, decommissioning assets across the shire.

This includes roads, buildings, open

spaces, and other essential infrastructure used by residents, businesses and visitors.

Originally adopted in 2022, the plan has been reviewed and updated with the latest data, including asset valuations, condition assessments, customer satisfaction survey results, and modelling of future renewal needs.

West Wimmera Shire Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said

the asset management plan played a vital role in supporting long-term sustainability and delivering services to the community.

“This plan ensures we are managing community assets in a responsible and cost-effective way,” he said.

“It helps us make informed decisions about when and how to maintain or upgrade infrastructure, so that we can meet current needs and plan ef-

fectively for the future.” Community members are encouraged to read the draft plan and share their feedback.

The consultation period is open until 5pm on August 29. Feedback can be emailed to council@westwimmera. vic.gov.au.

To view the draft asset management plan and learn more about how to have a say, people can visit www. westwimmera.vic.gov.au.

by the Sea each year. Ararat-region businessman Richard de Fegely has worked with Ararat council to arrange Cottage by the Sea trips for students. At a Greater Ararat Business Network Business After Dark event in December, Mr de Fegely said he hoped to encourage business leaders to contribute to a $30,000 target. More information about Cottage by the Sea’s Take a Break program is available at www.cottagebythesea. com.au/take-a-break.

Classic cars, characters

More than 250 colourful characters in more than 80 classic cars will visit Moyston and Horsham this week as part of the 2025 Variety B to B Bash.

Celebrating its 50th year in Australia, the bash is an 11-day, 3600-kilometre journey across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, aiming to raise $1.5-million for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.

The convoy departed Bomaderry on Sunday, travelling to Albury and Bendigo before reaching Moyston and Horsham today, Wednesday.

Participants will spend the night in Horsham, visiting Horsham Special School tomorrow, and then heading off to Mundulla and Murray Bridge in South Australia.

After a night in Adelaide on Friday –where a national celebration will take place with more than 650 Bash cars and 1600 participants – the NSW, Victoria and South Australia crews will then convoy to Renmark, Swan Hill, Wagga Wagga and Mittagong before finishing at Blacktown on August 13.

From Scooby Doo to Star Wars and Avengers, each vehicle is uniquely themed – bringing colour and joy to every stop along the way.

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW-ACT chief executive Tony Warner said the bash was about fun, friendship and making a lasting impact.

“Every kilometre travelled and every costume worn helps us to deliver lifechanging grants, programs and events to the kids who need it most, especially those in remote and regional areas,” he said.

This year’s event includes $65,000 in grants given directly to 13 regional schools, including Moyston Primary School and Horsham Special School. For more information or to support the bash and make a donation, people can visit varietybtobbash.org.au.

Kealy joins in protestor chorus

BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

State Member for Lowan and deputy Victorian Nationals leader Emma Kealy has voiced her support for a protest rally outside Parliament House on Wednesday last week.

Ms Kealy said speakers and attendees were making their voices heard as they protested a range of proposed and implemented government legislation.

She condemned the State Government’s proposed National Electricity, Victoria, Amendment, VicGrid Stage Two Reform, Bill – one of the focal issues of the protest – saying it would strip farmers’ rights.

“Victorians are sick of the Allan Labor government telling them how to run their businesses and live their lives,” she said.

“This latest piece of legislation, the VicGrid bill, not only takes away the voice of local people but it threatens a massive fine if you stop government employees from coming on your land.”

The bill, if passed, would grant VicGrid officials the ability to access private property without the consent of landowners, including the authority to cut locks or break fences if necessary.

While protesters decried the measures, a government spokesperson said it was in line with other existing legislation, including the Electricity Industry Act 2000, that allowed government officials to access private land.

They said energy companies building highvoltage power lines linking planned renewable energy zones, REZs, in Victoria and New South Wales would help fund payments of $8000 annually for each kilometre of transmission infrastructure hosted by landowners for 25 years, as well as a REZ Community Energy Fund.

“Authorised officers will always work with landowners before accessing land,” they said.

“This legislation will prevent inappropriate behaviour from private transmission companies and brings Victoria in line with other jurisdictions including NSW in the delivery of other vital major infrastructure such as transport and telecommunications.

“We created VicGrid to lead community consultation on the development of our renewable energy zones and new transmission infrastructure to protect energy security, as well as food and water security, and ensure communities are consulted early in the planning process.”

But while existing legislation under Victorian transport, water and electricity acts allows the government to access private land for the purposes of surveying, exploration or compulsory acquisition, Ms Kealy said the proposed VicGrid bill went too far.

She said the fines the bill would allow if landowners refused access to VicGrid officials were excessive.

“The way the fines are structured, it’s $12,000 for an individual but it’s $48,000 for a business,

and as we know, most farms operate under a business structure or under a trust,” she said.

“So it’ll be a massive hit on Victorian producers when they can least afford it, as inputs keep going up and we’re suffering through really low rainfall conditions.”

While several protest speakers, including organiser Andrew Weidemann, argued the government should entirely abandon efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in addition to scrapping the VNI West project, Ms Kealy said renewable energy still had a place – but not as Victoria’s only energy source.

“VNI West is a project that we simply do not need in Victoria,” she said.

“We know that Plan B, which is upgrading the existing lines, would cost a lot less money, which ends up on everybody’s power bills at the end of the day.

“It uses existing easements and would unlock more renewables, so why wouldn’t you go with a cheaper plan that would deliver more for Victoria and that we desperately need, rather than Labor continuing to bulldoze the rights of landholders?”

Ms Kealy said gas reserves and nuclear power could form part of Victoria’s energy-generation makeup.

“There are options that are low-carbon emitters like our gas supplies. We don’t have to frack, and I certainly will not support fracking, but there are so many gas reserves across Victoria that can be sourced through conventional means,” she said.

“That is what we should be looking at. If we can unlock other energy sources, then it takes the need for renewables away … because renewables can’t deliver our baseload power.

“The outcome of the federal election is that there won’t be a change to the nuclear moratorium federally.

“But the government is being idealistic and not realistic if they refuse to look at an energy source that has no carbon emissions whatsoever and provides extraordinarily cheap energy, as is done in leading countries around the world who rely on small-cell nuclear power generators.”

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the group was also broadly supportive of a transition to renewable energy, but the government had ‘mismanaged’ the VNI West project.

“Farmers are not opposed to renewable energy. We know the world is changing and we’re part of that change, but we won’t cop being steamrolled in the process,” he said.

“The VicGrid amendments are deeply troubling. Allowing police to enforce access and slapping hard-working farmers with fines for simply wanting to protect their land is not how you build trust, it’s indicative of how trust has been lost.”

Ready to ‘ramp it up’

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Speakers from the Wimmera, Mallee, Grampians and beyond led more than 1000 people in a protest against a range of State Government policies on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House on Wednesday last week.

Organised by Rupanyup farmer Andrew Weidemann, the protest was primarily aimed at the government’s National Electricity, Victoria, Amendment, VicGrid Stage Two Reform, Bill but also condemned proposed mining operations on agricultural land and the recently introduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, ESVF, levy.

The bill is set to introduce measures that will allow VicGrid officers to access private property without the consent of the landholder, as well as fines of more than $12,000 for individuals and $48,000 for businesses that obstruct access.

The land access component of the bill forms part of a government effort to construct high-voltage power lines linking proposed renewable energy zones, REZs, in Victoria’s west with similar renewable-energy developments in New South Wales.

The rally included addresses from Victorian Liberals leader Brad Battin, Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien and shadow minister for energy and resources David Davis.

Other speakers included farmers and residents from across Victoria, as well as Ararat Rural City councillor Rob Armstrong, United Firefighters Union national secretary Peter Marshall and Daniel Wild, the deputy executive director of right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

Mr Weidemann said rural communities were frustrated at a lack of consultation in the development of the bill and the powers it would grant.

“We’d rather be home farming than standing here on the steps of the Vic-

torian Parliament trying to work out why we’re here,” he said.

“It’s all because of this government’s attack on rural communities, but also Victorians in general with this proposed legislation that they’re talking about bringing into play.”

Kanya farmer Marcia McIntyre, who spoke at the protest, said the legislation was unnecessary and unjust.

“As a farmer and as a rural person, our rights are being taken away,” she said.

“There’s already legislation that covers this. They don’t need this legislation. It’s an unnecessary addition to give them more power to access land.

“Under the current legislation you’d need to go to the Supreme Court to access private land and that ensures there’s proper judicial process that goes on in regard to granting these orders.”

St Arnaud farmer Gerald Feeney said he believed landowners would be willing to risk fines or jail time to oppose the land-access measures if they were introduced.

“I’ve been farming for 40 years and I’ve never had anyone show up to

my property and demand the right to enter,” he said.

“If they want to be front-page news every day of the week, this government, from trying to criminalise and jail farmers and their families, go right ahead – see how the community puts up with that sort of behaviour.

“There’s a lot of people in our community who are totally willing to risk jail time. Bring it on. See how you get on. At some stage you’ve got to stand and say enough, and this is enough.”

Ms McIntyre said she felt the government had so far failed to heed the protesters’ messages, but last week’s rally might make the state’s leadership take notice.

“We’re hoping that by being here they will be heard. That’s why we’ve spent a whole day driving up – so that hopefully our voices can be heard,” she said.

“These things are having an enormous impact on our communities, on our farming, our businesses and on the environment as well.”

Mr Weidemann said he thought the message was ‘definitely’ starting to get through.

“This government has to be made accountable, and we will continue to do that through various means,” he said.

“We’re targeting marginal seats as we head towards the November 2026 election. That’s already having an impact as you’ve seen with Member for Ripon Martha Haylett’s recent comments coming out against the renewable energy zones.

“We’re hearing the cross-benchers are also now saying they shouldn’t have voted for the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund because – guess what? People vote.

“They’re hurting – we know that. We’ll continue to do this right through and we’ll ramp it up. We’ve got plans and strategies coming through that they haven’t even thought of yet.”

WE GROW BETTER CROPS

STOP THIS MADNESS:

Rupanyup business owner Judith Nimmo attended the rally to show her support for the Wimmera farming community.

Strong regional representation

Residents of the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians regions were strongly represented among a crowd of more than 1000 people who protested on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House last week.

Many attendees rose early to travel hours for the 11am rally, keen to voice their opposition to a range of issues.

Among topics covered at the protest were the State Government’s proposed National Electricity, Victoria, Amendment, VicGrid Stage Two Reform, Bill, which would grant officers from government agency VicGrid the power to access private property without the consent of the landowner.

Protesters also opposed proposed mining operations on agricultural land, the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector, VNI, West project and the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, ESVF.

Rupanyup business owner Judith Nimmo attended the rally and said she wanted to show her support for the Wimmera farming community.

“I’m not a farmer, I’m a business owner, but over the years I have watched the farmers coming in really tired,” she said.

“I saw all the signs on their farms and thought I needed to do something.”

Ms Nimmo said she had written to State Government and opposition politicians, as well as The Weekly

Advertiser in support of the farmers’ causes.

“I broadly support everything that was said at the protest,” she said.

“Because I don’t live in my shop … I’m going to have the ESVF levy on both my shop and my house.

“I believe that agricultural land should survive. The farmers feed the world.

“I really believe that everybody should fight. This is my fight as well as their fight, and we stand with the farmers.”

Protest organiser Andrew Weidemann, a Rupanyup farmer, said many people from western Victoria were ‘coming in and making their voices heard’ at the protest.

But he said the message was catching on across the state.

“One of the key things about this rally that’s different is there’s so many Melbourne people here,” he said.

“We’re starting to break down that barrier – it’s not just about rural Victoria, it’s about people here in the city as well.”

Ms Nimmo said she was trying to spread awareness about the protest.

“I’m a city girl. I was born and raised in the city of Melbourne and with most of my friends on Facebook who still live in the city, I’ve asked them to sign the petition and write to the government as well to stop this madness,” she said.

– Colin MacGillivray

HORSHAM

CATALOGUE OUT TOMORROW

Audience chance to vote their ‘queen’

Singer Amber Joy Poulton and her band

The Governing Bodies will bring a unique show celebrating the careers of four country music greats to the Horsham Town Hall stage in November.

Titled ‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman’, the show nods to the work of Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain, but also includes hits from the catalogues of Americans Linda Ronstadt and Tammy Wynette, as well as Australia’s Olivia Newton-John.

Ms Poulton, who has previously performed another show, Coal Miner’s Daughter, in the Wimmera in addition to appearances at Horsham’s annual RegFest, said the region had passionate and discerning country music enthusiasts.

“We know Horsham has a lot of country music fans, and this is the sort of show that has something for everyone,” she said.

“I wrote this show with a country music audience in mind, because over the years I have learned that country music fans really know what they like. We’re hoping people will be excited about the new show that we’re bringing. It did really well at Tamworth, which is a good measuring stick for country music fans – if they like it in Tamworth, then we know we’ve got a hit.”

“I’m always interested in what my audience considers to be country or not country,” she said.

“You look at someone like Shania Twain, and when she came out she was quite poppy, but country music fans love her – Shania Twain can do no wrong,” she said. Then you’ve got Linda Ronstadt, who to me is more rock, and country music fans also adore her.

“Then you’ve got Olivia Newton-John, who is Australian so she gets a tick, but she’s not necessarily country either – she’d probably be a bit more folk over the years. Then I popped in Tammy Wynette, who to me is the benchmark –she’s 100 per cent country music.

Ms Poulton said the show had a tongue-incheek energy and encouraged audience feedback.

“During the show we get the audience to vote for their favourite of the four artists,” she said.

“It’s interesting, because each town we’ve played in has picked a different queen, but poor old Tammy hasn’t won one yet. Maybe Horsham will be the first one.”

Ms Poulton said she based her show on the catalogues of the four chosen performers because they each represented a different aspect of country music.

“When a country music audience says ‘that’s not really country’, I thought it was interesting to put the ball back in their court with these four artists.”

Tickets for the Horsham performance of Man, I Feel Like a Woman are on sale now via the Horsham Town Hall website, at horshamtownhall. com.au/man-i-feel-like-a-woman.

The show will be on Thursday, November 20 from 7.30pm. For people unable to attend the Horsham show, Ms Poulton said tickets were still available for shows in Wangaratta on November 21, Bendigo on November 22 and Mount Gambier on November 23. People can visit www.manifeellikeawoman.com.au for more information.

GLENELG

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

MONDAY 11th AUGUST, 2025

PARTICIPATING STUDS

WILL BE HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE MONDAY 11th AUGUST, 2025

Glendonald

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 Glendonald

Glendonald • Gleneden • Glenera North Poll • Glenpaen Gringegalgona

Inspect our display at Sheepvention in Hamilton

OPEN 10am to 4pm • Auction 1pm

Inspect

Open 10am to 4pm • Auction 1pm

OPEN 10am to 4pm • Auction 1pm

Draft road management plan

Horsham Rural City Council is inviting the community to have their say on its updated road management plan, a key document that outlines how council maintains and manages its extensive road network across both urban and rural areas.

The plan defines council’s responsibilities, along with those of landowners and utility providers, and outlines specific maintenance standards and response times for road and footpath maintenance – ensuring safety, con-

Opportunities for feedback

Hindmarsh Shire Council will present its draft Council Plan 2025-2029 with in-person and online sessions across the municipality in coming weeks.

Representing the community’s vision for the shire and setting strategic direction for the next four years, the plan has been developed based on community feedback, including the input of council’s community panel.

The plan has four themes: our community; built and natural environment; competitive and innovative economy; and good governance and financial sustainability, which align with council’s budget and service areas.

Council Plan actions for 2025-26 have also been drafted, outlining specific projects and services to be delivered this financial year.

The plan and actions are available online or in hardcopy at customer service centres and libraries. Feedback will be accepted until August 22.

Feedback can be given in person at town committee meetings or via councillor and chief executive drop-ins on August 18 at Jeparit Library and Customer Service Centre from 11am to noon, at Rainbow between 2pm and 3pm, Dimboola from 3pm to 4pm on August 19, and at Nhill Library from 3pm to 4pm on August 21.

People can also offer feedback via the online survey at www.haveyour say.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/councilplan-2025-2029 or on the live webinar from 7pm on August 13. Register at shorturl.at/Qo3WX.

sistency, and accountability. Mayor Ian Ross said the plan was one of council’s most important tools in maintaining public infrastructure.

“Our road network is one of the most valuable community assets we manage, and this plan ensures we’re making decisions based on clear standards and fair priorities,” he said.

“The road management plan outlines how frequently roads and footpaths are inspected, the types of defects that trigger a response, and how quickly we aim to act.

“It helps us maintain transparen-

cy and deliver services consistently across the municipality.”

Council is particularly keen to hear from residents about whether the roads in their area have been appropriately classified; whether the maintenance response levels are appropriate; and any other feedback related to the document or road management practices.

“We want this plan to reflect the realworld needs and expectations of our residents,” Cr Ross said.

“If you use a road regularly – whether it’s in town or out in a rural area –

we encourage you to review the maps and standards and let us know what you think.

“This is your chance to help shape how we maintain and invest in our road network over the coming years.

“Whether it’s a city street or a rural gravel road – every voice matters.”

Written submissions are open until September 17, and people can provide feedback either by completing the online feedback form; emailing council @hrcc.vic.gov.au; or posting it Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham VIC 3402

PURPOSE: Ararat Gallery TAMA is hosting a series of free events encouraging people to put down their smartphones and reconnect with their community.

Unplug with art in Ararat

Ararat Gallery TAMA is encouraging people to put down their smartphones and reconnect with their community in a new initiative dubbed Analog Art Club.

The club is a statewide movement supported by the Public Galleries Association of Victoria, PGAV, and ArtsHub that encourages people to slow down and connect in real life through art.

Ararat Rural City Mayor Jo Armstrong said the program supported deeper connections with both art and community by fostering screen-free

engagement in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

“In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple joy of truly experiencing something without distraction,” she said.

“This initiative provides the community with a welcoming space to reflect, discuss and experience art together.

“It’s about making creativity social, accessible and refreshingly analog.”

Community members will have an opportunity to spend time in the cur-

rent Ararat Gallery TAMA exhibitions, engaging in guided intentional slow-looking exercises, including conversational prompts or observational drawing.

The events are free, with Ararat Gallery TAMA requesting people book to help plan seating via araratgallerytama.com.au.

Session dates and times are: Saturday, August 9, 2-3.30pm; Saturday, September 13, 2-3.30pm; Saturday, October 11, 2-3.30pm; Saturday, November 8, 2-3.30pm.

Tower Park sale options

Dimboola Lions Club is considering purchasing a key piece of land in the town.

Graeme Schneider, owner of Dimboola’s Tower Park, is seeking to sell his property to a buyer within the Dimboola community.

Mr Schneider has approached the Lions club as a potential buyer.

Dimboola Lions president Paul Lehmann said before deciding to purchase, the club planned to consult members of the Dimboola community.

“Such a purchase is a big decision for the Dimboola Lions, and we are keen to get feedback from the community about what they want to see happen to the site,” he said.

The Tower Park site has a long history, being the home of the Dimboola Hotel for more than 70 years until a fire in 2003.

Now, it is a hub for market and community where visitors and locals gather and enjoy the town. It has also played a key role in the Steampunk festival and other community events.

“The Lions recognise the value of the park and what it adds to the local landscape of the main street,” Mr Lehmann said.

“We have some ideas for how we can activate the park even more, but we want to hear from locals as well.”

Kiata speed

Kiata’s 80 kilometre an hour zone on the Western Highway has been extended to improve resident and vehicle safety, following concern from Kiata residents.

Hindmarsh Shire Council and Department of Transport and Planning worked together to extend the 80kph zone from east of Kiata South Road to west of Reserve Road.

The extension allows vehicles turning onto Kiata South, Kiata North and Reserve Road, to do so in an 80kph zone rather than a 100kph zone.

Free green disposal

Residents in Hindmarsh Shire can dispose of their green waste free of charge during October, giving residents the opportunity to clean up their properties in the lead-up to fire season. Transfer station hours are available on council’s website.

Grow Local, Eat Local

Expression of Interest

We're calling for expressions of interest from passionate home cooks to enter our upcoming community cooking competition, with recipe submissions open from July 28 to August 25 and an exciting final to be held in Nhill in early October!

OCTOBER

2025

or phone Jake Wiffen on 03 5391 4312

Trusted local experts with over 20 years of experience • Fast response times for urgent electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning issues • No hidden fees – transparent pricing you can trust • Emergency services available 24/7 • Fully licensed and insured technicians • Energy-e cient solutions for your home and business • Our air conditioning systems will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter • Quick and reliable plumbing repairs – no job is too big or small • 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services • Competitive rates without compromising quality • Fast installations for your new air conditioner or electrical system • State-of-the-art equipment for every service • Your home and o ce are in safe hands with our professional team • We help reduce your utility bills with energy-e cient systems • Hassle-free service with minimal disruption to your daily routine • O ering expert advice to help prevent future issues • Friendly, approachable sta who truly care • We can provide ongoing maintenance packages to keep systems running smoothly • Full diagnostics to get to the root cause of electrical or plumbing problems • Free, noobligation quotes for every job • Knowledgeable in both residential and commercial services • The best brands and products in plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning • Reliable for last-minute repairs and installations • Fast and thorough work – saving you time and money • Environmentally friendly solutions to minimize your carbon footprint • We o er a wide range of plumbing options, from drain cleaning to pipe replacements • Experienced in the latest air conditioning technology

COUNTING DOWN: Wimmera Lutheran College students from years seven to 12 have been working hard to present The Addams Family: School Edition. The time has come, and this week – tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm – the creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky Addams family will take over the Horsham Town Hall stage. Pictured during a dress rehearsal last week are, clockwise from above: Evan Hahn as Gomez, and Zara Nichols, Morticia; Tadhg Martin, Lucas Beineke, and Rhianna Williams, Wednesday; Zara Adams, Fester; Prue Heard, Alice Beineke, and Ethan Stanley, Mal Beineke; Rhianna Williams, Wednesday; and Zara Adams.

Boost for St Arnaud

Six St Arnaud businesses will receive help to improve the vibrancy of their shopfronts through Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Shopfront Improvement Program.

The program, which began with a successful pilot in Stawell last year, aims to help businesses improve the look of their shopfronts in order to stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of the town.

Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop said the six chosen businesses were selected to participate in the St Arnaud program based on their need and desire for improvement.

“The program garnered great interest from businesses in Napier Street and connecting side streets,” she said.

“We had 17 businesses submit an expression of interest, so it was an incredibly competitive process for the six available spots. We hope to deliver this program again in St Arnaud in the future, given the amount of interest from businesses seeking support to improve.”

The six businesses chosen by an assessment panel were Ramjac, St Arnaud Books, Country Kitchen, St Arnaud Community Resource Centre, Top of the Town Beauty Salon and The Bible Museum and Butterfly Centre.

Pop Creative Collective, which ran a visual merchandising workshop in St Arnaud in June, will work with the selected businesses to improve their shopfront presen-

OPPORTUNITY: From left, Top of the Town Beauty Salon’s Meagan Harvey consults with Pop Creative Collective’s Ching Ching Lee and Wendy Twigg as part of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Shopfront Improvement Program.

tation through new branding, signs, painting and window displays.

Pop Creative Collective’s Ching Ching Lee said it was great to see so many businesses wanting to improve their shopfronts and engage in the program.

“This is the biggest number of expressions of interest I have received for the Shopfront Improvement Program,” she said.

“I’m very excited to be working with the six applicants and can’t wait to see the results.”

Ms Lee started a one-on-one process with program participants last week.

“It has been great to speak with each of the businesses and hear their business journey, what drives them and what they want to achieve,” she said.

“Connecting with them helps us to create their shopfront improve-

ments and inspires us to provide our best work, which will benefit the whole St Arnaud streetscape.

“We have been blown away with what St Arnaud has to offer – it has been a wonderful experience learning about the town and its many treasures.”

Top of The Town Beauty Salon’s Meagan Harvey said she applied for the program because she thought it provided St Arnaud businesses with a fantastic opportunity.

“It will be great to have a bit of a revamp and it’s great working with the Pop Creative Collective team,” she said.

“The process so far has been so much fun and the ideas are great.”

People can visit www.ngshire. vic.gov.au/business for more information and to subscribe to the council’s monthly Business ENews.

Child services consultation

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Yarriambiack Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the proposed transfer of its remaining three kindergarten services at Rupanyup, Minyip, and Warracknabeal to Emerge Early Years Services.

Council chief executive Tammy Smith said under the new proposal, council would still be involved in the service.

“Council would continue to support Emerge in the provision of service delivery, however, council would no longer be the front-facing organisation managing the day-to-day operations and quality assurance of the centres,” she said.

“Early childhood education and care is a specialised service, and as a small rural shire, we recognise we do not have the technical expertise to provide the oversight and quality assurance required to manage services going forward.

“We have a highly reputable, specialist provider located within the Wimmera Southern Mallee, who has the skills and expertise to ensure high-quality education and care is provided in our shire.”

Mrs Smith said council had been working alongside Emerge to manage its centres for several months, and would continue to support Emerge by providing buildings, grant and funding support, and assistance with grounds works.

“Yarriambiack Shire has been working in partnership with Emerge since October last year, where Emerge has been engaged to provide direct management

Busine working

HIRING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD

We know businesses often manage recruitment on their own, and that comes with a lot of pressure to “get it right.”

Writing job ads, screening applications, finding the right interview questions, and onboarding your new hire - it all takes time, energy, and the kind of expertise you often only get from years in recruitment.That’s where we come in.

We’ve created three flexible support packages to make hiring easier, more professional, and far less time-consuming. Whether you’re hiring for the first time, need better quality applicants, or just want a second set of eyes on your shortlist, we’re here to support you.

Our new support options are designed for businesses who want practical, tailored help at the right stage, from writing job ads that attract the right people to screening support, onboarding checklists, and expert guidance along the way. Your recruitment, your way. Our expertise and support, tailored to meet your unique hiring needs.

Ready to make your next hire with confidence?

Contact us today to discuss how we can support you.

support and oversight of the council’s early years centres,” she said.

“Emerge’s role as a cluster manager for our kindergartens benefits the community, staff, and region.

“They also provide childcare focused on high-quality education and care.

“Emerge operates reputable services in Horsham, Hindmarsh, and parts of Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack Shire.

“This partnership has been a highly functioning and supportive alliance, and we look forward to working with Emerge now and into the future.”

In March 2025, council relinquished its licence to operate kindergarten services in Hopetoun and Beulah. Emerge entered into a lease and service agreement for the next five years to provide kindergarten and long day care services from the Hopetoun Early Years building.

The Beulah Kindergarten service operates from the Beulah Primary School, and a user agreement between Emerge and Beulah Primary School has been enacted.

At the end of last year, Murtoa Kindergarten closed, and Early Learning Victoria opened the new Murtoa Bani Walup Early Years Centre, incorporating long day care and kindergarten services. Council has commenced the transfer consultation process; community feedback is welcome and can be submitted until 5pm on August 25 via council’s website, or alternatively, a letter addressed to council’s chief executive.

Support Packages

Admin Hire Starter Kit

Optional upgrade: 60-minute strategy consult

• Professionally written or refined job ad

• Pre-screening phone call questions aligned to the PD

• Interview questions tailored to the PD to guide your hiring process

• Reference check template to help you confidently verify candidates

• Optional upgrade: 60-minute strategy consult

• Onboarding checklist

Applicant Attraction Package

• Professionally written or refined job ad

• Advice on Seek category, ad type, and optimal posting time

• Suggested Seek screening questions to reduce unsuitable applicants

• Pre-screening interview questions aligned to the position description

• Custom Seek banner image for visibility

• 2–3 branded social media job tiles for Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Instagram

Recruitment Support Hours (Consulting Pack)

What hours can be used for:

• Writing or refining job ads

• Resume and application review

• Screening calls or interviews

• Interview prep (hiring manager)

• Reference checks

• Advice during hiring or onboarding

TAKe A BreAK

On This dAy

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 4, 2005 –Ararat Community College students Jarrod Searle and Meagan McMillan had the lead roles of Antony and Cleopatra in the school’s performance for the 2005 Rock Eisteddfod at Melbourne’s Vodaphone Arena. The school’s eight-minute dance involved more than 100 students and staff who had prepared for more than three months under the direction of drama teacher Deanne Clapton.

10 years ago: August 12, 2015

Victoria Police Superintendent Paul Margetts transferred to Horsham from Echuca, taking on Western Region Division Four, and was looking forward to developing a community engagement strategy. Mr Margetts, who had worked in a variety of roles from one-man stations to Melbourne posting, said he had been exposed to operational lessons management and had worked with other agencies.

Five years ago: August 5, 2020

Historic rail wagons were delivered for display at Murtoa Stick Shed, representing the type that was used to transport grain. Three GY wagons, produced between 1939 and 1957 in places including England, Bendigo, Ballarat and Newport, were originally painted red then progressively changed to ‘Hansa yellow’. The wagons were used to haul grain from concrete silos at Kaniva, Yaapeet and Patchewollock to Murtoa Stick Shed for storage, before being transported to Geelong and Portland for export.

One year ago: August 7, 2024

More than 450 students from Horsham’s St Brigid’s, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Nhill and Warracknabeal secondary colleges attended The Alfred’s PARTY at Horsham Town Hall, a session designed to Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth.

1. Born on this day in 1990 was which American child beauty queen, who died on Christmas day in 1996?

2. What is the smallest unit of matter?

3. Painters Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin and Charles Conder were the main artists of which school?

4. Which Australian prime minister enacted radical gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania?

5. Where in the human body would you find the trapezius?

6. What is the term broadly given to large, long-extinct prehistoric animals that roamed much of the earth, including Australia?

7. In Agatha Christie’s books, which elderly spinster is known for her astute observation skills and solving crimes in St Mary Mead?

8. Which Roman emperor was the month of August named after?

9. Which cartoon character made his public debut in 1928, in the animated short ‘Steamboat Willie’?

10. Which 1844-born German philosopher said, ‘that which does not kill us makes us stronger’?

School. Sometimes described as Australian impressionism, the Heidelberg School developed an informal, evocative and -natu ralistic style that evoked the colours and flora of the Australian landscape. 4. John Howard. He pushed through reforms to take automatic and semi-automatic firearms from the general public. The buyback program was funded by a half per cent levy placed on taxable income for one year, which attempted to compensate gun owners who were losing their firearms. 5. In the upper back and neck – it is a large, surface muscle. 6. Megafauna, which translates to ‘large animals’. 7. Miss Marple. 8. Augustus Caesar. 9. Micky Mouse. 10. Friedrich Nietzsche. His philosophy is mainly referred to as ‘existentialism’, and his works based on the ideas of good and evil and the end of religion in the modern world.

Answers: 1. JonBenét Ramsey. 2. An atom. 3. Heidelberg

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: 0437 894 257, kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: 0488 473 562, dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Colin MacGillivray: cmacgillivray@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The

Brought to you by AFTERNOONS WITH HUGHIE Weekdays, noon until 3pm on

yOur lucKy sTArs WiTh sArAh KulKens Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 10 TO AUGUST 16

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 26, 23, 32, 10

This is a busy period with much to accomplish. Unexpected travel or surprising destinations may arise, so stay flexible and open to new experiences.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 5, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 5, 19, 24, 40, 22

If your love life has felt stagnant, now is the time to reignite it. Financial improvements are on the horizon, but be cautious of shady dealings.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 8, 5, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 24, 40, 22, 11

Support from unexpected sources can significantly boost your career and financial well-being. Look for a delightful surprise, such as a gift or unexpected win.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 25, 24, 1, 33

A new business venture or job opportunity could bring financial rewards, even if it requires more work and longer hours. Take the chance – it’s worth it.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Hazel

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 12, 15, 23, 26, 24, 40

While love life may feel less than ideal, brighter days are ahead. A stroke of luck in games of chance is possible, and partnering with a Libra may bring double the fortune.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 4, 5, 7

Lotto Numbers: 8, 19, 26, 14, 40, 45

Communication is excellent this week, and you’ll enjoy a sense of well-being. While financial matters may demand extra effort, the outcome will be worth it.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 10, 15, 24, 40, 42

Clear communication with loved ones will prevent future misunderstandings. Travel plans and meetings with intriguing individuals are likely.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 25, 24, 40, 33

Singles may find true love, while couples deepen their connection. Career and business prospects are improving – stay focused to capitalise on these opportunities.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 4, 8

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 26, 28, 38, 30

Listen to sound advice during this period. Support from influential individuals could propel your efforts forward. If starting a new business, ensure all agreements are in writing.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 6, 13, 25, 36, 40

A new move or change of residence may be on the cards. Handle finances carefully to ensure long-term stability – options are available to help.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 6, 13, 23, 32, 10

Something from your past could resurface. Seek help if needed; it’s a wise decision, and people are eager to support you.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 3, 5, 4, 2

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 29, 37, 45, 1

_ ` a b c d e f g h i

Diplomacy and tact are your best assets this week. A long-standing project may finally show results, rewarding your patience and persistence.

Orders open

Nissan

has priced its Ariya SUV for the Australian market ahead of the all-electric model’s domestic debut in September.

Orders are now open for the fourvariant range with pricing from $55,840 plus on-road costs.

The Nissan Ariya measures 4595mm in length and 1850mm in width, excluding mirrors, and rides on a 2775mm wheelbase, making it comparable in size to segment competitors like the BYD Sealion 7, priced from $54,990, and Tesla Model Y from $58,900.

Nissan says the Ariya is styled to blend futuristic sculptural elements with natural curvature in a harmonious form while offering an interior that is airy, inviting, and spacious.

The Ariya is offered with 63kWh or 87kWh battery options providing a driving range of up to 504 kilometres.

AC charging is possible at up to 22kW while DC fast charging is possible at up to 130kW allowing a 10 to 30 per cent recharge in 35 minutes.

The Engage, priced from $55,840, and Advance, from $59,840, have a single electric motor outputting

160kW-300Nm in combination with a 63kWh battery, while the Advance+, from $63,840, offers a 178kW-300Nm state of tune with larger 87kWh battery pack enabling greater range.

The range-topping Evolve e-4orce variant, from $71,840, offers dual 160kW motors and a total of 600Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, and a zero to 100kmh time of 5.6 seconds – 2.4 seconds faster than the entry-grade model.

Braked towing capacity for twowheel drive entry variants is listed at 750kg while all-wheel drive models allow 1500kg of braked towing capacity.

All variants are suspended by a Macpherson strut front, multi-link rear arrangement, offer electrically assisted power steering, and are halted by four-wheel disc brakes.

The entry grade Engage variant’s equipment highlights include 19-inch wheels with a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel, LED lighting all-round, rear roof spoiler, a shark fin style antenna, and satin chrome window framing.

Comfort and convenience features

include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry and start, sixway manual front seat adjustment, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, footwell lighting, tilt-reach steering adjustment, a leather-accented steering wheel rim, 60:40 split-fold rear seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Connectivity highlights include dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, native sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, wireless device charging, six-speaker

sound, AM/FM/DAB+ radio reception, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, and an assortment of USB and 12-volt power outlets.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning and intervention, driver attention alert, front and rear parking sensors, high beam assist, lane departure, keeping, and prevention technologies, rear crosstraffic alert, rear seat alert, reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, and six airbags.

The lists grow for the Advance grade, Advance+ and flagship Evolve e-4orce models.

Nissan Australia will offer the Ariya with its 10-year/300,000km vehicle warranty with included five-year capped-price servicing plan and up to 10 years of roadside assistance.

The high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

– Matt Brogan

Honda has confirmed it will bring the rebooted Prelude sports coupe to Australia in mid-2026, 24 years after the nameplate was last offered in this country and nearly 30 years after the previous generation Prelude made its debut.

Speaking to media at a business update in Melbourne, Honda Australia’s director of automotive division, Robert Thorp, was bullish about the Prelude’s potential as a brand-builder for the Red H.

“The Prelude, to be honest, we’ve been talking about this car for a while. I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that it’s such an iconic name, it has such rich brand heritage and history within it as a model, and we’ll bring it back to Australia next year. We’re really, really excited for that,” he said.

For the sixth-generation Honda Prelude, the original formula of basing a swishy two-door coupe on the underpinnings of a four-door stablemate remains, although unlike the first five generations the foundation for the new Prelude will not be the Accord, but rather the Civic.

It will also be a hybrid from the get-go, leveraging the existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolelectric powertrain from the e:HEV variants of the Civic, CR-V and Accord, although Honda has yet to confirm whether the Prelude will take the 135kW tune of the Civic and CR-V, or if it will enjoy the boosted-up 152kW of the Accordspec version of that powertrain – or take a tune that’s totally unique to the Prelude.

Torque will likely land at 335Nm, given the Civic, CR-V and Accord hybrids all currently top out at that number.

Underneath, the Prelude looks rather similar to a Civic Type-R.

Honda has confirmed its new two-door will utilise the same dual-axis front suspension design as the Type R, which is a hybrid MacPherson strut design that decouples the steering axis from the damper body, improving front suspension geometry and greatly reducing torque-steer.

The Prelude will also feature the same 1.6metre track width and adaptive dampers as the Type R, as well as the high-performance Civic’s four-piston Brembo front brakes, with unique tuning to adapt all of that borrowed hardware to the Prelude and impart it with its own distinct personality.

But while there’s plenty of component sharing under the skin, there’s no recycling of body panels.

The sixth-generation Prelude wears bodywork that sets it well apart from the rest of Honda’s modern showroom, with a sleek front bumper

with a tiny upper grille and pinched headlamps looking a world apart from the rectangular lamps and yawning mouths of every other Honda, from the Accord to the ZR-V.

From the profile view, the new Prelude’s cabforward teardrop silhouette is a departure from the long bonnets and notchback coupe stylings of its predecessors, though it certainly looks sleek.

Flush-fit door handles reinforce the notion of low drag, while the rear end is spanned by an LED light bar that emphasises the car’s width. Interestingly, it is still powered indirectly by a combustion engine.

Honda’s designers have eliminated the tailpipe from the rear bumper, with it instead exhausting down toward the ground rather than poking through a bumper cut out.

Inside, the driver’s seat features unique cushioning, offering a tighter grip than the more comfort-oriented passenger seat. A rear seat is present, but it remains to be seen how useful it is thanks to that tapered roofline. At least the rear seatbacks can fold down to help increase boot capacity.

With its local launch still being about a year away, neither Thorp or Honda Australia’s recently-arrived chief executive Jay Joseph would be drawn on details like pricing or specification, but there’s the potential for the Prelude to play a couple of important roles both within Honda’s showrooms and within the broader market.

For one, the auto-only Prelude will finally give Honda’s salespeople something to recommend to punters who are attracted to the Civic Type R, but turned off by its manual-only offering and-or its overtly sporty styling.

It remains to be seen whether Honda prices the Prelude at or near the Type R’s $74,100 driveaway sticker, but if buyers consider that its core mechanical offering is somewhere between that of the $55,900 Civic e:HEV LX and the Civic Type R, then there’s plenty of airspace between those two models where a Prelude could easily fit.

Secondly, the Prelude will be the only hybrid in the sub-$90K sports car category. Electrified options exist in the $90-plus sports segment in the form of the MG Cyberster and Corvette ERay, but while hybrids have proliferated across nearly every other passenger and SUV segment in recent years, the world of affordable sports cars has yet to make the transition. Honda may be in an advantageous position to scoop up any latent demand for a fuel-sipping coupe when its Prelude arrives, provided the price is right.

– Tony O’Kane

Third-generation Audi arrives

Audi Australia has announced pricing for its third-generation Q5 and SQ5 SUV range due in dealerships over the coming weeks, priced from $81,000 plus on-road costs.

The pricing sees the Q5 range start at some $7600 more than the entry point to the outgoing line-up, but with petrol power in place of diesel – replacing the former 35 TDI S tronic.

Rivalling the likes of the BMW X3, priced from $86,100, Lexus NX, from $63,400 and Mercedes-Benz GLCClass, from $89,000, the Audi Q5 line-up will initially comprise a frontwheel drive Q5 TFSI and the Q5 TDI, the latter in both quattro and quattro sport trim, as well as the V6 TFSI engine-powered performance variant in the SQ5, with a special SQ5 edition one available for a limited time to commemorate the launch.

Audi says the five variants will be joined by the Audi Q5 and SQ5 Sportback later in 2025.

For now, the Audi Q5 line-up is said to be the most advanced and luxurious yet with progressive styling, clever technology, impressive performance, and unparalleled comfort.

Entry-grade offerings feature 48-volt mild hybrid electrical assistance, adding an additional 18kW-230Nm to their respective power units, resulting in ‘improved efficiency, performance

and driving refinement’. Further enhancements to the third-generation line-up include the standard fitment of progressive steering and advanced frequency selective dampers across the range.

With sportier proportions and an athletic stance, the Q5 features a higher shoulder line than before, a new-look Singleframe grille, larger front air curtains, and standard S line exterior styling offering 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, and high gloss aluminium garnishing.

Inside, the Q5 is designed to be ‘human-centric’, featuring a layout familiar to the recently launched Q6, A5 and S5.

Audi’s MMI panoramic displays incorporate 11.9-inch digital instrumentation and 14.5-inch infotainment arrays, which play host to a bevy of connectivity and entertainment sys-

tems. The interior is further adorned with leather-appointed upholstery, powered seat adjustment, LED ambient lighting, illuminated sill covers, and matte brushed aluminium trim.

The standard end of the Q5 range is generously equipped with the latest safety and driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, nine airbags and speed sign recognition.

The new range also introduces the Q5 TDI quattro sport, from $94,100, which Audi says features an array of differentiating equipment from the Q5 TDI quattro, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Sport front seats, S line interior, leather-appointed upholstery, a flat top and bottom steering wheel, black headlining, and matte brushed aluminium trim with linear embossing in anthracite.

Marking the Australian launch of the

new Q5 range is the limited SQ5 edition one, priced from $106,400.

Building upon the specification of the Q5 TDI quattro spot, the edition one features a unique black styling package including gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps, window trims, anthracite grey Audi rings, and dark tailpipe trims. Privacy glass, red brake callipers, and exclusive 20-inch black metallic Audi Sport alloy wheels are further offered as standard.

The interior of the SQ5 edition one includes leather-appointed upholstery complemented by S embossing, stainless steel pedals, a flat top and bottom multifunction steering wheel, and darkened headlining.

At the top of the range is the SQ5 powered by a familiar 270kW turbocharged V6 petrol engine.

Audi quotes a zero to 100kmh time of 4.5 seconds for the variant, estab-

lishing it as the fastest SQ5 to date.

The SQ5 differentiates itself with exclusive 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, acoustic front glazing, aluminium-look trims, and distinctive S exterior styling with prominent visible tailpipe trims.

Inside, highlights include ventilated, heated and massaging front seats finished in premium diamond-stitched leather, Dinamica upholstery elements throughout the cabin, advanced colour ambient lighting pro, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system, head-up display, and USB interfaces offering ‘rapid charging capability’.

The Q5 and SQ5 range is available in 10 paint colours, while inside, a range of upholstery options and interior trim packages ‘provide additional customisation to suit individual tastes’.

The Q5 range is backed by a fiveyear warranty which includes roadside assistance. Servicing plans are available with full details available via the Audi public website.

Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering said the arrival of the all-new Audi Q5 and SQ5 marked a transformative moment for Audi in Australia.

“This new generation builds on impressive legacy and further cements its status as a standout in Australia’s premium SUV market,” he said. – Matt Brogan

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

Quick Workout

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

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

David McMaster has been working as an independent builder and renovator for more than fifteen years, with a previous fifteen years of industry experience.

There is no job too big or too small for David, he’ll happily do anything around your home or business, from maintenance and repairs, to building a new house or adding on that extension you’ve been planning for years.

David can build and install doors, windows and new robes, as well as help you plan your kitchen and bathroom renovations. Take advantage of his expert advice and have him help plan your dream home.

As a commercially registered builder, David is your go-to guy for any personal projects or commercial ventures you have in mind.

David will travel Wimmera-wide to makeover your home or business and offers free quotes, as well as photos of his previous work, such as the decorative concrete work that he specialises in. Call DLW McMaster Building and Renovating today on 0437 985 319 and make your renovation dreams a reality.

Classifieds

CAITHNESS,

Rod

Passed away July 30, 2025 at Ballarat Hospital.

Loved husband of Bev (nee Maddern) over 68 years.

Father and father-in-law to Helen & John, Andrew & Linda, Alison & Robert.

Loving Pa to 6, and Great Pa to 5.

RIP

CASTLE, William ‘Bill’ Henry

Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Beth and Don (dec).

Loved uncle of Trevor, Judy, Peter, Vicki and families. ‘Forever Remembered’

HEINRICH, Charlie

25-07-2025

To Jackie, Arie, Angela, Marcus, Ellie, Lucy & Maggie; our deepest sympathies.

Sandy, David & Family

HEINRICH, Charlie Flynn

9-2-2006 to 25-7-2025

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our much loved and valued team member, Charlie Heinrich, gone far too soon, will be forever remembered for his cheeky grin, his choice in hats, his ‘punctuality’, his work ethic and positive impact on those around him. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Laser Horsham

ISBEL (nee Sprake), Valeria Norma

Passed away peacefully 27/07/2025 aged 90.

Loved wife of Bob (Dec)

Loved mother & motherin-law of Garry (Dec) & Gaynor, Shane & Annie (dec), Brendan & Gina, & Maryanne.

Adored nana to Dionne & Matthew, Hannah & Andy, Mardi & Jack, Kate & Abbey, and Meg. Nana to 7 great grandchildren.

KEMP, Harold of Warracknabeal, passed away peacefully at home 1st August, 2025

Loved Husband of Jan.

Loved Father of Leanne, Julie, Colin, Robert and their families.

READING (nee Ellard), Glenis Jean

Passed away on July 30, 2025 aged 92 years.

Dearly loved wife of Bernie (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Gary (dec); Peter & Jill; Gail & Geoff; and Trevor (dec).

Adored Gram to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reunited with her precious boys

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chris Ebersohm for his unwavering dedication and compassionate care of Glenis. To Nurse Unit Manager, Michelle Coutts, we cannot thank you enough for your always loving and supportive care of Mum.

And to the many wonderful staff at Yandilla, Wimmera Base Hospital – our thanks for the gentle and respectful manner in which you cared for our darling mum this final time.

Gail, Peter and families

SCHNEIDER, Kevin Victor 9-8-1935 to 27-7-2025

Loved husband of Shirley. Father and father-in-law of Brian and Jenny, Louise and David.

Loving Grandpa of Rhys, Hailey and Lucas.

We Have You In Our Hearts

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich

SCHWARZ (nee Wenzlau), Jean Barbara of Wallup, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 aged 84 years.

Loved Wife of Kevin (dec).

Loved Mother and Motherin-law of Adrian, Su and Matt, Wayne and Sharon and Pamela and Andy.

Loved Nanny of Penelope (dec), Carly, Archie and Jess, Louie, Roman and Issy, Felicia, Max and Chiara.

TABERNER, Clint

Passed away on July 22, 2025 aged 47 years.

Dearly loved husband of Melissa.

Loving father to Georgie and Nate.

Cherished son of Clarrie & Els.

Beloved brother of Jody and Jaxon.

Adored by all of his family and friends.

Forever In Our Hearts

TABERNER, Clint 15/2/1978 - 22/7/2025

Dearly loved son of Clarrie & Elspeth.

Loved brother to Jody and Jaxon.

Brother-in-law to Michael.

Loved uncle of Jake, Lily, Maxx, Archie & Lotah. Always in our hearts

YATES, Eric Francis

Passed away on July 31, 2025 aged 79 years.

Dearly loved husband of Heather.

Loving father and father in law of Linda & Adam; Travis & Nhu.

Adored Grandpa to Dom and Charlie; Grace and Adella.

Best mate of Danger. Now At Peace

HEINRICH, Charlie Flynn

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Charlie Flynn Heinrich will take place at the Pimpinio Football & Netball Club on Friday, 8 August 2025 commencing at 4.45pm. Privately interred.

Please wear your work shirts, dirty hats and your hair hanging out.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA

KEMP

The Funeral of Mr Harold Kemp will leave the Uniting Church Warracknabeal on Friday August 8th, 2025 after a Service commencing at 1pm for the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery.

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

READING, Glenis Jean

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Glenis Jean Reading will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 commencing at 1.30pm. Privately interred.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444

TABERNER,

Clint

The Funeral of Clint Taberner will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham next Friday, 15 August 2025 commencing at 2pm.

Private interment. The service may be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444

YATES, Eric Francis

The Funeral of Eric Francis Yates will take place at The Graveside, Edenhope Cemetery on Monday, 11 August 2025 commencing at 1.30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eric may be made to Grampians Health Edenhope by visiting their website: grampians-healthedenhope.raiselysite.com

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

3 year old black and tan bitch working kelpie, great yard dog, Ph or PM for details to Harry 0458318200

8 week old Miniature Dachshunds puppies , 1 male and 1 female, ready for new home, microchipped and vaccinated, currently 11 weeks old, m/chip# 985141007722153/4 $2000 each Ph 0421756746

Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043

Beeamma White, Australian White Stud purebred rams, private sale on farm, BRUC, ACC, OJD, VAC, ewes available, Elders Alan Thompson 0427849779, Rod Donnell (08) 87582095

Bristlenose catfish , great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Kelpie puppies for sale, good working parents, great temperaments, 2 male brown/ tan, 2 female black/tan and 2 male black/tan available, currently 7 weeks old and have been vaccinated and microchipped, source# MB 286176, 956000018852127, 956000017246586, 956000017239009, 956000017249996, 956000017239349, 956000018852851, $500 Ph 0408575398

Love birds assorted colours $20 each pick up only Warracknabeal Ph 0447776408

Male and female mini foxy

Jack Russell puppies for sale, microchip# female 956000017247463, male 956000018924349 Ph 0488976777

Mini Foxy/ Jack Russell pups, 2 males, ready to go, microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and wormed, microchip# 95301000773802 8/953010007737972, source# MB116953 Ph 0409350743 or 0458913225

Mixed breed of goats, pregnant females, young male goats, mixed sheep available for sale, call for prices Ph 0414851313

Princess Parrots for sale, breeding pairs, various colours Ph 0439655239 Stawell area

Purebred black faced Dorper , rams and ewes, rams 2yrs old, ewes 9months old, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Purebred German Shepherd, 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys source# MB115424, m/chip# 953010007067038/7069200 Ph 0421018631

Purebred German Shepherd, 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl source# MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/6681104

Ph 0421018631

Reduced price to reflect age of puppies, Spoodle puppys, 2 Spoodle girls could one of these girls be the missing piece in your life, raised in a loving family environment with sweet natures, 6 week vacations, microchip and vet checked, ready to join their new furever families, born 9 May, microchip# 956000017221175 & 956000018924045, source # EE223376 $2000 price neg Ph 0400035456

Welsh Pembroke male and female Corgi puppies red and white, born 11/6/2025, vet checked vacc and microchip, available on the 8/8/2025 for there new home, microchip# 953010007914643, 953010007914649, 953010007914762, 923010007914686, the pups are reg with MDBA and come with Pedigree paper on limited reg, source# RB110579 Ph or text for pic and info 0448024815

2017 Jayco Starcraft caravan, 16’, queen size bed, full oven, ensuite, easy to tow, hardly used, as new van Ph 0429982394

2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT

Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego

$14,999 ono Ph 0428820446

Restored Antique cast iron/ timber garden benches $250 each Ph 53522691

Caravan 20’ full length, solid annex, ensuite shower, basin toilet, on permanent site in Portland Seaside Caravan Park, fully furnished, for holidays or permanent living

$5800ono Ph 0432544164

13’ 1992 Colt Caravan, tv, a/c, 2way fridge, awning, VGC, reg till May 25, as is $8500 Ph 0487750540

1993 Jayco Micro Poptop 12ft roll out, awning, 2 singles, fridge cooker, 11mths reg 35970C $5250 Ph 0490364260

2000 Jayco starcraft , full annex, TV lots of extras, very good condition, one owner, very little use $20,000 or nearest offer Ph 0456601681

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras suit retired couple planning to travel $39,000 Ph 0427909230

2014 JB dirt roader

19’caravan, full ensuite queen bed, 3 way fridge washing machine, reverse cycle a/c diesel heater, Sirocco fans, 2 solar panels, 2 batteries, 280 litres water $44,000 Ph 0427902375 Beulah

2015 Jayco StarCraft 20ft 6’ dual axle, full ensuite, queen bed, L shape seating, full oven, agm battery bike rack, full size fridge freezer, reverse cycle heating cooling, washing machine, new tyres 12 months rego, ESC $39000 ono Ph 0429227860

2017 Ezytrail Stirling, excellent condition, forward folding hard floor, full annex, 600w inverter, TV, 80lt WACO fridge, memory foam mattress topper, always stored undercover, $18,500 ono Ph 0439022870

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper , heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212

Wanting to buy Jetstream computer spray sprayer, 17ml x 2000L, in good working order Ph 0437942434

Caravan 2015 Jayco starcraft, 16ft, queen sized bed, tv, full sized fridge freezer, microwave, gas electric hotplates and oven, toilet and shower, full annex, sway bars $42,000 ono Ph 0417573022

Colorado Summit 210E 21’

Queen bed, large ensuite, full oven, 3way fridge, washing machine, A/C, diesel heater, sirocco fan, solar panels., lithium battery, AC-DC charger, rollout awning Great condition many extras $48000 ONO Ph 0400189163

Jayco Finch Pop Top, double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat rack, annex

$12,000 Ph 53582560

Jayco Optimum 2013 motor home 28.5’, 2 slides, extras inc, 400 watt solar, diesel heater, bulbar, security system, 92,000kms, also Suzuki 2008 4 door w/afame $155,000 Ph 0438951101

MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 ton McHitch, fridge, redarc dc to dc charger, EC $14,500 Ph 0407147996

REDUCED 2014 Jayco Silverline Outback 23-72-1, satellite dish, gas heater, 4 x 130 watt solar panels = 520 watts, Epever

Triron 42ION MPPT 40 AMP controller, 2 x llithium batteries, 227 litre compressor fridge/freezer, full annexe

$52,000 Ph 0448099981

REDUCED New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $44,000 Ph 0427778747

REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $35,000 Ph 0418325662

Slingshot campervan, light weight, easy to tow and setup, annexe, two single beds, EC $13,900 Ph 0429585845

11 PVC pipes, 39” long x 6” diameter, $50 for the lot Ph 0428504301

2 saddles, 2 bridles, 2 horse bits, 1 drench bit, 1 riding cap Ph 0447590865

4 of 10Ft / 3meter high scaffolding propes, $700 the four Ph 0428504301

5 step platform ladder , galvanised, on wheels with brakes $450 Ph 53522691

1997 Hercules Tipper

$76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

4080B with forks and bucket, GC $15,000 Ph 0419389693

Expression of interest, for sale, international 511 28 row trash floats combine, 211 33 tyne scarifier, 18 disc Connor-Shea hyd lift 4 fold, B46 baler working order, Lowan round bale carrier Ph 0407911884 evenings

Header Gleaner R62, retired, no further use, $15,000+gst Ph 0438701392

REDUCED 2022 Mahindra 6110, 60 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c

Configura twin motor tilt recliner lift chair, beige vinyl, model S15444, $2500ono, Royale Medical over bed tilting split table $200ono Ph 0428810806 Horsham

Folding bike with training stand $350, Snow sled 1050x500 $45 Ph 0418992631

Galvanised trailer, 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691

Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation $4500 would like $2500 Ph 0458014560

Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164

J Berends pasture harrows 8’ $400 Ph 0429309491

Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig $500 Ph 0429164375

Brick pavers , H shaped, beige colour, 1600 $800 Ph 0459027575 Stawell

Camping equipment, 2 dome tents, 10 man and 4 man, sleeping chair tent, 3 roll up tables, shower tent, 2 gas stoves, 4 spare bottles, camp kitchen, blow up q/bed $450 Ph 0429164375

Camping Equipment, including as new Yamaha 2KVa inverter generator never used, aqua cube shower, porta potty, Komodo pantry, and clothesline $2500 Ph 0458683879

CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, new Holland Mower GC with parts, 44g drums ideal for grain feeding cattle, best offer Ph 0429857207

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

Stihl FS 38 whipper snipper, just serviced, VGC, $65 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

Strongberg Carlson Console Radio, ex condition Ph 53824316 Tent Dune Eyre, 10x10, near new,

Kirby Avalir 100th Anniversary, EC, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, all attachments some brand new $750 Ph 0429679481

Omega gold watch , approx 65yrs old, still keeps perfect time $1500ono Ph 0458014560

Pea straw small square bales, $7 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Horsham Ph 0488303725

Portable motor post hole digger with 8” augar, $80 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

Rinnai Convector portable gas heater, VGC, $50 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566

3.7 m boat and cover ,

QL624, an aussie made trailer P83061, Yamaha 15 HP motor, near new $4000 Ph 53582560

3.7 savage aluminium boat, UM198, 25 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2600 Ph 0428523919

Pietscraft 3.5m Fishing Boat, 15hp, Johnson tilt trailer, boat cover, all accessories $5000 Ph 0428822730

Quintrex FishAbout MKII

Repowered 40HP Yamaha, low hours, new Oceanic Trailer

Bimini Hummingbird Finder

40Ib Elec Motor Dec Estate Ph 0491644368 Horsham

Stacer Aluminium fishing boat, 25 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor, trailer & boat registered, VGC $6000 Ph 0498549832

Aspire wheelchair, as new condition, barely used once a day for 3 months, extremely comfortable, cost $3500 from Action AIDS, reduced price $950 Ph 0427562913 Horsham

Freedom forearm walker $250, wheelchair $150 Ph 0437600095

Invacare Comet Alpine Scooter, bought for $7,500, hood and bag, warranty, as new, used twice, 10km $5,500 Ph 0474297661

Invacare Pegasus mobility scooter, excellent condition, includes, shade canopy, front basket & rear carrier $3500 Ph 0408826727 Shoprider

Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola

Top Gun mobility scooter, EC, shade canopy, front basket, rear carrier, inspections welcome $4000 Ph 0438354414

2011 Honda 750 Shadow Shaft, as new cond, reg til 2/26, spares inc some new, 27,700kms $5250 Ph 0488023477

2020 Harley Low Rider 107, FXLR 1745 cc, heaps of extras, EC, rego 3 monthly basis, 27,270 kms, 2K4ZJ $20,000 Ph 0409590596

BMW K1200 RS, 2010 model, comes with panniers, top box, reg til Aug, RW, BY136 $4800ono Ph 0419508310 Stawell area

BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k

Hilux Toyota tray, excellent condition with push on tarp

$1200 Ph 0484355030

1994 Ford ED Futura Auto 4.0i, drives strong, great duco, no RWC or rego $5500 Ph 0409423541

2005 SP Mazda 3 Hatch, 5 speed manual, power steering & aircon, black in colour, 1YD6TE, 193000km, RWC, $4500, Ph 0423335246

2009 Holden Colorado LX 4x2 single cab, petrol engine, aluminum tray, towbar, recently serviced with RWC, 203,000kms XAN999 $7700

Geoff Ph 0427913060

2013 Ford Mondeo Zetec hatch, auto, economical turbo diesel, silver colour, full service history, registered June 25, RWC, 317,000km, 1AG2PW

$5500ono Ph 0428928248

Ford BF Sedan 2005, dual fuel, ex cond, 280,000kms, WIY315 $4500 Ph 0468 559 166

Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin

JHME6548005203141

$10,000 Ph 0428501109

Peugeot 407 HDI, beautifully cared for car, $8000 Ph 0484355030

REDUCED 2013 VE Commodore V6, grey, aftermarket exhausts, aftermarket speakers in doors, subs in boot, GC, will provide road worthy certificate, 240,000km, ZOT852 $9000 Ph 0488050839

2012 VE SV6 Commodore, excellent condition, auto, silver in colour, 4 months rego, full service history, near new tyres, 117,000kms, ZFC921

$19,500 Ph 0400823904

REDUCED 75 series

Toyota Landcruiser ute, 4.2l diesel, dual tanks, dual batteries, comes with quality rooftop camper, TJM pro diff lockers front/back, airbagman suspension fitted, 5 new tyres, winch, Engel fridge and slide, lots of accessories, very well looked after, 12 mnths reg, RWF984 $18,888 ono Ph 0487700251

2005 Isuzu NPR250 car license truck, 6 months rego, 230,000kms, 1OC9FA

$22,500 Ph 0438521591

2014 Toyota Hilux, 3 litre diesel, new shockers and springs and injectors, oil filter and oil every 600km, great for towing vans, 290,000kms

$25,500 Ph 0417109816

2019 Ford Ranger XLS grey double cab with full screen, very good condition 125,000km, 8 mths rego, new tyres, snorkel, arb bull bar, air bags, side steps, black duck seat covers, under tray tool boxes, many extras always shedded, minimal towing

$45,000 inc Gst Ph Andrew 0427923236

Subaru WRX, 50th Anniversary model, 1st registered 2023, 6 speed manual, only 3900kms, $40,000 Ph 0355877233 evenings

Landcruiser ute with slide on camper, 2002, 4.2 litre diesel, 4x4, Millhaven tray towbar, bullbar, Superwinch, tool lockers, Polyair bellows, Davsher hitchhiker camper, new 90L, 3-way dometic fridge/freezer, fiamma awning, 2 burner gas cooktop/griller, sink,120kW fold up solar panels, 200W inverter, 200AH AGM house batteries, queen bed, robe, spacious storage, midge-mesh screening, Highjacker hydraulic legs, 2nd spare wheel, plus extras, excellent condition, 228,961km, HZJ79R Ph 0427482976

48 year old separated/single true gentleman bloke from Horsham who likes reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then next the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming, looking for 48+ old lady for serious relationship Ph 0491230835

Ararat man, 67 years old, interests include gym, fishing, camping, singing, acting, Lions Club, bushwalking, ballroom dancing, looking for a lady aged between 40-70 years old, Ph 0467791009

Ararat

Jill Nicholson went to Dover girls tech in the 60s Adelaide, lived 5 Broadway South Brighton left Adelaide to live in rural Victoria early 70s Ph John 0423315174

Stawell Lady recently moved to Stawell, interests include art, camping, ukulele, singing, bushwalking, dancing, looking for a respectable man for possible relationship aged between 60 -70yrs Ph 0413375338

3 bedroom house to share, near Horsham cbd, own walk in robe and ensuite, semi-furnished Ph 0427963906

Golf cleveland halo XL senior flex 5 & 7 Loft Fairway Woods, R.H, covers, mint condition, $150 each Ph 0353824210 Funeral remembrance videos edited with cherished media by professional, each project individual, AI photo restoration available Ph 0478609837

Keyte’s mowing service , lawn mowing, lawn aeration (coring), block slashing, general pruning Ph 53826461 or 0429309491

Massage service, very clean, full body massages available for both men and women, very discreet, you come to us or we can come to you, call for quote and booking, in the Wimmera area and beyond Ph 0473311660

Massage ......Don’t deprive yourself of time to be completely pampered, to made feel like you’ve not felt in a very long time, discreet in all aspects, is here at your service, can have all your sensual desires catered for including massage oils to help you relax, feel comfortable and put you in a state of euphoria, clean in all regards, a safe home environment, including off street parking that you can arrive at your appointment at ease, catering for both male and female Ph 0422275320

Sheep slaughtered at $15 per head Ph Andy 53838240

TOP STUDENT TUTORING, one-to-one individualised tutoring for Years 7-12 English, working with Children Check Ararat & Stawell, email Philippa: philippak1@bigpond. com

2011 Triton Extra Cab 4x4 diesel manual ute, towbar, trailer brakes, extra battery, trade racks, business sold no longer needed, current RWC, 40,000km on fully rebuilt engine, WWT002 $16,000 Ph 0419505783

Toyota Ute, no Ev tax on this one, dual cab SR5 auto transmission, 3 litre motor, diesel, 2011 model, RWC supplied, high rise canopy, tub liner, trailer pull, electric brakes, as new inside, 106,500 kms, YFK992 $32,500 plus Gst Ph 0428 832 227

Looking to Buy a Home in Horsham I’m a genuine buyer seeking a house in Horsham. If you’re considering selling-now or in the near future-please get in touch. No agents, just a straightforward sale, any condition considered, call or text Ara on 0425906535

Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043

2 tanker loads of water as running low Nhill area cash paid ph 53928295 and leave message

Wanted Mackenzie punch and shear, have you got one in the shed not being used? Ph 0499911102

Are You Walking Through a Tough Season?

Some days feel harder than others. You’re exhausted, but sleep doesn’t seem to help. You feel overwhelmed, sometimes without even knowing why. And then there are days when you just feel numb. Maybe you feel small and unsafe, like you’re spiralling out of control, and no one really understands what you’re going through. Friend, you are not alone.

Do you know that even in the middle of the hardest seasons you are deeply loved? Whilst you may not see how or why, you are being held together by a Savior who understands.Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Jesus is with you in the struggle.

If you’re walking through a tough season, know this: peace doesn’t come from pretending everything is okay. It comes when you turn to Jesus and let Him begin to restore your heart. You’re not expected to have it all figured out today. Just take the next breath. Say a quiet prayer. Chat with a friend. Accept a bit of help when it’s offered. Take one small step at a time.

Port Fairy 4-bedroom off-peak escape, ocean views –just $1140!

Call Langley’s now: 03 5568 2899 to book

Wimmera River Drought Refuge Pools Pipeline

Contract Number: C01422

GWMWater invites suitably qualified contractors to submit tenders for the Wimmera River Drought Refuge Pools Pipeline. This project involves the supply and installation of extensions to the rural pipeline network that will deliver water from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline to designated drought refuge pools at four key locations along the Wimmera River: Tarranyurk, Antwerp, Arkona and Lochiel.

The contractor shall develop a methodology that ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory and GWMWater requirements. The contract includes the following scope:

> Supply and install approximately 1,433 m combined of 63 mm HDPE pipe by trenching and HDD, above ground control valve assemblies and river outlets at Tarranyurk, Antwerp and Arkona.

> Provisional item: Supply and install approximately 1740 m of 90 mm HDPE pipe by trenching and HDD, above ground control valve assembly and river outlet at Lochiel.

A compulsory site meeting will be held Tuesday 19 August 2025 at 11 am at the corner of Borgelt and Collar roads, Lochiel near Dimboola. Tenderers who wish to attend are to register with GWMWater’s Graduate Engineer Avin James.

More information regarding this tender is available from the Buying for Victoria website, tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries may be directed to Avin James, Graduate Engineer on avin.james@gwmwater.org.au

Tender closes: 2 pm Wednesday 27 August 2025

GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Mark Williams Managing Director

GWMWater is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria.

11 McLachlan Street Horsham

Call: 1300 659 961 (business hours) info@gwmwater.org.au | gwmwater.org.au

org.au Indigenous supports www.wellmob. org.au

Statewide Integrated Water Management (IWM) Coordinator

Wimmera CMA

Horsham, Victoria

2 year xed term, 0.8 to full-time

Salary: Band 4 ($93,581)

Are you seeking an opportunity to take on a statewide leadership role?

Wimmera CMA is seeking a motivated and experienced coordinator to join its vibrant and modern workplace.

The successful candidate will focus on coordinating and building the capacity of a statewide group of CMA Integrated Water Management (IWM) O cers.

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, re ects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

For further information visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download a position description and key selection criteria.

Applications close 10.00am, Monday August 18 2025.

Join the headspace Horsham Team

Senior Mental Health Practitioner

Full Time

Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team supporting mental health and wellbeing for 12–25-year-olds in Horsham.

• Permanent full-time role, SCHADS Level 5 + super

• Meaningful work in our respected local headspace team

• Build therapeutic relationships and help shape better futures

Enjoy generous benefits including salary packaging, paid parental leave, extra leave options, and discounts on childcare.

If you are a mental health OT, social worker, nurse or psychologist, or provisional psychologist ready to walk alongside young people in a safe, inclusive, and empowering space, scan the QR code to find out more and apply or visit our careers page: https://qrco.de/horshamMH

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Position available for immediate start

Applications close 22/08/2025 unless position filled prior

If you think you have what it takes to join our diverse team, we’d love to hear from you:

• Join an evolving business with aspirations of future growth

• Unrivalled workplace culture that fosters a positive and inclusive environment

• Full training and support provided

• Position description available

Prior experience in a similar role preferred

To apply, email your resume to: hrwhs.horsham@laserelectrical.com.au

Confidentiality will be assured

Inroads (part of VSA Roads) has grown into one of the largest bituminous sealing companies in Victoria, with a proven track record of innovation and specialty work throughout Western Victoria and South East South Australia.

This full-time position located in Horsham, is a genuine opportunity to be part of an organization experiencing continuous growth.

We are seeking a qualified and/or experienced Heavy Vehicle Mechanic – Field & Workshop to join our maintenance team. The successful applicants should possess the following attributes:

• Suitably trade qualified with experience on diesel engines, preferred

• Light and heavy vehicle and machinery repairs and preventative maintenance

• Ability to demonstrate safe work practices

• Maintaining the workshop to a high standard

• Liaise with other staff members and suppliers

• Work well in a team, show initiative and be responsible

• Accurate record keeping

• Be able to travel when required

You must be able to work flexible hours to meet operational requirements, some weekend work may be required.

An attractive full-time hourly rate plus overtime and allowances, a fully maintained service vehicle, mobile phone and company iPad are supplied.

For further information contact on 5382 4406, or forward your resume to:

• Email: reception@inroads.com.au

• Post: P.O. Box 708, Horsham VIC 3402

• In person: 8 Bracken Street, Horsham VIC 3400

POSITION

Team Leader: Wurrp Nungarwil – Goolum

Goolums Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) program GGAC has commenced pre-authorisation for this program which enables the Secretary of DFFH to authorise the principal officer of an ACCO to undertake specified functions and powers in relation to the care and protection of Aboriginal children pursuant to S18 of the Children Youth & Families Act 2005 (CYFA2005).

DO YOU HAVE

Understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. Passion for building family strength & resilience.

High level management skills. A strong team ethic. WE OFFER

Attractive Remuneration Salary Packaging Flexibility

Additional Paid Leave

Professional development & supervision

An opportunity to make a difference!

Contact us for a PD & other details

ceo@goolumgoolum.org.au

Applications close: Friday, 22 August 2025

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Stepping up for new event

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The inaugural Horsham Running Festival will see a range of walking and running events, from a two-kilometre children’s dash to a full marathon, run alongside the Wimmera River next month.

Horsham parkrun event director Andrew Sostheim said it was fantastic to see the event come to Horsham.

“The festival is the next adaptation of parkrun – people have the opportunity to train through parkrun and level up,” he said.

“I’ve always thought the river was the jewel in Horsham’s crown, so we will take any chance we get to show this off to tourists – parkrun does that, but this is an extension of that.

“Parkrun is more than happy to support it any way we can, through volunteers and participation. I haven’t decided whether I’ll volunteer or be part of it yet.”

The events will utilise the Hamilton Street footbridge and pedestrian crossing at the weir, making a 10-kilometre loop.

Race director Brian Haddy has organised running festivals at Coober

Pedy, Broken Hill, and Mildura, as well as the Conquer the Summit fun run in his hometown of Mount Barker.

“I heard Horsham hadn’t had a longer run – they had triathlons, but not marathons,” he said.

“I enjoyed the regional community ones at Broken Hill and Mildura, and the local parkrun community was pretty excited about it, and that encouraged me to start the planning.”

Haddy said t-shirts had been designed by Horsham artist Imigo Dawn.

“I try and engage as much as possible with the local community in whichever run I’m doing,” he said.

“On the day, we’ll have service clubs involved, council is helping out, the anglers’ club has given their rooms to us for the weekend, and we’ll have the parkrun community of volunteers.”

The event offers full, half and quarter marathon events for runners, a quarter marathon event for walkers and five-kilometre walk or run options. There will also be a free twokilometre kids’ dash for children aged under 12 years.

People can find more information or register at horshamrunningfestival. com.au.

Charlton trainers riding a wave of success

Charlton harness racing trainers are riding a wave of success with 16 winners coming from their stables during the past month.

Their red-hot run is the icing on the cake that began with the club’s proactive efforts to expand its existing facilities into a training centre.

The aim was to attract trainers and horses to the district, by providing a low-cost option for beginners and current trainers looking to relocate to a central location offering better facilities.

In late 2013 their efforts were realised with the opening of the 12-acre facility, jointly funded and developed by the State Government, Rural Development Victoria, Buloke Shire, Harness Racing Victoria and Charlton Harness Racing Club.

Individual stabling complexes consist of a fully serviced 60-metre by 30-metre shed, complete with lock-up harness and feed areas, internal yoke up and wash areas, two internal boxes

and eight adjoining day yards. Tenants also have unrestricted use of an 820-metre training track, 2000-metre straight track and swimming dam.

The centre is located only a short distance from Charlton’s main track at Charlton Park, offering open use.

Tori Hutchins relocated lock, stock and barrel from Carisbrook less than a year ago and heads Charlton’s run of luck with five wins and three placings from her last 10 starters.

The 24-year-old horsewoman and her partner Luke Dunne have landed 20 winners at a 21 per cent strike rate in the first seven months of the 2025 season. Best of the Hutchins’ team is six-year-old gelding Celestial Zodiac with five wins and seven placings from 18 outings since January 1.

The couple recently posted a major milestone with their first metropolitan winner, All Da Rage, at Melton 10 days ago.

Dunne is enjoying a super season in the sulky with 53 wins and 122 minor

placings from 422 races in the first seven months.

Trainer and farrier Michael Gadsden made Charlton ‘home’ when he left Ararat about five years ago. His latest victory came last week at Maryborough with six-year-old gelding Hungry Hogarth. The stable’s last 11 starters have yielded two wins and five minors.

Gadsden has 16 wins on the board this season and needs just three more to reach his career century.

Young trainer Zac Steenhuis shifted camp from Ballarat about 15 months ago and finished the 2024 season with a ‘best yet’ 34 wins and 70 minor placings.

Among the ‘baby boomer’ trainers, John Tormey has his team going great guns.

Sheza Mod’s victory at Cranbourne a week ago took Tormey’s season tally to 22 at a 25 per cent strike rate, with plenty more in store.

The team’s best performer during

2025 has been the evergreen, eightyear-old gelding Shaq with four wins and seven placings from 24 starts.

Mark and Janet Boyle are institutions of the Charlton club and while not training the numbers that saw double-figure winning seasons in the 80s and 90s, still have a couple in work and certainly have not lost their touch – Yapper broke through for an overdue win a fortnight ago at Stawell and Sporting Rage saluted at Swan Hill early in the season.

Hobby trainer Leon Fanning joined in the Charltonian’s current winning streak with five-year-old mare Fair Chance at Melton on July 25.

A notable absentee from the Charlton training family is former club president and living legend Joey Thompson who is on light duties, recovering at home after a recent stretch in hospital.

Charlton’s next meeting is on Monday.

– Tony Logan

Safety in spotlight

Edenhope-Apsley, Horsham Saints and Rupanyup are among 55 recipients of Netball Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria’s 2025 WorkSafe Club Safety Fund.

The fund helps improve the safety of sporting facilities across the state for players, volunteers and spectators.

In its 23rd year of supporting country netball clubs, WorkSafe’s initiative provides financial assistance in regional areas, allowing clubs to update and install equipment such as post padding, defibrillators and first aid kits, as well as contributing to permanent and portable structures such as shelter sheds for umpires, fences and walkways, along with minor facility maintenance.

All Victorian country netball clubs requiring improvements to their facilities are eligible to apply each year.

In 2025, 104 applications were received.

WorkSafe chief executive Ash West said working safe was a team sport.

“We want regional communities to benefit from safety improvements at work, as well as their local netball club,” he said.

“I want to congratulate the 55 recipients of this year’s WorkSafe Club Safety Fund, and thank each club for giving your community a safe environment to meet together and enjoy the game they love.”

Support for medical needs

Rupanyup Football Netball Club has been granted $2000 to purchase vital medical equipment in this year’s Woolworths Netball Grant Program.

The club will purchase a stretcher for the netball courts and an icemaking machine for injury treatment and recovery.

The grant is designed to provide netball clubs the opportunity to improve nutrition, or upgrade or provide new facilities, equipment, uniforms or services, and give more people access to the NetSet Go program.

Applications for the next round of grants are open until August 29; people can find more information and apply at woolworthsnetballgrants.com. au.

Annual charity shoot open

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

T

he Country Fire Authority’s annual claybird shoot will again raise money for The Alfred’s burns unit while offering competitors across all grades thousands of dollars’ worth of sponsored prizes.

Natimuk and District Field and Game will host the event, with a 50-target simulated field.

Shoot co-ordinator Dale Russell said both licensed and non-licensed shooters could participate in Sunday’s event at Natimuk.

“People without a licence can shoot under the instruction of a licensed shooter during the event,” he said.

“Everyone is welcome, members of the public are welcome – particularly fire brigade members.

“We usually have 120 to 130 participants, and have had as many as 150 over the years.”

Novices and experienced shooters are welcome to participate across a range of events, where prizes will be awarded for non-field and game members first to fifth placings; members of field and game graded first to fifth placings; brigade three-person team events for brigade members only; brigade aggregate; ladies; and juniors.

The day’s high gun will also win a prize.

Tens-of-thousands-of-dollars have been raised for the burns unit since the shoot began in 2001.

“The Alfred hospital’s burns unit has treated a number of our CFA volunteers in years gone by, so it hits pretty close to home,” Mr Russell said.

Full catering is available on the day.

Start time is 10am, the entry fee for adults is $40, and juniors $25.

Only shot sizes seven to nine can be used, and ammunition will be available to purchase.

SPORTS FEST: Wimmera Filipino Australia Club staged a basketball tournament that attracted 80 players on Saturday as part of its 2025 Sports Fest. Club committee member Rubylyn Mackley said the annual event was popular. “Basketball is the favourite sport of the Philippines, second would be volleyball,” she said. “We have mixed up the players from all the towns to make eight teams.” The fest will continue on Saturday, with a volleyball tournament at Horsham’s St Brigid’s College stadium. Pictured above, participants break for a photo, and right, Justin Fabia and Luigi Carandang, in action. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Hundreds of pigeons race

Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s two races from Ouyen on different days last week, saw varying results owing to contrasting weather conditions.

Both an airline distance of 180 kilometres, Friday’s event involved 614 pigeons entered by 17 club members.

The second race was on Sunday, with 651 pigeons entered by 15 members.

Members entered different teams in each race, after a twoweek break from racing.

Friday’s south-south-east breeze of eight to 14kph resulted in a much slower race, with the winning pigeon owned by Brian Watts averaging 1176 metres a minute, or 71kph.

John Muszkieta’s pigeon placed second, 47 seconds behind the leader, with Kevin King’s pigeon a further two minutes, 13 seconds away in third place.

In contrast, Sunday’s race winner, owned by Paul McPhee, was aided by a 10 to 18kph northnorth-east breeze and averaged 1763 metres a minute or 106kph.

Bruce Rentsch’s pigeon was 19 seconds behind in second, with Bill Hartigan’s pigeon third, 23

seconds behind the leader. Typically, racing pigeons average just over 75kph without any wind impacting on their velocity.

It would seem both races were flown without any adverse peregrine attacks, as both times flown and returns to members’ lofts were excellent given the weather conditions.

The good results were also owing to being able to avoid Melbourne-based pigeon races. Racing this year has been complicated by cold and wet weather but more significantly, virtually all Melbourne-based clubs racing from points along the Western Highway typically on a Saturday.

The next race will be from Ballarat, another mid-week race, in light of seeking favourable weather and race conditions.

• The club’s utility has not yet been recovered, however there have been several reports that it has been sighted in and around Horsham in recent days. If people have any information on its whereabouts, the club asks they report it to Horsham Police or Crime Stoppers.

Finals beckon for premier men

BY DAVID BERRY

Seven Phantom’s teams com-

menced the season and only one will play finals following the final round of the Victorian Volleyball League season.

Matthew Berry’s premier one men’s team will play finals for the third season in succession after scoring wins against Dandenong and old foes Eastside Hawks in their final round.

In his first season as coach, Berry got his full squad together for the first time on Saturday and this was reflected in the results.

“It was good to have everyone in the room at the same time, and this enabled me to manage the players between the two games, to ensure we were at full strength for the Eastside Hawks game, which was important to win,” he said.

“Tom Hermans played the libero role against Dandenong, which gave Josh Gordon an opportunity to put all his efforts into the Eastside Hawks game, and this showed in the end as Josh was brilliant.”

Berry said he would give his squad a rest next weekend before bringing everyone together on the Tuesday before their cut-throat elimination final against Yarra.

“To finish the season in fifth spot on the ladder with nine wins is a great result for the group and has given them great confidence going into the

finals,” he said. The same could not be said for Jack Hannan’s premier two men, who could not get the two wins needed to jump into finals contention.

Coach Zac Hermans said losses to Renegades and Eastside Hawks left the team outside the top six with seven wins and eight losses.

“The hardest part about all that is the team has played more sets – 64 in total – than the rest of the competition, underlining just how tough and tight the competition is,” he said.

“The team was more than competitive but lost too many five-setters, which didn’t help.”

Tyler Snowden’s state league one men’s team, after winning a bronze

REACH: Laelah Robertson and Paige Hemley playing for Phantoms in the Victorian Volleyball League.

medal last year, will have to watch on this season after finishing seventh with eight wins and eight losses.

In a division with 23 teams split into two pools, to give an indication of how unlucky the team was, the team that finished seventh in the opposite pool had only six wins.

“That was hard to take,” Snowden said.

A young state league men’s two team featuring Volleyball Horsham’s Noah Werry and Oscar Jackman finished the season with five wins in 11th position on the ladder.

For the women’s teams it was a case of so close yet so far for Laelah Robertson’s premier two team.

Starting the season in a blaze of

glory winning seven of their first eight games, the team was looking good to make finals.

Robertson said a late season drop off, which was not helped by player unavailability and injury, saw the team finish ninth.

“We were still a chance last week as we needed to beat Renegades and Eastside Hawks, but we just couldn’t get over the line, with injuries midgame cruelling our charge,” she said.

“When you lose your two passhitters and only have two juniors on the bench, it makes it hard and despite giving it are real crack we lost to Eastside in five sets ending our season.”

For Tamikah Dockrill’s premier one women’s team it was a season to forget, winning only five games.

“After making finals last season there was a degree of optimism within the group to repeat that effort this season, but we couldn’t get going at all during the year and finished eighth.”

Overall 11 Volleyball Horsham members played state league this season and they all played significant roles for their teams.

The learnings and experience they gained by playing in the best competition in the country, they were able to bring back to the association and pass onto the next generation, which you cannot put a price on.

Bibby signs with Fever

Wimmera basketballer Chloe Bibby has signed a new contract tying her to the United States’ Indiana Fever for the remainder of the Women’s National Basketball Association, WNBA, season.

Bibby, who made her WNBA debut with the Golden State Valkyries earlier this year, signed a seven-day contract with the Fever last month after helping the Australian national team to a gold medal at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

The Warracknabeal-born forward made a strong impression in her first three games with Indiana, scoring eight, 10 and six points off the bench while shooting better than 50 per cent from the three-point range.

On Friday last week the Fever announced they had signed Bibby for the remaining 16 games of the season.

With a win against the Seattle Storm on Monday the Fever moved to fifth place in the WNBA standings, putting the team on track for a post-season appearance.

In addition to Bibby, Indiana boasts second-year star Caitlin Clark – one of the highest-profile young players ever to enter the league – who is currently sidelined with an injury, as well as all-stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. Bibby, at 188cm, helps the Fever space the court as a three-point-shooting forward – a role the team lacked.

On social media the team said Bibby had become the first player since Katie Douglas in 2008 to hit multiple threes in each of her first three games with the Fever.

Final pieces of the puzzle to drop in

BY SIMON KING

With several pieces of the Wimmera hockey finals puzzle yet to fall into place, the teams will gather in Kaniva on Saturday for round 13 of matches, where several teams might have their fate decided.

The most interest will be in the ongoing three-way battle for the last two places in the under-16 finals, but the match-ups for the semi-finals in the other grades may become clearer by Saturday evening.

Open

Recent form and current ladder positions suggest this round in the open competition may be a foregone conclusion, but even if it is, there will still be some questions to be answered before the finals.

Although they are sitting second on the ladder, Warrack Hoops will still be missing several key players, so they are unlikely to seriously challenge the dominant Yanac Tigers’ undefeated record this week, while the Kaniva Cobras, who are striving to overtake the Hoops, take on the winless Nhill Rangers, in a game that may not be as straight forward as it would appear.

The Cobras have shown some patchy form recently, and the Rangers have gone close to defeating several teams, so this game will be intense and could go either way.

Even if the higher-ranked Tigers

PENALTY: Kaniva goalkeeper Briony Williams braces to defend a penalty corner, with help from teammates Jules Braisby and Sharon Williams. Picture: SIMON KING

and Cobras both win, this would bring Kaniva within two points of the Hoops, but if either game goes the other way, it will almost confirm the Hoops will finish the season in their current position.

Horsham Hurricanes have the bye this week, but will be following the Cobras’ fortunes closely, as, if they lose, the Horsham team has a greater chance of overtaking them on the ladder before the finals.

Women

The women’s matches feature the top three taking on the lower three, and despite Warrack registering their first win for the season last weekend, form suggests the higher teams should all prevail.

The closest encounter will pit Kaniva against Nhill Thunderbirds.

Although holding third place, Kaniva has shown some patchy form and will need to play its best if it is to overcome the improving Nhill team, which is just below them on the ladder.

Yanac will claim the minor premiership with two rounds remaining if it continues its undefeated season by defeating Warrack, and Dimboola Roos will confirm a top-two finish with a win over Horsham Jets.

A Thunderbirds’ win combined with a Jets’ loss would finally shut the door on the Horsham team’s chances of making the finals, but no combination of results can see any positional changes on the ladder this week.

Under-16

The game with the most impact on the under-16 competition will be between Dimboola Kangaroos and Horsham Bombers, with the other two teams fighting for the last two places in the finals, looking at a lean weekend as they take on the top teams.

If the Kangaroos can defeat the Bombers, which recent form would suggest, the Dimboola team remains in the mix for a finals’ berth, but a loss will condemn them to rely on an unlikely combination of results over the last two rounds for them to make the top four.

If the Nhill Leopards and Yanac Warriors continue their dominant form, which has seen them only lose one game each, and defeat the Kaniva

Raiders

Round-12 results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 4 (goals, T. Alexander 2, J. Honeyman, S. Alexander; best, T. Alexander, B. Alexander, S. Alexander) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (L. Mills, A. Wallis, K. Glasgow). Horsham Hurricanes 5 (F. Cullen 3, C. Hassall, B. Luy; W. Gulline, J. Harris, F. Cullen) d Warrack Hoops 1 (M. Williamson; M. Williamson, E. Schilling, H. Wagenknecht, B. Williamson)

Women: Yanac Women 4 (A. Farmers 2, E. Alexander, I. Hedt; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, A. Farmers) d Kaniva Women 0 (L. Stimson, S. Williams, B. Williams). Warrack Woman 2 (S. Williamson 2; E. Williamson, S. Williamson, K. Williamson) d Horsham Jets 0 (H. Mackereth, A. Heal, C. Lawson). Dimboola Roos 4 (J. Hauselberger 3, E. Baldock; B. McMaster, J. Hauselberger, T. Clark) d Nhill Thunderbirds 1 (N. Rowe; C. Shurdington, K. Clark, R. Clark).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 3 (H. Zanker 2, I. Hedt; S. Pedie, A. Zanker, A. Pedie) d Kaniva Raiders 1 (F. Dodson; R. Williams, J. Beattie, F. Dodson). Warrack Revengers 1 (N. Eilola; E. Williamson, C. Peters, S. Williamson) drew with Horsham Bombers 1 (H. Di Pietro; O. Knoop, J. Mackereth, H. Di Pietro). Nhill Leopards 3 (H. Albrecht 2, O. Bone; O. Bone, B. Clark, B. Cannell, H. Albrecht) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (L. Hauselberger, R. Hadzig, A. Corbett, E. Ward).

Development program: Kaniva Rampagers 0 v Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (C. Alexander, M. Zanker). Warrack Avengers 2 (C. Peters, M. Marra) v Horsham Black Hawks 2 (L. Rose, L. Austin). Dimboola Kookaburras 1 (L. Hauselberger) v Nhill Bandits 5 (M. Chequer 2, H. Albrecht, Z. Chequer, M. Sardhara).

AFL LIVE ON

Eagles soar in blockbuster clash

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

While the Ararat Eagles brought Tatyoon’s Mininera and District Football League winning streak to an end at the weekend, the Hawks’ bid for a finals berth remains alive with two rounds remaining.

The blockbuster clash at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve pitted the ladderleading Eagles against a home side that had won its past five matches to roar back into finals contention after a rocky start to the year.

The game lived up to its big billing, with the favoured Eagles grabbing an early lead, but the Hawks continuing

Team spirit shining

Round five of the Football Integration Development Association, FIDA, western conference brought spirited football, sportsmanship and community connection to Ararat’s Alexandra Oval on July 27. Players from three all-abilities teams took part in a special Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport round recognising the legacy of Victoria Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Wimmera Whippets, Grampians Giants, and South Warrnambool Roosters players took to the field in three dynamic matches played with determination, teamwork and excitement.

The first game saw the Giants 10.3 (63) defeat the Whippets 3.2 (20).

With the Wimmera side short on players, Giants and Roosters players put their hands up to play for the Whippets, ensuring a fair game could go ahead.

The Giants proved too strong early, keeping the scoreboard ticking with goals to Matt Joy and Hannah Slorach.

to nip at their heels. With Jake Peters providing drive off half back, midfielder Andrew Cameron hitting the scoreboard for three majors and Sam Summers kicking four, the Eagles looked to have built a match-winning advantage at three-quarter time.

But the Hawks continued to press, with skipper Josh Bibby making himself dangerous in front of goals.

The home side kicked five goals to two in the final term to draw within two kicks, but was unable to retake the lead as the Eagles held on to win 14.18 (102) to 14.7 (91).

Bibby finished with a game-high seven majors, with Lachie McGrath,

James Shanhun and Thomas Quick among the Hawks’ other top players. The win saw Ararat retain its position at the top of the ladder, while Tatyoon is clinging to the last finals berth in fifth place courtesy of a draw against Hawkesdale-Macarthur in round one.

That result gives the Hawks a twopremiership-point advantage over a chasing pack including WoorndooMortlake, SMW Rovers and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac – the latter of whom Tatyoon will play this weekend in a must-win match at Lake Bolac.

In other round 14 results, MoystonWillaura earned back-to-back victo-

ries, defeating Great Western 15.10 (100) to 13.11 (89) and in the process climbing off the bottom of the ladder.

The Pumas, playing on the road at Great Western Recreation Reserve, trailed by 19 points at quarter time but kept their nerve, drawing to within a kick at half time as coach Rhys Cronin and Izaiyah Turner hit the scoreboard.

The Moyston-Willaura offensive continued in the third term, with the visitors kicking seven goals to two, building a 29-point lead that the Lions were unable to reel in despite five goals to Sam Cocks and four to Nathaniel Cooper.

Cronin and Turner matched Cocks

The Whippets showcased strong ball control and Chelsea O’Connor scored with confidence to end the day on a high despite the scoreboard margin.

South Warrnambool was too strong for the Whippets in the second match, winning 6.7 (43) to 0.1 (1).

The Roosters maintained momentum through four quarters, while the Whippets struggled to convert opportunities.

Reflecting the spirit of the day, the Roosters allowed two Victoria Police umpires to play for the Whippets in the second half, while supporters provided plenty of encouragement from the sidelines.

The third match was the closest of the day, with Grampians 2.3 (15) defeating South Warrnambool 1.3 (9).

Both sides showed determination, with strong defensive efforts keeping the scores low.

The Giants held their structure under pressure and walked away with a hard-fought win.

The Giants and Roosters will now face off in the grand final, to be played in Warrnambool on Sunday, August 10.

In honour of the Blue Ribbon round, Spirit of Sport awards were

presented to Whippets player Alfred Muller, Giants player Charlie Blake, Roosters player Fred Knowles and Giants volunteer Josh Perry.

Organisers thanked Ararat police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation for their presence and support during the round, as well as the volunteers, coaches, families and carers who enabled the day to go ahead.

and Cooper, also kicking five and four respectively, while Kaiden Cooper rucked strongly to Riley Van Dyke and Turner in the midfield.

The Lions will regroup for a match against Woorndoo-Mortlake this weekend, with the Pumas to host Lismore-Derrinallum at Willaura.

In other games at the weekend Glenthompson-Dunkeld 12.13 (85) defeated Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 10.6 (66), SMW Rovers 18.15 (123) downed Hawkesdale-Macarthur 11.10 (76), Woorndoo-Mortlake 25.15 (165) trounced Caramut 4.2 (26) and Lismore-Derrinallum outclassed Penshurst 20.9 (129) to 7.2 (44).

Whelan wins

national title

Horsham teenager Chase Whelan is a national champion after helping Victoria to a win at the School Sport Australia under-15 boys football championships in Queensland at the weekend. Whelan, who attends Horsham College, was a key member of the School Sport Victoria side, leading the carnival in goals scored with 17 in five matches.

In Victoria’s pool games Whelan was on fire, booting six goals in an 11.11 (77) to 0.1 (1) win over New South Wales, four in a 20.13 (133) to 1.1 (7) thrashing of Queensland White and two in a 12.10 (82) to 2.3 (15) canter over Tasmania.

Victoria topped its pool to set up a semi-final meeting with Western Australia on Thursday, where Whelan played his best game of the carnival.

He kicked three goals in a tight opening quarter, one in the third and one in the fourth to help Victoria to a 7.6 (48) to 5.14 (44) win. Whelan’s final goal proved the difference, taking Victoria to a 15-point lead early in the final term before a fighting Western Australian comeback fell just short in the dying minutes.

In Saturday’s gold medal game against South Australia, Whelan went goalless for the first time in the tournament, although he was unlucky not to kick the opening major of the game after shaving the inside of the post with a dribbling shot on the run.

After South Australia held the run of play early, Victoria got on top, running away with a 6.5 (41) to 3.7 (25) win.

The tournament continued an outstanding season for Whelan, who has kicked 33 goals in just seven senior Horsham District league appearances for Laharum at age 15.

hOrshAm disTricT leAgue

Roos remain a force

Two-time

reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral delivered a statement that it remains a Horsham District Football Netball League force after beating topthree aspirant Pimpinio by more than 10 goals on Saturday.

The Roos, after going without a loss in the past two seasons, have dropped two games amid an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, but showed what they remain capable of by dispatching the Tigers 21.14 (140) to 12.4 (76).

The contest was never in doubt beyond half time as Roo Ethan Appleton continued his stellar individual season with five goals and Cody Deutscher made a welcome return after more than two months on the sidelines, also booting five.

With Mitchell Grant adding three of his own and Simon Close kicking four while his brother Michael controlled the airwaves across half forward, the Roos looked inevitable for much of the game.

Tom O’Dwyer was a bright spot for Pimpinio, kicking a game-high six majors, but while players like the ever-reliable Matt Rosier, Brock Hamerston and Adam Westley were solid and youngster Austin Simpson caught the eye, the team was outgunned for much of the afternoon.

The Tigers remain in third place with an eight-point advantage over Laha-

rum, Kaniva-Leeor United and Swifts, but have a bye this weekend.

Of the three teams chasing Pimpinio, Swifts had the best weekend, defeating Kalkee 17.13 (115) to 6.8 (44).

The result was crucial for the Baggies, who have slipped out of the top five at the wrong time of the year and are fighting to make up a small percentage gap between themselves and the fifth-placed Cougars, who had a bye at the weekend.

The likes of Angus Murray in the midfield and Jordan Motton and Todd Matthews, with nine goals between them, helped Swifts run away with the game after a slow start.

The Baggies will now travel to play the Roos at Harrow in the biggest test yet of their finals credentials.

Saturday’s biggest win went to ladder leader Noradjuha-Quantong, which crushed Taylors Lake 30.15 (195) to 4.4 (28) at Quantong Recreation Reserve.

The Bombers were in no mood to play with their food, building a 101-9 lead by half time and cantering to the finish line.

Judah Hobbs kicked eight goals, skipper Dylan Shelley was outstanding with six and Brock Orval and Jye Walter added four apiece, but it was the likes of Riley Dunlop, Jayden Besford and Jack Vague who got the Bombers going.

For the visitors, Jayden Scott, Ryan

Gebert and Jye Brown were the top performers.

Rupanyup added another loss to Edenhope-Apsley’s ledger for 2025, beating the Saints 9.16 (70) to 5.3 (33) at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.

The Saints looked a chance to record their first victory of the season after leading by seven points at the end of a low-scoring first half, but the Panthers allowed only one goal after the long break while kicking seven of their own to put the result beyond doubt.

Defender Daniel Weetra played a crucial role in suppressing the Saints’ scoring, and snuck forward to kick a goal in a man-of-the-match performance.

Adrian Rose was another key performer alongside Weetra at half back, with full back Blake Downer and midfielder Ryan Timmins also turning in solid games.

For the Saints, midfielder Ryan Obst and ruckman Jerry Kealy were solid, with Cam Domaschenz turning the clock back with three goals.

Edenhope-Apsley has a bye in round 18, meaning this weekend’s clash with Natimuk United at Edenhope is their final chance to record a win for 2025.

Other games will see Taylors Lake host Rupanyup, Laharum at home to Noradjuha-Quantong in a huge topfive clash, Kaniva-Leeor United on the road against Kalkee and Swifts against Harrow-Balmoral at Harrow.

By Colin MacGillivray

Nail-biting finishes set scene for enthralling finals

There were nail-biters aplenty in the Horsham District A Grade netball competition on Saturday, with three of the weekend’s four games decided by two goals or less.

At the top of the table, Rupanyup’s meeting with Edenhope-Apsley surpassed expectations, with the Panthers pulling out a 47-46 win after a seesawing contest.

The ladder-leading Panthers earned a one-goal advantage at quarter time, but coach Georgia Hiscock tweaked her line-up.

The home side rotated Zanaiya Bergen, Bianca Drum, Ilze Van Zyl and Maddi Morgan through goals, while at the defensive end Lucy Bussenschutt, Victoria Taylor and Holly Ross took turns checking Saint goalies Dee Dee Lambert and coach Lavinia Fox.

The Saints, in contrast to Rupanyup, played the same line-up for much of the afternoon, with Hayley Campbell, Mereana Crawford, Jasmine McIntyre and Holly Whitehead rotating through the centre and wing positions while both goal circles remained unchanged.

The consistent approach paid dividends in the second term, as Edenhope-Apsley scored 13 goals to 10 to take a two-goal lead.

But in the third term the Panthers re-asserted themselves, turning the deficit into a three-point lead at the final change as Ally Hiscock excelled at wing attack and Bergen found her rhythm in goals.

The final quarter was a high-scoring shootout, with Lambert and Fox on target for the Saints.

The visitors led by as many as four goals with five minutes remaining, and Fox nearly put them up by five when her shot bounced twice on the rim before caroming out.

The Panthers raced to the other end of the court where Drum netted the first goal of what would prove to be a match-winning 8-3 run.

With a minute remaining Rupanyup still trailed 46-44, but a quick score, followed by an intercept from Taylor on the ensuing possession, saw them even the match.

Van Zyl’s shot to win the game from the ensuing centre pass missed and the Saints had one last chance to steal a victory, but Taylor again caused a deflection that saw her team regain possession. Rupanyup lobbed into Van Zyl, and

though the horn sounded before she could take a shot, an obstruction call from the umpire gave her an attempt to win the game after time expired, which she calmly converted.

The result saw Rupanyup gain a four-point lead over Laharum at the top of the ladder, which, with a percentage buffer, should see the Panthers capture the minor premiership.

The Saints remain in third place.

A result at the other end of the ladder – although one no less significant to the players – saw Pimpinio earn its first win of the year, defeating Harrow-Balmoral 45-43.

The Tigers looked set to romp to victory after a huge second quarter in which they outscored the visiting Roos 17-8, but Harrow-Balmoral coach Emily Langley switched from goal shooter to goal defence in the second half, helping slow down the attacking tandem of Janae Slorach and Ada Binney.

The Roos drew within a goal after holding Pimpinio to just five scores in the third term, setting up a tense finish as Tigers supporters held their breath. With five minutes remaining Pimpinio had re-established a five-goal lead, and although the Roos attempted to

claw their way back once again, time expired on them.

Leading the Tigers to victory were captain Emily Hannan in the midcourt and defender Tahnee Brown, while Millie Austin impressed for the Roos at wing defence.

Another one-goal result, Kalkee’s 48-47 win over the Swifts, saw the Kees solidify a finals berth while all but ending the Baggies’ post-season hopes.

The Kees jumped out of the blocks to lead by five goals at quarter time and seven at the half, but Swifts slowly chipped away at the deficit.

With co-captain Michaela Carey on fire in goals, the Baggies scored nearly 30 goals in the second half.

Carey’s game-high 30th goal gave Swifts a two-score advantage with only a minute remaining, but the Kees scored quickly through Isobelle Schorback and got the ball back when a pass sailed over the head of Swifts co-captain Kathryn Boag and out of bounds.

Schorback scored twice in the span of 15 seconds – the latter of which came only a second before the final horn – to break the home side’s hearts at the death.

The final match of the round was comparatively one-sided, with Noradjuha-Quantong overcoming a onegoal deficit at quarter time to beat Taylors Lake 49-31, led by Taya Quick, Holly Nuske and Brooke Pay.

This weekend will see the Bombers travel to play Laharum in a potential finals preview, with Kalkee at home to Kaniva-Leeor United, Swifts visiting Harrow-Balmoral, Edenhope-Apsley hosting Natimuk United and Rupanyup at Taylors Lake.

By Lauren Henry

Thunder finds winning formula

S

outhern Mallee Thunder will be hoping a solid 28-point win over Horsham Saints can lift its form heading into Wimmera league senior football finals.

After losses in the two previous matches, the Thunder was up for the fight against the Saints.

Playing at Coughlin Park, the home side was out of the blocks quickly, out to a six goal to one lead by quarter time.

But the Thunder came out to pile on six goals in the second quarter, while the Saints went goalless, to take a seven-point lead into half-time.

With only three goals scored in the third term it was slow going, but the Thunder was building and content to take a 14-point lead into the last break.

All the momentum was with the visitors, as they came out to kick the first two goals of the fourth quarter and skip out to a 26-point lead.

Another two goals had the Thunder leading 87-47 but the Saints, through two late goals through captain Gage Wright, clawed the score back to a 28-point margin.

Kai Sheers, with five goals, played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s win, with Lou White and Billy Lloyd also their best.

The win puts the Thunder in fourth place – the only side on 28 points –but this week’s match against Nhill will determine if they can hold onto

CAUGHT: Southern Mallee Thunder’s Xavier Oakley tackles Horsham Saints’ Sam Clyne. The Thunder secured a 28-point win on Saturday.

the ladder position. The Thunder is ahead of Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola, both on 24 points, setting up what could be a make-or-break lastround match between the Thunder and Dimboola – a potential early elimination final.

Stawell looks to have locked in third spot, following a 34-point win over Horsham Demons.

The Horsham City Oval clash produced quite an even first half, with the

scoreboard reading 44-39 in favour of the visitors at half-time.

But a six-goal third term bumped Stawell out to a 86-52 lead at threequarter time.

Seven goals to Paul Summers saw him named among the Warriors’ best, along with Sam Williams, who led from the front, and Aiden Graveson.

The Demons, through Tyler Blake, Archie Elliott and Max Bunworth, stemmed the flow in the fourth quar-

Horsham Saints remain undefeated

Horsham Saints are looking more and more likely to go through the 2025 Wimmera league A Grade home-andaway season undefeated.

The ladder-leaders made the most of their home court in the Coughlin Park stadium on Saturday, recording a 7547 win over Southern Mallee Thunder, who sit fifth on the ladder.

The Saints stretched their quartertime five-goal lead out to 11 by the main break, and then continued on to produce a 22-goal fourth-quarter.

Jorja Clode shot 51 goals to take her season tally to 560, and provide a focal point for the Saints, while wing-defence Shannon Cross was also named in the best.

Horsham was back on the winner’s list with a win over Stawell 87-45.

In a free-flowing match, the Demons got out to a 21-14 lead by quarter time and never looked back.

Horsham goalers Georgia Batson and Imogen Worthy paired well in the goal circle, shooting 36 and 51 goals respectively.

Sticking with their starting seven players throughout the match, the Demons built on their lead at every break and should have second place locked in for the finals.

Ararat was another team to return to the winners’ list, with a convincing 78-36 win over Minyip-Murtoa.

Park. After an even first half, the scoreboard sat at 20-18 at half-time with the Clyne sisters – Nicola and Lauren – leading the way. It was still anybody’s game at the last change, with the Eagles holding a four-goal lead.

But it was the Eagles who came home with a wet sail in the fourth quarter, outsourcing the home side 17-8.

Warrack’s best players were Jess Kelly and Isabella Orszulak.

ter, with both sides kicking 4.3. Meanwhile, Ararat was again impressive, scoring a 123-51 win over MinyipMurtoa.

The Rats cruised out to a 63-18 lead by half-time, as co-coaches Tom Mills and Tom Williamson kicked a combined nine goals to stand out up forward.

Sonny Kettle, James Jennings and Luke Spalding were among Ararat’s best, while Tim Mackenzie, Liam

Kidd, with four goals, and Luke Fisher were serviceable for the Burras.

But the match of the round was at Davis Park, Nhill, where the home side came from behind to score a 10-point victory over Warrack Eagles.

The Eagles were in red-hot form early, taking a 33-7 lead into quartertime.

Nhill lifted its game to kick five goals for the second term, but still trailed by eight points.

The third quarter was a tough slog, with Nhill and Warrack only kicking one goal each.

Down 47-56 at the last change, the Tigers were able to hold the Eagles to just one goal, while scoring 3.7 themselves.

Mitchell Dahlenburg, Xavier Bone and Liam Albrecht stood up for the Tigers, as the Eagles were again best served by Machok Garang, Sam Hanna, four goals, and Charlie Penny.

This weekend, round 16 features three key matches – Stawell hosts Dimboola; Southern Mallee Thunder versus Nhill; while Minyip-Murtoa plays Horsham Saints.

The other match – two teams who will not play finals in 2025 – is Warrack Eagles and Horsham, while Ararat can sit back, watch the remainder of the competition and see how the pieces of the puzzle slot in ahead of finals, which begin in just three weeks.

Wing-defence Tash Noble and goalattack Maggie Astbury, shooting 51 goals, were instrumental in the win.

Meanwhile Warrack Eagles recorded a 48-35 victory over Nhill at Davis

In round 16 action, the Saints host Minyip-Murtoa, Nhill will travel to Hopetoun to take on the Thunder, Stawell will face another tough test in Dimboola, while Warrack Eagles will play Horsham Demons.

For the prevention of five clostridial diseases and cheesy gland, and the treatment and control of internal

itchmite

and as a

spOrT

Caris rides momentum

BY LAUREN HENRY

Wimmeranetballer Maggie Caris

is a national champion after her Melbourne Vixens upset the West Coast Fever in a thrilling one-goal Suncorp Super Netball grand final on Saturday.

The Vixens qualified for the finals in fourth place but rode the momentum of two and one-goal wins in the semi and preliminary finals respectively before stunning the minor premier 59-58 in front of more than 15,000 fans at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

“We started preseason back on October 28, so it’s been a long journey, and to finally cap it off with the premiership has been really special,” Caris said.

“We started the season with four losses in a row and we have now come away with the premiership, so it has been pretty crazy – bit of a whirlwind, but feeling grateful and feeling very lucky to be here.”

Caris, after forgoing a promising AFLW football career to focus on netball, earned her first playing time in the Super League this season after she was elevated to the Vixens’ main squad in April as a temporary replacement player for defender Emily Mannix, who went on maternity leave.

“It’s been really nice to part of the team as a full-time player this year, and to be there for Simone McKinnis’ last season as well has been really

incredible,” she said. “ I’ve been really fortunate to have Simone as coach for a few years now. As a training partner I’ve been with the club for a few years and she is also a defensive specialist, which has been really amazing to be able to pick her brain.

“She’s a wealth of knowledge, so to be able to learn, even just pick a small bit of her knowledge, has been incredible and definitely helped me develop my netball.

“Just the way she brings the group together and she sets standards really, really high – I’ve never worked harder than I have under her coaching. She really drives the high-performance environment, which I think is really important as well.”

The 22-year-old goal-keeper did not appear on court for the Vixens during the finals but was on the bench for each game.

Caris said watching the game from the bench meant she experienced a series of emotions, but felt the Vixens were in control for the whole match.

“I think just riding the highs and lows with the team – it is a rollercoaster in the game, we always say it’s not just going to be easy, it’s a grind,” she said.

“It just really shows how much we have developed and how much we were able to stay composed and really convert off our gains.”

Caris said the prospect of coming on the court to play against arguably

the world’s best shooter in Janelle Fowler-Nembhard was not daunting because she was confident in the backing of fellow defenders  Jo Weston, Kate Eddy, and Rudi Ellis.

“She’s gone from strength to strength this season and she’s a huge target and with their game plan, they base lots of their game around her,” Caris said.

“But with Simone’s coaching and even having the experience of playing against her in round four, I felt equipped that if I was required, we all knew what we needed to do when we got out there.’

Caris said the Vixens embraced their underdog status and had a ‘nothing-tolose’ mentality after re-setting themselves midseason.

“We  went back to the drawing board and said ‘what are we doing here?’, and from there we were just able to build our connection, really work away at what our errors were and where we were falling away in games,” she said.

“I think that allowed us to have a bit of an edge, and I think honestly just being together and having nothing to lose really was what enabled us to just go out there, feeling free and going for balls, ripping balls in, and having a go at the contest I think is what enabled us to succeed as we did.”

Caris said it was special to have her family, including mother Cecilia, father Rob and siblings Ella, Nick and Rene, as well extended family, at the

Brought to you by The Morning Crew Weekdays from 6am to 9am

match to support her. “Once we finished the game and we’d done a few victory laps and we all ran up to see our families and just the excitement because they’re there for the journey as well, they’re hearing about all your training, all the sessions we do, and they’re there for the journey as well so they’re just as much a part of it as we are, so it was so special,” she said.

The former Horsham Saints netballer said she had received plenty of Wimmera support this season.

Caris likened her premierships with the Saints in 2016 and 2017 to the Vixens’ run this year.

“I’m still very connected with some of those people that we played in premierships with and the whole community – you’ve got your volunteers, your coaches, all of the people in-

volved – I’m still really lucky that I still catch up and see them and we’re always messaging back and forth,” she said.

“It is always really nice to see that support and definitely felt the love over the last few days with the good luck messages before and the congratulatory messages after.”

Caris played in six Super Netball games this season, but with Mannix likely to come back to the Vixens next season and lots of player movement within the SSN, the Quantong athlete’s future is not clear.

With the contract period having opened on Monday, the next two weeks will determine where Caris will be playing netball in 2026.

• Editorial, page 11.

Airconditioning & Refrigeration Apprenticeship

Horsham – Applications close: August 19, 2025

• Government incentives available for eligible apprentices

• PPE supplied & maintained annually

• Career Pathway toward secure and sustainable employment within a high-demand industry

Start your career in Airconditioning & Refrigeration! Join a dynamic team, learn hands-on and build future-ready skills in a high-demand industry. Is this you?

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Willing to work at heights & in various weather conditions

• Have a Construction Induction White Card

For more information, please contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890

Road

Donald & Warracknabeal – Applications close: ASAP

• Casual position working full time hours Mon – Fri + overtime opportunities

• PPE supplied & maintained annually

• Support vital road upkeep

Road Workers required for an immediate start! Join a great team where you gain valuable exposure to civil projects in Regional Victoria.

Requirements:

• Construction Induction White Card

• Medium Rigid (MR) Truck Licence

For more information contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324 for a confidential discussion.

Donald – Applications close: ASAP

• Permanent role based in Regional Victoria

• Attractive annual salary negotiable

• No weekend work, Mon-Fri

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a customer focused and family-owned business. If you like hands on work, are physically fit and keen for a fresh start, apply today.

Requirements:

• Trade Qualified

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

• Traffic Management Certificates (TC1 & TMI1 at minimum) Seasonal Harvest

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• Casual position –Monday to Friday shifts

• Students, Back packers & Grey nomads encouraged

• Training provided, no prior experience necessary Casual workers required for seasonal roles in Horsham & Longerenong. No prior experience required, just a great attitude and willingness to work hard! Is this you?

• Reliable, flexible availability and able to work at short notice

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions

For more information contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324 for a confidential discussion.

An apprenticeship or traineeship with Skillinvest will place you with a local business, where you will receive hands-on practical training, valuable work experience and personalised career advice and support, all while completing a nationally recognised course and getting paid as you learn.

We’ll help you create a rewarding employment and training pathway to make sure you become fully qualified, highly skilled, confident and successful in your chosen profession.

Give us a call to learn more.

For more information contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324 for a confidential discussion.

Employers, do you need to expand your team?

An apprentice or trainee might be the solution! Skillinvest has you covered!

The Skillinvest difference:

• Personalised, hands-on approach tailored to your business

• Hassle-free hiring, flexible arrangements, complete management

• Ongoing mentorship and support for both the host employer and employee

• High completion rates

• Registered Training Organisation offering industry specific training in some sectors

• Shared hosting arrangements available if you are not able to commit full-time

Ask about our host employer incentives. Call us today.

Burras crowned inaugural premiers

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Minyip-Murtoa provided a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the inaugural Wimmera Football Netball League senior women’s football season, upsetting previously undefeated Laharum in Sunday’s grand final.

The Burras had lost to the Demons on three occasions during the homeand-away season, but turned the tables on the minor premiers in the grand final to win 4.4 (28) to 2.3 (15) in front of a strong crowd at Murtoa.

Minyip-Murtoa captain Tegan ‘TJ’ Johnston said the team saved its best football for the biggest game of the season.

“At the start of the game we were confident in that if we played our best football we could beat them, and that’s exactly what we did,” she said.

“It just feels so good that we could achieve that together as a group.”

Tackle pressure was the order of the day for Minyip-Murtoa, with the Burras aiming to shut down Laharum’s outside run.

Ashlee Ison scored the opening goal of the game for Minyip-Murtoa, helping her side to a 2.2 (14) to 1.0 (6) advantage at the first break – the first time since quarter time of round one that the Demons had trailed at any change.

But it was Ison’s defensive pressure that shone more than her goal-kicking, with the midfielder relentless in her pursuit of the opposition.

Taking cues from Ison, the Burras shut down Laharum’s normally highscoring offence.

The Demons failed to register a scoring shot in the second and third terms, and trailed 3.3 (21) to 1.0 (6) at threequarter time.

“We were pretty pumped to start that last quarter. Our coach Nick Cushing said to us ‘this is it’,” Johnston said.

“We knew we had to absorb the pressure because Laharum was going to throw everything at us in that last quarter. Nerves were high but we were also calm at the same time, because we knew if we stuck to what we had been doing all day then we were going to win.”

While Olivia Lenehan broke through for Laharum’s second goal of the game in the last quarter to give the Demons hope, the Burras hit back

through Scarlett Funcke, another of their best players, to effectively seal the result.

Funcke, full forward Georgia McIntyre and defender Stacey Arnold were among the stars for the Burras, but there were no surprises when Ison was awarded the best-on-ground medal.

“She’s just tenacious. She is unreal. She doesn’t give up,” Johnston said of Ison.

“If we did a tackle count she would have done 80 per cent of the tackles.

“She kicked a goal and she was just everywhere. She’s a freak – there’s no other way to describe it – and she deserved that medal, because not only did she play the best she’s played that day, she’s been in the best all year.”

For Laharum, defender Ema Iredell was excellent across half back, while Ruby Manson, Violet McGennisken, Hailey Puls and Catherine O’Dea worked hard in the midfield.

Demons coach Rod ‘Rocket’ Hogan praised his side for its growth throughout the year.

“I’m really proud of my girls. They’ve had a terrific season and we’ve worked really hard, so they can hold their heads up high and be proud of what they’ve achieved,” he said.

“Congratulations to the girls at Minyip-Murtoa. We’ve had a great season and a great rivalry.

“People like TJ who have been around a footy club for a long time re-

ally deserve to have the opportunity to play at senior level in women’s footy.”

Hogan thanked Laharum for offering him the coaching position, as well as the Wimmera Football Netball League for establishing the women’s competition.

Johnston said she believed the women’s league would continue to grow, and said the Burras were keen to defend their premiership next year.

“The vibes are so high. It’s just been

so empowering to do what we’ve been able to do together, and I feel like our group is just going to keep building,” she said.

“We’ll keep the group together and welcome any new faces who want to come along. Everyone is wanting to stick around and do it all again.

“It’s one of the best feelings you’ll feel in sports, and it was so cool to be able to do it with a group of people who become your mates. It’s lovely.”

Juniors

Horsham was the victor in the firstever under-14.5 girls grand final, defeating Laharum 2.9 (21) to 2.0 (12) to open the day.

Laharum went scoreless through the first three quarters, but an errant 1.6 from Horsham kept them in the contest.

While Georgia Foster booted two goals for Laharum in the last quarter to tie the scores, Indigo Pope scored a goal to restore Horsham’s lead for good.

Chloe Stockdale was named best afield for Horsham, with Mila Payne, Sienna Morrison and Asha Meek also prominent, while for Laharum Claudia Penny, Ruby Anson and Lilly Peucker shone alongside Foster.

Horsham coach Darcy Taylor paid tribute to his young players after the match.

“We’ve had a core group for about three years now and you can definitely see, by sticking at it and continuing to show up at training, we’ve improved our skills out of sight,” he said.

“To the girls I want to throw out the challenge to keep sticking at it. Keep together as a group and more success will come.”

Taylor encouraged more girls to consider joining the competition, which he tipped to expand in coming years.

CHAMPIONS: Horsham was victorious in the first-ever under-14.5 girls grand final, defeating Laharum 2.9 (21) to 2.0 (12).