The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, January 28, 2026

MAKING WAVES: Australia Day award presentations, citizenship ceremonies and celebrations of community were enjoyed by thousands on Monday. Horsham Rural City Council hosted Southern Waters Ski Show Team, which featured Dean Serong, Jarryd Bowler and Luke Bowler, Jess Kelly and Rachelle Lynch, and Lachal Bosua, pictured, who showcased their skills on the Wimmera River in front of Horsham’s Sawyer Park. Council also hosted its Summer Series on Monday, with food, drinks and live music on the banks of the river. More Australia Day stories, pictures, pages 12 to 15.

Celebration of sport

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Adiverse cross-section of athletes headline the finalists for next month’s 40th annual Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards.

The Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, WRSA, which presents the awards in conjunction with the Horsham Sports and Community Club, announced its shortlist of awards finalists yesterday.

In the main Sports Star of the Year

award category, the nominees are: Georgia Foster, track and field; Iris Sudholz, equestrian; Jac Ivess powerlifting; Josh Barry, lawn bowls; Kelly Miller, triathlon; Lilly Weir, CrossFit; and Remi Bailey, gymnastics.

WRSA executive officer Tony Caccaviello said winners across all categories would be announced at a gala dinner at Horsham Town Hall on February 13, offering the region’s sporting community a chance to celebrate together.

“The night obviously has a num-

ber of categories where we look to recognise those who have completed amazing on-field achievements, but also some off-field achievements as well,” he said.

“The quality of what has been achieved in the Wimmera sporting community in the past year – not just by these finalists – is sensational. It should be a superb night.

“By our count there are about 250 formal sporting clubs registered across the Wimmera, and that’s only formal sporting codes.

“We know there are significantly more informal and casual groups that exist as well.

“Sport is a huge and integral part of the fabric of the Wimmera, and nights like this are a great chance to highlight some achievements that might not always get that recognition.”

Mr Caccaviello said the night was also a wonderful way to honour the strength and diversity of the Wimmera sporting community.

“In a lot of cases I don’t think the people who are up for these awards

necessarily hunt or look for that recognition, but still it’s incredibly nice and rewarding when someone does take the time to nominate them,” he said.

“Hopefully we can use the night to make them feel special and seen while showcasing them and what they’ve been able to achieve.

“There’s obviously only one winner for each category, but these finalists have done an incredible job during the past year already, and we want to recognise them all.”

Continued page 3

HRCC NEWS

Council Continues Advocacy Ahead of Avonbank Mining Licence Decision

Horsham Rural City Council are continuing to actively pursue improved outcomes for community ahead of any decision on the Avonbank Mining Licence.

In a recent meeting with Resources Victoria, Mayor Cr Brian Klowss reinforced concerns raised in a letter written to Minister for Energy and Resources, towards the end of last year.

The proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Mine is a significant development for Horsham Rural City and the Wimmera region, and it is important that the social, environmental and economic impacts are appropriately considered and managed.

“I need to be assured that Minister Lily D’Ambrosio understands how the community are feeling about this project. Late last year the Minister committed to meet with Council on this matter. As the holiday period has now past, I’m anticipating I’ll have a date for that meeting to occur in the very near future,” Cr Klowss explained.

“Not only does the community want assurances that the Minister understands community concerns, we also want assurances as to how the project proponent WIM Resources, will respond to these concerns. How are they going to ensure there are no negative impacts from this proposal?”

“Until there is further consultation to address these matters, it is difficult for Council to be satisfied that the mining licence should be granted,” Cr Klowss said.

A decision on the mining licence is scheduled for some time in February 2026.

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TENDERS AND RFQ

Community generosity and leadership celebrated at Australia Day Awards

Exceptional community contribution was recognised this week at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, held at Horsham Town Hall, where residents, volunteers and community leaders were honoured for their dedication to the community.

Mayor Cr Brian Klowss presented the awards, acknowledging the passion, service and generosity shown by nominees and recipients across a wide range of community activities.

"The Australia Day Awards recognise the people and events that strengthen our community through generosity, leadership and service, and today we are proud to celebrate those who make Horsham such a great place to live," Cr Klowss said.

Citizen of the Year

The Australia Day Award for Citizen of the Year was presented to Joanne Ellis, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to the Horsham and wider Wimmera community.

Mrs Ellis was nominated for supporting and inspiring musicians of all ages through her outstanding service to music and her contribution to countless civic, cultural and commemorative events over many years.

Young Citizen of the Year

The Australia Day Award for Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Adele Meyer for demonstrating exceptional leadership and community spirit.

Adele was nominated for her long-standing involvement with the Junior School Council at Horsham West and her consistent volunteering to support school events and community programs with enthusiasm and responsibility.

Community Event of the Year

The Community Event of the Year award was presented to Old Skool Hot Summer Nights Rod Run.

The free weekend event welcomed people of all ages and abilities, offering cruising, an observation run and a show-and-shine, with activities held throughout the Horsham CBD and river precinct.

Reconstruction and upgrade works will commence on 2 February 2026, with completion expected by 30 April 2026.

Minimal traffic interruptions are anticipated, and pedestrian and emergency access will remain available at all times.

Thank you for your understanding. Further information will be provided closer to construction.

Next Council Meeting: Wednesday 28 January, 2026 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham |

Natimuk Recovery Hub hours this week

The Natimuk Recovery Hub will be open from 10am - 4pm on Wednesday 28 January to assist fire-affected communities. To learn about the Hub's opening hours in the coming weeks, visit Council's website or Council's Facebook page.

Horsham Sheep Sale cancelled due to heat forecast

Please be advised that the scheduled Horsham Sheep Sale on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 will not proceed.

Following consultation with the HRLE and the Horsham Agents Association, the decision has been made to cancel the sale due to extreme forecast temperatures in the lead-up to Wednesday.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to buyers and vendors and thank you for your understanding.

If your HRCC bins were damaged in the fires, please scan the QR code and fill out the form, and your bins will be replaced free of charge, as a matter of priority.

Please note: This form is ONLY for fire damaged bins, if you require a replacement bin for other reasons, please visit the Waste and Recycling section of the HRCC website.

Please note the Council Meeting originally scheduled for 5:30pm on Tuesday 27 January has been rescheduled to 5:30pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026.

This change has been made due to extreme heat forecast for Tuesday, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of councillors, staff and community members.

Thank you for your understanding. We encourage everyone to stay cool and safe in the hot weather.

| Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

Water-saving rules in effect

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

G

WMWater officials are call-

ing on residents across the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee to abide by year-round watersaving rules.

GWMWater managing director

Mark Williams said the simple, common-sense rules could help communities use water wisely and protect supplies for the future.

Permanent-water saving rules apply across Victoria and focus on reducing unnecessary outdoor water use.

They include: using a trigger nozzle and leak-free hose for all outdoor tasks, including washing your car,

at any time; watering gardens only between 6pm and 10am when using sprinklers and drippers; using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleaning, unless addressing a safety hazard or surface staining, in which case a high-pressure device should be used if available; and ensuring all fountains and water features recirculate water.

The rules apply to mains-supplied water only and do not include rainwater, bore water, greywater or recycled water.

Reservoirs across the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions are currently at 40 per cent capacity collectively, down from 48 per cent at the same time last year.

The region’s largest water supply, Rocklands Reservoir, is currently at 31 per cent capacity, down from 41 per cent at the same time last year – a drop of more than 30,000 megalitres.

Mr Williams said small changes across households and businesses could make a difference and preserve water supplies.

“Every customer who uses water wisely is helping secure our region’s future,” he said.

“With changing climate conditions and increasing water demands, permanent water-saving rules give us a practical way to protect the water sources we all rely on.

“Our communities have embraced

smart water use and together we can continue to support a healthy, thriving region.”

Mr Williams said the rules supported major investments, including the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline, by promoting long-term sustainable water use.

He also encouraged customers to use GWMWater’s online customer portal, which helps customers monitor water consumption and detect leaks.

People can learn more about permanent water-saving rules, including how to apply for exemptions in special circumstances and practical water-saving tips, by visiting www. gwmwater.org.au/pwsr.

This week’s heatwave saw temperatures of mid to high-40s across the state yesterday, nudging Edenhope’s 2009 state record high of 48.8 degrees.

A day of extreme fire danger and a statewide Total Fire Ban, Melbourne was expected to reach 45 degrees –its hottest day in years, while 49 degrees was forecast for the northwest.

The heatwave, driven by a highpressure system in the Tasman Sea and impacts from ex-tropical cyclone Luna, prompted health and safety warnings from bodies such as the State Government’s Better Health Channel and Bureau of Meteorology.

Better Health issued an advice message yesterday for the state’s extreme heat, which outlined that people more than 65 years old, babies and young children, pregnant women, people

with pre-existing medical conditions and people who were socially isolated were most at risk.

“Back-to-back days of extreme heat coupled with high overnight temperatures can interfere with your body’s natural ability to cool down and can cause heat illness, including cramps and heat exhaustion,” the authority said.

“If left untreated, this can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening illness.

“Symptoms of heatstroke include turning pale, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and fainting. You may also stop sweating.

This is a medical emergency, and you should call triple zero immediately.”

On hot days, people are encouraged to wear light and loose clothing, keep hydrated, check in with family and friends who are at risk, and ensure

Extreme weather warning in place

Sporting celebration

From page 1

“The breadth of what happens in the Wimmera sporting-wise is why the night is so good,” Mr Caccaviello said.

Nominees in other categories include –

Club of the Year: Horsham Little Athletics Centre; Laharum Football Netball Club; Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club; and Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club.

Female Youth Sport Star of the Year: Drew Armstrong, volleyball; Georgia Foster, athletics; Hannah Mackereth, hockey; and Iris Sudholz, equestrian. Male Youth Sport Star of the Year: Chase Whelan, football; Jac Ivess, powerlifting; Jett Hill, athletics; and Remi Bailey, gymnastics.

Coach of the Year: Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas, Pimpinio Football Netball Club; Dale Dridan, Laharum Football Netball Club; and Ravi Araujo, Horsham CrossFit.

School of the Year: Horsham College; St Brigid’s College; St Patrick’s School Nhill; and Warracknabeal Secondary College.

Administrator or Official of the Year: Ashlee Grace, Horsham Saints Football Netball Club; Casey Plazzer, Horsham Little Athletics Centre; Gerard Bardell, Horsham Golf Club; and Kelly Knoop, Taylors Lake Football Netball Club.

KEEPING COOL: Michael Lambert of Goroke enjoys the beach at Lake Charlegrark with his Akita dogs Ranger and Takara on Tuesday morning before predicted 45 degrees celsius temperatures.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

pets have adequate shade and clean water.

“Power outages are more likely during hot weather due to equipment failure, high demand and the impact of bushfires,” Better Health said.

“NBN-connected phones and internet services will not work during a power outage. You will not be able to call triple zero using your home phone.”

People can find more information and advice at www.betterhealth.vic. gov.au/campaigns/survive-heat.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning, valid from Monday until tomorrow, for districts including the Wimmera and Mallee.

Maximum daytime temperatures were expected to reach low to high 40s, while overnight temperatures would not fall below the high teens.

Some communities are offering places of refuge during the heatwave; people can check with their municipal office to find out more.

People are encouraged to use multiple sources to stay informed of emergencies, such as website www. emergency.vic.gov.au; VicEmergency Hotline, freecall 1800 226 226; the VicEmergency app; Facebook or Twitter; or tune in to designated radio stations.

• A line of thunderstorms moved through the Wimmera on Saturday evening, with gusting winds of about 60kmh. A dust devil, or willy-willy, is suspected to have caused a power pole to tip over, disconnecting power to 1500 homes and damaging a new vehicle in a car yard on Stawell Road.

– Bronwyn Hastings

Team of the Year: Grampians Giants; and Pimpinio under-17 football.

Unsung Hero Award: Brett Luy, Horsham Hockey Club; Erin Muller, Pimpinio Football Netball Club; Matt McLoughlin, Volleyball Horsham, and Sarah-Jayne Holland, Warracknabeal Amateur Basketball Association.

Valued Volunteer Award: Cameron and Lynley Clyne, Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club; and Stacey Drage, Run the Beal and Wimmera Roller Derby.

Spirit of Community Award: Swifts Football Netball Club; Harry’s Match, Volleyball Horsham; Kalkee Football Netball Club; and Robbie Miller, Laharum Football Netball Club.

Mr Caccaviello said several special awards would also be presented on the night, recognising outstanding contribution and inclusion across Wimmera sport.

They include Women in Sport, Grassroots Contribution by a Former Wimmera Athlete, All Abilities local and national athlete, and Indigenous Sports Star of the Year awards.

Tickets for the awards dinner are now on sale, and people can purchase them online by visiting wrsa. org.au/sports-star-of-the-year-ticketson-sale-now.

We Australians are a laid-back lot and long may it be so! We have just celebrated our national holiday, Australia Day, with pride and united under our one flag, as we should. Speaking of which, I have large stickers ‘Together under our flag’ which you can put on your wheelie bin or other prominent place – just email anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au and I’ll send you a reasonable number you request.

We Aussies tend to meander into February after a good summer break but not this year, as the intensity has been as hot as a heatwave after the national tragedy that was the Bondi massacre on 14 December. We marked a National Day of Mourning on 22 January and we federal parliamentarians returned to Canberra for a messy couple of sitting days that I have spoken about elsewhere – today I want to focus on our volunteers.

Despite our long summer holiday period, it’s no holiday for our farmers who face the dual challenge of bringing in a harvest – be it grain, pulses, hay or otherwise – while preventing fire, or indeed volunteering with their fellow community members in the Country Fire Authority.

Fighting for Mallee

Volunteers are Australia’s heroes and I want to focus on them this Australia Day period – thank you for everything you’ve done to keep us safe over this summer. I was in Natimuk on 12 January as soon as I could get to the area after the fires. I have lobbied the Albanese Government for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements money for affected districts and worked with Horsham Rural City Council for the best outcomes.

Natimuk is a courageous Australian community faced with the consequences of poor government. Whether it’s underfunding of the CFA or rockclimbing bans, Natimuk is fighting hard for its survival. I am here to help them, and you, however I can.

That’s my message to all the Wimmera and Mallee as we get back to business in Canberra. I will, as I have always done, raise your voice in Canberra on the matters that most concern you.

Feel free to email me at anne.webster. mp@aph.gov.au with your thoughts, concerns or feedback.

Support for fire affected farmers

If fire has affected your farm, immediate help

We can support you to:

• Assess the welfare of your livestock

• Understand the impact of fire on your farm

• Access personal and financial support for you and your family.

If you have injured livestock, call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Your local council can help with urgent water supply for livestock.

The Victorian Farmers Federation is also on hand to assist with emergency fodder. Contact 1300 882 833 or visit vff.org.au

You’re not in this alone. In the months ahead, our specialist staff will be available to provide practical, on farm advice to support your recovery.

Webster resigns from shadow cabinet

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Federal Member for Mallee

Anne Webster and her National Party colleagues are weighing their next moves after the dissolution of the Liberal-National Coalition last week.

Webster was among eight Nationals frontbenchers to resign from opposition leader Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet on Thursday after splitting with the Liberals on a vote to pass new federal legislation concerning hate speech and gun control.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced the measures in a Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 in response to December’s Bondi terror attack.

The Liberals, Nationals and Greens each opposed elements of the bill, which was split into two pieces of legislation.

The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026, contained increased penalties for hate-crime offences; new penalties for preachers

and leaders who advocate or threaten violence; measures to list groups engaging in conduct constituting a hate crime to be listed as prohibited hate groups; and expanded prohibited hate symbols offences.

The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026 passed with measures to establish a National Gun Buyback Scheme; enable the use of commonwealth intelligence for firearms-licensing decisions; strengthen firearms import controls; introduce new criminal offences for accessing, distributing, possessing or controlling online material for firearms and explosives manufacture; and prohibit the import or export of violent extremism material and prohibited hate material.

Both bills passed, with the Greens supporting the gun-control measures while the Liberals backed the hatespeech legislation after negotiating some amendments with the government.

But the Nationals remained opposed to both bills, with senators Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and

Ross Cadell breaking Coalition ranks to vote against the criminal and migration legislation.

The trio offered their resignations from the shadow cabinet to Ms Ley following the vote, but Nationals leader David Littleproud warned Ms Ley that accepting them would mean the end of the Coalition.

Ms Ley accepted the resignations, with Dr Webster joining her colleagues in abandoning the alliance on Thursday.

Dr Webster said she and the Nationals believed the legislation was rushed and eschewed ‘good process’.

“The process is everything in parliament, and for good process to take place, it takes time,” she said.

“I’m a person who likes to act in the moment, but nonetheless, when you’re dealing with legislation it takes time.

“That time was not afforded by the Prime Minister, who wanted to rush through this legislation, let’s be frank, to kick a political score.”

Dr Webster said she supported measures to restrict migration for people

who engaged in hate speech, but that she believed the legislation could also restrict free speech.

“The migration component of this legislation, we could have passed in December,” she said.

“We could have given more power to the minister to keep hate preachers out, to deport hate preachers – that could have happened in December, no problem.

“But what the Prime Minister decided to do was lump all the legislation together.

“So he had gun reform … It was about a range of matters that would have impacted everyday Australians’ freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom in your own home to say what you want to say.

“If you were reported you could be years in jail. It was so Orwellian it’s unbelievable.”

But Attorney-General Michelle Rowland argued the bills would strengthen national security.

“The Albanese government has acted swiftly to bolster the safety and security of the Australian community

HERE’S CHEERS: Saturday’s LG Beer Fest at Horsham’s Maydale Reserve has been declared a success by organisers, despite a host of challenges. High temperatures, a dust devil, or willy-willy, and a power outage did not deter its almost-300 patrons from enjoying the local tap beers, food and live music. Water features, fans and misters helped to remedy the heat, while generators reinstated power – and modern conveniences. Co-organiser Beau Ladlow said he wanted to showcase the area’s unique culture. “We wanted to create an event that truly reflects the spirit of the Wimmera – friendly, welcoming and full of life,” he said. “The LG Beer Fest was about bringing the community together to enjoy great music, showcasing our local breweries and the unique local culture that makes our region so special. This just proved that Horsham loves a beer fest.” Matt and Grace Hobbs are pictured at the inaugural event.

in response to the horrific antisemitic terrorist act at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025,” she said.

“The legislation sends a clear message that those who seek to spread hate and division, including those who seek to radicalise our youth, will be met with appropriate penalties.

“The passing of these laws to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism is another vital step towards a safer, more unified Australia.”

The Nationals members will now sit on the crossbench, with Ms Ley’s leadership of the Liberal Party now under scrutiny due to the Coalition’s demise.

Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson claimed her party could be positioned to capitalise on the discord among Australia’s two wellestablished conservative parties.

But Dr Webster said the Nationals were focused on themselves and not any other party as they determined their next steps.

“We have a job to do, and that is to represent our electorates. That is what we did last week,” she said.

BlazeAid at Natimuk

Post-disaster volunteer organisation

BlazeAid will open a camp at Natimuk in coming days and is calling for volunteers to assist in fire-recovery efforts in the area.

BlazeAid camps, which can be basic owing to disaster conditions in some areas, offer space for motorhomes and tents, toilets and hot showers, and three meals a day.

People, who can be local to the area and stay off-site, gather at 6.30am for muster daily.

BlazeAid accepts donations to assist its efforts, including monetary, clothing, non-perishable food, and household items.

For more information on donating or volunteering, people can visit www. blazeaid.com.au or call Debbie Buttler on 0418 990 267.

Rocklands death

A Warrnambool man died at Rocklands on Saturday. He was found unresponsive in water near Glendinning Road about 8.30pm. Emergency services made efforts to save him, but the 22-year-old died at the scene. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Stride Squad returns for 2026

Our Stride Squad has returned for 2026, even welcoming several new members for the new year! Gathering each Tuesday afternoon for a pleasant walk around the Yarriambiack Creek at Warracknabeal, the squad is open to all.

If you’d like to kick off your new year fitness goals, or would merely like to get a little more active, why not join the Stride Squad?

To find out more, or to register your interest, please call Health Promotion Coordinator Zoe Morris on 5396 1223 or email Zoe. Morris@rnh.net.au.

Pride on show at Midsumma

Our team took rural health to the city on January 18 when they attended the Midsumma Carnival in Melbourne. Offering free sunscreen and showcasing our new skin scanner and breast and prostate models, the team also had a range of LGBTQIA+-specific health information available for the thousands of people in attendance.

Tireless Tyler awarded for community efforts

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Rupanyup’s Adrian Tyler has earned an Order of Australia award, after decades of giving blood, sweat and thousands of volunteer hours to his community.

On Monday the Governor-General announced the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, which recognised 949 Australians in the Order of Australia general and military divisions, meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

Mr Tyler is a justice of the peace and sits on a number of committees, including Rupanyup’s progress association, Men’s Shed, Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare, and community centre.

He was a founding member of bodies including Lubeck Tennis Club and Rupanyup’s VFF Landcare, communityowned newsagency and progress association, and has also been secretary of at least six groups, including Rupanyup’s football club, fishing club, tennis club and the Rupanyup and District Consultative Committee.

Mr Tyler said he had volunteered in the Rupanyup community since he was 19, steering more toward committee roles than active sporting roles.

“My father was born here and I was born here – I don’t know any different. The town has supported me and our familyowned business,” he said.

“I was the inaugural secretary of the amalgamated Methodist and public tennis clubs, and a part of that was to go down to the post office with the 10-cent pieces and ring everybody to organise teams every week – I didn’t have a phone at home.”

Mr Tyler’s sporting career was short lived, a football injury the final straw.

“Towards the end of my football career I filled in, but one day someone didn’t turn up, so I had to go straight onto the ground after working at the hardware,” he said.

“I tore a hamstring. I thought, ‘bugger this, I’m gone’.”

Mr Tyler’s vision – and self-admitted inability to say no to requests for assistance – has seen the development of, and his legacy in, many town spaces.

He has sourced grants to plant trees around Jack’s Track each year, and spends hours watering and weeding.

Mr Tyler organised the town’s Red Cross Blood Challenge team during each year’s campaign, scheduling people and transport to go to Horsham’s blood bank.

“I’ve been a blood donor pretty much all my life. I gave 128 donations – although when I got to 80, I struggled because I was low in iron and got kicked out, but I

was determined to keep giving,” he said.

Mr Tyler was part of the Rupanyup Consultative Committee, including the role of secretary for 20 years, where he oversaw the installation of the main street’s noticeboard, building the walking track, and establishment of the Men’s Shed.

He sourced grants and funding to raise money for the Men’s Shed, sparking the initiation of two more community projects.

“The owner of the newsagency struggled to sell and was going to close, so I got a group of 19 of us together and bought the house and business newsagency,” he said.

“We kept that going for seven years.

Then we got the Bendigo Bank Community Bank started – I think we had to raise $250,000. I thought we could do it easily, because when raising money for the paper shop, I had people knocking.

“There were plenty of people wanting to chuck money in for the town.”

Mr Tyler said he was humbled and honoured when he was told of his OAM.

“When they announced it, I thought, ‘no, people like me don’t get these awards. They go to doctors and people that do research, firefighters, and all that sort of stuff’,” he said.

“But when you have a look around, you see the whole town runs on volunteers.

“I feel honoured, for sure. It’s nice to be recognised for all the hours that I put in, and am still putting in – it doesn’t mean I’m going to stop.”

Tellefson recognised

Donald’s Leo Tellefson has also been announced as an Order of Australia Medallist this year.

Mr Tellefson’s service to the Buloke Shire community has included being mayor and a councillor of Buloke Shire Council, and a board member with Rural and Business Community, Buloke Community Enterprises Board, and East Wimmera Health Service.

He has served with Johnson Goodwin Homes, Donald Community CentreLearning Group, Donald and District Racing Club, and North West Community Advisory Council.

He has also been a member of the band Blend for more than 40 years and is a partowner of Donald’s Family Butcher.

AM for Petering

Former Wimmera resident Sonia Petering has been recognised for her significant service to the law, and to the finance and business sectors, with a Member of the Order of Australia, AM.

Ms Petering was director, among other roles, of then-Wimmera Mallee Water from 2001 until 2006.

She has also been director and lawyer at Sonia Petering Lawyer since 2001, and has had leadership roles at TAL Dai-ichi Life Australia, Qantm Intellectual Prop

erty, Virtus Health Limited, Cuscal Ltd, Rural Finance Corporation of Victoria, Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Transport Accident Commission.

Ms Petering has been a member of the Law Institute of Victoria since 1994.

All award recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.

TENDER DOUGLAS / KANAGULK

Recreational water users are advised to avoid direct contact with water in Lake Lonsdale, near Stawell, following the detection of elevated blue-green algae levels.

Visitors can still enjoy recreational activities such as boating, bushwalking, sightseeing and other activities at the lake that do not involve direct water contact.

Warning signs have been positioned at major recreational areas around the lake and will remain in place until blue-green algae levels drop below the threshold considered safe for recreational use.

GWMWater recommends avoiding all contact with affected water; affected water not be used for cooking, drinking, washing, showering or any other domestic use; and boiling affected water will not make it safe to use.

People who come into contact with the affected water should immediately wash the area of skin exposed in clean water, and those experiencing any health issues after being in contact with bluegreen algae affected water should seek immediate medical advice.

Anglers wanting more information can visit Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au. GWMWater will continue to monitor the lake regularly and keep the community informed via its disruptions webpage at www.gwmwater.org.au/bga.

Enhanced image service

A new orthopantomogram, OPG, machine has been installed at West Wimmera Health Service’s Nhill Hospital site.

The advanced imaging equipment will enhance radiology services and help reduce waiting times for dental and maxillofacial imaging for patients.

Medical imaging technologists underwent applications training to ensure that high-quality medical imaging services were provided for patients in Nhill and surrounding areas.

WWHS chief medical imaging technologist Pete Trenery said the health service was thrilled to enhance its imaging services.

“This would not have been possible without the dedication of our team and the expert assistance of the WWHS engineering department,” he said. FOR LEASE BY

Health workers’ strike action

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Workers from Grampians Health’s Wimmera campuses were among thousands across Victoria to take strike action last week amid an ongoing pay dispute with the State Government.

The Health Workers Union, HWU, has been at loggerheads with the government for the past 13 months as it attempts to negotiate a new enterprise bargaining agreement, EBA.

On Tuesday last week a reported 10,000 union members – including hospital kitchen and cleaning staff, ward clerks, occupational therapists, theatre technicians and sterilisation workers –walked off the job, causing elective surgeries across the state to be cancelled.

Many rallied in Melbourne to protest what they saw as an inadequate pay offer from the government, as well as unsustainable workloads and staff shortages.

Union officials claimed the government’s initial proposed pay increase of three per cent lagged behind the raises it gave to other public-sector workers in 2025, with police receiving a five per cent boost, nurses receiving a 7.1 per cent increase and paramedics negotiating an 8.25 per cent raise.

Grampians Health worker Keith Thistlethwaite, an orderly at Horsham’s Kurrajong Lodge aged-care facility, took part in Tuesday’s strike and said he wanted ‘a fair wage for a fair day’s work’.

“For 13 months we’ve been in negotiations for our EBA … and the government has not come to the table,” he said.

“They weren’t even meeting with us for a start – they kept cancelling meetings, postponing meetings and giving us the runaround.

“Then when they did finally sit down for their first meeting they offered us a pay rise of 3.5 per cent, and inflation is currently at 3.8 per cent, so in actual fact they were offering us a pay cut and not a pay rise.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said it had been frustrating for union members to watch health workers in South Australia successfully negotiate with their government.

“Our South Australian counterparts got their EBA through, also with a Labor government in their state,” he said.

“They were granted all their backpay, whereas our government has said there will be no backpay despite us being 13 months overdue for a pay rise.

“It’s not the workers’ fault the government has no money – that’s not our problem.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said his role at Kurrajong Lodge was ‘a great job’ but that his current pay was unsustainable.

“At work now I’m on less than $29 an

hour. If I didn’t have my wife working I wouldn’t be able to make ends meet,” he said.

“There would be a lot of families out there in the same boat that are really struggling at the moment.

“These guys continually show up and do their job and they don’t complain.

“We were there during COVID when the government handed out money to people to let them work from home, but we continually went to work and didn’t get any of the COVID money that a lot of other people got.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said union members had turned to strike action as a last resort.

“You can’t have it dragging on like this, and we don’t want it to drag on,” he said.

“We don’t want to be on strike – we want to be working, we want to be looking after our elderly people, we want to be making sure our hospitals are clean and up to scratch, we want all

FIGHTING FOR FAIR:

Horsham Health Workers Union members strike for one hour on Tuesday last week at Wimmera Base Hospital over delays in pay increases.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

our surgeries to take place and we don’t want to be disrupting people waiting on surgeries.”

A Grampians Health spokesperson recognised the right of its workers to strike and said the organisation had taken steps to minimise disruption.

“Grampians Health acknowledges the ongoing EBA negotiations and respects the Fair Work process, including the right of our staff to take protected industrial action,” they said.

“We have planned extensively for this period and will continue working closely with our teams to minimise any impact on the community and ensure continuity of essential services.

“We are actively monitoring the effect of the action on our services, and all decisions regarding patient care will be guided by clinical needs. Patient safety and quality care are at the centre of our every decision, and we remain committed to providing accessible and responsive care to our communities.”

The body of a man who was part of an ongoing investigation into a stabbing at Kew was found at Antwerp on Wednesday last week

Local police made the discovery following a call to triple zero at about 6.15am.

Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives were actively searching for the 18-year-old Camberwell man after a woman was stabbed outside a Miller Grove home in the early hours of January 21.

Investigators were told the woman had returned home after a night out with friends when she was confronted by a man known to her and stabbed.

The Kew woman, 18, was taken to hospital with what was initially believed to be lifethreatening injuries.

Police have since been updated the woman is stable.

Detectives, who are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding what occurred, are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. Police believe the offender stabbed the victim nearly a dozen times with a kitchen knife about 20cm in length, later found in the garden of the home.

The death of the man is not being treated as suspicious, and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

96 years of giving to health Ararat crossing

After 96 years of service to Nhill Hospital and the local community, the Nhill Hospital Auxiliary made its final donation this month.

Established in 1929 as Nhill Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, the group became a strong backer for the hospital, supporting patient care through fundraising, volunteerism and community connection.

The group’s history was documented by local historian Jan Doust, who wrote about the auxiliary in chapter 10 of ‘The Nhill Hospital: First 100 Years, 1882-1982’, noting its early role in strengthening both hospital services and social cohesion during challenging times.

The auxiliary’s first meeting in August 1929 took the form of an afternoon tea served in fine china.

In a fitting bookend to the tradition, West Wimmera Health Service, WWHS, marked the final gathering between its members and the auxiliary with shared afternoon tea.

WWHS officials said Nhill Hospital Auxiliary’s 96 years of uninterrupted service placed it among the longest-serving volunteer groups in the region, reflecting its commitment, resilience and community spirit.

Across its near-century of history, the auxiliary has funded equipment, furnishings and facility improvements at the hospital, with contributions supporting services across urgent care, allied health and aged care.

WWHS officials said the group’s final donation would fund the purchase of a patient sling for Iona

NEARLY A CENTURY OF SERVICE: West Wimmera Health service clinical services executive director Cheree Schneider, and acting director of nursing Chloe Mulraney with Maree Kennedy, Nhill Hospital Auxiliary honorary member and acting treasurer and secretary on behalf of Barbara Dufty; auxiliary president Judith Parsons and WWHS finance and administration executive director Janette Lakin.

Nursing Home in Nhill, ensuring its legacy of supporting patient wellbeing was continued.

Nhill Hospital Auxiliary’s fundraising methods have included morning teas, raffles, card afternoons, luncheons, catering at football matches, markets, hospital events and more.

Creative initiatives included garden parties, friendly competitions, sewing sessions for ward provisions and collections of goods such as eggs donated by local school students.

Many members also collectively contributed thousands of volunteer hours, often serving for decades. WWHS gave particular recog-

nition to Barbara Dufty, a longstanding secretary and treasurer whose service and dedication were acknowledged fondly by fellow members.

In a statement, the WWHS executive team said Nhill Hospital Auxiliary fostered social connection, generosity, and resilience during both prosperous and difficult times.

It said the auxiliary’s support helped sustain Nhill Hospital – now West Wimmera Health Service – as a cornerstone of healthcare in the Wimmera, and congratulated the group on its service.

They said the story stood as a powerful example of how volunteer groups could sustain rural health

services and strengthen community bonds, and extended their gratitude to all auxiliary members past and present for their contribution.

“West Wimmera Health Service sincerely thanks all past members and office bearers, and acknowledges the united contributions of the ladies auxiliary,” the statement said.

“Their work was so much more than financial, they became, in many ways, the heartbeat of the community, lifting spirits and coming together through both prosperous and challenging times for the benefit of all.”

Ararat Rural City Council is upgrading a pedestrian crossing on High Street near the town’s McDonald’s in order to improve pedestrian safety.

The works, expected to start yesterday, Tuesday, will transform the existing crossing between the medical centre and the bus stop.

The project involves construction of a raised wombat crossing, associated drainage works, and new kerb and channel to improve safety and accessibility for people walking to nearby health services, shops and public transport.

The road will be closed at the crossing for the duration of the construction period.

The council will facilitate traffic management and detours during construction, with officials encouraging road users to follow the direction of signs, allow extra travel time and take care when moving through the area.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the upgrade reflected the council’s focus on making it easier and safer for people to move around Ararat on foot.

“This project is about making everyday trips safer and more comfortable for people who are walking to the doctor, catching the bus, or heading into the CBD,” he said.

“Council has heard consistently from the community that safer crossings and better pedestrian links are a priority, and this upgrade is a practical response to that feedback.

“Council appreciates the patience of residents, businesses, and visitors while these works are underway.

“There will be some short-term disruption, but the outcome will be a safer crossing point on one of our busiest streets, supporting people of all ages to move around town with confidence.”

Further information about the works including expected timelines and impacts on nearby parking and bus operations, will be published on the council’s website.

9am to noon

Backroom dramas

Wow,

what a week it has been in the political arena.

While some may say its grab your popcorn and stay glued for what is to come next, others have likened it to watching a political car crash.

The proposed gun law changes and hate law bill were always going to cause controversy – there are so many varying views on this issue, which has also turned into a political hot potato.

On the back of the Bondi terrorist attack, many people and politicians are reacting on emotion, which is not always the best approach to making laws.

It was no surprise the conservative side of politics had an issue with the proposed changes, and three Nationals senators felt so strongly about the hate law bill to cross the floor in Federal Parliament, resulting in their resignation from the Coalition front bench.

The Liberals sided with Labor to pass laws enabling extremist groups promoting hate to be banned, stronger powers for visas to be cancelled, and increased penalties for religious leaders promoting violence.

The entire Nationals front-bench, including Member for Mallee Anne Webster, followed suit, quitting the shadow ministry, effectively ending the LiberalNational Coalition – again.

The two parties split immediately after last year’s election but it was short-lived – reuniting to form a Coalition under the leadership of Sussan Ley.

The Nationals will now go it alone on the crossbench, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying this would not change while Ms Ley remained leader.

Integral in all of this is Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, who is reported to have persuaded his colleagues the laws could be used to ban a much wider set of groups – not just extremist groups.

So while many are speculating about the future leadership position of Ms Ley, where does it leave the Nationals’ federal leadership?

No matter who is leader, in order to form an alliance to gain enough seats to win government, the

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

Liberals and Nationals are going to have to marry up with someone ahead of the next federal election.

Speaking of leadership, and the conservative side of politics, the Victorian Liberals again have their own issues in the party room.

With Jess Wilson in the top job since being elected in November – the third in a year – her deputy is now set to face a challenge.

And a former Horsham man is behind it.

Chris Crewther, Member for Mornington, is said to be pushing for the deputy role, held by David Southwick.

Mr Crewther, who grew up in Horsham and ran as the Liberal candidate in the seat of Mallee in the 2013 federal election, is touted to challenge Mr Southwick for the job at a partyroom meeting when parliament returns on February 3.

The backroom happenings at both a federal and state level does nothing to enhance the Coalition’s chances of actually winning an election.

Just when you think Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s reputation has taken a hit after the Bondi attacks, the reoccurring instability behind the scenes of the Coalition rears its head.

Mr Albanese must be sitting back, rubbing his hands together, and grinning like a Cheshire cat at what has unfolded with the Coalition last week. It certainly takes the heat off him – at least for a while.

But are either side of politics that different –we’ve seen probably as many backroom dramas with Labor over the years.

My political wish for 2026: Can we just have parties that focus on governing this country, and state, without the internal imploding and distraction away from what they are employed to do?

SUMMER BRUSHES: Not-for-profit organisation

GrampianArts hosted its fifth Summer Brushes program in early January, with 135 students participating in 12 different workshops over five days.

above is

Community Grants Program

West Side Horsham will be allocating $10,000 to its Community Grants program for 2026.

Grants will be available to community groups that meet the relevant criteria, and range up to a maximum of $1,000 per application.

Application forms can be collected in the venue between 10am and 5pm from Monday, January 26th.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026.

Please contact West Side Horsham on 5382 1416 if you have any questions.

We l k forward to receiving your application so we can support our community!

Progressive financial planning

Are you a hardworking individual who has dedicated your life to raising and supporting your children? As they grow into successful adults, have you ever wondered about your own financial situation? Are you on track for a comfortable retirement? Don’t worry, we are here to help!

Everyone loves the beer & cocktails

Proceeds from all drinks & meals sold help fund initiatives throughout our region. We’ve given out more the three million dollars since inception… including $50K to Christian Emergency Food Centre to purchase a food transport van.

Australia Day 2026

CONGRATULATIONS: Ararat Rural City Council Australia Day 2026 awardees’ outstanding contribution, leadership and volunteer service was celebrated at Monday’s event, which included a new citizens’ ceremony. Award winners are pictured, including joint citizens of the year Judy Price and Lisa Heard, young citizen Peta Chaplin, community leader Robert Keith, and volunteer of the year Ararat Cemetery Trust members.

Recipients rewarded

Ararat

Rural City Council celebrated outstanding contribution, leadership and volunteer service across the municipality on Monday when it presented its Australia Day Awards.

The awards were presented at an event at Alexandra Gardens in Ararat, with the Lions Club providing a barbecue breakfast and music from the Ararat City Band.

Mayor Bob Sanders announced joint winners of the citizen of the year award, which was shared by Judy Price, of the Willaura Uniting Church, and Lisa Heard, of Red Cross.

With the award earmarked for individuals making an extraordinary contribution to the community or providing outstanding service across many years, Cr Sanders said the pair were each ‘thoroughly deserving’.

He said the awards acknowledged the longterm commitment to community care, social connection and practical support for residents displayed by both Ms Price and Ms Heard.

Morris Allgood was also announced as highly commended in the category for his work with the Rotary Club of Ararat and Greenhill Lake Committee, helping to improve local facilities and create opportunities for community participation.

Young citizen of the year went to Peta Chaplin of Ararat Fire Brigade and Ararat Regional Theatre Society in recognition of her service to community safety via the CFA, as well as to the arts. William Delaney was highly commended in the category for his positive leadership and community involvement, but was unable to appear in person to collect his award due to his deployment to Canberra to commence his Australian Defence Force Academy officer training.

Community leader of the year was Robert

Keith, named for his consistent leadership, advocacy and behind-the-scenes efforts to strengthen local organisations and support community initiatives.

The volunteer of the year award went to Ararat Cemetery Trust, honouring the organisation’s stewardship of an important place of remembrance and history.

Highly commended for volunteer of the year was Harry Collins, of Rural Australians for Refugees, recognised for his contribution to welcoming and supporting new arrivals and promoting inclusion in the Ararat region.

Following the awards presentations, Cr Sanders presided over a citizenship ceremony, officially recognising some of the region’s residents as new Australians.

Cr Sanders congratulated both the award winners and new citizens.

“On behalf of council and the whole community, congratulations to our award winners and those who have been highly commended this year,” he said.

“Their dedication, leadership and willingness to lend a hand embody the very best of our rural city, and council looks forward to celebrating their achievements together.”

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the award recipients reflected the strength and generosity of the region.

“Across our municipality there are people quietly giving their time, skills and energy to make life better for others, and these awards are one way we can pause and say thank you,” he said.

“The contributions of this year’s recipients –from service clubs and emergency services to faith communities, arts, the environment and social justice – speak to a community that is resilient, connected and optimistic about its future.”

TOGETHER: Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club’s Maria Fitzpatrick, Sam Howard and Liezel Lagamayo were among about 50 people who celebrated Australia Day at Horsham Neighbourhood House on Monday. Members of the Wimmera-Filipino community enjoyed food and company during the event, which also included the election of office bearers for this year – more in next week’s edition. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Australia Day 2026

Awardee ‘not your average Jo’

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham Rural City Council celebrated contributing and new citizens at an Australia Day event on Monday, announcing Jo Ellis as Australia Day citizen of the year.

Adele Meyer, 12, was junior citizen of the year, and Old Skool Hot Rods’ Hot Summer Nights Rod Run the community event of the year.

In presenting the awards, Mayor Brian Klowss said Australia Day was a time for celebration, reflection and connection.

“It’s a chance to pause and come together and acknowledge the shared experiences that shape who we are,” he said.

“Australia Day holds different meanings for different people – for many, it’s a day of pride and celebration, for others, it’s a time for reflection. We respect that complexity, and we acknowledge it openly.

“What matters most is how we continue to listen to one another, support one another, and strengthen the sense of unity that binds us as a community. Our community spirit defines who we are.”

Cr Klowss said this year’s Australia Day observances took on a deeper meaning following the bushfires of January 9.

“Fires have tested our resolve and challenged our resilience,” he said.

“Our hearts are with everyone who was affected. Those who experienced loss, uncertainty, disruption and exhaustion, and like many, I know firsthand the strain this fire has placed on our community.”

Cr Klowss thanked the people, emergency services, volunteers, neighbours, support organisations and community members who helped.

“Australia Day also gives us the opportunity to recognise the values that define us – resilience, mateship, generosity and a strong sense of community,” he said.

“These values aren’t words on a page. They are lived every day in acts of service, kindness and care, often without recognition, expectation or thanks.

“Today is also a time to acknowledge those who make an outstanding contribution to our community through volunteering, leadership, creativity, care and service.”

Ms Ellis was nominated for her lifelong dedication to the Horsham and wider Wimmera community, supporting and inspiring musicians of all ages, through her service to music, and a contribution to countless civic, cultural and commemorative events.

Ms Ellis, who began her musical career in primary school and is a third generation Horsham Rural City Band member, said it was an honour to have been nominated for the award, let alone to receive it.

“Volunteering for me is a given. It elevates the community mentality and contributes to a sense

of belonging, mateship and inclusivity,” she said.

“I often to refer to myself as ‘not just your average Jo’, having filled many roles in the community, from Scouting to sports, banding and fundraising, hospitality and health care.”

This year is Ms Ellis’s 20th year as a member of Horsham Rural City Band, growing from student to mentor to tutor, and now, acting musical director.

“I would like to acknowledge the late Harry John, Leanne Barnes, Amanda Hemley and Wally Pope, respectively. These people have played an integral part in growing me to be the musician I am today.”

Other nominees for the award were: Diane Trotter, carer and volunteer presenter at Horsham and District Community Radio; Julie Obst, a social golf program organiser and breast cancer fundraiser; Noela Smith, for emergency management, leadership and community service; Travis Maybery, a mental health ambassador supporting the Natimuk community; and Trixie Sampson for commitment to youth safety, and as a foster carer.

Miss Meyer was nominated for demonstrating exceptional leadership and community spirit through her long-standing involvement with junior school council at Horsham West and Haven Primary School, and consistently volunteering to support school events and community programs with enthusiasm and responsibility.

Old Skool Hot Rods’ Hot Summer Nights Rod Run representative Donna McDonald accepted the community event of the year award and thanked council and Old Skools’ supporters.

“I also thank the members of our Old Skool Hot Rod Club. I call us 49 family members, we’ve been going for 20 years,” she said.

“We’ve had two hot rod runs in Horsham in the past few years, and we are just organising our third one now.”

Other nominees for the community event of the year were: the Natimuk agricultural show, a family-focused show that promotes community well-being and regional pride; the Arapiles cycling event, a non-competitive community bike ride, raising funds for local causes; the annual Horsham Uniting Church’s Christmas lunch, providing food, entertainment and companionship for about 170 people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas; and the Natimuk and District field and game charity shoot, which raises awareness for motor neurone disease after a local resident was diagnosed.

Council chief executive Gail Gatt said Australia Day was an opportunity to come together with respect, understanding and care for one another.

“Through my role, I’m fortunate to see firsthand how council, community groups and volunteers work together to support our community,” she said.

“And the positive difference it makes for so many people across our municipality.”

Australia Day 2026

Hindmarsh celebrates contributors

Shire celebrated its citizens with Australia Day awards at ceremonies across the municipality on Monday.

Mayor Ron Ismay attended four ceremonies during the day, starting with a barbecue breakfast in Rainbow followed by events in Jeparit, Dimboola and Nhill, where he announced local resident Robert Blackwood as Hindmarsh Citizen of the Year.

Mr Blackwood has contributed to the Nhill community in many ways – most prominently with Nhill Lions Club, where is known as ‘Barbecue Bob’.

On top of organising and cooking barbecues for Nhill Lions Club, Mr Blackwood also maintains the Lions Rose Garden in Nhill and helps set up the Nhill Lions Club markets.

He also works on the gate at Nhill’s Davis Park, assists the CFA in collecting Good Friday Appeal donations and sets up flags at Nhill cemetery for Anzac and Remembrance days.

Mr Blackwood is also a life member of the Nhill and Dimboola Brass Band, which he joined at age 12, playing at Anzac services, local shows and Christmas carols events, and serving multiple terms as president.

Cr Ismay described Mr Blackwood as ‘a wonderful role model for the Hindmarsh community’ and said his passion for volunteering was inspiring.

“Congratulations Bob on the countless years of generous service to the Nhill community,” Cr Ismay said.

“The purpose of this award is to honour people who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make our communities a great place to live and visit, and I believe Bob fits this description in every way.”

Other Australia Day awards presented in Hindmarsh on Monday included young citizen of the year, which was shared by two recipients – Jake Smith and Dah Lay Htoo Shwe.

Mr Smith was born in Nhill and lives in Jeparit, playing for local sporting clubs as well as volunteering at community events such as the Jeparit Show, Jeparit Angling Club fishing competitions, the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum Rally, Jeparit RSL Anzac Day service and Australia Day events.

He has also been president of the Mopoke Club– a Jeparit group dedicated to ensuring every local child

receives a gift at Christmas – for the past two years.

Dah Lay Htoo Shwe, also known as ‘Star’, received recognition for her positive impact on the Karen youth at Nhill College and the wider community.

She works as an education support officer at Nhill College, assisting Karen students within the classroom and helping new families with enrolment, uniforms, accessing online platforms, ordering booklists and communications with the college.

She also provides out-of-hours support to students and their families, assisting them with queries and running a weekly homework club after school each Tuesday, while also helping organise a church youth group.

Cr Ismay congratulated both youth award winners, labelling them ‘fantastic role models’.

Community event of the year went to Luv-a-Duck’s event ‘Thank Duck It’s Friday’ – a free community event in March 2025 that involved live music, free giveaways and family activities.

A Hindmarsh Shire Lifetime Achievement Award went to Beverly Rethus, of Nhill, for her leadership, commitment and generosity across multiple organisations.

Mrs Rethus founded Nhill parkrun in 2015 has contributed to the community in social, cultural, sporting and educational avenues through several groups and organisations.

Cr Ismay said Mrs Rethus’ volunteering was characterised by ‘reliability, humility, kindness and an unwavering willingness to help wherever needed’.

Cr Ismay thanked all residents who

submitted nominations for the awards. “Council continues to support this day and see it as a day to come together and celebrate our freedom, democratic rights, multiculturalism, and enjoy the wonderful country we live in,” he said.

That’s

Australia Day 2026

COMMUNITY: Warracknabeal and district Australia Day award winners were celebrated by their community at an event at Warracknabeal Racecourse on Monday. Pictured with guest speaker, Essendon Football Club’s AFL operations co-ordinator and Bombers AFLW player Alex Morcom, left, are citizen of the year Emma Mansfield, young achiever of the year Lucy Schilling, unsung hero Maryann Conduit, and joint sportsperson of the year Casey Phelan and Clinton Jonasson. Judging panel chair Tony Gregson said they were thankful to those who submitted nominations. “We were most impressed with the calibre of nominations for all three categories,” he said. Right, Amelia Drage enjoys the celebrations. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Recognition of tireless volunteers

Stawell’s David Jones and St Arnaud’s Len and Bev Reid are Northern Grampians Shire’s Citizens of the Year for 2026, accepting their awards at Australia Day events in the municipality on Monday.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said it was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the council-run events, taking time to connect and celebrate what made the shire a special place to live.

The day kicked off with a community breakfast in Market Square, with awards and citizenship ceremonies at St Arnaud Town Hall.

The Kara Kara Citizen of the Year award was jointly awarded to couple Len and Bev Reid for their involvement in the St Arnaud Agricultural Show, where Mrs Reid is chief steward. Both she and her husband volunteer throughout the four-day event, attending planning meetings, coordinating entries, resolving last-minute issues and assisting with full setup and pack-up.

Mr Reid also volunteers with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing essential transport for community members travelling to medical appointments in and out of town.

The Reids also played a key role

in planning and creating the St Arnaud Mining Trail, and they work closely with Visitor Information Centres throughout the district, providing guided tours and sharing their extensive knowledge of the region’s history.

“Reliable, humble and always ready to step in whenever the community needs them, the Reids’ willingness to contribute – often without being asked – has made a significant impact across many areas of our town,” Cr Hyslop said.

Other Kara Kara winners

Grampians Youth Events – St Arnaud collected the Community Group of the Year award for delivering three vibrant events that brought young people together in safe, welcoming spaces. Jungle Disco, Youth Fest and a youth trivia night attracted more than 120 attendees and created opportunities for fun and creativity.

Isobel Green, Zarleya Hutchinson and Maria Taylor are Kara Kara’s Young Citizens of the Year after joining forces to bring a Reverse Advent Calendar project to St Arnaud district.

Instead of taking a treat per day, people added one item – such as nonperishable food, toiletries or a Christmas treat – to a box during 12 days in December, with boxes delivered to families in need in the community.

Volunteer Des Richards was the 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year, contributing his time to the harness racing club, the country music scene, local taxi service and RSL sub-branch, where he became a driving force behind Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

In 2004, he helped establish St Arnaud Country Music Club, serving as secretary for many years, managing events and championing a talent quest that gave the winner the chance to travel to Tamworth.

Cr Hyslop thanked everyone involved in producing the morning’s event, including St Arnaud Australia Day ambassador Karen Douglas; Eleanor Parry and St Arnaud Citizens Band for providing music; Tyler Thiem and Marg Batters for raising the Australian flag; Lions and Rotary clubs for providing breakfast; and Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens for catering morning tea.

Stawell festivities

On Monday afternoon the Central and Grampians wards had their time in the spotlight, with the Stawell event relocated to Stawell Entertainment Centre due to the forecasted heat.

In announcing David Jones as Citizen of the Year, Cr Hyslop said he was a devoted member of the community

since arriving in town in 1981 with his wife Margaret and their children.

For more than 40 years, Mr Jones has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick, elderly and those in need, while contributing to the development of the St Vinnies’ flats, where he now serves as president.

Mr Jones has helped distribute donated furniture, supported countless families in need and strengthened community welfare in practical, meaningful ways. His commitment extends to his faith community where he serves as an elder, assists with services and cares for the church grounds.

“His two decades with the Lions Club of Stawell reflect the same dedication,” Cr Hyslop said.

“As a member and in later years president, he helped rebuild the club during challenging times and supported events that bring the community together, including the Easter carnival.”

Mr Jones also volunteers for the Grampians Community Health Community Driver Program, while the success of his business David O. Jones Mitre 10 is a testament to years of hard work, vision and a commitment.

Other winners

Sonny Gellie is the Young Citizen

of the Year for Grampians and Central wards, helping deliver Stawell Library’s Device Advice program that assists people to set up phones and laptops, organise resumes, send emails, create digital photo albums and manage home internet.

Sonny is a member of Stawell CFA and was recognised as Junior Firefighter of the Year at only 17, and also volunteers with Meals on Wheels at Eventide Homes.

Community Group of the Year went to Stawell’s State Emergency Service unit, which has served the community for 60 years.

Halls Gap Recovery Kitchen Cabinet founding members Nicki Van Veen and Blanche Leithhead are the 2026 Local Heroes. During the Grampians summer bushfires of 2024-25 while the emergency was still unfolding, the Halls Gap community came together to form what became known as the Halls Gap Recovery Kitchen Cabinet.

The community-led group – comprising residents, business owners and representatives of existing community organisations – was established to support, guide and co-ordinate locally-led recovery, along with long-term community strengthening for Halls Gap and surrounding areas.

Help determine budget priorities

Northern Grampians

Shire residents can help determine budget priorities for the 2026-27 financial year through a public check-in process this month.

With the budget set to come into effect on July 1 this year, the council has released a list of proposed priorities for 2026-27, which is now available for community consultation.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said councillors selected the priorities from a list of actions in the adopted four-year Council Plan 2025-29.

“Council did a huge amount of consultation to identify these actions as part of the development of the council plan last year,” she said.

“However, it’s important we now check in with the community for feedback to see if we have selected the right proposed actions for year two.”

Cr Hyslop said the list comprised 108 proposed tasks aligned to the following Council Plan 2025-29 goals: ‘live it up, build it up, business buzz, clean it up and do it well’.

Among the proposed tasks are: developing a master plan to activate Stawell Entertain-

ment Centre; investigating the feasibility and cost of building a sound shell at Cato Park; supporting mental-health initiatives for farmers; advocating for the East Grampians Rural Pipeline project; supporting the establishment of a Halls Gap and St Arnaud Business Network; and reviewing maternal and child-health services.

“We are introducing a new consultation process this year, which involves our community reviewing the list of tasks and providing feedback,” she said.

“Council will use the feedback to determine if we amend, add or subtract tasks to align with our strategic direction and goals.

“Traditionally, residents have had an opportunity to provide submissions to a draft budget just before it’s adopted. This gives little scope to change anything at this late stage.

“However, the new approach will encourage community input much earlier before the budget is developed.

“This enables our community to share their input earlier in the process, with that feedback then reflected in the draft budget where appropriate.”

Cr Hyslop said she believed

the new process would result in more genuine engagement leading to meaningful change.

“Once we have confirmed the individual tasks, council will align the 2026-27 budget to achieving these outcomes,” she said.

“Rather than starting with the available budget and working backwards to align with different priorities, we are prioritising what matters most and then committing resources accordingly.”

People can make feedback submissions on the council’s website or via direct mail before 4pm on Wednesday, February 4.

People can visit ngshire.vic. gov.au/Projects-and-Consul tation/Have-Your-Say/Coun cil-plan-year-two-priorities202627-budget-alignment for a list of the year two tasks, along with information about how to make a submission.

Hard copies of the budget priority material can also be obtained at council’s customer service offices at Stawell and St Arnaud town halls.

People can also visit ngshire. vic.gov.au/Council/Gov ernance-and-transparency/ Council-publications/CouncilPlan for a copy of the endorsed Council Plan 2025-29.

Neil Diamond classics at Ararat

Ararat Rural City Council is inviting music lovers of all ages to Ararat Town Hall for Diamonds in the Rough, a live tribute celebrating the songs of Neil Diamond on Wednesday February 4.

Featuring vocalists Alexander Stuart and Michael Clohsey, the show will bring some of Diamond’s best-known hits to life on stage in Ararat.

Running from 11am to 12.30pm, Diamonds in the Rough promises a morning of music, memories, and singalong favourites, with audiences treated to classics ranging from Sweet Caroline and Cracklin’ Rosie through to Hello Again and Love on the Rocks.

Mayor Bob Sanders said the performance would feature rich harmonies, dynamic stage presence and a set list spanning decades of songwriting in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

“Ararat Town Hall continues to punch above its weight, giving local people and visitors the chance to enjoy top-notch shows without having to travel to the city,” he said.

“Diamonds in the Rough will be a great excuse

to come into town, catch up with friends, and enjoy some classic Neil Diamond tunes in one of our community’s favourite venues.”

Cr Sanders said the council was encouraging residents, community groups and visitors to make a day of it in Ararat, pairing the performance with a coffee or lunch at a local café, or a stroll through the CBD.

With accessible facilities and a central location at the corner of Barkly and Vincent Streets, he said the Ararat Town Hall remained a popular destination for daytime performances, especially for people who preferred not to travel at night.

Tickets for Diamonds in the Rough are available now via the Ararat Town Hall website, with officials encouraging patrons to book early to secure their seats.

For more information, including ticketing details and other upcoming performances at Ararat Town Hall, people can visit ararattownhall.com. au

Works begin on highway

TheHenty Highway, north of Horsham, is set to under major maintenance works in coming months,

As part of the State Government’s $976-million road maintenance blitz, rehabilitation works are underway on a seven-kilometre section of the Henty Highway at Kewell, between Old Minyip Road and Barrat Road.

Crews will be out in coming months to rebuild the road and repair and strengthen the surface, delivering smoother, safer journeys for motorists and ensuring the highway gives residents, freight operators and visitors to the area smoother journeys.

Resurfacing works are also set to start for a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the highway at Kellalac.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the works would ensure the road freight and farming network continued to operate safely and efficiently.

This year’s road program is focused on high-traffic corridors and key freight routes, including roads that connect communities across western Victoria.

Ms Horne said roads were prioritised based on expert assessments and community feedback, ensuring upgrades were focused where they were most needed.

“Crews are hard at work delivering hundreds of major maintenance projects on roads right across the state – 70 per cent of all the funding going towards our regional roads,” she said.

“As well as repairing some of our busiest roads, crews will also mow, slash and spray tens of thousands of kilometres of roadsides, inspect and repair thousands of bridges and other structures.

“They’ll also fix hundreds of sets of traffic lights and electronic signs, clean up graffiti and deliver other maintenance works as needed.”

To find out more, people can visit transport.vic.gov.au.

Police investigating fatal

Police are investigating the circumstances following a fatal crash near Stawell at about 4.15pm on Tuesday last week.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Pomonal Road, near Pipetrack Road, where the male driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Police believe the driver of the vehicle travelling north, veered from the road into a ditch and crashed into a tree. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or with dashcam vision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Foundation donates urology tools

Grampians Health Stawell will be able to further increase its surgical output following a donation from Stawell Hospital Foundation.

The foundation donated $28,000 towards instruments for performing urology operations as part of a total $36,580 donation to expand surgical services at the Stawell campus.

Stawell theatre nurse unit manager Sally Hamilton said the new instruments would make a huge difference to surgery by expanding current services as well as increasing surgical output.

Degenhardts Road, Murtoa, VIC

148.1ha / 365.96 acres

First time offered for sale in 155 years!

Prime broadacre cropping land located in the heart of the renowned Wimmera Cropping region and only approx 30kms ( 20 minutes from Horsham). Gently undulating land with good fall across the land. GWM pipeline water is connected to a large poly tank. Currently fenced into 2 paddocks, excellent fencing along the railway line with the remaining fencing mostly original.

Offered For Sale by Expressions of Interest

Closing 4.00pm Thursday 12th February 2026

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 20 E mark.clyne@harcourts.com.au

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 www.

“The new instruments are all essential for performing a range of urological procedures. It means we can now plan to implement a urology service in one theatre while simultaneously using the second theatre for other operations,” she said.

“The instruments will help reduce surgical wait times for our urology patients and local communities. The resourcing of high-end instruments for our operating theatre also supports the attraction of new clinicians.

“It’s a great win for us and we are

very grateful for the support from the foundation.”

Foundation chair Graeme Ellen said he was pleased the foundation was able to provide high-end equipment to the theatre, knowing it would make a difference to surgical care in the Stawell community and beyond.

“The instruments were part of a package donation that also included a new telehealth cart for Stawell’s urgent care and gym equipment for allied health services,” he said.

1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road, Brimpaen 952.05ha / 2352.56 acres

Southern Wimmera Cropping/Grazing – Great opp. to secure reliable farming land all in one location in 6 titles. Well-drained with brown loam soil types & a good clover history. Exc. water assets & fencing, good 3BR home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. 40kms south of Horsham with Grampians views.

PRICED @ $4,250 per acre – $9,998,380

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200 6080 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge 129.42ha / 319.80 acres

Looking for a scenic income producing block with some lifestyle benefits along with

Natimuk farmer Carl Sudholz, pictured with his son Benson, 13, inspect their paddocks ravaged by the Grass Flat Fire on January 9. Mr Sudholz said an early season break would help remedy the effects of the blaze and subsequent land management. Story, page 21.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

To everyone in Natimuk, Quantong and Vectis affected by the recent Grass Flat fire — our thoughts are with you. We recognise the strength and resilience these communities continue to show, and we understand that the impact of an event like this doesn’t end once the fire is out. In the days and weeks ahead, please know you’re not alone, and that we’re thinking of you all during this challenging time.

Looking for the rain cloud’s silver lining

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Natimuk farmer Carl Sudholz

is focusing on autumn rains, which he hopes will remedy the damage caused to his paddocks by January 9’s Grass Flat fire.

Mr Sudholz said the 8372-hectare fire crossed about 500 hectares of his land at both Grass Flat and Natimuk.

“The first thing to do is to try and stop the paddock from blowing –you don’t want to lose any more of that fragile topsoil,” he said.

“We’ve had to cultivate the soil, which does create some issues for the next season in weed control.

We’re burying seeds at different depths, which can create problems with pre-emerging chemicals.

“We’ve all come through the cultivation phase and moved into the no-till farming, but having to turn the soil over is not new to farming.”

Mr Sudholz said the uneven emergence of weeds would reduce the efficacy of pre-emergent herbicides he would apply.

“An early break in about mid-April

to get the weeds up before we sow would be the ideal scenario,” he said.

“But if we don’t get that opportunity, well then it’ll be just that one shot at them with the pre-emergence.”

Burning stubble has some advantages and remains a common farming practice.

“Burning reduces weed seeds and pests in the stubble, so we certainly don’t mind burning off occasionally,” Mr Sudholz said.

“But the difference was just the heat that this fire produced, it left absolutely nothing on the soil surface, it has just taken everything with it.”

But Mr Sudholz said he would not change any cropping plans for the next season.

“It will be business as usual,” he said.

“But if we can get the early rain, that would be the best-case scenario, to emerge those weeds and help to hold things in place. Cultivating does create more work, but it’s not all negative – there can be some benefits, in mixing up and distributing nutrients throughout the profile.

“And there will be no long-term negative effect. There’s perfectly good opportunities to get a good season, if we get the rain at the right time.”

Agriculture Victoria livestock extension officer Fiona Baker said while soil’s phosphorus levels did not change much after a fire, pH levels could.

“The soil’s pH levels – the acidity or alkalinity of the soil – can actually improve, because ash is actually alkaline, so the burnt plant material becomes alkaline,” she said.

“Often we can actually see a bit of an increase in the pH of the soil, which is a bonus, if we have to take good news stories out of fires.”

Ms Baker said the next step for farmers was to wait for the season’s break.

“There’s really nothing they can do until we get those rainfall events,” she said.

“So until the autumn break comes, it’s really hard to sit and wait. It’s a real challenge.”

Advice to monitor fire-affected dams

Farmers in fire-affected areas are encouraged to monitor their dams and remove floating debris as soon as possible following heavy or prolonged rain.

Agriculture Victoria advised farmers to consider installing sediment traps upstream of their bigger dams.

Following fires, many dams became unusable due to pollution from decomposing organic matter or after being filled with soil, sand, and gravel.

While little can be done in the short-term to remove the heavier materials, quick action to remove floating materials can be effective in maintaining water quality.

Typically, the floating materials consist of ash, charcoal, straw, grass, leaves and manure. The materials can cause issues for the water supply if they are not quickly removed.

Within a couple of days, debris will sink and begin

to break down causing the water to become putrid and potentially unusable for livestock.

While upstream sediment traps will reduce the risk of pollution, it is inevitable that some dams will become contaminated. When time permits, sediment traps can be installed to prevent debris from entering dams.

For more information on organic pollution in farm dams people can visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/water/ managing-dams/organic-pollution-in-farm dams.

For more information on managing stock water impacted by bushfire, ash and debris visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/ emergency management/bushfires/what-to-do-after-abushfire/stock-water-impacted-by-bushfire-ash-anddebris or call 136 186.

New round of farm gate funding

A new round of applications for the Look Over the Farm Gate community events program has opened in response to the bushfires and ongoing drought.

The Look Over the Farm Gate program offers grants of up to $5000 for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing of farmers and farming communities.

Since June 2025, funding has been provided to more than 160 events, with more than 130 Look Over the Farm Gate-supported events held. The program is part of the State

Government’s drought-support package of $146.5-million and is administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health. Applications for the new round of funding will remain open until the allocated funding has been exhausted or until June 30.

People can find out more and apply via the National Centre for Farmer Heath website.

Find more information about available drought support, people can visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ drought or call 136 186.

OʼBrien & Smith Lawyers are expanding appointment availability in Stawell. Rachel now attends Tuesdays, with Patrick continuing on Thursdays. Our Stawell office is now open Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm. To book an appointment, call our dedicated Stawell number: (03) 5381 2220.

Harvest exceeding expectations

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

L

ate season rains and a cooler spring gave farmers a betterthan-expected finish to harvest, with records broken at some receival sites.

GrainCorp national grains operations head Jason Shanley said tens of thousands of tons of grain was routinely received across the Wimmera.

“Carpolac, west of Horsham, reached a receivable record, a bit over 46,000 tons,” he said.

“To do that, we had to keep grain moving out of that site, to keep making space available for growers there.

“We saw some pretty strong tons, mainly across the Wimmera and what we call our central Victoria area, which kind of feeds down into the southwestern areas, about 30,000 to 40,000 tons a day coming in, which was pleasing.”

Mr Shanley said he had heard reports of yields exceeding expectations.

“The rainfall leading up to harvest, then those cool temperatures through October and November certainly helped the crops get the most out of that moisture,” he said.

“Barley has also been successful, particularly a new malt variety Neo coming in, which has definitely delivered on yields and certainly quality as well.”

Marnoo farmer Trent Carter said his harvest results across most of his paddocks exceeded his expectations.

“With the way the year started off –

and certainly ended with a very late break – a lot of things were up in the air,” he said.

“And then there were those crucial couple of weeks in October when things were really drying off, and a bit of a salvage right at the end.”

Mr Carter said it was a very difficult year for a number of reasons.

“One, to get a decent weed kill and be on the front foot there for the growing season ahead,” he said.

“Canola really struggled. We were looking for ideal plant density numbers and we still had canola plants germinating throughout the whole winter period, so it was a very unknown year, the way it panned out.”

Mr Carter said varying soil types, rainfall and barley varieties also contributed to the unknowns.

“In our farming enterprise, we had roughly 250mm of rain during the growing season,” he said.

“Then back close to Marnoo, it was probably down 30mm to 40mm, to the area south towards Wallaloo, where there were a few more southerly showers, and there could have been a flip of probably 60mm to 70mm there throughout the growing season.

“Obviously rainfall is number one, and soil type, and then there were barley varieties which stood out. We had Neo and Cyclops, and Neo certainly stood out in front with its hands up.”

Mr Carter said while barley’s average

Office efficiencies

Farm office efficiencies workshop – DEECA Centre, 110 Natimuk Road, Horsham, February 11, 9am-3pm.

Delivered by Agri Focused’s Carmen Quade, the free workshop is family farms focused and includes batch payment, reconciling, tracking inventory, reporting, managing receipts, dealing with paper records, cloud base storage, and strategies for keeping up-to-date.

Improving soil

Soil constraints, nutrition – online, February 18, 7.30pm-8.30pm.

A free session with Dr Cass Schefe, it is designed to equip farmers with practical strategies to improve soil health, boost crop performance and make more informed input decisions.

Farm emissions

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HAPPY: Goroke farmer Darren Walter delivered above average wheat and canola to GrainCorp at Carpolac and said his barley average was ‘really good too’.

yield was generally in the fives and sixes, wheat was high fours to low sixes.

“We had three different wheat varieties – Shotgun, Ponsford and Ballista – that we’ve been growing for quite a few years, which have been very good to us,” he said.

“Oats were a different one – quite disappointing to a degree. In a nutshell, they were certainly very low in yield quality.”

Mr Carter said he would welcome an early break.

“I’d love an early break, as we always would, it would put us on the front foot,” he said.

“We have a hot, dry summer, so hopefully that’ll break at some point and away we’ll go. But for now, in our cropping program, we’ll stick to rotations – heads down, tails up and keep steaming ahead.”

Calculate your farm emissions workshop – Wimmera CMA, Darlot Street, Horsham, February 24, 10am-2pm.

Agriculture Victoria’s Adam Buzza will lead the free workshop, giving people the opportunity to apply their own data into an emissions calculator with guidance and support. To register or find out more about these and other workshops, people can visit agriculture.vic. gov.au/support-and-resources/ event-listing.

Advocating for positive policy change

Riverside’s Emelia Sudholz is among three new representatives to join GrainGrowers’ National Policy Group, after members in the southern region elected their five representatives last month.

Broadacre dryland cropping near Rupanyup with her husband for 25 years, Ms Sudholz has a degree in agricultural science and has worked in the fertiliser industry, natural-resource management, and with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, MDBA, community committee.

Ms Sudholz said she was passionate about sustainability and climate resilience, and would like to see GrainGrowers continue its efforts to ensure research and policy align grain production with environmental responsibility and global competitiveness.

“Through my involvement with the MDBA, I have had the opportunity to represent the interests of regional communities affected by water-policy decisions and provide advice around basin plan issues,” she said.

“This experience has demonstrated to me the value of collaborative problem solving, respectful advocacy and evidence-based dialogue to achieve balanced outcomes, and I wish to bring those principles to the national policy group.”

Ms Sudholz said being elected to the NPG was an opportunity to be part of progress and to advocate for policy on

issues that impacted how people farm.

“With our industry facing challenges such as soil conservation, water scarcity, land use and climate change, developing practical, workable policies is a key step in sustaining our global competitiveness,” she said.

“I am looking forward to getting involved and playing a part in this process.”

Narrandera’s Jack Langley and Forbes’ Bruce Watson are the other two new representatives, joining two previous members, Telangatuk’s Amity Dunstan and Junee’s Martin Honner.

Ms Dunstan said she had contributed to NPG’s discussions on key issues including transport, competition, social licence, farm safety, innovation gaps and labour.

“I have worked to ensure that challenges such as increased taxation, the loss of AgVic staff, mining developments and transmission line proposals – and the resulting stress on Victorian and Wimmera farmers – are recognised at the national level,” she said.

“People are at the heart of agriculture, and we must look after everyone involved.”

Ms Dunstan balances farming, community, and family through participation in her local football and tennis clubs, and advocates for collaborative decision-making.

“I advocate for diverse perspectives and believe that well-informed policy–

shaped by both local and international insights – creates the foundation for compromise and better outcomes,” she said.

“I bring a collaborative, honest, and practical mindset to continue representing grower interests on the NPG.”

GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel welcomed the elected national policy group members.

“On behalf of GrainGrowers, I would like to thank all the growers who stood for the national policy group for stepping forward for this essential part of our policy development,” she said.

“I am very confident that every one of the elected members will represent the southern region effectively, contributing actively to the policy discussions at GrainGrowers.”

The NPG determines GrainGrowers’ policy positions and represents growers’ views on national issues affecting the grains sector.

It is made up of 15 representatives, five from each of the GrainGrowers’ regions: the southern region, of southern New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania; the western region, of South Australia and Western Australia; and the northern region, Queensland and northern New South Wales.

During the past 12 months, the group has contributed to deliberations about proposed superannuation changes, the ‘right-to-repair’ changes and grains research and development.

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Review to inform New BCG board member

BCG will host growers, advisers and researchers at its annual trials review day on February 20, to inform attendees about this year’s on-farm growing season decisions.

The event has been repositioned to focus less on trial results in isolation and more on how the results stack up when tested against risk, profitability and long-term business strength.

Despite decile-one rainfall in parts of the region, many areas still recorded above-average yields, reinforcing the importance of sound decision making, timing and system design.

In this type of season, access to credible, locally generated research and the ability to interpret it critically can be the difference between stabilising performance and compounding losses.

BCG Trials Review Day coordinator Louisa Ferrier said the 2025 program reflected a deliberate shift.

“Farming systems today are carrying more cost, more complexity and more risk than they did a decade ago,” she said.

“That means growers need to

be confident not just in what they do, but why they are doing it.”

This year’s program will feature agricultural economist Professor Bill Malcolm, who will question common assumptions around costcontrol, scale and efficiency while examining whether the agronomic themes discussed across the day deliver economic return.

Professor Richard Eckard will speak on the carbon conversation, focusing on what emissions reporting and sustainability expectations could mean for farm businesses and their balance books.

Birchip-born agricultural analyst Joe Boyle, from Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, will provide a market outlook, unpacking the key drivers shaping 2026 after a volatile 2025. Together, the three speakers will frame trial results in a way that reflects the complexity of modern farm decision making, helping growers assess not just what works agronomically, but what holds up when margins tighten and risk increases.

Ms Ferrier said independent research and critical thinking were more important than ever

“There is no shortage of advice available to growers, but not all of it is grounded in local evidence,” she said.

“Trials Review Day gives growers the chance to step away from sales pressure and focus on what the data is really telling them.”

The event is expected to resonate with younger and mid-career growers who are refining their systems while carrying greater financial exposure and responsibility.

Trials Review Day forms a key part of the organisation’s research and extension calendar.

The event is supported by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.

People can register for membership to access the event, which is on Friday, February 20 at Birchip Leisure Centre. For full program details, people can visit bcg.org.au/ events.

People can submit questions for the guest speakers at www. bcg.org.au/bcg-will-host-itsannual-members-only-trialsreview-day-on-friday-20-atthe-birchip-lesuire-centre.

Wilkur farmer Holly Hinkley has been appointed to BCG’s board, reinforcing its focus of balancing practical farming experience with high-level professional skills.

Ms Hinkley farms about 10,000 hectares with her husband, two young children and extended family, producing wheat, barley, lentils, and occasionally canola.

BCG chair John Ferrier said Ms Hinkley, filling a casual vacancy, would be an asset to the board and BCG members.

“Holly understands farming because she lives it, but she also brings valuable experience from outside the sector,” he said.

“That combination of practical insight and governance and investment expertise will be a real asset to the board and to BCG members.”

Ms Hinkley grew up on a mixed farming enterprise in Gnowangerup, Western Australia, where her family continues to operate a large cropping and Merino sheep business.

She completed an early-career internship with an agricultural investment firm in Brisbane, gaining exposure to large-scale investment and water trading.

Prior to returning to full-time farming, Ms Hinkley worked with Deloitte Consulting from 2019 to 2023 within the investment and wealth management team, supporting superannuation funds to strengthen governance frameworks, advice models and overall member outcomes.

Ms Hinkley said organisations like BCG played a critical role in supporting resilient and profitable farming systems.

“BCG has had such a real and lasting impact across north-west Victoria because they are grounded in farmer needs and focused on practical outcomes,” she said.

“BCG’s work supports better decisions on farm and strengthens the long-term viability of farming families and rural communities.”

BCG chief executive Fiona Best said Ms Hinkley’s appointment aligned with the organisation’s purpose.

“Holly brings both a deep connection to farming and the external skills needed to support a modern, forward-looking research and extension organisation,” she said.

“Her perspective will be valuable as BCG continues to focus on farmer profitability, innovation and long-term resilience across our region.”

Fire recovery help on hand

Resilience is a word that is bandied around far too much these days.

It has even crept in to the corporate vernacular around company values and the attributes businesses would like their employees to embody in their day-to-day work.

Why on earth you would want your employees to have to draw on their reserves of resilience on a day-to-day basis just to get through their workday is beyond me.

Being well trained, displaying stoicism, having a strong work ethic and good depth of character, yes; relying on people’s resilience, I’m not so sure.

You need to be resilient when you need to be resilient, which comes into sharp focus when the real things in life happen.

There is no better example of this than the recent fires many of our local farmers and residents have had to endure.

After a better-than-expected growing season due to a kind spring, to be immediately thrust into a situation where paddocks are bare and blowing, livestock and livestock feed have been lost, machinery, infrastructure, or even

worse, your home has been destroyed, requires a level of resilience to come back from that is far beyond what the modern meaning of the word would suggest.

Insurance or no insurance, attempting to recover, even long after the initial impact of the event passes, is perhaps the hardest part of it all for those affected.

In a world that seemingly stops for no one, it is especially difficult and possibly why the word is flirted with so much in the modern day, as often there is little room left available for when the real requirement for resilience calls.

I know I would speak on behalf of our competing agencies as well as AWN that ongoing assistance is available and willing to be provided for anyone in need of contacts or assistance in coordinating freight, fodder, livestock, or simply an ear and-or a conversation.

Machinery built to last

A family-owned tractor and header purchased mid-last century was used in novelty to harvest about half an acre of wheat on Schillings’ Katyil property this season.

Paul Schilling said his father Otto bought the 1938 Big E harvester, while Otto’s brother Ernie bought the model D John Deere tractor.

“I’ve got the receipts for both the header and the tractor – they

were both bought brand new. Dad bought the header in 1938 for about £100, and it was delivered by train to Dimboola or Antwerp,” he said.

“The tractor – it was a 1949 model but it was 1951 by the time it got here – was about £1500.”

The tractor and header have always been kept in a shed and are still brought out occasionally.

“Every now and then we get it out,

just to show the young people what happens,” Mr Schilling said.

“Dad was actually going to pull it out of the shed permanently, but I think it’s too good to pull out, and I’m glad we never did – the paintwork on it is all pretty good.

“And this season we used it to harvest a little patch of wheat for chook feed.”

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The 2025 harvest ‘long-game’ is finally finished

Expressions of interest close on February 28, 2026

Possession – March 2026

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Have you considered the impact these issues will have on you, your family and community?

REGISTER TODAY

Join the AVA, political leaders and a range of experts (researchers, farmers, policy makers) to discuss the important issues impacting Victorian communities.

Triton workh orse accessorised

Mitsubishi

Motors Australia

Limited, MMAL, has announced two new special edition models based on the popular GLX-R and GSR variants.

The duo combines several popular accessory options into what MMAL says are ‘value added packages’ designed to offer touring and commercial customers a turn-key solution from the showroom floor.

For the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R Special Edition with Tradie Accessory Pack, from $58,490, we find exclusive Diamond Premium Paint joining accessory side steps, bed liner, sports bar delete – to allow for the fitment of a tonneau or canopy, rubber floor mats, weather shields, matte black bonnet protector, and a 3500kg rated tow bar with towing accessory kit.

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton GSR Special Edition with Touring Accessory Pack, from $66,140, offers a black nudge bar, weather shields, matte black bonnet protector, rubber tub mat, and the same 3500kg-rated tow bar with towing accessory kit as found on the Triton GLX-R Special Edition with Tradie Accessory Pack.

“We are proud to offer our adventurous customers two Special Edition

models that have been fitted with accessories packages selected from our Genuine Accessories range,” MMAL general manager of product strategy

Bruce Hampel said.

“Alongside our market-leading 10/10/10 Diamond Advantage, capped-price servicing and roadside assistance program, these packs offer fantastic value for our customers.”

The vehicles are expected to reach local showrooms next month.

The news comes as Mitsubishi’s Triton enjoys a strong 12 months of sales in the Australian market.

MMAL sold 18,900 copies of the Triton in Australia during 2025, the model ranking in fourth place behind the Ford Ranger, 56,555l; Toyota HiLux, 51,297; and Isuzu D-Max, 26,839; and narrowly ahead of the BYD Shark 6, 18,073.

The result marks Mitsubishi’s best sales year for Triton since 2022, and an improvement of 823 unit sales on the previous year’s, 2024, result.

2026 Mitsubishi Triton Special Edition pricing, excluding on-road costs, is GLX-R Trade Accessory Pack (a) $58,490, and GSR Touring Accessory Pack (a) $66,140.

– By Matt Brogan

Electric vehicle sales catch up

Electrified vehicle sales – including those with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains – are making ground on the total share of diesel models sold Down Under.

Data collated from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, FCAI, VFACTS report and the Electric Vehicle Council, EVC, most recent statistics show electrified vehicle sales now trail those of all diesel-powered vehicles sold by just 8716 units – or 0.7 per cent of the total number of vehicles sold for the 2025 calendar year.

And while diesel numbers remain steady as a whole, the data shows electrified vehicle share is consistently eroding that of petrol-powered models, which have decreased in volume by 4.4 per cent since the start of the decade.

It is a trend that appeared to accelerate late last year, as in December 2025, electrified vehicles edged ahead of their petrol counterparts by 499 units and outdid diesel by nigh-on 6900 deliveries.

In 2025, Australian new vehicle buyers purchased a total of 475,279 petrol-powered vehicles, 54,070 fewer than at the beginning of the decade.

By contrast, diesel-powered vehicle sales have increased by 73,594 units, led largely by the popularity of dual-cab light commercial utilities. But by far the largest incremental shift is in the uptake of electrified vehicles.

Combined, sales of all electrified models have increased by a staggering 293,848 units against the 2020 calendar year, an uptick of 473.6 per

Motorcycle and off-highway vehicle sales have fallen incrementally in 2025 as economic pressures take their toll on discretionary spending.

According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, FCAI, a total of 92,967 units we sold across the outgoing calendar year, a decrease of 1.3 per cent when compared with 2024. While off-road motorcycle sales were steady at 41,190 units – 12 units more than the previous year – road motorcycle sales declined 3.6 per cent to 33,018 units, while scooter sales increased by 3.8 per cent to 4933 units.

In the off-highway segment, the FCAI noted sales of 13,826 units, representing a 1.4 per cent decline compared with 2024. Japanese motorcycles remained steady favourites across the 2025 calendar year with Yamaha taking top place on the podium ahead of Honda and Kawasaki.

cent. VFACTS data shows 199,133 hybrid vehicles were sold in 2025, a 16 per cent share of all vehicle sales for the calendar year, and a fiveyear increase of 239.9 per cent.

Plug-in hybrid vehicle sales reached 53,484 units at the end of last year, up 3063 per cent.

Battery electric vehicle sales compiled from VFACTS and EVC data – due to Polestar and Tesla reporting exclusively to EVC since July 2024, following a dispute with the FCAI over New Vehicle Efficiency Standard lobbying- have increased from 1769 units at the start of the decade to 103,270 units at the end of 2025, or 5737.8 per cent up since 2020.

However, the 2025 result marked a reduction from the 114,672 battery electric vehicles sold in 2024, their popularity most likely eroded by plug-in hybrid sales, which more than doubled to 53,484 units last year.

On the whole, the figures indicate a marked shift in buyer preference toward greener vehicle technologies as a greater number of more affordable ‘new energy’ entrants arrive in the market.

It is a trend that will continue in the years ahead as the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard wields an increasingly big financial stick against vehicle importers that sell a lot of high-emitting models.

With penalties on higher-polluting vehicle types expected to inflate retail prices of dieseland petrol-powered models commensurately, it is indubitable that the trajectory of electrified vehicle sales will continue its steady ascent.

– By Matt Brogan

“While total volumes softened slightly, it is encouraging to see resilience in parts of the market, particularly off-road motorcycles and scooters,” FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said.

“Road motorcycles and scooters are an efficient and cost-effective means of transportation, especially in high-density metropolitan areas.

“With around 10 per cent of Australians hold ing a motorcycle licence, there are opportunities to see an increase in motorcycle sales for on and off-road riding.

“Looking ahead, riders can expect to see a steady flow of new and updated models arriving in showrooms, with manufacturers continuing to invest in innovation, safety and performance to meet the needs of Australian riders.”

It should be noted that not all brands represented in the FCAI’s audit figures are covered.

pUZZLEs

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

Quick Workout

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

Crossword

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.

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: January 26, 2006 –Horsham’s Ross Bullock was named Horsham Rural City’s citizen of the year in the Australia Day honours for his contribution to the Horsham community in areas of music education and performances. Young citizen of the year was Horsham Pipe Band member and Uniting Church elder youth leader James Henwood, the Big Splash Swimming Relay that raised funds for Horsham Aquatic Centre was community event of the year.

10 years ago: January 27, 2016

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy called for a kangaroo cull to be expanded into the Wimmera, after the State Government trial at Ararat, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Pyrenees and Southern Grampians ended that June. Ms Kealy asked for the culling program, which saw the meat used for pet food, to also include West Wimmera. The program had created 12 jobs at Hamilton’s abattoir, where the meat was processed.

Five years ago: January 27, 2021

A Wimmera Development Association COVID Community Recovery Plan, focusing on seven sectors, was set to be presented at a board meeting. The plan would explore community health and wellbeing, tourism arts and culture, sport and recreation, environmental water and energy, infrastructure and transport, economic development, and education and training. Regional business and community representatives had been involved in the plan’s development, which aimed to help the community ‘bounce back strongly’ after the COVID-19 pandemic.

One year ago: January 29, 2025

St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney was painting a mural on the back wall of the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame building as a tribute to the history of the gift. Torney said the work, when looked at from one end to the other, was almost in chronological order. It featured a starter, people in the blocks, a lady taking off, people racing, a celebration, and the trophy with the grandstand behind. The mural was funded by Northern Grampians Shire Council through its arts and culture grant program.

TaKE a BrEaK

yOUr LUCKy sTars

FOR THE WEEK JANUARY 25 TO JANUARY 31

ARIES

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5, 9, 6, 3 Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 36, 39, 22

1. Born on this day in 1912 was which American expressionist painter, whose sale of a piece of work to the National Gallery of Australia for $1.3-million in 1973 caused controversy?

2. Which band’s name was inspired by the archduke of Austria who was killed in 1914?

3. What was the name of Germany’s currency before the introduction of the Euro in 2002?

4. Myopia is the medical term for which eye-related ailment?

5. Ho Chi Minh City was formerly know as what?

6. How long has the Lego group been in operation – 82 years, 94 years, or 98 years?

7. Last week’s aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, was visible across Wimmera skies – it was caused by what kind of storm?

8. Sesame Street’s Bert has a pet pigeon – what is her name?

9. Which country has the most volcanic activity in the world?

10. In the film Mean Girls, who is the ‘queen bee’ of the plastics?

11. Which animal shares its name with one of the seven deadly sins?

12. Who made an historic 230 runs for West Wimmera in a cricket match at Nhill on January 17?

13. Swedish author Astrid Lindgren died on this day in 2002 – what was her most famous children’s book?

Answers: 1. Jackson Pollock. The work was Blue Poles, and its purchase was a pivotal moment in Australia’s art history. 2. Franz Ferdinand. 3. The Deutsche mark. 4. Being near- or short-sighted. 5. Saigon. 6. 94 years. 7. Solar storm. 8. -Ber nice. 9. Indonesia. 10. Regina George, played by Rachel -McAd ams. 11. Sloth. 12. Nathan Alexander. 13. Pippi Longstocking.

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

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

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: 0437 894 257, kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: 0488 473 562, dcutter@aceradio.com.au; 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

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

by

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

This week asks you to slow down before moving forward. Major decisions and signed agreements deserve your full attention. Read the fine print and don’t rush. A family member may need emotional support, so carve out quality time for them. Reflective moments bring deeper connection and harmony within your closest circles.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3 Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 27, 8, 33

Watch your wallet this week; unchecked impulses can lead to regret. Carefully consider each purchase and weigh long-term value over instant gratification. Romance shines brightly, and you’re likely to experience warmth, laughter, and connection with someone special. Let your heart lead when it feels right.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3 Lotto Numbers: 1, 18, 21, 12, 25, 45

Diplomacy is your superpower this week. Harsh words may satisfy in the moment, but lead to regret later. Choose patience and curiosity instead. Someone in your inner circle understands more than they let on; let mutual trust guide your dialogue. Smooth communication opens doors professionally and personally.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3 Lotto Numbers: 4, 6, 12, 25, 29, 33

A tender, romantic energy lingers this week; friendships and partnerships deepen. While your creative ideas are flowing, collaboration is key to bringing them to life. Don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Physical wellbeing also calls for attention; nurture your body with rest and gentle movement.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5 Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 45, 20, 33

Demands on your time may feel high, but the rewards are real. Your leadership and enthusiasm attract opportunities nd meaningful connections. Carve out moments in nature or a brief getaway to restore balance and creativity. Your energy is contagious, and others will look to you for inspiration.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 6, 5 Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 9, 7, 22

Challenges may seem persistent, but your composed mindset helps you navigate them with grace. Things may not feel perfect yet, but your consistent efforts are building momentum behind the scenes. Stay patient and maintain your routine; your breakthrough is coming.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 6, 7 Lotto Numbers: 7, 4, 12, 25, 26, 30

Love deepens into something more meaningful this week. Thoughtful communication will resolve lingering tensions. Logical thinking and compassion make a powerful combination when navigating complex matters. Make time for gentle movement or exercise to support your wellbeing.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 2 Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 9, 6, 11

Bold financial ideas are tempting, but practical planning is essential. Quick wealth schemes rarely hold; instead, focus on ventures with real structure. A new job or business opportunity could signal a shift toward lasting success. Trust your instincts, but balance them with wise counsel.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 3, 2 Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 45, 20, 31, 33

Your sociable nature shines this week, atherings and events bring genuine joy. Avoid getting swept up in gossip or rumours; what you hear may not be the whole story. Focus on authentic connections. Travel energy is present, so even a short adventure could shift perspective and spark creativity.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 6, 8 Lotto Numbers: 4, 45, 23, 36, 31, 11

A few minor setbacks may test your patience, but wins are worth celebrating. If extra responsibilities come your way, navigate them with grace and avoid unnecessary conflict. Your grounded nature and experience help you manage the week ahead.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 6, 5 Lotto Numbers: 7, 15, 26, 34, 40, 22

Make decisions that truly reflect your authentic desires. Avoid impulsive choices or self-deception. A balanced, thoughtful approach prevents unnecessary strain. Embrace beauty and joy in your social world while maintaining focus on your priorities.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6, 3, 2, 3 Lotto Numbers: 6, 12, 25, 45, 32, 22

b c d e f g h i

Your sense of humour helps you navigate tricky situations, but steer clear of controversy. Caution with finances and thorough decision-making serve you well. Heartfelt compassion opens doors, but remain discerning about where you invest your energy.

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

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

The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multimedia platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

It’s affordable and effective!

For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Classifieds

(nee Starbuck), Kathleen Anne ‘Kaye’

Passed away on January 16, 2026 aged 91 years.

Dearly loved wife of Bob (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Susie & Phil; Kerri (dec); Greg & Janine; Jan & Fred.

Adored Gran Kaye to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Treasured Memories

CARTER (nee Bowler), Marie Catherine

Passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026 aged 87 years.

Dearly loved wife of John (dec).

Loving mother to Andrew (dec) and Janet.

Adored Ging to Kate.

Reunited with her loved ones

HAEBICH (nee Jenkins), Denise Kaye

Passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2026 aged 76 years.

Dearly loved wife of Michael.

Loving mother and motherin-law of Dennis; Michelle & Dave.

Adored Gran to Elise and Oscar.

“Always”

HALLAM (nee Warrick), Margaret Amelia

Passed away on January 21, 2026.

Dearly loved wife of Norman.

Loving mother and motherin-law to Larry & Carolyn; Roger & Liesl: and Warrick.

Adored “Granmum” to Harry and Hollianne and loved

“Margie” to Sophie and Tom.

Sister to Alan, Herb, Edwin and Les.

Forever loved, In God’s garden

HALLAM (nee Clark), Winifred ‘Jean’

Passed away on January 21, 2026 aged 93 years.

Dearly loved wife of Edgar (dec).

Loving mother of Jennie (dec), Herbie, Glenda, Pam and Andrew.

Mother-in-law to Shirley.

Adored by her 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren.

Reunited with her loved ones

HALLAM (nee Warrick), Margaret Amelia

The funeral of Margaret Amelia Hallam will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Monday, February 2, 2026 after a service commencing at 10am for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HALLAM (nee Clark), Winifred ‘Jean’

BAKER (nee Starbuck), Kathleen Anne ‘Kaye’

A celebration of the life of Kaye Baker will take place at the Rupanyup Community Centre, Gibson Street on Friday, January 30, 2026 commencing at 3pm Privately interred. Please wear neat casual clothes.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

CARTER, Marie Catherine

The funeral of Marie Catherine Carter will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Thursday, January 29, 2026 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HAEBICH (nee Jenkins), Denise Kaye

Funeral arrangements for Denise Kaye Haebich have not yet been finalised. Please see next edition for funeral details.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

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

The funeral of Jean Hallam will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham next Thursday, February 5, 2026 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

GLARE, Peter James

18-3-1944 to 29-1-2019

Dearly loved husband of Dianne.

Loving father of Damien (dec), Simon, Mathew and Melanie.

Father-in-law of Kellie, Olivia and Burke. Grandfather of Jack and Jade, Jacob and Ebony, Ben and Lucy.

Loved forever, never forgotten

GLARE, Damien Peter 17-3-1967 to 5-2-1970

Our darling angel in Heaven

Loved aways and forever Mum, Dad; Simon, Kellie, Jack and Jade; Mathew, Olivia, Jacob and Ebony; Melanie, Burke, Ben and Lucy.

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with pool table – just $1500! Call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book

catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

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.

Budgies , including white to yellow, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0428010996

Care for 12 year old female greyhound, odd times, some overnight Ph 0427864628

Cocker Spaniel pups for sale, purebred pups black, female available from September, microchip# 978142000982266, Source# R185238 Ph 0429912620

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

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 Warracknabeal

2006 Concept Ascot 18', low

EC, stored under cover, lots of extras $17,000 Ph 0413445347

Purebreed Dalmation Puppies 12 weeks old, 1 male, 1 female, all vaccinated and microchipped, source# MB29299295301000 microchip# MB2929927970314, MB2929927970359 $1800each Ph Rob 0439878845

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0480137184

2010 Paradise Grande

2012 Regent Cruiser, 18', Tare 1800kg, shower & toilet, single beds, all modern comforts, as new tyres & battery, semi-offroad, only travelled a few

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

2017 Franklin Core 22', one owner, excellent condition, gas heater, twin bunks, washing machine, $1000+ extras, $59,900 Ph 0401986201

series total off road, all extras $50,000 Ph 0428788212

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

REDUCED 1998 Cameron Canvas Camper, fully enclosed annexe, off road tires, double innerspring mattress, always stored undercover $4000ono Ph 0439553575

REDUCED 2007 Billabong pop-top caravan, EC, double bed, air con, 3way fridge, elec brakes, gas and elec cooking, new awning $18,500 Ph 0409182376

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

Deb Dress For Sale, Size: 10-12, worn once, excellent condition, dry cleaned, $400 Ph: 0429802767

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,

$200 Ph 53826461 or 0429 309

Bikes one ladys 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, new

Holland Mower GC with parts, 44g drums ideal for grain feeding cattle, best offer Ph 0429857207

Flat deck tandem trailer, 4.2m x 2.3m, $4500 onoPh 0407285097 FOR SALE Teak TV Cabinet 2

shelves 2 glass doors at bottom, 151H x 104W x 700 as new $60.

Outdoor setting laminex oval table 4 chairs washable cushions $90, Bird bath large $60, large towing mirrors $40. Ph 0409967815, Pick Up Horsham.

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

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

Stereo $200, Outdoor setting

$150, a round table and chairs

REDUCED $290, a beautiful organ paid $8000 selling for $3500, Chiffonier paid $950 selling for $350, ironing board $60, green leather couches,1 x 2 seater and 1 x 3 seater, pristine condition, paid $6500 sell for $4000, all needs to go by 27th October Ph 53824788

Swardman Edwin 2.1 reel mower, 7 blade reel, can buy interchangeable scarifier, brush & 10 blade reel to fit this model,very good condition, Briggs & Stratton 127CC Motor, minimal use in the last 2 years, only selling due to not getting used $2000, Ph 0447455342

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

2004 Harley Davidson Heritage softail, screaming eagle pipes saddle bags, great condition, 25xxxkms, $17,000 Ph 0409406366 Stawell

2018 KTM 65 , 2nd owner, powerful little motorbike, ready to go! $3200 ono Ph 0447316525

Hammond electric pedal organ, plus music, to giveaway to good home, Ph 0418129474

Yamaha upright piano, excellent condition, regularly tuned. $1,000 or reasonable offer, Ph 0418129474

15' fibreglass clinker inboard boat, no motor, make an offer Ph 0407179433 16' Yacht TS16

, 2 & 6 HP

OB`s, 2 sets of sails, Dunbier tilt trailer U58751, reg TS446 $4000 Ph 53542787

3.7 savage aluminium boat, UM198, 20 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2200 ono Ph 0428523919

Immaculate family ski boat, 1993 Ski craft 5.6 meters, 350 Chev, regularly serviced, new gel coat, new bimini, refurbished rolco easy tow trailer, stereo system, and high pole included, boat rego CV679, trailer rego D81783 $15,900 Ph 0409180016

Stacer Aluminium boat, 3.6m boat with trailer and 9.9hp Evinrude motor, comes with 3 adult life jackets, 2 child life jackets and fish finder $1800 Ph 0417105439

Stacer Aluminium fishing boat 25 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor, trailer & boat registered, VGC $6000 Ph 0498549832

Quickie electric wheelchair , hardly used, EC $16,000 neg Ph 0429881523

IRONMAN SLIDE AWAY Ute slide louvre tub cover 2023 Ford Ranger next gen $700 Ph 0439377524

Reduced alloy nudge bar, will suit Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series, $125 Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

2004 Mitsubishi Magna , all wheel drive, not going, vin# 6MMTL9F424T024238, 320,000km $800 Ph 0419303839

Mercedes Benz, A160 4 Door, REG QSG616 lovely ladies car, rwc provided, $3000, ph 0432226061 or 0419509335

Mercedes Benz 2004 C180 , Kompressor elegance, 1 owner, full service history, 2 new rear tyres, RWC, 101,000km, 6 months rego 2DY8CR, $5,500 PH 0413960612

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 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 $21,500 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

49

CASH FOR COINS

Paying $35 CASH each for 1966 50c Rounds.

Paying $1.50 Gram or $1500 Kilo for Australian Florins, Shillings, Sixpences & Threepences.

Ph Rob 0477 887 893 anytime

Statewide Integrated Water Management (IWM) Coordinator

Wimmera CMA

Horsham, Victoria 2 year xed term, 0.8 to full-time Salary: Band 4 ($93,581)

Project Management Officer – Waterways

Wimmera CMA

Horsham, Victoria

Are you seeking an opportunity to take on a statewide leadership role?

Wimmera CMA is seeking a motivated and experienced coordinator to join its vibrant and modern workplace.

Ongoing - up to full-time

Salary: 77,883-99,493 pa (relative to skills and experience)

The successful candidate will focus on coordinating and building the capacity of a statewide group of CMA Integrated Water Management (IWM) O cers.

Lead the delivery of projects that protect and enhance the regions natural assets.

Wimmera CMA is seeking a suitably qualified person to lead the development and oversee the implementation of key natural resource management projects to improve the health of the region’s waterways.

The successful candidate will be joining a lead agency for natural resource management that prides itself on integrating community values into the planning and delivery of land, water and biodiversity management.

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, re ects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

Visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download a position description and key selection criteria.

Applications close 10am Monday, Feburary 9th, 2026.

For further information visit www.wcma.vic.gov.au to download a position description and key selection criteria.

The Wimmera CMA provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, reflects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

Applications close 10.00am, Monday August 18 2025.

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Customer Service Officer

Position number VG/3305A

Join our vibrant team as a Customer Service Officer!

If you’re friendly, professional and have a ‘can do’ approach to create great customer experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

You'll be the first point of contact for customers, on the phone and at our McLachlan Street office, while supporting the team with key administration tasks including ownership changes, information statements, payments and interruption notices.

As a values driven organisation, we support our people with development opportunities and a positive, inclusive workplace. This role is full-time preferred, but part time or job share will be considered for the right candidate.

Apply now and help us deliver exceptional service across our region. To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

Applications close: Wednesday 11 February 2026

GWMWater contact:

Maddison Cullinan, Head of Customer Support on 1300 659 961

GWMWater is committed to achieving ‘Zero Harm’ across all operations. We prioritise a safe working environment, ensuring that everyone returns home safely every day.

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11 McLachlan Street Horsham gwmwater.org.au

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Warriors return to top of the ladder

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

West Wimmera reclaimed top spot on the Horsham Cricket Association A Grade ladder after unseating Laharum in an engrossing one-day contest on Saturday.

The Demons entered the clash as one of the association’s hottest teams, having won their seven previous matches, and chose to bat after winning the toss at their Cameron Oval home.

But it was the Warriors who made the first big play, with Nathan Alexander claiming the wicket of Laharum opener Josh Hutchinson for two runs.

Hutchinson’s opening partner Daniel Griffiths made a quick 19 from 20 deliveries before he too was removed by Alexander, leaving the team 2-23.

Chaminda Gamage took the majority of the strike as he built a 28-run stand with Monty Wynne for the third wicket, but Warrior bowler Josh Lees trapped Wynne in front for five before Xavier Bone claimed Gamage’s scalp for 21, putting the home side on the back foot once again.

It was a sixth-wicket between Jason Kannar and Harrison Hoffman that got the Demons back in the contest, with the latter contributing 24 runs to a 57-run partnership before falling to Austin Merrett, while lower-order contributions of 30 from Jackson Hoffmann and 23 from skipper Josh Mahoney saw Laharum post a com-

petitive total of 10-162. West Wimmera openers Brad Alexander and Mitch Dahlenburg took contrasting approaches to the run chase, with Alexander scoring 26 at better than a run a ball, while Dahlenburg batted patiently for his 39 runs before being stumped by Harrison Hoffman off the bowling of Kannar.

Brodie Cramer, batting third, and Nathan Alexander at four built a match-winning partnership of 40 runs, with Cramer going out for 48 with victory in sight.

It was the last wicket the Warriors would lose, with Alexander, 37 not out, and Jeremy Weeks, an unbeaten seven, guiding them to a winning total of 3-163 with more than two overs to spare.

While the win was enough to put West Wimmera back atop the ladder, Noradjuha-Toolondo stayed hot on the Warriors’ heels with a tense one-wicket win against Swifts-Great Western at Stawell’s Central Park.

The Bullants sent the home side in after winning the toss, but a superb innings of 61 from Lions skipper Aiden Graveson, coupled with 41 from Zachary Marrow, might have seen the visitors regret their decision.

Justtin Combe helped the Bullants avoid a disastrous run chase however, claiming five wickets including the key breakthrough to remove Graveson.

Lane held up his end admirably, scoring one run from 10 deliveries faced, while Cutter made hay at the other end, knocking in 17 runs from 13 deliveries to send his side to 9-185 with only three balls to spare.

Colts fell just short in a run chase against the Horsham Tigers, coming up eight runs adrift after batting out their 40 overs.

The Tigers set a total of 4-201 thanks to Tyler Puls’ 61, and their bowlers were able to find enough breakthroughs despite Adam Atwood, 45, Josh Colbert, 41, and Joey Nagorcka, 41, all getting good starts.

The round’s final two matches were more straightforward victories, with Donald-Jeffcott beating Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills by six wickets with 26 overs remaining, while LubeckMurtoa downed St Mary’s by eight wickets with 22 overs and change to spare.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

ON THE RUN: Jake Durdin made 54no filling in for Horsham Tigers against Colts on Saturday.

With Swifts-Great Western all out for 183 the Bullants needed to bat well, and a 51-run opening partnership between Matt Combe and Jason Harris was just what they had in mind.

But Lion Wil Clough struck back, taking two wickets in an over to put the visitors suddenly on the back foot.

The Bullants’ hopes appeared to be fading when skipper Tony Caccaviello was trapped in front by Sam Wells for

24, and Jack Combe fell for four soon after, leaving the team 71 runs short of victory with only three wickets remaining.

It was a superb eight-wicket stand by Tim Crick, 28, and Jordan McDonald, 24, that turned the match again, but the visitors were still 20 runs adrift when McDonald fell to Matt Heffer, leaving Anthony Cutter and Riley Lane a tense few overs to navigate.

Jarvis Mitchell starred for the Mudlarks with the ball, taking 5-12 in eight overs, while skipper Shannon Reddie scored 57 with the bat.

This weekend will see Swifts-Great Western at home to Colts, Horsham Tigers on the road against West Wimmera at Nhill, the Bullants hosting Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills at Horsham City Oval, Laharum travelling to Murtoa to take on the Mudlarks and Donald-Jeffcott welcoming St Mary’s.

Looking back

BY DAVID BERRY

In the build up to Volleyball

Horsham’s 50th anniversary celebrations in July, I will share some of the history that has led to this momentous event.

I hope you enjoy reminiscing as much as I do in bringing it to you.

Our first trip down memory lane will take us back to where it all began in the 1970s.

Volleyball was nothing more than a social sport back in the early ’70s.

Former Horsham Technical School PE teachers Phil Lienert and Barry Neuman had considerable influence over their students when it came to playing volleyball in Horsham, as they would encourage students to join the association if they enjoyed playing when the sport was run at school.

On the women’s side, volleyball got its start at the old youth centre, which is now part of Horsham Aquatic Centre, when ladies would have a hit of volleyball after their keep-fit classes run by Rita Fitzpatrick finished.

Change was on the horizon though, should the volleyball competition wish to continue playing out of the

new basketball stadium. So, Horsham Volleyball Association was formed on July 11, 1976 at a meeting of players that was called following the development of the basketball stadium, as it had to be an entity from a liability perspective to continue using the stadium.

Inaugural president Tess Yeo said the meeting was called and what happened blew her away.

“We called this meeting and all these people just turned up,” she said.

“It was most unexpected to see so many people at the meeting who were interested in helping to form the association.”

The media of the day reported ‘a win for women’s lib’ was made with three females taking the executive positions, with Yeo as president, Jenny Chaston as secretary and Diane Johnson as treasurer.

Nine others volunteered to be on the committee including notables such as Barry Neuman, John Mibus and Trevor McDonald.

Others to influence the sport in these early days included Jeff Creek, Gary Bird and Bill Glenister.

In those early years the competition was made up of 16 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams.

Interestingly, men’s teams represented Mid City Meats, police, high, tech and west schools, CRB and the Apex club.

The women’s side of things was not as easily identifiable, with teams such as Glovlies, Odder T’s, Fonzies, Cheese and Sox, making it difficult to associate exactly who the ladies were representing or where they came from.

In the men’s competition the dominant team of the decade was the CRB

team, with notable players including Ken Breuer, Mick Stirrat, Robert Block, Peter Miller and Leigh Doolan.

This team would win premierships from 1977 through until 1981, missing only in 1980.

This was different for the women, with Odder T’s, Celtics and Plura sharing the premiership spoils over the same period.

In 2026, Volleyball Horsham will pay homage to these teams, with the A Grade teams carrying the names of the dominant teams of the decades.

The A Grade competition teams will

Browniesatmidnight shows winning form

Horsham-Hamilton breeders and owners the Lewis family celebrated a victory at Melton on Friday when five-year-old gelding Browniesatmidnight showed his best in the $15,000 Benstud Standardbreds Pace.

Drawn widest on the front line over the 2240-metre test, driver Glen Craven was caught three wide with a trail early, then elected to press forward to sit outside the leader TimBimBoo, Kate Gath, with a lap and a half to go.

The leaders broke away from the pack at the 400m mark to have the race between them at the top of the home straight.

‘Brownie’ found plenty over the final stages to score by 3.5m in a rate of 1:56.3.

Team Lewis bred the gelding from their former smart mare Mistressofillusion, eight wins, which has also produced Isthisjustfantasy, 12 wins and $125,00, which finished a brave third in the Make Mine Cullen at Ballarat on Saturday night.

Nosweetsforyou wins

The Great Western training team of Michelle and Craig Wight enjoyed deserved success at Wedderburn on Sunday with their consistent six-yearold mare Nosweetsforyou.

Drawn barrier four over the sprint trip of 1750m, Michelle pushed Nosweetsforyou forward at the green light to land in the spot outside the leader City Rockstar, with Chris Alford aboard.

Forced then to do it tough in the death, at the 300m mark Michelle was driving hard and her charge seemed under pressure. At the top of the straight they were four abreast for the final charge to the post and with just 100m to go, Nugget Rogers, Brent Murphy, looked to have it in the bag but immediately broke gait and was out of the reckoning.

Nosweetsforyou fought back bravely in the middle to steal the result by a short-half head from Sportsbou, Michael Bellman, in a rate of 1:56.1 – her ninth career victory with 22 minors, from 89 starts.

‘Over the moon’

While all eyes were on the champion Leap To Fame as he cruised to the finish some 12 metres clear of his rivals in the $100,000 Woodlands Stud Ballarat Pacing Cup on Saturday night, supporters of the Aaron Dunn stable were over the moon with the performances of his rank outsiders Dee Roe and Forty Love.

With less than a length separating second to fourth across the line, the judge called for a photo, which showed 150-1 chance Dee Roe, Jackie Barker, in second place and 100-1 pop Forty Love, Aaron Dunn, third. The duo came from the tail of the field at the bell to collect cheques of $15,000 and $10,000 respectively – a great result for the blue-yellow-white colours.

Leap To Fame carved 0.4 seconds

HOT STREAK: Driver Ryan Backhouse, left, continued his January hot streak with a driving double at Terang on Monday night. Backhouse combined with trainer Justin Lane, right, to score with five-year-old mare The Naked Art in the $6000 Lee Contracting Pace for owners the Carberry and Brooksby families. Earlier in the night he piloted four-yearold gelding Lewielewis to victory in the $6000 AJ&M Automotive Centre for his ‘boss’, Horsham trainer Aaron Dunn. Picture: TERANG HRC

off the track record with a rate of 1:54.4 for the 2710m race. The effort of Forty Love has him likely to line up in the prestigious Group 1 $250,000 Hunter Cup at Melton on February 14.

Successful run

Horsham-based reinsman Ryan Backhouse has kicked off the new season in fine style, landing eight

wins from 35 drives in January. The 20-year-old concession driver landed a quartet at Gawler a couple of weeks ago and followed up with three in a row at Mildura on Friday.

All going well, Backhouse should notch up his 200-win milestone in a month or so as he currently sits on 187.

– Tony Logan

REASON TO SMILE: Horsham

Men’s Volleyball Association

CRB A Grade premiers in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1981, from left, Leigh Doolan, Darryl Papst, Peter Miller, Garry Minne, Michael Storrat, Robert Block and Ken Breuer.

wear retro tops carrying the names of these premiership players. Teams to be honored include CRB, Kurri Blue, Illusions, Shados Inala and Nuggets.

The Women’s A competition will honor Odder T’s, Celtics, Plura, Tweeties, Midnight, Monarchs and Phantoms.

On behalf of all Volleyball Horsham members we would like to thank those people who got the association and volleyball started in Horsham.

We are just the custodians of the great work that you all did to get volleyball happening in this city.

Jackson wins feature race at Great Western

Temperatures in the mid-30s failed to deter racegoers, who enjoyed a day out at Saturday’s Great Western Cup.

Warrnambool-based trainer Shane Jackson took out the $60,000 feature race with eightyear-old gelding Flying Basil, who was guided around the 1950-metre circuit in a time of 2:01.4 by jockey Tom Madden to win by a length and a half from Max Mercury. It was a good day out for Lake Fyans-based trainer Andrew Bobbin, with back-to-back victories in races four and five coming through four-year-old mares Cliste and Littlebitcheeky respectively. Great Western Racing Club officials thanked attendees ‘who braved the warmer conditions to join us’.

“A special thanks to the racing industry including the stewards, trainers, stable teams, jockeys, vet staff, audio team, bar staff, barrier attendants, race callers, bookies –everyone,” they wrote in a social media post.

“You help make our day run smoothly and we had eight successful races and a very happy crowd due to your collective efforts, so thank you.”

Blizzard’s Olympic dream a reality

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Ararat athlete Sarah Blizzard’s long-held Olympic dream is now a reality.

The sprinter-turned-bobsleigh competitor earned a place in Australia’s two-woman bobsleigh team for next month’s Winter Olympics in Italy after qualifying in the final week of International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, IBSF, competition at the weekend.

Blizzard was an injury alternate for the two-woman Australian team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, but did not appear in competition.

Now she will not only compete, but spearhead the Australian two-woman Olympic team in Milan after qualifying as a pilot – the lead member of a bobsleigh responsible for steering the sled through the course.

The 28-year-old made a switch from brakeman – at the rear of the sled – to pilot after the previous Olympic cycle, and the bet on herself paid off.

In a post on social media, Blizzard thanked her supporters and her teammates Desi Johnson, who qualified alongside her, and Hayley Silvester, an injury alternate.

“I’m so unbelievably proud of myself, my team and everyone who has

Champions crowned

Horsham City Bowling Club hosted the Wimmera playing area Champion of Champions event at the weekend, also crowning a men’s novice bowler champion for season 2025-26.

Horsham City’s Daniel Gloury won the men’s final, defeating Nhill bowler Greg Ryan 25-14 in a high-standard game.

In the women’s final, winner Erin Alexander of Nhill defeated Coughlin Park’s Wendy Sleep 25-10, while in the novice event the winner was David Volte from Nhill, who defeated Matthew Morrisson 21-11 in the final.

Some games from the tournament were played Friday evening due to the hot conditions forecast across the weekend.

Mental-health round

Horsham City Bowling Club will also take part in a special mentalhealth awareness round this weekend.

Supported by Bowls Victoria, the

Bowl For Your Lives initiative promotes positive conversations around mental health.

Horsham City’s Robin Shaw said club members would wear special themed shirts across all four grades this weekend in support of the program.

“There are 60 clubs across Victoria participating this year, and it will rise next year and in years following we hope,” he said.

“We’re one of the first in the Wimmera area to be doing this. It’s a tremendous initiative.

“We’re all aware of the mentalhealth issues associated with the region, and Victoria and Australia in general. It’s an important issue and we’re keen to get behind it.”

People can visit www.bowlforyourlives.com.au to learn more about the Bowl For Your Lives initiative and make donations.

made this happen,” she wrote. “Thank you for the support and for believing in me. This is a huge team effort and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of you.

“Being an alternate at the last games broke my heart and I have worked so hard to make sure that I turned it around to be a different story this time.

“It definitely hasn’t been easy but it’s been worth it. Not just for this moment, but for all the moments within the sport every single day.

“I truly love this sport and I am so grateful to not only represent my country on the world stage, but now

to be heading to the Olympics.”

Blizzard’s path to Olympic qualification was a difficult one, hinging on her results throughout the IBSF World Cup and lower-tier European Cup circuits.

Entering the final round in Altenburg, Germany, she said her focus was simply on finishing.

“Most of this season we were sitting within qualifying, with only once or twice dropping out when races were happening overseas,” she said.

“So, heading into the last weekend of racing we knew where we were sitting for qualification but we didn’t want to say it out loud just yet.

“We had a race to go first and I needed to focus on the driving. Especially in Altenberg.

“The second I crossed the line all the emotions came flooding in and when I turned around to [Desi] she had already been crying.”

At the start of the season Blizzard launched a public appeal to raise money for a new set of runners for her sled, with government support for her chosen winter sport limited.

The public and new sponsors came on board to back her, helping raise more than $21,000.

Brush with tennis royalty

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham youngster Fletcher

Dandy received a ‘oncein-a-lifetime’ opportunity this month as he performed the coin toss for a tennis match featuring one of the greatest players of all time.

Fletcher, 11, was on court in Melbourne for a charity exhibition between the all-time leading men’s grand slam singles winner Novak Djokovic and American Frances Tiafoe, a former top-10 player in the world.

Fletcher’s father Simon said the Australian Tennis Foundation invited the family to attend the January 15 match through the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, which supports Fletcher as he battles leukaemia.

Fletcher also has a rare epilepsy condition known as febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome, FIRES, which affects about one in one million children – making him the only known person in the world diagnosed with both diseases.

Mr Dandy said the family was excited simply to attend the tennis, never expecting Fletcher to get a chance to rub shoulders with the players.

“We thought we’d go because the kids hadn’t been to the tennis, and the week before they rang us and

asked if Fletcher could do the coin toss,” he said.

“We were very surprised. We thought it was an amazing opportunity. It just happened, and it was a great experience for him.”

Mr Dandy said he doubted his son fully grasped the gravity of meeting one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

“We all enjoy watching the tennis, but because Fletcher is 11 he probably doesn’t fully comprehend what

Djokovic has done,” he said.

“Down the track when he looks back at the photos he probably will, because Djokovic’s record is probably one that will stand the test of time.”

The family’s brushes with tennis royalty did not end with Djokovic.

“We went for a tour down the walk of champions and they took us to where the players walk out on court,” Mr Dandy said.

“We walked around a corner and there was a media pack there, and as we were moving past I heard a voice. I thought ‘I know that accent’ and me and my wife looked over and it was Roger Federer just standing there.

“We were like little kids. We were star struck, big time.”

Mr Dandy said the day had been ‘a wonderful experience’.

“They treated us so well. It was

a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get down in the stadium and see what happens underneath,” he said.

“They took them out and they sat on court while the players got introduced, and then after Fletcher

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did the coin toss they sat there for the warm up and about five games of the first set.

“You’re probably never going to get that chance again, so they really enjoyed it.”

Return to courts

Central Wimmera Tennis Association action will resume this weekend, with five matches remaining in the season before finals.

In the pennant division, undefeated ladder leader Central Park will host second-placed Horsham Lawn, with St Michaels welcoming bottom side Kalkee.

A Special will see top side Central Park travel to take on Horsham Lawn Dorman, with Homers at home to Horsham Lawn O’Connor and Drung South travelling to Brimpaen, while Natimuk has a bye.

The Parkers also top the A Grade ladder and will travel to play Haven Red, with Haven Blue also at home to Horsham Lawn Tigers.

Horsham Lawn Ahern will host Homers and Horsham Lawn McGennisken is at home to St Michaels in other matches.

In B Special, Laharum will host Horsham Lawn Savage in a top-of-the-ladder showdown, while Natimuk is on the road against Horsham Lawn Bardell and Central Park hosts Haven.

Win for Hill, Price

Saturday’s Horsham Golf Croquet competition saw Rae Hill and Shirley Price win division one, ahead of runner-up Marj Weidermann. June Liddy led division two, with Greg Phillips the runner-up.

Marlene Schmidt and Robyn Devlin shared division three’s honours, with Di Jackson and Graham Schmidt runners-up.

On Thursday, Glenn Price and Marj Weidermann won division one, Ian Rees was runnerup.

Greg Phillips won division two, with Elaine Nicholls runner-up.

Marlene Schmidt won division three, Joy Smith and Robyn Devlin were runners-up.

Big win for all involved

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Organisers are thrilled with the success of Horsham Cricket Association’s inaugural T20 all-star match on Sunday, raising nearly $21,000 for bushfire relief efforts in the region.

The match looks set to become an annual fixture on the local cricketing calendar after drawing the association’s top players and a healthy crowd – all in support of a good cause.

HCA president Justtin Combe said while organisers had no set fundraising goal, the final total of $20,975 raised had blown them away.

“It was unbelievable. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to be honest,” he said.

“From the weather right through to the fundraising to the crowd and the support from the players and sponsors – everything was brilliant.”

Mr Combe estimated a crowd of between 500 and 700 people was in attendance at Horsham City Oval.

“At one point I looked across and the hill was packed, the grandstand was probably three quarters full and then you’ve got people in the clubrooms as well on the balcony everywhere,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a crowd like that at the local cricket ever.”

While the importance of the on-field result was secondary to fundraising efforts, spectators were treated to an entertaining contest.

The North all-star side, comprising players from West Wimmera, Donald-Jeffcott, Horsham Tigers, Lubeck-Murtoa, St Mary’s and Brim-KellalacSheep Hills, batted first after winning the toss.

But while the North team featured a deadly array of bats, the South bowling line-up proved equally potent.

Laharum’s Chaminda Gamage led the charge with 3-21 from four overs, while Colts’ Jay Couch and Josh Colbert, along with Noradjuha-Toolondo captain Tony Caccaviello, took wickets each to have North all out for 115 in 18.1 overs.

West Wimmera’s Mitch Dahlenburg top scored for North with 21, closely followed by teammate Brad Alexander on 19.

The batting fireworks came in the run chase, with Laharum’s Daniel Griffiths opening for South and blasting 42 from 29 balls in an innings featuring four sixes.

With MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser pledging a $200 donation for every crowd catch, intrigue was high.

Spectator Astrin Morrison eventually took a one-handed grab, to the delight of the crowd.

“It came off the bat pretty good,” Morrison told MIXX FM presenters Hugh Dougherty and Grant Kuchel, who broadcasted the match live on the radio.

“It looked like it was going to drop a bit short though. It just fell in my lap pretty much. I sort of stuck my hand out and it was just one grab – it just stuck in there.”

Griffiths’ efforts at the top of the South batting order, along with innings of 39 not out from Swifts-Great Western’s Zach Marrow and an unbeaten 21 from Noradjuha-Toolondo’s Jamie Byrne, were enough to see their side chase the required

total with more than seven overs to spare.

Mr Combe thanked players, sponsors and attendees for their support, and said the match was likely to become an annual event to raise money for charitable causes.

“The players loved it,” he said.

“A lot of them have more flexibility with playing a Sunday here in town in a T20 format than travelling to Mount Gambier or Warrnambool and taking up a whole day playing representative cricket.

“A lot of the players have young families, so this format suits them down to a T.”

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

WELCOME, DADE – OUR NEW CHIROPRACTOR

After

In my work I have a particular interest in supporting patients to alleviate chronic pain with conservative treatment, with the aim of restoring strength, function, and movement to the body. I enjoy working with patients across their lifespan and believe in helping people to get the best out of life.

When I’m not at work you will likely find me down the main street walking coffee with my wife and daughter. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, woodworking, cooking for my friends and family, and any other type of game or puzzle that gets my brain working. I look forward to meeting you in the clinic and working with you to help you live, work, and play in comfort.

28 No. 29

January 28, 2026

Classic catch

South all-star player Aiden Graveson takes a screamer of a catch to dismiss North run-machine Nathan Alexander during Sunday’s Horsham Cricket Association T20 all-star bushfire fundraiser at Horsham City Oval. The cricket match, broadcast live on MIXX FM, was the brainchild of association members in response to the devastating Grass Flat Fire, which impacted Natimuk, Vectis and Quantong this month. The South team, featuring players from the southern half of the newly expanded association, defeated North by eight wickets. Laharum batter Daniel Griffiths was named player of the match. Story, page 47.