FLYING HIGH: Ballet
Under the Stars enthralled thousands of people at Horsham City Oval on Saturday evening as The Australian Ballet took to the stage. Among those to perform was Davi Ramos, pictured, one of many dancers to showcase their talent, strength and world-class athleticism. Story, page 18.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
MARCH 3-5, 2026
BY LAUREN HENRY
The future of sustainable funding for rural councils is in the spotlight, with Yarriambiack Shire Council pleading to both state and federal governments to address its forecasted asset renewal gap of $63-million.
The council’s comprehensive assessment of its assets last year evaluated the condition of its assets, such as roads, to determine the necessary future investment required to maintain the base at standards consistent with community expectations.
64-page
Mayor Andrew McLean described the $63-million renewal gap expected over the next decade as ‘alarming’, jumping from previous initial projections of $27.5-million.
Cr McLean said the picture was bleak, with council having insuf-
ficient funds to address the deteriorating condition of assets – namely roads.
The council faces significant challenges in managing and maintaining its 4603 kilometres of roads, 102 kilometres of constructed and unconstructed pathways, 86 kilometres of kerb and channel, and 92 buildings.
Cr McLean said the council was calling on the state and federal governments to assess how small rural councils were funded and allocate funds to address the assets.
“The roads within our shire are important strategic routes to move grains, legumes and agricultural product to markets,” he said.
“We need significant investment commitments to bring our road networks up to the standards our communities and businesses need, require and deserve.
“The funding model needs to change. We are now in an election year, we want to see a commitment to rural communities and an investment into our road networks, and community assets.”
Cr McLean said while Yarriambiack Shire’s population was sparse compared to metropolitan areas, the shire generated about $550-$780-million in annual economic output, depending on the dataset and year used, placing it among the most productive per-capita rural economies in Victoria.
Its Gross Regional Product, GRP, is estimated at about $556-million, despite a population of about 6500 people, highlighting its strong productivity relative to size.
“We carry our own weight and deserve significant investment into our region and strongly encourage
the government and Opposition to consider this as a priority as they go to the election later this year,” Cr McLean said.
The financial sustainability of councils is not a new issue – in 2010, a report by Merv and Rohan Whelan identified 18 rural councils as being particularly unsustainable ‘due to environmental and structural factors beyond their control’.
The report found that many small rural shires face structural disadvantage and cannot operate effectively under the same financial models as larger urban councils, with their sustainability rated as negative or very negative.
It recommended increased grant funding for councils with small populations to address the imbalance.
Continued page 7
Island construction works start soon
Council, in partnership with Wimmera CMA, will soon commence construction works at Apex Island to improve public access and safety.
What’s happening?
Works will include construction of two new pedestrian bridges (eastern and western ends of the island) and new connecting walking tracks.
When will works occur?
To enable bridge construction, the weir pool will be temporarily lowered to install coffer dams (temporary water barriers).
The weir will be lowered following the March Long Weekend - Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March, Coffer dams will be installed later that week.
The water level will then return to normal.
Coffer dams will be removed once works are complete. Most works are expected to be finished before the Easter Long Weekend (Good Friday, 5 April), with minor works possibly continuing afterward.
Timelines may change due to weather or site conditions.
The weir will not be lowered before 10 March.
What to expect
During construction, there may be:
• Noise during standard construction hours
• Increased activity in the area
• Temporary traffic and pedestrian disruptions along Barnes Boulevard
• Council and Wimmera CMA will work to minimise disruption wherever possible.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of local residents and the wider community while these important improvements are delivered.
For further information, please contact Council on 53829777 or Wimmera CMA on 5382 9944.
bridge upgrade strengthens Gross Bridge for the future
Horsham Rural City Council has completed strengthening works on Gross Bridge, ensuring the nearly 60-year-old structure can safely carry modern heavy vehicles while extending its service life.
Originally built at a time when trucks were significantly lighter, the bridge required assessment to ensure it could meet today’s transport demands.
Rather than pursuing a costly full replacement, Council partnered with Western Sydney University to undertake detailed testing and engineering analysis.
The results confirmed the bridge was performing safely, with only minor strengthening required.
Carbon fibre panels, which are lightweight and highstrength were applied to reinforce key sections of the steel structure — marking the first known use of this approach on a steel bridge of this type in Australia.
The works were completed in mid-February, and Gross Bridge now provides unrestricted access for B-doubles.
Mayor Cr Klowss said the project highlights Council’s commitment to practical and forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.
“This project demonstrates how smart engineering and innovative technology can strengthen our infrastructure, protect our community, and extend the life of important assets without the need for costly full replacement.
“We are committed to maintaining our ageing infrastructure responsibly and investing in solutions that keep our region strong and well connected.”
Council thanked its infrastructure team and research partners for delivering the innovative and cost-effective outcome.
Until the end of March, some residents may receive a phone call inviting them to share their views about Council services and facilities.
Taking part is completely voluntary and all responses are confidential. All survey calls will come from a mobile number.
For your reassurance:
•Callers will not ask for you by name
•The survey is anonymous
•You will not be asked for sensitive personal information
If you receive a call, we encourage you to take part. Your feedback will help shape the services and programs that matter most to our community.
Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to help determine Council’s preferences for a potential Horsham Bypass.
They will join Councillors on a Community Reference Group (CRG) so that the issues and views of the community are well understood during Council’s deliberations.
Council approved a plan in December for a CRG to help inform its considerations for a potential bypass to link with the Western, Henty and Wimmera Highways.
Council has not yet established a position in relation to a bypass, or an intended route, and recognises that this can only be achieved with strong community involvement in the decision-making process.
The broader community will be kept up-to-date with meeting minutes and related material through a dedicated Council web page.
Nominations for the CRG positions will be open until the end of February 2026.
How can I get a grant for my community project?
In 2025, Council awarded $137,684 in community development grants to 41 community organisations, aiming to improve our region’s liveability, accessibility and sustainability.
This year it could be your turn!
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 round of funding. If your organisation has a project that strengthens community connection and wellbeing, now is the time to apply for funding assistance.
For details on application requirements, eligibility and previous recipients, please visit the link below.
Community projects can apply for grants of between $500 and $10,000.
For a full list of requirments and considerations, visit the Community Grants page on the HRCC website or scan the QR code.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Kindergarten teachers and educators across the state will stop work to rally in Melbourne tomorrow after the Australian Education Union walked away from negotiations for fair pay and conditions.
Horsham-based kindergarten teacher Alice Clarke said teachers and educators had not had a pay increase for almost two years.
“We’ve been bargaining for 20 months – we had a twice-yearly increase, until the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement, VECTEA, expired nearly two years ago,” she said.
“We want parity with schools. We are so far off. I have the same degree as a primary school teacher – so why am I in the early childhood when I could be making much more, being treated better, and be respected more in the community?”
The union’s 2025 State of Our Kinders survey of 1200 teachers and educators found half ‘always or often’ think about leaving the early childhood profession.
The survey also showed that kindergarten teachers worked almost a day of unpaid overtime each week, on average.
“On top of daily planning and setting up, we are writing referrals, working with families, doing documentation, attending management meetings – it’s a huge load,” Ms Clarke said.
“We’re struggling to retain a workforce to begin with, and it’s hard to attract people when the pay is so low.
“You don’t keep quality, then we’ve got a higher turnover, which impacts your team and the services you’re able to deliver to families.”
Ms Clarke said the union walked away from negotiations after they covered most of the topics in the teachers’ log of claims.
“It’s unheard of to be so far into negotiations and have no pay offer on the table – they haven’t even put an inadequate one there,” she said.
“The State Government is the full funder of kindergartens – they came out, said ‘free kinder for everyone’, but they are not coming to the party at all. They need to be stepping up here.”
Union Victorian branch president
Justin Mullally said the government had the responsibility to ensure kindergarten teachers and educators received pay and conditions that reflected the importance and value of their work.
“The failure of the Allan Labor Government to put a reasonable offer on the table is not only disrespectful to teachers and educators but it puts the government’s free kinder promise to parents at risk,” he said.
The government has promised 15 hours of free kindergarten for threeyear-olds and 30 hours for four-yearolds by 2036. To deliver this, Victoria needs 11,000 more kindergarten teachers and educators.
“We will never attract people to the
profession and keep them while they are undervalued and disrespected in this way. The government should not have let it come to this,” Mr Mullally said.
Emerge Early Years Services chief executive Elicia Napoli said as a notfor-profit organisation, Emerge was in support of improved wages for its employees.
“We value the incredible work teachers and educators do and we know that for quality education and care, we need a skilled and stable workforce who are paid accordingly,” she said.
“Early childhood educators in Victoria are the lowest paid in the country. We need the State Government to come to the table with funding for wages, as Victorian kindergartens are completely government-funded.
“The bargaining for wages and VECTEA conditions has been lengthy and drawn out, and we hope it is resolved effectively soon so that we can get back to solely focusing on quality education and care.”
Ms Clarke said staff were leaving for higher-paying jobs with better conditions in jobs such as in retail and at fast-food outlets.
“It is hard to see a future for us knowing that every year I’m going to be with a majority team of new, green staff that I’m trying to build up,” she said.
“I love the industry – we all love the industry – and that’s why we are taking action. We don’t want to be striking, we are not getting paid for this. It’s not fun for us, it’s hard for us ... but we’ve gotten to a point of ‘what else can we do?’.
Federal Government funding for Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre has been partially restored, with the food charity set to receive $60,859 each year until 2030.
Stawell Interchurch Council Cottage, who were also told in September, 2025, that it would not be funded for the next five years, have had its $48,500 funding reinstated.
Previously the Department of Social Services, DSS, had provided an $82,000 grant each year for the Horsham-based centre who provide food, and vouchers to people across the Wimmera.
Uniting Vic Tas’s $82,000 in funding to the food centre had also been cut due to DSS constraints.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster confirmed the future funding amounts for each charity, following advocacy work to Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek.
“They were going to have their funding cut and that’s just untenable for 82 years of service between both charities – it’s just extraordinary,” Dr Webster said.
She said there could also be additional funding – $15,000 for being in bushfireaffected zone – and Uniting Vic Tas could also have some funding restored.
Food Centre client assessment manager Bev Miatke said it was amazing to have funding, albeit less, secured until 2030.
“ It’s a huge privilege to be here and to be able to help people and we continued on helping people – we would still keep on going until there was nothing left on the shelves,” she said.
“We do thankfully get a lot of community support, and the supermarkets and bakeries ... but the things that cost us money, we’ve had to start contracting the amount of financial support that we give.”
BY LAUREN HENRY
Mining and transmission line companies will this year be allowed to exhibit at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
The field days committee is allowing Donald Mineral Sands and WIM Resource, as well as VNI West and Western Renewables Link to be exhibitors at next week’s event.
Last year, field days organisers had initially allowed the companies to exhibit – albeit rejecting any sponsorship from the companies – but pressure from agricultural groups saw them deny the mining companies an opportunity to exhibit just a week before the event.
The field days committee had said they had felt compelled to exclude mining companies ‘due to the risk of antagonistic behaviour and the threat of disruptive boycotts to our event’.
However 12 months on, the committee is now allowing the companies, criticised by some farmers – particularly those against the projects.
Lynette Teasdale, whose property is directly affected by the DMS proposed mineral sand mine, posted on Facebook, saying she was ‘extremely disappointed that the Wimmera Machinery Field Days Committee has allowed, received money from, Astron/Donald Mineral Sands to have a site at this year’s event’.
“This will enable DMS to say that they’ve consulted with XX number of the community, which will in turn allow them to meet their necessary government requirements of community consultation,” she said.
“As almost all of our land is under some sort of DMS mining licence, we won’t be attending this year’s field days, for the first time in about 40 years.
“The impact of mining on our communities is heartbreaking.
“Money obviously speaks louder than community, agriculture and ethics.”
She urged people to contact the field days committee to voice their concerns.
Many people have posted on Facebook voicing their disappointment and concern about the decision.
In a statement, the WMFD committee said it was its policy to provide information to the farming and wider community about all issues that affected the region.
“We provide exhibitors opportunities to engage with the wider public, there has been no change in decisions or policy,” the statement read.
“We allow all parties to express their views as exhibitors and encourage patrons to make their own minds up with the information provided, we are not here to dictate or be dictated to about anyone’s views.”
Oliver Drum is a face of this year’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal campaign.
The son of former Horsham residents Jacinta Ribeiro and Darcy Drum, he was diagnosed before birth with truncus arteriosus, a rare and complex congenital heart defect.
At four weeks old, he was transferred by the specialist paediatric infant perinatal emergency retrieval team to the RCH for open-heart surgery.
Oliver needed a second open-heart surgery to replace the tube between his heart and lungs that his growing body had outgrown, and needed blood-thinning medication to keep the lung veins open.
Ms Ribeiro said she put forth Oliver’s story for consideration for the 95th Good Friday Appeal, but did not think anything would come of it.
“They really enjoyed Oliver’s success. And with the appeal giving money to regional areas this year, and us being regional, it’s really wonderful,” she said. “A lot of people around Horsham access the Royal Children’s Hospital and don’t have the luxury of relocating, so it’s really wonderful to see money going regionally.”
Ms Ribeiro said Oliver had been ‘a superstar’ for television stations and was getting spoilt with freebies.
“He’s soaking up every moment and loving every single second – he’s absolutely turned it on for the last couple of days,” she said.
“But he’s been phenomenal throughout his whole journey, and we’ve been super supported. It’s been really great to be able to give back in this way.”
Oliver, now 6, still uses the hospital for ophthalmology, dentistry, and child life therapy as well as cardiology.
“There are a few others we use that work hand-in-hand with lots of moving parts to make sure Oliver is at his full and best health,” Ms Ribeiro said.
“We do know there will be a few more open-heart surgeries on the cards as he outgrows the mechanical pieces they’ve put in his heart, we’re hoping we can get him to 11 or 12 before he’ll need his next open-heart surgery.
“It’s predicted he might need another two or three, which will hopefully get him through the rest of his life.”
Ms Ribeiro said their hometown had come together for Oliver.
“When Oliver was having his first open-heart surgery, it was actually during the Good Friday appeal in 2019 – Horsham really banded together for Oliver, people donated money and reached out to us,” she said.
“I think it gives people a lot of hope to be able to look at this little boy who’s been through so much and had such a bleak, really dark outlook in the beginning to where he is now,” she said.
“It’s just phenomenal.” – Bronwyn Hastings
West Wimmera Action Group, WWAG, is calling for people affected by January’s Grass Flat fire to contribute to a community submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria.
WWAG is asking landowners, firefighters and residents to provide data and opinions about the fire that affected Grass Flat, Natimuk and Quantong areas on January 9.
The survey comes after the group used survey results to compile a report on the Little Desert Fires in 2025, formulating seven recommendations – particularly about planned burns and fire management practices on public land.
The 61-page document was sent to fire authorities, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Country Fire Authority, as well as members of parliament in a bid for changes to be made for the future.
WWAG is still waiting for a response from fire authorities.
WWAG secretary Jennifer Goldsworthy said the results of the survey would be initially used for a submission to the inquiry, which was due by March 15.
“The thing that is so important is that if we as West Wimmera Action Group don’t tell the story for our region, it’s going to be overshadowed by all the other stories in Victoria,” she said.
“We need to make the government and the people who are making decisions aware that the fires in our region are often
quite different and need to be handled very differently to fires in other regions in Victoria where you’ve got much higher scrub or much denser bushland and more houses in bushland – it’s just a completely different scenario.
“So for us to be able to tell the story around the fires in our region, hoping that decisions will be made that are relevant to better managing fires in our region is what our aim is.”
Ms Goldsworthy said the more people who filled in the survey, the more credible and informed the results were.
She said survey results would also help with WWAG’s campaign against the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
“The main reason for the upset about the ESVF of course is because the people who are doing the work – the people who are fighting the fires – are the people who pay,” she said.
“It’s been said a number of times that if it wasn’t for the farmers and their tillers and their machinery, that fire would’ve got to Horsham.
“ I think the big thing that we’d like to see come out of this is for people to think outside the box about how we actually prepare for fires rather than repeat, repeat, rinse, and repeat.
“We’ve actually got to find a different way, a better way forward.
“And unless you’ve got the information, the data that gives you that story, you are not gonna see the bigger picture.”
People wanting to contribute to the survey can visit https://tinyurl.com/3mr3763n.
HERE’S CHEERS: Matt and Bill Lovel are grateful The
refunded following a State Government announcement last week.
The Nati Pub is among many businesses in areas hit by Victoria’s summer bushfires who will benefit from a waiver of liquor licence fees this year.
The State Government announced last week it would waive and refund liquor licence fees allowing local operators to focus on reopening and recovery.
The waiver will help pubs, wineries, distilleries, cafés and bottle shops save money.
All eligible businesses will have their fees automatically waived or refunded.
The Nati Pub owner Bill Lovel said he had paid his liquor licence in January so he was looking forward to a refund.
“It was about $3000 so that will come in handy,” he said.
Mr Lovel said although the hotel had to close for a couple of days following the January 9 fire, it quickly reopened to act as a hub for the community.
“Surprising enough, we’ve been quite busy since the fire, because people are coming out and having a look and want to support people financially,” he said.
Mr Lovel said the community was focused on recovery.
“I think people just want to get on with it now,” he said.
“I don’t know personally who’s insured, who’s not insured, so we’ll try and support those people as much as we can. It’s a great town for locally being supported by friends and family.”
Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Enver Er-
NORFOLK ISLAND (NO PASSPORT REQUIRED)
10 days Saturday 21st March $6590
Highlights: Sound & Light Show, Norfolk Island tour, Fletchers Mutiny Cyclorama, Bounty Show & Dinner, Scenic BBQ, Island Fish Fry, Over the Cattlestops, Paddock to Plate, Convict Settlement Tour, South Pacific Resort Hotel, Progressive Dinner, Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, 4WD Tour, Night as a Convict Dinner, Breakfast Bush Walk. YARRA VALLEY – MARYSVILLE MELBOURNE – THE DANDENONGS
6 days Monday 4th May $3210
Highlights: Yarra River Cruise, Queen Victoria Market, Marysville, Bruno Torf’s Gallery, Healesville Sanctuary, Steavenson Falls, Yarra Valley, Puffing Billy, MCG tour, Parliament House, Eureka Observation Deck, Rayner’s Fruit Orchard, Coombe Cottage, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Mt Dandenong Lookout, Tea Leaves Australia, Southbank, Cloudehill Gardens.
CAPE YORK AND THURSDAY ISLAND
10 days Sunday 17th May $6810
Highlights: Cairns city accommodation, Cape Tribulation, World Heritage Daintree National Park, Bloomfield Track, Cooktown, Lakefield National Park, Musgrave Telegraph Station, Weipa, Bramwell Station, Fruit Bat Falls, Seisia, Cape York tip, Thursday Island.
CAIRNS, THE GULF, BIRDSVILLE
MARREE & FLINDERS RANGES
24 days Monday 25th May $13,360
Highlights: Bourke, Darling River, Charleville, Cosmos Centre, Blackall Woolscour, Longreach, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Thomson River Cruise, Charters Towers, Magnetic Island, Paronella Park, Australian Sugar Museum, Green Island, Cairns, Barrier Reef, Daintree River Cruise, Kuranda Train and Sky Rail, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes, Gulflander Train Ride, Gulf of Carpentaria Sunset Cruise, Mt Isa, Birdsville, Marree, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges, Burra, Renmark.
MAGNETIC ISLAND & BARRIER REEF
12 days Monday 25th May $7240
Highlights: Bourke, Darling River, Charleville, Cosmos Centre, Blackall Woolscour, Longreach, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Thomson River Cruise, Charters Towers, Magnetic Island, Paronella Park, Australian Sugar Museum, Green Island, Cairns, Barrier Reef, Daintree River Cruise, Kuranda Train and Sky Rail, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas
CAIRNS & THE GULF COUNTRY INC BIRDSVILLE
16 days Tuesday 2nd June
$9350
Highlights: Cairns, Green Island, Barrier Reef, Daintree River Cruise, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas, Atherton Tableland, Georgetown, Undara Lava Tubes, Gulflander Train Ride, Normanton, Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria Sunset Cruise, Mt Isa, Birdsville, Marree, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges, Burra, Renmark.
SINGAPORE GARDENS FESTIVAL
10 days Thursday 2nd July
$8530
Highlights: Luxury Hotel Accommodation, Stunning Singapore, City Sights Tour, Botanic & Orchid Gardens, Singapore River Cruise, Raffles Hotel High Tea, The Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands Lookout, Singapore Oceanarium, Changi District, National Museum of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, English Speaking Guides, Singapore Gardens Festival.
NORTHWESTER & SOUTH WEST COAST
47 days Monday 27th July
“See the itinerary for the many tour highlights”.
DARWIN VIA CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
15 days Monday 27th July
$25,290
$9860
Highlights: Central Australia, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Tennant Creek, Katherine Gorge Cruise, Kakadu, Yellow Waters Cruise, Darwin, Mindil Market, Litchfield National Park.
COOBER PEDY, AYERS ROCK, ALICE SPRINGS
9 days Monday 27th July
$6370
Highlights: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Central Australia, Coober Pedy, Umoona Opal Mine, Ayres Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Alice Springs School of the Air, Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
WEST COAST, KIMBERLEY & SOUTH WEST COAST
35 days Saturday 8th August
“See the itinerary for the many tour highlights”.
WEST COAST AND THE KIMBERLEY
23 days Saturday 8th August
$18,680
$13,910
Highlights: Darwin, Mindil Beach Market, Katherine, Kununurra, Ord River Cruise, El Questro Station, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Broome, Cable Beach Sunset, Port Hedland, Tom Price, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Monkey Mia, Kalbarri, Perth.
dogan said businesses in areas including Avenel, Merton, Seymour, Alexandra, Skipton, Natimuk, Tallangatta, Gellibrand and many more were eligible.
“Businesses impacted by the fires have lost stock and trade, and many are rebuilding from scratch – and these fee waivers will take one pressure off their recovery,” he said.
“We’ll continue to back bushfire-affected communities and support the businesses that are so important to local jobs, local economies and local recovery.”
Mr Erdogan said hospitality and retail businesses played a vital role in local economies and supporting them was central to helping regional communities recover from this year’s bushfires.
DARWIN TO BROOME AND THE KIMBERLEY 12 days Saturday 8th August $8930
Highlights: Darwin, Mindil Beach Market, Katherine, Kununurra, Ord River Cruise, El Questro Station, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Broome, Cable Beach Sunset.
BROOME TO PERTH INC TOM PRICE & NINGALOO REEF
14 days Monday 17th August $9100
Highlights: Broome 3 nights, Cable Beach, Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland, Mt Tom Price Mine tour, Karijini National Park, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia Dolphins, Kalbarri Wildflowers, Perth 3 nights. PERTH AND SOUTH WEST COAST
15 days Friday 28th August $7820
Highlights: Perth, Gloucester Tree, Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Cape Leeuwin & Lighthouse, Pemberton Timber Mill, Valley of the Giants, Albany, Whale Watching Cruise, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Super Pit Tour, Great Australian Bight, Nullarbor, Port Augusta, Adelaide, Mannum.
Foster carers are still urgently needed in Horsham, as more local children and young people require safe and stable homes.
Since Uniting Vic-Tas launched a recruitment campaign during Victoria’s Foster Care Week in 2025, 30 enquiries have been made to the Wimmera team.
Of those, seven people are now progressing through training or have recently been onboarded.
Wimmera Community
Engagement O cer, Jules Del Real, said while the response has been encouraging, the need in Horsham remains significant.
“We have carers in surrounding areas, which is wonderful,” she said.
“But many children needing care are based in Horsham, where they already have schools, kinder and routines in place.
“When carers are local, it means children can stay connected to their friends, teachers and community.”
Ms Del Real said even shortterm placements can make a lasting di erence in a young person’s life.
“Foster care can range from emergency and short-term placements through to longerterm support.
What matters most is providing a safe, consistent environment where a child feels secure.”
Uniting Wimmera welcomes people from all walks of life.
“We need all types of carers – working, not working, single, couples and families.
“A diverse pool of carers helps us match children with homes that best meet their individual needs.”
Uniting Wimmera is particularly seeking carers who feel confident supporting teenagers.
“Teenagers in foster care need stability, encouragement and
a sense of belonging. With the right support around them, they can thrive and feel hopeful about their future,” she said.
Becoming a foster carer involves training, checks and home assessments, with final approval through an accreditation panel. The process
is thorough to ensure children’s safety – but it is also well supported.
“Our most recent carers completed the process in just under six months,” Ms Del Real said. “We guide people every step of the way, from their first phone call through to accreditation and beyond.”
Uniting Wimmera has expanded its local carer support team, ensuring carers have access to ongoing guidance, practical support and regular contact once they begin caring.
The team is also available to deliver free information sessions to businesses and community groups across the Wimmera. To host a session, call 5362 4000.
Uniting Wimmera will be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week, with sta available to talk about foster care and other services including mental health and housing support.
People interested in becoming a foster carer can call 1800 543 779 to speak with the team and receive an information pack.
A Wimmera-based sta member will then make direct contact to answer questions and discuss next steps.
Foster carers are urgently needed in the Wimmera. If you've ever thought about opening your home to a foster child, we'd love to hear from you.
To find out more about becoming a Uniting foster carer, complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call on the number below.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham Plaza traders were among those affected by an unexpected outage when Telstra upgraded its mobile base station to improve 4G and 5G capacity last week.
Works were predicted to intermittently interrupt coverage on Monday and Tuesday, while causing full outages from Wednesday until Friday, from 8am to 5pm each day.
Horsham Plaza centre manager Allison Roberts said traders thought Wednesday’s interruptions were a minor glitch.
“By mid-morning Wednesday, several of our stores had advised that their EFTPOS wasn’t working at all,” she said.
St Arnaud and district residents can enjoy one final celebration at the town’s swimming pool on Friday, before it shuts for the final stage of a $2.57-million redevelopment.
St Arnaud swimming pool staff will host a free summer pool party on Friday, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, featuring inflatables, big garden games, music, spot prizes, a visit from East Wimmera Health Service’s smoothie bike, fruit platters and a barbecue.
The pool party will provide people with an opportunity to jump or dive off the ‘big’ diving board for the last time, as the three-metre high board will not be refurbished due to the pool’s depth not meeting Life Saving Victoria’s diving safety guidelines. The one-metre diving board will remain.
Other works include structural repairs to the pool, resurfacing and compliance upgrades, and construction of a new beach-entry ramp.
The pool will reopen in time for the 2026-27 summer season.
Police are seeking witnesses to a car driving against the flow of traffic during Horsham’s annual Hot Summer Nights Rod Run on Saturday.
About 6.35pm, the car drove between spectators and south-bound traffic, between Pynsent Street and Roberts Avenue.
Anyone who has dashcam footage or phone recordings of the incident, or who was impacted as a spectator or a driver can contact Horsham Highway Patrol’s Senior Constable Hatton at corey.hatton@police.vic.gov.au or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“When we started to look into that, we established that Telstra was doing a regional upgrade that would impact Telstra users’ EFTPOS machines, phones, mobile phones, and all associated gadgets.
“We then reached out to Telstra, but couldn’t find who to reach out to, so we reached out to Emma Kealy’s office, because we know that she has our back, being our local MP.”
Ms Kealy’s office had received notification of the outage and gave Mrs Roberts Telstra’s contact details.
“They challenged us and said there had been a text message that went out to all Telstra users advising that works were going to happen,” Mrs Roberts said.
“But she went on to say she could
see they had not sent out that advice. She told us those works would be during daylight, from 8am to 5pm, because it involved some height works.”
Mrs Roberts said when asked why the contractors did not work during daylight before and after business hours, the Telstra representative said they would investigate.
“It inconvenienced the majority of my stores – there were some stores that weren’t users of Telstra, so business continued as usual – but there were some stores that encouraged their staff, who were not Telstra customers, to hotspot their personal phones to the business,” she said.
“Kmart continued as usual and very kindly allowed customers to take cash out.
“It definitely impacted our business, and no doubt, other businesses in the region. We feel very, very disappointed and so very let down.
“I appreciate they need to do the upgrades, but they could have been done in the evenings when it’s still daylight so it didn’t impact so badly onto businesses.”
Works scheduled
Telstra will work on its mobile site that services Wartook on March 3 and 4, reducing mobile coverage for a maximum of eight hours each day.
Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work. Landline services, NBN, satellite internet services, or mobile coverage from other providers will not be affected.
SCHOOL LEADERS: Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s Horsham campus school captains Remy Landwehr and James Jenkinson, front, and vice-captains Georgia Skurrie and Lennox Hose.
Remy Landwehr and James Jenkinson will lead Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s Horsham campus as captains this year, along with vice-captains Georgie Skurrie and Lennox Hose.
Both captains said they had wanted to lead the school since they were in prep, with Remy setting her
sights on being a teacher. “I really wanted to be a leader because I like saying good morning to everyone,” she said.
“It’s really nice to see everyone smiling in the morning, and I like being a responsible role model for the younger kids who want to be a captain.”
James, who wants to be an engineer or a farmer, said he was enjoying the role.
“I’ve always wanted to lead the school assemblies, it’s fun being at the front,” he said.
“All students should try for it when they get to year five.”
Any calls to triple zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.
Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said the works would add capacity.
“It will help deliver faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion for customers,” he said.
“The work will also make the site ready for a further upgrade to our even faster 5G in the future.
“We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country.” People can keep up to date on this outage at website www.telstra.com. au/outages.
From page 1
The report also called for a reassessment of the responsibilities placed on councils to reduce operational burdens.
The findings noted that relying on rate increases alone was not a sustainable solution and highlighted the need for a more flexible and equitable approach to rate capping.
The report stressed the importance of strong asset and expense management to control costs and prevent the deterioration of community assets.
A Victorian Parliament Inquiry into the Sustainability and Operational Challenges of Victoria’s Rural and Regional Councils in 2018 noted the Whelan Report and challenges for rural councils with large areas, and asset bases and limited revenue opportunities.
Cr McLean said Yarriambiack Shire Council’s Financial Health Check and Long-Term Financial Plan outlined the problems had only worsened. Like many Wimmera councils with a low population base, large geographic area and extensive road network, the council faces significant challenges.
“The report identified the council operates efficiently, using products like Xero to manage its finances, and in recent times has streamlined service delivery, transitioning away from the direct delivery of kindergartens, maternal child health and the Commonwealth home support program,” Cr McLean said.
“However, the council has limited ability to generate additional revenue, and with rates, charges and user fees only contributing to 51 per cent of its overall expenditure requirements, the council is heavily reliant on grant funding.”
Friday, February 27,
Stawell Bi Rite
Clarks Furniture
Sneek A Peak Boutique
Fosters Mensland
Perry’s Footwear
Grampians Harvest
Lyle Eales
Stawell Craft Shop
Gifted Home & Lifestyle
Grampians Outdoors
Autopro Stawell
Mitre 10 Stawell
Chris n’ Di’s Bakery
Gold Reef Clothing
Eleanor Clark Furniture
Pyrenees Premium Cuts
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan will continue as shadow minister for energy and emissions reduction, and assume the role of manager of opposition business in the House of Representatives following a shadow cabinet shake-up under new Liberal leader Angus Taylor.
While there were several changes to Liberal members and roles in the shadow ministry, the Nationals members will continue in their previous roles, and were reappointed last week.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster will continue as shadow minister for regional development, local government and territories, and regional communications.
Mr Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as Liberal leader on February 13, after a partyroom vote of 34–17 went his way.
Mr Tehan said it became clear after Christmas the Liberal party needed ‘a reset’.
“It’s tough politically when you have to do that, but I think all my colleagues thought that it was time for a reset,” he said.
“ I congratulate Angus Taylor. I’ve known Angus for a long time. I sit next to him in the party room and he’s doing an outstanding job.
“I think he started incredibly well, but now it’s all up to our team to get focused on holding the Labor government to account and getting policy alternatives in place because I think one of the things that has been made very loud and clear to me is people want us to get on and do our job because they think the Albanese Labor government is a bad government, so they want the opposition to do its job, and that now is our task.”
Political commentators say Mr Taylor’s new shadow cabinet has promoted conservatives and sidelined Ms Ley’s supporters.
Deputy leader Senator Jane Hume has been
given the shadow ministry portfolios of employment and industrial relations, and productivity and deregulation.
Tim Wilson is the new shadow treasurer, replacing outgoing deputy leader Ted O’Brien who will take on foreign affairs.
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price returns to shadow cabinet as shadow minister for small business and for skills and training.
Andrew Hastie has also been promoted, given the new industry and sovereign capability portfolio, and was appointed deputy leader in the House of Representatives.
Senator Michaelia Cash will return as shadow attorney-general, while Senator Anne Ruston will continue as shadow minister for health and aged care and deputy leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
Senator Jonno Duniam will serve as shadow minister for home affairs and immigration – set to play an integral role in the Coalition’s policy ahead of the next election.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the new shadow cabinet was ‘a great balance’.
“It’s drawing on the life experience of those who have come to Parliament and can actually shape the policies,” he said.
“It will shape those policies around the values and principles that Angus Taylor has been very clear about, including restoring our standard of living, protecting our way of life, and making sure we return to a proper immigration policy.
“This is the reset the Coalition needs. If Angus sticks to those values and principles, and with the time he has put into them, we will be able to formulate strong policies.
“We should do that relatively quickly so we can articulate how we will restore Australians’ standard of living and protect their way of life.”
SUSPICIOUS: A fire at a Lloyd Street, Dimboola, tobacco shop on Thursday morning blasted the shop door off onto the road.
Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a tobacco shop in Dimboola in the early hours of Thursday.
The fire was at the same address that police raided on February 13, seizing 36,840 illicit cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco.
Emergency services were called to the blaze on Lloyd Street at about 2.40am on Thursday.
No one was inside the shop, adjoining Wimmera Bakery, at the time.
Horsham Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the fire.
Detectives from the same unit executed the warrant six days prior to the fire, arresting a Dimboola man, 22, for possessing tobacco product with intention of defrauding
The door of the shop blasted off onto the road as a result of the fire.
the revenue, and knowingly possess excisable tobacco product.
The man was released pending summons, and will appear at court at a later date.
Anyone who witnessed the fire, with CCTV or dashcam footage or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at www. crimestoppers.com.au.
With drier seasons and growing towns, Victoria’s water supply is under pressure. This summer make every drop count.
In many people’s eyes it is the white elephant of Horsham –built by a former Horsham Rural City Council with a view to be part of a larger development planned for the city’s premier oval.
But on Saturday night, the stage at Horsham City Oval was the centrepiece to one of the biggest events in the region in recent years when The Australian Ballet came to town.
Ballet under the Stars attracted thousands of people – the free event showcasing exactly what can be done with such a facility.
Horsham would not have been selected to host a show of international calibre if it was not for that stage.
Ballet may not be everyone’s cup of tea but there’s no denying the positive flow-on effects of the event.
The ballet company alone – its performers, behind-the-scenes staff and crew – booked out several accommodation providers, not to mention the catering required to feed them all.
Then were the equipment hire companies who benefitted, as well as several community and sporting groups who were able to sell food and drinks at the event, as well as act as ushers, bump-out crews and cleaners.
As Cr Rebecca Sluggett highlighted at Monday’s council meeting, another highlight of the night was seeing local children crowded along the edge of the stage, enthralled by the performance, and no doubt inspired to dream to one day be a
By Lauren Henry
part of such an event. To the ballet company’s credit, they also gave several teenagers the opportunity to be a part of the curtain-raiser performance, as well as hosting several workshops for all ages in the days leading up to the big show.
Even the playground at city oval – another part of the city oval development that has come under criticism from some in the community – was put to good use by the many children in attendance.
Cr Sluggett admitted to having ‘to eat a little crow’ – a term meaning to ‘be humiliated in having to admit one’s mistake’ – about the stage.
“It would be wonderful to see it lit up like that again. I think it is fantastic to have something of that calibre,” she said.
The $3-million stage project was fully funded by the state and federal governments, but it was part of a grand plan by the former council to develop Horsham City Oval into a premier events centre.
It was not only going to be Horsham’s premier sporting precinct – but it would allow major event companies to host outdoor events in the middle of the city.
Every time The Weekly Advertiser publishes a story about an event set for that stage, there are criticisms flung its way – it should have been
PUT TO USE: The stage at Horsham City Oval was the centrepiece to one of the biggest events in the region in recent years when The Australian Ballet came to town on Saturday.
built elsewhere, why didn’t they redevelop Sawyer Park, what a waste of money, what about the cricket or football matches or training, etc.
In order to attract funding from governments, projects must be allencompassing – meeting the needs of several sectors of the community; providing inclusive access; and showing they can be utilised on a regular basis.
While the massive stage may not be needed on a regular basis – if Horsham is to attract major events to the city, then that size stage is required to cater to the needs of national companies.
The redevelopment was meant to see city oval become a regional standard venue, enabling regional AFL and cricket sporting events and other non-sporting events to be hosted.
Rail freight future under threat
Mayors from across rural, regional and metropolitan municipalities have called on Premier Jacinta Allan to support the future of rail freight in Victoria.
The mayors are members of the Rail Freight Alliance; a local government advocacy body whose mission is to grow Victoria’s freight task to rail.
As part of the redevelopment of the Sunshine Station precinct, the rail crossovers are in danger of being removed.
If the crossovers were to be removed, the only access for rail freight would be via Geelong.
The additional distance, congestion, crewing and fuel cost for rail operators would push more trucks onto the Victorian road network.
The most recent RACV road survey shows road conditions are the biggest safety issue for Victorian motorists.
Bigger, heavier and longer trucks are not the answer to Victoria’s growing freight task.
Upgrades were planned to support growth in male and female sports including football, cricket and netball, and make the venue all-inclusive.
And while the netball pavilion is just about complete and ready to open, without the other developments that were planned, such as the community pavilion, Horsham City Oval is still left wanting.
It’s a half-finished project that –without a new pavilion – is not up to the standard of other regional city venues, or even the best in the Wimmera.
The council’s decision last year to hand back the Federal Government’s $4.8-million for a new pavilion because it didn’t want to match the funding may well be a decision to impact the city for years to come.
Rail freight offers a safer, economic and greener freight option, so long as the rail network is well-maintained and accessible pathways are available.
The removal of the Sunshine regional link crossovers would only allow freight to travel via the congested Geelong route.
A growing city needs to be able to move people and freight in the most efficient manner, and more trucks and cars from our road network.
Victoria needs freight, whether for export or import, goods, services or supermarket.
The mayors are calling on Premier Allan to grow rail freight and reduce heavy vehicles on Victorian roads.
One pathway for rail access into Melbourne will see more trucks on the Victorian road network.
It is vital the State Government retain the Sunshine Regional Link Crossovers. Reid Mather Chief executive, Rail Freight Alliance
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Nothing works in isolation Without the connector, the youth-to-work ecosystem breaks in rural Victoria.
In rural communities like the Wimmera Southern Mallee, nothing works in isolation. Schools are small. Industries are stretched. Young people face barriers that their metropolitan peers simply do not.
And yet, every day, local partnerships work deliberately and quietly to counter the structural disadvantages rural young people face.
Now, it is time to say so – clearly and confidently – because when quiet work is mistaken for optional work, rural communities carry the consequences.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, WSMLLEN, is not an ‘add-on’ to the school-to-work ecosystem. It is the glue that holds a fragmented system together across the entire region.
For years, WSMLLEN has efficiently and effectively co-ordinated work experience, structured workplace learning, VDSS alignment, industry immersions, mentoring programs and broader workforce development across our region – while supporting vulnerable young people to access meaningful work-based learning opportunities.
We have also advocated for and secured critical structural support, including additional transport funding, ensuring rural students can physically access opportunities that other areas may take for granted.
We do this not from a centralised city office or a distant regional powerhouse, but from within the community – our community, our home.
If funding for WSMLLEN were removed, the loss would go far beyond a single work-experience placement for the child up the road who doesn’t have family connections to open doors.
The risks are systemic.
• Emerging industries such as agtech, renewables and advanced manufacturing would lose a co-ordinated pipeline into schools.
• Critical sectors already under pressure –healthcare, early childhood education and care, and building – would lose collective workforce planning support.
• Youth migration from rural areas would increase, as aspiration and pathway programs fragment.
• Disadvantaged young people – including those without family networks, financial security or social capital – would be left in the cold as co-ordinated support diminishes.
• Progress made in challenging gender bias and addressing cultural and racial barriers to participation could stall, widening inequities rather than reducing them.
• Schools, already managing workforce shortages and limited resources, would absorb additional administrative and compliance burdens.
• Industry would lose a single point of coordination, replaced by disconnected approaches and duplication.
• VDSS programs would risk misalignment, shaped by centralised assumptions rather than regional workforce needs.
• Place-based data collection and workforce in-
telligence would disappear, weakening informed policy decisions.
• Pilot funding risks being delivered by teams unfamiliar with composite classes, harvest seasons, transport barriers and rural timetabling realities.
We know what happens when services are centralised and place-based decision making is removed.
Communities across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee have lived that experience – and it has not served us well.
With so much at stake, we cannot afford to go backwards. Rural communities feel it first.
WSMLLEN has spent years building trusted relationships with employers, industry groups and schools.
Those partnerships now fly – with direct school connections, sustained aspirational programming, aligned vocational offerings and genuine workforce pipelines.
We build connections. We stitch systems together. We hold the pieces in place so opportunity can move.
This co-ordination does not happen accidentally. It happens because there is a dedicated, placebased organisation ensuring: employers are not overwhelmed; schools are supported; programs fit rural realities; opportunities are equitable; data informs action; and partnerships are leveraged, not duplicated.
The Department of Education is speaking about ‘efficiencies’.
But the work we do cannot be reduced to a single metric – nor should young people be reduced to statistics on a spreadsheet.
This should not be a competition of population size, but a conversation about value, equity and long-term regional impact.
They are the kids we see at Saturday sport. They are the teenagers buying milkshakes after school. They are swimming in our rivers, building bike ramps in our paddocks, working weekend shifts and imagining futures that should not be limited by postcode. They are our future leaders in agtech, business, health, education and renewables.
The future of the Wimmera and Southern Mallee is bright – if the State Government continues to invest in the enablers that makes it possible.
Removing WSMLLEN funding would not streamline the system, nor make it more ‘efficient’.
It would fragment it. And our rural communities cannot afford that risk.
To parents, schools, employers and decisionmakers – now is the time to ask questions. To ask why rural co-ordination is being reconsidered.
To ask what happens when local infrastructure is removed and to ask why rural people so often bear the weight of ‘efficiency’ decisions.
You can have your say via the State Government’s consultation process via www.engage. vic.gov.au/work-experience.
Because once co-ordination is lost, rebuilding it is far harder than protecting it.
Vanessa O’Loughlin, Executive officer
Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network
Yarriambiack Shire community feedback is sought on council’s trees, as it sets out the longterm vision of its tree management policy.
Council is seeking to address residents’ issues involving tree planting, pruning and removal, as well as damage caused by trees, and aims to increase the benefits provided by public trees in the urban landscape.
Council manages public trees through appropriate and timely scheduled works in response to changes in the environment, the community’s expectations and legislative requirements. Through its policy, council will undertake tree management programs to increase canopy coverage, protect existing trees, promote public safety and tree health, implement cost effective enhancement and maintenance of the public trees, increase public awareness of the value of trees, and maximise the social, economic, and environmental benefits of public trees for current residents and future generations.
Council will also ensure arboriculture best practice is used to deliver tree management pro-
grams or services. The tree management policy is a living document that will be updated regularly to reflect the changing environmental conditions, the introduction of new tree species, evolving community expectations, and advancements in industry standards and practices.
As part of the strategy, a street typology approach was developed to classify street types in Yarriambiack towns. This allowed for practical, implementable guidance on tree planting.
On-site assessments were conducted at Warracknabeal, Beulah, Hopetoun, Murtoa, Minyip, Woomelang and Rupanyup to better understand the unique community characteristics and environmental, financial and cultural contexts of the area.
People have until March 27 to offer feedback before final recommendations are presented on April 22.
Feedback can be given on council’s website, with a hard copy requested from the customer service team in person, by calling 5398 0100 or via email info@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Kindergarten and childcare ser-
vices at Goroke, Edenhope and Kaniva will continue to be operated by West Wimmera Shire Council in the short to medium term.
Council received an update on early years services delivery and the increasingly complex operating environment facing small rural providers at last week’s meeting.
While it resolved to continue operations, council will keep exploring opportunities to strengthen long-term
sustainability through partnerships while reviewing potential opportunities with not-for-profit early years providers and neighbouring councils.
Mayor Tim Meyer said council-operated services continued to perform well and met regulatory standards.
“Our kindergarten and childcare services are providing quality programs for children and families,” he said.
“At the same time, the early years sector is becoming more complex, with workforce shortages, evolving regulatory requirements and increasing compliance obligations.
“It is important council plans ahead to ensure services remain strong and sustainable for the long term.”
Council operates kindergarten services in Goroke, Edenhope and Kaniva, as well as childcare services at Edenhope.
The update presented to council acknowledged ongoing sector-wide challenges, including recruitment and retention of qualified staff in a competitive workforce market, limited access to specialist pedagogical leadership, the need to maintain an expanding suite of specialist policies,
and responding to strengthened child safe requirements.
Council resolved to continue to monitor service sustainability as the roll out of pre-prep progressed across Victoria, with flexibility to consider partnership models where they strengthen workforce support, governance and service delivery.
Exploration of possible options to improve access to childcare in Goroke will remain a focus – council will continue to look at funding pathways and partnership opportunities to support childcare in Goroke.
A town cruise and show and shine were part of the Old Skool Hotrod and Custom Club’s annual Hot Summer Nights Rod Run, which attracted hundreds of enthusiasts to Horsham at the weekend.
Rod Run co-ordinator Donna McDonald said the event, awarded Horsham Rural City Council’s community event of the year last year, featured about 160 cars at the show and shine.
“We’re getting a great lot of feedback on Facebook saying it was such a well organised event,” she said.
“The cruise probably let us down a little bit because of the heat. Hot rods can get a little bit warm when you’re just slowly cruising, so you could do a couple of laps and then you’d have to stop and let the car cool down.
“It was a great crowd up the street. Saturday night is my favourite night
and it’s great for the community to have something to go to that’s free.”
Although the show and shine numbers were down a little owing to forecast rain, Mrs McDonald said the event still drew a good crowd, including new entrants.
“There were a couple of new cars from Ballarat, which was good to see,” she said.
Participants cruised to Dimboola on Saturday afternoon, before returning to Horsham for the Firebrace Street cruise.
“It’s something we want to do for the people who love cars, and it’s good for the motels and the caravan parks. People book the following year’s stay on the way out,” she said.
Next year’s event is scheduled for February 19, 20 and 21.
“I’m planning the next one already,” Mrs McDonald said.
CROWD
PLEASER:
Rooster Rhoe of Edenhope cruises down Firebrace Street during the Hot Summer Nights Rod Run on Saturday.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
Cr Meyer said advocating for continuity of care for children and families remained one of council’s highest priorities.
“Families value these services deeply, and council understands the importance of stability and quality,” he said.
“Any future changes would be carefully considered, with the wellbeing of children, families and staff at the centre of decision-making.”
He said council would continue engaging with families, parent advisory groups and the broader community as part of ongoing service planning.
Ararat Gallery TAMA will welcome First Nations artist Lisa Waup and guest curator Coby Edgar for an inconversation event on Saturday. The event, from 2pm to 4pm, will mark the opening of Ms Waup’s new exhibition, ‘after ever here’.
The exhibition is a collection of Ms Waup’s printed works, everyday vessels, sculptures and body adornment, reflecting stories of ancestry, memory, country, and time.
The free in-conversation event will enable guests to talk with Ms Waup about the ideas, stories and materials that shaped her work, while Mr Edgar will explain how the exhibition was shaped, from concept to installation.
Ms Waup and Mr Edgar will then lead guests on a tour of the exhibition.
Ms Waup said she was ‘very excited to showcase a broader and varied aspect’ of her practice at Ararat Gallery TAMA.
“I’m deeply thankful for the initial introduction of my work in 2020 through the group exhibition ‘Looking Through Time – Basketry’ from the TAMA collection,” she said.
“After ever here offers the opportunity to share a greater depth of my practice with the community. I’m truly grateful for the ongoing support and opportunities over the years.”
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Bob Sanders said the artist talk was a welcome opportunity for the community to connect with a leading contemporary First Nations artist and a highly experienced curator.
“Lisa’s work connects strongly to our region’s roots and this event gives people the chance to hear those stories first-hand from the artist and curator, right here in our own gallery,” he said. After ever here will continue until August 16, 2026. Bookings and further information are available via the Ararat Gallery TAMA website and social media channels.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Astark difference in Ambulance Victoria response times to urgent call-outs has emerged across the Wimmera, with Horsham recording the best times in the state while West Wimmera Shire had the worst.
AV this month released its performance report for the second quarter of 2025-26, presenting response data for call-outs across the state between October 1 and December 31 last year.
For code-one calls – defined as incidents requiring urgent paramedic and hospital care –Horsham recorded the lowest average response time of any Victorian municipality at 12:36. Horsham was also second only to Warrnambool with 81.6 per cent of code-one calls responded to within 15 minutes.
But Horsham’s results stood in contrast to neighbouring West Wimmera Shire, which saw its average code-one response time blow out to 36:12, with only 17.1 per cent of its 41 code-one calls during the quarter responded to within 15 minutes.
The results marked a sharp drop compared with the same period in 2024, in which the average West Wimmera code-one response time was 25:09 and 40.4 per cent of incidents received a response within 15 minutes.
Results were mixed across other Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians municipalities, with Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke shires recording below-average response times, while Northern Grampians and Ararat were at the statewide average.
The Northern Grampians average code-one response time of 16:49 was an improvement of nearly three minutes compared with the same period in 2024.
AV Grampians regional director Steve Doyle said data for the Grampians region – which encompasses the West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Ararat, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Golden Plains and Moorabool municipalities – was trending in the right direction.
He said paramedics and first responders were getting back on the road more quickly in the region thanks to a drop in clearing times – the duration between an ambulance crew completing a patient handover and being available to attend another case.
The Grampians region’s average clearing time dropped from 28.6 minutes between January and March 2025 to 23.9 minutes between October and December 2025.
“Every small improvement – from more efficient hospital handovers to quicker clearing times – adds up to better care for all Victorians,” Mr Doyle said.
“We are extremely proud of our crews who, through dedication and teamwork, have made remarkable improvements to hospital clearing times and are returning to the community faster.”
Acting executive director regional operations
Michael Georgiou said AV was working closely with hospitals, emergency services and government partners to keep patients moving through the system as quickly as possible and get ambulances back on the road sooner.
“By leaving hospitals faster, we can get to the patients who need our lifesaving care the most –and that means better patient outcomes,” he said.
Mr Georgiou said community support could also help AV.
“If you need help but it’s not life-threatening, we encourage you to consider the most appropriate care for your situation,” he said.
“AV paramedics and first responders are focused on reaching the sickest patients first – but every day, about one in five calls to Triple Zero do not need an emergency ambulance response.
“Getting the right care at the right time can make a big difference. There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, at any time of the night or day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling Triple Zero, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Nurse-onCall.
“Local urgent-care clinics, GPs and pharmacists are also great options.”
Ararat dog Rosie is safely back home with her family after an intensive search effort that brought together Ararat Rural City Council rangers and residents.
Rosie was captured in a humane trap at about midnight on Thursday last week after several days on the run, with community members reporting sightings, sharing social media posts and working closely with the council’s animal management team.
Council chief executive Tim Harrison thanked everyone involved, paying tribute to resident Matt McKinnis for his tireless work alongside council rangers.
“Rosie’s return is a terrific example of what happens when our community and council officers pull in the same direction,” he said.
“Our rangers worked methodically over several days, and they were backed every step of the way by residents who searched, called in sightings, and kept the information flowing.
“I especially want to acknowledge Matt, who
Sunday March 1 2026, 10am-2pm
The Willaura Market is a charity event run by the Willaura Health Care Auxiliary, with funds raised going towards improving the lives of residents and patients at Willaura Health Care, East Grampians Health Service.
This boutique country market offers goods from local and regional artisans, gourmet food, music and children’s entertainment. The market is set in Willaura, surrounded by fertile farmland, which lies 34 kilometres south of Ararat on the south-eastern edge of the Grampians in Victoria’s Western District.
worked around the clock with our team to help bring Rosie home. His commitment, and the care shown by so many people in Ararat, says a great deal about who we are as a community.”
Rosie’s family expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped, from those who searched on foot, to people who kept an eye out while driving, to those who shared updates online.
They said Rosie was timid and underweight after her adventure, but happily back to enjoying cuddles at home.
Mr McKinnis said it had been a community effort.
“We wouldn’t have been able to catch her without the help of the council rangers or the general public reporting their sightings. We’re grateful to the whole community,” he said.
Dr Harrison encouraged residents who find or lose a pet to contact the council’s local laws team as soon as possible, and to continue using local community networks and social media groups to share timely information.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Pirouettes,
sautés and arabesques were the order of the night as thousands of people crowded Horsham City Oval on Saturday to experience The Australian Ballet.
‘Ballet under the stars’ attracted families from across the region and further afield to experience a rare opportunity to see Australia’s national ballet company in a unique outdoor setting.
The Australian Ballet’s education and outreach team also gave people of all ages a chance to try a free dance class, with an extra-special experience for teenagers to be part of a curtain-raiser to the main performance.
Steff McCallum was one of those selected for the curtain-raiser performance, and described it as an amazing experience.
“It’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever performed in front of and it was such a great opportunity to dance in an opening for a national company – especially coming from regional Victoria – so I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
Steph said the instructors had been ‘so supportive’.
“The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team is just so amazing. I’ve worked with them before on workshops and stuff like that, but I’ve never worked with them on a performance, and it was just such a great experience,” she said.
Serena Johns also danced in the curtain-raiser, which she said was a great experience.
“I absolutely loved it,” she said.
Horsham Rural City Council plans to write a letter of thanks to State Government tourism body Visit Victoria and The Australian Ballet for providing the experience in Horsham.
Cr Ian Ross moved a motion at Monday’s council meeting to write the thank-you letter following the success of Saturday night’s event.
Cr Rebecca Sluggett told the council meeting she attended a prefunction event at the ballet where she spoke to The Australian Ballet representatives who were complimentary of the outdoor stage provided at Horsham City Oval.
She said they told her if they wanted to run the event at another location with the same size stage, it would have needed to have hired and erected a stage at the cost of about $100,000.
Cr Sluggett said the ballet representatives were also thankful for the use of the netball pavilion for dancers to use as changerooms, and advised they would normally spend $30,000 for a portable changeroom.
“For someone like me who had never been to the ballet before, it was a magical and enchanting night,” she said.
“It was beautiful to watch, and the silence of the crowd throughout the performance highlighted that I was not the only one to think so.”
Kaniva Kindergarten, Goroke Preschool and Edenhope Early Childhood Service have been formally recognised through the State Government’s Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program for excellence in sun protection.
The program focuses on creating environments and behaviours that prevent overexposure to UV radiation.
Following West Wimmera Shire Council’s sun protection policy, educators monitor UV levels daily, ensure children wear sun-protective hats and clothing, apply and reapply sunscreen regularly, and prioritise the use of shaded areas.
Sun safety is also incorporated into learning programs, helping children build lifelong protective habits.
West Wimmera Shire chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the achievement highlighted the strong commitment of staff and families to children’s health and wellbeing.
“Early childhood is a critical time to establish healthy behaviours, and this recognition shows our services are providing environments where children can learn, play and grow safely,” he said.
“Our educators work closely with families to
ensure sun-smart practices are consistent, giving children the best possible protection from harmful UV exposure.”
The services also implement additional measures for younger children, including keeping infants out of direct sunlight during high UV periods and ensuring outdoor spaces provide adequate shade for both active and quiet play.
Mr Bezuidenhout said the achievement demonstrated a whole-community approach to prevention.
“By embedding sun protection into daily routines, learning and the physical environment, these services are helping reduce future skin cancer risk while supporting children to develop healthy habits for life,” he said.
The Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program supports services across six key health areas: healthy eating and oral health; physical activity and movement; mental health and wellbeing; sun protection; safe environments; and smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs.
Following this success in sun protection, West Wimmera Shire services will now focus on healthy eating and oral health as the next priority area.
Circle guests’ punters club at the Great Western Cup, was handed over during the Great Western Hotel’s Friday Night Happy Hour and Members Draw.
The champagne corks had barely settled on this year’s Great Western Cup before Seppelt Circle guests made a decision to donate their punters club winnings to the town’s fire brigade.
For the third year in a row, guests in the Seppelt Circle VIP enclosure unanimously donated their winnings to the Great Western CFA, presenting $2740 in recognition of their ongoing service to the community.
Bruce Achchow, of Seppelt Great Western, said Seppelt Circle guests form a punters club each year and members can either decide to take home the winnings or give something back to the community.
Land Subdivision – Titled & ready to build Quantong – Lanes Avenue & Snowball Drive
Secluded acreages with character, undulation and established remnant trees. Ideal sandy loam soils for building. All bitumen road access.
Located only 10 mins from Horsham or Natimuk.
Lot 1 – 4.16ha/ 10.27 acres $285,000 Lot 2 – 4.14ha/ 10.22 acres Lot 3 – 5.53ha/ 13.67 acres
4 – 5.75ha/ 14.22 acres
“The Great Western CFA plays a critical role in protecting our community, and we are incredibly proud of our Seppelt Circle guests for choosing to give back in such a meaningful way.”
The $2740 contribution will go towards the ongoing maintenance of CFA vehicles.
With the dust barely settled on this year’s celebration, attention is already turning to 2026, when the Great Western Cup will mark the milestone of 150 years of racing in the town.
“This is what the Great Western Cup is really about,” he said. “It is a day that celebrates racing, hospitality and the best of our region, but it is also about standing behind the people who stand behind this community all year round.
Hindmarsh Shire Council is welcoming expressions of interest from the community to join Hindmarsh Pride Committee.
Established by council, the committee provides advice to ensure council’s broader policy issues, council plan, and programs reflect the interests of the LGBTIQ+ community.
420.04 ha / 1037.94 acres – to be offered in 3 parcels
Parcel 1 - known as “Cricks” 129.5 ha/ 320 acres
Dimboola-Minyip 5 Chain Rd Murra Warra
Crown Allotment C/A 106 Kewell West Frontage to 2 roads - vacant land
Parcel 2 - known as “Hermans” 161.04 ha/ 397.94 acres Dogwood Road Blackheath
Crown Allotments 27, 28 & 31 Kewell West Frontage to 3 roads
More information about the committee can be found in the committee terms of reference on council’s website, or by calling corporate and community services director Petra Croot on 5391 4444 or emailing info@hindmarsh.vic. gov.au.
Interested people can complete a rolling expression of interest form at www.hindmarsh.vic. gov.au/pride.
COLOUR AND FUN: Horsham’s St Brigid’s and Wimmera Lutheran colleges hosted their annual swimming carnivals last week, with lots of colour and fun alongside the swimming events. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Wimmera Lutheran College’s Ethan Stanley; Max Murray, Maddi Bethune, Lewis Hofmaier, Lily Jones and Milla Carter, St Brigid’s; Jack Smith, Tyson Merlin and Nick Gardiner, St Brigid’s; Cooper Rentsch, St Brigid’s; Nate Prenzler and Evan Hahn, Wimmera Lutheran; Nikki Szel, Abbey Williams and Isabella Mitton, St Brigid’s; and centre, Wimmera Lutheran College’s Ilze van Zyl and Maya Przibilla.
Wally Bowers of Bowers Chiropractic Centre has retired. Wally has been there helping and caring for the people of Stawell and Ararat and the surrounding area with outstanding Chiropractic service for 55 years. He has helped generations of families, from the very young to the elderly get back in alignment and move better with his attentive care.
The request over the phone of many people often was, “Can I see Wally? He always fixes me”. In the district he was known as the man to sort out the problem, whether that be an acute back problem, or a persistent headache, or something else, he sorted out the issues in people’s nervous systems.
He inspired others to become chiropractors too. Dade Gardiner who has recently returned to Stawell to practice as a chiropractor at Bowers Chiropractic Centre was one such story. Dade was seeing Wally for headaches as a child. After a few adjustments and the headaches resolving, Wally suggested he should think about becoming a chiropractor. That’s the type of person he is.
Wally’s famous comment to patients in greeting them when they asked how he was, was “If I told you, you’d be jealous”. That type of positive energy comes from a person who works everyday at something they love. He will be sorely missed by the patients he has helped. However, you’ll still see him in Stawell, and I’m sure giving great knowledgeable advice. He would like to say “Thankyou” to all the people he has been privileged to look after.
The practice continues with Dr. Pauline Walsh and Dr. Dade Gardiner. Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP
West Wimmera Shire Council has endorsed community infrastructure projects at Edenhope, Kaniva and Apsley for applications to the State Government Tiny Towns Fund.
Designed to support projects in communities with populations less than 5000, the Tiny Towns Fund aims to strengthen economies, enhance community facilities and build pride in small towns.
Council will submit applications for the Edenhope Lake Wallace Parkrun Shelter Project, the Kaniva Hall Amenities Upgrade Project, and the Apsley Hall Facilities Upgrade Project.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the funding round presented an important opportunity for small rural communities across the shire.
“This program recognises the unique needs of small towns and the importance of maintaining strong, well-equipped community facilities,” he said.
“These projects are about supporting participation, improving accessibility and ensuring our towns continue to be welcoming places to live, work and visit.”
In Edenhope, council is seeking funding to install a shelter at the finish point of the Lake Wallace parkrun.
The project includes construction of a three-
“This program recognises the unique needs of small towns and the importance of maintaining strong, well-equipped community facilities”
– Tim Meyer
metre by three-metre shelter with protective walls, a bench seat, concrete pad and water tank.
In Kaniva, the proposed project focuses on upgrading amenities at the Kaniva Shire Hall.
Works would include the installation of new ambulant toilet facilities, upgraded urinals and associated improvements to ensure the venue remains accessible and fit for purpose.
In Apsley, council is partnering with the Apsley Hall Committee to deliver essential upgrades to the Apsley Hall.
The project includes removal of asbestoscontaining materials, installation of new toilet cubicles including ambulant facilities, ceiling and flooring upgrades, and improved accessibility through construction of a new concrete pathway at the entrance.
The projects were identified following consultations with community members and facility user groups.
Council will advise the community once funding outcomes are announced.
CELEBRATION: A community event at Dimboola Bowling Club celebrated International Day of People with a Disability earlier this month, an opportunity to promote community awareness and celebrate diversity. About 60 people participated in games, lawn bowls, and enjoyed music and a barbecue. Postponed from its original December date, it was one of many events across the area to celebrate the day. Pictured is Josh Cramer sending down a bowl.
Submissions for a Parliamentary inquiry into January’s bushfires will be open until March 15.
The inquiry will give communities across the state a chance to share their concerns and experiences with Victoria’s bushfire preparedness, planning and response.
The inquiry will consider bushfire causes, their impact on communities, businesses and the environment – including native wildlife – and the resourcing and funding of emergency services agencies.
It will also investigate the State Government’s fire preparation and planning, including management of fuel loads, and the management of public and private land and roadsides.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy encouraged volunteers, firefighters, farmers, emergency service personnel and community members to make a submission.
“Unfortunately our region is more familiar with bushfires than many other parts of the state, having faced multiple significant fires in the past three summers,” she said.
“Because of those experiences and their impacts, there is a wealth of knowledge and information in our communities that – when governments choose to listen – will help shape improved fire preparedness and responses.
“I strongly encourage those who have fought on the front line or in operational roles, people who have been directly impacted, those who provided support in the immediate aftermath and recovery, those who cared for wildlife impacted by the fire, and the wider community to take the time to share their feedback so that we can develop practical recommendations for the future.”
Ms Kealy said the inquiry, which the Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Standing Committee will lead, would also examine multiple recommendations from past inquiries that Labor still had not implemented.
Submissions can be made at parliament.vic. gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/inquiry-into-the2026-summer-fires-across-victoria/submissions The inquiry committee is due to provide a report to Parliament by June 1.
Ateam of graduating nurses and midwives has bolstered the skill set of services at Grampians Health’s Horsham campus.
Horsham’s Nursing and Midwifery Education Unit welcomed 11 graduate registered nurses and an additional seven registered nurses who completed a post-graduate course in critical care.
Three of the unit’s nurses also completed an early practitioner year in midwifery training and a further two nurses now have a Diploma in Midwifery.
Grampians Health deputy chief nursing and midwifery officer Meredith Theobald congratulated the graduate nurses and midwives and thanked the Horsham clinical education team for guiding them.
“The graduate year for these nurses is a 54-week registered nurse transition-to-practice program following completion of university studies, and includes rotations through Grampians Health Horsham units of Oxley, Yandilla, Wyuna, emergency, district nursing and theatre,” she said.
Graduates who received their registered nurse certificates include Zoe Green, Tylah Wright, Luke Gay, Sahmara Freeman, Samuel Newcombe, Cass Mackley, Ruby Batchelor, Chantelle Cook, Brydie Murphy and Nicole Russo, while Laura Hill graduated in absence.
Tomy Abraham, Jamie Ladner, Jency Joseph and Lorraine Ong completed postgraduate certificates in critical care, along with Alex Blake, Rachel Mathai and Jino Joseph, who graduated in absence.
Samantha Hunt-Moonpen, Meg Hall and Ellen Huebner completed their early practitioner year in midwifery,
while Georgia Barber and Tia Alymer successfully finished their Graduate Diploma in Midwifery.
Horsham-based clinical nurse educators included Ash Rintoule, Zoe Bushby, Bruce Rentsch, Laura Clark, Vicki Yann Mintern, Elle Barber, Sally Motton, Zeena Kelm and Brooke Carr, while the midwifery education team included Leah Askew, Helen McMaster, Lisa Florence, Michelle Coutts and Jane Rentsch.
Ms Theobald wished the graduates success in their nursing and midwifery careers.
“Grampians Health will continue to grow our workforce and enhance skills and knowledge to support a high performing culture,” she said.
Decorated Australian singer-songwriter Ross Wilson’s 50 Years of Hits tour will visit Ararat in March after popular demand saw the tour extended to more than 200 shows. Wilson is a two-time Australian Recording Industry Association, ARIA, Hall of Fame inductee, known for his role as the frontman of rock groups Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock.
Across a career spanning seven decades, Wilson is credited with 26 Australian top-40 hits as a singer, songwriter and producer, making him one of the industry’s most decorated artists.
Among his best-known songs are ‘Eagle Rock’, recorded with Daddy Cool, and Mondo Rock hits ‘Cool World’, ‘State of The Heart’, ‘Chemistry’, ‘No Time’, and ‘Come Said The Boy’. Now touring as a solo act with backing band The Peaceniks, Wilson will perform at venues across Australia, including at Ararat Town Hall on March 28. Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the show running from 8pm to 10pm, including a 20-minute interval.
Tickets for tables closest to the stage are $79 per person or $74 each for a group of four, while ranked seating further from the stage is $69 per ticket or $64 each for a group of four.
People can find more information about the show and book tickets by visiting ararattownhall. com.au/event/ross-wilson-thepeaceniks.
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In the Wimmera Southern Mallee, conversations about workforce shortages and emerging industries are common.
Employers are feeling pressure. Industries are evolving. Systems are under pressure. Skills gaps are real.
But the most critical piece of our regional workforce is not a program or a policy.
It is our young people.
At the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, our focus is clear: strengthening the connection between local young people and local opportunity.
We share this commitment with our rural LLEN neighbours across Victoria, and together as a broader regional network, we remain unwavering in our belief that place-based coordination is essential to equitable outcomes.
WSMLLEN is not an economic development agency. We do not attract industry or lead business expansion strategies. Our role sits earlier in the pipeline.
We work in the space where schools, employers and community intersect – ensuring young people are prepared, supported and connected to meaningful pathways in our region.
In rural communities, this work requires coordination.
Programs often arrive with specific guidelines and reporting requirements. Schools operate within curriculum frameworks.
Employers operate within production cycles and workforce realities. Each part of the system makes sense individually – but without alignment, gaps appear.
At times, it can feel like each sector is speaking a different language, and our role is to translate – ensuring expectations are understood, opportunities are realistic, and young people don’t get lost in between.
And in small labour markets like ours, gaps matter.
A place-based coordination mechanism ensures those parts work together.
It means mapping local employer capacity and aligning student experiences realistically – not overpromising exposure in sectors that cannot sustain it.
It means coordinating structured workplace learning and work experience across a finite employer base so relationships remain strong rather than stretched.
It means working to embed a full youth-to-work pathway within local industry – from early exposure and work experience, through structured placements and SBATs, and into apprenticeships and sustainable employment. It means recognising when participation in certain pathways drops off and working with partners to understand why and work to resolve it.
It means supporting students with flexible learning needs where
traditional frameworks do not reflect ability or readiness.
It means working across fragmented programs – School to Work initiatives, VET clusters, mentoring supports and immersion activities – to reduce duplication and confusion for schools and employers.
In larger metropolitan systems, fragmentation can be absorbed by scale.
In rural regions, fragmentation weakens the youth-to-work pipeline.
Our role is not front-facing or promotional. It is structural.
We fill the gaps.
We connect the moving parts.
We encourage collaboration rather than competition.
We ensure young people are not lost between well-intended initiatives.
Over the coming weeks, we will
share case studies that demonstrate this work in action – not the headline programs, but the coordination behind them.
The practical problem-solving. The relationship building.
The quiet adjustments that prevent rural disadvantage from widening.
Workforce sustainability in the Wimmera Southern Mallee will not be solved by isolated programs alone. It will be strengthened by ensuring local young people can see, access and remain in pathways that reflect the realities of our region.
Strong regions don’t just grow industry.
They grow capability.
And that starts with young people. You can connect with your LLEN via the VicLLENS website, or by emailing info@llen.com.au.
This article is supplied by Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN.
FANTASTIC SUPPORT: Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch’s ball is expected to surpass last year’s fundraising total of $27,000, with $25,000 raised from the event’s two auctions alone on Saturday night. Branch president Paul Margetts said raffle and online ticket sale totals were still being counted, with the money to go towards a $70,000 ultrasound device for Horsham’s hospital. “We’re working on raising funds for an upgraded ultrasound device for the emergency department,” he said. “It fits with our previous fundraising to get the curved linear probe, that plugs into the ultrasound device.” About 200 people attended and about 100 businesses contributed goods and services for the annual event, at Horsham Town Hall on Saturday “It’s an amazing effort – just fantastic community support all around,” Mr Margetts said. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Megan Youngson, Mollie Trezise and Andrew Trezise; Jo Cross, Kim Miller, Monique Middleton, Carla Stephens and Daniel Wilson; Mick Ryan, Lichelle Merrett, Kerry Piera and David Piera; Kristyn Dolan, Rob Dolan, Anthony Schache and Maureen Schache; Amy Warburton and Sarah Marchesini; and entertainer Prue Heard.
Local heritage underlines the connection of the Stawell Gift and its latest sponsor Krause Bricks.
Stawell Gift event management last week announced the brickmaker as a sponsor for 2026, highlighting the bond between Australia’s richest and most prestigious footrace and the Stawell business community.
Krause Bricks is a family-owned business that produces artisanal bricks used in high-end residential and commercial architecture projects across Australia and internationally.
The 80-year-old business will sponsor the invitational backmarkers 120m – a feature race held on Easter Monday between the Gift’s men’s and women’s finals.
The race honours the memory of Chris Perry – the 1982 Stawell Gift winner who helped break down the barrier between professional and amateur athletics – and provides a bridge between the
finals of the carnival’s two headline races.
Krause Bricks general manager Rohan Hine said the partnership reflected a shared history in Stawell, calling the gift ‘the heartbeat of the town’.
“The Stawell Gift is a source of great local pride. The Krause family has called Stawell home for generations, and the grit and unique character of this region is ingrained in our craft,” he said.
“We are proud to align the Krause legacy with an event that shines a light on our home town and shares our commitment to hard work and tradition.”
Mr Hine said Krause Bricks hoped to use its sponsorship to highlight the role manufacturing played in the regional economy, while benefiting from the crosspromotion that came with being associated with one of Australia’s most recognised sporting events.
Mr Hine, who relocated to Stawell from Brisbane in 2021 to join Krause Bricks, said his
move was an opportunity to ‘work within a dynamic manufacturing business’.
“The architecture of Stawell tells a story of endurance. At Krause, we continue that narrative, finding beauty in the raw, kiln-fired imperfections that give our bricks their unmistakable soul,” he said.
“During a period of increasing industrial consolidation, Krause Bricks is evidence that a fiercely independent, hardworking and customer-focused business can succeed.
“From our signature Emperor bricks to bespoke textures, we are proud to bring a piece of regional Victoria to the world’s finest buildings.”
In another connection between Krause Bricks and the gift, employee Noah Lyons, a Stawellbased amateur athlete, has competed at the foot-race meeting for the past eight years.
Mr Lyons joined Krause Bricks in 2022 and works as an extruder operator.
Musicians are encouraged to perform at the 14th annual Rupanyup Dirt Music Festival on Sunday, March 29.
The festival’s name derives from Tim Winton’s book ‘Dirt Music’, where he makes reference to ‘anything you can play on a verandah, you know, dirt music’.
The festival is an opportunity for performers and audiences alike to enjoy performance art and music
in intimate and relaxed surroundings.
A range of spaces, including suburban front verandahs and gardens, the inside of a church, grassed areas and the town hall, will be available for the largely acoustic, or un-amplified, music.
fore an appreciative audience. The festival aims to promote the ideals of participatory music at all levels and ages of society.
FOUND: An Ararat Rual City Council ranger ute that was stolen was recovered burnt out in a dam, leaving ratepayers to foot the bill for replacement and cleanup costs.
A recent spike in vandalism across Ararat Rural City is costing the community, with officials warning the damage is diverting ratepayer funds away from roads and essential services.
In recent weeks the council has recorded a series of incidents targeting public assets, including damage to the Green Hill Lake toilets and the Travellers Rest pump, as well as damage to a council grader.
A council ranger ute that was stolen was also recovered burnt out in a dam, leaving ratepayers to foot the bill for replacement and clean-up costs.
proving footpaths, and supporting services that actually add to our municipality, not cleaning up after reckless behaviour.
“The Green Hill Lake vandalism is especially frustrating, as marvellous volunteers and community donors take the brunt.”
Dr Harrison said the council would work with Victoria Police to respond to vandalism and theft and encouraged anyone with information about the recent incidents to come forward.
“If you know something and stay silent, you are effectively signing off on higher costs for your neighbours,” he said.
The venues around Rupanyup are perfect for someone with a guitar, a banjo, a singing voice, or anything else, to perform be-
Anyone wishing to attend, perform or wanting to know more about the festival can contact either Lynette Teasdale on 0429 855 033 or Ash Teasdale on 0422 608 570, or email rupdirtmusic@ gmail.com.
Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the community should not be expected to wear the cost of deliberate damage caused by a small number of people.
“Every time someone smashes a toilet block, wrecks a pump, or torches a council vehicle, they are taking money directly out of the pockets of local residents,” he said.
“That is funding that should be going into fixing roads, maintaining parks, im-
“We need people to take pride in where they live, to look out for public assets as if they were their own, and to report behaviour that damages our shared spaces.”
Residents who witness vandalism or suspicious activity can report it to police and contact the council to log any damage to council-owned assets so it can prioritise repairs.
This is your opportunity to learn more about Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine rural training stream.
You’ll hear from course experts and discover what makes our program unique, with a specialised focus on rural and regional health, Indigenous health, and servicing marginalised communities. You’ll also find out about our diverse entry pathways, with a focus on the rural training stream.
Shire Council leaders have lauded the organisation’s progress on an Economic Development Strategy 2024-28, detailing progress made on the strategy during the past 18 months at February’s council meeting.
Despite having only two staff dedicated to delivering the strategy, alongside other duties, the team managed to complete more than 400 business check-ins across the shire, supporting operators through information sharing and creating connections with relevant agencies.
The team will schedule quarterly business visits in each of the shire’s four towns this year to strengthen relationships and identify training and support needs.
The council also provided facilitation support to 12 existing and 15 prospective businesses, resulting in 11 new business openings, with three additional businesses preparing to open and one seeking a buyer.
The council’s program of business engagement and economic support during the past year included three Shop Local outside broadcasts in partnership with MIXX FM and two business and tourism forums that attracted more than 60 attendees.
The council also provided post-bushfire grant support and advocacy during 2025, hosted a visit from the Small Business Victoria Business Bus and promoted operators through a 2025 Christmas Shop Local campaign, which reached the community across social media, local print outlets and MIXX FM.
The council is seeking to support new hospitality ventures, agricultural initiatives, produce marketing and placemaking projects with a business-managed online directory to launch early this year.
The report also outlined the council’s grants programs, with $20,000 allocated to a business
assistance grants program in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 budgets.
The past two rounds of the program have distributed $34,895.02 to support business sustainability.
A regional community events grants program also received $30,000 in both years, with a total of $17,500 distributed and a new round now open for events planned in the next six months.
The region also saw new tourism attractions open in 2025, including the Wimmera River Discovery Trail linking Dimboola and Jeparit with a new campsite at Arkona; the Rainbow Silo Development, which drew strong holiday visitation; and improved signage and completion of the Nhill Lake walking track, creating a new connection to the main street.
The council also collaborated with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism to deliver a WimmeraMallee touring map, while upgrades at Nhill Caravan Park continued with three new studio cabins scheduled to open this year.
As part of its economic development strategy, the council is undertaking industrial land scoping to identify suitable sites and opportunities for clustering-compatible businesses.
The study also includes an investigation into the feasibility of trade hubs.
Officers will present a draft report, including initial feasibility findings, to the council this year and have pledged to support future advocacy and investment attraction.
People can read the full report and update on the Economic Development Strategy 2024-28 online at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
For further information, people can contact the council’s economic development and tourism team on 5391 4444 or business@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
MILESTONE: Rural Northwest Health’s YarriYak Café celebrated 10 years last week, with about 30 guests recognising the birthday with a morning tea and free coffee. The café was the idea of former RNH chief executive Catherine Morley, who suggested a partnership with Woodbine, to offer clients with disabilities on-the-job training in customer service, barista skills, and food handling. RNH took over full management of the cafe in 2024. Interim RNH chief executive Lois O’Callaghan congratulated the cafe team on the anniversary, while former Woodbine chief executive and now RNH project support officer Bernie O’Connor adding how proud he was of the café, which was named by his wife Karen in a community competition. Pictured is Rhys Boehm, Lois O’Callaghan, Sharon Brown and former Woodbine chief executive and now RNH project support officer Bernie O’Connor.
Nhill’s Lions Club and fire brigade members will host an ‘old style’ salad lunch to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, on Friday.
Appeal area manager Phyllis Pye said it had been several years since the event took place, with preparations well underway.
“A lot of work has already gone into making the event an enjoyable plus profitable fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal,” she said.
“On the day before the lunch, members of the CFA and the Lions will be visiting as
many businesses as possible around Nhill to take orders.
“People will be able to pay by EFTPOS or cash and their meal will be delivered on the Friday from noon onwards.
“With this personal service everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and we really hope folk take advantage of this delivery to their door.”
People can also attend the lunch at the fire station, from noon. Tickets are $25 and available at the door.
Sunday, March 9, 2026
Denza
– a premium offshoot of Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD – launched into the Australian market last week with a pair of plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive SUVs named the B5 and B8.
Featuring Blade Battery technology and turbocharged petrol engines familiar to the BYD range, the Denza B5 and B8 compare favourably with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender 130 in terms of size.
The premium segment duo is said by its manufacturer to bring a transformative combination of performance, capability, driving comfort, and safety to the luxury off-road market.
The Denza B5 is powered by the combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, with the combination of an 83-litre fuel tank and 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery providing a quoted driving range of up to 975 kilometres – 100km on electric power alone.
Total output is listed at 400kW760Nm delivered with a permanent four-wheel drive system.
In the larger B8, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors join a larger 36.8kWh LFP battery and 91-litre fuel tank for a combined driving range of 1040km – with 115km on electric power alone.
Total output is quoted at 425kW760Nm, delivered to the road again via a permanent four-wheel drive system.
Both engines are compatible with standard 91RON unleaded petrol.
Denza quotes a zero to 100kmh time of 4.8 seconds for each model, despite respective kerb weights of 2897kg for the entry-grade B5 and 3290kg for the standard B8.
Both the Denza B5 and B8 are fitted as standard with a heavy-duty tow bar and 12-pin connector.
The B5 offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg and the larger B8 a class competitive 3500kg.
Ventilated disc brakes are fitted front and rear on both the B5 and B8, with long-travel double wishbone suspension on both axles.
The Denza B5 is offered as a fiveseater in two trim grades – the B5 and B5 Leopard – while the flagship B8 arrives in six and seven-seat con-
COMPETITIVE: Denza’s B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid four-wheel drives arrive in showrooms priced from $74,990.
figurations, named simply the 6S and 7S. All offer regenerative braking and bi-directional vehicle-to-load functionality, and all are built on Denza’s innovative ladder-type cell-to-chassis architecture, which encircles and protects the Blade Battery in a ring of high-strength steel.
Front, side, curtain, knee, and centre airbags take the total offering to 11 in the B5 and 13 in the B8.
A full complement of ADAS technologies is present in both models, with safety feature highlights including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.
Both models score a full five-star
ANCAP safety rating. In fitting with the models’ premium position, the Denza B5 and B8 are equipped with ‘detailed’ noise, vibration, and harshness damping qualities.
Available features include heated, cooled, and massaging seats with electronic adjustment in all rows, softclose doors, nappa leather upholstery, a seven-litre fridge-hotbox between the front seats, panoramic roof, Connected Services app, keyless entry and start, and a driver’s head-up display.
Infotainment screens measure 15.6 inches for the B5 and 17.3 inches for the B8, with both offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 4G in-car connection and a French-made Devialet premium audio system with up to 18 speakers.
Active suspension, known as DiSus-P, is offered in combination with adaptive dampers as standard on both models.
Visually, the B5 and B8 are differentiated by what Denza describes as ‘unique but familiar design aesthetics’, each embracing functional offroader elements accentuated by a bold front-end with full LED lighting, bevelled bumpers, integrated side steps, flared guards with exposed fasteners, raised roof rails, exposed retrieval points, and ‘practical’ door pulls.
Denza will replicate BYD’s Australian warranty, providing six years or 150,000km vehicle coverage with a separate eight year or 160,000km battery warranty.
– Matt Brogan
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 numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: February 23, 2006 –Horsham hairdresser Peter Pickering constructed a model of Murtoa’s Thomas’ flour mill to a scale of 1:87, the same as model trains. Mr Pickering was also working on a replica of Murtoa Railway Station and was set to build an accompanying track with models of Australian-built steam locomotives. He had collected model trains for more than 40 years.
10 years ago: February 24, 2016
Grampians Grape Escape was gearing up for its 25th annual festival, announcing television chef Miguel Maestre as a guest of the Halls Gap event. Launching in Melbourne, the festival was a month-long celebration of the Grampians region’s gastronomic producers and winemakers, with a two-day event that featured more than 100 provedores, producers and artisans. It was expected to attract more than 10,000 people.
Five years ago: February 24, 2021
Two Dimboola projects were officially opened. Dimboola Bowling Club received $163,500 from the State Government to upgrade its facilities, which cost about $250,000, with Hindmarsh Shire Council contributing $30,000, and $50,000 coming from the club. Council received $600,000 to construct a new library.
One year ago: February 26, 2025
Horsham Rural City Council received $900,000 from the Federal Government for safety upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists along the city’s Urquhart Street. The focus of the project was to enhance road safety, improve the form and amenity of the street, and add more tree canopy. It also included reducing the speed limit.
1. Born on this day in 1935 in America, who hosted her own television talk show ‘Sally’?
2. In kilometres, what is the circumference of the moon –5460, 21,842 or 10,921?
3. On this day in 1957, Buddy Holly and who, recorded their smash hit ‘That’ll be the Day’?
4. Which car model is famously associated with James Bond?
5. In The Wizard of Oz, what is Dorothy’s surname?
6. A ‘Freudian slip’ is an unintentional spoken error regarded as revealing subconscious feelings. Who is it named for?
7. What American television series tells the story of a family – father, mother, teenage son and daughter, one-year-old child prodigy and an anthropomorphic dog – living in a town in Rhode Island?
8. Which terms are used to indicate the male and female zebra – bull and cow, boar and sow, or stallion and mare?
9. Which type of salad typically contains croutons?
10. Which was invented first, the steam train or the bicycle?
11. What Wimmera locality southwest of Horsham, starting with ‘N’, is northwest of Mockinya, northeast of Toolondo, and north of Mount Talbot – spell it?
12. Who was Australian prime minister very briefly – from December 19, 1967 until January 10, 1968 – who represented the Australian Country Party?
13. Dying on this day in 2001 was which Australian cricketer, who played 52 tests across 20 years, scored 6996 runs, and had an average of 99.94?
rabiel. 12. John McEwen. 13. Donald Bradman.
10. The steam train, in 1804. The bicycle was 1817. 11. -Nur
practitioner Sigmund Freud, who is considered the father of psychoanalysis. 7. Family Guy. 8. Stallion and mare. 9. Caesar.
Crickets. 4. Aston Martin DB5. 5. Gale. 6. Austrian medical
Answers: 1. Sally Jessy Raphael. 2. 10,921 kilometres. 3. The
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; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au; James Davidson: 0439 820 014, jdavidson@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 publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, West Wodonga, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.
FOR THE WEEK FEBRUARY 22 TO FEBRUARY 28
ARIES (March 21 – April 20)
Lucky Colour: Rust Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3, 5, 1, 8 Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 21, 30, 39, 6
Take a moment to reflect on what February taught you. This quiet time will bring clarity. A surprising financial opportunity may present itself through a social contact. Keep your heart and mind open.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Forest Green Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 4, 9 Lotto Numbers: 5, 14, 26, 35, 42, 11
Spending time with friends uplifts your spirit. You feel more connected and valued than ever. At work, your logical approach brings positive recognition. Make time for the hobbies that bring you joy.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Pale Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 7, 2, 5 Lotto Numbers: 7, 18, 29, 33, 44, 9
This is a productive week, particularly in career matters. Recognition is likely. Connect with loved ones soon. Your voice may be just what they need. Expect a bustling pace, but you’ll manage it with grace.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 8, 3, 6 Lotto Numbers: 2, 11, 23, 31, 40, 15
You’re drawn toward new experiences. Whether through travel, study, or a shift in mindset, expansion is favoured. Intuition guides you well in paperwork or official dealings. Stay optimistic.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Gold Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5, 9, 1, 7 Lotto Numbers: 3, 16, 24, 38, 45, 12
Joint finances or shared responsibilities need clarity. Transparency now prevents confusion later. In relationships, your warmth fosters deep connection. Let go of past hurts as you’re ready to move forward.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Beige Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 8, 4 Lotto Numbers: 6, 17, 27, 34, 43, 10
Relationships grow stronger when you remain open to different perspectives. Compromise will bring progress in both business and personal areas. Your health efforts are beginning to pay off, now just stay the course.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Pastel Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 5, 7, 3 Lotto Numbers: 1, 13, 22, 36, 41, 8
Your routine flows with ease, making this a week of solid achievement. A minor health issue may need a second look. You are surrounded by calm and harmony, enjoy it.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Crimson Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8, 4, 1, 9 Lotto Numbers: 9, 19, 25, 32, 40, 5
Creative expression is your soul’s outlet right now. Explore your artistic side. Romance is joyful and light-hearted. Release the need to control outcomes; live in the present and let fun unfold.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Purple Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7, 3, 6, 2 Lotto Numbers: 8, 20, 30, 37, 44, 14
Home is your source of comfort and inspiration. Rearranging or improving your space brings renewed peace. Family connections strengthen through laughter and shared memories. Emotional wellbeing is your priority.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 3, 8, 5, 1 Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 28, 35, 42, 7
Your thoughts are sharp and insightful. Interactions with siblings or neighbours may prove important. A short journey offers both pleasure and inspiration. Feel confident in your professional dealings.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Turquoise Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1, 9, 4, 6 Lotto Numbers: 4, 10, 21, 39, 45, 18
Financial prospects are looking up. A new income stream or unexpected gift may come your way. It’s the right time to invest in your wellbeing. Treat yourself kindly and with love.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Sea Foam Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 5, 8 Lotto Numbers: 5, 14, 26, 34, 41, 3
Happy Birthday Pisces. The sun’s presence in your sign boosts your inner power and presence. Set heartfelt intentions for the coming year. Love flows in your direction, and your dreams are speaking so listen carefully.
All
We
Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional tradebased businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory. The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multi-media platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.
affordable and effective!
and much love from your family.
BROWNING, Peter Arthur
03/04/1945 – 18/02/2026
With deep sorrow, we remember Peter, a loving husband to Annette, an adored father to Randal, and a cherished uncle to Jeffrey.
Peter’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated ambulance staff and medical team at the ICU of Horsham Hospital for their compassionate care during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, dear Peter.
In accordance with Peter’s wishes, he will be privately cremated.
To be privately farewelled Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
CROSS, Wayne Edward
Passed away on February 16, 2026 aged 77 years.
Dearly loved son on Muir & Winifred (both dec).
Sadly missed by all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Now At Rest
KOSCHMANN (nee Schultz), Norma Ivy
Passed away peacefully at Mercy Place Aged Care in Warrnambool, on Monday 16th February. Aged 90 years.
Dearly loved and devoted wife of Carl.
Loving mother and motherin-law of Bruce & Joanne, Denise (dec) & Wayne, Janine & Johnny, and friend of Sandra.
Cherished Nanna of Sophie, Max & Chelsea; Joshua & Jess, Luke & Bec, Elisha, Joseph & Esther; Clare, Ben & Anna.
Loved Great Nanna of Ruby, Jemimah, Percy, Willem & George.
At peace now with God and her loved ones
Brian Murray
Passed away on February 19, 2026 aged 88 years.
Dearly loved husband of Lois.
Loving father and father-inlaw of Darren & Jeanette; and Michelle.
Adored Pop to Indiana, Grace & Jayden, Emma, William & Montanna.
In God’s Care and Forever In Our Hearts
PETERING (née Hotker), Marian Edna
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 18 February 2026, aged 87 years.
Dearly loved wife of Stewart (dec).
Loving mother and motherin-law of Kathryn & Garry Tepper, David & Sonia Petering, Trish & Pete Morrison.
Adored Grandma to 10 grandchildren. Now at peace in God’s loving arms.
Kathleen Eleanor
20-9-1931 to 11-2-2026
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family
Dearly loved wife of Reg (dec).
Devoted Mother, MotherIn-Law, Nanna & Country Nanna.
Our memories we will treasure
Kathleen’s funeral service will be held graveside at the Kaniva Lawn Cemetery, Friday, February 27 at 11 am.
Emiley & Mathew Bone
Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
STAPLES, Alan George of Rainbow on February 23rd, 2026
Loved Husband of Glenys
Loved Father & Father-inlaw of Jenny & Kent, Ann & Richard, Rohan, Matthew & Lis.
Loved Pa of Chantelle, Larissa (dec), Daniel & Jamieson, Eamon (dec), Reilly, Anneliese, Molly & Ryan, Jack, Emily, Rachel & Arden, Jessica, Lachlan.
Great Grandpa of Chase, Serena.
CLARKE, Yvonne Jean
The Funeral Service to celebrate Yvonne’s life will be held in the Napier Park Chapel, 420 Napier Street, Bendigo, on FRIDAY (February 27th) at 11:00am.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege will leave for the Kangaroo Flat Lawn Cemetery.
A Livestream of the Service will be available to view at www.napierpark.com.au
CROSS, Wayne Edward
The Funeral of Wayne Edward Cross will take place at The Graveside, Minimay Cemetery on Thursday, 26 February 2026 commencing at 1pm.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
KOSCHMANN (nee Schultz), Norma Ivy
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Norma Ivy Koschmann will take place at St John’s Lutheran Church, Murtoa on Friday, 27 February 2026 commencing at 2pm. Privately interred.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member
Brian Murray
The Funeral of Brian Murray Nitschke will leave the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham next Thursday, 5 March 2026 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
(née Hotker), Marian Edna
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Marian Petering will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1A Pakington Street, Kew on Thursday 26 February, 2026 at 11am.
To watch a livestream of this service, please visit selwynallenfunerals.com.au
Following a private burial, a thanksgiving service will be held at Minyip Lutheran Church on Friday 27 February, 2026 at 1.30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders: https://tinyurl.com/ PeteringM
SELWYN ALLEN FUNERALS (03) 9888 1672 Funerals Australia Member
The Funeral of Mr Alan George Staples will leave the Rainbow Recreation Reserve on Monday March 2nd, 2026 after a Service commencing at 10am for the Rainbow Lawn Cemetery. This Funeral will be live streamed by the following link: https://livingitlive.com. au/alan-staples
W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
~ KROKER ~ Greg Herbert
Thank you to all who reached out when everything was a blur and a bad nightmare.
Pastor Hans and Wimmera Funerals were so comforting. Flowers from Horsham Florist were beautiful as usual.
Everyone who sent flowers, phone calls, food, cards and their love! Thank you. Greg would have been deeply moved to know how many people were touched and sad of his passing. He was such a caring and loving man.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sharon, Jane & Ty, Holly & Glenn, Elisabeth & Andy, Heath and Melissa, Drew and Quyen and families.
Available now 2 Spoodle boys & 2 Spoodle girls are looking for their Furever Families, born on the 16th of October, raised in a loving family home with children and other dogs, cats and farm animals have had their 6 week vet check with first vaccination, microchip and have been wormed regularly, microchip# 95600019516180, 956000019521435, 956000019515465, 956000019523017, 956000019519593, source# RB265884 located just out of Stawell $2500 please call Simone on 0400035456 for more information.
Kelpie x Staghound male pup , 6.5 months old, sandy colour, microchip # 953010007025025280, vac x 3, basic handling, is affectionate, big, and boisterous, POA Ph 0428994210
Kildare Border Collies (formerly of Donald, now located in Haven via Horsham) have 9 x pure bred puppies for sale at $1,750.00$1,950.00 each. We have been breeding border collies for over 60 years and strive to breed quality true to type and temperament in our puppies. They have calm natures and make excellent working dogs or family pets, 3 x chocolate & white puppies with astonishing blue/green eyes, (2 male & 1 female), 6 x puppies (3 male & 3 female) have piercing dark eyes and traditional black & white markings, currently 7 weeks of age (born 02/12/2025), all have fun loving natures and ready to find their forever homes, all microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated & wormed, Microchip Nos. 953010008027063, 953010008027355, 953010008027174, 953010008027030, 953010008027133, 953010008027056, 953010008027037, 953010008027059, 953010008027227, Source Number EE288211 Ph 0429826899
Mini Foxy/Jack Russell pups
5 males, vet checked, vacc, wormed, micro chipped, 95301 0006692905/953010006635913/9 53010006635784/953010006635 783/953010006689902, Source# is MB116953 Ph 0409350743 or 0458913225
2014 Coronet prince FS2-6150, Queen bed, ensuite, full oven, microwave, HWS, washing machine, 3 way fridge, air conditioner, solar panel, has gas, 12 volt, 240 volt and awning
$38,000 Ph 0481481902
Black series total off road, all extras $50,000 Ph 0428788212
Jayco Journey Outback independant suspension, single beds, all Jayco features plus diesel heater, shedded &spotless $46,500 Ph 0429842224
Kimberley Off Road Kamper, genuine all Australian made in Ballina NSW $8000 Ph 0427535212
Motorhome Jayco Fiat Conquest , model FA 25.3, 4yrs old, $13,000 of extras, EC, 10,000kms $148,000 Ph 0428340802
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 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212
REDUCED 2018 Franklin
Core 22', one owner, excellent condition, gas heater, twin bunks, washing machine, $1000+ extras, $57,000 Ph 0401986201
REDUCED New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $39,000 Ph 0427778747
REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $30,000 Ph 0418325662
Purebred Mini Dachshund puppies, DOB 2/1/26 vet checked, vaxxed and microchipped, black & tan smooth coat, 1 x male 2 x female, parents available to view, source# MB297545, microchip# 953010008081169, 953010008081159, 953010008081178 $2000 Ph 0415772074
SquareMeater x Murray Gray, 4 yr old gray bull, 3yr old brown bull, a few cows, proven breeders, compact and muscly, commercial herd, NLIS, vaccinated, PIC# 3YKM L014 Ph 0428994210
Queen bed camper trailer, make an offer Ph 0407179433
Sentiveco daily/5th wheeler combo, set up for off grid, too many extras to list, was $102,000 now $97,000 Ph 0438149265
Deb Dress For Sale, Size: 10-12, worn once, excellent condition, dry cleaned, $400 Ph: 0429802767
1 Case tractor Model l, 1
McCormick Deering Model W30
$2000 ono each Ph 53844287
1982 Ford truck tray with sides tare 2980, registered for 10mths
$5000 + Gst Ph 0437942434 after 6.30pm Natimuk
Inter Truck C1600, 72 Butter
Box model, Jonker hoist, 14', new head and radiator, front new tyres $5000 Ph 0429857207
Silvan Boom Spray, 80ft Superior Boom 3,000 + 1,000 litre tanks custom, made to suit J, C, B, Tractor $20,000 Ph 0427824233
Slasher 3PL J.Berands EP135, 4'6'' cut wheel kit as new $2300, Small Bale Pickup loader Irish
$120, Hay Stack Elevator $120, PH 0427 871 404
Small square bale hay stack elevator $120 Ph 0494034244
2 swags $300 total, health sauna $4000, electric boat motor $200, taking best offers on: igloo tent, train set and antique wooden table Ph 0429948774
Bath Cast Iron, EC Pale Pink $200 Ph 53826461 or 0429 309 491
Bikes one ladies, one mans good order, $170 each ono Ph 0429820692
Camper Trailer , all excellent condition $1500 Ph 0478254195
CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400 ono, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100 ono, Coolgardie safe $100 ono, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50 ono, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500 ono,
FOR SALE Teak TV Cabinet 2 shelves 2 glass doors at bottom, 151H x 104W x 700 as new
$60, large towing mirrors $40 Ph 0409967815 pick up Horsham. Four arm walker , $150 ph0437600095
Fresh Farm eggs! $5 a dozen Ph 0423182267
Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation $4500 would like $1000 Ph 0458014560
Industrial Extensions Ladder (Gorilla), closed 3.7 EXT 8.5
$475, Ph 53826461 or 0429 309 491
Kayak Dragon, 3.6m, 2.5 seater, green & white, very good condition, support seats, paddles, buoyancy vests, $450 Ph 0407340345
L shaped lockable 5 glass shelf display case, with 5 downlights, 500mm lockable storage at bottom, 2.125 mm x 3.180mm x 400mm wide x 2.14mm high, $6200 ono, or lay by, can be dismantled to a flatpack,
MINERALS NOT INCLUDED Ph 0428564422
Masseuse Therapeutic Dual-Pro massage chair, 2 yrs old, as new, cost $11,000 sell $5,000 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat
Oaten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill
Pea straw small square bales $8 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Ph 0488303725
Portable air compressor , new, $1500 firm, 4 x Cooper tyres, LT235/85R16 $400 Ph 0407340961
Radial arm saw bench OMGA 240v, tungsten blade, $460 Ph 0428535646
REDUCED 7x4 tool trailer, $2500 ono Ph 0407285097
Toro zero turn 42 inch deck, 2 years old, just had full service with new blades, great condition, less than 15hrs use, $6000ono Ph Tim 0418258787
Wood Heater Flues, 4 x 150mm (6’’) Dia, x 900mm SS inner flues, with 2 x cowls (for changeover) 2 x 200mm gal inner roof sections, 2 x 200mm. Decorative, recently Powder-coated black flue guard sections, with matching black ceiling ring, excellent condition $320 Ph 0427042750 Nhill
Wood Thicknesser, Barker 2', AE
Herbert 1' buzzer, sold together
$2000 Ph 53524764
Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used 6 months, includes cool balance 10' mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph 0417156434
Horsham
15' fibreglass clinker inboard boat, no motor, make an offer Ph 0407179433
16' Yacht TS16 446, 2 & 6 HP
Suzuki OB`s, 2 sets of sails, Dunbier tilt trailer U58751, reg TS446 $4000 Ph 53542787
Immaculate family ski boat, 1993 Ski craft 5.6 meters,
REDUCED Mercedes Benz, A160 4 Door, QSG616 lovely ladies car, 5 door hatch, auto, $2500 Ph or 0419509335
Mercedes Benz 280ML, SUV, first registered 2008, mechanically reliable with service history, tow bar, sold as-is, buyer to obtain roadworthy, 1AB5UN $4500 Ph 0409355611
Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011 , unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095
PLIC97PNRAB016095
REDUCED 2007 Ford Mondeo hatchback, diesel, very good condition, 150110 kms, UPS985 $6000Ph 0487313892
2017 Holden Trailblazer
LTZ Auto, full service history, RWC supplied, excellent condition, roobar, towbar, roof racks, 227,000km $19,300 Ph 0409559364
REDUCED 1988 BMW 320i convertible , 6cyl.5sp manual, recently unregistered, always serviced and undercover, original paint, drives beautifully, extras, engine# 206KA25194243, 240,000kms $18,000 non-negotiable Ph 0438297899
2014 Isuzu D-Max, 5 speed, auto, 3.0lt turbo diesel, 4x2, Tommy Gate loader 460kgs, RWC, reg til 19/1/26, 285,658kms, 1DQ6HB $23,990 Ph 046637508
2018 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL, auto, 4x4, EC, 1LZ3FW, 190,000kms $39,500 Ph 0431603221
2019 Jaguar 25 F Pace R Sport sedan, R/W, gen reason for sale, EC, AWP498, $26,000 Ph 0428382790
2019 XL Ford Ranger, white 4x4, ute/steel tray and locked undertray boxes, RWC, bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, rear camera, gen reason for sale, EC, 89,761kms, 1RO-7EC $42,000 Ph 0428382790
Mitsubishi ASX 2023 , 7yr warranty, one owner, full service history, RWC, 6month reg, many extras, 1ZS4BV, 30,000kms
$23,000ono Ph 0407302144
REDUCED Nissan Navara ST 4x2 2018 , automatic diesel, white color, very good condition, engine 2.3L 4Cyl, service car at 121,654km, canopy , front bar sport, one new tyre, towbar, one owner, registered till 28 June 2026 in Vic, 1PR4MJ, 150,500km
$20,500 Ph 0434282826
Toyota Troopcarrier, 2005 1HZ, 3 seat, cruise control, diff locks, winch, bullbar, LED spotlights, twin batteries, solar panel, drawers/shelves, 16" sunraysias, one owner since new, 1RY5UP, 296,000kms $38,000ono Ph 0427790754
Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, gentle, family-oriented and never married, hopes to meet a sincere Australian man (60–75) who is financially secure, owns his home, and seeks a genuine companion for marriage and shared care. She values kindness, loyalty, and a peaceful home life. Ready to provide care Ph +679 923 2717 or email fijirose1010@gmail.com, and PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji address
Keyte's mowing service, lawn mowing, lawn aeration (coring), block slashing, general pruning Ph 53826461 or 0429309491
Wanted Land to share-farm or lease anywhere south of Horsham and accross to the Grampians, from 50 to 600 acres, cropping country preferred Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700
Wanted to buy, RC model aircraft, will buy collections if the price is right Ph 0435621004
2022 Nissan Navara cab chassis, 4 by 2, turbo diesel, 7 speed auto, RWC supplied, bullbar, driving lights and towbar, extended warranty, 65,100kms, $29,000 Ph 0429942637 Ford Escape Trend ST Line 2022 97,000km One owner, full service history, RWC, Tow Bar, Rego til June 2026 $26,000 Ph 0427343783
Trailer, approximately 6x4, low capacity, new tyres and LED lights $600 Ph 0418148650 Ararat
49 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
Wanted, Spring/ House cleaning, located in Warracknabeal, price and time negotiable Ph 0435592080
Immediate Start | Applications close 20/03/2026 Unless filled prior | Full-time
Laser Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling Horsham is seeking a friendly and organised individual to join our administration team.
This fast-paced, front-facing role suits someone who enjoys being the first point of contact for customers, managing enquiries and bookings, and supporting our team to keep operations running smoothly.
Full on-the-job training is provided, alongside existing receptionist and works coordinators, ensuring you are fully supported.
• Answer and manage incoming phone calls, emails, and customer enquiries
• Schedule service bookings and support daily job coordination
• Provide high-level administrative support to other absences
• Provide friendly, professional front-desk suport and assist with compliance and reporting
• Support technicians and office staff with day-to-day administrative needs
• Friendly, professional, and customer-focused attitude
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills in a busy office environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Comfortable using computer systems and learning new software
• Reliable, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team
For the full job description or more information please call the office on (03) 5382 1375 or email your resume to: hrwhs.horsham@laserelectrical.com.au
filled prior | Full-time Laser Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling Horsham is looking for an enthusiastic team player to join our Administration team as a Works Coordinator. This varied, fast-paced position
•
• Manage incoming calls, emails, and customer enquiries
• Prepare job files, quotes, work orders, and invoices
• Assist with tracking job progress, parts orders, and technician notes
• Support compliance documentation, safety processes, and reporting
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Confidence working in a busy office with moving priorities
• Competence with computer systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn For the full job description or more information
or
SERVE: Elly Dunn, Brimpaen, serving in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s A Special against Lawn Dorman.
ROLL: Horsham City bowler Duncan Bottoms sends his bowl towards the head during Bowls Wimmera’s division one midweek grand final while Nhill’s Pam Cramer, right, misses a close one.
LEFT: Peter Brennan playing for Brimpaen; Brendan Reinheimer, Lawn Dorman, above, serving against Brimpaen, and Horsham City’s Kevin Clyne is vary happy with his bowl and the result in Bowls Wimmera’s Division One midweek grand final at Dimboola.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
We’re welcoming new families to the Pimpinio FNC junior community for the upcoming 2026 season.
We are currently seeking Auskick, U8, U11 and U14 footballers to join our club!
At Pimpinio, junior footy is built on family, respect and loyalty, with a focus on fun, confidence, teamwork and inclusion.
Whether your child is new to the game or returning, they’ll be supported and encouraged from day one.
If you’re looking for a genuine community club that values its people, we’d love to have you on board.
Training at Pimpinio Sporting Complex TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS from 5.30pm
For more info contact: Junior Football Director: Brett Thompson 0417 347 246 Club President: Steve Thomas 0437 468 386 Get in touch or come
Situations Vacant
and the darts ASAP. My advice to myself, and to anyone who listens to my sermons regularly, is to “take up” and not “give up” for Lent. Don’t give up coffee, take up hospitality and invite someone you haven’t seen for a while over for a cuppa in your kitchen, or perhaps shout her at a café. (This also works for beers with long-lost mates and widowed neighbours.)
The advantage of taking on a generous practice for Lent is that you can keep going with it after Easter Monday, and make the world a better place for everyone, or just that one person, ongoing.
This year for Lent, allow someone to lean on you.
Tann - St Matthew’s Stawell, and Pomonal Community
BY DAVID BERRY
As Volleyball Horsham continues the build up to its 50th anniversary celebrations in July, the association takes a look back to the 1980s, when it went from its social roots to the national stage.
Volleyball Horsham survived the 1970s and was progressing into the ’80s pretty much the way it had always done – providing a social outlet for both men and women, but things were about to change in a big way.
Former Bendigo elite player Alan Cleaver moved to Horsham in 1981 and started playing.
Cleaver could not quite believe what he saw when he first walked into the basketball stadium.
“As I walked in, I saw Maurie Wade manning the door, charging admission and two teams playing out of this fantastic stadium with no referee or duty team,” he said.
“Maurie told me duty teams usually didn’t bother to show up.
“I ended up refereeing three games that night and by the end I was thinking I had made a mistake moving to Horsham, because volleyball was the most important thing in my life at the time.”
By the end of the year Cleaver had taken over as president and the development of the association began.
Cleaver’s prayers were answered somewhat at the start of 1982 when I moved to Horsham after finishing high school.
I said to my brother Rodney to find some schoolmates and make a team.
My ambition was to start the first volleyball club in Horsham, so I called our team ‘Kurri’ which meant the very
TEAM TO BEAT:
Back row, from left, David Abud, Rodney Berry, Darren Franks and Peter Skrabl, middle, Bruno Grosso, David Berry and Colin Jones and front, Geoff Dunmore. Adam Harris was absent.
first. He came back with Graeme Ross and Donald Landrigan and teachers Terry Hutton and Dave Finkemeyer.
We ended CRB’s run of premierships and so the Kurri dynasty started. By the end of the year the word had got out around Horsham High School and a few more of Rodney’s mates jumped on board – David Abud, Darren Franks, Craig Baker and Tony Grosso.
The following year both Cleaver and
Charlton trainer Michael Gadsden combined with driver Luke Dunne for a home track success in the Cup Day March 15 Sulky Bar Enclosure Pace with 10-year-old gelding No Emotion. The son of Grinfromeartoear USA was forced to do plenty of work in the early stages of the 1609-metre sprint trip, racing three wide from the start and around the first bend before crossing to the lead at the bell.
Dunn kept the speed on through the final lap and No Emotion kicked clear of his rivals up the home straight to score by five metres in a rate of 1:55.5. Gadsden has done a great job since taking over the gelding for Patchewollock owners the Peters’ family 18 months ago, landing five wins last season and another, with two seconds from six starts in 2006. No Emotion will next line up in a $7000 final at Birchip on March 8.
Local
Race protest
a win in unusual circumstances with seven-year-old gelding Rakero Warrior in the North West Ag Services Mobile Trot at the Charlton meet.
After Dreams Of Love, Ryan Sanderson, crossed the line to score by the barest of margins from Rakero Warrior, Jordan Leedham, with Beautiful Sunrise, Ada Massa, only inches away in third spot, Massa lodged an objection against Dreams Of Love, alleging interference in the home straight on the final occasion. After taking evidence from both drivers and viewing footage, stewards upheld the protest.
The decision saw runner-up Rakero Warrior elevated from second to first place, making it his sixth victory from 11 starts since joining the Hutchins’ stable in July last year.
Back-to-back
Great Western horsewoman Kerryn Manning made it back-to-back wins at Charlton with her lightly raced fiveyear-old mare Our Ultimate Gracy
in the $6000 Charlton Caravan Pace. The daughter of Sweet Lou USA had scored first up from a spell a fortnight earlier and repeated the dose, again leading from go-to-whoa over the 2100m journey.
Manning had a hard time holding her back through the middle stages but despite over-racing, she had enough in reserve for a 57.4 second final half and was able to hold off the brave James Garner, Michael Bellman, and fast finishing local Fair Chance, Luke Dunne, to score by 1.6m in a rate of 1:57.1.
The mare has only raced on 14 occasions since her unplaced debut as a two-year-old at Melton in October 2023, but has managed to notch up four wins and four minors since.
Welcome return
Stawell trainer-driver Jason Ainsworth made a welcome return to the winner’s circle on Monday at Hamilton with Optimal in the $6000 Permewans Mitre 10 Pace.
my prayers were answered when Rhys and Mandy Alexander moved from Seymour to Horsham, bringing more experienced volleyball people to the association.
Cleaver joined forces with Horsham Tech School and it coincided with the arrival of Canadian exchange teacher John Huston, another experienced volleyball person.
Together they encouraged participation from the tech school while Rhys Alexander did likewise at Horsham High.
Pretty soon the association had been transformed from a somewhat social competition where the adults dominated, to a young and vibrant association, with more and more junior members participating.
The four of us were able to bring up to speed fairly quickly this burgeoning younger generation, to the point where we had players like Abud, Franks and Michael Brack make state teams, while Mandy McIntyre, Bronwyn Hill, Suzie Hattersley, Kelly Pummeroy and Alison Cameron all represented Horsham women’s teams at country championships.
The biggest achievement came in 1985 when Horsham joined forces with Ararat, supporting each other’s
domestic competitions with teams and playing at tournaments. This culminated in a team participating in the 1985 National Country Championships in Wagga Wagga, where the team was to take the gold medal against a team from Lake Macquarie. During the presentations Volleyball Australia president Gordon Duffus helped put Wimmera volleyball on the map.
“My only knowledge of the Wimmera was wheat and sheep. Now I know they produce volleyball talent as well,” he said.
Following the success at the National Country Championships, the team received an invitation to play in the televised Lightning Spike Cup with a Ballarat team.
This was unprecedented to have volleyball on television, least of all country volleyball and the Lightning Spike Cup between 1983-1986 certainly gave the sport a great boost.
From a purely social competition where very little was known about the game or what happened outside the four walls of the stadium, Volleyball Horsham took giant leaps towards becoming one of the most respected associations in the state.
Ainswoth’s last success was with American Squared at Terang before Christmas and has geared up 21 starters since. The six-year-old gelding enjoyed the run of the race on the back of the leader Livermere, Ryan Backhouse, before edging out in to the running line at the 500m mark to make a three-wide challenge.
After a ding-dong battle with She Will Wantano, Michael Bellman, all the way up the home straight, Optimal gained the upper hand to break a 21 start run of outs and post his fifth career success. No doubt the victory was well received at home with Optimal being raced by Ainsworth’s partner, Natasha Raven.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Horsham City claimed the Bowls Victoria Wimmera Playing Area division one midweek pennant in an instant-classic grand final against Nhill yesterday, while Horsham Golf’s division-two win is the first of what the club hopes could be four premierships.
The contest between Horsham City and Nhill came down to the wire, with City hanging on after establishing a big lead through the first two rinks.
A team of Kevin Gepp, Hux Mitchell, Trevor Hamilton and skip Graham McDonald got Horsham City away to a flying start in the opening rink, beating Nhill’s Glenda Pola, Colleen Dickinson, Janette Gebert and skip Barry Schultz 25-21.
It was a similar story in the second rink, with City’s Betty Cozens, Maureen Petschel, John Lehmann and skip Kevin Clyne bringing it home 27-21 against Jennifer Blackwood, Margaret Morrison, Ray Olney and skip Pamela Cramer.
But a huge fightback from Nhill in the third and final rink saw Helen McLean, Mary Waugh, Shaun McDonald and skip Ivan Reichelt prevail 28-19 against Horsham City’s Marie Lehmann, Derek Ballinger, William
Hogan and skip Duncan Bottoms.
The result saw Nhill finish just two shots shy of an upset victory, with Horsham City holding on to win 7270 on aggregate.
The division-two grand final was more lopsided, with Horsham Golf comfortably beating Serviceton 7427.
The first rink of Robert Grieger, Iain McNee, Craig Turvey and skip Murray Heard was impressive, beating Serviceton’s Leon Tink, Gwenyth Colwill, Loma Wallis and skip Darren Merrett 31-10.
But the second rink of Graeme Ough, Raymond Schulze, Stephen Harris and skip Ken McClelland was even more dominant, winning 41-17 against Serviceton’s Ian Tink, Mark Shawcross, Beverley Makin and skip Darryl Grosser.
With the midweek pennant grand finals serving as a prelude to Saturday’s weekend pennant deciders, Turvey said he hoped the victory was a sign of things to come.
Horsham Golf will contest each of this weekend’s deciders, playing Horsham City in division one and Nhill in both the division two and three grand finals.
Turvey said he was proud of the club’s performance amid trying circumstances this season, with illness
and the death of a player having an impact. Only 38 of its 44 members were available to fill the 36 spots across three divisions in weekend pennant competition.
“Hopefully yesterday’s win was one out of four. It’s all very exciting for a little club,” he said.
“We’ve had three people who were seriously ill at the start of the year, and a new member, Tim Fechner, died in a car accident at the very start of the year.
“It hasn’t been an easy year for us, but it’s a good result. We’re pretty pleased at what we’ve been able to achieve so far.”
Turvey said the club would celebrate a successful season ‘win, lose, or draw’ at the weekend.
“I think that’s our secret – we just have a good time and don’t take ourselves too seriously. We just turn up and things have gone alright for us,” he said.
“If we play well we’re a good chance in all three of this weekend’s grand finals, but we’ve got to play well –they’re three good sides.
“Horsham City, who won the division-one midweek pennant, is a very good side, and our division one side will have to play very well to beat them.
“In the division-two side, which I
play in, we haven’t beaten Nhill in the last two meetings, but we haven’t lost by a lot, so we’re a chance if we can bring our A game. And division three is also going to have to play well.
“It’ll be a good atmosphere. All three clubs will have a lot of people there at Sunnyside.
“It’ll be as fierce as lawn bowls can be on the rink, but it’ll be a good day – we’re looking forward to it.”
The North Wimmera and Grampians playing areas also hosted their midweek pennant grand finals at the weekend, with Warracknabeal beating
Rupanyup 14 points, 75 shots to two points, 52 shots in the North Wimmera decider, while results for the Grampians grand final between Stawell and Chalambar Golf were not available when The Weekly Advertiser went to press yesterday. Saturday’s weekend pennant grand finals will see Warracknabeal take on Warracknabeal Golf White in North Wimmera division one, while in division two, Warracknabeal takes on Minyip. In Grampians, division one Chalambar Golf will host Stawell Golf, and in division two, Stawell takes on Stawell Golf.
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BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Central
Wimmera
Tennis Association will kick off its finals series across most junior and senior grades this week, while the pennant competition enters the final week of its homeand-away season.
One junior final has already been played, with Horsham Lawn Gold beating Horsham Lawn Green in a boys’ section three semi final that came down to the wire on Monday afternoon.
Gold prevailed by a single game, 3-29 to 3-28 after Leroy Ward’s 6-4 win over Louie Chamberlain in the final rubber of the day.
The other semi final will be played on Saturday, with Haven Blue hosting Central Park for the right to play Horsham Lawn Green, while Lawn Gold advances directly to the grand final.
The A Special, A Grade and B Special finals will also commence on Saturday.
The first A Special semi final features Central Park against Horsham Lawn O’Connor with a spot in the grand final on the line, while an elimination semi final will see Brimpaen host Horsham Lawn Dorman.
Minor premier Central Park will take on Haven Red in the A Grade first semi final, with an intra-club meeting of Horsham Lawn Tigers and Horsham Lawn McGennisken in the second semi.
B Special finals will see top side Central Park go up against Laharum in what is sure to be a hard-fought first semi final, with Horsham Lawn Savage and Horsham Lawn Bardell fighting to avoid elimination in the second semi final.
Junior match-play finals will be on Friday night at Haven Tennis Club, with section five seeing Homers Red take on Central Park White, while Central Park Blue plays Horsham Lawn Green.
In section six Horsham Lawn White will play Horsham Lawn Green, while Horsham Lawn Gold takes on Central Park. Players in both match-play
sections must be at the courts by 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start, with both teams required to supply new balls and a scorebook.
Junior finals on Saturday morning require players to arrive at 8.45am for a 9am start, again with both teams to supply new balls and a scorebook.
Junior finals fixtures are: open, Central Park White v Central Park Blue at Central Park, Central Park Yellow v Horsham Lawn Green at Central Park; section one boys, Haven v Horsham Lawn Gold at Haven, Central Park v Horsham Lawn White at Central Park; section one girls, Haven v Horsham Lawn White at Haven, Horsham Lawn Green v Horsham Lawn Gold at Horsham Lawn; section two boys, Horsham Lawn Gold v Haven at Horsham Lawn, Horsham Lawn Green v Central Park at Horsham Lawn; section two girls, Natimuk Blue v Horsham Lawn Red at Natimuk, Horsham Lawn White v Haven at Horsham Lawn; section three boys, Horsham Lawn Green v Horsham Lawn Gold played on Monday, Haven Blue v Central Park at Haven; section four girls, Haven v Horsham Lawn at Haven, Homers v Central Park at Sunnyside.
Pennant final round
The pennant competition will enter its final round this weekend, with Central Park looking to put the finishing touches on an undefeated season after dispatching main rival Horsham Lawn at the weekend.
Lawn looked primed to cause an upset, with Lachlan Punchard and August Koch defeating Parkers Harry Allan and Frazer Shurdington, while Tahlia Thompson and Cherie Wood blanked Willow Sainsbury and Sienna Nitschke 8-0, and D’Artagnan Walls and Shane McGrath beat Matt Jones and Reece Harman 8-5 to give Lawn a 3-1 advantage after the opening four doubles rubbers.
Punchard again overcame Allan in the singles section, winning 8-6, but victories to Jones, 8-1 over Walls, and Adele Joseph, 8-0 over Ella Thompson, began to turn proceedings back
A SPECIAL: Horsham Lawn Dorman 12-105 defeated Brimpaen 2-67 in A Special competition on Saturday. Chloe Reinheimer won her three sets for Lawn, while Luke Dunn, below, won one of Brimpaen’s sets, partnered with Ben Dunn.
in Central Park’s favour, despite a hard-fought 8-7 tiebreak win to Lawn’s Tahlia Thompson over Sainsbury.
Two sets down at the outset of the final four doubles rubbers, the Parkers required a special effort.
They got one, with all four final pairings emerging victorious – Allan and Harman beating Punchard and McGrath 8-3, Sainsbury and Victoria Brown overcoming Tahlia Thompson and Lydi Boyd 8-5, Jones and Shurdington outlasting Walls and Koch in a vital 8-7 tiebreak, and Joseph and Nitschke beating Ella Thompson and Wood 8-2.
The 8-89 to 6-79 win was the Parkers’ fifth over their grand final opponent from last season and confirmed their premiership favouritism heading into the final week.
The round’s other match saw St Michaels deny Kalkee its second win of the season, beating the Kees 10-92 to 4-67.
The Kees’ men played well, winning both singles rubbers, but the Saints’ women’s division of Mia Rees, Kassie Peachey, Violet McGennisken and Jess Cannane was too strong, going a perfect seven of seven across their singles and doubles rubbers.
The Saints will be on the road against Central Park this weekend, while Horsham Lawn hosts Kalkee.
Horsham Hockey Club will host a Hookin2Hockey program tonight at 5pm off the back of a big week of events.
From Monday to Friday last week the club, in conjunction with Hockey Victoria, hosted more than 600 students from five primary schools across Horsham as part of a roadshow across regional Victoria.
On Sunday the club hosted a free, all-ages come-and-try event, and is now looking for beginner players aged six to 12 to join the fiveweek Hookin2Hockey program.
The first session will be at 5pm today at Horsham’s Dimboola Road Oval, with participants encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. Players must register for the program, with an
option to purchase a participant pack at the time of registration.
The club will host a Stick2Hockey program following the conclusion of the Hookin2Hockey sessions for players wishing to continue developing their skills.
The club also hosts free social hockey events each Wednesday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Horsham Lutheran School’s middle outdoor courts. The nights are open to players of all ages and ability levels, with current and new members welcome. People can register via www. revolutionise.com.au/horshamhc/registration.
For more information about any of the club’s programs or the upcoming season, people can call Lorna Schilling on 0408 451 762.
Seniors
Pennant: St Michaels 10-92 d Kalkee 4-67; Central Park 8-89 d Horsham Lawn 6-79.
A Special: Horsham Lawn O’Connor 7-89 d Drung South 7-70; Natimuk 8-88 d Homers 6-91; Horsham Lawn Dorman 12-105 d Brimpaen 2-67.
A Grade: Horsham Lawn Tigers 10-87 d St Michaels 2-57; Central Park 11-94 d Homers 1-49; Haven Red 11-94 d Horsham Lawn McGennisken 1-38; Haven Blue 8-89 d Horsham Lawn Ahern 4-62.
B Special: Natimuk 10-78 d Haven 6-60; Horsham Lawn Savage 9-76 d Horsham Lawn Bardell 7-62; Laharum forfeited to Central Park.
Juniors
Open: Central Park Blue 4-28 d Central Park Orange 2-23; Central Park Yellow 5-35 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-14; Central Park White 5-33 d Horsham Lawn Green 1-9.
Section 1 Boys: Central Park 4-30 d Horsham Lawn White 2-23; Horsham Lawn Gold 5-33 d Horsham Lawn Green 1-19.
Section 1 Girls: Haven 5-34 d Horsham Lawn White 1-20; Horsham Lawn Green 4-29 d Horsham Lawn
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
The Grampians and Wimmera regions were behind Ararat’s Sarah Blizzard as she made her Olympic dream a reality at the weekend.
Blizzard and partner Desi Johnson registered their first official runs in the two-woman bobsleigh at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in the early hours of Saturday morning Australian time, marking the culmination of years of effort.
Blizzard, a former track star and a four-time finalist at the Stawell Gift, was an injury alternate as a brakewoman for the Australian two-woman bobsleigh team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
But a move to pilot her own twowoman crew paid off as she and Johnson qualified for this year’s Olympics with their times on the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, ISBF, World Cup circuit.
The 25-team Olympic event saw teams ranked on cumulative times across consecutive heats, with the bottom five teams eliminated after the third heat before medals were awarded at the end of the fourth and final heat.
Blizzard and Johnson were ranked 19th following the second heat on Saturday morning, but slipped to 21st following the third heat on Sunday morning and were eliminated after
missing the top 20 by only 0.02 seconds.
Blizzard said she had a mix of emotions following the pair’s final run.
“It’s hard to obviously miss out, but to get so close to that top 20 for us is a huge thing,” she said.
“In the World Cup we were always on the edge of being in the top 20, and the season before I wasn’t cracking the top 20.”
Blizzard said a gap in resourcing – with Australian bobsleigh athletes receiving little government funding compared to their European counterparts – was also apparent.
Blizzard spent thousands of dollars of her own money to buy her sled, and last year launched a public fundraising campaign to buy new runners ahead of the ISBF season.
“I think for us it’s a really big step. We’re competing against all these massive teams who have endless amounts of money and support, and we’re little Australia doing it with just a small group of us with our family and friends supporting us,” she said.
“I think that’s pretty bloody amazing.”
Blizzard and Johnson were part of a history-making Australian effort at this year’s Olympics, with Australia qualifying two teams for the twowoman bobsleigh for the first time.
The other Australian team of Breeana Walker – for whom Blizzard was an alternate in Beijing – and Kiara Red-
dingius finished 10th, marking the first time an Australian team finished in the top 10 at the Olympics.
Blizzard said she was thrilled to be part of Australian Olympic history.
“We’ve proved to ourselves and everyone that we can get here, and a bit of support will get us a long way,” she said.
“It’s pretty cool that we can be part of history, and even more special for me as well after being Bree’s brakeman and Bree’s alternate to come here and be part of that team and grow that team. I think that’s really cool and I hope it shows all the young girls watching what we can do.”
Ararat Rural City Council congratulated Blizzard for her achievements
Nurcoung – Applications close: 3 Mar 2026
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in a social media post. “Ararat Rural City has been beaming with pride watching local bobsleigh star Sarah Blizzard and teammate Desi Johnson fly the flag for Australia at the Winter Olympics,” the post read.
“While they may not be bringing
home a medal this time, their determination, courage and hard work on the world stage have inspired us all.
“Congratulations, Sarah and Desi – you’ve done Ararat and Australia proud, and our whole community has been right behind you.”
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BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
While Brim-Kellalac-Sheep
Hills is eliminated from Horsham Cricket Association A Grade finals contention, the Eagles can shape the fates of two other teams on the final weekend of the home-and-away season.
After stumps on day one of their two-day match against Donald-Jeffcott the Eagles had a lead of 138 runs, having been bowled out for 156 before the DJ side made 0-18 in reply.
BKSH batsman Isaac McPherson led the way with 75 runs and opened the bowling alongside Charlie Dean, but the Eagles were missing Lachlan McGinniss, who is among the league’s top wicket-takers this season and could prove the difference between victory and defeat.
Donald-Jeffcott bowler Cooper Anderson helped limit the damage with five wickets at a sterling economy rate of 1.84, including the scalps of both Eagle openers.
Anderson then opened Donald-Jeffcott’s batting alongside Dylan Ruurds, and the pair established themselves quickly at the crease before stumps on Saturday, making 18 runs in only three overs.
They will resume at 10 and eight not out respectively, and could help their team go a long way towards securing a finals’ berth in its first season in the Horsham competition with a productive opening partnership.
Fourth-placed Donald-Jeffcott needs a win to assure itself of a finals appearance, with Swifts-Great Western poised to leapfrog the DJ Boys if they falter.
The Lions finished day one of their own match against Horsham Tigers 39 runs short of first-innings points after bowling the Tigers out for 150 and
CONTROL: Luke Deutscher’s 59 runs helped the Colts to a mammoth total of 10-286. FORM: Laharum’s Josh
reaching 4-111 in reply. As has been the case for much of the season, Tyler Puls was solid in the middle of the Tigers’ line-up, making 60 with the bat to lead his side, while Adam Carter chimed in with 37.
Lions bowler Ethan Marrow took 4-14 to lead his side’s attack, while Jacob Dunn’s 52 with the bat put the team on track for victory.
But the best batting performance of the round so far was that of Logan Millar, who made 126 to put Colts in a commanding position against finalsbound Laharum at Dudley Cornell Park.
Millar’s superb knock included plenty of boundaries, with 16 fours and seven sixes contributing to a healthy strike rate of nearly 80.
It was Millar’s first century since joining the Colts following the withdrawal of Homers at the end of last season, and his third A Grade ton overall.
Playing a supporting role to Millar was Luke Deutscher, whose 59 runs
helped the Colts to a mammoth total of 10-286.
Laharum had only four overs at the crease in reply before stumps, reaching 15 without loss.
Fresh from an entertaining showdown in the one-day grand final, West
Wimmera and Noradjuha-Toolondo again faced off at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
Star West Wimmera batsman Brad Alexander atoned for his early dismissal in the one-day final with a team-high 78 runs, guiding the War-
riors to 10-185. The Bullants made a slow start in 14 overs before stumps, scoring 16 runs and losing the wicket of Matt Combe. They will have nine wickets in hand with 170 runs needed for victory when play resumes on Saturday.
Elsewhere, St Mary’s looks to have saved its best performance for last in its debut HCA season.
The Saints are winless so far but surpassed the 200-run barrier for the first time all season against LubeckMurtoa at Murtoa.
St Mary’s received middle-order contributions of 46, 49 and 43 from Kael Zanker, Nathan Priest and Lincoln Westerland – batting at five, six and seven respectively – to finish 10210 in more than 70 overs.
The pick of the Lubeck-Murtoa attack was Oliver Lindsay who took 5-42 in 17 overs.
The Mudlarks faced only one over in reply before stumps, with Xavier Shevlin set to resume on three and Blake Downer yet to face a ball.
Big-hitting Logan Millar, right, celebrates his first century for Colts and his third in Horsham Cricket Association’s A Grade competition at Dudley Cornell Park on Saturday. Millar, below, smashing one of his 16 fours and seven sixes, made 126 despite playing with an Achilles injury. Colts set finals hope Laharum, 0-15, a challenging 271 runs to make this week. Story, page 43. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
With a theme of ‘Fantastic Farm Trucks’ at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Pimpinio’s Kelvyn Ball, pictured with dog Pepper, is set to showcase his self-restored Ford F-series truck. Story, page 15.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
MARCH 3-5, 2026
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Wimmera Machinery
Field
Days’ three-day event next week is bringing the latest of agricultural technology, family entertainment and celebration of community – this year with the theme ‘fantastic farm trucks’.
Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said the theme was chosen by the committee after last year’s theme of ‘big tractors’ proved popular among attendees.
“It’s something for people to come and have a look at, for people who may not have been exposed to farm life or to the machinery that’s on the farm, or those interested in the history,” she said.
“There’s a lot of history in some of these older vehicles that have been on farms for many, many years.
“At the moment we’ve got about 20 farm trucks organised for our theme, of varying ages and sizes.”
Mrs Lenehan said the trucks would be displayed with their unique information at different sites around the Wimmera Events Centre.
“If there are some that start fairly easy, we might fire a few of them up and just let them run a little bit,” she said.
“I know last year when Big Bud was fired up down at the gate, people were very quick to go over to check it out.
“The field days is all about new machinery, new technologies, and what’s at the forefront of agriculture, but this is a good way for us to display some
of the history that’s been involved in getting it to where it is now.”
Mrs Lenehan said she was grateful for the ongoing support given to the event by sponsors and committee members.
“A big thank you to all of our sponsors who support the event – there are some sponsors that support us in a pretty big way and it’s always nice to have them on board,” she said.
“The committee gives up hours and hours to come out here and get the site prepared and the staff in the office keep me on track and work pretty hard, too.”
More than 400 exhibitors will showcase their products and services to about 10,000 people at the 62nd annual event, across indoor and outdoor sites, with special features set to educate and entertain.
Children’s act Paw Patrol has been rebooked and will appear for shows at 10.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, with a meet and greet at 11.30am.
“Paw Patrol will be back up on stage – it was such a big success last year, that we decided to go ahead with it again, for those people who missed out last year, or those people who are really keen to come and see Chase and Marshall again,” Mrs Lenehan said.
“Field days are all about information, and we try to provide as much information as we can across every single issue – it’s health, it’s education, it’s entertainment, and it’s ag-based as well”
– Vanessa Lenehan
“We’ve also got the Rev it Up Racing simulator back, and Black Snake Productions with the reptile and wildlife display, along with facepainting, the animal nursery and the mini train.”
Guest speakers, product and cooking demonstrations, a Dunmunkle Sumpoilers tractorcade each day, kids’ zone, Horsham College fashion parade, Dalki Garringa Native Nursery and a beer garden also contribute to the list of attractions.
“We make it as attractive as we can with a mix of something for everyone to get as many people here as we can,” Mrs Lenehan said.
“We have the latest technologies in agriculture for the farming community and everything in between, so there’s something for the townspeople to come out and have a look at too.
“Field days are all about information, and we try to provide as much information as we can across every single issue – it’s health, it’s education, it’s entertainment, and it’s agbased as well.”
Welcome to the 62nd Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Be on the lookout for our fantastic farm trucks. We really enjoyed the display of big tractors last year, so this year, we decided to bring fantastic farm trucks to the field days.
Thanks to everyone who contributes by bringing their trucks to the field days. Please be respectful when looking at them, and remember, they are private property.
Our exhibitors need the biggest recognition. Without you, we would not have the field days, so thank you for your continued support.
To our new exhibitors – welcome to our field days, and I hope your time here is successful.
We continually strive to make our field days a success and welcome your feedback.
Thank you to our sponsors who continue to support our field days.
We view your contribution to our field days and the relationships we build with you to help you promote your business.
Please show your support to our sponsors by visiting their sites and their businesses throughout the year.
We continue to offer our small local market businesses the opportunity to showcase their products on Wednesday, on the back lawn of the office.
Please come and support them and see what they have to offer.
This year has again been a very tough year with different areas affected by bushfires yet again.
I’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their houses and property during this time.
Our Ag Ed Quest, co-ordinated by Partners in Ag, is an important part of the field days, showcasing agriculture and technologies and the many and varied careers the agriculture industry has to offer.
It’s always great to see so many school students at the field days, enjoying a day out, filled with fun, educational activities.
We have a wide range of attractions, so there’s something for everyone.
Black Snake Productions reptiles and wildlife display, Rev It Up Racing simulator, Level Up! gaming, fantastic farm trucks, heritage tractors, helicopter rides, mini train rides, animal nursery, kids’ zone, Royal Flying Doctor Service simulator, and PAW Patrol are back on stage again on Wednesday.
Thanks to the community groups who contribute to the successful running of the field days and the many volunteers from these groups who make it possible.
Running an organisation based on volunteers is becoming increasingly difficult, so we commend the individuals who keep these groups going.
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is a member of the Association
of Agriculture Field Days of Australasia.
This is an important alliance and network of field days across Australia and New Zealand and represents more than 24,000 businesses participating across field day events.
It involves almost 100,000 suppliers, nationally and internationally, and generates an estimated $2-billion in immediate sales from events staging, while injecting $80-million to $100-million into rural and regional communities through local spending – accommodation, hospitality, fuel and retail services.
Field days strengthen the community connection and resilience, acting as major social events for rural towns, support regional tourism, drawing interstate and international visits to host towns, and boost local economies during event weeks, with some towns experiencing the largest economic activity during field days.
Not only is the AAFDA a fantastic resource for those of us working behind the scenes, it is also a unified advocacy voice for agricultural events across Australia and New Zealand. We welcome all of our guests from other field days.
A big thank you to the volunteer WMFD committee for their work and support to make the field days a success, and to a team in the office for their dedication and commitment.
I hope you enjoy the 62nd annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
– Vanessa Lenehan
From the president
On behalf of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee and staff, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the 2026 Wimmera Machinery Field Days, celebrating our 62nd year of delivering the latest agriculture, technology and innovations to farmers across Western Victoria.
After an incredibly challenging start to 2025, the season did improve with the majority of farmers having a better-than-expected finish to the season, particularly those in the southern half of the state.
We hope the field days will provide a great
opportunity to reflect on the year, reconnect with old friends, and build new networks.
The committee would like to thank all our exhibitors for the time and effort that goes into having their sites looking fantastic.
We have a large range of exhibits from machinery, technology, finance, tools all the way through to home and lifestyle.
The committee would also like to thank our community groups and sponsors for their support, without them we would be unable to run such a successful event.
We’d also like to thank our staff for their professionalism and hard work in bringing the committee’s visions and ideas to life.
I’d like to thank all the committees and their families for their time, effort and dedication they put in throughout the year.
– Harry Young
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Onbehalf of Horsham Rural City Council, I am delighted to welcome you to the 62nd annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
This event is a highlight of the calendar for our agricultural community, and thanks to the incredible hard work and commitment of volunteers and staff, we are again welcoming thousands of visitors from across Victoria and interstate to three fabulous days at Longerenong.
Every year I am amazed at the innovation on display at the field days as exhibitors showcase their latest products, machinery and development in primary production and agribusiness.
This year we welcome more than 400 exhibitors from across Victoria, NSW and South Australia, ensuring another bumper trade show and a packed program for visitors near and far. Importantly, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is an opportunity for our farmers and wider community to make and renew social connections, and to exchange ideas, challenges and solutions in farming practice, equipment and technology. We recognise also there is more to farming than growing
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productivity and efficiency, and the field days offers a range of related opportunities in the Country Lifestyle and Health Hub exhibitions.
There really is something for everyone.
Congratulations to president Harry Young, the committee and staff for delivering another hugely successful event.
Horsham Rural City Council is a proud supporter of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Please feel free to drop in for a chat at our site in the Moore Exhibition Centre.
Businesses large and small use the annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days to promote, sell and showcase their products to a wide breadth of potential clientele.
While most sites are used across the event’s three days, the singleday Local Market Square allows people who sell as a hobby to take part on Wednesday, the traditional family day.
Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said sites were filling fast for the market, as well as the large outdoor sites, the Alan Heard Pavilion, the Moore Exhibition Centre, Coun-
try Lifestyle Pavilion and Marquee, and Country Lifestyle Square.
“There are some exhibitors who will be displaying their new product releases, which are listed in our program, too,” she said.
“The outdoor sites are mainly for the bigger machinery – anyone who’s got any equipment on site, basically, is outdoors,” she said.
“The Moore Pavilion is more for government services, schools, health, education, legal, emergency services, Agvic, the CMA – they’re all in there.
“Alan Herd Pavilion features more agribusiness, grain marketing, tech-
nology and that kind of thing.”
Mrs Lenehan said the Country Lifestyle exhibitors across the pavilion, marquee and square, included small businesses who sold the likes of food, skincare, party plan items, and clothing.
“We’ve got the Local Market Square on the Wednesday again –it’s really good to see them come back,” she said.
“A lot of them found the three days was too much to ask midweek as they all have other jobs and commitments as well, but it gives them the opportunity to showcase what they’ve got.”
The lifestyle and market areas ensure contemporary offerings among the traditional favourites.
“The loyal supporters, like Beetanicals, The Wimmera Grain Store and Grampians Olives Co, are coming back again – it’s good to see those return,” Mrs Lenehan said.
“The Alan Heard is fairly tightly held. Occasionally we’ll get one who’s not coming, but there’s always a waiting list for that, and the Moore is reasonably steady.
“The overall site itself is reasonably full – we have got some newer, bigger ones coming in, which is really good.”
return bus service to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site at Longerenong from Horsham is being trialled this year.
Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said the service would leave from Park Drive’s Horsham City Netball courts carpark at 9am and 11am, and then from the field days’ gate one at 1pm and 4.30pm to return to Park Drive.
“We thought some people might struggle to get out here if they don’t have access to a vehicle of their own, so we thought we’d try an extra bus,” she said.
“The site explorer bus that we have travelling within the site all day is coming out, so they can bring some people out.
“People can come out in the morning, or come out in the afternoon, come out all day, or come out for two hours, so there are options.”
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days prides itself on providing a showcase with a modern, professional image and the latest in agriculture machinery and technology.
This is epitomised in a whole-site competition across five site awards and two product awards.
“It’s based on presentation, how good your site looks, what information you’ve got, whether you’re engaging with people,” field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said.
“The committee judges parts of the site, sometimes we’ll go and have a look, and the country lifestyle co-ordinators judge theirs.
“The winners receive a little trophy, which is hopefully put in pride of place.”
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is an event like no other, and one I look forward to every year.
The field days is always an amazing showcase of the latest developments in primary production and agribusiness, and the 62nd instalment of the event at Longerenong this year promises to be no different.
Through the incredible work of the volunteers on the Wimmera Machinery Field Days Committee, led by Harry Young, and the field days staff, this event – one of the country’s largest agricultural trade shows –continues to raise the bar and innovate.
The field days not only offers unique opportunities to see an amazing array of products and attractions, but also offers a chance for
people to catch up with others, enhancing the social fabric of our region and building connections.
As one of the premier events for our region, the field days also plays a vital role in our economy, with significant flow-on effects for our accommodation and hospitality sectors among others.
As the deputy leader of the Victorian Nationals, shadow minister for agriculture and shadow minister for mental health, events like the Wimmera Machinery Field Days provide me with a fantastic forum for ensuring the issues that matter most to rural and regional Victoria are heard in Parliament.
I encourage everyone to come along and see the incredible variety of things the field days has to offer as we celebrate our wonderful agricultural community.
I look forward to seeing you there. – Emma Kealy
Foryears I have enjoyed catching up with countless people at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and I am very disappointed that my strong run of attendance will be broken this year because I am required in Canberra for Parliament.
I am very concerned about the Albanese Labor government’s utter neglect of Mallee.
We’ve copped a one-third cut in spending in Mallee, about $86-million over three years.
Clubs and community groups can’t upgrade their facilities, councils can’t help them, and this is where the rubber hits the road from Labor’s neglect of western Victoria.
Speaking of roads, Transport Minister Catherine King had the weak shot at me in question time claiming Labor delivered the Horsham junction roundabout.
Let’s be clear about this –The Nationals were the ones in 2021-22 who funded that project in government.
In 2023 I, with then-shadow transport minister and Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, called out state and federal Labor’s woeful
lack of progress. It’s pretty cheap for Minister King to try and take credit, five years later, for actually spending Coalition money and now adding more due to cost blow outs, to finally begin the project.
Minister King also claimed Labor is improving the Western Highway, which I am sure readers will meet with equal measures of mirth and horror.
What ‘works’? A little bit of work on bridges over railway lines, sure, but duplication of Western Highway isn’t getting anywhere past Ararat, and
we know Labor bungling is the reason for that.
The simple fact is Labor does not want to lift a finger beyond its pet regional cities Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong.
I will use every opportunity I can to call them out for their cheap shots.
Maybe Minister King should set foot in Mallee, just once, maybe bounce around on our roads, to get a small sense of how we have to live with Labor’s neglect of western Victoria.
– Anne Webster
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Television characters Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol will head the children’s entertainment at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days on Wednesday.
The Adventure Bay heroes will back up last year’s well-attended appearance with two shows – at 10.30am and 12.30pm – and a meet-andgreet at 11.30am.
GWMWater’s Phil the Bucket will appear at the main office lawn at noon, also on Wednesday, In celebration of his 18th birthday, he will have giveaways for children aged 12 years and younger and will be available to pose for photos with people. Other attractions throughout the three-day
event include a family and kids’ zone, hosted by Green Park Kindergarten, featuring arts, crafts, and games.
It will be in the air-conditioned sponsors’ pavilion, and is a space for parents and children to enjoy unlimited entertainment.
Outside, Fun Farm 2 U will offer a unique mobile farm animal petting experience for children and adults, while Black Snake Productions will have a range of native animals in an educational experience.
Rev It Up Racing simulator and Level Up! will provide virtual fun for all ages.
People can check the field days program for more information on session times and exhibit locations.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days at a glance...
The 2026 Wimmera Machinery Field Days will run on March 3, 4 and 5 at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong.
Gates open to the public at 8.30am and close at 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, gates open at 8.30am and close at 4pm.
Siquay Solutions will showcase its airfilter alternative at Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year, which aims to lower running costs and gives a solution to filter replacement.
Manager Alexander May said he and Myles Sicuro founded Siquay Solutions with a clear objective – to identify proven technology from around the world and make it accessible to Australian industry.
He said the cycle of removing, disposing and replacing air filters across mixed machinery fleets was one of the most persistent and accepted running costs across agriculture, construction and heavy industry.
“Siquay Solutions is looking to change that –we are bringing our range of air filter cleaning and industrial maintenance equipment to this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days, offering operators a proven alternative to constant filter replacement,” he said.
“A lot of the technology we work with has been established overseas for some time, but it simply hasn’t been readily available in Australia until now.
“Field days are the ideal opportunity to demonstrate these tools to the people who stand to benefit most.”
Mr May said the centrepiece of the Siquay range was their air-filter cleaning toolkit, a purpose-built system that connected to a standard air-compressor and delivered a thorough 360-degree clean.
“The kit is designed to service the kinds of airfilters found in headers, tractors, trucks, loaders and grain-handling equipment,” he said.
“The principle is straightforward but effective: rather than discarding a dirty filter, operators can clean it, inspect its condition, and return it to service if it passes muster.”
Mr May said the kits were available in standard and XL sizes to accommodate different filter dimensions, and a dedicated dust-containment unit paired with them to manage dust during the cleaning process.
“For operators looking for a measurable reduction in filter costs without compromising equipment performance, this is a sensible entry point,” he said.
“We will also be showcasing Siquay’s industrial vacuum range – heavy-duty units engineered for workshops, machinery sheds and maintenance areas where grain dust, fine particles and general debris accumulate rapidly.
“They are built to withstand continuous use in harsh conditions and feature a Longopac bagging system that streamlined emptying and disposal, reducing downtime and mess between jobs.”
Mr May said they were not at the field days to push products people did not need.
“We’d rather understand what’s happening at your site and point you in the right direction,” he said.
“That’s exactly why we attend events like this –to have real conversations about real problems.”
Siquay Solutions will be at site R12, where the team will have equipment set up for live demonstrations, and will be available to discuss solutions tailored to specific operations.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Pimpinio’s Kelvyn Ball will showcase his self-restored Ford F-series truck at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days under its ‘fantastic farm trucks’ theme.
Mr Ball’s 1946-or-so truck belonged to his parents, Mervyn and Lois, who bought it second-hand from Pimpinio’s Thamm family.
“As far as I know, Dad bought it in 1957, from the Thamms who had the Shell fuel depot at Pimpinio,” he said.
“They used to cart fuel in 44-gallon drums out to the farmers in that and an old EH ute until bulk came in, and then they got the truck and put a tipper on it.”
Mr Ball said the truck was used around the farm for carting hay and grain to the silos – it held 80 bags, weighing about seven tonnes.
“They were only about 4.5-tonne trucks,” he said.
“My memory of it is carting hay –that and we used to jump on the roof, which was all dented in.
“It just sat in the shed for probably a good 20 years before I pulled it out and tried to get it restored for my mother’s 80th birthday.”
Mr Ball said the restoration took about two years.
“When my parents bought it, they didn’t have a lot of money and it’s been with us all this time. I didn’t really want to scrap it, so I did it all up,” he said.
“It was six volt – I’ve changed it to 12, six volts is hard to get hold
of – and everything’s been done except the differential and the gearbox. Everything else has been re-pinned and re-bushed.
“But every time we went to get a part, we couldn’t get it, so I’ve had to make all the pins, had to make all the ball joints, or get other ball joints and pull them apart, lay them down, and put them all back together again.”
While Mrs Ball’s 80th birthday came and went, the truck restoration continued.
“When my parents bought it, they didn’t have a lot of money and it’s been with us all this time. I didn’t really want to scrap it, so I did it all up”
“We didn’t actually get it done for Mum’s 80th, which was the plan, it was about her 82nd,” he said.
“We kept it a secret from her, so it was a big surprise. She was pretty impressed with it because that was their first truck on the farm, she was pretty
We will see you at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days
– Kelvyn Ball
emotional about it.” Mr Ball said the truck also holds memories for him, particularly of his father, who died about 30 years ago.
“It’s quite funny, though – I thought dad was a big man, but he used to get in behind that steering wheel quite
easily, and I don’t seem to fit,” he said.
“The restoration was a lot of work, but I’m glad I did it – it’s probably more roadworthy now than it ever was.”
Mr Ball said the truck was part of the Old Skool Hotrod and Custom Club rod run in Horsham last year, and he hoped to take it to truck shows.
“But I just haven’t got there yet,” he said.
“There’s no use just having it in the shed, with nobody looking at it.”
Possession – March 2026
READY: Mibus Transport owner Daniel Mibus will be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, offering assistance to people transporting large machinery. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
While big-ticket items at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days tend not to be bought on impulse, the logistics of transporting large items home can still present unforeseen complications.
Mibus Transport owner Daniel Mibus said his team could alleviate any issues – they specialise in moving oversized machinery, from simply supplying a pilot to trucking or towing.
“We transport any sort of machinery and we specialise in towing anything that doesn’t fit on the back of a drop deck, as in mother bins, field bins and augers,” he said.
“We also offer a certified and insured pilot team. So, when people buy, they can rely on us to get it home.
“We’re here to offer a service to farmers, especially now machinery’s getting bigger, heavier and longer.”
Mr Mibus said while some exhibitors provided delivery with purchases, others from further afield might not.
“If you think it’s too hard, we want to do it; if you think we can’t do it, we will do it; and if you haven’t got time, we’ll make time,” he said. “Even if you’re only thinking about buying it, talk to me.
“If you think it’s too hard, we want to do it; if you think we can’t do
it, we will do it; and if you haven’t got time, we’ll make time”
– Daniel Mibus
“I’ll tell you what it’s going to cost, I’ll tell you what you need to do. I do a lot of quotes for budgeting purposes only.”
Mr Mibus said his staff of 10 were well versed in the industry’s rules and regulations, and offered a safe service for all road users.
“There’s a lot of things that farmers are exempt from compared to us on a commercial basis, but the pilot vehicle isn’t there only for rules and regulations, it’s there for the safety of other road users,” he said.
“I’m big on that.
“Everyone struggles with transport, and the reason they struggle is because of the rules and regulations of the permits.
“Because we do it every day, we know what the rules are, we know what the regulations are, and we know how to get the permits, which makes it easy.”
People can contact Mr Mibus on 0428 340 891.
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BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Contemporary community needs and issues are catered to at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, across services, local business, fundraising, exposure and guest speakers.
People with limited mobility can hire scooters, CFA and Ambulance Victoria will be on-site, and the site’s renovations include a new disabled-access toilet block.
Guest speakers speak to issues faced by farmers and the wider community, and community groups have the opportunity to showcase their offerings, attract members and raise money.
Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said guests spoke on a range of topics, from wellbeing to financial advice.
“Speakers might talk about issues that are relevant to the region – it could be on regional investment and how to get low interest loans, or maybe on mental health,” she said.
“We do try and make sure that we have services here that can cover off on the things people need.”
Mrs Lenehan said giving people the experience and exposure of the field days was a priority.
“We’ve reached out to councils to give them free tickets to hand to the people who have been the worst affected by events or hardship, and leave that with them to decide who they may distribute
the tickets to,” she said. “Last year, we contacted GWM Tourism after the Grampians got hit pretty hard with the fires and invited them to come and have a stand at the field days to let people know they were back up and running.
“We do try and reach out to anyone who’s been affected as much as we can, I think that’s important.”
Community groups have different roles at the field days, from educational to fundraising to awareness.
This year they include the district’s sporting groups, Scouts, schools, CFA and an agricultural and pastoral society.
Participating organisations include the cancer council, CWA, VICSES, Victoria Police, legal aid, men’s shed, and tourism.
“All the groups have different roles here,” Mrs Lenehan said.
“We’ve got local caterers – Natimuk A and P Society is in the Alan Heard, we’ve got Nhill’s Luv-A-Duck products, so rather than just go to the commercial caterers, which we also need, we have lots of community groups.
“It’s getting harder and harder for these groups to find volunteers, so it’s good for them to be here, it helps promote the groups a little bit more.
“For those groups that have got the energy to get up and get going and be here and support the event, we’re happy to support them in return.”
YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS: Matthew Rohrsheim, Ben Grieger and Bill Jorgensen are ready to assist.
J and A Shooting prides itself on meeting the needs of hunters, fishers and outdoor enthusiasts across western Victoria and beyond – and receiving subsequent five-star reviews.
Now a 14-year established business, J and A Shooting has six staff who all have outside experience in the field, offering advice and knowledge on high-quality products from all major brands.
J and A have the largest range of firearms in western Victoria and offer post-sale services.
They also assist with servicing, repairs, alignments and alterations to a variety of firearms and accessories.
With over 1000 new and secondhand firearms for sale in store, they
also offer in-house trade and consignment firearms.
Team members are experts in night vision and thermal imaging, stocking major brands such as Hikmicro, ThermTec, Pulsar, Pixfra, Arken, Fyrlyt and more.
Some of their major suppliers include Beretta, Winchester, NIOA, OSA, Raytrade, Hikmicro, ThermTec, Extravision, NightForce, Spika, Engel Fridges, Stoney Creek, Hunters Element, Carnivore Collective, Dog and Gun Coffee, and many more.
J and A Shooting is involved with more than 40 fishing, shooting and sporting clubs across Australia.
owner Bill Jorgensen, staff members
are all avid sport shooters with combined experience in DTL, trap, and field-and-game shotgun shooting.
“If I’m not in the shop you’ll find me either gold detecting out bush or competing in competition shooting almost every weekend, both local and interstate,” Mr Jorgensen said.
“You’ll find everything here you need for your next sport shooting competition, hunting session, fishing trip or simply a weekend away camping.
“You’ll know you’re in good hands at J and A Shooting – buy from the guys who actually shoot and fish.”
Airtime
Horsham’s Total Tools has been part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days landscape for more than half a century, offering its varying services and products to the community.
Owned by Tracey and Stuart Hobbs since 2003, the business began when Mrs Hobbs’ father Brian Breuer joined his parents to become LJ Breuer in 1961.
They showcased their new range of workshop products, branching into retail from distribution, both in-store and at the field days.
Mr Hobbs said the business had been ‘pretty much at the same site’ each year.
“When the business went retail, the big items for a start were welders and gas sets, which was the first entry into retail out at the field days,” he said.
“So, from then on in, the business has just expanded and gone into workshop supplies, power tools through to mowers.”
Mr Hobbs said their field days site featured a permanent shed, which offered welcomed shade for people browsing the range of products.
“We take Milwaukee and Makita power tools, we take Kincrome as a
hand-tool supplier, as well as UniMig and Cigweld welding and gas equipment,” he said.
“And then we have a range of general tools and workshop supplies equipment, from our own brand Total Tools and others.
“It looks like a general store when we’re out there, because we have our computers that link into our system, just a normal shop scenario.”
Mr Hobbs said the store’s representatives would be on-site to offer advice to customers.
“And special deals – there’s always specials at the field days,” he said.
Total Tools can be found at outdoor site C1-4.
Family-owned business Out and About Clothing will continue its decade-long tradition of attending the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year.
Made in Keith, South Australia since 2001, the label brings a colourful and uniquely Australian range of country clothing to locals and visitors alike.
Every piece in their women’s and kids’ rugby top collection is designed and manufactured in Australia – ensuring true craftsmanship and attention to detail.
With more than 450 different designs featuring bold colours and colourful collars, Out and About Clothing offers something to suit every style and shape. Sizes range from XS to 6XL, and they even offer custommade options for the perfect fit.
Owner and designer Christine Rosenzweig said she had transformed her passion for sewing into a thriving country fashion brand.
“We love giving women the chance to see and feel our range in person,” she said.
“With so many designs to choose from, the hardest part is simply deciding which one to take home.”
In addition to their signature rugby tops, Out and About Clothing will also showcase a variety of other popular items at the field days, including rugby skirts and shorts, kids’ rugby jumpers, sock protectors, and their ever-popular farm-themed baby bibs. Both relaxed fit and semi-fitted rugby tops in short or long sleeves will be available to browse and buy.
People can head to the Country Lifestyle Pavilion to see Out and About Clothing’s vibrant collection in person, or explore the full range online at www.outandaboutclothing.com.au.
For many businesses and organisations, being part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days means a busy first week of March.
But for the ACE Radio Horsham team, much of the work began months ago to prepare high-level promotion and accurate communications about the region’s premier agriculture event.
The Weekly Advertiser today publishes a 64-page AgLife lift-out, detailing field days information and agricultural news.
Radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM will broadcast key information from the three-day event, with staff from both the radio stations and The Weekly Advertiser on site to talk to exhibitors and patrons.
The ACE Radio site will be next to the field days’ office at the Wimmera Events Centre.
ACE Horsham general manager Brendan O’Loughlin said playing a key role as media partner of the field days was part of ACE Radio’s commitment to its regional communities.
Mr O’Loughlin said as well as assisting the field days organisers with promotion of the event, ACE Radio also helped the many businesses –both local and from further afield – to promote their individual brands.
“We’re thrilled to play a part in what is a fantastic social and business gathering,” he said.
“It really is important for the wider region to host such large-scale events,
such as the field days – it showcases a key part of the fabric of who we are in the Wimmera.”
Editorial director Lauren Henry said the substantial lift-out in today’s The Weekly Advertiser was a reflection on the importance of the event, and what it brought to the region.
The Weekly Advertiser reaches more than 20,000 homes and businesses across the region, and will also be
available from ACE Radio’s site at the field days. “It’s such a big effort from organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors to ensure the field days are a success every year,” she said.
“Each year we look forward to showcasing the field days, both through today’s publication prior to the event to ensure substantial promotion, but also following the field days when we’ll have plenty of coverage through our
print edition, our website and social media.
“There really is something for everyone at the field days, and we encourage people to head out to Longerenong and see for themselves.
“Drop into our site and say hello to our staff. We love meeting our readers and listeners, and catching up with the many supporters we have through our clients and partners.”
“Each year we look forward to showcasing the field days, both through today’s publication prior to the event to ensure substantial promotion, but also following the field days when we’ll have plenty of coverage through our print edition, our website and social media” – Lauren Henry
Radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM will offer listeners a range of field days-flavoured news and entertainment, leading into and throughout the field days event.
Horsham-based broadcast journalist Emma Clark will conduct on-site interviews with a range of exhibitors across the event and provide extensive coverage throughout 3WM’s Country Today and afternoon programs, as well as both stations’ local news services.
Content director Anthony Thompson said the entire team looked forward to being part of the field days.
“We love being a part of one of the biggest days on the local calendar, and we pride ourselves on ensuring listeners not only get insights into what the event is all about, the highlights and what activities are on, but also showcasing individual site-holders for our wider audiences,” he said.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Wimmera
Prostate Cancer Support Group nurse Sheena Kirby and members Brian Nagorcka and Jack Janetzki are encouraging people to visit their site at next week’s
Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Men aged in their 40s and those who have not tested are the target of Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days campaign.
Group member Jack Janetzki said they had good results at last year’s field days event.
“We had a lot of people come to see us, a fair percentage of guys knew about prostate cancer and a lot of them had their tests done, they were really on top of it,” he said.
“We had one man speak to us whose father had cancer, and he said he’d had a turn in his mid-40s. That’s fairly young to have prostate cancer.
“A lot of information I’m getting from the prostate support group in Melbourne shows there’s a lot of
young blokes being diagnosed with it, who are a lot younger than we anticipated.
“Normally you only start getting a test from about 50 to 55 onwards.”
Mr Janetzki said the group aimed to educate men to be tested for the cancer.
“We just want to get men on our side –if you haven’t had a test, go and get a test. It’s only a blood test,” he said.
“It’s just to make people aware, especially when the percentage is actually going up.”
Mr Janetzki’s experience with the cancer began following ‘old school’ testing when he was in his 50s.
“I then had biopsies done when I was about mid-60s, but I didn’t find out about it until about three years later, so then it was a pretty urgent operation,” he said.
“Fortunately, it hasn’t escaped into my bones, I’m pretty lucky that way.
“I’ve got sons who are in their 40s – one is getting on for 50 – and I said to the second one just the other day, ‘you’re in your early 40s, go and get another test’.
“Because if it’s in the family, there is a fair chance of them being diagnosed with it at some point.”
Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group volunteers will be at their stall in the Moore Exhibition Centre across the event’s three days.
“We just want people to be aware and test for it,” Mr Janetzki said.
Regional Development
Australia Grampians together with Regional Partnerships Wimmera Southern Mallee will host a forum focusing on artificial intelligence at Longerenong on Friday.
The ‘Driving Productivity: AI for Farms, Factories and Food Producers’ forum is designed for the AI-curious, offering a practical introduction to how artificial intelligence is transforming agribusiness and manufacturing.
The free event, at Longerenong College from 10am to 3pm, is for business owners, operators, or anyone wanting to explore AI opportunities to drive productivity and futureproof their organisations.
The forum could help streamline administration and compliance; ease impact of worker shortages; use data and AI insights to improve decisionmaking, optimise water use, enhance livestock management, and drive better crop outcomes through smarter planting, spraying and harvesting; predict equipment maintenance needs and reduce downtime, improving operational efficiency; automate labour-intensive
tasks, improving efficiency and safety; optimise supply chain planning, inventory management, and production scheduling for faster, more efficient operations; and analyse large datasets to uncover trends, forecast demand, and support smarter business decisions.
The forum will be led by industry experts, including speakers from the Australian Regional AI Network and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub, alongside regional businesses showcasing how they are using AI and automation to drive innovation and efficiency.
Attendees will be connected to free, practical one-on-one support through ARM Hub and ARAIN, national programs that help businesses adopt advanced technologies and scale faster.
The program will feature real-world applications, local case studies and practical opportunities, highlighting how AI is boosting productivity and growth across the region.
For more information, people can visit events.human itix.com/ai-forum-horshamdriving-productivity.
Horsham Truck Company is a familyowned and operated business with almost 40 years of combined industry experience.
Manager Brendan Wills, who was born and bred in the area, said he understood how crucial the farming community was to the region, and indeed the country as a whole.
“With this in mind, we are proud to have a large farming customer-base, to help keep them moving and producing, with as little downtime as possible,” he said.
Horsham Truck Company has serviced Horsham and the surrounding areas for many years, supplying the highest-quality truck and trailer parts and accessories on the market.
“We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and providing quality service at every turn, supplying the best parts in the industry for almost every make and model,” Mr Wills said.
“This allows us to ensure you keep moving as soon as possible, free of worry.
“We can help to identify issues and supply the right parts and accessories for your trailer, truck or bus to get you back up and running with minimal hassle, keeping your business moving.”
Mr Wills said people who chose to work with the team at Horsham Truck Company, could expect nothing but the best.
“Maintaining affordability and integrity is a key component of our business and we work hard to ensure you are looked after not only as a customer, but also with great pricing and solid, quality parts, that will offer reliability, durability and safety,” he said.
“We are proud to be your trusted partner for your essential parts and accessories, whether they are replacements or full upgrades.
“Whether you’re a professional driver or a weekend enthusiast, Horsham Truck Company is here to support you every step of the way.
“Whatever you’re looking for, just be sure to give us a call before you visit, and we can chat to you about your specific needs, making sure we have the exact parts you need ready and waiting for you.”
Mr Wills said although Horsham Truck Company would not be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year, the team was still available.
“We are certainly available to help with any truck or trailer issue you’re having,” he said.
“People can feel free to drop in at 32 Hamilton Street, Horsham, or give us a call on 5381 1413.”
With the Wimmera Machinery Field Days back for another year, it’s a great chance for farmers to take a break from the farm and also have a re-think of priorities.
The field days are not all about farm machinery.
As the saying goes there’s something for everyone, including farmers hit by natural disasters in the first month of the year.
Bushfires dotted across the state, from the Otways in the south west to the Natimuk and Skipton area in western Victoria, to Ruffy, Longwood and Goomalibee in the north east, and the High Country around Corryong.
Families will be traumatised by what’s happened for many months and years to come. But there is also opportunity in these disasters.
On Country Today we recently spoke to Agriculture Victoria’s land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels, a regular on the program who is always giving sage advice.
He recommends farming families renew their farm-asset plans.
“It’s my suggestion to sit down with the family if you’ve got a chance to discuss where you want the farm to go in the future, what your vision is for the farm, what your goals are, and then using a large aerial photograph – laminate it to draw on it or use a computer program – start sketching out some of those ideas,” Mr Sturmfels said.
“It might just be putting one fence in a different spot or thinking about where you might run a laneway, or changing the location of your gates or your troughs to increase production and just improve the movement of stock and equipment.”
In my experience, livestock producers who have built laneways with troughs have found
with Libby Price
it has revolutionised their stock handling. The animals become familiar with the laneways, less stressed and quietly amble, graze and drink as they head to the yards.
The other proposition is to look at the latest in stock handling at the field days and find out how we can better understand how livestock move through the yards, what slows them down and what makes them travel smoothly and efficiently.
I’m not Temple Grandin – American academic, inventor and ethologist – but there will be experts to help with the latest designs.
Let’s leave the last advice to Mr Sturmfels.
“It’s not about just making life easier, it’s also more productive use of land. Productivity equals profits,” he told Country Today.
“It’s thinking through the natural features of the land and what the assets are and making best use of them.
“So we’re talking about fencing out steeper areas, looking at your more productive areas, in other words, deeper topsoils, your betterstructured topsoils, better-drained areas and attempting to maybe fence those areas or manage those areas differently to the other parts of the farm, giving the advantage that in the long run, hopefully to make a bit more money out of those areas, but you can also make the farm a bit more efficient.”
Locallyowned and operated Laser Horsham offers a range of trade services under one roof, from air-conditioning and solar to electrical and plumbing.
Laser Horsham heating and cooling manager Leigh Stewart said the experienced team provided reliable, efficient solutions, tailored to each customer’s needs.
“Regular servicing of air-conditioning and cooling systems not only helps prevent unexpected breakdowns but can also extend the life of your unit and reduce running costs, he said.
“Dirty or outdated systems often use more power, placing unnecessary strain on household budgets.
“Laser Horsham’s qualified
technicians install and service evaporative, ducted reverse-cycle, and wall-mounted air-conditioning systems, along with ceiling fans and ventilation solutions, helping families stay comfortable all year round.”
Beyond heating and cooling, Laser Horsham offers comprehensive electrical services, including lighting upgrades, switchboard installations, safety inspections, CCTV systems, solar and battery-power systems.
The plumbing team provides expert support with hot water systems, wastewater servicing, drainage and general maintenance, ensuring homes and businesses operate safe-
ly and efficiently. “Whether it’s replacing a single power point, upgrading a commercial switchboard, installing solar panels, or completing major infrastructure projects, no job is too big or too small,” Mr Stewart said.
“Every project is backed by Laser Horsham’s commitment to quality, safety and their ‘Totally Dependable’ service guarantee.”
Mr Stewart said for expert advice, friendly service, and a free, no-obligation quote, people could contact Laser Horsham on 5382 1375 or via its Facebook page.
“The team looks forward to helping the Wimmera-Mallee community stay comfortable, connected, and energy efficient all year round,” he said.
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Water reliability is crucial on the region’s farms, and GWMWater is reminding Wimmera pipeline customers to check they are prepared for supply interruptions of up to 72 hours – or three days.
While the rural pipeline network is designed to deliver a reliable service, interruptions can occur due to maintenance, repairs or unforeseen events.
GWMWater executive manager service delivery Michael Schneider said GWMWater strongly recommended customers have enough onsite storage to maintain supply during these periods.
“For properties that rely on piped water, having a minimum three-day onsite supply is critical,” he said.
“If certainty of supply is an issue, installing a tank provides peace of mind and helps ensure water is available when it’s needed most.”
Installing a tank does not just provide backup supply, it can also help deliver more consistent water-pressure across the property, improving the reliability of water delivery to homes, sheds and stock troughs.
To get the most benefit, property reticulation systems should be correctly designed.
GWMWater requires water to be piped directly from the meter to a tank and then distributed to points of
use such as houses and troughs from the tank.
This approach protects the pipeline network, improves on-farm efficiency and helps ensure fair and consistent pressure for all customers connected to the system.
For landholders planning to install or upgrade an on-farm piped water
system, GWMWater has a range of information and advice available to help develop the best design for each property.
A well-designed system can deliver multiple benefits, including improved farm productivity, by selecting the most effective locations for tanks and troughs; reduced pumping costs, by using land elevation and the pressure
provided by the pipeline connection to move water around the property; and lower installation costs, through efficient placement of tanks, troughs and pipework.
“Good design upfront can save money over the long term,” Mr Schneider said.
“Using natural fall and existing pressure wherever possible reduces
“For properties that rely on piped water, having a minimum three-day onsite supply is critical. If certainty of supply is an issue, installing a tank provides peace of mind and helps ensure water is available when it’s needed most”
– Michael Schneider
pumping needs and ongoing energy costs.”
GWMWater staff will be available throughout the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, inside the Moore Pavilion, and are encouraging farmers to stop by for a chat.
Visitors can speak directly with staff about maintaining a three-day onsite water supply, tank and reticulation design and any other rural water questions.
“The field days are a great opportunity for face-to-face conversations,” Mr Schneider said.
“Whether you’re planning a new system or reviewing an existing one, we’re here to help with practical advice tailored to your property.”
With on-farm water security playing a vital role in productivity and resilience, GWMWater says now is the time for landholders to check their storage capacity and ensure they are prepared.
Free Health Screenings with Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative
This year the Fat Farmers mobile health hub is offering free health screenings. Stop by for skin cancer checks, diabetes screening, heart health screening, and more. No appointments necessary.
We’ve got all the big guys on hand: row cropping and 4WD tractors with lots of hp, the X9 combine, a 616R selfpropelled sprayer, and more. Plus, whether it's digging, towing, spreading, or mowing, John Deere’s range of rural lifestyle and mower equipment helps turn your property dreams into reality. Go ahead, have a play.
Bredal’s XE range is known for accuracy, but it’s also got the width. Would a reach of 50 metres for fertilisers and 30 metres for lime give you a leg up? Stop by and chat with our friendly product specialists.
With product experts, an 8000 Series air cart, and the new 4420 Deep Knife Drill on hand, find out how you can get the winning combination for every seeding scenario.
While you’re exploring Goldacres equipment, don’t forget to take a moment to chat with the Product Manager about their On-Farm Program. By scheduling an On-Farm consultation, you’ll receive a customised experience tailored to your farm, on your terms, and on your territory. Book an On-Farm Visit with Goldacres
Get More with MacDon
A MacDon is always hungry for more. We have an M Series windrower and the big, new FD261 FlexDraper on site, so we invite you to stop by for a walk-around.
our great in Australia. range of deletes for
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Wimmera Ma -
chinery Field Days focus
is on two points this year – performance and people, the two things that matter most on any farm.
Horsham branch manager Luke Young said a mobile health hub would be on-site at the event, along with farming operations.
“Before you even step onto the machinery, there’s an opportunity to look after yourself – the Fat Farmers mobile health hub will be on site offering free health checks, including skin cancer screenings, diabetes testing, heart health assessments, and more,” he said.
“No bookings, no waiting lists — just practical support for the people who keep the region moving.
“From there, it’s all about horsepower and productivity.”
Mr Young said for broadacre operators chasing capacity and efficiency, visitors could get up close to high-horsepower row crop and 4WD tractors, the impressive John Deere X9 combine, and a 616R self-propelled sprayer.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to step up onto serious machinery and see how the latest technology is designed to reduce losses, improve precision, and cover more hectares in less time,” he said.
“Nutrient management is another key focus. With spreaders capable of reaching up to 50 metres for fertiliser and 30 metres for lime, the Bredal XE range demonstrates how accuracy and width can work together to improve efficiency across large programs.”
For people planning ahead for seeding, there is the opportunity to explore the proven pairing of the 8000 Series air cart and 4420 Deep Knife Drill from Bourgault – a combination designed to handle a wide range of soil types and seasonal conditions.
Mr Young said product specialists would be on hand, so growers could talk through the details and tailor a seeding solution to suit their program.
“Harvest and spraying solutions round out the line-up – the Goldacres team will be discussing free, one-on-one on-farm consultations, while MacDon will showcase an M Series windrower alongside the new FD261 FlexDraper front, built to handle heavy crops with confidence,” he said.
“Supporting harvest logistics, durable chaser bins from Coolamon
will also feature. Beyond the big gear, there’s something for every property size, with a full range of John Deere rural lifestyle and mowing equipment on hand – plus merchandise, toys, and plenty of photo opportunities for the kids.
“At Emmetts’ site, it’s not just about brands on display.
“It’s about practical solutions, real conversations, and equipment built to perform in Wimmera conditions.”
People can visit Emmetts at site E1.
While floods, bushfires, and cyclones have dominated recent headlines, drought remains a pressing concern for farming families across Australia.
Rural Aid has received a surge in requests for assistance, particularly for household drinking water, with 231 requests for water tanks so far this year.
Farmers across southern and eastern Australia are facing prolonged dry conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology showed January rainfall was well below average, ranking among the driest 10 per cent of the month of January on record since 1900, across most of Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and large parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.
Victoria and New South Wales had their lowest January rainfall totals since 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Some water storages in the eastern and southern states have also declined by up to 50 per cent compared with this time last year.
Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said access to reliable household water had become a daily challenge for many rural households, and affected every part of life on the farm.
“We want farming families to know help is available and that Rural Aid is here to support them,” he said.
Rural Aid provides practical assistance and wellbeing support to farmers affected by drought. Assistance is available now for farmers. People can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au.
JWR
Accounting and Advisory Services’
Joel Radlof offers farmers and regional business owners more than the regular BAS and tax return lodgements.
Growing up in regional Victoria, Mr Radlof said he understood what it meant for people to build something from the ground up, to work long days, and to care deeply about their family, their business, their farm, and their future.
“That’s why I started JWR Accounting and Advisory Services,” he said.
“After more than 13 years in accounting, I saw too many good business owners being left in the dark.
“Tax returns were lodged, BASs were submitted, but there was no real conversation about growth, cashflow, succession, or protecting what they had worked so hard to build.
“Farmers and regional business owners deserve more than basic compliance.”
Mr Radlof said his business focused on proactive advice.
“Yes, we handle tax properly – that’s a given – but what really matters is helping you understand your numbers in simple terms and using them to make smart decisions early, not after the year is finished,” he said.
“For farming families, that often means structuring things correctly to help keep the family farm in the family name. It means planning ahead for succession so the next generation can step in with clarity and confidence.
“And it means implementing practical, legal tax minimisation strategies so you’re not facing unnecessarily large tax bills.”
Mr Radlof said reducing tax was not just about saving money in the short term; it was about
freeing up cash to reinvest into the business, pay down debt faster, strengthen the balance sheet, and build long-term family wealth.
“It’s about turning good seasons into lasting progress – not just bigger tax payments,” he said.
“Reducing big tax bills isn’t about shortcuts –it’s about planning early and making informed decisions before it’s too late to act.”
JWR Accounting and Advisory Services works with farmers, tradies and small to medium businesses across the Wimmera, Ararat and Ballarat regions.
“Whether it’s asset protection, machinery planning, improving cashflow or reviewing your business structure, we take the time to understand your operation properly,” Mr Radlof said.
“No jargon. No confusion. No last-minute surprises – just clear communication, practical strategies and an accountant who genuinely cares.
“Good accounting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about legacy. It’s about protecting what you’ve built. If you feel like your current accountant only talks to you once a year, it might be time for a different conversation – let’s talk.”
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.
Longerenong College is an integral part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, from students contributing to the site set-up and its information exhibit, to the educational opportunities the event offers to students – the partnership is well-established.
Longerenong College marketing and business development co-ordinator Brad Barber said the college’s exhibit would be in the Moore Exhibition Centre again this year.
“I’ll be talking to parents and prospective students about the opportunities for education at Longerenong,” he said.
“Our students are very excited
about the field days – it’s right up their alley – and they might have to do some research on different products as part of their courses, so we will have a fair presence of students there, which is good.”
Mr Barber said the college attracted students from across Australia.
“There aren’t many of these types of facilities available in the country anymore,” he said.
“We are really filling a gap that the industry’s crying out for, because they want the next generation to have some industry learning and knowledge behind them.
“Farming has changed, and we’ve changed to meet that need – we really are providing a crucial service for the industry.”
The college accommodates between 100 and 150 students across its four courses, including full-time on-campus and off-campus, apprentices who learn during weeklong blocks during the year, and vocational-education students who attend each Wednesday to gain their Certificate II in agriculture.
The college builds partnerships with agricultural suppliers, giving students real in-the-field experience.
“We are very fortunate to have BASF, GRDC, Bayer and RAGT on site for the students to have
access to and to work with,” Mr Barber said.
“Last year the agronomy students did trial plots with BASF – these are guys who are developing new strains of canola. The students were seeing firsthand how they go about their work, which was amazing.”
Mr Barber said college students added to the wider community.
“They play footy with local people, they work for local farmers and businesses, and they socialise locally,” he said.
“It’s something that ticks away in the background that we take for granted – people don’t realise just what that adds to the community, and that’s something to be quite proud of.”
RYAN NT will show-
case its Retrofit Double
Discs at Wimmera Machinery Field Days – a simple disc-seeder conversion that lets farmers move from tynes to discs without replacing the whole bar.
RYAN NT national sales manager Paul Ryan said the offset double disc layout was built for penetration and easier cutting and designed to avoid hairpinning, while the front-seeding boot helped avoid blocking and accurately placed seed.
“The spring coil press wheels are designed to deliver superior seed-to-soil contact for more even germination,” he said.
“The wheels have a selfcleaning coil design that flexes to shed mud in sticky conditions and removes the need for rubber tyres.
“In broadacre sowing, that finishing step matters because it supports a stronger, more even strike across variable soil types.”
Mr Ryan said across cropping regions, farmers using RYAN NT retrofit double discs and spring-coil press-wheels were seeing a clearer, more even start to their broadacre crop.
IN FAVOUR: RYAN NT designer and managing director Paul Ryan with Narrabri farmers Lyn and Bill Guest. Mr Guest has used RYAN NT’s retrofit discs on his Napier drill for about three seasons and said the system kept even germination, even when sowing into tougher pasture and residue conditions.
“With clean-slot cutting, accurate placement, stronger seed-to-soil contact, and consistent furrow finishing, the result is germination that holds together across paddocks and across seasons,” he said.
“Farmers are not looking for fluff – they want their seeding gear to deliver a reliable strike across the whole paddock.
“We build these upgrades so farmers can lift establishment without replacing their whole machine.”
Mr Ryan said because the RYAN NT discs retrofit onto existing tine trip assemblies,
farmers could convert to discs without buying a new machine and keep the flexibility of their current setup.
“For a broadacre-crop program, that means improving germination performance while keeping the bar they already trust,” he said.
“We have spoken with farmers to see how RYAN NT upgrades are tracking in real Australian conditions, and the common feedback is straightforward: there is more even broadacre crop germination and a cleaner start to the season.”
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Exhibitor
Local farmers have reaped outstanding yield benefits from a new large red imidazolinone, IMI, tolerant lentil variety, GIA Colombo, released last spring.
Last year, a group of Wimmera growers volunteered with PBSeeds to trial the new variety on their farms, up against their existing large red lentil variety, PBA Kelpie.
Farm trials were between 17 and 35 hectares, offering growers a chance to compare how the new variety grew and ultimately performed on this scale.
The improved yield of GIA Colombo was even greater on farm than the independent NVT predicted MET yield trial results from the past two years.
Nationally, the variety was in 14 trials in 2023 and averaged a three per cent improved yield over PBA Kelpie, and in 2024 it was in 11 trials with an average 12 per cent improved yield over PBA Kelpie.
Growers paddock yield results in 2025 were significantly more, with GIA Colombo’s yield 18 to 48 per cent better than PBA Kelpie.
Some feedback was GIA Colombo was easier to harvest than PBA Kelpie, an important feature for lentil crops.
GIA Colombo was bred from the conventional PBA Jumbo2 and has a similar plant type and growth habit as this variety, which was once quite popular in the Wimmera.
It also has the same rating for Ascochyta blight resistance as PBA Jumbo2, the highest of any IMI-tolerant varieties.
Large lentils have a particular market to Sri Lanka, which can at times attract a premium.
Australian exports to the Sri Lankan market last year were about 150,000 tonnes.
The larger size of the grain is also favoured by growers who want to clean out weed seeds from harvested grainlots on farm.
For growers who prefer growing small red lentils, the variety GIA Thunder is still the highest yielding variety across national trials.
Shire Council’s community is invited to attend farming consultation sessions across the municipality to discuss a range of environmental and maintenance issues. All farmers and community members are welcome to contribute to discussions on the upcoming 2026-2027 budget and capital works program, road maintenance program, tree trimming, heavy vehicle access, and Landcare projects. The sessions will give people the chance to share their ideas, raise concerns and talk directly to council staff and councillors about the issues that matter most on rural roads and properties.
Small red lentils also have access to much larger volume market options and lend themselves well to bulk ship-
The farmer trial at Laharum also compared GIA Colombo and PBA Kelpie to GIA Thunder. GIA Thunder achieved the highest yield at 3.98t/ ha, eight per cent higher than GIA Colombo and 39 per cent higher than PBA Kelpie.
ment. In addition to these farm trial demonstrations, PBSeeds worked with several seed growers of GIA Colombo last year and have good quantities available for farmers wanting to grow GIA Colombo in the 2026 season.
PBSeeds will be in attendance at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Call past their site for a chat.
Sessions will be at: Rainbow Mecca, today, February 25 from 9.30am to 11am; Netherby Hall, Thursday, February 26, 9am to 10.30am; Broughton Memorial Hall, Thursday, February 26, 5pm to 6.30pm; Nhill Memorial Community Centre, Tuesday, March 10, 7pm to 8.30pm; Dimboola Old Shire Hall, Thursday, March 12, 9am to 10.30am; and Jeparit Memorial Hall, Thursday, March 12, 7pm to 8.30pm.
For more information, people can contact Ram Upadhyaya, director infrastructure services, on 5391 4444, or email info@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
* Available in single axle 10,000, 14,800, 24,000, 31,000, 37,000 or dual axle 31,000, 37,000 & 43,000 – all capacities are in litres
* Green, Red or Yellow
* Fitted with roll tarp hyd. raise & lower, cut off doors
* 24,000 & larger fitted with scales 3 cameras & 9” monitor & adjustable spout
* Available with hydraulic fire fighter kit
* Available in 31, 36, 42 & 47 X 7” and 35, 42, 50 x 9, 10 & 11” diameter
* Capacity 7” up to 1.5 tonne / min, 9” up to 2 tonne / min, 10” up to 2.5 tonne / min., 11” up to 3 tonne / min
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* Standard equipment includes reverse gearbox, electric start motor on 9,10 & 11” (option on 7”), new tyres, hopper & tow hitch
* Options: third wheel system, silo winch, collapsible hopper drop spouts, electric brakes
* Available in 67, 94, 121, 135 & 163 M³
* PTO & hydraulic drive available
* Waterproof lids-operated manually or hydraulically from the ground
* Roll top tarp versions available
* Standard with 15” discharge auger
* Removable floor for ease of cleanout
* Options: electronically controlled discharge spout and extra viewing windows
* Available in 15, 27, 33 & 46M³
* Available with fixed, springs, rocker & steerable or braked, springs & steering axles.
* 15M³ bin standard with 12” auger
* 27, 33 & 46M³ bin standard with 18” discharge auger
* PTO or hydraulic drive
* Fitted with roll tarp hyd. raise & lower, cut off doors and adjustable spout
* Options: Scales & Hydraulic / Petrol Fire Fighter kit
Now Available With Water Cooled Yanmar Diesel
* Available in 35, 42, 50, 60 & 70’ x 9, 10, 11 & 12”
* Shaft drive for maximum efficiency
* Hydraulically raised / lowered
* Standard equipment includes reverse gearbox, electric start motor, electric braked axles, LED work lights, new tyres, hopper & tow hitch
* Options: collapsible hopper, adjustable spout, drop spouts, mudguards, camera & monitor & bean flighting
* Available in 12, 14, 16 & 18’
* Both 163mm discharge augers are PVC lined to prevent fertilizer build up
* Winches are fitted for the raising, supporting and lowering of augers
* Each bin is fitted with a large sliding trapdoor at the bottom for quick unloading and cleaning
* Fitted with 14HP motor so both augers can be run simultaneously
to the Action Steel team.
fertiliser shed design is essential, regardless of whether storage need is 200 tonnes or 2000 tonnes, and Action Steel can help find the ideal configuration.
Achieving this starts by selecting the right shed for the operation, such as fully enclosed with a steep roof pitch and a large bulk storage area.
Beyond that, it is often the smaller design details that can have the biggest impact on the functionality of a fertiliser shed.
Action building consultant Ben McLerie likened the details to the one-percenters loved by footy coaches.
“For example, a concrete apron helps keep your fertiliser shed accessible after wet weather, makes it easier to clean up spills and saves time with more efficient loading and unloading,” he said.
“Panel flashing is another popular one-percenter and is a standard inclusion in all Action fertiliser shed designs.
“A simple yet effective detail, panel flashing is the angled flashing from the top of the concrete panel to the shed wall, which provides a barrier if the shed is overfilled, and helps stop birds from getting inside the shed.”
Mr McLerie said sliding door outriggers were another fertiliser shed design option that could quickly pay for themselves with increased efficiency and ease of use.
“A sliding door outrigger is a frame on either one or both sides of the shed, that allows the doors to be opened and stacked out of the way,” he said.
“This provides a wide access point for safer, easier and more efficient loading and unloading, and reduces risk of machinery damage to the doors.
“But where sliding door outriggers really shine is when there are segregating panels in the gable end.”
sliding door outriggers could provide the best of both worlds – wide access when in use, and the best possible weather protection during storage.
“Other fertiliser shed design options include a concrete plinth around the shed to act as a moisture barrier to keep your fertiliser in top condition,” he said.
“And internal wall cladding to increase the longevity of your fertiliser shed.”
For a versatile fertiliser shed design, Action recommends starting with a large bulk storage area and then segregating the area with movable L-walls.
“L-walls allow you to segregate without reducing the overall capacity of the shed and provide you with more flexibility in how you use the shed from season to season,” Mr McLerie said.
“While personal access doors are often a compliance requirement for larger fertiliser sheds, they can also be a handy inclusion allowing you to easily access the shed without needing to open the main sliding doors.”
The team at Action have witnessed fertiliser shed design evolve over the past few years, and including sisalation paper to prevent condensation and dripping as an example.
“Remember, these small details may be the difference between a functional setup and a dysfunctional one, directly impacting the safety, efficiency and profitability of your operation,”
Mr McLerie said.
For recommendations on best-practice fertiliser shed designs and project-specific advice, people can talk to the Action team at Wimmera Machinery Field Days, site S1-3.
Community Foundation Grants program has enabled a simple idea to transform a long-idle space at Woomelang into a community gym.
Led by the Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, the project created a welcoming space that supports physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection for people of all ages.
Centre manager Carol Paech said the old community room was outgrown, and the space once used as football and netball changerooms was found.
“We looked at what buildings in town could be repurposed – and this came up as an option,” she said.
Paech
“It took three years of collaboration with the football committee and recreation reserve, but we made it happen.”
It is this grassroots impact – from improved health hubs to large-scale public art murals –that lies at the heart of the GrainCorp Community Foundation’s mission.
Established to support regional and rural communities, the foundation brings GrainCorp’s community mission to life through three core pillars: community fund grants and sponsorships; volunteering; and the celebrated silo art program.
the 20th mural in GrainCorp’s program, joining the
The mural will depict Birchip resident Ray Neville – the jockey who won the Melbourne Cup in 1948 – celebrating local history and identity on a grand scale.
GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Grants program is open throughout February, at a time when many Victorian towns are navigating challenging seasonal conditions.
In this round, applications are particularly encouraged from communities impacted by recent bushfires, where funding can help rebuild or restore vital community infrastructure.
This year marks 10 years of the GrainCorp Silo Art Program, including a decade since the first east-coast silo artwork was painted at Brim.
Since then, the Wimmera-Mallee region has become home to its own renowned Silo Art Trail, with murals that have attracted visitors, boosted local economies and strengthened pride across the region.
The Mallee town of Birchip will soon welcome
GrainCorp will also be in the Alan Heard Pavilion at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days to share more about its community programs along with its operations, logistics and supply chain.
To apply for a GrainCorp Community Grant or silo art program, people can visit the GrainCorp Community Foundation website, www.grain corp.com.au/community-foundation.
Aswe near closer to another autumn, there are a few hints to the change of season, with slightly fresher mornings, days still in the low 30s, and Easter eggs on the supermarket shelf 12 weeks out from the actual event.
It is also the time for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, which represents a time of year where attention turns to what the upcoming season will bring, how much rain we are going to get, and most importantly, when will it begin?
Are we set for another extended wait – feeding stock and sowing dry, or will we see rain begin early to midApril, or even before?
A lot of these conversations will be taking place on a field days site in either stifling 38-degree heat where you are tonguing for a drink, or on the rare occasion, donning the jumper and dodging puddles up the lanes.
Gone are the days when farmers save their wheeling and dealing for the field days, most of this can be done from the palm of their hand at any time of year. The field days are a showcase of the latest and greatest as well as a chance for people to come together.
Either way, most of the conversa-
tions taking place during this coming together will be discussions of ways to create efficiencies, building additional streams of income, cutting costs, and information gathering at large. Although regarded as a secondary but not absent feature of the Wimmera field days, those with an interest in livestock are discussing all the same topics.
At the time of writing, a dry summer to date has maintained the integrity of post-harvest stubbles and stands of dry feed, creating a potential late trade
opportunity before paddock prep and cropping commences again.
This along with established feeders who have been achieving excellent price and yield results with finished lambs, the temptation and want is there to fit another trade in before the cooler months roll in, provided you can hold them, and notably of late, have access to ground water or a pipe.
Those with the want to trade, knowing what you want to achieve and your get out plan through using a reputable agent is wise.
As an example, with a buy in price on XB store lambs of around $5.50plus per kilogram live weight, a word of caution is advised with current contract prices on offer in coming months not matching up greatly with the current buy price.
Adding to this is a slight uncertainty around winter maintenance shut down periods of processors and what that means for the spot market during these months.
These things combined make a trade based on pure weight gain a little
“A lot of these conversations will be taking place on a field days site in either stifling 38-degree heat where you are tonguing for a drink, or on the rare occasion, donning the jumper and dodging puddles up the lanes”
tricky to navigate at the present time, but still doable depending on the risk appetite of the individual.
As an alternative, opportunities may soon arise in something that grows a bit of old fashioned wool, or of a maternal nature.
Once again, all doable if you have ground water abound or access to a pipe.
Without a current incentive for growers to hold on to livestock surplus to their requirements, a lot of progeny are being put onto the market if not already sold.
This, on top of a huge number of breeding stock which no longer exist after recent dry seasons, is set to create a very interesting market dynamic around trade volume and frequency starting as soon as the winter months of 2026.
A dynamic that hasn’t been seen for a long time, if ever.
One thing is for certain however, and that is it will pay to have livestock on the books for the foreseeable future, whatever type that might be.
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SEE HANSA AT THE WIMMERA MACHINERY FIELD DAYSSITE A62-76 WITH TRACTION AG
Prostate Cancer doesn’t just affect men. It also affects
the women in their lives too.
Members of the Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group are gearing up to attend the iconic Wimmera Machinery Field Days next month to help drive local awareness about prostate cancer.
Group Leader and prostate cancer survivor, Jack Janetzki, said the event held on March 3-5 would be an opportunity to connect with local men and start important conversations about health.
“We just want to get men on our side. If you haven’t had a test, go get one. It’s only a blood test.”
For more information about the Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group, phone Jack Janetzki 0418 555 706
Locals can also reach out to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for information and support via www.pcfa.org.au
Stawell Toyota’s Taylor family is proud to announce its premise’s renovation is complete – an exciting milestone that represents far more than a refreshed showroom.
Dealer principal Adam Taylor said it reflected a long-standing commitment to the community and the continued strength of the team, family values and the Toyota brand.
“Since purchasing the business in June 2020, we have focused on strengthening and growing the dealership while staying true to the values that define a family-owned operation,” he said.
“The business reflects generations of hard work, shared values and a belief in doing business the right way.”
Mr Taylor said the investment represented confidence in the future of the Wimmera region.
“We are committed to providing a facility that matches the quality of service our customers have come to expect,” he said.
“The upgraded showroom and facilities allow us to enhance the customer experience, support our growing team and ensure we continue delivering exceptional service for many years to come.”
The modernised, expanded showroom provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers, whether they are stopping in for a browse, a conversation about their next vehicle, or a test drive.
Mr Taylor said the difference was hard to miss, especially when people were driving along the highway.
“Customers will continue to see the same
team they know and trust, delivering the same friendly, reliable service. Just in a bigger and better space,” he said.
“The renovation reinforces Stawell Toyota’s commitment not only to its customers, but its staff and the broader community.”
By reinvesting in the business, Mr Taylor said his family was ensuring the dealership remained strong, sustainable and wellpositioned to support the region well into the future.
“We are excited about what this next chapter brings and grateful for the ongoing support of our customers, partners and team,” he said.
“Together, we look forward to building an even stronger future, right here where we belong.”
People can visit Stawell Toyota at 72-76 Longfield Street, Stawell, or call on 5358 1555.
Now is the time for people to check their properties for the noxious weed serrated tussock, with pasture competition at the lowest point in several years and the invasive grass spreading across the landscape.
Serrated tussock now covers more than 250,000 hectares of land in Victoria and large infestations require ongoing management and the integration of several control techniques.
Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, VSTWP, community engagement officer Ivan Carter said a lack of rainfall and a later autumn break in some parts of Victoria had been ideal for the growth of serrated tussock.
“We’re urging landowners to use any spare time they might have to survey their properties for serrated tussock plants,” he said.
“Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lost productivity and increased costs of control.”
Serrated tussock can germinate at any time of the year after rain, but mostly in autumn and winter.
Mr Carter said a lack of competition from struggling pastures, and the hot and dry conditions, were perfect for the further spread of serrated tussock.
He said the invasive grass had evolved to drier conditions and spreads rapidly to overgrazed and bare paddocks, compounding the impacts and loss in farming productivity.
Plants and new seedlings can be removed manually using a pick or shovel or spot sprayed using a registered herbicide, depending on the size of the infestation. Newly germinated seedlings will appear bright green, be erect and will stand out from the other grasses in a pasture.
In Victoria, landowners have a legal responsibility to control serrated tussock under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
The VSTWP has a video and information sheets to help landowners identify the noxious weed, which can be viewed at www.serratedtussock.com.
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Fifth-generation Willaura farmer Rob Abbott will star in a new statewide WorkSafe media campaign focusing on safety in agriculture.
The ‘Safety – it does more than keep you safe’ campaign is encouraging all Victorian farmers to see safety as an investment that protects lives, improves productivity and strengthens long-term success.
Agriculture workers continue to be over-represented in workplace fatalities, accounting for about 10 per cent of annual workplace deaths despite making up two per cent of Victoria’s workforce.
Since 2021, there have been 38 work-related fatalities in Victoria’s agriculture industry, including five last year and three so far this year – the majority of which involved tractors and victims aged 65 and older.
Farm vehicles such as tractors, quad bikes and trucks account for almost half of those deaths. Livestock incidents remain another leading cause.
In the same period, WorkSafe accepted 2932 injury claims from workers in the industry.
The $2.8-million campaign will be seen across television, radio, print, outdoor, digital and social media, featuring Victorian farmers sharing their own experiences, including Mr Abbott, who runs Mount William Station.
After upgrading his cattle yards, Mr Abbott found processing cattle became safer, quicker and less stressful for his animals – improving both
safety and productivity. A near-miss prompted the fifth-generation cattle producer to make the upgrade.
He was drafting bulls on his property when he was briefly distracted by someone asking a question from the other side of the yard.
As his attention shifted, two bulls –weighing about 850 kilograms each – began fighting.
“One bull smashed the other straight through a chained gate,” Mr Abbott said.
“The chain blew off, and the bull slammed into a rail beside me, knocking me over.
“Thankfully it wasn’t a huge knock, but if I’d been standing a foot to the left, I would’ve been crushed.
“The fact that I was standing exactly where I was – that was pure luck and I’ll never forget it.”
Since upgrading his cattle yards to include modern races and crushes, raised working platforms, slam latch gates and cattle-free zones, Mr Abbott has noticed big improvements.
“Now, the cattle move better, people stay out of danger zones, and there’s less stress on the animals and on us.
We get the work done quicker instead of finishing in the dark,” he said.
“Older cattle yards relied a lot on experience, reflexes and manpower to manage risk.
“But you can never fully trust cattle, no matter how calm they appear. Things can go wrong in seconds, and you need a yard that protects you.”
WorkSafe’s new agriculture cam-
paign
‘Safety – it does more than keep you safe’ reminds farmers of the wide-ranging benefits safety provides, such as improved efficiency, increased productivity, staff retention, peace of mind, legacy-building and most importantly, protecting the lives of everyone on farm.
WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said farming was tough work with inherent risks, but avoiding the risks was not impossible.
“When safety is front-of-mind and appropriate systems are in place to protect people, every tragedy is preventable,” he said.
Mr Jenkin said ageing added another layer of consideration, particularly around cattle and tractors as reaction times slow and physical capacity changes.
“We understand farming is not really something you retire from and many farmers are active well into their 70s and 80s, which is something to be proud of when experience is so valuable,” he said.
“But it’s important to pause every so often and think about what safety measures are in place and where you might benefit from some extra help.
“We want you safe and sticking
around as long as possible to pass on your legacy of skills, knowledge and experience to the next generation.”
WorkSafe provides practical, industry-designed guidance to help farmers identify risks and make meaningful improvements on their properties.
Farmers are encouraged to talk with others in the industry about what works, share lessons learned and take simple steps that can prevent tragedy while improving the way they operate.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Ben Carroll, launched the campaign last week, highlighting how simple safety improvements can make farms safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
“It’s tragic to see farmers continuing to be overrepresented in workplace fatalities,” he said.
“This campaign is about sharing the tangible benefits of simple safety improvements.
“I encourage those in the industry to look out for each other and share safety advice, knowledge and learnings, because it can make a difference.”
Member for Western Victoria Region Jacinta Ermacora said farming was the backbone of western Victoria, and every farmer deserved to return home safely to their family.
“This campaign shows that simple safety improvements don’t just save lives – they can make farms more productive, more efficient and stronger for the next generation,” she said. For more information people can visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/agriculture.
Lucindale’s 2026 South East Field Days will showcase 500 exhibitors’ agricultural products, services and equipment, along with the region’s food and drink and whole-family entertainment.
A project of the Lucindale Lions Club, the 46th annual event on March 20 and 21 will also feature the 2026 National Yard Dog Championships.
Publicity officer Allison Levy said the club was excited for what was on offer at this year’s event.
“From the latest in agricultural and farming machinery, services and technology through to fashion, wines and gourmet food, there is something for everyone, young and old,” she said.
“We will be hosting the yard dog trial – the first trial held in South Australia was at Lucindale over 40 years ago, and the South East Field Days has hosted numerous South Australia Yard Dog Championships over this time.
“It is very popular among yard dog triallers across Australia – we have two permanent trial courses.”
Trialling starts on Thursday, March 19 and continues through Friday and Saturday at Kelpie Korner, where there is seating and shaded areas for observing the dogs and handlers work through their courses.
Ms Levy said Airtime FMX was set to perform some action-packed shows, launching motorcycles high in the air while performing some of the most death-defying stunts.
“It will have everyone on their feet from start to finish. Airtime FMX features some of the most experienced Show FMX riders in the world, with the very essence of the team centred around professionalism and family-friendly entertainment,” she said.
Felicity Turner is the special guest presenter in the AgTech Pavilion.
Ms Levy said Ms Turner was an experienced
agricultural professional with more than 25 years in the industry, working in crop and pasture agronomy across mixed farming systems.
“Her expertise spans soil management, crop and pasture production, and sustainable farming practices,” she said.
“Currently, Felicity balances her time as a part-time farmer and advisor, working on innovative, sustainable agricultural projects aimed at improving productivity and environmental stewardship.
“Her passion lies in supporting farmers to adopt practices that benefit both the land and the community.
“With her practical experience and passion for innovation, Felicity continues to drive positive change in the industry through hands-on experience and expert guidance.”
Quince Queen Cathy Hughes will provide cooking demonstrations in the Yakka Pavilion throughout the event, showing people how they can enjoy quinces year-round through preserves and baked foods.
The fashion parade will make its return this year, as will Old Macdonald’s Travelling Farm.
The Adelaide Balloon Man will create fun balloon art for children, with other attractions including Rev It Up Racing simulator, Burrungule Park Laser Tag, Rob’s carriage rides, and Ultimate helicopter rides.
Local musician Leah Briggs will perform, as will Matt Gray music, who is new to the event this year.
“As well as a multitude of food and locally sourced wines, there are three food courts and plenty of shaded areas to rest and relax and take in the event,” Ms Levy said.
“People can meet up with friends for a delicious lunch and explore Yakka Park.
“The South East Field Days prides itself on being a family friendly event, so come along, we would love to see you.”
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Adaily bag limit of nine ducks per hunter and an unchanged season length has been set by the State Government for this year’s duck season.
Seven game duck species have been approved for hunting – Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Wood Duck, Mountain Duck, Hardhead and Pink-eared Duck.
The nine-bird bag limit has been informed by modelling undertaken as part of Adaptive Harvest Management for game ducks in Victoria, which is now being used to inform sustainable duck-hunting arrangements each year.
However, RSPCA Victoria chief executive Liz Walker said she was disappointed in the decision, with 2025 Eastern Australia Waterbird Aerial Survey data indicating some native duck populations were continuing to decline in the wake of devastating bushfires across Victoria.
“Our state has been ravaged by fire and extreme weather events, and we’ve seen Victorians respond with great care and concern towards wildlife – particularly the thousands of species injured by the recent bushfires,” she said.
“It’s perverse to then allow an activity where up to an estimated 190,000 ducks will be wounded and left to suffer.”
The survey found five game species of ducks – Australasian Shoveller, Chestnut Teal, Mountain
“RSPCA Victoria will continue to call for an end to duck hunting, but while it is still occurring in this state, improved testing and training must be prioritised to reduce the unacceptably high rates of wounding”
–
Liz Walker
Duck, Pink-eared Duck and Wood Duck – had abundances well below their long-term averages.
Dr Walker said Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia banned native bird-hunting up to three decades ago, and calls for a duck hunting ban in Victoria have grown louder every year, with independent research indicating two in three people across the state – 66 per cent – oppose it.
“RSPCA Victoria will continue to call for an end to duck hunting, but while it is still occurring in this state, improved testing and training must be prioritised to reduce the unacceptably high rates of wounding,” she said.
RSPCA Victoria is calling for changes to duck-hunting in Victoria, including mandatory practical proficiency testing of all hunters at every licence renewal; theory testing at every licence renewal and not just as a once off; and regulation of maximum distances from which
birds can be shot.
RSPCA is opposed to the recreational hunting of ducks and quail as it causes unnecessary injury, pain, suffering, distress or death to the animals involved.
In the lead-up to and during duckhunting season, the Game Management Authority, GMA, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will monitor wetlands, and where warranted, further regulations might apply to protect concentrations of threatened species or breeding waterbirds.
During duck-hunting season, the daily hunting times are from 8am until 30 minutes after sunset for the first five days, then from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset for the remainder of the season.
The season opens at 8am Wednesday, March 18 and closes 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 8.
All hunters must have a valid game licence and firearms licence before hunting ducks in Victoria.
Hunters are reminded to monitor the GMA website for updates to wetland closures and other management actions at www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/ duck/wetland-managementprocess.
GMA game officers, Victoria Police and authorised officers from partner agencies will patrol wetlands across Victoria to ensure people act in a safe and responsible manner.
LAUNCH: Australian Women in Agriculture, AWiA, has officially launched the 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards program, building on the success of its 2025 pilot, which attracted significant national interest and delivered strong outcomes for participants and industry partners. The AWiA board is pictured, featuring Horsham’s Narelle Hanrahan, second from left, with, from left, Rebecca Bazley, Andy Jackman, Mikayla Keith, Natalie Sommerville, Cressida Cains, Emily Blackburn and Leesa Chen. More than 160 applications were received in the 2026 intake, demonstrating the sector’s appetite for stronger gender representation and board-ready leadership in agriculture. The Women on Agricultural Boards program provides targeted governance training, mentoring, and practical board-readiness support, with a focus on increasing the number of skilled, confident women appointed to agricultural boards at local, state and national levels.
A new round of Look Over the Farm Gate funding for community wellbeing events has opened, after the State Government announced additional support.
The program provides grants of up to $5000 to groups as part of a drought support package, to help farming communities organise events and activities to support mental health and wellbeing and bring people together.
Applications for the new round will remain open until May 20 or until funding has been fully allocated. All funded activities must be completed before June 30 this year.
The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. People can visit farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-thefarm-gate for more information.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Urgent dingo and wild dog management is being called for by bodies including the Victorian Farmers Federation and Big Desert Dingo Research after fires destroyed critical infrastructure.
Victorian livestock producers in bushfire-ravaged areas are reporting more wild dog attacks after fires destroyed infrastructure such as exclusion fencing, leaving farm animals more vulnerable to attacks.
VFF vice-president and north-east livestock farmer Peter Star said without urgent investment in predator management and farm infrastructure, livestock losses would continue to rise.
“These bushfires wiped out much of the infrastructure that was in place to help keep wild dogs away from livestock and we’re now seeing more and more wild dog attacks on livestock as a result,” he said.
“We urgently need help to repair the damage. Without it, these attacks place additional financial and emotional strain on farmers already recovering from fire damage.”
Before the fires, Lawloit farmer Alan Bennett told ACE Radio’s Country Today a State Government promise to deliver a tracking collar trial for wild dogs in the Big Desert had ‘lost momentum’.
Part of the North West Vertebrate Pest Management Program announced in 2024, the trial employed non-lethal management strategies, and
funded advice and research into the area’s critically low wild dog population.
Mr Bennett said the project’s ‘big wheels turned slowly’ after he implemented strategies to keep his livestock from being attacked.
“It got some momentum when we did some exclusion fencing, and they were concerned there might have been wild dogs tracking behind our exclusion fence, living on our property, and that got it going a bit harder,” he said.
“But then the big wheels turned slowly. It took too long for anything to happen, and there was a lot of issues over the trapping of the dog, the handling of the dog – a lot of ethical issues that had to be worked through.
“I just think it got too hard, so it got put on the back burner.”
Mr Bennett said in the past two years he had attempted to protect his livestock by installing a 1.8-metre-high fence along a 20-kilometre boundary between his property and the stateowned land.
“We’re also running cattle on a couple of our blocks where we know we’ve got dog problems – we don’t normally run cattle,” he said.
“We’ve moved a lot of stock around to try to get them away from where dogs are active at different times.
“You think you’re super safe in a certain area and then dogs start working there.”
Mr Bennett said the wild dogs work their way across the desert, living in different areas at different times.
BATTLE: Lawloit farmer Alan Bennett had attempted to protect his livestock by installing a 1.8-metre-high fence along a 20-kilometre boundary between his property and state-owned land.
“We really don’t know anything about their behaviour inside the stateowned land,” he said.
“Obviously, we can see what they do when they get out, in terms of livestock losses, so I guess the collars would have allowed us to better understand the pattern they’re travelling, which might have helped us move stock away and lessen the risk.”
However, Professor Euan Ritchie of Deakin University, said the scientific and ethical case for attempting to collar and track the dingo, its desert population known as Wilkerr, as a means of gathering data to better protect livestock was weak, and clearly against the wishes of traditional owners the Wotjobaluk people.
“We need to keep Wilkerr and livestock safe,” he said.
“And this is best done with adequate, well-maintained fences and well-managed guardian donkeys and dogs.”
Big Desert Dingo Research founder Ellisha Martion, who works alongside professor Ritchie, monitors dingo activity in the Big Desert.
She said the Wilkerr was threatened and genetically distinct.
“The Wilkerr is vital for the health of the ecosystem and is culturally significant for Wotjobaluk people,” she said.
“Devastating fires have burnt about 60,000 hectares of Wilkerr habitat, in overlapping areas where their family groups occur.
“Such a large area of habitat de-
stroyed in such a short amount of time is likely to have negatively impacted the fewer than 100 adult Wilkerr we estimate still survive in this region.
“It may also mean some Wilkerr move onto nearby agricultural land, seeking water and shelter, potentially increasing conflict with livestock grazing – a situation we want to avoid.”
Mr Star said the VFF was calling for rapid repair and rebuilding of exclusion fencing damaged by bushfires; co-ordinated predator management programs across regions to reduce livestock predation; and, investment in research and on-ground support for sustainable feral dog control in agricultural areas.
“Practical, evidence-based solutions that protect farms, livelihoods, and rural communities is needed,” he said.
“Managing feral dogs is about balancing ecosystems with farming realities, and ignoring the problem or focusing on debates over dingo purity will not stop livestock deaths or support rural communities.
“Farmers are not debating whether dingoes are ‘pure’ or hybrids.
“The reality is their impact on agriculture is very real and when livestock is unprotected, dingoes and feral dogs cause significant losses, particularly to sheep and young cattle.”
Mr Star said the VFF was committed to working with farmers, government, and conservation groups to deliver practical solutions to safeguard Victoria’s livestock industry.
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Farmland in Buloke Shire is the strongest-performing in the state, the annual Valuer-General Victoria report has shown, with exponential growth during the past five years.
In 2020, the rural capital improved value was $1,377,718,000.
Last year it was valued at $4,346,197,000 – an increase of 215 per cent.
Property service provider Opteon’s rural valuer David McKenzie said
Dog lovers, farming families and visitors from across Australia are gearing up for the Moyston Annual Sheep Dog Trials, which will return to Moyston Recreation Reserve from March 12 to 14.
Now in its 98th year, the event is Australia’s longest-running sheep dog trial, cementing the township’s place on the national working-dog calendar and drawing competitors from across the country.
This year’s trials will see working dog Pesto and handler Jack Kennedy from the ABC TV series Muster Dogs in attendance, giving fans a chance to see them working in person.
Spectators can watch some of Australia’s best sheep dogs and handlers in action across three days of competition, with novice trials from 9am on Thursday, March 12, and improver and open classes from 8am on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14.
The Moyston community will offer hospitality including a two-course dinner on the Friday night, as well as lunches, morning and afternoon teas, and a licensed bar on site.
Gold-coin entry will apply for spectators, making it an affordable day out for families, dog enthusiasts, and visitors exploring the Grampians region.
Moyston Annual Sheep Dog Trials
president Max McLean said Moyston had ‘a very special place in the working-dog world’.
the increase was owed to a range of factors.
“The strongest performing shire over the last five years is Buloke, particularly around the Birchip area where there’s some really good quality cropping country,” he said.
“We have seen that strong increase over five years.
“There’s been a generally favourable season with reasonably good commodity prices, and combined with modern technology, precision cropping and highly specialised in-
puts, yields have been pretty good.”
Mr McKenzie said farmers were much more innovative and efficient, getting a much greater yield out of the country that in the past might have been marginal.
“All things have combined to have multiple successive seasons where they have made good money,” he said.
“This means they’ve built a war chest of financial capacity, and in terms of property prices, they’ve been going out and competing pretty heav-
ily for farm buildup opportunities to expand their farming footprint.
“And you see that particularly through the west of the state, through the Wimmera and West Wimmera areas, pushing up into the southern Mallee, but generally speaking, right across Australia, good quality cropping country has performed exceptionally well.”
Mr McKenzie said the market had passed its peak, and anticipated it would plateau.
“Just over the past 12 months, the
WORKING: Australia’s longest-running sheep dog trial will return to Moyston next month with three days of competition. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
“It is a privilege to help carry on a tradition that local families and volunteers have kept alive for nearly a century,” he said.
“Each year we see top-class dogs and handlers come from across the country to test themselves on our course, but what really makes the trials stand out is the genuine country hospitality people experience when they walk through the gate.
“This year we will have two extraspecial guests joining us for the Friday night community meal.
“Pesto and Jack Kennedy will join us, and I’d encourage anyone who
loves good dogs, good sheep work and a good yarn to come out to Moyston and join us for this special night.”
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Bob Sanders said the Moyston trials were a showcase of the district’s farming heritage and community spirit.
“The Moyston Sheep Dog Trials are one of those events that really capture who we are as a rural community, and it’s even in my own patch,” he said.
“For 98 years, locals and visitors have come together at Moyston to
watch working dogs doing what they do best, catch up with friends, and welcome new faces to our part of the world. Events like this support our local economy, celebrate the skills of our farming community, and put Ararat Rural City on the national map.”
Camping and powered sites are available at the reserve, with meals and bar facilities operating on site throughout the event.
The council acknowledged the Burke and Townsend families and other local sponsors for their continued support of the trials.
edge has gone off and the median price, the median sale price of farmland out there has just eased back a couple of percent,” he said.
“With the current buying expansion, farmers can consolidate the new holdings financially and operationally into their current holding, and then get ready to go again.
“Nearly all of it over the past five years has been driven by established local farming families, looking to expand.”
The first approved virtual fencing technology is now available for sale in Victoria.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said the Halter’s P5 electronic collar system was the first to be approved in Victoria for virtual fencing.
The technology aims to help farmers save on the cost of building and maintaining cattle fencing through smart, real-time technology.
Halter’s P5 system features a collar connected to an app, allowing farmers to virtually fence, move and monitor wellbeing of their cows while receiving real-time insights into animal health and pasture conditions.
Farmers can virtually fence around waterways and sensitive land or vegetation, while still allowing native animals to access them, promoting faster pasture recovery, healthier riparian zones and reduced reliance on fertiliser.
The technology has been approved following animal welfare testing at the Ellinbank SmartFarm.
Approvals are reliant on accurate record keeping and reporting, use of approved technology, training provided by the manufacturer, maintaining physical boundary fences or barriers and ensuring collars are checked regularly.
Ms Spence said a second application was currently being considered.
“This approval makes sure Victorian farmers have access to the latest innovative technology,” she said.
Collars for livestock species other than cattle can only be used when a scientific licence has been granted under the POCTA Act, and the use approved by an Animal Ethics Committee.
Birchip Cropping Group has appointed high-calibre graduates Jade Gledhill and Noah Homsy King in a bid to strengthen its research agronomy team’s capacity.
Both graduates bring exceptional academic credentials, hands-on research experience and a strong commitment to applied, farmer-focused science.
BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the appointments reflect the organisation’s focus on building long-term research capacity and supporting the next generation of agricultural researchers.
“Investing in people is central to BCG’s future,” she said.
“Jade and Noah bring outstanding energy, capability and depth of experience for earlycareer researchers.
“Their skills across field research, data analysis, laboratory work and stakeholder engagement will add real value to the breadth of projects BCG undertakes each year.
“Importantly, they also share a strong commitment to applied research, science that directly supports better decision-making on farm.”
Ms Gledhill completed a Bachelor of Science, with Honours, at Deakin University and also holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne, majoring in plant and soil science.
She studied at Dookie College and has a Certificate III in Agriculture.
Mr Homsy King joins BCG with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of California, Davis, graduating with a GPA of 3.6, and an International Baccalaureate Diploma completed in the Netherlands.
His academic training spans crop production,
soil science, agroecosystem management, grazing systems, extension education and science communication.
Mr Homsy King has extensive research experience as a research assistant in the Gaudin Agroecology Lab at UC Davis, where he contributed to large multi-site field studies, survey and interview analysis, and co-authored publications on integrated crop-livestock systems.
Mr Homsy King has also partnered with farmers and industry groups to develop bestmanagement practice guides and presented research findings at academic conferences.
In addition, he brings valuable project-management and community-engagement experience from his work with the Bubugo Conser-
vation Trust in Uganda, supporting farmer-led projects and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Ms Gledhill and Mr Homsy King will be allocated across multiple projects within BCG’s extensive research portfolio, contributing to trials, data collection, analysis and extension activities that underpin BCG’s annual research program.
“By backing talented graduates like Jade and Noah, we are strengthening the research capability of our organisation and the broader region, ensuring farmers continue to benefit from trusted, independent knowledge well into the future,” Ms Best said.
Fencing farm dams
February 26, 5.30pm-7pm – webinar
Landcare members will share practical management steps people can take so healthy water is available for livestock, native plants and wildlife on the farm. People can register for the free event at agriculture. vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/event-listing/ fencing-farm-dams.
feeding sheep
March 5, 9am-12.30pm – Harrow
Dr Jillian Kelly will speak about establishing and running a sheep-confinement feeding area at this free event. Livestock nutrition, ration formulation, sheep management and animal health will be discussed. Dr Kelly is a vet and nutritionist from NSW.
Farmer Network Ball
March 13, 6pm-11pm – Horsham Golf Club
Presented by Birchip Cropping Group and supported by Vic Drought Hub, the third annual formal event for the BCG Young Farmer Network follows soldout events of the past two years. Tickets range from $20 to $80 and are available on the BCG website.
Risk wise workshop
March 19, 9am-2.30pm – Charlton Park, Charlton Facilitated by Aglytica’s Rob Sands, the handson workshop will give the skills to weigh up the pros and cons of purchasing machinery and ultimately, justify the decision based on sound agronomic and economic considerations. Tickets are free.
Mallee seeps workshop
March 31, 8am-5pm – Speed and Walpeup BCG and Mallee Landcare will host a workshop on Mallee seeps, with guest presenter Insight Extension Agriculture farming systems consultant Chris McDonough. A session will be at Speed in the morning followed by a session at Walpeup in the afternoon. Light refreshments will be provided.
Fair Dinkum Builds Wimmera G9-10
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Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative E1
Fieldworks SA BC1
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Goldacres Y1-6
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Gorski S12-14
Grain King A62-76
Grainline A24-26
Grainmaster Silos & Rhino Trailers C8-10
Grizzly V17-19
Gunyado Dohne, Bazadais & Braham Stud U12
Handymax D8-10
Harberger U20-26
HE Silos B14-15
Hernon Fabrication D28-29
Horsch Crop Care U13-15
D18 Best Farming Systems R15-16 Best Sheds G2 Bison Engineering V1 Bonney Energy R8-9 BOSS Agriculture A48-53 Brandt A34-36 BreedELITE G20 Brett’s Tools P18-20
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Land Watch Australia G1
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Little Helpers Kidswear F2
Lonsdale Merchants – Lonsdale
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Norton Motor Group R22-25
O’Connors J1
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Oz Ag Machinery V12-16
Pacific Fuel Solutions F11-12
Pastoral Panels R14
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PJ Green X1-3
Plasma Strike G3
Polymaster Q10-12
Powercor D36-37
Pratt Welding & Fabrication –
Trays and Canopies Q7-9
Preston Builders G9-10
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R & D Plus Pty Ltd R7
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Riteway Farming Australia O7-8
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Robuk D32-33
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Ryan NT – Ryan Farming Machinery N19-22
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Scania U10-11
Schinckel Hayrakes B26-30
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers
Party R6
Signature Build Group Australia F15
Silo Bag Solutions V11
Silo Upgrades U3
Silo Ventilation Systems T3
SilOz & The Silo Construction Company T7-8
Siquay Solutions R12
SLTEC Fertilizers C21
SoiLife N2B
South East Marine and Motorcycles D34-35
Sprayer Centre B10-13
Spraytec Australia K1-2
St Marys Super Tools Q1-2
Steele Steel D30-31
Stockpro P14-17
Super Tools Australia Q14-15
Swanbuild Homes R5
Swayn & McCabe Claas Harvest Centre C27-36
Techgrow C11-14
Terricks Engineering P9-11
The Signature Bull F1
Theo Laser Welding 2NG
TKV R11
Total Tools Horsham C1-4
TPOS Fabrications N19-22
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Tuhorse W20-23
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Wahroonga Enterprises A38-47
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Wattz N2C-D
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