Vol. 29 No. 5
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
COMPROMISE: Natimuk resident and climbing authority Keith Lockwood described the new addendum to the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Draft Management Plan as an ‘excellent result’, with more climbing routes to stay open at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park under a revised strategy to protect cultural heritage. Story, page 3. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Regional reset hope A 28-page
AgLife lift-out including Mallee Machinery Field Days feature
INSIDE TODAY
BY LAUREN HENRY
bandoning the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund will be among key issues for Victoria’s new premier Ben Carroll as pressure ramps up to prioritise regional Victoria ahead of the November state election.
Mr Carroll was yesterday sworn in as premier after being appointed Labor leader, with Gabrielle Williams announced as deputy premier, following Jacinta Allan’s resignation. The Bendigo-based MP was ousted after a cross-factional delegation of MPs told her she no longer had the support of her caucus. Initially Ms Allan refused to stand aside, but yesterday morning she announced her resignation as premier, despite saying she believed she had the numbers to win the next election. While dealing with Big Build corrup-
tion allegations, the State Government’s massive debt, Suburban Rail Loop cost blowout and a continual rising crimerate will be high on the new premier’s priorities list – particularly for metropolitan Melbourne – the Victorian Farmers Federation has vowed to keep regional issues front and centre. VFF president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate said the agriculture industry and regional Victoria were crying out for leadership that delivered for agriculture, farmers and regional Victoria. “Regional Victoria and our farmers are facing major challenges, from the flawed renewable energy roll out, a fire services tax that is unfair to our farmers, rising costs and crumbling roads that are increasing pressure on regional communities,” he said. “Ben Carroll has an opportunity to reset the relationship with agriculture and put the sector back at the centre of the state’s economic future.”
Mr Milgate called on all sides of politics to put forward a credible plan ahead of the state election that resulted in Victorian agriculture ‘moving again’ and giving farmers and regional communities the confidence they deserved. “Agriculture and regional communities drive the Victorian economy, we need leadership that recognises this and helps enable us to do what we do best,” he said. Nationals’ Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was a ‘divided, dishonest and distracted’ government. “They’re just focused on themselves and infighting when they should be fighting crime, they should be fighting corruption, they should be fighting to fix our roads and our health system,” she said. “ I think it frustrates Victorians when politicians are talking about themselves, but particularly so when there are so many issues across the state of Victoria that are impacting on people’s lives.
“There are so many issues in Victoria, it just blows my mind that four months out from the election, Labor are more focused on fighting themselves than fighting for what Victorians need.” In her parting speech, Ms Allan listed her achievements as premier, with the one aspect of her time in the top job that wanted to be remembered for was her action on women and girls’ health. “We opened 15 women’s health clinics across the state. We rolled out the green whistle for pain relief free of charge. You can get the pill at the chemist without paying to see the GP. And if your kid’s sick in the middle of the night, you can visit Australia’s first Virtual Emergency Department,” she said. “I’m proud to be Victoria’s second female premier. There have absolutely been moments when it’s been hard. But the chance to make a difference was worth it.” Editorial, page 11
IN THIS ISSUE • Nutbush for Hope • Mining group questioned • Milestone housing growth • Heat results split Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Collaborative access win P
BY LAUREN HENRY
arks Victoria has released a new addendum to the Mount Arapiles management plan, reversing its proposal to close thousands of rock climbing routes to protect cultural heritage sites.
The new Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park – Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Draft Management Plan proposal retains significantly more climbing opportunities than the plan released in 2024. Climbing Victoria says about 70 rock climbs and 72 boulder problems will be closed – about 4.4 per cent of the 3300 climbs and boulder problems at Mount Arapiles. A further 47 climbs, 1.4 per cent, will need re-routing or other mitigations such as descents changed. Parks Victoria is seeking community feedback on a revised proposal, which takes a much more balanced approach to protecting cultural heritage and allowing greater access for recreation activities. Feedback is also being sought on how the State Government’s commitment of $1.7-million for visitor facilities should be spent. The revised management approach has been informed by ongoing engagement with the traditional owners and the advice from the Dyurrite Community Working Group, consisting of representatives from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, BGLC, Arapiles District Community Group, Horsham Rural City Council, Climbing Victoria, Department of Premier of Cabinet and licensed tour operators. Parks Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said the proposed changes provided better protections for the significant cultural heritage at Dyurrite and clearer guidance on where recreational activities, including rock climbing, could take place. Mr Miezis thanked members of the Dyurrite Community Working Group for their work over the past two years and the mutual respect and shared trust they have demonstrated. “This is about shaping the future of Dyurrite by better protecting the significant cultural heritage values and creating more opportunities for people to connect with and enjoy this remarkable landscape,” he said. BGLC, representing the traditional owners of the land, said in a statement it had a legal and cultural obligation to protect the ‘irreplaceable cultural heritage of all country, including Dyurrite, with and for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people’. “In relation to Dyurrite, our priority is to ensure all cultural heritage within the park can be protected while allowing continued recreational use of the park,” the statement read. “We encourage all community members to engage with this consultation process and provide feedback to Parks Victoria on the draft addendum, to ensure the irreplaceable cultural heritage within the park can be protected for future generations.” Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said he was ‘really happy’ with the outcome of the draft
TEMPORARY CLOSURES STILL IN PLACE: Climbing Victoria is encouraging rock climbers to continue to respect the five voluntary closures that are already in place at Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park, in addition to the sites that are proposed for closure. Information on the voluntary closure areas can be found on Parks Victoria’s website. addendum. “ I’d strongly encourage community members to view the draft plan and take the opportunity to provide feedback through Parks Victoria’s consultation process,” he said. “I think this is actually a really good example of everyone working together for a good outcome for the community.” Lifelong Natimuk resident and climbing authority Keith Lockwood said the addendum was an ‘excellent result’ and congratulated all involved over the seven years for their work, honesty, and dedication. “I don’t think the outcome could have been any better,” he said. “The new addendum has targeted specific areas for protection and that’s good because culture will be protected and a lot of other areas will be opened up for the climbers and general public to enjoy what’s a beautiful world-famous place for not only climbers but for everyone else.” Climbing Victoria strongly endorsed the addendum with a few aspects for improvement and clarification, and encouraged the climbing community to make submissions supporting the new plan so that ‘it is not subjected to major changes or alterations after the consultation period is complete’. “Unlike what was proposed in the 2024 draft amendment or the current voluntary restrictions, significant areas will be open with only limited climb-by-climb closures. “So places including Declaration Crag, The Plaque, Fang Buttress, Bard Buttress, Tiger Wall, New Image Wall, The Pharos, Yesterday Gully, The Pinnacle Faces and Mitre Rock will be available for climbing once everything is finalised. “The addendum reflects the application of the guidance framework, which is a set of principles designed to minimise the risk of harm to cultural heritage, but without unduly constraining recreational activities. “What this means is that climbing will be
able to take place near to cultural heritage archaeological sites, without significant ‘buffer zones’.” “Traditional owners are demonstrating a significant level of trust that the climbing community will get on board and observe the limited restrictions that are expected to exist. “These sites, which are very important to the traditional owners, have existed for potentially thousands of years and while they often consist of hard rock, can still be subject to harm over time through repeated exposure such as climbers leaving dirt, climbing rubber or chalk behind.” Climbing Victoria advised there would not be any licensed tour-operator-only areas, and walking off track would continue to be permitted. The peak climbing body is finalising a list of several improvements in the new plan, and while they have been assured that Centennial Park, The Pines, would not be closed, it is seeking confirmation to be stated in the addendum. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the push for an excessive government ban had disregarded community sentiment. “Temporary closures announced six years ago have dragged on year after year, leaving Natimuk and the wider Wimmera paying the price. It simply should never have taken the Allan Labor government this long to find a balanced solution,” she said. “I’ve consistently called for an approach that respects cultural heritage while recognising the enormous social, sporting and economic value of climbing at Arapiles. “We welcome Parks Victoria finally moving towards a more balanced approach, but after years of unnecessary uncertainty, the community deserves to see the changes delivered without further delay.” Community engagement will close on August 19. Full details can be found at www. enage.vic.gov.au/dyurrite.
Nutbush for Hope Ten years after Horsham danced into the record books, the community is being invited to again pull on its dancing shoes for the Nutbush – this time to raise money for cancer research. People across the Wimmera, southern Mallee, Grampians regions and beyond are being called on to dance, donate and transform an Australian party favourite into a powerful movement for hope. The Nutbush for Hope campaign will culminate in a mass community dance at the Horsham Show on September 27, raising funds and awareness for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, FECRI. People can join the movement by dancing at the Horsham Show, making a one-off $10 ‘Donation of Hope’ online or organising their own Nutbush fundraiser at a school, sporting club, workplace, farm or local landmark. The original Guinness World Record, GWR, for the most amount of people dancing to the Nutbush was set on the Horsham City Oval on November 29, 2015, raising money for the redevelopment of the Horsham Town Hall. The record has been broken many times by attempts around the world, with the current record 6779 dancers, set at the 2025 Mundi Mundi Bash near Broken Hill. Professor George Kannourakis, founder of FECRI and a long-serving oncologist and haematologist, said the campaign reflected the community spirit on which the institute was built. “Our research has always been powered by communities coming together. Nutbush for Hope continues that tradition in a wonderfully Australian way,” he said. “Every person who dances, donates or shares the campaign is helping fund research into cancers affecting families across regional Victoria and throughout Australia.” Professor Kannourakis said while the campaign promised plenty of fun, it also carried a serious message for people to keep up to date with recommended cancer screening and speak with their GP about persistent or unexplained changes in their health. “Cancer diagnosis and mortality rates in parts of Western Victoria remain unacceptably high, reinforcing the need for greater awareness, earlier detection and continued investment in cancer research,” he said. FECRI was established in Ballarat in 1998 following a promise Professor Kannourakis made to his young patient, Fiona Elsey, who lost her fight for life aged 14. Fiona wanted cancer research to take place in regional Victoria so other people might have a better chance. Her wish inspired the creation of what is now Australia’s only regionally based, community-funded and independent cancer research institute, conducting research into ovarian, breast, bowel, prostate, brain and other cancers. Its scientists investigate cancer progression, treatment resistance and ways of harnessing the immune system to fight the disease. People can register for $15 to become a Horsham History Dancer at the show, for participants aged eight and older, combining dance registration with entry to the Horsham Show, while children aged seven and under can dance for a gold coin donation on the day. Donations and dance registrations can be made at fecri.org.au. Dance registrations and combined Horsham Show entry options will be available through horshamshow. com.au. Businesses, organisations and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor, partner or volunteer can contact Vicky De George on 0405 151 485 or vicky@mediacomservices.com.au.
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HRCC NEWS Regional Events Forum Helps Strengthen Local Events
CAREERS AT HRCC COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING OFFICER Permanent Full-Time Closes Thursday 30 July
Left to right: Deputy Youth Mayor Minha Raman, Youth Mayor Cassara Rowan and Mayor Cr Brian Klowss
Last week, HRCC, in partnership with Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire Councils, hosted a Regional Events Forum for local event organisers. The forum provided valuable insights into current event trends, funding opportunities, succession planning and innovative ideas to help strengthen and grow community events. Events play a vital role in enhancing community liveability while also supporting local tourism and strengthening regional economies. Visitors attending events contribute to local businesses by spending on accommodation, dining, shopping and other services, creating lasting benefits for the wider community. The Forum's program was presented by the Australia Centre for Regional Events, who delivered an engaging and inspiring series of sessions focused on innovation, emerging trends, event revitalisation, succession planning and practical strategies to enhance the sustainability and long-term success of regional events. Local event organisers were encouraged to think creatively, equipping them with valuable tools and ideas to support their volunteer committees and future event planning. 30 event organisers and representatives from across the region attended the informative forum, taking the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and gain practical knowledge to support the continued success and longevity of local events.
Calling Horsham Businesses - Business Enhancement Grants Are Open
Local youth name Council’s rubbish truck fleet All seven of Horsham Rural City Council's rubbish trucks now have names, thanks to a competition run by Council's Waste and Youth Services teams earlier this July. The "Name Our Rubbish Rigs" program invited young people from across the municipality to add some personality to Council's rubbish trucks, with name suggestions and votes received by Council's Youth Services team directly, as well as through schools and other youth networks across the municipality. Many pop culture references, clever alliterations and terrible puns later, the fleet now consists of: • Garbage Guzzler • Optimus Grime • The Bin Bandit • Trash-o-saurus • Peppa Rig • Truck Norris • Bin Diesel “It's been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown by our younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Program” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss. “It's a fun initiative that has given young people an opportunity to engage with Council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.”
RATES OFFICER - VALUATIONS & PROPERTY Permanent Full-Time Closes Thursday 30 July MECHANIC Permanent Full Time Closes Sunday 30 August To apply for these jobs or to view casual and part-time positions, please visit the HRCC website or scan the QR code.
TENDERS AND RFQ Q01/2027 HORSHAM AQUATIC CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY Closes Monday 24 August Q02-2027 MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION SERVICES REVIEW Closes Friday 14 August All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au
For their efforts, seven lucky voters received $50 vouchers from a random prize draw, drawn by Mayor Cr Brian Klowss and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and Youth Council Deputy Mayor Minha Rahman. Name plates will be added to the trucks at a later date.
GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS Cuppa + Conversations - Creative Recovery Project 18 August - 10am-11am NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk Come join the Fire Recovery Hub for a lively discussion on community expression through creativity. Whether you’re an artist wanting to work with the community or someone who was big ideas but isn’t ‘arty’, we want you to come along and discuss creative recovery in Natimuk and Quantong. This is the starting point for a community-centred project. If you have any questions please reach out to the Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 or recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au
Looking to grow, innovate or improve your business? The Business Enhancement Support Program is now open and ready to help local businesses take the next step. Funding is available for projects that support: • Business innovation • Operational improvements • Marketing strategies • Accessibility and inclusiveness • Business growth If you're an existing business operating within the Horsham Rural City Council area, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Applications are now open!
Social Media Made Simple Workshops 18 August & 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk
STAY UP TO DATE Know what's happening at HRCC. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.
Have Your Say - The Future of Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park
Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where to start? Learn the strategies and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging social media presence! The August session relates to understanding your audience and creating content that resonates, while the September session covers improving your photography and videography with hands-on content creation exercises. Bookings are essential, register with the QR code.
For more information, and to apply, scan the QR code.
Parks Victoria are seeking feedback on our proposed amendment to the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) Management Plan. The proposal aims to better protect Dyurrite's significant cultural heritage while continuing to provide opportunities for climbing and other park experiences. Visit Engage Victoria with the link below for more information and to have your say.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 24, 2026 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au HRCC News
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July 29, 2026 edition
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Mining group’s new plans questioned BY LAUREN HENRY
W
IM Resource announced last week it plans to cover the heavy mineral concentrate it will store at the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal, WIFT, Precinct at Dooen if its Avonbank mineral sands mine is approved.
WIM Resource will also establish a dedicated rehabilitation review group in a move it says is one of several practical steps it is taking in response to concerns raised by Horsham Rural City Council and the community. The rehabilitation review group will bring together landholders, technical experts, council representatives and other relevant stakeholders, as a forum to discuss rehabilitation planning, trials, monitoring and performance throughout the life of the project – expected to be 36 years. WIM Resource applied for a mining licence for the project, spanning 3426 hectares and is about 1.3 kilometres north-east of Dooen, in March, 2025, following State Government approval of the Environment Effects Statement, EES, for the project in 2024. WIM’s announcements last week came after Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss led criticism of WIM’s planned Avonbank Community and Coexistence Reference Group, saying council would decline an invitation to join the CCRG because it was premature given WIM Resource had not received a mining licence approval. Cr Klowss said there were still a lot of questions that remained unanswered with the Avonbank mine, and he was dissatisfied with WIM Resource’s response to concerns about community and environmental safety.
In response, WIM Resource announced last week it would publish validated environmental monitoring summaries, including any exceedances and the actions taken in response; provide clearer public-facing maps, distinguishing the proposed mining licence boundary from the area where mining disturbance is proposed, to make it clear no disturbance is permitted to occur over the Dooen rail hard stand; clearly explain how staged mining and progressive rehabilitation would work; and provide a clear pathway for raising concerns and escalating unresolved matters to the appropriate regulator, including a dedicated web page portal. WIM Resource director of projects Michael Winternitz said WIM welcomed the opportunity to engage with the council and other stakeholders, bringing important community concerns directly to the company, which had helped identify practical ways to build on the project’s established framework. “WIM has listened, had discussions, made clarifications, and found solutions to HRCC concerns, and remains committed to engaging with HRCC to ensure any further community concerns are addressed,” he said. WIM Resource director of community and landholder relations Kevin O’Brien said Avonbank was located in an important agricultural region, and WIM recognised the vital role the land played in supporting local families, businesses and communities. “We welcome community members to visit our website or drop by our community information hub to learn more and have a discussion with our team at 83 Firebrace Street, or you
can visit our online information hub to learn about the Avonbank project,” he said. WIM says it is committed to carefully managing the land, rehabilitating the land back to its productive agricultural use. But Cr Klowss said there was ‘very little detail’ in WIM’s announcement, making it ‘difficult to comment’ on whether the commitments went far enough to address council and community concerns. Cr Klowss said WIM had not detailed how it would cover the heavy mineral concentrate. “At the Port of Portland, heavy mineral concentrate is required to be stored in a shed for good reasons, including minimising cross contamination,” he said. “Before the council can comment whether this commitment is adequate, we need to understand exactly what is being proposed.” Cr Klowss said the most disappointing element was the response to the council’s concerns regarding the Dooen rail hard stand, which he said WIM had ‘missed the point entirely’. “Council has never claimed the company intends to mine beneath the rail hard stand. Our question has always been why a mining licence is required over that land in the first place, and that question remains unanswered,” he said. Cr Klowss said several other commitments outlined were already a requirement at some level, as part of the Environmental Management Plan for the project. “For example, publishing environmental monitoring summaries is already a requirement, so there is noth-
ing more being committed,” he said. “The real issue council continues to raise is the time between monitoring data being collected and then being released to the community. “Council continues to ask for realtime monitoring data so communities can see what is happening as it occurs, rather than months or even years after.” Cr Klowss said commitments relating to rehabilitation, review groups and complaints processes required more detail before it was possible to comment whether they represent meaningful improvements beyond existing obligations. Mine-Free Wimmera Farmers, MFWF, who also raised concerns about WIM Resource’s CCRG earlier this month, criticised WIM for continuing to present promises and commitments as though the project was proceeding, despite the company not yet being granted a mining licence. Secretary Russell Heard said the community deserved transparency, not assurances about future operations that remain subject to regulatory approval. The Weekly Advertiser understands WIM has requested an extension to provide additional evidence supporting its mining licence application, specifically information from the Foreign Investment Review Board. “We encourage WIM to clarify the status of all regulatory approvals, so the community has a clear and accurate understanding of where the project currently stands,” Mr Heard said. “While WIM’s announcement contains a number of commitments regarding rehabilitation, dust management and community engagement,
these remain promises rather than demonstrated outcomes. “Public confidence will be earned through facts and demonstrated performance – not media releases.” Mr Winternitz said WIM Resource continued to work with all relevant agencies on the regulatory approvals required for the project. “This is standard process for a project of this nature, and WIM remains committed to keeping the community informed as milestones are reached,” he said. MFWF called on WIM Resource to provide evidence of previous mining projects that WIM had successfully developed and operated; independent evidence demonstrating successful rehabilitation of those projects; and evidence the proposed rehabilitation methods have been successfully implemented in comparable agricultural environments. Mr Heard said WIM’s commitment to cover the heavy mineral concentrate was inadequate. “If WIM is serious about minimising dust risks and protecting public health, the HMC should be stored in a fully enclosed shed. Covering stockpiles alone does not provide the level of protection the community expects from a project of this scale,” he said. Mr Heard said MFWF remained opposed to the proposed freight terminal being included within the mining licence area because public freight infrastructure should not form part of a mining licence. “The community deserves evidence, transparency and accountability – not assurances about a project that has yet to receive all necessary approvals,” he said.
Traffic changes at roundabout
FORM: Students of The Australian Ballet School and members of The Australian Ballet Company brought ‘On Tour’ to Horsham this week, showcasing its repertoire of Act II of ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux’, and world premieres Stephanie Lake’s ‘Chrysalis’ and Sandra Parker’s ‘We Dance’. Dancer Calista Lewis is pictured helping Julie O’Brien with a pose during yesterday’s seniors workshop at Horsham Library. Dancers will also host a workshop for juniors at Avenue Dance Studio today. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Changed traffic conditions and closures will occur at Western Highway – Golf Course Road roundabout in Horsham from early August. There will be access changes on Western and Henty highways and Derry Parade, which are expected to be in place for about three weeks. Temporary barriers and yellow line-marking will be in place to delineate the site. There will also be occasional day closures for the outbound lane of the Henty Highway. The exit from Derry Parade onto the Western Highway will remain closed for safety reasons during this stage of works. A detour will remain in place via Citrus Avenue and Williams Road.
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AVONBANK PROJECT UPDATE WIM implements additional safeguards and strengthened community involvement based on feedback on the proposed Avonbank Mine After carefully considering feedback from Horsham Rural City Council and the Community, WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM) has decided to: ♦ cover the heavy mineral concentrate stored in the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal Precinct; ♦ establish a dedicated Rehabilitation Review Group; ♦ publish validated environmental monitoring summaries, including any exceedances and the actions taken in response; ♦ provide clear public-facing maps, distinguishing the proposed mining licence boundary from the area where mining disturbance is proposed, to make it clear no disturbance is permitted to occur over the Dooen Rail Hard Stand; ♦ explain in clear terms how staged mining and progressive rehabilitation will work; and ♦ provide a clear pathway for raising concerns and escalating unresolved matters to the appropriate regulator, including a dedicated web landing page portal. The Avonbank Project already has a comprehensive environmental framework developed through the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process and reflected in the favourable assessment by the Victorian Minister for Planning. WIM believes strong environmental controls should also be supported by clear information, open engagement and meaningful opportunities for community involvement. That is why WIM is going a step further with these safeguards and commitments. WIM will continue to be present, accessible and responsive, and to work constructively with the HRCC, landholders and the wider community as the Avonbank Project progresses through the remaining approvals process. Further information is available at the Community Information Hub and a dedicated web landing page will be online by 1 August 2026. For enquiries and to learn more, contact Kevin O’Brien via email at kobrien@wimresource.com.au. WIM Community Information Hub, 83 Firebrace Street, Horsham open Monday to Friday during business hours. www.wimresource.com.au
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Milestone housing growth
A
ffordable, State Government-funded housing units across Yarriambiack Shire are ready for tenants, and plans are in place to construct more.
Achieved with a $2.8-million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, there are two units in both Murtoa and Woomelang, and one each in Warracknabeal, Rupanyup and Hopetoun. Mayor Andrew McLean said the funding had allowed the council’s vision of housing options for older residents to be realised. “The primary goal is to provide downsizing opportunities into smaller, energy-efficient houses that require less maintenance, catering specifically to the needs of the ageing population,” he said. The council collaborated with Dunmunkle Lodge to manage the units
in Murtoa, Warracknabeal, Rupanyup and Hopetoun. Following an expression of interest and public notification process, the council unanimously decided to enter into a 50-year lease agreement with Dunmunkle Lodge. Cr McLean said the proactive partnership was significant, with the combination of securing funds for housing expansion and collaborating with a reputable not-for-profit, shire-based organisation for future management. “We recognise there is considerable demand for worker accommodation and a current shortage; therefore, some units may also be allocated for this purpose as needed and determined by Dunmunkle Lodge,” he said. The grant also supported the subdivision and transfer of land at 16 Cromie Street, Murtoa, to Murtoa Housing Innovation Pty Ltd, which
will see the construction of a further five homes in Murtoa. The land was originally bought with money generated by the Murtoa community through the former Murtoa Community Housing Asset Committee of Council, with the intention of increasing local housing stock. “Housing availability remains one of the most significant challenges facing rural communities, and council is committed to supporting initiatives that increase housing choice and availability across the Yarriambiack Shire,” Cr McLean said. “This project directly supports the objectives of our council plan 2025-2029 by helping create more housing opportunities, attracting new residents, supporting local workforce needs and strengthening the long-term vitality of our towns.” Murtoa Housing Innovation has
commenced planning and development works for the site, with construction expected to be complete in June next year. “This is an exciting milestone for Murtoa and another important step towards building resilient and sustainable communities across Yarriambiack,” Cr McLean said. “We look forward to seeing these homes completed and welcoming new residents to the township.” The council is also subdividing land in Stewart Street, Rupanyup, with the potential sale of a parcel of land to further support housing growth across the shire. At Hopetoun, a nine-lot housing subdivision and planning scheme amendment is being progressed for the former school site to support further housing growth in the town.
Grants open The State Government’s Community Recovery Grants program for bushfire-affected communities is open. Community groups and non-forprofit organisations can apply for grants up to $75,000 to deliver recovery programs of all sizes. The program will back locally-led projects that help people recover, reconnect and rebuild across bushfire-affected council areas. Applications, set up to help communities affected by January’s bushfires, will close on August 31. Ideas could be trauma-informed training and psychological first aid; community wellbeing events and workshops; or projects that include practical preparedness resources to help households plan for future emergencies. For information and to apply, people can visit vic.gov.au/communityrecovery-grants-2026-bushfires.
West Wimmera projects
West Wimmera community groups and organisations can apply for up to $5000 through the latest round of the Community Strengthening Grants Program, opening on August 10. The two funding categories, community projects, and facility upgrades and equipment purchases, provide grants of up to $5000 on a $2 for $1 basis. Applications can be submitted online through the council’s website at www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au. For more information or assistance with the application process, people can phone Amanda Munn on 13 99 82.
Extra support for students Federation University Australia has welcomed the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment, CPP, to students in an additional 10 health disciplines, starting July next year. Paid CPP already covers eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, and under a new Federal Government proposal, financial support is expanding to students studying clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, paramedicine, radiography, pharmacy, rehabilitation therapies, audiology, and podiatry. CPP has already seen a difference in students doing placements in regional areas where travel, accommodation and reduced working hours can add substantial costs. Federation University vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said the focus was on strengthening the pipeline of graduates entering professions experiencing workforce shortages across regional Victoria and Australia. “Regional communities need more nurses, teachers, social workers, psychologists and allied health professionals,” he said. “Supporting students while they undertake mandatory placements is an investment in their success and in the future workforce our communities rely on.”
Disability plan
ANNUAL EVENT: Shannon Arnott, Dale Russell and Tori McIlvena promote the annual CFA shoot at Natimuk and District Field and Game Club next month. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Fundraising target in sight The Country Fire Authority District 17 annual Natimuk claybird shoot is set to bring its perpetual fundraising tally to $30,000 this year. The 24th annual event continues to raise money for The Alfred’s burns unit, while offering more than $2000 in prizes across several shooting sections. Co-ordinator Dale Russell said the shoot replaced a CFA Region 17 golf day. “During the first shoots we made no money, then all of a sudden we were – we’re up to $29,250 for the burns unit,” he said.
“Last year the club donated $2000, with generous donations from individuals for $1000 and $100 respectively. “We chose the burns unit because historically we had Wimmera firefighters treated there – to the best of my knowledge we’ve had no people treated there recently.” Mr Russell said shooters, both as individuals and in brigade teams, came from across the Wimmera to compete. “It will be a normal field and game shoot with the CFA bit tacked on the end,” he said.
“We accommodate novices and experienced shooters, everyone is welcome.” The shoot, from 10am on August 9, is a 50-target simulated field. The day’s events are high gun, novice first to fifth, gun club members first to fifth, brigade three-person team events, brigade aggregate, and ladies’ and juniors’ events. Full catering and ammunition is available at the shooting ground, entry is $45 for adults and $30 for juniors. People can contact Mr Russell on 0427 807 300 for more information.
Ararat Rural City Council has released a disability action plan discussion paper as part of an effort to create a more accessible community. In January the council formed a disability action plan working group to guide the plan’s development and aims of improving access and inclusion across the municipality. The group included council representatives, industry experts and residents with lived experience of disability, with community listening workshops also set to ensure the plan reflects local priorities. The discussion paper was released on the council’s Engage Ararat website for residents to view. Mayor Bob Sanders encouraged people to think about what the council could do better. He encouraged people with lived experience of disability, as well as carers, families and support networks, to share their insights and help inform practical actions and change across council services, facilities and programs. To access the discussion paper, people can visit www.engage.ararat.vic. gov.au/disability-action-plan.
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New state zones raise questions
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he developer behind a proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm says it is working to understand the implications of the State Government’s declared Western Renewable Energy Zone, REZ, on its plans.
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RWE Renewables Australia intends to build about 145 wind turbines at Campbells Bridge, north of Stawell, covering about 14,000 hectares of what is primarily farmland. On May 29 the State Government declared five inland REZ boundaries, consolidating what were previously planned as separate Grampians Wimmera and Wimmera Southern Mallee zones into a single Western REZ. REZs are areas State Government planning body VicGrid has identified as the best places to host wind, solar and battery projects, with VicGrid vowing to prioritise access to the state’s transmission network for renewable projects built within REZs. Community group Southern Wimmera Renewables Research Association, SWRRA, which opposes the Campbells Bridge Wind Farm, claimed the declared Western REZ left more than two thirds of RWE’s planned development outside of its boundaries. SWRRA president Tess Healy, a Rupanyup resident, said the development was becoming ‘increasingly difficult to justify’. “The project, which proposes turbines approximately 260 metres high across productive agricultural land between Rupanyup and Glenorchy, has been criticised for its potential impacts on farming, the environment, neighbouring landholders and regional communities,” she said. “Recent changes to Victoria’s REZ boundaries have added further uncertainty. “Approximately 70 per cent of the Campbells Bridge project area now falls outside the designated Western REZ, prompting questions about whether the project should continue to receive priority access to transmission infrastructure.” A RWE spokesperson said the developer was examining the impact of the declared REZ boundaries. “RWE is engaging with the Victorian govern-
ment to fully understand the implications of the Western Renewable Energy Zone declaration on the proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm,” they said. Ms Healy said SWRRA members had other concerns about the project. “RWE has failed to provide meaningful updates on turbine locations, neighbour impacts or evidence that community concerns have influenced the design,” she said. “Landholders along the preferred transmission route have publicly opposed granting access across their properties, with many arguing they should not face compulsory acquisition or government intervention to facilitate a private energy development. “Community members are also critical of RWE’s consultation process, describing it as inadequate and dismissive. “They argue the company’s limited community engagement, infrequent office hours and inconsistent communication have left many directly affected residents without genuine opportunities to influence the project.” The RWE spokesperson said the company would keep residents updated as plans progressed. “The proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm is in the planning stage,” they said. “We are working through the detailed studies and investigations that inform the project design, including turbine locations. “As such, proposed turbine locations are still being assessed. When we have more details, we will share these with the community and other stakeholders for feedback. “RWE is committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses. We share updates and information with the community through regular project newsletters, on the project website and in-person every Tuesday at our shopfront in Stawell.” People can view plans for the proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm at au.rwe.com/projects/ campbells-bridge-wind-farm. People can find more information about REZ boundaries at www.vicgrid.com.au.
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UNITED: Wimmera River Improvement Committee long-time advocate Gary Aitken and Barengi Gadjin Land Council chief executive Chris Santagiuliana tour Police Paddock Nature Reserve.
Improvements for nature reserve
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The Wimmera River Improvement Committee is developing a working relationship with Barengi Gadjin Land Council at the Police Paddock Nature Reserve in Horsham North. The wetland area, originally known as the Wawunna Swamp, is home to a large number of native bird species and native plant varieties. BGLC chief executive Chris Santagiuliana met with the volunteer members of the WRIC last week to discuss on-the-ground improvements to the reserve and ways to work with each other. Mr Santagiuliana was taken on a tour of the reserve with long-time advocate Gary Aitken to inspect recent walking track repairs and to ob-
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serve the installation of bird boxes in some of the trees. The bird boxes, designed to attract native birds in which to nest, were made by committee member John Penny and were strategically placed around the reserve by the group. One new committee member also received an unexpected surprise when he opened an existing bird box and out jumped a possum with little joeys inside. The committee also farewelled long-serving secretary Max Burns who, with his wife Sue, are relocating to Melbourne. Mr Burns, a former GWMWater manager, has been a member of the committee for many years. Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Pesticide in water ‘safe’ BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
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WMWater has confirmed its water is safe to drink and meets Australian drinking water guidelines amid detections of banned fungicide Benomyl in water supplies across the state.
Banned in Australia since 2006, Benomyl has since been detected by Central Highlands Water, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Lower Murray Water and North East Water. The sixth most-frequently detected pesticide in Victorian water supplies, it has been detected 141 times since 2026. The most detections in GWMWater’s catchment were at: Quambatook with 15; Lake Fyans, nine; St. Arnaud, nine; Tullaroop Reservoir, nine; and Centenary Reservoir, eight. GWMWater water treatment manager Suzy McDonald said the detections in untreated raw water storage were extremely low. “They measured at many hundreds to thousands of times below the Australian health guideline value,” she said. “Ongoing monitoring shows levels have reduced over time, with results now at or below laboratory detection limits. “GWMWater regularly tests for more than 90 pesticides and other chemicals as part of its water quality monitoring program.” Benomyl was marketed under the trade name Benlate and manufactured
by DuPont. In the United States, DuPont was found liable for racketeering, negligence, fraud and defective product, Benomyl was linked to birth defects in the US and England, and was the subject of a class action for widespread crop damage in Australia. Friends of the Earth Land Use Researcher Anthony Amis said the Victorian detections could be a result of the fungicide stockpiled on farms, or assessing laboratories listing a closely-related chemical as Benomyl. “Benomyl detections may also have been a result of spray drift as Benomyl was also detected in water from Lake Wartook in the Grampians,” he said. “There is no agriculture within the Lake Wartook catchment, so the chemical must have been blown in by spray drift or fell with rain. “Benomyl was also detected in water supplies along the Murray River in the north-west, north-east Victoria and also in water supplies in the Grampians and Wimmera areas.” Dr McDonald said the Australian water guideline health limit for Benomyl was 90 micrograms per litre. “The highest detections found in the raw water – not drinking water – systems mentioned were between 0.03 and 0.09 micrograms per litre,” she said. “We publish our water-quality results so customers can access this information at any time.” People can visit www.gwmwater.org. au for more information on water quality and test results.
PERPETUAL PLATE: Christian Emergency Food Centre’s Bev Miatke, front right, and Horsham Sports and Community Club’s Daniel Hounsell and Laura Russell celebrate the club’s ‘Social Impact Award’ win at the Community Clubs Victoria awards. The club’s ongoing support includes an annual reverse advent calendar project, the ongoing donation of ready-to-heat meals and, last year, $50,000 in its major community project grant to purchase a food transport van. A not-for-profit established in 1998 by 10 Horsham churches as the Horsham Christian Ministers’ Association, the centre services Horsham and delivers to towns including Woomelang, St Arnaud, Hopetoun, Kaniva, Nhill and Rainbow.
Council works to secure Dimboola pool Hindmarsh Shire Council is seeking more funding for its Dimboola Swimming Pool project, which it found had exceeded its $1.4-million budget during the tendering process. The council is seeking to retain the existing $1-million Sport and Recreation Victoria grant while it pursues additional funding opportunities. The project will improve accessibility and increase recreation opportunities for the community, with the installation of an all-abilities accessible ramp for the 50-metre pool, wet deck
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Only time will tell J
acinta Allan has gone as the premier – but will that pave the way for the change that the state, particularly regional Victoria, needs?
There is no doubt Ms Allan was disliked in many regional areas – in fact, disliked is probably too soft of a description for how many people feel about her. The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy was the last straw for many regional Victorians – a kick in the guts for not only our emergency services volunteers but our farmers. But there are many, many other issues new Premier Ben Carroll will need to address – and quickly – with less than four months until the state election. While the usual funding priorities exist – particularly in relation to roads, education and health – there are many more issues that need immediate attention. Ms Allan had dug her heels in when she was continually called upon to establish a Royal Commission into Big Build corruption. While the government’s mounting debt, declining results in the polls and questionable integrity have lingered for a while, if you were to pick one issue that bought the undoing of Ms Allan, the corruption allegations were it. It was pleasing to see Mr Carroll immediately support a Royal Commission in his first press conference as premier yesterday. “Integrity under my govern-
EDITORIAL By Lauren Henry
ment will not be optional. We need to restore trust. The people of Victoria need to trust their government,” he said. “The stewardship of our institutions, of our economy, of our major projects is precious, and we will continue to work hard every single day. “I will set up the Royal Commission, and it will be a priority.” So who is Ben Carroll? Obviously we know him as the Education Minister, which he has been since 2023 – the same year he became deputy premier. The 51-year-old former lawyer and political adviser to former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks entered politics through a by-election following the resignation of Rob Hulls in the seat of Niddrie in Melbourne’s north-west. He has overseen more than 12 portfolios since Labor returned to power in 2014. And it has had its challenges – just last week, Victorian teachers walked off the job in large numbers after Australian Education Union members rejected the government’s second pay and conditions offer. It is a thorn in the side of the government, particularly ahead of the election. Mr Carroll is a member of the right faction of the Labor party
– as opposed to Ms Allan and former premier Dan Andrews, who were both members of the left. With his experience of working under Mr Bracks and John Brumby – both members of the right faction – some say there may be a return to policies and leadership reminiscent of the Bracks and Brumby governments. If this is the case, it would likely better serve regional Victoria, who particularly under Mr Brumby, were treated better than the most recent Labor governments – which was ironic given Ms Allan was from regional Victoria. But only time will tell what Mr Carroll’s leadership will look like. And will it be too little, too late for Labor for the election? While the Liberal party isn’t much better when it comes to leadership and internal bickering, they do seem to be listening intently to the concerns of regional Victorians with leader Jess Wilson’s Fresh Start Tour visiting all 88 Victoria’s Legislative Assembly districts. Wouldn’t it be a shock to our communities to see the new premier visit the Wimmera ahead of the state election? With many key projects important to the Labor government based in our region, surely listening and communicating with our communities and our leaders would be not only a courtesy, but be a step in the ‘new direction’ Mr Carroll pointed out his government needs to go in.
SUCCESS: Horsham Legacy public-speaking competition runner-up Darcy Milburn, Hopetoun, winner Lyra Reardon, Murtoa College and third Vedha Kumar, Horsham College, with participants, back from left, Minha Rahman, Gowri Pidaran, Amber Kenny-Tottenham, Cypress Kenny, Adalyn Clugston and Kayla Brown.
Back-to-back Legacy win Murtoa College’s Lyra Reardon has won Horsham Legacy’s public-speaking competition for the second consecutive year. The year-nine student, among eight others, delivered a prepared and an impromptu speech. Lyra, 15, said the event was important, and it gave her a unique opportunity. “It’s very important, especially in helping me express who I am and to show things that I can’t in other parts of my life,” she said. “School doesn’t offer this type of thing, in most places you’d never get the opportunity to do this. “I actually enjoy public-speaking now. I didn’t at first, it terrified me – it’s become something I look forward to doing.” Horsham Legacy president Philip Nicks said students from across the Wimmera participated in the annual competition. “I’m pleased to say we got nine students this year – last year we only ended up with
three, but we’ve now got three or four enthusiastic teachers who guarantee us next year, they’ll have even more students,” he said. “The quality and standard of the participants was excellent. “The subjects were many and varied, and they all had an individual presentation, which were different to each other, but all extremely interesting to listen to. “It can be a difficult job for the judges to pick the first, second and third.” First and second place-getters will compete in a regional final at Ballarat on September 9, with those first and second-placed competing in the national final at Melbourne. “The value of this competition is immeasurable – the ability to speak publicly is a big thing,” Mr Nicks said. “They’re very nervous when they get here, but by the end of the day, when it’s all over, they’ve formed a group and they’re yacking away; they all get something out of it.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Unanswered
Mr Flynn’s response, The Weekly Advertiser, July 22 edition, to my letter begins by attributing to me arguments I did not make. Rather than addressing the question I actually raised, he responds to one of his own creation. My letter neither criticised his campaigning nor suggested alternative actions. It asked one question: whether the claims that Horsham West Primary School was ‘unsafe’ and ‘chaotic’ were supported by objective evidence. Mr Flynn asks whether his list of actions is the evidence I was seeking. It is not. The issue was never whether he had campaigned on this matter; it was whether the original claims were supported by evidence. Meetings, signage changes, patrols, reports and grant applications may demonstrate that concerns were raised and actions were taken, but they do not, by themselves, establish that the area was unsafe and chaotic as described. Actions taken in response to concerns do not automatically prove that the original description of the situation was accurate. Evidence that a campaign led to changes is not the same as evidence that the underlying conditions met the threshold of being unsafe and chaotic. Mr Flynn refers readers to the Municipal Monitor’s report. I have read the report and could not identify any finding relevant to the safety claims under discussion. Mr Flynn is entitled to continue raising concerns and advocating for change. However, repeated assertions do not become evidence through repetition. The question has remained the same throughout this exchange: was the description of the area as ‘unsafe’ and ‘chaotic’ supported by objective evidence? It remains unanswered. Kath Dumesny, Horsham
Call to action
Suicide in rural Victoria is a growing crisis that can no longer be ignored. Behind every statistic is a family, a friend, a young person, a community member whose life matters deeply. Wednesday, July 29, 2026
2037 people died from suicide in 2018 to 2025 in regional Victoria. (AIHW, 2025) There are no words to describe this staggering figure or an ability to measure the impact this has on our communities. People living in rural communities often face greater barriers to mental health support – isolation, drought/flood pressures, financial stress, limited services, and stigma around seeking help. These challenges demand local solutions driven by community connection and early intervention. Headspace Horsham and our consortium have been motivated to seek preventative measures in aim to reduce suicide in our region. We are working to become a Live4Life community and are calling to community partnerships, which is an integral element of the model. The Live4Life model is the only mental health education and youth suicide prevention model designed specifically for rural communities. It’s a long-term prevention approach rooted in a whole of community model designed specifically to improve youth mental health and reduce suicide in rural areas. The program takes a whole of school approach over multiple years to build and strengthen a culture that supports positive mental outcomes. Young people in our community deserve better mental health support and we can make that happen together. We will be co-hosting a community information session with Live4Life on Wednesday, September 16 at 10am at Federation University where you can find out about the Live4Life model, what it means to be a Life4Life community and how you can be involved. Please register your interest at form.jotform. com/261968162825063. Every life lost to suicide is one too many. Together, we can build stronger, safer, and more connected rural communities where people feel seen, supported, and hopeful. We need community partnerships to become a Live4Life community. We look forward to exploring how you could be involved. Kate Waterworth, manager, youth mental health + wellbeing, Headspace Horsham
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Council dissolves advisory group Y
arriambiack Shire Council has dissolved its tourism advisory committee in favour of its tourism strategy’s contemporary approach.
The committee gave the council advice on tourism matters, strengthened communication between the council and township representatives, and supported the development of tourism initiatives and strategic planning. It also provided input into the development of the Yarriambiack Shire Council Tourism Strategy 2023-2027 and earlier visitor information resources. Mayor Andrew McLean thanked all committee members for their commitment and contribution to tourism development across the shire. “The committee played an important role in shaping tourism initiatives across Yarriambiack and provided valuable input into the development of our tourism strategy, which continues to guide council’s work in this area,” he said. “Their efforts and knowledge have allowed us to get to this point of growth and change.” Since the adoption of the tourism strategy, the council’s tourism priorities have become more clearly defined and are now being delivered through the strategy’s action plan, council plan initiatives, operational programs and regional partnerships. The council has also shifted its focus away from traditional printed visitor materials and towards digital visitor information, online itineraries, destination marketing and participation in regional visitor servicing platforms. Cr McLean said the evolving nature of tourism promotion and visitor engagement meant council needed to adopt a more responsive and targeted approach. “As council increasingly focuses on digital tourism content, visitor experience development and regional partnerships, we need engagement methods that allow us to involve the right people at the right time for specific projects and opportunities,” he said. Council officers worked to refocus the committee on contemporary tourism priorities, including implementation of tourism strategy actions, digital tourism content development, online itineraries and opportunities relating to camping and caravanning.
While committee members continued to demonstrate a strong interest in supporting their communities, the committee structure had become less effective in generating strategic advice and progressing deliverable outcomes. Rather than re-advertising for a new term without a clearly defined role, the council determined that resources would be better-directed toward tourism project delivery, direct stakeholder engagement and industry-specific support. “This decision is not about stepping back from tourism, in fact, it is about ensuring our resources are focused on delivering outcomes that support visitor growth, local businesses and our communities,” Cr McLean said. “Council remains strongly committed to implementing the tourism strategy and continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen Yarriambiack’s visitor economy.” The council will continue to engage directly with tourism operators, community groups, progress associations, event organisers, land managers, regional tourism organisations and other stakeholders as projects and opportunities arise. The council’s partnership with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism through the Visitor Economy Partnership will also play an important role in supporting tourism development, destination promotion, visitor servicing and industry capability across the municipality. Since adopting the tourism strategy in 2023, the council has made significant progress, including investment in caravan park improvements, development of digital visitor information and itineraries, participation in regional marketing campaigns, advocacy for accommodation and visitor economy investment, tourism-related planning initiatives and collaboration with regional tourism partners. Cr McLean said the new approach would provide greater flexibility and ensure the council can strategically prioritise tourism opportunities based on community needs, visitor demand, funding availability and alignment with adopted strategic priorities. “By taking a more targeted approach, council will be able to engage stakeholders with the most relevant expertise and interest in each initiative, helping us continue to build a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy for Yarriambiack Shire,” he said.
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Pink cockatoo bouncing back The threatened pink cockatoo is one of several wildlife species bouncing back in the aftermath of January’s fires in Wyperfeld National Park with the aid of Parks Victoria staff. Pine Plains, north-west of Hopetoun, is the largest Victorian breeding site for pink cockatoos, with January’s fires burning an estimated 70 per cent of the nesting landscape, including large areas of mature slender cypress pine. Parks Victoria Northern Mallee Area chief ranger Bradd Baldock said mature canopy trees were vital for pink cockatoos, which depend on them for food and nesting hollows. In a place where old trees and natural hollows were already limited, a loss of habitat in the bushfires had an immediate impact on the birds. “This is very significant for the pink cockies,” Mr Baldock said. “It’s one of their main nesting places, in a significant area of semi-arid woodland that is really struggling to survive after multiple fires in that landscape.” Slender cypress pines form large hollows suitable for pink cockatoo only after about 85 years of growth, with the birds’ preferred tree age at about 130 years. Of the 233 large old-habitat trees recorded in Pine Plains before the fire, 173 perished – taking 145 hollows with them and leaving fewer safe places for cockatoo nesting and breeding in the seasons ahead. To help fill the gap, Parks Victoria crews and contractors are carving new hollows into standing trees and installing artificial nest hollows. Mr Baldock said the work came at a critical time, with competition for nesting sites intensiWednesday, July 29, 2026
Pink cockatoos are one of the highlights of Wyperfeld National Park.
fying as galahs move into available hollows and feed on slender cypress pine seeds – one of the pink cockatoo’s most important food sources. Mr Baldock said unlike galahs, pink cockatoos had fewer nesting and food options, making targeted control efforts an important part of helping the species recover. “Works are currently underway and planned to maximise the availability of hollows for the 2026 breeding season,” he said. Parks Victoria Southern Mallee Area chief ranger Will Trimble said pink cockatoos were quickly exploring new hollows as they were completed, with some even flying close to investigate as workers were completing them. Mr Trimble said it was an encouraging sign. “Parks Victoria rangers are doing their best to help native animals and plants recover from the fires,” he said. “Pink cockatoos are one of the highlights of Wyperfeld National Park, and we want to see them thrive.”
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Familiar face on fire front BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
W
hen Horsham-based Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, firefighter Glenn Rudolph helped train seasonal firefighters last year, a familiar face was front and centre in his classroom.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Mr Rudolph’s daughter Angela spent her first season fighting fires on the front line in 2025-26. Beginning his FFMVic career in a seasonal role in 2000, Mr Rudolph is now a forest and fire program manager, lending his expertise in fire science and fire behaviour to train new recruits in the Grampians region each year. He said his daughter made a good pupil. “It was fun getting to teach Angela. It was good being in a situation where she had to listen to me talk rather than ignore my fatherly words of wisdom,” he said. “She’s always been fairly outdoorsy and is studying environmental science, so it was a good fit.” Ms Rudolph is one year into a wildlife and biology conservation degree, and said working as a seasonal firefighter fitted perfectly between her university semesters. “It was a good opportunity to get some industry experience for my university course. I actually met one of my classmates when I was deployed on a task force to the Otways fire,” she said. After growing up hearing stories from her father, Ms Rudolph said she was excited to experience a
ON THE JOB: Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, forest and fire program manager Glenn Rudolph and daughter Angela, who he helped train for the 2025-26 fire season.
fire ground for herself. “It was definitely a bit surreal starting as a firefighter. People like dad can tell you stories, but you can’t really imagine what it’s like before you get out there,” she said. “It was kind of cool to be thinking ‘oh dad would’ve done this at some point’.” Ms Rudolph said the most unexpected part of the experience was finding out what forest firefighters did when not fighting fires. “When you hear firefighter, you think spraying water, but there’s so many more factors to it. I got to do lots of chainsaw work and brush cutting – I’d never done any chain-sawing before,” she said.
Mr Rudolph said FFMVic’s work outside of fighting bushfires was some of its most important. “I think it’s a strength of FFMVic that we don’t just do firefighting; we’re land managers as well,” he said. “We’re able to apply science and ecology-based thinking across all the work we do.” Mr Rudolph encouraged others to consider applying for a seasonal FFMVic job ahead of the upcoming fire season. “If you’re interested in land management and the environment, and like getting outdoors and working in a team environment, it’s a great job for you,” he said.
“It’s hard work at times, but the experiences are amazing, and you’re really looked after with training and support.” In the off-season, Mr Rudolph said he was looking forward to reaping the benefits of his daughter’s new skills. “I’m looking forward to her cutting up my firewood this winter now she’s learnt how to use a chainsaw,” he said. People interested in a career in forest firefighting and land management can apply for the 202627 season online at jobs.careers. vic.gov.au/jobtools/JnCustomLogin.Login?in_organid=18479.
Aerial shooting in state parks Parks Victoria is set to conduct aerial shooting operations targeting deer in Langi Ghiran State Park and Mount Buangor State Park from Monday to Wednesday next week between 7am and 5pm each day. The operations are part of a Victorian Deer Control Strategy, a state‑wide program designed to manage the impacts of increasing deer populations on the environment, cultural heritage and agriculture. Both Langi Ghiran and Mount Buangor state parks, including campgrounds and visitor sites, will be closed during daylight hours while shooting operations are underway. Temporary park-closure signage will be in place at campgrounds, visitor sites and main entry points, and Parks Victoria officers will patrol the operational areas to ensure no members of the public are present during the aerial shooting. Parks Victoria officials said the aerial shooting would be carried out by licensed, professional and experienced contractors operating under strict protocols and animal-welfare standards. The program aims to reduce pest animal numbers to lessen impacts on nearby farms and vineyards, including damage to fencing, crops and pasture. Further details, including maps of the operational areas and closure notifications, are available on the Parks Victoria website and people can make enquiries by calling 13 19 63 or visiting www.parks.vic. gov.au.
Directory launch Hindmarsh Shire Council has launched free community and business directories on its website, designed to connect residents with groups, businesses, services and events. Powered by MyCity, people from clubs, organisations and community services are encouraged to list, along with those wanting to promote events, at www. hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/MyCity. Terms and conditions are available to read at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/MyCity-Terms-andConditions. All listings are subject to final approval by council staff.
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Page 14
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Film festival returning
V
ictoria’s Multicultural Film Festival, MFF, will visit St Arnaud in September after opening in Halls Gap this month.
The MFF celebrates multiculturalism through short films exploring themes of cultural diversity in Australia. The festival kicked off in Halls Gap on July 5, attended by Victorian Multicultural Commission director Kashif Bonus and Northern Grampians Shire Council officials. Cr Justine Hide encouraged people who missed the Halls Gap screening to attend when the festival returns to the region on September 18 at St Arnaud Community Cinema. “Halls Gap was the first location across Victoria to showcase these winning films, and it will end in Melbourne’s Federation Square in November,” she said. “If that is of interest and you feel like you’ve missed out, you haven’t. “Our wonderful multicultural officer has secured St Arnaud to also host these films on September 18, so I encourage everyone to get along and have a look for themselves.” Now in its eighth year, the festival received 767 submissions from Australian and international filmmakers, with 10 chosen as finalists.
The screening at Halls Gap Centenary Hall featured finalists across four categories – Best Victorian short fiction film: ‘Tabbeh’, ‘The Sun Comes Up’. Best Victorian short non-fiction film: ‘Huí Jiā’, ‘With Love, Nouria’. Best national short film: ‘Everyone Gets Bored of Everything’, ‘20 Years Later’, ‘Squata Locks’. Chairperson’s refugee stories award: ‘From No Voice to Big Voice’, Maksym and Milana’, ‘I came from there’. Victorian Multicultural Commission chairperson Vivienne Nguyen said the MFF celebrated multiculturalism in Australia, which is home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures and people who identify with more than 300 ancestries. “The Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to uplift talented filmmakers through the Multicultural Film Festival, celebrating the stories that shape who we are as a community,” she said. “Through film, we are creating space for diverse voices to be seen, heard and valued as part of our public discourse.” People can find more information about the St Arnaud screening and book tickets via the council’s website at www.ngshire.vic. gov.au/Events/Events-Calendar/ Events-Directory/MulticulturalFilm-Festival-St-Arnaud.
INVOLVED: Paper Scissors Rock Brewery will be at the inaugural three-day Grampians BBQ Festival in September.
Barbecue festival a feast for the senses Organisers of an inaugural Grampians BBQ Festival have promised attendees a feast for the senses in September. The town is set to come alive with the smell of barbecue smoke and the sound of live blues music, beginning on Friday, September 4 and concluding on Father’s Day, September 6. Designed as a new regional tradition for fathers, along with their families and friends, the three-day event will bring together leading Australian pitmasters, live-fire cooking, regional food and drink, live blues and roots music and family entertainment, set against a backdrop of the Gariwerd-Grampians mountains. Created by locals Adrian Manikas of Absolute Outdoors, Damon Henricksen of Flame Brothers Smokehouse and Kate Kirkpatrick of Grampians Events, the event aims to celebrate the region while encouraging visitors to explore more of the Grampians region. “This is about creating a reason for people to visit, stay longer and experience everything our region has to
offer,” Mr Manikas said. “The Grampians BBQ Festival celebrates the things that bring people together – great food, live music, local producers, community connection and unforgettable experiences.” The festival will host a Black Opal Wagyu Pitmaster Challenge, with an Australian Barbecue Alliance-sanctioned competition featuring more than 10 teams battling it out across brisket, pork, lamb and ribs for a $10,000 prize pool. The Steak Cookoff Association will host its own competition, with teams competing across same-day doublesteak and dessert categories for $3000 in prize money. Among competitors will be Australian pitmaster Jimmy Brisket, who has twice represented Australia at the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest in Texas and recently qualified for the inaugural BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas. Grampians local Tom Ballinger of Coal Catering will feature throughout the festival, hosting live-fire cooking
We’re Back!
demonstrations and hands-on sessions. Other highlights are set to include: craft beer, regional wine and small-batch spirits from some of the Grampians and western Victoria’s best producers including Paper Scissors Rock Brewery, Bulls Roar Brewery, Pomonal Estate, Black and Ginger Wines, Itinerant Spirits and Timboon Distillery; local food vendors, artisan stalls and barbecue-inspired dishes; live blues and roots music from a lineup including Mitch King, Matt Katsis, Mike Elrington and The Mojo Corner; and family-friendly entertainment and activities. A self-guided BBQ Trail will extend the festival away from the main site, connecting attendees with participating cafés, restaurants, retailers and accommodation providers across Halls Gap and Pomonal, each offering their own barbecue-inspired food, drink or retail experience. Early tickets, vendor applications and sponsorship opportunities are now available at www.grampiansbbqfestival. com.au.
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Page 15
A demanding role W
elcome to the second article in our series, 150 Years of the Horsham Agricultural Society.
Supporting Our Community West Side Horsham proudly sponsors local community groups through it’s Community Grant Program. Wimmera Filipino-Austra
lian Club
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club would like to thank West Side Horsham for granting the project ‘Buffet Food Warmers (4 large and 6 small)’ we have applied for. This project will be a big help to our club especially in ensuring we can serve warm dishes during our events and activities whether it is indoor or outdoor.
Throughout this series, we’ll explore the people, milestones and stories that have shaped the society throughout the past 150 years. Every successful organisation has people working quietly behind the scenes. For the Horsham Agricultural Society, those people have been its secretaries. As we celebrate 150 years of the society, it is fitting that this month’s historical feature recognises the men and women who have filled one of the organisation’s most demanding roles. It also provides an opportunity to honour former show secretary Jim Wright, who passed away last week at the age of 92. Mr Wright served the society for 25 years from 1974 until 1999. The society’s first secretary was Thomas Noyes. While it is not known who held the office in 1877, Edward Rogers was appointed in 1878 and served for almost 14 years before dying in office in September 1892. He was followed by K. Bowden, F. Taylor, Leslie Smith, C. Smith, R. Bond, E. Glenister, J. McIntosh, Alan Kimberly and R. Patton before Bert Roe was appointed in 1939. Mr Roe became one of the society’s most respected secretaries, serving for 30 years until 1969. Travelling from Nhill to secure the position, Mr Roe earned a reputation for precision and fairness. In his history of the society, the late Ian O. Maroske described him as ‘a careful and meticulous man’, noting that any exhibitor attempting to submit a late entry soon learnt that, to Mr Roe, ‘rules were rules’. His experience and thoroughness made him an invaluable support to generations of presidents. David Gregory succeeded Mr Roe before Jim Wright accepted the position in 1974.
Horsham Ag Society
150 YEARS by Andrea Cross
Current society members remember Mr Wright as a true gentleman with a kind manner and respected breeder of Silky Bantams and passionate supporter of showing. Current president Dalton Cross recalls meeting Mr Wright through the local poultry club, where they shared a passion for breeding and exhibiting budgerigars. Mr Wright’s quiet encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge left a lasting impression on many exhibitors. Since his retirement, the role has been carried by Marion Gibbons, Jo Dumesny, Judith Bysouth, Annette Heard, Theresa Phelan and Stewart Muir, and myself for the past 12 years. While the title has remained unchanged for 150 years, the role has evolved from handwritten correspondence, ledgers and postal mail to websites, online entries, digital ticketing and social media. Yet the purpose remains unchanged. The Horsham Show still brings the community together through exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, livestock, competitions, traders and entertainment. According to visitor surveys, the animal nursery remains the show’s most popular attraction, proving that while technology has transformed how the society operates, the heart of the show remains the same. • Excerpts from ‘A History of the Horsham Agricultural Society’ has been used in this article written by the secretary of the Horsham Agricultural Society, Andrea Cross.
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club is a social group that is committed to promoting cultural awareness & social values that improve camaraderie among Filipino Australian families, other CALD community, and residents in the Wimmera.The club has been participating around Wimmera and nearby region’s festivals, shows, and multicultural events.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Students ignite plans
Y
arriambiack Shire Council has progressed Warracknabeal students’ proposals for extended community physical activity opportunities and accessibility.
Mayor Andrew McLean welcomed the community improvement ideas via 15 letters from Warracknabeal Secondary College physical education students, praising their initiative and commitment to making their community a better place to live. “Our chief executive officer Tammy Smith and I were delighted to receive the students’ letters and to see the level of thought that had gone into their ideas,” he said. “The students identified practical opportunities to improve recreation, accessibility, safety and community connection. “It is encouraging to see young people actively thinking about the future of their community and using technology positively to help communicate their ideas.” The letters highlighted a strong focus on creating inclusive, safe and engaging spaces for young people while also delivering benefits for the broader community. “Young people’s voices are vital to planning for our communities. Their feedback helps council better understand the needs and priorities of younger residents and assists us in making informed decisions about future projects and investments,” Cr McLean said. Suggestions included extending opening hours at the Warracknabeal Stadium, providing structured activities and beginner programs, constructing additional sporting facilities,
establishing a gym in Minyip, developing an archery program and improving running and walking tracks. The council will review opportunities to increase community access to the Warracknabeal Stadium while ensuring existing basketball programs continue to operate effectively. The council will also continue discussions with the Minyip Progress Association regarding the development of a community gym and explore opportunities with the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly to deliver programs and activities that encourage participation in sport and recreation.
Precinct activation
Cr McLean said one particularly exciting opportunity was the proposed activation of the area surrounding the Warracknabeal Stadium and shire office precinct. “We recognise the strong community support for facilities that encourage active lifestyles and social connection,” he said. “Council is proposing to develop a concept for the precinct that could include a halfcourt basketball facility, outdoor seating and phone-charging stations. “Importantly, we want students involved in helping shape the design and vision for this space.” Council will invite interested students to participate in a project group that will help inform future designs and funding applications. Students also highlighted the importance of safer and more accessible public spaces, calling for additional street lighting, improved lighting along walking tracks and the construction of more footpaths. While recognising the priorities, Cr
McLean noted the significant financial challenges local governments face in delivering major infrastructure projects. However, the council has secured Transport Accident Commission funding to deliver substantial safety improvements around the Warracknabeal education precinct, including raised pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, connecting footpaths, street lighting and improved signage along Werrigar and Anderson streets. Improved public transport was another key issue raised by students, particularly the need for better connections to education, employment and social opportunities for young people who do not yet hold a driver’s licence. Cr McLean said the council remained a strong advocate for better transport outcomes across the region, and had met with V/Line chief executive William Tieppo and written to Education Minister Ben Carroll regarding concerns about transport funding associated with the School to Work program. “Council has committed to sharing the students’ ideas with the Warracknabeal Action Group executive committee and will seek to ensure the proposals are considered through the Warracknabeal Community Action Plan,” he said. “Feedback will also be provided to the Minyip Progress Association regarding the proposed community gym, which aligns with the council’s current local advocacy efforts. “We look forward to updating Warracknabeal Secondary College students later this year on progress and to discuss opportunities for ongoing involvement.”
Off the beaten track Ararat Live will welcome Stretch and The Truth – The Road Less Travelled to Ararat Town Hall on Wednesday next week. Stephen ‘Stretch’ Teakle, is the creative mind behind Barry Morgan’s World of Organs. He grew up on a farm in NSW until the family moved to Sydney. He never settled, never felt at home and took to learning to play the organ. Stretch figured out he could play just about any instrument. His dislike for the city saw him pack a swag at 16 years of age and travel by train to Western Australia, where he worked on a cattle station at Halls Creek. He described himself as finding home, working as a stockman. He has spent time and lived experiences, from formal musical training to living with Indigenous communities, absorbing the desert rock reggae. Long-time friend Deborah Conway encouraged Stretch to combine his storytelling and musical talents. Stretch is a master of taking stories of life on the land to city folk and likewise from the city to the bush, ‘where no one’s there to check your story’, so it becomes ‘stretched’
Stephen ‘Stretch’ Teakle with the value of artistic licence and Aussie larrikinism. With catchy riffs and choruses combined with poetic storytelling, his songs are melodic gems – or perhaps rough diamonds with just the right amount of polish to draw people in and have them dreaming of road trip getaways. Part concert, part storytelling, and part truth-stretching adventure, Stretch and The Truth is an unforgettable journey through songs, stories, characters and encounters gathered from a life lived off the beaten track. A multi-instrumentalist, wandering horse whisperer, actor, comedian and passionate teller of tales, Stretch weaves together music and storytelling with warmth, humour and heart. Ararat Live shows at the town hall are cabaret seating with people asked to bring their own nibbles. The bar opens from 7.30pm. Tickets are available online through the Ararat Town Hall performances website www.ararattownhall.com.au/event/ performances. Adult tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door, concession, $25 online or $30 at the door. Children under 18 are welcome, and encouraged to attend, free of cost.
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To ensure local voices help guide the delivery of the fund and program we are establishing an independently chaired advisory group – the Avonbank Community & Coexistence Reference Group (CCRG).
ENVIRONMENT
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To learn more about the CCRG or lodge an Expression of Interest form, scan the QR code or visit www.wimresource.com.au/communitycoexistence-reference-group-ccrg. Expressions of Interest close Monday, HEALTH & WELLBEING 3rd August 2026.
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WIM Community Information Hub, 83 Firebrace Street, Horsham open Monday to Friday during business hours www.wimresource.com.au
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Levee investment
D
onald is better equipped to withstand future flood events following completion of a new demountable flood levee along Camp Street, strengthening flood protection on the town side of the Richardson River.
Delivered by Buloke Shire Council and driven by strong advocacy from the Donald community, the project represents a significant investment in the town’s long-term flood resilience. Buloke Mayor Graeme Milne said the new infrastructure provided a reusable flood protection system that could be rapidly deployed when flood threats arose. “The demountable levee will provide added protection for the township and support a faster, more co-ordinated response during flood events,” he said. “It can be quickly erected to help protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, freeing up emergency management teams to respond where they are needed most.” The demountable flood barrier has been designed to provide protection against a one per cent annual exceedance probability flood event, commonly referred to as a 100-year flood event. Constructed by Eco Infrastructure and Engineering, the project was recently completed following a site inspection and a demonstration of the flood barrier system attended by council representatives, the Donald Flood Management Committee and community stakeholders. To ensure operational readiness, council’s emergency management team has also undertaken a training exercise to test the installation and re-
B
PROGRESS: A new demountable flood levee along Camp Street will provide added protection for the township and support a faster, more coordinated response during flood events. moval of the demountable flood levee, helping to strengthen local preparedness for future flood events. The project has been funded through the State Government’s Risk and Resilience Grants Program, $496,861, with support from Buloke Shire Council, $251,220. The works delivered as part of the project include the construction of a 22-metre-long, 2.3-metre-high demountable flood barrier, supported by permanent concrete sleeper retaining walls on either side of the structure. The project also involved earthworks
and road reconstruction, foundation works for the barrier system, drainage upgrades including culverts, pits and non-return valves, and reconstruction of the adjoining footpath. “This outcome reflects years of planning, advocacy and co-operation between council, the Donald Flood Management Committee, government agencies, engineers, contractors and the local community,” Cr Milne said. “Everyone involved has shared the same objective – improving the safety and resilience of Donald for current and future generations.”
New moniker approved A laneway between Elizabeth and McGibbony streets in Ararat is now known as McAdie Lane after the new moniker received Ararat Rural City Council’s approval. The name recognises the long association of the McAdie family with the area and the contribution of former resident Ian McAdie to local community life. At its June 30 meeting the council confirmed the proposal to name the previously unnamed laneway, which runs parallel to Vincent and Palmer streets Chief executive Tim Harrison said the name was originally suggested by a former resident who lived nearby, seeking to acknowledge the McAdie family’s connection to the neighbourhood and Mr McAdie’s decades of involvement in clubs, events and facilities. Mr McAdie lived adjacent to the laneway for nearly 60 years and was involved in establishing Ararat Bird Club, as well as volunteering at Ararat Velodrome and trotting track, including assisting between races and operating mobile start gates
when they were first introduced. Mr McAdie also played an important role in the Golden Gateway Parade and contributed to other community activities, looking for practical ways to support local events and organisations. “McAdie Lane is a fitting way to acknowledge Ian and the McAdie family’s connection to this part of Ararat, and the many hours Ian spent supporting local clubs, events, and facilities,” Dr Harrison said. “We know these kinds of contributions often happen quietly, without fanfare, yet they make a real difference to how our community functions and how people feel about the place they call home.” Dr Harrison thanked community members for taking part in the consultation and sharing their feedback through Engage Ararat, with community feedback invited for 30 days and nearby property owners notified directly. The council will take steps to update relevant records and signage in line with Geographic Names Victoria processes.
Holiday activities win support About 600 young people engaged in Hindmarsh Shire Council’s winter school holiday program across its four towns. The fortnight-long program took in NAIDOC Week activities, as well as crafts, cookie decorating, board games and puzzles, sport, Storytime and dance sessions. Mayor Ron Ismay said the success of the program highlighted the council’s commitment to supporting local young people and families.
“Time and time again we see fantastic numbers participating in the school holiday program, with something for everyone,” he said. “The school holiday program allows us to partner with local business, community groups and volunteers to bring a range of activities for all ages, and I thank our staff and community partners for delivering a fun and engaging experience for children across Hindmarsh shire.”
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Page 19
Donation enables hip surgeries
Challenging behaviours
ractured-hip surgeries will return to Grampians Health Horsham campus thanks to a strong collaboration of services and a substantial donation from Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation.
Uniting Wimmera is inviting parents and carers of school-aged children with ADHD and anxiety to a practical, evidence-based workshop. Positive Parenting for Big Behaviours, at Horsham Golf Club on September 2, will focus on building strategies to better understand and regulate challenging behaviours. It will be hosted by writer, presenter and trainer Rebecca Calloner, who specialises in ADHD, neurodivergence, behaviour and mental health. The worship caters to participants looking to better understand ‘big behaviours’, support emotional regulation, and strengthen caregivers’ relationships with children. The two-hour workshop will cover school refusal and anxiety-related behaviors, tools to support emotional regulation, and insights into ADHD and anxiety challenges. Organisers encourage people to attend and build their confidence in understanding and responding to behaviours in realistic and everyday approaches. Registrations close on August 18.
F
The return is likely to halve the amount of hip surgery patients travelling from the region to Ballarat. The milestone has been made possible through strong collaboration across surgical, anaesthetic, medical, nursing, allied health and quality teams in Ballarat and Horsham. The WHCG Foundation contribution has purchased almost $100,000 of equipment required for the procedures including a fracture extension table, dynamic hip screw instrument sets, a cordless wire driver, a universal small fragment set and a variable angle distal radius set. Bringing surgery back to Horsham means many patients can now receive care closer to home – supporting better recovery, connection to community, and continuity of care. Dr Subodh Srivastava, the orthopaedic surgeon facilitating fractured hip surgeries in Horsham, said hip fractures, or more specifically neck of femur fractures, were a serious and life-threatening injury, most commonly affecting older adults and often reflecting underlying frailty. Patients are more than 3.5 times more likely to die within 12 months compared to those without a fracture and frequently experience complications that prolong recovery and hospital stay, with the burden greater for Indigenous people. Dr Srivastava said he was grateful to the Horsham community organisations
GRATEFUL: Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation director David Johns is shown the new hip surgery equipment by Horsham theatre associate nurse unit manager Amie Ampt, surgeon Dr Subodh Srivastava and theatre nurse unit manager David Fogarty. who had helped ensure he could perform surgeries with the best possible equipment. “With the ankle and wrist surgery equipment we had already received, we have been able to perform surgery for several patients already, which has been good because it has meant they didn’t need to travel,” he said “Now the neck of femur fracture surgery equipment has arrived, and our surgery team is all trained up and ready to go. So if a patient comes in on the weekend or Monday, we will be able to operate on them in Horsham because hip fracture patients need surgery within two days of their break. “The hip fracture surgery is a major operation and we won’t be able to do all of the surgeries in Horsham, but we will certainly do as many as we possibly can in our three allotted days.” Horsham Operating Suite nurse unit
manager David Fogarty said the breakthrough would make a big difference to patients from the Horsham region. “In the past 12 months about 60 patients presented at Horsham emergency department with a fractured hip and all had to be transferred to Ballarat, which would be a very uncomfortable ride,” he said. “Now we hope to be able to perform a healthy amount of those operations in Horsham and we are extremely grateful to the foundation for helping us to make that happen.” WHCG Foundation director David Johns said the foundation was happy to support all units of the hospital. “We are very much about providing equipment that helps prevent Wimmera people travelling to Ballarat and getting their treatment closer to home,” he said. “We are always looking to purchase
items specific to providing care in Horsham. “The foundation has contributed over $1.4-million toward projects for the Horsham and Dimboola campuses since it began in 1989.” Grampians Health acting chief operations officer Patriece Shelly said the reintroduction of hip surgeries to Horsham was a significant milestone for the local community in continuing to provide patient care closer to home. “The appointment last year of Dr Subodh and his wife Chhavi, who is the anaesthetist for almost all of his surgeries, has been a major step forward in strengthening Horsham’s surgical workforce,” she said. “Securing the required equipment through the generous support of the WHCG Foundation has enabled this project to become a reality.”
Rainbow art The finishing touches have been made to Rainbow’s Llew Schilling Silo project by artist James Voller. Two additional projectors have been installed on the internal balconies, along with more art panels on the upper balcony. With its art inspired by Llew Schilling’s neighbouring garden, the silo’s viewing decks give people panoramic views of the expansive, varying Mallee plains.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2025
Clothing hub wins award
A
rarat Rural City Council has won recognition as Recycle Care Australia’s 2025 Textile Recovery Leader after its clothing resource-recovery program diverted 11,850 kilograms of post‑consumer textiles from landfill.
The award acknowledged the success of the council’s partnership with Recycle Care Australia, which saw residents dropping off goods at the blue and orange bin collection points at Ararat Transfer Station’s resource-recovery centre. Since the program’s introduction in May 2025, thousands of items including clothing, paired shoes, linen and other household textiles have been reused and recycled instead of ending up in landfill. Mayor Bob Sanders said the recognition reflected the way the community had rallied behind practical efforts to reduce waste. “Our community has really taken this program to heart, and this award shows what can happen when councils, households and partners like Recycle Care work together toward a common goal,” he said. “Every bag of clothing that goes into a clothing resource-recovery hub is one less load heading to landfill, and that adds up quickly when you look at more than 11 tonnes of material already kept in circulation.”
“Our community has really taken this program to heart, and this award shows what can happen when councils, households and partners like Recycle Care work together toward a common goal”
– Bob Sanders
Recycle Care Australia’s Textile Recovery Leader award celebrates councils that demonstrate leadership in post‑consumer textile recovery, strong community participation and measurable environmental outcomes. The Ararat municipality’s capture rate for unwanted clothing and household textiles is above the estimated national average, with the council planning to further expand drop‑off locations in the coming year. Council officials are encouraging residents to continue using the free clothing resource-recovery hubs during transfer station opening hours for clean, dry textiles that are no longer needed. Items placed in general waste bins still end up in landfill, while textiles dropped into the hubs are assessed for reuse, repair or recycling in partnership with Recycle Care Australia. Residents can find out more about the Recycle Care program at recyclecareaustralia.com.au.
LAUNCH: Grampians Writers Group members and guests with Ararat Deputy Mayor Teli Kaur, with flowers, at the launch of Jigsaw.
Jigsaw a sell-out success for writers’ group Grampians Writers’ Group’s sixth book of their anthology: Jigsaw was launched at Ararat Library. The group is non-profit, consisting of passionate writers from across the region, and encourages connection and creativity for people of all backgrounds. Ararat Deputy Mayor Teli Kaur officiated the event. “The launch of the Jigsaw anthology
is a wonderful celebration of creativity, storytelling and community spirit,” she said. The first print of the book sold out in one day, but the group welcomes people to join them for a follow-up event on August 9 at Stawell Library, at 2.30pm. An afternoon tea will accompany an opportunity to talk with local writers and to purchase the second print of
Jigsaw for $15. People looking for a place to express their creativity and share their love for storytelling, the group welcomes writers of any age and writing genre. Anyone interested in learning more can contact group president Janice Williams on 0408 556 097, or email grampianswritersgroup@gmail.com – or come meet group members at the Stawell event.
Illegal traps discovered within Hindmarsh Pest birds have been controlled with an illegal substance within Hindmarsh Shire Council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, has reported. DEECA has advised glue traps have been used, which are not only unlawful but can cause significant animal welfare issues. Wildlife that becomes trapped may suffer severe stress, injury, dehydra-
tion, starvation, or death. Native birds, reptiles, mammals and other non-target species can be unintentionally caught when glue traps are used. In Victoria, the sale and use of glue traps for trapping animals is prohibited, including use by commercial pest control operators; significant penalties apply for the illegal sale or use of these products. People who are aware of the use or
sale of glue traps for animal control are asked to report it to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, RSPCA, Victoria Inspectorate either online via rspcavic.org/who-tocall or by calling 9224 2222. For more information, people can call the council’s local laws department on 5391 4444, or email locallaws@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
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Fighting for Mallee Over this week I’ve been visiting eastern parts of Mallee including Donald, Wycheproof, Charlton, Inglewood, Kerang, Pyramid Hill, Boort, Wedderburn, Maryborough, Stawell, Avoca and Talbot listening to concerns and assisting however I can. A common concern I heard in the Grampians region was the future of home maintenance and gardening services after a significant cut to hours. I stood with Grampians Community Health after the Albanese Labor Government put them in an untenable situation called a meeting in Stawell on Thursday morning to hear from affected clients and providers about what needs to change. More than 234,000 Australians are waiting for aged care support, including 100,000 assessed as needing care and put on the National Priority System waitlist – double the 50,000 the same list stood at when the Coalition left office, at which time when Labor was calling the aged care system a ‘national disgrace’.” On Labor’s watch, over 5,000 Australians have died waiting for aged care – so, what is it now? Older people want to age in their homes for as long
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MALLEE, SHADOW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS, SHADOW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL HEALTH Authorised by A. Webster, National Party of Australia, 1/146A Eighth Street, Mildura VIC 3500.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
as possible – cutting home services puts them at risk. I look forward to a further visit later in August visiting the West Wimmera and Hindmarsh regions, and catch up with councils. Time and again shires underpin their communities because there is need, and nobody else is stepping up. I spoke with Buloke Shire this week who after multiple natural disasters are pulling the community together at a time of profound grief in Donald after a horrific murder. On a happier note, it is great that rock climbing at Mount Arapiles and in the Grampians can proceed after a long, convoluted and messy debate about cultural heritage. Now, about 3,100 of 3,300 climbing routes will remain open to the public. Even so, some prominent climbs will be closed, so there is still work to be done. I drafted the Arapiles Declaration which senior Coalition representatives signed in Canberra to say public land should remain accessible to the public wherever possible. I am sure the Natimuk community are pleased we are heading in the right direction.
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Page 21
Native fish add to asset
W
ycheproof’s wetlands precinct reached a milestone in June, with the release of 600 native fish marking the completion of the 70,000-square-metre immersive visitor experience.
The precinct now features wetlands designed to support native flora and fauna, alongside water-delivery systems, walking trails, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, a skate park and a playground. Authorities released golden perch and silver perch fingerlings to help establish a healthy aquatic ecosystem and create future recreational fishing opportunities for the community and visitors. Buloke Shire Council Mayor Graeme Milne said officials expected the wetlands to become a destination for anglers as the fish matured, with about 3000 visitors expected in the first year. Connected to Wycheproof Recreation Reserve and Wycheproof Caravan Park, Cr Milne said the development would give travellers more reasons to visit for outdoor experiences, relaxation and connection with nature. The project was supported by more than $930,000 from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects Fund and delivered by the council. Tourism Minister Natalie Suleyman acknowledged the importance of
THRIVING: Ararat Rural City Council supported playgroup facilitator and children and youth programs co-ordinator Nerissa Gee, handler for council therapy dog Hunny, with some of the YEAH Crew.
the Wycheproof wetlands precinct in strengthening nature-based tourism. “The wetlands will help attract more visitors to the region, support the local economy and back regional communities, all while giving more people the opportunity to enjoy Wycheproof’s unique natural environment, whether they’re walking the trails, relaxing by the water or staying nearby to explore the area further,” she said. Cr Milne labelled the wetlands a ‘landmark project’. “It establishes a unique natural destination that attracts visitors, supports local wildlife and provides high-quality recreation for the community,” he said. “This development strengthens Wycheproof’s tourism appeal, encourages economic activity, and reflects our commitment to creating lasting benefits for both residents and visitors.” The project will now begin an establishment phase, focusing on continuing vegetation works and water inflows, to be carried out progressively in coming years. These works aim to improve the wetlands habitat, enhance water quality and support long-term environmental outcomes. Cr Milne said the council looked forward to seeing the wetlands continue to develop as a natural and recreational asset for Wycheproof and the wider region.
Recognition of youth programs Ararat Rural City Council is celebrating positive outcomes across three early-years and youth initiatives in the past financial year. Mayor Bob Sanders said the council’s YEAH Crew, Child Friendly Cities and Communities, and Supported Playgroup programs all created opportunities for children, young people and families in the Ararat community to thrive. Supported Playgroup offers two weekly group sessions during school terms, alongside home coaching sessions incorporating smalltalk, Peep Learning Together and Peep TALK programs, which aim to build children’s communication, confidence, relationships and early learning through play. The program included end-of-term excursions to Ararat Library, Ararat Gallery TAMA, Woolworths and the post office, as well as visits from dental educators and fortnightly Baby
STAWELL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE
Rhyme Time sessions at Ararat Library. Child Friendly Cities and Communities, CFCC, entered its second term after the council became one of Victoria’s first rural signatories to the CFCC charter. A CFCC working group comprising nine representatives from a range of professional services meets quarterly to guide the charter’s implementation, promote evidence-informed practice, and support councils to include a child and youth focus in local decision-making. Cr Sanders said the council’s youth leadership group, YEAH Crew, continued to thrive in its second year, growing to 13 members with strong returning participation and an expanding program of activities. In the past year members completed event-management training, learned about First Nations cultures, developed an identity through logo design,
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partnered in jersey design and minihoops competitions at the One Red Tree Red BasketBALL event, and supported a sensory-friendly zone at the council’s Skate Into Summer event. YEAH Crew is now planning its first youth-led community event, scheduled for October 17, which will showcase career pathways, arts, live music and community connections. Cr Sanders said outcomes across the three programs reflected a strong partnership between the council, local services and Ararat families. “Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in this work, and we’ll keep looking for practical ways to build on these programs so that every child and every young person in Ararat has the chance to be heard, to participate and to reach their potential,” he said.
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Driving competition
M
ahindra has reignited competition in Australia’s budget seven-seat SUV space by slashing its midsize XUV700 price to claim the title of the country’s most affordable new seven-seater.
The offer sees mid-spec’ XUV700 AX7L priced from $37,990 driveaway nationally – excluding Western Australia – until September 30, while, according to RJ Pound’s July new car price guide, the entry-level XUV700 AX7 model lists at $36,990 driveaway. GoAuto sought confirmation of the XUV700’s driveaway pricing but no reply was forthcoming from Mahindra Australia. The revised AX7L’s pricing, sourced from various outlets, undercuts possibly its most direct seven pew rival, Chery’s Large SegmentTiggo 8 Pro Max Urban, which is pitched from $38,990 driveway until the end of July, leaving AX7L buyers with a grand more in their pockets. The even cheaper, by another $1000, Mahindra AX7 may further intensify competition at the value end of Australia’s seven-seat SUV segment.
Reports suggest Mahindra dealers are also offering additional incentives on selected stock, including fuel card bonuses worth up to $2000 on qualifying XUV700 and Scorpio purchases. The latest Mahindra metal moving campaign follows a similar strategy employed during last year’s end-offinancial-year sales period, when Mahindra discounted the XUV700 AX7L by $3000 to $39,990 driveaway. The current offer delivering a further $2000 saving applies to the latest model. Power continues to come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 149kW and 380Nm, driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Mahindra claims combined fuel consumption of 8.3L-100km. Despite its bargain pricing, the AX7L is comprehensively equipped with leatherette upholstery, twin 10.25-inch digital displays, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, wireless phone
charging, dual-zone climate control, and a 360-degree camera system. The variant also includes a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technology featuring adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic
sign recognition, Smart Pilot Assist, post-collision braking, and seven airbags. Mahindra backs the XUV700 with a seven-year-150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. The latest Mahindra price cuts may
increase pressure on mainstream rivals including the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Honda CR-V, all of which command significantly higher entry points for seven-seat variants. – Peter Barnwell
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XPeng eyes future beyond cars
M
eet George Jetson, his flying car, and Rosie the robot…
Yes, it seems gravity-defying transportation and robotised home help are no longer the vision of a 1960s cartoons series, but a close-to-production reality Chinese manufacturer XPeng says will be with us ‘well before the decade is out’. Showcasing the technologies and others in Melbourne last week, the electric vehicle brand said the future of its Australian presence would include not only five new models over the next six months, but a broad, and somewhat ambitious strategy that will also introduce autonomous driving capabilities, ultra-fast charging, vehicle-to-grid technology, and both extended-range electric and range-extended electric vehicles to buyers. Speaking at the company’s Australian brand relaunch, XPeng vice-chairman and president Dr Brian Gu said Australia would become the company’s ‘southern hemisphere home’. The strategy, branded Ultimate Tech, reflects XPeng’s belief that future automotive leadership will be determined not by electrification alone, but by intelligence. “We started with the belief that the ultimate differentiation for future mobility is not defined by electrification – it’s actually going to be defined by intelligence,” Dr Gu said. Central to the Australian roll-out is a
DETAILS: XPeng vicechairman and president Dr Brian Gu during the company’s Australian brand relaunch in Melbourne last week.
commitment to launch five new-generation vehicles across multiple market segments while giving local buyers access to new platforms, software, and powertrain technologies in line with Chinese-market releases rather than years later. The accelerated roll-out is intended to position Australia alongside XPeng’s leading international markets as the company expands beyond its domestic base. Among the headline technologies earmarked for Australia is XPeng’s XNGP intelligent driving system, with
the company targeting a local introduction before the end of next year, subject to regulatory approval. XPeng also confirmed plans to introduce its latest ultra-fast charging ecosystem to Australia, pairing next-generation vehicles with dedicated high-output charging infrastructure based around its 800-volt electrical architecture. The company was among the first manufacturers to commercialise an 800V production platform with the launch of the G9 in 2022, enabling substantially faster DC charging than
conventional EV systems. Recognising Australia’s unique driving conditions, XPeng will also introduce extended-range electric vehicles to complement its battery-electric lineup, offering an alternative for motorists regularly travelling longer regional distances. The company further confirmed plans for an Australian vehicle-to-grid pilot program, allowing compatible vehicles to return stored energy to homes and, ultimately, the electricity grid. Beyond its vehicle line-up, XPeng
intends Australia to become an early international market for technologies developed under its broader Physical AI program. These include the Iron humanoid robot, initially destined for dealerships and commercial applications, and the company’s modular flying vehicle, with Australia identified as a priority export market once Chinese certification and local regulatory approvals are complete. Despite outlining an expansive technology roadmap, Dr Gu said the company’s ambitions extended beyond simply importing vehicles. “Bringing XPeng to Australia is not enough. Building XPeng in Australia, and for Australia, is what we want to achieve,” he said. The manufacturer is already testing robotaxis in China using its GX large SUV and plans to establish a pilot operation in Guangzhou before expanding internationally. XPeng is also preparing to begin production of its Iron humanoid robot by the end of this year, initially targeting household, retail and dealership applications before moving into manufacturing. It has also spent 13 years developing flying cars and says it could technically begin mass production this year. However, the company has delayed the program until appropriate regulations are established. – Matt Brogan
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DORMANT: Stellantis has suspended imports of Fiat and Abarth passenger vehicles in Australia. The move leaves Fiat’s passenger car operation effectively dormant.
Fiat suspension raises questions
S
tellantis’ decision to suspend imports of Fiat and Abarth passenger vehicles has intensified scrutiny of the automotive giant’s multi-brand strategy in Australia, raising fresh questions over the long-term viability of several of its European marques as competition from Chinese manufacturers accelerates.
The move leaves Fiat’s local passenger car operation effectively dormant, with only existing dealer stock of the Fiat 500 and Abarth 695 remaining. Fiat Professional commercial vehicles, including the Scudo and Ducato, will continue unchanged. While Stellantis insists the suspension is temporary, the decision follows Citroen’s withdrawal from the Australian market in late 2024 and Chrysler’s exit in 2021, reinforcing concerns the company is being forced to rationalise its extensive brand portfolio in one of the world’s most competitive new-vehicle markets. The immediate catalyst is the discontinuation of imports of the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e, both of which struggled to gain traction against a rapidly expanding field of more affordable Chinese electric vehicles offering greater driving range, faster charging and broader showroom appeal. Remaining stock has largely been exhausted, with no further shipments planned. Fiat’s difficulties are symptomatic of a broader challenge confronting many European volume manufacturers. Brands once able to command a premium on heritage and design are increasingly being squeezed between established mainstream rivals and an influx of aggressively priced Chinese entrants that have rapidly expanded their Australian footprint. Since the formation of Stellantis in 2021, none of its Australian brands have established sustained sales momentum. Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot have all faced fluctuating demand, while Citroen has already exited the market. Leapmotor, meanwhile, represents the group’s newest attempt to capitalise on growing demand for affordable electrified vehicles – though it, too, is struggling to sell at the volume of its nearest rivals. Industry observers suggest the company’s growing reliance on Chinese partner brands reflects the changing competitive landscape, where value, technology and speed to market have become increasingly important purchasing factors. The suspension of Fiat passenger vehicle imWednesday, July 29, 2026
Australia’s market has become increasingly fragmented as dozens of new Chinese brands compete aggressively on price and specification, placing unprecedented pressure on traditional importers with comparatively small sales volumes and higher-cost European products
ports comes only weeks after distributor Inchcape announced it would relinquish responsibility for Peugeot in Australia, leaving Stellantis to determine the French brand’s future local distribution model. Stellantis has repeatedly said it remains committed to the Australian market and continues to invest globally in new products and technologies under its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy. The company recently reported stronger global shipments and continues to outline significant future investment across its international operations. Locally, however, the challenge appears less about global investment than achieving sufficient scale. Australia’s market has become increasingly fragmented as dozens of new Chinese brands compete aggressively on price and specification, placing unprecedented pressure on traditional importers with comparatively small sales volumes and higher-cost European products. For Fiat – which has had an intermittent presence in Australia since 1901 – the outcome leaves an uncertain future. While Stellantis has not formally withdrawn the marque, the suspension of passenger vehicle imports means the brand’s Australian presence is effectively limited to existing stock and its commercial vehicle range until a decision is made on future product plans. Whether Fiat ultimately returns with a more competitive line-up, potentially including nextgeneration hybrid or lower-cost electric models, remains unclear. What is becoming increasingly evident is that Stellantis’ long-standing strategy of supporting a large portfolio of individual brands is under mounting pressure in Australia. As Chinese manufacturers continue to expand their market share and consumer expectations evolve, maintaining multiple low-volume marques is becoming a difficult commercial proposition. – Matt Brogan
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Stawell Toyota
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*Vehicles listed are Drive Away including Victoria Government statutory charges and transfer costs. Vehicles sold with full tank of fuel and statutory warranty (where applicable). Vehicles will be sold with a Victorian Roadworthy. Images & descriptions may vary please contact Dealership for full description and to organise inspection. ^Offer applies to used vehicles only, purchased before 8th August 2026, while stocks last. Available to private buyers only (Australian residents). Not available to business, Government, Rental or Fleet customers. Employees, associated entities and immediate family excluded. See participating dealer for full terms and conditions.
Page 26
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
TRADE
LOCAL
Proudly sponsored by
Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au
DIRECTORY
Since 1985
Sales • Service • Installation
www.wadesgp.com.au
Stronger together
Preston Builders Custom Homes with Heart Based in Warracknabeal, Preston Builders is a family-run building company with a team of 14 dedicated staff, including experienced carpenters and admin professionals. We specialise in custom-designed homes tailored to your lifestyle, budget and future needs. Our in-house designer, Lee Preston, has a nursing background and a passion for functional, future-ready layouts. We build what we call “Lifelong Homes.” At Preston Builders, we believe quality building is just the start. What sets us apart, is how we make you feel throughout your journey. Whether you’re building your final home, a new layout to suit your changing mobility or a growing family, our team is here to guide, support and protect you every step of the way.
*New Homes *Renovations *Extensions *Patch-ups *Suspended Ceilings *Rendering *Foam Cladding *Ornate Cornices * All jobs Plaster & Rendering Qualified Tradesmen, Quality Work
AH 5382 3030
FREE QUOTES Call Daniel
The One Cleaning Service Th e o n e
f o r a l l yo u r
Lop The Top - Tree Service All types of Tree: - Pruning - Removal - Power line clearing - Palm trees - Can supply eucalypt garden mulch by request
c le a n i ng ne e ds !
• steam cleaning of carpets • upholstery • windows • tile & grout cleaning • stripping & sealing vinyl floors • commercial cleaning 54 McLachlan St, Horsham • Ph: 5382 2230
SPECIALISTS IN DESIGN
Ph: 5382 2387 NEW ADDRESS
4 Bradbury Lane, Horsham
Locally owned & operated since 1999
AARON DEAN Ph: 0428 195 090
SERVICING WHITE GOODS • Aluminium & Timber Windows & Doors • Commercial • Shopfronts • Glass • Perspex • Showers • Robes • Splashbacks • Garage Doors • And More 2 Ballinger Street, Horsham
5382 0885
www.glassworks.com.au
Stumps Removed Quickly & Permanently ~ Clean & Inexpensive • FRIDGES • FREEZERS • DISHWASHERS • WASHING MACHINES • AND MORE! HORSHAM BETTA ELECTRICAL 156 Firebrace Street, Horsham Phone 5381 2207
PH: 0448 540 449
grantthegravedigger@gmail.com
ATTENTION FARMERS! Sheep, cattle & pigs can be killed, cut, and packed to your individual needs...
For more information & prices call
For all your sewer blockages, maintenance and general plumbing needs call the friendly team at Exells
EDENHOPE
BUTCHERS
MINING INDUSTRIAL FAULTS COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
REC 38215
Phone: 03 5382 2622
45 Golf Course Road, Horsham
5382 0000
Specialisingininhouse house restumping restumping & relevelling. Specialising & relevelling. Aaron & Brylee Pope
Horsham Self Storage Managed by Wes Davidson Real Estate Horsham for over 10 years!
B D
Sheds Silos Weighbridges Entertaining Areas Footpaths Garden Edging Exposed Agg
ELECTRICIAN
We store anything!
AUTH No: AU00880
K
SERVICES
CALL BEAU DICKERSON: 0419 628 284
Need more space?
45 DIMBOOLA ROAD, HORSHAM
Call Aaron Jennings 0488 110 715
CONCRETING & BUILDING
5585 1597
All automotive maintenance and servicing, air-conditioning, roadworthy, brakes and exhaust requirements.
Carpet, Upholstery & Window Cleaning
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
CONTACT PH - 0400 779 915 SHERRYPOWER.COM.AU
Mobile:Pope 0429 008 507 Aaron & Brylee Ah: 03 5382 1585
DB-L37993
DB-L37993
Email: abpope@bigpond.com
Mobile: 0429 008Vic507 PO Box 615, Horsham 3402 Ah: 03 5382 1585 Email: abpope@bigpond.com Page 27
TRADE
LOCAL
Proudly sponsored by
Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au
DIRECTORY 0418 657 247
sales@ppandu.com.au www.ppandu.com.au
NOW OPEN AT 50 Darlot St, Horsham
Across town or interstate
WRB & SONS PAINTERS
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• Interior / Exterior Painting • Residential or Commercial • New Homes or Renovations
Servicing the Ararat and Stawell areas daily
Email: wrbsonspainters@gmail.com
NEED A SKIP?
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Sales & Rentals
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• Regular pool servicing • Maintenance checks • Equipment repair & replacement
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NEED MILK? WE DELIVER!
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S
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Renovations - Bathrooms
0428 384 876 www.prestonbuilders.com.au admin@prestonbuilders.com.au
Hire a skip! þ 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m & 9m bins available 44 GOLF COURSE RD, HORSHAM. PH 0476 125 232 www.wastebusters.com.au
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HORSHAM ELECTRICIAN
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Contact Nathan on 0494 738 306
Call SOlver.
> Leak Detection > Flexible Pointing > Tile Change Outs > Roof Painting
That’s Steve Olver, The Termite Man
> Roof Cleaning > Gutter Cleaning > General Roof Repairs
Call Steve: 53 822 993
Email: admin@termitesolver.com.au
www.termitesolver.com.au
BEAUFORT NEWS & TATTS •NEWSPAPERS •MAGAZINES •STATIONARY •CARDS •PHOTOCOPYING •LAMINATING •PHONE/INTERNET RECHARGE •TOYS •SPORTING GOODS •GIFTS •ATM/EFTPOS
Taking New Clients UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
131 546 www.jimsmowingwv.com.au
TRADE
DIRECTORY
We want you! 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. Contact The Weekly Advertiser
HORSHAM (03) 5381 0622
Phone: 5382 1351
OPEN HOURS
MONDAY to FRIDAY 6am - 5pm SATURDAY 6am - 12:30 pm, SUNDAY Closed
Furniture Removals • Freight • Pre-packing
66 - 69 NEILL STREET, BEAUFORT PH 5349 2380, 0419 471 309
Email slingshotremovals@gmail.com Web: www.sshotremovals.com.au
Page 28
LIC: 41089
Contact us today for a no obligation, free quote! Tone Mason: 0474 751 896 Bryan Avory: 0497 832 480
43 GOLF COURSE ROAD • PO BOX 943 • HORSHAM 3400
Horsham
phone | (03) 5382 3810 70 McPherson St, Horsham VIC 3400
PINNACLE@PLUMBING-MAINTENANCE.COM
Horsham CAR SPARES & REPAIRS
8 Turnbull DrIVE, Horsham Ph: 03 5381 1300
www.rowesremovals.com.au
Plumbing - Gas Fitting Roofing - General maintenance Gutter cleaning for residential & commercial properties.
your plumbing & electrical specialists
Phone: 0409 158 679
HORSHAM Ph. 0428 820 175 STAWELL
• TRUCKS • TRACTORS • CARS • HEADERS
www.wadesgp.com.au
OVER 50 YEARS PLUMBING AND MAINTENANCE EXPERIENCE
Also specialising in: Document destruction, sanitary/ washroom services, liquid waste and clinical waste
We can solve all your auto-electrical and air-conditioner issues!
Sales • Service • Installation
LOCAL
Uniforms • Apparel Pens • Hats • Key Rings • Stubby Holders • Marquees Flags and much more! Nathan Henry
Since 1985
– Local, regional, Wimmera & Interstate
• Packing supplies
140 Golf Course Rd, Horsham Ph: 5382 5002 (Soil Yard) 5382 6230 (Nursery)
12 month: $45 6 month: $47 13 week: $50 (all prices ex. GST)
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
TRADE
LOCAL
Proudly sponsored by
Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au
DIRECTORY Our mobile service unit comes to you!
PH: 03 5382 1375
Rec No. 14579 ARC AU26861 24 HOUR SERVICE
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passenger, commercial & Trojan golf cart batteries Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise a prompt battery replacement for your vehicle.
DEALER
PO BOX 214 NATIMUK VIC 3409 BENPERKINCARTS@GMAIL.COM
CALL BEN 0408 268 424 > aluminium windows/doors > external/internal doors > door hardware > garage doors/openers > automatic doors > security doors > wardrobe doors > shower screens 34 Plumpton Rd, Horsham > shopfronts p • 03 5382 4999 > splashbacks e • info@horshamdg.com.au > balustrades/pool fences w • www.horshamdg.com.au > glass/perspex/mirrors 24/7 EMERGENCY GLAZING SERVICE
GALLAGHERS V&S SERVICES
ARARAT & STAWELL DISTRICT
www.gallaghers.com.au
New Homes Renovations Units, Decks, Pergolas Property Maintenance Commercial & Residential
Contact: John 0418 823 224 Josh 0400 020 666 Email: noleen.mays@bigpond.com
Shanan 0448 387 167 Trevor 0418 504 401 bakerbuilders3@bigpond.com
Carpet and Vinyl
Contact Travis 0419 707 196 TANDBFLOORING1@GMAIL.COM
T.V. C��NEC����S H���n� �r����m� �i�� ...
• Digital TV • New house pre-wires • Phone point installations • Pay TV to all TV’s from one box
My Care Crew is a local social enterprise offering reliable gardening, greenspace and home maintenance services, all while giving back to our Horsham community.
C��� M�� �� 0419 836 106
tvconnections1@bigpond.com Like us on Facebook d
5382 5607
MORROWS TRUCK HIRE
Windows Commerical Industrial Builders Domestic Offices Building Sites
Sally: 0409 523 917 • sally@gallaghers.com.au
60B Darlot St, Horsham (Next to Horsham Bearings) Ph 0427 977 336
BUILDING RELOCATION RESTUMPING
Professionals at: Cleaning: -
Supplying wood burning heater & stove parts
www.wadesgp.com.au
T&B FLOOR I NG
GOLF CART SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS
Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling horsham@laserelectrical.com.au horsham.laserelectrical.com.au
Since 1985
Sales • Service • Installation
• Small, Big or Biggest Freight Truck Options • Up to 8.3t Capacity • Up to 12 pallet floor space
Starting at just $150 a day! Ideal for anyone moving house or businesses moving stock.
Morrow Motor Group - 5382 6163
Individualising your pets’ care Phone us: 5381 1996 Visit our website: yourfamilyvet.com.au for more information or to request an appointment Follow us on socials! licence no. CDB-U 75417
s • Shutter s s d g n li in •B • Awn s • Curtain utters h • Roller S RSHAM ST, HO HERSON 62A McP 2 4219 8 PH. 03 53
DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE • New homes • Sheds • Concreting Registered Building Practitioner
Matt Liston - 0417 544 614 liston.builders@gmail.com
ABN 698 3206 7186
Advertise your business here!
P&S
Cross Builders
For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and
• INTERIOR • DUSTLESS SANDING • ACRYLIC TEXTURE COATING • EXTERIOR
0427 970 345
FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES!
5382 5429 9 Madden St, Horsham www.bevanart.com.au
3WM throughout your paper advertising period. • Family run business • Extensions • Concreting
Phone - 5382 2817
• New homes • Renovations • Pergolas & Decking
Peter - 0418 524 879
Contact The Weekly Advertiser
Phone: 5382 1351
12 month: $45 • 6 month: $47 • 13 week: $50 (all prices ex. GST)
18-20 Pynsent Street Horsham Vic 3400 Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au facebook.com/wadeshorsham Licence # PIC 316600 AU29407 REC 31566
Since 1985 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Sales • Service • Installation
www.wadesgp.com.au
Page 29
PUZZLEs
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Weekdays, 9am until noon on X 15 DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15
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699 200829 Quick Crossword Crossword
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Quick Workout
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Sudoku
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 10
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TaKE a BREaK
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AFTERNOONS WITH HUGHIE Weekdays, noon until 3pm on
On This Day
yOUR LUCKy sTaRs
WiTh saRah KULKEns
Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family
FOR THE WEEK JULY 26 TO AUGUST 1
1.
orn on this day in 1948, was which Australian/New B Zealand screenwriter, actor, comedian, script editor, author, television producer, television director, and satirist, who died in 2017 while hiking in The Grampians? 2. State-of-the-art at the time, multi-dynamic image technique was used in which television series’ opening credits? 3.
10 years ago: July 27, 2016
Wimmera performing and visual arts centres received funding worth almost $1-million for three years; Ararat Regional Art Gallery $270,000, Horsham Town Hall $240,000, and Ararat Performing Arts Centre $150,000 plus $15,000 for a hip-hop festival. Wimmera Regional Art Gallery director Adam Harding said the funding would allow them to bring the best exhibitions to Horsham. Five years ago: July 28, 2021
Retired stockman Richard Morphett, of Nhill, released his book ‘Strike Me Roan!’, detailing the trials and tribulations of a Wimmera man working on the land across Australia. Morphett spent more than 28 years documenting his life and recalling stories from when he worked on sheep and cattle properties in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria, to write the book. One year ago: July 30, 2025
Halls Gap won silver at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, with Natimuk a finalist in the same category, for towns with a population of less than 1500. Run by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the awards celebrated towns across the state that provided outstanding visitor experiences.
4. Which element is named after the eighth planet in the solar system? 5.
I n which country would you find the fruit cake Obsttorte?
6.
I n 2003, Oprah Winfrey became the first woman to do what?
7.
W hat is the old name of city New York?
8. 9.
‘ I told you I was ill’ is whose epitaph? W hich blood cells are the human body’s primary means of delivering oxygen – red, green, blue or white? 10. A rithmophobia is the fear of what? 11. W hich television series tells the story of an orphan who rises to the top of the chess world? 12. C omposer Sergei Rachmaninov was which nationality? 13. W hich car manufacturer produced the model 504? 14. Which country has the most lakes in the world? 15. Dying of a heart attack on this day in 1974 at the age of 32, was which American pop vocalist, known for her solo work and as a member of Mamas and the Papas? Answers: 1. John Clarke. 2. The Brady Bunch. 3. Pinocchio. 4. Neptunium. 5. Germany. 6. She became an African-American billionaire. 7. New Amsterdam. 8. Spike Milligan. 9. Red. 10. Numbers. 11. The Queen’s Gambit. 12. Russian. 13. Peugeot. 14. Canada. 15. Cass Elliott.
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: July 27, 2006 – Ararat stage enthusiasts, standing from left, Angie Tonkin, Annie Reid and Jak Dowling, teamed up with Tania Stephens, seated, to enter into the Ararat One-Act Play Festival. Their play ‘The Gift’ was written and directed by popular Ararat playwriting duo Rob Smith and John Mawson. The 23rd consecutive festival staged in Ararat, organisers decided to present four of the youth plays on the Friday night owing to the volume of entries. Ararat PAC manager Rod McKenzie said he thought it was a record number of youth entries; there were 18 in the festival.
FIVE-DAY forecast Thursday
Friday
12°
13°
Cloudy.
Cloudy.
Saturday
13°
Cloudy.
‘Jiminy Cricket is from which Disney movie?
sponsored by
Sunday
13°
Partly cloudy.
Monday
13°
Partly cloudy.
^ _ ` a b c d e f g h
ARIES (21 March – 20 April) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7.8.9.3. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.24.35.41. Extra responsibilities might land on your plate this week, but don’t shy away from stepping up; now will benefit your cause brilliantly in the long run. Expect a flurry of activity and exciting short trips away that will bring a refreshing dose of fun to your busy schedule. Keep your fiery energy burning bright, because every extra effort you make today builds a rock-solid foundation for tomorrow’s success. TAURUS (21 April – 20 May) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7.8.9.3. Lotto Numbers: 1.6.8.23.35.22. The winds of change are finally blowing in your favour, and the shifts you’ve been patiently waiting for are beginning to unfold with even bigger developments on the horizon. Don’t be afraid to network, as influential people who can elevate your future are highly receptive to your ideas right now. Trust in your steadfast nature, for the universe is aligning to bring your well-deserved rewards to life. GEMINI (21 May – 21 June) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6.3.4.6. Lotto Numbers: 3.5.45.13.39.40. Get ready for a social surge! Your work and leisure circles are expanding, bringing a wave of fresh faces into your orbit, including a mysterious and captivating individual who could positively change your perspective. Embrace the unknown with your natural curiosity, knowing that every new connection is a doorway to a beautiful new adventure. CANCER (22 June – 22 July) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7.3.1.5. Lotto Numbers: 6.12.24.34.45.11. Your natural charm and personal magnetism will get you everywhere right now, so be strategic and save your energy for the people who truly matter. As the days progress, your inner ambitions will take centre stage and guide your next big moves. Let your intuition be your compass, because your gentle strength and empathy are your absolute greatest superpowers. LEO (23 July – 22 August) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.7.6.4. Lotto Numbers: 9.4.5.45.33.21. It’s a golden week for you, as some of your deepest, fondest wishes are finally within reach. Your calendar is filling up with exciting plans for the near future, bringing unexpected invitations that offer the perfect opportunity to mix business with pleasure. Step into the spotlight and shine, because the world is ready to celebrate your vibrant spirit and generous heart. VIRGO (23 August – 23 September) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6.7.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.24.34.41.11. This is a powerhouse period for confidently asserting your point of view and making significant waves in your career. However, the energy on the home front is a bit turbulent, so aim to keep a low profile and practice patience in your domestic life. Your meticulous focus will conquer any professional hurdle and remember that peace at home begins with your calming presence. LIBRA (24 September – 23 October) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.9.5.4 Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.42.33. If you are in the public eye, this is a highly significant period where exciting new responsibilities will be given to you. Take care not to overcommit or make promises that might stretch you too thin as you navigate these changes. Balance is your beautiful gift, so trust that you have exactly what it takes to handle your rising success with absolute grace! SCORPIO (24 October – 22 November) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.4.3.7. Lotto Numbers: 2.4.12.23.31.22. Keep your loved ones well-informed of the big shifts in your career, or you could find yourself in the doghouse! The new business ventures you embark on today are set to have a powerful, long-range impact on your professional trajectory. Embrace the transformation ahead, knowing your passion and depth will turn every new opportunity into a resounding triumph. SAGITTARIUS (23 November – 20 December) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.34.45. Clear boundaries are essential right now, so try not to give the wrong idea to someone who harbours strong feelings for you. Meanwhile, your wanderlust may be triggered by long-distance phone calls and travel opportunities, signalling dynamic changes in your business affairs. Keep your arrows pointed toward the stars, as your adventurous spirit will always lead you to expansive new horizons. CAPRICORN (21 December – 19 January) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.24.34.42.22. The chaotic noise around you is fading, leaving you largely unaffected by recent outside hassles. As your long-term plans edge closer to completion, let your close ones know exactly what you need from them and prepare for any outcome. Your relentless dedication is about to pay off, so trust in your hard work and watch your mountain peak finally come into view. AQUARIUS (20 January – 19 February) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4.5.6.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.3.12.24.34.45. This is not a good time to experiment with wild new ideas; instead, find comfort in sticking to the familiar. Romance is very much on your mind as you go about your daily business, but enjoy the butterflies without letting them trouble you. There is deep magic in everyday moments, so allow yourself to enjoy a peaceful rhythm and watch how beautifully things unfold!
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; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au; James Davidson: 0439 820 014, jdavidson@aceradio.com.au. Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Colin MacGillivray: cmacgillivray@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, West Wodonga, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
i
PISCES (20 February – 30 March) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.23.34.41.11. It could be a difficult time to make up your mind about a specific situation or someone, so keep your options open until later. Your business matters are highly flexible at the moment, so exercise patience and wait for the dust to settle before committing. Go with the gentle flow of your brilliant intuition, because the right answers will reveal themselves exactly when you need them.
Visit KERRY KULKENSTM MAGIC SHOP at
1693 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Ph 9754 4587
Follow us on Facebook WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Page 31
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death notices
death notices
Happy 106th Birthday
BILLING, Lois Anne (née Konig)
MORRELL, Henry George
Ed Schultz
With much Love from your family. Friends are invited to call in & have a ”cuppa” with Ed & family - at home - on Mon. 3rd August between 2 & 5 pm
Death Notices
Passed away July 23rd 2026, aged 85. Beloved wife Billing (dec).
of
Jeffrey
Loved mother to Steven and Gaylene, Graham and Kasia. to 3 Grandmother grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A service will take place at the Lutheran Chapel in the Lutheran Village, 1215 Grand Junction Rd, Hope Valley SA on the 6th August 2026 at 10:30am.
Passed away on July 20, 2026 aged 90 years. Dearly loved husband of Heather (dec). Loving father and fatherin-law of Rohan & Rachael; Angie & Leith; Jacqui & Paul. Adored Pup to Haydn, Braithe & Rhys; Joel, Talitha & Leah; Jasmine, Tammy & Sharon and their partners. Great Pup to 21 great grandchildren. In God’s Care Forever in our hearts
BALLARD, Jan (OAM) 26/12/1939-22/07/2026
PECK, Kenneth Raymond
Beloved wife of Bill for 64 years. Adored mum and mother-inlaw of Ron Jo, Sue Bob and Shaun Jo. Best nana in the world to Sean Rachel, Shannon Adam, Connor, Joel, Jemma, Sally, Jake, Brooke, Darcy and Cassie. Great nana to Alex, Elliot and Scarlett. A truly remarkable woman with so many admirable talents that touched so many people. We will miss you and carry you in our hearts forever. A life absolutely well lived. Rest in peace now. Jan’s funeral service will take place at the Dimboola Uniting Church Thursday 30 th July at 1pm.
17/07/1932 to 17/07/2026
MACKLEY (nee Hanckel), Cherese Naomi Passed away on July 21, 2026 aged 67 years. Dearly loved partner to John. Loving mother and motherin-law of Jenni & Shane; Fiona & Stuart. Adored Ma of Jordan, Charlie, Lexie, Millie, Josh and Piper. Forever resting in the garden
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation please.
Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
MACKLEY, Cherese
LONSDALE, JAMES (JIM) The Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Horsham East are deeply saddened at the passing of long-serving Rotarian Jim Lonsdale, a Paul Harris Fellow. Jim was an active and valued member for 51 years, who embodied the values of Rotary. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family. ‘Service Above Self Truly Achieved’
The members and friends of the Rotary Club of Horsham Can this be included in this weeks edition if possible. Kind regards, East are deeply saddened by Robyn Lardner Secretary RC of Horsham theEast.passing of long-serving 0400 769 900 Rotarian Cherese Mackley. BELL , Cherese was an active and Cheryle Christine valued member of the club, Loving and devoted wife of generously contributing her Barry. time and energy in many roles. We will remember Sister in-law of Julie and her warmly for her service, Rosalie and love from fellowship and commitment their families. to Rotary. also acknowledge We John’s support for the club, particularly through working bees and the fellowship shared over many years. We extend our sincere sympathy to John, Cherese’s daughters Jenni and Fiona, and their families. Account to be sent to: rcohe.sec@gmail.com
Page 32
Much loved husband of Margaret (dec). Proud father of Helen, Valerie, Suzie and Jenni, father in-law of Locky and Andrew. Adored Pop to Marc, Stacey, Hayden, Regan, Kelsey, Melaie, Sarah, Melissa and Jack. Old Pop to 16 great grandchildren. A sharp wit and a cheeky grin, missed by all. xx
TERMS & CONDITIONS
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Passed away on July 21, 2026 aged 91 years. Dearly loved wife of Steve (dec). Loving mother and motherin-law of Lea & Brendan; Craig & Deb; and Peter (dec). Adored Nan to Tennille & Brett, Amanda & Will; Tim & Gabby, Jack & Kat, and Anna. Great Nan to Arkie, Zahra, Charlie, Macy, Leo and Vann. Reunited with her loved ones
Funeral Notices
Memorial Notices
In memory of
WRIGHT, James Gordon ‘Jim’
JENNER, Glenys Elaine
James Gordon Wright
25-7-33 to 13-7-26 Loving father, father-inlaw, grandfather, great grandfather. Remembered with love and laughter from loving daughter Donna and Gary Schultz and family. Abby, Sam, Matt, Paul, Mario, Jess, Amber, Leah and Xavier. Rest in Peace, Pa
Adored Pa & Silly-Pa of Luke, Naomi, Ruby & Isobel Steffi, Webby, Ava & Hadley Sophie, Todd, Willa & Monty
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jim Wright will be held at the Horsham Golf Club on Monday, August 3, 2026 commencing at 2.30pm.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter
We love you and miss you and always will. Your loving husband, Graeme and family.
Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member accommodation
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter
Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
The funeral of Henry George Morrell will commence with burial at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10.30am and will be immediately followed by a memorial service at the Horsham Church of Christ. The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/live/ NgRwjBdtmKI
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter
MILLER, Graeme John The memorial service to farewell the late Mr. Graeme John Miller will be held at St Andrews Uniting church, Horsham on Tuesday 4th of August 2026 commencing at 2pm.
Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with ocean views, just $1400! Free $150 fuel card with special booking, call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book, excluding school holidays
Our professional staff will ensure your family is provided with the highest level of care available.
Ph: 5382 1149 | Email: admin@hdf.com.au
SEDGMEN, Billie
As was her wish, Billie Sedgmen will be farewelled at a private family gathering.
There’s so many things to think of, you don’t even know where to start...
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter
I’m so glad I chose someone who cared to organise it.
Ph 5381 1444
Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of
Your impact will last a lifetime. Forever in our hearts
5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Animals & Accessories
Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579 Buying, Pigs, Goats and Poultry, Ph 0427361940 or Ph 0480137184.
Eclectus parrots aviary birds only, 2 year olds and a pair ready to breed, three A private interment will take place. Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway pairs $1100 per pair Ph or text with pool table, just $1100! Free 0492486058 Dimboola $150 fuel card with special Golden Retriever X Lab booking, call Langley’s now 03 puppies, both girls and Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5568 2899 to book, excluding boys, vacc chip wormed 5382 1149 DOB 9/5/2026, ready 4 July school holidays 900164002407397 /386/394/4 01/398/389/388/393/400/387, source # MB310162 $1000 Ph Funeral Directors or text 0492486058 Dimboola
Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
AFDA Member
Prime beachfront locations, $1200 - $1500 for 7 nights, limited availability, conditions apply Ph 03 5568 2899 to book
Birds for sale, princess parrots and bourkes, all colours, call for prices Ph 0408535515 Stawell
MACKLEY, Cherese Naomi
The funeral of Cherese Naomi Mackley will take place at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Thursday, July 30, 2026 commencing at 1pm. Private cremation. The service may be viewed online at www.youtube. com/@horshamluthe ranchurchaustr7146
accommodation
15.8.1949 - 2.8.2024 Another year has passed since you left us, a space no-one can fill.
Funeral Notices
WRIGHT James ‘Jim’ Loved father and father-inlaw of Lindy & David
ABN 16 064 882 042
death notices
MORRELL, Henry George
SEDGMEN (nee West), Billie
DEADLINE 10am Tuesday before publication, this includes payment and advertisement details.
Run It Till You Sell It advertisements are subject to review after six months with a lowcost fee to continue. Only applicable for one item per advertisement. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to notify the publisher of any errors on the first day of publication. Every care is taken to prevent errors and accidental omissions but no financial responsibility can be accepted for loss resulting from such an error or omission.
Phone 5382 1351 email: horsham@aceradio.com.au online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
birthday notice
PAYMENT: Mastercard or Visa card payments via phone or online. Alternatively, cash or eftpos available at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham.
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows: ANIMALS *All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following: • Individual microchip numbers • Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips • Domestic animal-business number PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register LIVESTOCK *Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.
*The Weekly Advertiser reserves the right to accept or refuse advertisements.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Animals & Accessories
caravans
for sale
for sale
for sale
Cool room drop-in unit, in, digital control, other sizes available $1850 Ph 0417101120
Pure bred Australian Kelpie, 'Bailey', beautiful natured working dog, great working dog lines, from Stuart Park Kelpies, very faithful, basic training, been around sheep but not working yet, needs training, DOB 27/7/2025, not desexed, selling due to cutting back sheep numbers, M/C 972274001675727 $1000 Ph 0419399684
caravans
5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph 0429821820 8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, $1000 Ph 0478254195 REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink Aluminium fence panels x7 and shower, dual AGM batteries $65 each Ph 0419509335 and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212
REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1995 Windsor 5.3m pop-top, 1hz motor, solar and 12v queen bed, awning, registered awning much more $27,500 Ph Aluminium Ute Tray, electric/ $10,000 Ph 0438825486 for 0418325662 hydraulic tipper, ram overhauled extra info $3200 Ph 0428944462 As new LG refrigerator $500, Panasonic colour TV to giveaway Ph 0475431668
2023 Jayco Cross Trak, 4.2m 14', Hybrid pop-top, off road suspension, solar, TV, external shower, diesel heater, generator, air con, 2 fridges, tare 1370, tows behind most vehicles, as new condition $38,000 Ph 0421511754
Sentiveco daily/5th wheeler combo, set up for off grid, too many extras to list, was $102,000 now $97,000 Ph 0438149265
Bicycles, Geeko boys bike 12" $10, Mens Trek mountain bike $50, Ladies Avanti Discovery 27 Speed as new $300, Unisex Trek 'Legal' E-Bike Bosch Electrics, hydraulic disc brakes, as new, cost $4k + selling for $2900 Ph 0427617677 Horsham
marine 3.7 savage aluminium boat, UM198, 20 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2200 ono Ph Masseuse Therapeutic 0428523919 Electric motor, working order Dual-Pro massage chair, 2 yrs $80 Ph 0428504301 old, as new, cost $11,000 sell The Weekly Advertiser Four arm walker, $150 $5,000 ono Ph 0413832765 welcomes your advertising. Ararat ph0437600095 We are required strictly by law Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, portable on stand, stainless Ph 0423182267 tray, electric motor $300 Ph Full lift electric chair, pure 0428944143 Multiple items - Swing saw, leather, $350 Ph 0478254195 new belts, 39" blade with bench, Gold and opal ring, approx Kohler motor rec, 2 old lawn 80yrs old, current valuation mowers, good goers, chainsaws $4500 would like $1000 Ph all in good cond, all makes, 10 speed mens bike, ex cond, 80ltr 0458014560 car fridge, in cooler bag, new, Industrial Extensions Ladder never used, make an offer Ph (Gorilla), closed 3.7 EXT 0429824055 8.5 $475, Ph 53826461 or Nissan Forklift, very reliable Fresh Farm eggs! $5 a dozen
0429309491
$8500 Ph 0429821541
Kayak Dragon, 3.6m, 2.5 Oaten hay rolls for sale,4' 6 X seater, green & white, very 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw 0427105591 Balmoral good condition, support seats, paddles, buoyancy vests, $450 Pallet Jack crown, very little use from new, asking $400 Ph Ph 0407340345 0421791492 Stawell
to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: BOATS All advertisements for boats must include: • Hull number or registration number of the boat If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include: • Registration number or chassis number of the trailer.
MOBILITY AIDS
Kubota ZG222 zero turn
Large amount split cane 3pce fly rods, 2pc split cane rods, 1pc solid split cane rods with
reels excellent condition, D.A.M Chook house, 1500mm wide Quicksilver fly 9.5ft with reel, Vintage Skyline 60's 1400H x 1200L, nest box Caravan, registered, useable custom built 8ft6" fishing rod attached, keep your chooks condition, 10ft, full annex, safe from predators, $250 Ph with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph $5000 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit 2023 Mystic 12' Fantasy 53824316 53583440 Caravan, only been used once, farm machinery always shedded, $36,000 Ph 0427857354 garage sales 1 Case tractor Model l, 1 McCormick Deering Model W30 $2000 ono each Ph 53844287
MEGA GARAGE SALE 3/27 Napier Street, Stawell Saturday, August 1 - 8am
Deceased estate - everything must go. Furniture, bedside tables, drawers, side tables, kitchenware, home décor, gardening tools (including an electric hedge trimmer), linen, electrical appliances, retro Tupperware, and much more.
REDUCED Beko dryer $200, entertainment unit $200, both in excellent condition Ph Jenny Electric Scooter, disc brakes, 53836242 or 0429029215 carrier, 2 speeds, back Second hand black steel star shockers, brand new, helmet posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143 included $820 Ph 0428425686 Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne grated and pickled, round bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 hydraulic cylinders 18"x2.5" Ph 0407911884 Victa 560 commercial lawn mower, Ready Start Self propelled, throws/mulches does not catch, 2022 model, Briggs & Stratton engine 850 professional series, little use, recent service $800 Ph 0429018785 Horsham White outdoor lawn mower, needs starter, and Girntz tilter Shoprider Rocky 4 renowned $600 Ph 0427828420 Wood Thicknesser, Barker tough mobility scooter with soft 2', AE Herbert 1' buzzer, sold ride, less than one hours use, large wheels, 45km travel range, together $2000 Ph 53524764 overhead sun canopy and rear storage bag, still under 10 years household items structural warranty, paid $6750, sell $4000 Ph 0419820000
Starts at 8.00am sharp. No early birds, please. Bring your cash and your bags!
motorcycles
Small square bale hay stack elevator $120 Ph 0494034244
Oaten hay and wheaten hay Kimberley Off Road Kamper, 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and genuine all Australian made delivery avail by single or b in Ballina NSW $8000 Ph double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill 0427535212 Motorhome Jayco Fiat Conquest, model FA 25.3, 4yrs old, $13,000 of extras, EC, 10,000kms $148,000 Ph 0428340802 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
2 swags $300 total, health sauna $4000, electric boat motor $200, taking best offers on: igloo tent, train set and antique wooden table Ph 0429948774
Motor Vehicle Accessories New TC Boxes 900mm tapered under tray alloy toolbox (pair) Ph 0400387895 Roof rack Alloy Tradesman with mesh floor $500 Ph 0418138329 Stawell
Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000 Holden 2011 Barina, spark white, one owner, 5 speed manual, 30,000kms, XYZ797 $6000 Ph 0488422824 Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095 PLIC97PNRAB016095
Portable air compressor, new, very handy machine $1500 firm Ph 0407340961
0428857312
for sale
Harley Davidson Fat Boy 2021, as new condition, black, sissy bar, black rack and bag, cruise control, twin pipes, spare set of tyres, immaculate condition $30,000 Ph 0421511754
Parsnip seed, professionally cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat 0427822455
mower, 215hrs, VGC $8700 Ph
JAYCO 19.6 StarCraft Outback 2012, dual axle, one owner, Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, new full annexe & tyres, VGC, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph $39,500 Ph 0429092059 0419778181 Jeparit
motorcycles
Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used 6 months, includes cool balance 10' mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph 0417156434 Horsham
1 horsepower, 10amp plug
REDUCED 2006 Concept Ascot 18', low kms, EC, stored under cover, lots of extras 2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to $15,500 ONO Ph 0413445347 remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 0429335706
household items
PROMOTE YOUR
HERE!
Only $52.25 Includes a notice like this PLUS mentions on the radio!
Black 6 piece dining setting in good condition $200, large wooden rimmed mirror $85, a number of pictures and painting ranging from $10-$30, open to 2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all factory original 9600kms, 10 offers Ph 0409312294 Ararat Dyson V8 Animal cordless month rego, meets requirements Vacuum, extra accessories for club plates, YB-122 $8,000 plus tall stand, hardly used, Ph or text 0417561843 leave a very good condition $320 Ph message, St. Arnaud, all offers 0408511140 Great Western will be considered
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Suzuki Grand Vitara Trekker JB 4D Wagon, RW N165534 11/7/25, speedo when purchased 202,549kms current 20,6528kms, has little use only 4079 kl, tow-bar, full service history, great car to drive, reg Oct 26 1GO5JL $6850 Ph 0466641895
Volkswagen Jetta TSI 2009, ac, cruise, elec windows, door locks, service history, RWC, 6months reg, 164,000kms XIC932 $3800 Ph 0428425686
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: ROAD VEHICLES All advertisements for road vehicles must include a price, as well as: • A registration number, if registered • Either an engine number, VIN or chassis number if the vehicle is not registered.
Page 33
Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000
Motor Vehicles over $20,000
Motor Vehicles over $20,000
real estate
Public Notices
Public Notices Planning and Environment Act 1987
NORTHERN GRAMPIANS PLANNING SCHEME
1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, RWC, BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 10am-7pm 2017
Holden
Trailblazer
LTZ Auto, full service history, RWC
supplied,
excellent
condition, roobar, towbar, roof racks, 227,000km $19,300 Ph 0409559364
Ford Escape Trend ST Line 1/4 acre block, fully fenced, ready to build, Jeparit Vic 3423 2015 Mazda BT-50 Extra 2022 97,000km One owner, full $37,500 Ph 0439581125 service history, RWC, Tow Bar, Cab - 6 Wheeler, with rear Rego til June 2026 $26,000 Ph lazy axle, GVM upgrade to 0427343783 Trades & Services 4490kg, custom 3 metre tray Toyota Troopcarrier, 2005 with toolboxes, slide out drawer, 1HZ, 3 seat, cruise control, ladder rack, dual batteries, diff locks, winch, bullbar, LED Lawn mowing, block slashing Ph 0429309491 or 53826461 electric brakes, snorkel, spotlights, twin batteries, solar Rose Pruning, many years clearview mirrors, quality panel, drawers/shelves, 16" experience, call to book, can canvas canopy, good condition, sunraysias, one owner since travel Ph Max 0417824141 new, 1RY5UP, 296,000kms 104,200 kms, reg 1IX7PW, $38,000ono Ph 0427790754 $42,000 Ph 0409820089
Sunday, August 2 Goroke 10am LR Natimuk 10am LR Vectis 10am HC Dimboola 10am LR
wanted
Mitsubishi Lancer LS 2014,
personals
2Ltr CVT, service history, very good condition, RWC, 2FA2OU, 54,000kms,
Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish
$10,750
Ph
0427851409 2019 BMW 330i M Sport, immaculate, one owner, highly optioned, always garaged, mineral grey with cognac, RWC, 69,500kms, $38,500 Ph 0427581825
Motor Vehicles over $20,000
2019 Jaguar 25 F Pace R Sport sedan, R/W, gen reason for sale, EC, AWP498, $26,000 Ph 0428382790
1975 MGB GT Coupe, red, EC, recent service, RWC, hard cover, owners workshop manual, some spares, on
2019 XL Ford Ranger, white 4x4, ute/steel tray and locked undertray boxes, RWC, bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, rear camera, gen reason for sale, EC, 89,761kms, 1RO-7EC $42,000 Ph 0428382790
Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 cubic metre, to fit Victory 280E Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, Ph 5385 2628 after 7.30pm gentle, family-oriented and never married, hopes to meet a sincere Australian man who wanted to buy is financially secure, owns his home, and seeks a genuine Bellhousing from straight companion for marriage and 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph shared care. She values 0421791492 Stawell kindness, loyalty, and a peaceful Caper trailer tent top, to fit home life. Ready to provide care 7ft x 5" Walkabout trailer Ph Ph +679 923 2717 or email 53569340 or 0412482521 fijirose1010@gmail.com, and Landsborough PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph Wanted, 49+ year old lady for 0427506552 serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman Gear box from a grain auger from Horsham, interests are Ph 0421791492 Stawell reading, music, occasionally LP Records, prefer 60's, going out for dinner then the 70's, 80's and rabbit traps Ph movies or watching movies at 0400017344 home, fishing and camping, Wanted to buy, RC model walking and swimming Ph aircraft, will buy collections if the price is right Ph 0435621004 0491230835
Public Notices
club plates $22,000 Ph Paul 2022 Nissan Navara cab chassis, 4 by 2, turbo diesel, 0414318563 7 speed auto, RWC supplied, 2014 Toyota Prado, GX 4x4, bullbar, driving lights and towbar, RWC, reg til Oct, 1BJ6BL extended warranty, 65,100kms, $24,000 Ph 0409954335 $29,000 Ph 0429942637
Personals
SEEKING A LOVING WOMAN FOR MARRIAGE A sincere and caring gentleman is looking for a kind-hearted woman, aged 50 to 89, for a meaningful relationship filled with love, companionship, and respect, with the hope of marriage.
Need help spreading the word? Call The Weekly Advertiser on 03 5382 1351 or email weeklyadvertiser@ aceradio.com.au
Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme Amendment C65ngra Overview The amendment implements the recommendations of the Northern Grampians Scheme Review 2025 into the Northern Grampians Planning Scheme, by introducing new and revised local content into the Municipal Planning Strategy, Planning Policy Framework, and schedules to zones, overlays, general provisions, and operational provisions. For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment. Details of the amendment The Northern Grampians Shire Council planning authority has prepared Amendment C65ngra to the Northern Grampians Planning Scheme. The land affected by the amendment is all land within the Shire. The amendment proposes to make the following changes to the Northern Grampians Planning Scheme: • Implement the land use and development directions of Council’s adopted strategies and plans. • Clarify and improve the style, format, language or grammatical form of content in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Direction – The Form and Content of Planning Schemes. • Update clause references, department names, legislation names, document references, terminology and statistical data. • Remove or update outdated content. You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, between Monday 27 July 2026 and Monday 31 August 2026 at: • the Department of Transport and Planning website planning.vic.gov. au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation. • the Northern Grampians Shire Council website at https://www. ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projects-and-Consultation/Have-Your-Say; and • on request, during office hours, at the offices of the planning authority, Northern Grampians Shire Council, Stawell Town Hall and Council Offices 59-69 Main Street Stawell and St Arnaud Town Hall and offices at 40 Napier Street, St Arnaud, VIC 3477, by contacting (03) 5358 8700 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation. Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing, giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make. Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions. The closing date for submissions is 31 August 2026. A submission must be sent to Northern Grampians Shire Council, Attention: Strategic Planner, Re: Submission to Amendment C65 PO Box 580, Stawell, VIC, 3380. The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses. BRENT McALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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As I write this, the Tour De France is just around the corner. The most famous and arguably gruelling bike race in the world is the most sought after crown in the sport. But the Tour lost a bit of it’s gloss a few years back when Lance Armstrong, 7 time winner and widely held then to be the greatest cyclist to ever ride was found guilty of serious doping violations. This wasn’t just a little bit of doping, it was a carefully orchestrated program. And so brazen was it, that they did it almost in plain sight… for years. And his team mates as well were pressured and threatened if they did not join the program.
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It is amazing to think what some people will do to win. For a lot of people, success in this world is all that matters, and they will do whatever it takes! But as I regularly say, the statistics on dying are irrefutable. One out of one persons dies. Living is 100% fatal no matter how famous, powerful, rich or fit you are. So given that, and that we can’t take it with us, and that we won’t be around to enjoy the adoration, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in something of eternal worth. That’s what Jesus said “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Focus on that!
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Sporting spirit shines in awards Horsham District Football Netball League and Wimmera Football Netball League award one under-17 footballer and one 17-and-under netballer a Spirit of Sport award each playing round. The Spirit of Football and Spirit of Netball awards are presented by either Victoria Police officers or Blue Ribbon Foundation members.
Jaega McCall – WFNL Horsham Demons footballer Jaega McCall, pictured with Horsham Senior Constable Jamie Thomas, is a determined footballer who loves everything about the game. Around the club, Jaega is always willing to volunteer his help on game day. He plays a mid-forward role, has great skills and is clean below his knees. He is a leader with the younger guys in the group and is growing every week. He also models strong respect for team-mates, opponents and officials, making him a standout ambassador for his club.
Karla Hallam – WFNL Horsham Demons netballer Karla Hallam is a talented netballer who is extremely versatile. She is dominant in the midcourt and goals. She moves effortlessly on the netball court and is a leader among her peers. She always shows great sportsmanship and plays the game in the spirit it should be played. Karla is pictured with Horsham Senior Constable Jeremiah Leonforte.
Poppy Murdock – HDFNL Laharum netballer Poppy Murdock is enjoying her third year with the club. She is training with the seniors this season and this commitment, plus her work ethic, earned her a senior debut in round nine. She slotted into the C Reserve side with ease and will no doubt have plenty more senior opportunities. Poppy’s coaches describe her as a hard worker both on and off the court. A quiet defender, she sneaks up on her opponents and also provides defensive pressure down the court. She reads the ball well and continues to improve each week. Poppy is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon vice-president Sam Foster.
Nash McKenzie – HDFNL Laharum footballer Nash McKenzie, pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation vice-president Sam Foster, has been an integral part of the Laharum juniors over the past years and is an asset to the Laharum community. A quick, goal kicking mid-forward, Nash is a damaging player at his very best. He was selected as under-17s captain, which also shows he is very much a respected leader amongst his peers.
Ryan Holland – WFNL Warrack Eagles footballer Ryan Holland is an enthusiastic, tall, top-age under-17 footballer, and when he is not on his family’s farm, he enjoys sneaking off the half forward flank and snagging a cheeky goal or two for his team. Ryan has improved considerably as the season has progressed, spending most of his game time up forward with the occasional stint in the ruck. Ryan is a great club person and often runs the boundary and water. He is also a willing volunteer off the field and always shows wonderful sportsmanship making him a worthy recipient of this award. Ryan is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon’s Sam Foster.
Amalee Livingstone – WFNL Warrack Eagles netballer Amalee Livingston, pictured with Sam Foster, is an outstanding player both on and off the court. A highly accurate shooter, she is also incredibly versatile, able to play multiple positions and create opportunities by opening up the play for her team-mates. As captain of the side this season, Amalee leads by example. She takes her role seriously, providing direction on court while continually encouraging and supporting those around her. Her leadership, commitment, and positive attitude make her a valued member of the team.
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Yanac on top with four rounds left A
BY SIMON KING
nother cool, dewy morning greeted players at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday for round 11 of the Wimmera hockey season.
The closest game of the round in open competition saw Kaniva Cobras push Warrack Hoops for the entire match before going down by just one goal. The first three quarters were even, with both teams creating opportunities. It was the Hoops who took the advantage with a field goal early in the last quarter and then held off their opponents to finish with the win. The other match was also a close encounter for the first three-quarters, before the Tigers scored a couple of goals in the final period to extend their narrow two-goal lead to one at threequarter-time to a more comfortable four-goal-to-one result by the final whistle.
Women
In a game where the victors did not have it all their own way, Yanac scored a win over Nhill Thunderbirds, with three goals in the last quarter
that made the result look comfortable. They were one goal ahead by half time, and the result was still in the balance at the next break, with Yanac only holding a two-goal advantage. It was a flurry of scoring in the last quarter that extended the final margin to five. Two goals in the first quarter and another three in the second set up the Dimboola Roos’ big win over Horsham Jets, with the final margin being eight goals – enough for them to reclaim top place on the ladder, albeit only by percentage ahead of Yanac. Although sitting comfortably in third place, Kaniva still had to work hard against sixth-placed Warracknabeal to eventually win by six goals.
Under-16
The ‘musical chairs’ among the leaders in the under-16 competition continued, with all four teams finishing the round in a different position than where they started. Nhill Leopards rose to the top after a solid win over Yanac Warriors, who dropped from third to fourth, and Kaniva Raiders moved from fourth to third with a one-goal win over Warrack Revengers, who slipped from
first to second. In the clash of the two teams outside the top four, Horsham Bombers earned their second win by defeating Dimboola Kangaroos.
Kaniva bound
Hockey action moves to Kaniva for round-12 on Saturday, with just four rounds of the regular season remaining. The teams in each of the open matches this week will be approaching the game from a different perspective. The Tigers and Hoops, who are both assured of a top-two finish, will be looking to fine-tune their finals preparations, while their opponents, Kaniva Cobras and Horsham Hurricanes, respectively, need several more wins each if they are to make it to the playoffs. Kaniva on their home pitch will put in a good performance, but may still not have the depth to overcome the Tigers, and the Hurricanes will be rested after the bye, but will have to play at their best if they are to overcome the Hoops. The biggest game in the women’s competition will see Yanac take on Kaniva, and Dimboola face the other top-four team, Nhill
Thunderbirds, and while neither of these games will be a walk-over, the higher-ranked teams should prevail. There is nothing in relation to the premiership race hanging on the other match, with Horsham Jets and Warracknabeal both out of the running for a top-four finish, but a win for either would be a huge confidence boost towards the end of an underperforming season. The biggest game in the under-16s will be between the Raiders and Warriors, where a Raider’s victory will keep them in with a real chance of a top-two finish, and condemn the Warriors to fourth. Recent form suggests the Leopards should retain their hold on first place with a win over the Kangaroos, and even though the Bombers defeated the Revengers when they last met, the Warrack team is showing the better current form and should be victorious and remain in second place on the ladder. Round-11 results – Open: Yanac Tigers 4 (goals, T. Alexander 2, Z. Dorrington, S. Pedie; best, T. Alexander, S. Alexander, A. Zanker) d Nhill Rangers 1 (R. Reichelt; L. Mills, A. Zanker, B.
Tischler). Warrack Hoops 1 (C. Bardell; B. Williamson, S. Schultz, H. Wagenknecht, C. Baldock) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. White, N. Krelle, C. Beattie). Women: Yanac Women 5 (E. Alexander 3, S. Hedt, A. Farmers; E. Alexander, A. Farmers, C. Alexander) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (L. Clark, K. Clark, C. Shurdington). Kaniva Women 6 (L. Stimson 3, I. Dickinson, L. Shurdington, S. Braisby; I. Dickinson, L. Stimson, H. Beattie) d Warracknabeal 0 (E. Bull, E. Ward, M. Bentley). Dimboola Roos 8 (E. Baldock 2, J. Hauselberger 2, B. McMaster, K. Marlow, C. Elliott, P. Pretorius; J. Hauselberger, B. McMaster, E. Baldock) d Horsham Jets 0 (C. Lawson, S. O’Connor, H. Mackereth). Under-16: Nhill Leopards 8 (D. Bee 3, H. Albrecht 3, B. Clark, B. Cannell; D. Bee, B. Clark, B. Cannell, H. Albrecht) d Yanac Warriors 2 (H. Zanker 2; L. Dickinson, H. Zanker, A. Zanker). Kaniva Raiders 1 (L. Doyle; L. Williams, R. Williams, O. Curtis) d Warrack Revengers 0 (R. Bish, N. Eilola, C. Bentley). Horsham Bombers 2 (J. Mackereth, E. Hill; J. Mackereth, J. Luy, K. Besselaar) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (R. Williams, L. Hauselberger, C. Elliott). Development program: Nhill Bandits 3 (N. Krelle 2, L. Sutherland) v Yanac Lowan Stars 1 (M. Dart). Kaniva Rampagers 2 (K. Bedford, A. Bedford) v Warrack Avengers 3 (L. Perris 2, J. Fury). Horsham Black Hawks 1 (J. Neumann) v Dimboola Kangaroos 1 (M. Corbett).
‘Keep Going Bob...’ It’s a quiet Monday afternoon of racing at Horsham, the leader Allawart Bob with Jackie Barker aboard faces at the top of the home straight and a small group in the grandstand begins to drown out Rob Auber’s racecall with their shouts of ‘Keep Going Bob’ and assorted cheers of encouragement. The closer the 13-year-old gelding gets to the finish, the louder the noise, until ‘Bob’ crosses the line to the obvious delight of Murtoa owner-trainer Laurie Young, his wife Bev, son Lachie and friends. It’s what makes harness racing special – the bloke who trains a horse for the love of it, the joy that comes with a win and reward for all the time and effort that’s required. The record shows the son of Allawart Ray and Cathrins Image has 131 starts under the belt for nine wins, 25 minors and $71,844, but the record isn’t what counts – it’s an old gelding, the owner-trainer and family.
DELIGHT: Murtoa owner-trainer Laurie Young, his wife Bev and son Lachie with Allawart Bob and jockey Jackie Barker following ‘Bob’s win at Horsham on Monday.
Dunn’s dozen
Horsham trainer Aaron Dunn and his staff were kept busy all day as they transported and geared up a dozen horses to trial or race. The team was rewarded for its efforts with a stable double courtesy of Bigbashash, Aaron Dunn, in the Lather Up @ Woodlands Stud Pace and Hot Deal, with Kerryn Manning aboard in The Weekly Advertiser Pace. Bigbashash is a four-year-old mare out of Dunn’s smart performer Little Lyn, 12 wins, and clocked up her second career success from just six starts. Hot Deal is an experienced campaigner with a record of 23 wins, 32 minors and stakes of $255,000 from 86 starts.
Winning treble
Terang driver Jason Lee notched up a winning treble at the Horsham meet. Lightly raced three-year-old gelding Rama Saigo scored a 20 metre, allthe-way victory in the ‘The Shirtfront’
1089 3WM Trotters Handicap for the training team of Marg and Paddy Lee at his third race start. Stablemate Jilliby Sniper proved too classy for the opposition in the Vicbred Voucher Pace, saluting by 2.7m in a rate of 1:55.8 for the 1700m dash. First up after seven months away from the racetrack, the colt will benefit greatly from the outing and is one to put in the black book. “He’s got a bad attitude and is hard work, but he’s got a big motor,” Lee said after the win.
Lee wrapped up the day with Keayang Hungry in The Storm Inside @ Alabar Pace for Mt Gambier owner-trainer Zac Pearson. Way down in class on recent starts, the three-year-old gelding was solidly supported and didn’t let punters down, leading throughout from gate five for a 3.5 metre victory in 2:01.2 over the 2200m journey.
Savon De Roche success
Trainer Kate Hargreaves and driver Ewa Justice combined to capture the
Worlds Best Hoof Oil Pace on Monday with four-year-old mare Savon De Roche. All honours were with the winner after doing it tough, three-wide from the 1800m mark to sit outside leader Keayang Viper, Jason Lee, for the final lap-and-a-half of the journey. Savon DeRoche is Hargreaves’ first winner since relocating from Shellbourne to her ‘old stomping ground’ at Stawell and took her record to seven wins from 21 starts. – Tony Logan
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All set for grand final replay Hawks keep BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
A
fter a season of intriguing storylines, including the addition of Natimuk United to the competition, Sunday’s Wimmera senior women’s football grand final will be a replay of last year’s inaugural premiership decider.
Reigning premier Minyip-Murtoa will take on 2025 runner-up Laharum in a blockbuster showdown at Horsham’s Coughlin Park from noon. While the clubs contesting the grand final remain the same, the line-ups have changed significantly from last year. Laharum topped the ladder with a 5-1 record, defeating the Burras in all three of their home-and-away encounters, including a 3.8 (26) to 0.4 (4) win at the weekend. But Minyip-Murtoa is set to recall up to six players for the grand final after resting them at the weekend, and Laharum coach Rod ‘Rocket’ Hogan said his team’s home-andaway dominance would count for little on Sunday. “We’ll have to see how they line up. The players they had missing at the weekend are probably among their best six or seven players,” he said. “With the results throughout the year, there’s only been a couple of straight kicks in it on the scoreboard, so it could go either way. “Neither side has been at full strength any time we’ve played one another, so we don’t know how well we’ll have to adapt to certain things.” Creating a conundrum for Laharum is the loss of key forward Aimee McAlpine with a fractured elbow. While Hogan said the team would miss her on the field, it could allow the Demons to become more unpredictable in attack. “We’ve probably been reliant on sticking her magnet there every week and forgetting about it, and now we are going to have to look at what suits that type of role and who can play that lead-up type forward role,” he said. Minyip-Murtoa coach Nick Cushing will also need to move magnets
with the return of several senior players, but said he was looking forward to welcoming them back. “We’ve got Steph Glover, Scarlett Funcke, Georgia McIntyre, Stacey Arnold and Emersyn Gowlett who will all come back this week,” he said. “I gave Stacey a rest but she’s probably the rock of our back line – she structures us up well and sets us up behind the footy, so that will be huge for us. “Steph Glover is a leader on the ground, Georgia McIntyre is our ruck and Scarlett Funcke is a ball-winning midfielder. “Then Emersyn can play everywhere, so she’s a handy swingwoman to have. She gives us a bit more flexibility and shores us up a bit structurally.” Cushing said ball pressure and field position would be deciding factors in the grand final. “We want to shut down their prime ball movers like Poppy Peters and Violet McGennisken. It’s going to be tough work for whoever I give the assignment to,” he said. “Ema Iredell had good influence on the weekend and with how strong she is around the footy we’re going to have to make sure she can’t have a massive influence on the day. “If they start getting on top it’s going to be hard to stop them.” Hogan said the Demons would look for big games from several key players of their own. “Liv Lenehan has done a bloody fantastic job in the ruck for us this year. This is only her second year of footy and we’ll be relying on her to make a real contest in there,” he said. “She’s done a fantastic job for us all year and probably been one of our biggest improvers, so we’ll look for her to give our mids first use of the footy. “For our captain Jess Cannane, her strength in contested footy is super valuable for us, so we’ll be looking for her to put in another strong game this week. “Ally Doak has never played footy before and she holds down full back for us every week – she’s a terrific defender. “To go from never having played
hopes alive
LEADER: Laharum captain Jess Cannane will be valuable heading into Sunday’s grand final against Minyip-Murtoa. before to holding down a key position, she’s come along in leaps and bounds. It’s a real feather in her cap.” Hogan encouraged as many people as possible to attend the grand final. “We picked up a couple of girls who came along and watched the grand final last year and have decided to take footy up this year, so it’s a good showcase for the game,” he said. “It’ll be two fairly handy teams going head to head. Women’s footy has come along fairly well in the area.”
Juniors
Laharum and Horsham will contest the under-15.5 grand final at 10am on Sunday after Laharum’s emphatic 8.10 (58) to 0.2 (2) win against the combined Minyip-Murtoa and Horsham Burra-Demons at the weekend. The win lifted Laharum to top spot on the ladder, and the team will enter the grand final having won its past four matches after dropping its opening two games of the season. Previous encounters between the sides this season saw Horsham win by 52 points in round one before Laharum responded to win by 21 in round six and 43 in round eight.
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Tatyoon kept its faint Mininera and District Football League finals hopes alive at the weekend, dispatching neighbouring Moyton-Willaura by 68 points to stay in touch with the top five. The Hawks are now preparing to face another neighbouring rival – Ararat Eagles – this weekend in a must-win clash. Tatyoon sits seventh on the ladder, trailing fifth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld by one win and sixth-placed Penshurst by percentage only. The Hawks must win their remaining three games and hope other results fall their way to have a realistic chance of playing finals in 2026. They did their chances no harm at the weekend, easily overcoming the Pumas despite some errant goal kicking to win 17.23 (125) to 8.9 (57). As usual, Josh Bibby was a force for the Hawks, kicking six goals, while Josh Lee added five. Other standouts included Tom Bartlett, James Shanhun and Riley Keith. Blake Hider, Brad Uwland, Rhys Cronin and Aaron Pianta were Moyston-Willaura’s top players. Ararat will have nothing but pride to play for against Tatyoon this weekend after being mathematically eliminated from the finals race in a 15.17 (107) to 6.7 (43) loss to Woorndoo-Mortlake on Saturday. The Eagles were a match for the visiting Tigers in the first quarter, but struggled to contain the visitors thereafter, despite solid games from the likes of Aaron Watts, Adrian Reid, Chevy Elliott and Flynn Toner. Great Western fought admirably against topfive side Caramut but ran out of legs on the road, losing 12.11 (83) to 8.7 (55). Jason Ainsworth was the Lions’ top player, while Dan Ladgrove, Angus Parnell, Zac Armer and Ethan Blake fought to keep their side in the contest in the first half. In other results, Glenthompson-Dunkeld earned a leg up in the race for fifth place by defeating Penshurst 13.12 (90) to 7.11 (53). Hawkesdale-Macarthur downed SMW Rovers 14.19 (103) to 4.8 (32) and Lismore-Derrinallum overpowered Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 18.22 (130) to 2.2 (14). In addition to the Hawks and Eagles’ clash at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve on Saturday, round 14 will feature matches between Great Western and SMW Rovers at Great Western, Moyston-Willaura and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac at Willaura, Woorndoo-Mortlake and Glenthompson-Dunkeld at Woorndoo, Penshurst and Caramut at Penshurst and Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Lismore-Derrinallum at Hawkesdale.
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Tigers triumph at home me
A
six-goals-to-one first quarter set up Nhill to knock off Stawell in Wimmera league senior football action on Saturday.
The Tigers came out on the burst at Davis Park, pleasing co-coach Jake McQueen – himself kicking the first three goals within the opening 10 minutes. “The first quarter is what really set us up for the rest of the day, because it was a pretty tight contest after that,” McQueen said. “ I think it just was one of those quarters where everything clicked, but not by chance obviously, we’ve been working on it at trainings – on things that we needed to get better at – and I feel like it all just clicked on that first quarter and it worked really well.” The Tigers took a 30-point lead into quarter time and were able to hold that lead for the remainder of the match. Frazer Driscoll, Tom Wheaton and Lachlan Ryan also impressed McQueen, who described it as a mature win. “Throughout the year, we’ve been up at three quarter time in the three out of the four games we’ve lost, so I think we were just quite mature about it at the weekend – everyone was talking
and making sure we were all set up in the right spots and we made a couple structural changes against Stawell because they’ve got a quite dominant ruckman with Josh Fowkes,” he said. With four matches remaining in the home-and-away season, the Tigers will play Dimboola, Ararat, Warrack Eagles and Horsham in the lead-up to finals. Currently sitting fourth, McQueen said the Tigers have their sights firmly on a top-three place. “Top three would be nice, to get a second chance in finals, so that’s what we’ll be aiming for,” he said. “Obviously we’ve got Ararat, so I’m looking forward to that contest because I think the last time we played each other, both of us had about eight players out, so hopefully we can have our full strength side in against them and try and see where we’re at. “But the other games that we’ve got as well, I think the league’s pretty close this year, so if we can just take it game by game and try and get them wins and hopefully finish top three, that’d be the best outcome.” Missing co-captain Jack Walker, who is serving a three-match suspension for striking in the round 13 match
against Southern Mallee Thunder, Stawell also went into the match without Tom Eckel. A slow start cost the Warriors, who were best served by Sam Williams, Jack Harland and Owen Summers. But Stawell still hangs onto third spot, four points ahead of Nhill, and is expected to win at least two of its three remaining matches, including this weekend against Minyip-Murtoa. In other round 14 matches, Southern Mallee Thunder thumped Dimboola by 107 points. A dominant first half saw the Thunder lead by 73 points at Beulah at halftime, as Ed Lindon, Jai Kennealy and Jackson Fisher impressed. Bailey Edwards and Harry McLeod kicked four apiece for the Thunder, as the Roos, with coach Andrew Moore leading by example, struggling to kick goals. The other two matches were also one-sided affairs, showing the difference between top and bottom sides. Ladder leaders Horsham Saints overcame a slow start at Minyip to eventually run out winners 140-51, as Rory Taggert kicked eight goals in a best-on-ground performance. Consistent performers Will Brennan,
IN FORM: Ararat’s Patrick Toner, chasing Horsham’s Brad Hartigan, was among his team’s best at the weekend. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER with three goals, Cody Bryan and Reid Kuller were also standouts for the Saints. At Horsham City Oval, the home side was no match for Ararat, as homegrown heroes James Jennings, Patrick Toner, Harry Ganley and Hugh
Toner led the way, and Ethan Summers booted seven goals. The Rats will face a much tougher task in round 15 as they take on the Thunder in a 2025 grand final replay, while the Demons play Warrack Eagles at Anzac Park.
Demons return to winner’s list
REACH: Horsham Demon defender Georgia Batson in action on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Horsham A Grade netballers climbed back onto the winner’s list at the weekend, defeating top-five side Ararat 61-49. The Demons led at every change with a particularly impressive third quarter, where they outscored the Rats 16-10. Centre Febey McClure and goal shooter Imogen Worthy, scoring 44 goals, were impressive, as the Demons also welcomed back captain Ebonie Salter in what is sure to be a boost ahead of finals. Salter, who has not played since round 11 due to injury, played just one quarter against the Rats, who also welcomed back Paige Biddle, sister of Rats coach Faith, into their side for her first game of the season. The Rats’ attacking end has looked different with usual goal attack Maggie Astbury out since round 10. But, shooting 24 goals against the
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Demons, Laney McLoughlan stepped into the goal-attack position beautifully on Saturday and was judged one of Ararat’s best, along with young gun Bridie Price in defence. Stawell continued on its midseason purple patch, scoring a 59-47 win over Nhill. Warriors goal shooter Ayva Mitchell proved a hot target in the circle, shooting 51 goals, as defender Lisa Considine showed her experience to be a steady influence for the Warriors. In another goal shooting masterclass, Jorja Clode shot 72 of the Saints’ 82 goals in their win against Minyip-Murtoa. Clode has scored 757 goals in 13 matches this season. The undefeated Saints were superbly led by captain Ashlee Grace, while Lani King played a strong game in wing defence as the ladder leaders trialled different combinations and
gave court time to many of its junior players. In the other round 14 match, Dimboola was too classy for Southern Mallee Thunder, taking home a 53-29 win as wing attack turned goal attack Billie Barber, and defender Stephanie Glover were instrumental in the win. Playing without their usual goal attack Olivia Beugelaar, the Roos played a steady game to gain the all-important win, as they attempt to build momentum ahead of finals. In round 15 matches this Saturday, Warrack Eagles will come off a bye to take on Horsham Demons in a vital match if they are going to secure fifth position. Ararat host the Thunder and Stawell play Minyip-Murtoa in two crucial matches for those two home teams if they are going to secure a finals’ spot, while Dimboola play Nhill and the Saints have a bye.
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Laharum gathering momentum
L
aharum’s bid for a Horsham District senior football minor premiership continued to gather pace at the weekend, with the Demons defeating fellow top-five side Kaniva-Leeor United by 19 points. The Cougars were one of only two sides to have beaten Laharum this season, but the Demons got their revenge in a 12.4 (76) to 7.15 (57) result at Kaniva Recreation Reserve on Saturday, keeping themselves ahead of second-placed Noradjuha-Quantong by less than three percentage points. While Laharum led throughout the second half after being only two points up at the long break, coach Robbie Miller said he never felt comfortable until the final siren. “It was a challenging game. Right down to the end it ebbed and flowed with momentum in each team’s favour, so we were happy to come away with the four points, that’s for sure,” he said. “They’ve got some quality ball users, so we tried to limit their ball use on the exterior because they can be quite damaging if you don’t apply pressure going forward. “We also tinkered with our forward line a little bit. We pushed a few blokes into different running patterns and had them presenting further up the ground.” Instrumental in the win was halfback Todd Heynen, whom Miller praised for his level head and leadership. “He’s ever-reliable – you know what you’re going to get with Todd,” he said. “He’s a composed footballer and he’s a great leader and communicator
DECORATED: Scott Carey, centre, jogs off at half time during his 300th game for Swifts on Saturday, against Natimuk United. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER as well. He never gets flustered under pressure. “It’s great having him at Laharum because not only is he a great footballer, he’s a great clubman as well. He’s having a great year and it’s good to see him get a bit of acknowledgement.” While Heynen was a standout, the Demons had plenty of contributors in the win, including Shannon Argall in the ruck, defender Brett Ervin and midfielders Reuben Launder and Daniel Easson. Top players for Kaniva-Leeor United in the loss were Hamish Bennett, Billy King, Lachlan Bates and Tyler Roos.
With a bye this weekend, Miller said his side would rest before making a push towards a potential top-of-theladder finish. “We know we need to keep winning and we know how tight it is at the top,” he said. “One bad quarter could potentially cost you something pretty big at the moment, so it’s awesome for the league and for the competition that everyone has to show up and play their best footy every week. “It’s good to be part of that group at the top and we’ll continue to work on putting our best foot forward.” Also in contention for top spot is
Noradjuha-Quantong, which defeated Edenhope-Apsley 20.15 (135) to 9.2 (56) on Saturday. The visiting Saints had their noses in front at quarter time and trailed by only 12 points at the long break, but the Bombers kicked away with 12 goals to two in the second half. Brock Orval, in only his third senior game for the Bombers this season, was a standout with nine goals, while brothers Lachlan and Declan Phyland, midfielder James Hallett and defender Dyson Parish were other key players. Edenhope-Apsley’s top player was Matt Hodge with three goals.
A third team vying for top spot, three-time reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral, had a bye at the weekend but will return to action on Saturday to face Natimuk United – a side coming off a 17.13 (115) to 6.10 (46) loss to Swifts. In decorated player Scott Carey’s 300th game, the Baggies jumped out of the blocks early and cantered to the finish line, with Brett Hargreaves playing strongly in the ruck while Kobe Lowe kicked five goals. Pimpinio was another team to shore up its finals hopes, defeating Taylors Lake 24.19 (163) to 6.3 (39). Spearhead Nick Groves kicked six goals and Jason Westley added five for the Tigers, while Jason’s brother Adam was named best afield. Kalkee was another team to keep its finals hopes alive, beating Rupanyup 13.6 (84) to 7.7 (49) to sit sixth on the ladder – one spot behind this weekend’s opponent, Kaniva-Leeor United. Tanner Smith provided a tall target for the Kees with four goals, Andy Deveraux added three and Paddy Mills and Matt Magee were among the most influential players on the ground. This weekend will feature only four games, with Laharum, Noradjuha-Quantong and Pimpinio receiving byes. In addition to the Kee’s important clash with the Cougars at Kalkee Recreation Reserve, this weekend’s games see Taylors Lake host Rupanyup, Swifts travel to Edenhope to play the Saints and Natimuk United hosting Harrow-Balmoral.
Bombers an outside chance Noradjuha-Quantong has given itself an outside chance of claiming the Horsham District A Grade netball minor premiership after a stunning 10goal win against Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend. The two teams had appeared as evenly matched as possible entering round 15, separated by only one win and having drawn their previous encounter in round four. But the Bombers got an early jump on the Saints, leading by six goals at quarter time and 10 by the main break. While Edenhope-Apsley attempted to mount a second-half comeback – outscoring the Bombers 12-8 in the third quarter to trim the deficit – they left themselves too much to do in an eventual 40-30 loss. Noradjuha-Quantong boasts the second-best scoring defence in the league, and showed why at the weekend as Leah Mirtschin and Rachel Leader contained the high-scoring Saints duo of Dee Dee Lambert and coach Lavinia Fox. At the other end of the court Danielle Grindlay and Olivia Spence each spent a half playing on Bomber goalie Shannon Couch, but struggled to find an answer for Couch’s height under the ring. The win all but confirmed a top-two finish for the Bombers, who remain a mathematical chance to claim top spot Wednesday, July 29, 2026
in the seemingly unlikely event of a Laharum loss in its last two games. The Demons overcame a spirited Kaniva-Leeor United after trailing by four goals at quarter time on Saturday, going on to win 57-46. Young goalie Ilze Van Zyl was back to her best with 32 scores, getting on the end of well-placed passes from Maddie Iredell at wing attack. Midcourters Jasmine Talbot and Lauren Brown played hard for the Cougars, but could not prevent their side from falling out of the top five with the loss. Taking their place was Pimpinio, which boosted its percentage with a 62-33 win against Taylors Lake, led by goalies Tahlia Thompson and Mikayla Dumesny. Less than two percentage points behind the Tigers is Natimuk United, which had a big win of its own against Swifts. Stacey Hopwood, 43 goals, and Emma Uebergang, 27, were unstoppable in the 74-35 win. Kalkee all but cemented a finals place at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, defeating the home side 67-26. Emily Polack was rock-solid in defence for the Kees, with Abbey Williams playing a strong game at wing defence. Kalkee’s next opponent will be a Kaniva-Leeor United side desperate to
INSTRUMENTAL: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Holly Nuske and Shannon Couch teamed well to deliver a 10-goal win against Edenhope-Apsley on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER reclaim its place in the top five, headlining a round of important clashes. Natimuk United and Harrow-Balmoral’s finals hopes will both be on www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
the line when they meet at Natimuk Showgrounds, with the loser almost certain to miss post-season action. Edenhope-Apsley will look to re-
bound in a home game against Swifts, while Taylors Lake will host Rupanyup with both teams looking to add to their solitary wins for 2026. Page 41
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Heat volleyballers split results Students represent
V
BY DAVID BERRY
olleyball Horsham Heat men and women’s teams split their results in round 15 of the Victorian Volleyball League.
The men recorded their fourth win of the season when they scored a fiveset win over Mornington, followed by a straight sets loss to top-of-thetable VR1 Volley, while the women lost an epic five-setter against Monash then backed up by defeating Yarra in straight sets. The women’s match against Monash lasted two hours and 20 minutes and had spectators in awe at the standard of volleyball played by both teams, but it was marred by a knee injury to Heat setter Hannah Whyte, just as the team was making its move in the fourth
set, while leading two sets to one. Captain Laelah Robertson said Whyte was assessed by a physio at the venue and was able to walk back to the court afterwards. “We all held our breath when Hannah went down, but she seemed confident afterwards that there wasn’t serious damage,” she said. “She was put on ice and rested from our afternoon game, just to be on the safe side. “We won’t take any chances with only one round to go before finals – to ensure Hannah has every opportunity to be right for finals – so we will keep our fingers crossed for her.” Robertson said the loss to Monash, while disappointing, showed there was not much between the two teams. “We’re 1-1 on the season with both
into the contest, levelling the match at two sets apiece. Captain Noah Werry said the fifth set was close, but the Heat men showed true character, winning 15-12. “Earlier in the season we would have dropped that set, and the match, so to fight hard and win was important from a development perspective,” he said. “It was another great win by the team, and we look forward to our final two games against Latrobe Uni and Renegades, as we strive to finish the season on a high. “Both opponents are around us on the ladder, so we will go in with confidence, knowing that if we bring our best, we are a great chance to win. “It would be nice to finish the season on a positive.”
games five-setters, so we know that anything could happen when we face them next,” she said. “Our goal was to finish on top of our pool, but we can’t make that now, so we’ll have to attack finals from second spot, which won’t deter us. “We were lucky enough to see two of the better sides from the other pool in between games last week and it does look like the stronger teams will come from our pool.” The team will have a bye this week before tackling VIP, fifth, and Alliance Gold, seventh, in their final two games next weekend. The men’s five-set win over Mornington once again showed how far the team had come this season, as they took the first two sets, before a drop in concentration let their opponents back
RETURN: Jerin Stephan keeps pace in Monday’s match.
FOCUS: Horsham Badminton Association president and player Luke Dunn in action. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
Championship players decided
Horsham Badminton Association’s annual club championships were played out on Monday night, with a large number of participants. With atmosphere and sportsmanship described by association president Luke Dunn as ‘exceptional and a testament to the character of all participants’, 60 people played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches. Ten pairs entered A Grade men’s doubles and competed fiercely, with Ben Sawyer and Joel Beggs overcoming Dunn and Peter Brennan in the final, 30-27. Sawyer and his sister Caitlin won the A Grade mixed doubles, defeating Beggs and Amy Barton 30-25. Horsham newcomer Harsh-
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deep Singh has dominated in the teams’ singles competition, and as predicted, was the prized winner of the championship singles final, defeating Sawyer 30-21. Caitlin Sawyer defended her 2025 singles title in the A Grade Ladies’ event, smoothly outpacing Ellen Jalil 30-9, and teamed with Barton to comfortably finish top of the A Grade Ladies’ round-robin format. B Grade men’s singles came down to the wire with Rohan Austin overcoming Alvin James in the final 30-28. B Grade ladies’ singles saw the experienced Helen Francisco tactically defeat Carolyn Beggs 30-18. Jayden Robertson teamed with Aden Merrett to be victorious over James and Laurie Lis-
ton in the B Men’s final 30-22. Robertson also played in the B mixed doubles final, partnering Noime Powel, but they were unable to match the strong pairing of Harry Foster and Lea Maier, who won 30-24. The B Grade Ladies’ doubles final has been agreed to be played on Monday next week, where Whitney O’Sullivan and Jenny Maroske will take on Carolyn Beggs and Elley Cummings in what should be a close match. For the first time there was a junior singles competition and Jackson Hams played outstandingly, defeating Jack Sawyer 30-13. Horsham Badminton will resume its popular teams competition on Monday, with finals to be played in September.
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Young athletes and officials from schools across the Wimmera and Grampians are in Melbourne this week for the School Sport Australia Games. The games, which began at the weekend and conclude on Friday, offer athletes from Australian schools a chance to compete on a national stage in their chosen sports. Wimmera and Grampians students selected to represent School Sport Victoria at the games are: Giselle Clugston, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, 15-and-under girls netball; Ryder Thomas, Horsham College 15-and-under boys netball; Jack Dodds, Nhill College, 14-and-under boys Australian football, Victoria White; Douglas Lunga, Nhill College, 14-and-under boys Australian football, Victoria White; Patrick Harrington, Marian College Ararat, 14-and-under boys Australian football, Victoria Blue. Also at the games is St Brigid’s College Horsham student Jon Gardiner as a 16-and-under basketball referee, while Horsham Special School’s Mason Kennedy will compete in swimming and cross country in a separate stage of the games in November. The 15-and-under netball teams kicked off their campaigns at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday, with Clugston’s Victorian girls team suffering first-up losses to Queensland and New South Wales before rebounding to beat Tasmania and South Australia on Monday. The team played its third game yesterday morning against the ACT, winning 32-20. Thomas’ boys team got off to a better start, defeating New South Wales and Western Australia on Sunday and thrashing the ACT and South Australia on Monday before defeating Queensland 33-22 and New South Wales 42-15. The 14-and-under boys football competition saw Nhill College team-mates get off to a great start with Victoria White in pool A. The side beat Queensland by 16 points in round one on Sunday, lost to Western Australia 59-43 and were due to play South Australia yesterday. In pool B, Marian College’s Patrick Harrington and Victoria Blue throttled New South Wales on Sunday, before handing ACT a 167-1 thrashing on Monday. Yesterday morning the team was due to play Tasmania in its final pool match.
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Stawell centre humbled by awards BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
S
tawell Little Athletics Centre won recognition as one of the state’s best at the weekend as it picked up four wins at the 2026 Little Athletics Victoria Awards.
Stawell coach Greg Carter won the Bryan Neighbour Centre Coach of the Year award, with president Elishia Murphy picking up Centre Volunteer of the Year. The centre also topped the Western Country Region Large Centre award for outstanding membership efforts, and went on to win in the same category statewide. Ms Murphy said she was ‘absolutely astounded’ to pick up all four awards. “We came away with four of the 17 awards that went to Victorian clubs for the night, so it was amazing,” she said. “We didn’t go into it thinking anything. We were so humbled to be finalists, because there are some incredible people we were up with in the nominations. “Then to have our names called out was crazy. I all but had a heart attack. I was shaking. “We did believe we were up there with a chance with the club award
PROUD: Stawell Little Athletics Centre president Elishia Murphy collects the Centre Volunteer of the Year award.
HONOUR: Stawell coach Greg Carter won the Bryan Neighbour Centre Coach of the Year award.
for Western Country Region, but to get the state one we were up against all of the metro clubs. Their numbers are huge and they have so many more opportunities for things.” Stawell’s region and state wins in the large centre category came only three years after Stawell Little Athletics Centre won the region’s small centre award, highlighting the club’s growth. “I think that year we had 55 mem-
ing with the community and different groups … we do egg-and-spoon races at the harness racing and we do activities at the Stawell Show,” she said. “We have also been visiting Stawell West Primary School and Stawell Primary School and running coaching clinics to teach kids the different disciplines of Little Athletics. “I think that has helped kids feel more comfortable coming in because
bers. We’re now at 102, so we’ve gotten very close to doubling our numbers,” Ms Murphy said. “Once we clicked over 100 I think that’s when we became classed as a large centre.” Ms Murphy said club officials and volunteers had made a concerted effort to attract more members in recent years. “Greg and myself have been work-
Pigeon racing season returns
Cricketers selected for Waves Three Horsham Cricket Association junior cricketers have made the Western Waves Under-16 Country Academy squad. Archie Knight, Horsham Saints, Jazz Hopper, Homers, and Joel Plazzer, Horsham Tigers, were selected. Cricket Victoria’s country academies will run throughout the winter months at regional hubs across Victoria, culminating in the Cricket Victoria – Manhari Country Cup trials, offering players the chance to take the next step in their representative cricket pathway.
they understand it a little bit more. I think that has been a very big draw, because the kids know what it is before coming into it. They go home and tell their parents. “And then all of the registered kids that we have go to school and tell their friends ‘I get to do this’.” Ms Murphy thanked the club’s volunteers and supporters in the community. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of our community,” she said. “The schools welcoming us in and all the businesses either sponsoring us or providing support by letting us come in and show what athletics is, or even just running a barbecue – all of these things. “Whether we get donations from it or are just able to be there and show our face and teach people what we’re about, we couldn’t be the club that we are without the community being there and supporting us through it. “Athletics doesn’t have the same profile as something like footy or netball, so for them to choose us is fantastic.”
BRANDING: Horsham and District Soccer Club will seek the approval from Football Victoria and Football Australia after voting to rename itself to the Wimmera Falcons Soccer Club. The name change, along with a new logo, pictured, will come into effect in 2027 if approved. More than 40 of the club’s 55 members voted on the name change, with 77 per cent in favour.
A peregrine attack during Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s first race of the season on Saturday saw the 816 birds split into smaller mobs with staggered finishing times. The weekend’s two 170-kilometre races from Ouyen to Horsham were delayed by a week owing to unfavourable weather, and ultimately saw two different races. Racing pigeons tend to average 1200 metres a minute, or about 72 kilometres per hour, with no wind influence. Saturday’s attack 30 minutes into the race sent pigeons flying in all directions, with club president Leigh Arnott’s pigeon winning in three hours and 19 minutes, three seconds ahead of John Muszkieta’s entry, after allowing for ‘overfly’ – the loft distance from release point. Thus, results are calculated on velocity flown by each members’ leading pigeon, rather than on the time their first pigeon actually arrives at its home loft. Third place went to the McPhee family’s leading entry. The winning velocity was 887.6 metres per minute for the 177km distance to its
home loft, which is relatively slow by normal standards. The winner averaged 53kph at 887 metres a minute; it is unlikely the west-south-westerly winds between 10 and 18kph on Saturday would have blown the leading pigeons off-line. Sunday’s race was faster. The winning pigeon averaged 60kph at 1009 metres a minute, with pigeons returning to their home lofts in larger groups. There were similar winds, but it was unlikely to have had a major impact on the average velocity flown, however, the winning loft is in Murtoa, which at times benefits from strong westerly winds. Ern Blandthorn had the winning entry; in two hours, 37 minutes it averaged 60kph and 1009 metres a minute for its 159km flight, to win by one minute 24 seconds ahead of Terry Brauers’ first pigeon home. Kevin King’s pigeon was third, 14 seconds later, again allowing for different loft locations and average velocities flown. Next weekend the club will race from Mildura.
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Noradjuha-Quantong goal keeper Rachel Leader guards Edenhope-Apsley goal attack Lavinia Fox as the Bombers shored up second place on the Horsham district league A Grade ladder with a 10goal win over the Saints. Story, page 41. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Vol. 29 No. 5 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Bombers stand tall DELUXE
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
July 29, 2026
Shared journey Collab Ag’s Jordan Lee, right, has a flexible and individualised business approach, stemming from a varied career path. Mr Lee uses the Henty Highway as the backbone to service his clients in the Horsham, Berriwillock, Birchip, Hopetoun and Sea Lake areas. “My uncle still has the farm at Sea Lake, and he was unknowingly instrumental in the development of my consultative business,” he said. “The conversations and what I’ve worked on with him over the years is really what a lot of growers are looking for, so that was a pretty nice way to cut my teeth.” Story, page 9. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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Page 1
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Site Map and Exhibitors List 2026 Undercover sites
Food court Food court
Strawberries Galore Whipped ice cream
Site No.
Outside sites
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51
Grainwise/FM & SONS HAULAGE Cargill Mildura Health Fund Flow FM CHS Broadbent Cranky Croc Camp Pinion Advisory Telstra Beck Legal/Fortem Advice/Millennial Ag QA Hay JMK Safety Wear JADS Driver Training/JADS heavy weighing Outback Gentlemen Barbershop Collab Ag OTR P/L – tyres wheels and axles The Spray Shop/Hi-tech Ag Solutions Plasma Strike MyEnergy Engineering Swan Hill Tyre and Battery Service Windmill Country P/L Sole Mates Australia Greg McClelland Mass Management CBA FATV Jerky National Party Yarriambiack Shire Cohuna Sports Store Westpac National Auto Equipment Services Sunraysia Petroleum Little Helpers Kidswear Wallers National Australia Bank Ltd Bruder Australia Octopubot ARB Mildura Salami Shack Gone Walkabout Australia GMG Financial Group Frontline Socks AJ & SM Petrie Central Steel Build Jump Booster CFA Equipment Link Australia Agroecopower Eye Muffs Ellis and Sons Group Kustom Kegs PSS Ag/Precision Planting Agpoint/Excel Ag
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234 The Mallee Machinery Field Days Inc. believes site numbers and information at the time of printing to be correct and takes no responsibility for any information supplied. Site allocations may change without notice.
Septic Science Riverina Belting Co Tyre Power Swan Hill Willowdale Rural WIM Resource Silo Upgrades Gendio Weighbridges Best Sheds Agmaster HE Silos/Agridry GWMWater GWMWater Safety Jumper Lead and Cable Co Watershift Group Kotzur Silos Waratah Fencing Liquid Systems Ultramatic Preston B & C Fair Dinkin Builds Nutrien Ag Solutions Nutrien Ag Solutions Agritune Diftsand Fab Pastoral Panels Matilda Water Tanks MJM Equipment Australia Seed Cleaner Australia Schinckel Hayrakes Airtec Australia/Ausplow Lowes BP Bell’s Farma Products P/L RC & SM Bailey P/L Universal Trailers & Feeders Eastern Spreaders Country Hearing Care Sunraysia Marine Graincorp Stihl McDonald Steel Crop Smart RootBoot ACM Agri Horizon Grain Brokers Vennings Pty Ltd Vennings Pty Ltd Quikfence Red Dog Trailers R & S Faulkner Victoria Police Action “The Big Shed People” Truline Machinery JMA Conveyor products Aussie Shade Sheds ES Tanks Australia
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Fire Extinguisher
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First Aid
52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 A 73 B 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 A 92 B 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102
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U/C 1 Melaluka Trading U/C 2 Dodgshun Medlin U/C 3 Dodgshun Medlin U/C 4 Market Check U/C 5 Original Spirit Co U/C 6 JK Milling P/L U/C 7 JK Milling P/L U/C 8 SLTFC Fertilizers P/L U/C 9 SLTFC Fertilizers P/L U/C 10 ADM Trading Australia U/C 11 ADM Trading Australia U/C 12 Wimpak U/C 13 Wimpak U/C 14 Buloke Shire Tourism U/C 15 Grain Connexions U/C 16 AGT Foods U/C 17 Mr Bees U/C 18 Tyrrell College U/C 19 Tyrrell College U/C 20 Arya Pulses U/C 21 Niagra Medical Therapy U/C 22 Longerenong College U/C 23 TBA U/C 24 Flexi Grain U/C 25 Flexi Grain U/C 26 Ridley Agri Products U/C 27 Mediscope Australia U/C 28 Mediscope Australia U/C 29 Callipari Wine and Ned Kelly U/C 30 WFI U/C 31 Advantage Grain Pty Ltd U/C 32 RFCS Victoria West U/C 33 Australian Grain Exports U/C 34 Grain Brokers Australia U/C 35 St Patrick’s College Ballarat U/C 36 CUC Mallee U/C 37 Timboon Distillery U/C 38 Ballarat Grammar U/C 39 VFF U/C 40 VFF U/C 41 VFF U/C 42 VFF U/C 43 Silo Ventilation Systems P/L U/C 44 Clancy Ag Services U/C 45 Maloney Anderson Legal U/C 46 Chasney Estate U/C 47 Streamlined System Solutions U/C 48 Crop Scan/Centre State Exports U/C 49 Ag Store U/C 50 Ballarat Clarendon College U/C 51 Louis Dreyfus Grains Australia P/L U/C 52 Louis Dreyfus Grains Australia P/L U/C 53 Southern Skin Cancer Clinic U/C 54 Southern Skin Cancer Clinic
SUNRAYSIA
Site No.
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229 232
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Hodgco Australia Rivercity Trailers Manutec Schinckel Hayrakes Air Tec Australia/Ausplow Riordan’s Grain Services Powercor Motion Australia Motion Australia Murray River Equipment/Burando Hill Steele Steel A Gardener’s Gift Abbotts Supply/Peerless Products Riely’s Little Lolly Shop Tasco Petroleum Lonsdale Merchants Beulah Machinery Airseeder Solutions/Handmade by Kara Jade Ronco Powersports Evcore Oasis Pods Dual Chelate Fertilizer Rabobank Metal Corp Diesel Repairs Professionals Hides, Knives and Leather R & S Faulkner Agriculture Victoria/DEECA Grainlogic P/L Techgrow Grainline Poole and Jackson Pty Ltd Poole and Jackson Pty Ltd Gason Engineering Primary Sales Australia/One Shot Harvest Auscut Johnson’s Trucks Boss Engineering Boss Engineering Grizzly Engineering DuraQuip Siloz Grain Silos Brad Petschel’s Auto Elec WTU Pty Ltd Farm and Diesel Swan Hill Farm and Diesel Swan Hill YPM Tools PJ Green/Knuckeys Winchlesea Swan Hill Pools and Spas Smallaire Hitches and More P/L Bruce Rock Engineering Morrow Motor Group Silo Bag Ag
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
*Site numbers correct at time of publication
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157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209
Silo Bag Ag Commander Ag Commander Ag Clear Ridge Fabrication/ Bute Disc Midland Pty Ltd Serafin Machinery Seeding and Tillage Berrima Engineering O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery Michaels of Donald Aherns Group Aherns Group/Pioneer Water Tanks AgriFac Australia Traction Ag Traction Ag Traction Ag Traction Ag Traction Ag Traction Ag Hardi Australia Grower Services Grower Services Grower Services Haeuslers Group Pty Ltd Haeuslers Group Pty Ltd Haeuslers Group Pty Ltd Haeuslers Group Pty Ltd Titan Cocky Gates Space Tek IT & Communications Brookfield and Agribin Finch Engineering North West Ag Services/Agrivision Elders RYAN NT RYAN NT O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery O’Connors Farm Machinery Pyramid Hill Welding Supplies/R&G Elliott Welding G.E. Silos Harberger Farm Supplies Harberger Farm Supplies Harberger Farm Supplies Mildura Truck Centre The Truck Specialists Wahroonga Enterprises Wahroonga Enterprises Oz Value Ag Eagle I Machinery Bourgout
210
Bourgault
211
Emmetts Swan Hill
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Emmetts Swan Hill
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Agrimac
214
Agrimac
215
Geronimo Farm Equipment
216
CLAAS Harvest Centre Lake Bolac
217
CLAAS Harvest Centre Lake Bolac
218
Dunstan Farmers Engineering P/L
219
Nhill Silos
220
Delecca’s
221
River Murray Trading Post / Lienert Engineering
222
River Murray Trading Post / Lienert Engineering
223
Universal Farming Services
224
GrainKing
225
Western Plains Motors
226
Michaels of Donald
227
Landpower
228
Landpower
229
Terricks Engineering
230
Jadan Group
231
Earnshaw Ag Ajustabar
232
Sunraysia Trailers
233
KB Grader Boards
234
Prime Ag Machinery
235
Robuk Engineering
236
Waringa Distribution
237
Waringa Distribution
238
Bromar Engineering
239
Nelson Silos
240
Mech-Elect Air and Automation
241
TWC Engineering
242
Portable Solar Solutions
243
Portable Solar Solutions
244
KD Country
245
Bendigo Saw
246
Active Machinery
247
Logan Contracting
248
Logan Contracting
249
Aussie 1 Agparts
250
Aussie 1 Agparts
Opposite dog trails
Mallee Drifters
Opposite dog trails
Mallee Drifters
Opposite dog trails
Mallee Landcare
Opposite dog trails
Mallee Landcare
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
New exhibitors join expanding site BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
M
allee Machinery Field Days sites have long been booked, making for an informative and memorable event on the agricultural calendar.
Field days secretary Matt Brady said the event’s organisers – the Speed Lions Club – were excited. “It’s looking really good. I think it’ll be one of the better field days we’ve had with numbers and exhibits. All the sites are full, so that’s good,” he said. “We’ve spent a bit of money this year on infrastructure. We’ve spent it on the kitchen and we’re about to put in a new cool room for the catering shed as well. “Everything’s nice and green, a little bit wet at the bottom end of the site, but hopefully this dries out a little bit, otherwise I’ll have to do a bit of shuffling. “It’s probably the best outlook we’ve seen for a long time.” Mr Brady said the interest from both prospective and potential exhibitors had increased. “In the lead-up to the field days we normally have a few exhibitors drop off, say 20 or so, but we always get 20 new ones,” he said. “This year I feel like we’ve had 15 or 20 drop off, but we’ve had 30 to 50 wanting to come in, which has made it a bit hard. “I can’t accept them all, just because we don’t have room to put them. “I think the people who used to have
COMMUNITY: Speed Lions Club’s Les Down and Kevin Emonson, who were made life members at last year’s event, with the honour board featuring contributors of the 2025 Mallee Machinery Field Days. the smaller sites are trying to get bigger sites too, which is making it more complicated. “But it’s really good – we can’t complain – we’re going to have a completely full site this year.”
Attractions
Mallee Machinery Field Days features new and established businesses of all sizes, who offer information and expert advice across a range of agribusiness areas. Sites include agricultural sales and machinery, banking and financial services, grain brokering and marketing, information technology, web and marketing, logistics and transport, petroleum, lifestyle, and retail.
This year, new products include header fronts, side-by-side vehicles, augers, ventilation systems, camping gear, loaders, mother bins and autonomous machinery. Mr Brady said for the first time, the event would also feature working dogs. “We’re really looking forward to that, it’s something different to see at the field days this year,” he said. “I think we have a couple of locals entering, so that’ll be good. “We’ve also got some new releases coming this year, and we are getting a lot more financial businesses coming in, as well as legal firms, different banks, grain buyers, and stuff like that.
“Our regular exhibitors are bringing bigger things every year, they’re not just bringing one truck, they’re bringing three or four, and I think that’s why they want bigger sites.” Mr Brady said he had joked to a couple of committee members about buying a few more acres and making the site bigger. “They just looked at me and said, ‘I think it’s big enough now for 25 blokes’,” he said. “It could get bigger if we wanted, but we’ve got to cap it. We don’t have the manpower to keep pushing – but there are 38 new sites this year.”
All hands on deck
More than 20 volunteer groups con-
tribute to the running of the field days, headed by Speed Lions Club. “We’ve normally got about 20 to 25 volunteer groups, including sporting clubs, halls and schools, and they are from anywhere from Patchewollock, Hopetoun, Tempy and Sea Lake,” Mr Brady said. “They do the catering, car-parking, and lots of things that we then don’t have to worry about – all up, I reckon there would be about 250 volunteers.” The Lions club, contrary to most similar groups across country towns, has enjoyed an influx of new members. “We’ve got another five or six young blokes who we’re hoping to sign up, which is really good for our numbers – we have about 23 at the moment,” Mr Brady said. “We’ve got Sea Lake Lions down the road from us, they were going to close last year, and they were down to about four or five members, and just a couple of weeks ago they had a meeting and a bit of a revamp, and now they’ve got 25 members. “I reckon they went to a CFA meeting one night and picked them all out of there, but you have to cross groups over a little bit. “Their members are really good, they’re keen to help us – they’re building a few things for us at the moment, they’re doing a great job. “They’ve done really well to achieve what they have, that’s a credit to them.”
OPEN DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 9, 2026
Cultivating Careers in Agriculture
9:00AM - 3:00PM REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.longy.com.au/openday
229 Longerenong Road, Longerenong VIC 3401
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
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Page 3
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
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KEEPING THE WIMMERA MOVING Harvest is one of the busiest times of year across the Wimmera, and reliable transport keeps everything moving. From grain and livestock to machinery and freight, trucks play a vital role in supporting local farms, businesses and communities. We’re proud to support the operators who keep our region running, with the parts, knowledge and service they can rely on. WHAT’S COMING UP? Future editions of Truck Talk will cover: • Preventative maintenance tips • Reducing costly downtime • Seasonal trucking advice • Industry updates and insights “Thanks for reading another edition of Truck Talk. We look forward to sharing more practical tips and industry knowledge to help keep you and your truck on the road throughout the year.”
WHY PRE-HARVEST CHECKS MATTER A thorough inspection before harvest can help identify worn or damaged components before they become expensive repairs. Areas worth checking include brakes, tyres,
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AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
See you at Speed BY ANDREW McLEAN,
J
YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE MAYOR
oin Yarriambiack Shire Council at this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days.
The town of Speed is hosting the twoday event in the north of Yarriambiack Shire. The event is a celebration of our region’s agricultural industry and community. It provides an opportunity to showcase new agricultural technology. This important regional occasion attracts more than 8500 attendees and 350 exhibitors, some travelling from across Australia. The event is organised by the Speed Lions Club, who do an excellent job to co-ordinate and grow the annual experience. From humble beginnings in 1979, the Mallee Machinery Fields Days is now one of the biggest and most respected field days in the state. It is a great example of our region’s volunteerism and our agricultural industry working hand in hand as the combined lifeblood of our economy and community. On behalf of Yarriambiack Shire Council, I’d like to congratulate and thank the Speed Lions Club for their ongoing commitment to facilitating the two-day event that exhibits our region’s agricultural industry and provides an opportunity for social togetherness to both exhibitors and attendees alike. Yarriambiack Shire council staff, including chief executive Tammy Smith and myself, will be in attendance to
DRAWCARD: The unique, circular layout is a drawcard of the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Ramping up for annual showcase Mallee Machinery Field Days and Speed Lions Club president Chris Monaghan is welcoming people to the annual event, which will feature a host of new attractions and products among the traditional. Mr Monaghan said the sites were getting bigger, and he was excited to see what was new in the field. “Even for us, it’s good to see what’s gone ahead with technology. It’s a chance for us to see it too, we don’t really know until we get there exactly what is coming,” he said. Mr Monaghan said planning was a year-round task with activity ramping up in the weeks before the event. “We have had working bees to mow and mark out sites and started taking delivery of machines last week,” he said. “Preparation takes a fair while; people have to take time off from
engage with patrons. Visitors to our marquee site will be able to get further information on our council plan, council budget, and other strategies, as well as current and completed projects, raise concerns or requests, and also share feedback on issues available for public comment. Council’s engagement van will also be in attendance to host fun children’s activities, new release books, as well as provide information on how to use Yarriambiack Libraries’ mobile service. Council acknowledges the tremendous hard work and volunteer hours that are undertaken to deliver these events and wish the event committee, exhibitors and patrons a wonderful Mallee Machinery Field Days.
the farm – we’re spraying at the moment – so it’s a fair commitment. “It really ramps up that week before, we’re just flat out. “People donate their time and loaders and telehandlers to unload the machinery, which is a pretty big job, but we’re all farmers, we know how it works with truck drivers and things. “But what the exhibitors go through to get the gear here, they’re the ones who put in the most effort, I reckon.” Mr Monaghan said the thousands of dollars generated by the event went to community groups and charities. “We give away about $100,000 each year to the support groups that help us out – like football clubs, Lions clubs, schools, preschool group, emergency services – a lot of different organisations
around this area help us with things like cooking, parking and gates,” he said. “We also give to hospitals, the Heart Foundation, the Stroke Foundation, the Royal Children’s Hospital – the money goes far and wide. “Once upon a time, we did it without any of their help, but it’s just too big now and we rely on their help.” Mr Monaghan said the club’s money-raising efforts set them apart from other Lions clubs, and exhibitors always gave good feedback. “Now we just need the support of the public to come and finish it off,” he said. “It works pretty well for everyone, and hopefully we can keep it going for a few more years.”
Emma KEALY MP
NATIONALS MEMBER FOR LOWAN
The field days are a great chance to showcase the amazing people and businesses in our agricultural community. I look forward to seeing you there! 5382 0097
emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Page 5
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
2026
FIELD FIELD DAY DAY
GLENELG GLENELG
Taking the headache out of marketing your grain
& & AUCTION AUCTION
th MONDAY 10 MONDAY 10th AUGUST, AUGUST, 2026 2026 HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE
OPEN OPEN 10am 10am to to 4pm 4pm Auction Auction 1pm 1pm
Light luncheon available Light luncheon available 3% Rebate to outside agents 3% Rebate to outside agents
Grain Brokerage
PARTICIPATING STUDS PARTICIPATING STUDS Glendonald Glendonald Gleneden Gleneden Glenera North Poll Glenera North Poll Glenpaen Glenpaen Kalenea Poll Kalenea Poll Kerrsville Kerrsville Kevlyn Kevlyn Kurra-Wirra Kurra-Wirra
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Melrose Melrose Mount Yulong Poll Mount Yulong Poll Orrie Cowie Orrie Cowie Rockbank South Rockbank South Stud Park South Stud Park South Thornlea Thornlea Wurrook Wurrook
Further details: Further details: President: Warren Russell – 0427 881 204 President: Warren Russell – 0427 881 204
Service Area
FIND US AT SITE #14
Wimmera Mallee
WORKING SMARTER
Central Victoria
TOGETHER
Western District
HOW ONE FAMILY FARM FOUND MORE CONFIDENCE THROUGH COLLABORATION
Commodities we can help you market: •Cereals
•Pulses
•Oil Seeds
For Karl Beddison and his family, farming has always been about making practical decisions that strengthen both the business and the people behind it. Like many family farms, every investment needs to earn its place, every season presents new challenges, and every decision is made with the long-term future of the operation in mind. Technology has become an increasingly important part of modern agriculture, but for Karl, investing in new systems has never been about having the latest gadgets.
Call us today to discuss what options you have Contact Anthony Cutter on 0447 455 342 email: anthony@mygrain.com.au Or Contact Andy Brown on 0457 820 989 email: andrew@mygrain.com.au Page 6
technology, it has to justify itself and genuinely improve the way we operate.”
It’s about making the machinery they already own work smarter, reducing unnecessary stress and creating a business that’s productive, efficient and sustainable for years to come.
By 2024, the Beddison family had invested heavily in John Deere machinery and knew there was valuable information available through their precision agriculture systems. The challenge wasn’t a lack of technology—it was making everything work together.
“We’re a family farming business,” Karl said. “We’re always looking for ways to be productive and efficient while also achieving a better worklife balance. If we’re investing in
“We had mapping issues and were getting frustrated trying to access the information that was already available to us,” Karl explained. “Everything seemed disconnected. We really wanted
all of our machinery operating on the same platform so everything could collaborate together.” Looking for someone who could help simplify the technology and unlock the full potential of the equipment they already owned, Karl turned to Collab Ag Director Jordan Lee. “What started as a conversation over coffee quickly became a partnership built on practical advice, shared goals and a genuine understanding of how a family farming business operates.”
READY TO GET MORE FROM YOUR OPERATION? Let’s talk about how we can help you work smarter, not harder.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. REAL RESULTS. COLLAB.AG
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
JORDAN LEE - 0433 538 624 AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Off the farm...
W
e talk a lot about resilience in farming. And we talk a lot about community. In an age where we are increasingly reliant on technology, I don’t think you can ever underestimate the benefits of being face-to-face.
In agriculture, there’s never a shortage of reasons to stay home. Livestock need feeding, crops need monitoring, machinery needs repairing and there always seems to be one more job before you can head through the gate. But sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your farm is leave it for a day. That is why events like the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed are so important. They aren’t simply exhibitions of the latest machinery or technology – they are gathering places for a community that too often works in isolation. Agriculture has always been built on relationships. Long before social media, farmers shared ideas over fences, at saleyards, local football clubs and field days. Those conversations remain just as valuable today. When you spend time with others in the industry, you quickly realise that you’re rarely facing challenges alone. Whether it’s dry seasonal conditions, labour shortages, succession planning, rising input costs or adopting new technology, someone else has probably wrestled with the same issue and may have discovered a solution worth sharing. That’s the power of community. Stepping away from the farm also creates space to think differently. Away from the daily pressures, it’s easier to see opportunities rather than simply managing problems. A conversation with another producer, an equipment supplier, an agronomist or a service provider might spark an idea that saves time,
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.
AgVocate with Paula Doran
improves productivity or opens the door to an entirely new way of operating. There is another benefit that deserves equal attention. Farming can be an incredibly rewarding profession, but it can also be isolating. Many producers spend long hours working alone, carrying the weight of business decisions, weather events and financial pressures. Taking time to connect face-to-face with others isn’t just good for business – it’s good for wellbeing. With the growing focus on psychosocial welfare on our farms, we have the opportunity to stop and assess what we need to thrive on all levels. A simple conversation over a coffee can provide perspective, encouragement or reassurance that cannot be replicated through emails or phone calls. At Partners in Ag, building stronger and more connected farming communities sits at the heart of what we do. We know that resilient farms are built by resilient people, and resilient people are supported by strong networks. We’re currently looking at the value we provide the farm sector and how best we can support the industry and community to build capability, resilience and community. Watch this space! In the meantime, for all those attending the Mallee field days, enjoy the time off farm.
Kenworth Legend special guest Riordan Group managing director and 2025 Kenworth Legend Jim Riordan will officially open this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days. Also the event’s guest speaker, Mr Riordan was named Kenworth Legend for his outstanding contribution to the industry across about three decades. He started his business Riordan in 1996 in Geelong with one tipper-truck, transporting grain and fertiliser to customers. He has since diversified and expanded to include a suite of grain marketing, transport, storage, bulk commodity handling and packing services to both Australian and international clients. Last year, the 60-yearold Riordan Fuels combined with Riordan Grain Services to form the Riordan Group, a family-owned Australian agribusiness with more than 60 years of experience in the fuel and grain supply chains.
BIG BUSINESS: Riordan Group managing director Jim Riordan. The business has grown to deliver fully integrated fuel and grain services across regional Victoria, southern New South Wales, and international export markets.
Riordan Grain is now the number one supplier for Asahi in Australia, exporting a variety of products, including fava beans, malt, barley and canola, to customers around the world.
Key information
Date: Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6. Time: 8.30am to 5pm. Location: 2574 Sunraysia Highway, Speed, Victoria 3488 – two kilometres south of Speed. Admission: $15 and children under 15 years no cost. Facilities: On-site parking and toilets, food and refreshment stalls, first-aid and Victoria Police, phone and mobile phone service and EFTPOS facilities. Accommodation: No camping on site. Accommodation at Lascelles, Patchewollock, Woomelang, Sea Lake, Ouyen and Hopetoun. Camping facilities at Tempy, Lascelles, Woomelang, Ouyen, Sea Lake, Hopetoun and Nandaly. More information: www.mmfd.com.au
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With locations in Horsham and Ararat, we are committed to giving you the best prices for all your scrap metals.
For more information contact Manhari Metals: AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
HORSHAM: 42 Hamilton Road – 5381 0443 ARARAT: 169 Elizabeth Street – 5352 3866
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Page 7
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
MALLEE MACHINERY
FIELD DAYS
AGRICULTURAL
SOLUTIONS
Air Seeder Components
Grain Aeration Systems
COME SEE US AT
SITE 6-7
High Pressure Blowers
U/C
Custom Design & Manufacture
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR See us at Site 152
NEXT WEEK’S EDITION OF THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER
5382 0044
jkmilling@ netconnect.com.au
Lot 2 Golf Course Road, Horsham 3400
JK MILLING – PROUDLY SUPPORTING LOCAL AGRICULTURE jki.com.au
Our Location 170 Golf Course Road Horsham Vic 3400
Contact Us 03 5382 5688
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AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Beyond sheds Exhibitor profile Action Steel
A
ction Steel, The Big Shed People, has been building farm sheds for cropping and livestock enterprises across Australia for more than three generations, and will showcase a new system at Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Now, the family business has moved beyond the shed itself with the launch of FumoFlow, a patent-pending grain shed and fumigation system with recirculation and ventilation. The Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed will be one of the first opportunities for growers to hear directly from the Action Steel team about how it works. FumoFlow is a grain shed with a built-in fumigation system, designed to give growers more control over every stage of the fumigation process. Recirculation technology moves fumigant through the full grain mass from the point of introduction. Once the fumigation period is complete, the system switches to ventilation mode, clearing the shed to safe re-entry levels faster than passive methods and without requiring staff to enter the shed to start the process. In March, Action Steel ran its first full-scale commercial phosphine fumigation trial using FumoFlow, on a shed storing 5420 tonnes of wheat. Twelve independent monitoring probes were placed at both surface and floor level to capture readings across every part of the shed over 15 days. Action Steel general manager Vince Grace
said two thresholds were commonly referenced across the industry as targets for effective phosphine fumigation. “Five-hundred-and-fifty parts per million maintained for seven days is the benchmark for addressing phosphine-resistant insect strains, and 200ppm maintained for 10 days covers susceptible populations at all life stages,” he said. “FumoFlow met both, across every probe location. Concentration peaked at an average of 1068ppm within 49 hours of introduction. Not one probe dropped below either threshold during the required exposure window. “Probes at floor level and furthest from the fumigation boxes returned concentrations consistent with readings near the source, confirming uniform distribution across the full grain stack.” Once fumigation was complete, the FumoFlow fans switched to ventilation mode and the shed reached safe re-entry levels in four days. The entire cycle is managed from outside the shed, reducing operator exposure at every stage. “With tighter phosphine workplace exposure limits coming into effect in December, that speed and control matters. It is a compliance advantage, not just an efficiency one,” Mr Grace said. “We are proud to bring something genuinely new to grain growers. “We built FumoFlow to solve a real problem – the trial gave us the data to show it works.” People heading to the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed are invited to speak to the Action Steel team at site 98, where building consultants will be on hand to talk through FumoFlow and the full range of farm sheds. To find out more about FumoFlow, a product of Action Steel, people can visit fumoflow.au or call 1800 68 78 88.
Collaborate, integrate, educate Exhibitor profile Collab Ag
Working as a diesel mechanic before gaining a diploma of agriculture and agronomy at Longerenong College, Collab Ag’s Jordan Lee has predominately worked in the John Deere dealer world, with experience with Elders, Nutrien and the like. “That whole career has now come together for Collab Ag, a digital consultancy business,” Mr Lee said. “I like to think that what I offer people is what they want – I don’t necessarily have a menu that I can show that I’ll come in and do X, Y, Z. “It’s really sitting down, talking with the grower, and asking what they are trying to achieve, what is stopping them, and how we are going to go about achieving it.” Mr Lee said there was a lot of ag tech for farmers to decipher and apply to their various businesses. “The needs of the people I work with are very broad – they are all at different stages and levels of their businesses,” he said. “They might want to know what they can do with data, or how to set up their farm so the machines will best run. “Time is generally an issue for a lot of people – I can come in, make it happen, and let them grow. That’s when we start to really get on that journey. Once we have got the foundation right, I ask ‘what’s next, what’s next, what’s next?’ and really look at constant improvement.” Mr Lee said three pillars were at the core of his business – collaborate and integrate and educate. “I make sure that it’s not me doing everything for someone; teaching is a big part of the picture,” he said.
Jordan Lee “On the integrate side of things, there are a lot of things that now plug together to get data flow – you don’t know what you don’t know. “Then collaborate – growers have so many people in their businesses, so it’s asking who needs what data, and who needs to see what so we can start to streamline some of the processes and work efficiently to grow smarter together.” After 20 years in the making, Mr Lee said Collab Ag started last year, when a former employer and mentor encouraged him to go out on his own. “I was working for Lou Hausler, and he was chatting to me and said he thought I needed to go and do something for myself,” he said. “I appreciate what Lou saw in me – he gave me a lot of personal and professional growth.” Mr Lee welcomes people to visit him at Mallee Machinery Field Days.
HEAVY VEHICLE EXPERTS, ALL FROM THE ONE TEAM • SERVICE • 24/7 BREAKDOWNS • DIAGNOSTICS • PARTS DELIVERY Downtime costs you money. One team keeps the Wimmera’s trucks moving. BUS. HOURS 5382 0157
Part of the Wimmera for over 100 years
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
22 O’Callaghans Parade, Horsham
(03) 5382 0157
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
AFTER HOURS 0428 820 157
www.wilsonbolton.com.au
Page 9
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
MARSHALL MULTISPREAD 2.5 to 16 tonne models
Optional i4M Variable Rate Control System, Weighing Systems, 3 Metre Track available .
Site 83
Spare Parts & Workshop Service available Australian Distributor for
ROLLER MILLS
BIO SPREADERS
VERTICAL FEEDMIXERS
RENN ROLLER MILLS
10 to 40 cubic metre
16” Roller Diameter 12”, 24”, 36” & 48” Roller Widths
Quick & effective mixing. Complete and rapid emptying. What you put in your mix gets to every one of your herd, consistently.
DEGELMAN
BIO 14, BIO 20 & M34 MANURE SPREADERS Heavy Duty Everything
Contact the Distributors:
EASTERN SPREADERS PTY LTD
easternspreaders.com.au
Front door or side doors with elevator options
9508 Murray Valley Highway, Kerang, Vic. 3579
Mobile: 0409 691 226 or 0429 480 337
Ph: 03 5450 3077
Find us at sites 211212 Mallee Machinery Field Days
Page 10
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AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Boost for Mallee farmers Celebrating Exhibitor profile Crop Smart
Exhibitor profile
20 years
GWMWater
C
leaner, more reliable water is giving Mallee farmers a much-needed confidence boost as GWMWater rolls out its clean water project to more rural areas.
Rural pipeline customers across the region rely on water from the Murray River, where quality can vary due to natural turbidity, bluegreen algae and blackwater events – issues that can disrupt supply and create challenges on farm. The clean water project addresses these problems by treating raw river water before it reaches customers, using processes including coagulation, flocculation and dissolved air flotation. A pilot program in the Ouyen district, including upgrades at the Ouyen water treatment plant, supplied from Wemen, is already delivering strong results. For many Mallee farms, pipeline water is primarily used for spraying broadacre crops, where poor water quality can block equipment and cost valuable time and money. Ouyen district farmer Deane Munro, who crops 10,000 hectares of pulses, lentils, barley and wheat each year just west of the Ouyen township, said the water quality was noticeably better. “Our meters and filters aren’t getting blocked anywhere near as
“Knowing the water quality is there makes a big difference when you’re planning for the future” much, and the system is working much better,” he said. “At the moment there’s two-and-ahalf sprayers going flat out, putting lots of tanks out a day. “Having good quality water is really important for the quality of the spray job, and treating to reduce the impact of algae so our supply isn’t affected makes a big difference.” Following the success of the pilot, stage two of the clean water project will be delivered through a joint investment of $13.56-million, including $5-million from the National Water Grid Fund and $8.56-million from GWMWater. The next stage will expand water treatment to improve water quality
for rural customers supplied by the Nyah, Piangil and Waranga channel systems. Once complete, the upgraded system is expected to treat about 1.8gigalitres of water each year. GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the benefits extend well beyond cleaner water. “By treating water before it enters the system, we’re reducing disruptions caused by algae and turbidity and giving customers greater confidence the water will be there when they need it most,” he said. “This isn’t just about cleaner water – it’s about giving farmers and families confidence in their future.” For Mr Munro, that certainty is
– Deane Munro, left
already influencing future plans, including a potential return to more intensive sheep farming. “Knowing the quality is there makes a big difference when you’re making those decisions,” he said. The treatment process uses several key steps to clean river water before it enters the pipeline: coagulation involves adding compounds to help fine dirt, silt and algae particles clump together; during flocculation, gentle mixing forms larger particles that are easier to remove; and finally, dissolved air flotation introduces tiny air bubbles that lift the clumps to the surface so they can be skimmed off.
Crop Smart will showcase its crop and protection products at this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days, while celebrating 20 years of making a difference in farming communities. Chief executive Sam Hole said Crop Smart was one of the few Australian-owned and independently operated agricultural businesses left in the market, and serviced a large part of southern Australia. “We have a formulation plant in Melbourne, as well as a network of 16 stores across South Australia, Victoria and Southern New South Wales,” he said. “We stock fertiliser, crop nutrition, seed, and crop protection, including fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.” Mr Hole said the experienced and dedicated team offered expert advice and in-field support to deliver solutions to optimise farm productivity and profitability. “Our local team, agronomists, and a crop nutrition expert will be at the Mallee Machinery Field Days to answer questions people may have about the season ahead,” he said. “We are thankful of the farming community for all their support over the past 20 years and we look forward to supporting the community for another 20 years.” People who visit Crop Smart’s site at the field days can enter the draw for the chance to win a barbecue.
IN STOCK Working widths from10 m to 36 m
Spreading system made completely from stainless steel Spreading system made completely from stainless steel Perfect double shutter control system for rate and closing Precise Hopper volumes from 1000 Lspread to 3000patterns L even at working widths of Simple toolless adjustments
up to 45 m
Monitoring and control of the application rate via the weighing system Precise spread patterns at working widths up to 36 m AutoTS integrated ZA-V Special for simple and precise operation with hydraulic controlboundary spreading Smooth flowing hopper with capacities from system 1400 L to 4200 L Limiter V and V+ border attachment GPSspreading switch technology for left or right side for up to 132 sections
with ISOBUS Section Control
3200-5000 litre hopper
Precise spread patterns even at working capacity widths of up to 54 m Monitoring and control of the application rate via the weighing system AutoTS integrated boundary spreading system Hopper volumes from 1400 L to 4200 L GPS switch technology for up to 132 sections with ISOBUS Section Control
IN STOCK NOW
Jade Hawker 0457 100 078 claas.sales@bigpond.com Jade Hawker 0457 100 078
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
See us at sites 216-217 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page 11
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Australia, we’ve got you covered... Protecting your investment with high quality tarps Grain Bunker Tarps
...premium seed of leading crop varieties for the Wimmera-Mallee
Prime Seeds Pure Foods GIA COLOMBO IMI LENTIL
Expertise and Passion GIA THUNDER IMI LENTIL
GIA LIGHTNING IMI LENTIL
MET + IMI LENTIL
Retractable Tarps Roll-Over Tarps Truck Tarps Hay Tarps
Disease Resistant high yield large lentil
Come and see us at site 48 at the Mallee Machinery Field Days
Highest Yield broadly adapted variety
Quality Assurance
Fast tracking varieties to growers GIA METRO
Livestock Feeders, Cow Slings + more!
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Pulse food products Highest Yield lentil on light textured soils
Local and world markets World First metribuzin + IMI lentil
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1800 808 769 sales@ellisandsonsgroup.com.au ellisandsonsgroup.com.au/industries/agriculture
RELIABLE, TRUSTED RURAL INFORMATION EVERY WEEKDAY, ONLY ON THE ACE RADIO NETWORK
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1324 Blue Ribbon Road, Kalkee VIC
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Weekdays 6.30am & 12 noon AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
Designed for the long haul Dog trials new Exhibitor profile
The Lee’s Working Dogs
Exhibitor profile
to schedule
Ellis and Sons Group
W
ith this year’s grain harvest fast approaching, now is the time for grain-growers, bulk carriers and grain-storage operators to inspect their tarps before one of the busiest periods of the year begins.
A leaking tarp, or no tarp at all, during harvest can result in costly downtime, unexpected repairs and grain losses when every tonne counts. For grain-carriers, the last thing they want to worry about is replacing a damaged tarp or fitting a new one on their trailer in the middle of the season, making it important to ensure their cover requirements are ready before harvest gets underway. For growers storing grain on farm, now is the time to assess their storage protection and ensure existing bunker covers and ground sheets are still in good condition before harvest begins. A quality tarp not only protects valuable grain from the weather, but also reduces the risk of contamination, minimises downtime and can provide many years of reliable service when properly maintained. Australian agricultural tarp manufacturer, Ellis and Sons Group, know investing in high-quality, Australian-made tarps can help operators avoid unnecessary losses and down-
TEAM: Australian agricultural tarp manufacturer, Ellis and Sons Group, staff are proud to be part of the business’ 113-year history. time, protect valuable produce and loads, and keep grain protected and trucks moving throughout the busy harvest period. Ellis and Sons is a family-run business that has been operating in the textiles industry for 113 years, and during that time have developed industry-leading expertise and innovation in manufacturing tarpaulins for the agriculture and transport industries. Under its brand Tail-Wind Tarps, the company manufactures both rollover and retractable tarp covers for trucks and trailers, and grain-bunker covers and ground sheets from its state-of-the art factory in Cowra, central western NSW.
They also supply all roll-over and retractable hardware, hay covers and field-bin covers among other products. The company’s central location allows it to efficiently supply customers throughout eastern Australia. Tarpaulin department manager Sarah Ellis said, like its longevity in business, the company’s tarps were designed for the ‘long haul’. “We understand the tight timeframes our customers face during harvest, and our production capacity allows us to respond quickly during the busiest times of the year,” she said. Miss Ellis said the company was committed to using premium-quality
materials while remaining competitively priced. “Continued investment in modern manufacturing equipment has enabled us to produce large volumes efficiently, helping keep costs competitive without compromising quality,” she said. To find out more about Ellis and Sons Group’s tarpaulin products, people can pay the team a visit at site 48 at the Mallee Machinery Field Days. People can also call the team on 1800 808 769, email sales@ellisand sonsgroup.com.au or check the business out online at www.ellisandsons group.com.au.
In a Mallee Machinery Field Days-first, working dogs will be trialled across five sections, but in a casual environment. Edenhope dog-trainer of family-run The Lee’s Working Dogs, Dave Lee, is running the event. He said the emphasis was on bringing local people together. “We do a lot of dog training in that area, so there’s a lot of potential with a lot of locals around who are excited about the trial,” he said. “We thought it was a great opportunity to bring everyone together. “We’re putting an emphasis on the local and encouraging sections, so new people and people who live on a farm who just want to come in and have a go in a relaxed setting can.” The Lee family trials consistently throughout Australia – in the past fortnight, Mr Lee was at championships in both South Australia and New South Wales – and in 2021 sold a kelpie for a recordbreaking $35,200. “We’ve got about 50 entries for the field days so far across the maidens, novice, improver, improver rover, and a local legend,” Mr Lee said. “A lot of us – we love our dogs, it brings like-minded people together, and it’s something different to the machinery up there. “In this day and age, there are a lot of enterprises run with livestock and cropping, and it’s a way that we get to demonstrate some quality stockmanship.”
Grainline GMP626H-C Mini Mobile Auger
Grainline GMP1036V-SP 10” x 36’ Auger
Grainline GMP1050V 10” x 50’ Auger
6” x 26’ GX200 Honda Motor
C/w hydraulic wheel drive & lift incl. ram. 33hp Vanguard motor, dual motor wheel drive and light kit.
C/w hydraulic wheel drive & lift incl. ram. 33hp Vanguard motor, dual motor wheel drive and light kit.
IN STOCK
IN STOCK
IN STOCK
★★ SPECIAL ★★ Was $9995
SAVE $495
$9,500
★★ SPECIAL ★★ Was $40,755
inc GST
SAVE $960
$39,795
★★ SPECIAL ★★ Was $45,925
inc GST
SAVE $935
$44,990
inc GST
8 Hamilton Road Horsham 3400 Phone: (03) 5382 6103 www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
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Page 13
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
We’re not at the Field Days… but the deals still are! Visit the Wimmera Mallee Ag team today!
BUILT FOR HARD WORK DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.
0 0 7 $
• Applies to current stock in-store • Also applies to new orders placed before September 30 Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your mowing equipment while the savings last.
BATE E R Y R O FACT
COMMANDER
ALUMINIUM BOOM
300HP CUMMINS ENGINE
NAVIGATOR
With up to 10,000-litre capacity, ISOBUS, AutoSection, precise rate control, and many more features, COMMANDER delivers unbeatable performance and productivity. BOOM WIDTH: 30-48.5m TANK CAPACITY: 6,500 / 8,500 / 10,000L
With its range of tank capacities and booms, the NAVIGATOR is a highly capable mid-size sprayer. BOOM WIDTH: 18-36m TANK CAPACITY: 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 / 6,000L Hardi or Isobus control
ZT2000
ZT2000
42” Deck – Kawasaki engine
$700
$10,780
48” Deck
$700
REBATE
incl. GST
REBATE
$11,220
incl. GST
$1,595
AUGUST SPECIAL
Offers the same beloved spraying opportunities and vital features as our larger spraying range. Suited for gardens and paddocks of all shapes and sizes.
• Heavy duty chassis • Petrol powered • 400L integrated polyethylene tank • Smooth ride tandem axle suspension • Low pressure, high flotation 22 x 11.0 tyres • External suction filter • Flojet diaphragm pump • Pressure regulation, gauge • 3-way boom distribution • Terrain following drawbar • Choice of 6 or 8m booms • 60S handgun with 6m hose
$15,620
incl. GST
SMALL SPRAYERS
Tandem Axle
ZT3000 52” Deck – 22hp Kawasaki engine
$700
REBATE
ZERO-TURN MOWERS
Visit us in-store or give the team at Wimmera Mallee Ag a call to find the right mower for your property before the rebate ends!
Extended!
HIVE CONTROL CONSOLE
UTV 400L
Good news! The $700 Factory Rebate has now been extended until September 30.
INC GST
$1,400 INC GST
ONE ONLY
TTI DieselCaptainTM 200L Portable Diesel Tank 40L/min, 6m 3/4”Delivery hose with auto shut off nozzle, (space saver ) 800 x 680 x 710mm (LWH)
The Ultimate, UST AUG Reliable SPECIAL Refueling Partner $2,200 INC GST
Wimmera Mallee Ag is the region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayer parts and accessories.
$2,395 INC GST
TTI DieselCaptainTM 400L Portable Diesel Tank
Contact the team that knows!
50L/min, 6m 3/4”Delivery hose with auto shut off nozzle, (standard) 1150 x 820 x 780mm (LWH)
8 Hamilton Road Horsham 3400 Phone: (03) 5382 6103 Website: www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au Page 14
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
AgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page 15
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
We’re not at the Field Days… but the deals still are! Visit the Wimmera Mallee Ag team today!
BUILT FOR HARD WORK DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.
0 0 7 $
• Applies to current stock in-store • Also applies to new orders placed before September 30 Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your mowing equipment while the savings last.
BATE E R Y R O FACT
COMMANDER
ALUMINIUM BOOM
300HP CUMMINS ENGINE
NAVIGATOR
With up to 10,000-litre capacity, ISOBUS, AutoSection, precise rate control, and many more features, COMMANDER delivers unbeatable performance and productivity. BOOM WIDTH: 30-48.5m TANK CAPACITY: 6,500 / 8,500 / 10,000L
With its range of tank capacities and booms, the NAVIGATOR is a highly capable mid-size sprayer. BOOM WIDTH: 18-36m TANK CAPACITY: 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 / 6,000L Hardi or Isobus control
ZT2000
ZT2000
42” Deck – Kawasaki engine
$700
$10,780
48” Deck
$700
REBATE
incl. GST
REBATE
$11,220
incl. GST
$1,595
AUGUST SPECIAL
Offers the same beloved spraying opportunities and vital features as our larger spraying range. Suited for gardens and paddocks of all shapes and sizes.
• Heavy duty chassis • Petrol powered • 400L integrated polyethylene tank • Smooth ride tandem axle suspension • Low pressure, high flotation 22 x 11.0 tyres • External suction filter • Flojet diaphragm pump • Pressure regulation, gauge • 3-way boom distribution • Terrain following drawbar • Choice of 6 or 8m booms • 60S handgun with 6m hose
$15,620
incl. GST
SMALL SPRAYERS
Tandem Axle
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August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
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August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
‘Universe first’ Exhibitor profile
Schinckel Hayrakes
N
aracoorte-based Schinckel Hayrakes will showcase its latest innovation at the Mallee Machinery Field Days in Speed, with the launch of the 2 Row Turner – another innovative machine designed and manufactured in South Australia.
Schinckel Hayrakes owner Simon Schinckel said the new hayrake, a ‘universe first’, was the result of years of feedback from farmers looking for a more efficient way to manage wet hay. “After receiving ongoing enquiries about developing a machine capable of turning multiple rows at once, I began designing a solution to improve productivity during one of the most time-consuming stages of hay production,” he said. “The result is the Schinckel 2 Row Turner, a machine that does exactly what its name suggests – turning two rows of hay simultaneously while maintaining parallel rows ready for the next stage of the baling process.” Mr Schinckel said turning wet hay could be a slow and costly operation when machinery was limited to handling one row at a time. “The 2 Row Turner has been developed to help farmers cover more ground, reduce time spent in the paddock, and improve the efficiency of the haymaking process,” he said. “The first model is a 16-reel machine, capable of turning rows between two and four metres wide. An 18-reel version is already on the drawing board, with further interest from farmers looking for increased capacity and versatility. “The new design has also created opportunities for further development, including adapting
the 18-reel model into a conventional V rake configuration and incorporating an additional rake arm system. “This will provide operators with a highly versatile machine capable of performing multiple haymaking functions.” Visitors to the Mallee Machinery Field Days will also be able to see Schinckel Hayrakes’ other popular models, including the heavy-duty 15-reel One Line Rake, the Opener Series Rake, and the V Rake featuring the company’s ‘Simpler, Smarter, Safer, Sexier’ design philosophy. Also on display will be the 18-reel dual backend rake, featuring rear steering, dual castors, and individual lift capability for each raking arm. Mr Schinckel said the machine highlighted Schinckel Hayrakes’ ongoing commitment to innovation, flexibility and improving ease of operation for farmers. “All Schinckel Hayrakes are designed and manufactured with practical farming needs in mind, focusing on reliability, ease of operation, and improved paddock performance,” he said. “With every rake incorporating innovative features designed to make haymaking easier and more efficient, we have earnt a reputation for creating machinery that is ‘First in the Universe’ – a reflection of our commitment to challenging traditional design and delivering practical solutions for farmers.” Visitors are invited to call in and see the Schinckel Hayrakes range at the Mallee Machinery Field Days and discover the latest innovations designed to make haymaking simpler, smarter and more efficient. For more information regarding the rakes that Mr Schinckel will be displaying, people can call him on 0428 838 524.
ON-HAND: Smallaire agricultural sales consultant Brett Luy is looking forward to heading to Speed for the Mallee Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Problem-solving on the spot Exhibitor profile Smallaire
Smallaire staff are looking forward to offering their services to farmers at ‘one of the best’ field days, at Speed next week. With a focus on their air-seeder components and grain aeration products, Smallaire agricultural sales consultant Brett Luy said staff would be on-hand to offer expert advice. “We encourage everyone to call in and say hello to us, particularly people who are having problems with machines,” he said. “It’s the time of year when we do a lot of problem-solving – we’ll talk with farmers who have planted their crops.
“They’ll come to us and say they’ve had a hell of an issue, a machine keeps blocking or they don’t have enough air, and we’ll sit down, we’ll problem solve with them. “They just tell us some brief information, and nine times out of 10, we’ll know exactly what’s going on with them.” Smallaire staff go to field days at places including New Zealand, Elmore, Henty, Longerenong and Gunnedah, and rate Speed’s event highly. “Being Mallee, it’s not a huge field day, but it’s still one of our best field days we go to,” Mr Luy said. “It’s one where we’re talking directly to a lot of the farmers, dealing directly with them – it’s always good.”
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A machine that does exactly what its name suggests – MAPPING: Longerenong College trainer Will Rodas looks at yield mapping with a student.
Preparing the next generation Exhibitor profile
Longerenong College
A
s the world’s population continues to grow, agriculture is facing one of its biggest challenges, while presenting opportunities to Longerenong College students.
College marketing and business development co-ordinator Brad Barber said a report by the World Resources Institute found global food production would need to increase by between 50 and 70 per cent by 2050 to meet demand from a population expected to reach nearly 10-billion people, up from about eight billion today. “Meeting this challenge is driving significant growth across the agricultural sector and creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals,” he said. “Agriculture today looks very different to what it did even a decade ago. “Technology, data and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in the way farms operate, from precision agriculture and digital mapping to advanced machinery, data analytics and improved workplace safety practices.” Mr Barber said as a result, there was growing demand for skilled and qualified workers who could help the industry continue to be productive, sustainable and competitive. “People entering agriculture need more than just an understanding of traditional farming practices – they also need the skills and knowledge to work with emerging technologies, meet industry standards and adapt to an industry that continues to evolve,” he said. “Longerenong College is helping prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals through a range of industry-focused courses that combine practical learning with the skills employers are looking for. “Importantly, agriculture offers far more opAgLife – Mallee Machinery Field Days 2026
– turning two rows of hay simultaneously while maintaining parallel rows ready for the next stage of the baling process.
“Agriculture today looks very different to what it did even a decade ago. Technology, data and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in the way farms operate, from precision agriculture and digital mapping to advanced machinery, data analytics and improved workplace safety practices”
– Brad Barber
portunities than many people realise. While farming remains at the heart of the industry, only about 30 per cent of agricultural jobs are on-farm roles. “Career pathways also exist in agronomy, finance, agribusiness, research, technology, data analysis and supply chain management.” Longerenong College graduates can pursue careers across a wide range of agricultural sectors, reflecting the diversity and growth of the industry. The college currently offers these qualifications: Certificate IV in Agriculture, available as a traineeship or on-campus program; Certificate IV in Wool Classing, delivered on campus; Diploma of Applied Agronomy, available on campus or online; and Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, delivered on campus. Prospective students, employers and industry representatives are encouraged to learn more about these pathways by visiting Longerenong College at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Come and see us at the MMFD, site 78
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Annual open day
Longerenong College will also host its annual Open Day on Sunday, August 9, from 9am to 3pm, providing an opportunity to explore the campus, meet staff and students, and learn more about the many career opportunities available in agriculture. For more information or to register for Open Day, people can visit longy.com.au. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Schinckel Hayrakes Naracoorte, South Australia Phone Simon on 0428 838 524
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August 5 & 6, 2026 at Speed
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Month puts safety under spotlight 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
F
arming advocacy groups used this month’s Farm Safety Week to remind producers across Australia to prioritise personal and collective safety practices.
An initiative of Farmsafe Australia, Farm Safety Week is a national awareness campaign dedicated to promoting safe farming practices and preventing injuries and fatalities. This year’s Farm Safety Week was from July 19 to 25, with a tagline of ‘Set the Standard: Show ’em how it’s done’. To coincide with the campaign, Farmsafe Australia launched its annual Safer Farms Report, containing the latest national farm-injury and fatality data, emerging issues, practical resources and reports of farmers leading change across Australian agriculture. The report revealed 53 people died and a further 182 were seriously injured on Australian farms in 2025, bringing the nation’s farm-death toll
to 427 since 2019 – an average of more than one person every week. Farmsafe Australia chair Felicity Richards said while the report highlighted challenges facing Australian agriculture, it also provided reason for optimism. “Most incidents don’t happen because people don’t care about safety. They happen during routine jobs, busy periods and moments of pressure when shortcuts begin to creep in,” she said. “Whether we realise it or not, those moments matter because they become the standards we set and the standards others follow. “Every day on Australian farms, people are watching. They watch how we approach a task, how we respond under pressure, what we walk past, what we accept and what we choose to challenge.” The report shows tractors, side-bysides and quad bikes continued as the leading causes of fatalities on Austral-
ian farms. Ms Richards called for the industry to focus on small behaviours that could help build a stronger safety culture. “It’s simple things like wearing a helmet, putting on a seatbelt, reducing speed and using rollover protection that can make a real difference,” she said. The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, used Farm Safety Week to urge families to prioritise child safety following a series of recent on-farm accidents involving children. VFF president Ryan Milgate said the incidents were a reminder that on-farm safety should always be a top priority. “I can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining the highest possible safety standards on farm,” he said. “Every farm accident is shocking, but when it involves a child there’s nothing worse. “During school holidays we tragically see more accidents involving
kids and we need to do something about it.” Mr Milgate encouraged farming families to use the VFF’s Making Our Farms Safer, MOFS, project – an initiative providing free resources to help identify hazards and improve safety on farms. “Farmers can book a free farmsafety visit and download the Child Safety on Farms Guide to help create a safer environment for children living on or visiting farms,” he said. “The MOFS farm-safety visits encourage everyone on farm, including children, to be aware of the dangers that exist and can tailor safety advice to suit everyone’s situation.” The VFF launched MOFS this month ahead of update to dangerousgoods regulations on July 25. Mr Milgate said while the regulations were updated to improve clarity, readability and regulatory intent, existing obligations for farmers and agricultural businesses managing
McLellan takes lead A passion for people and a decadeslong career in farming and agriculture has led Denise McLellan to her appointment as Longerenong College general manager. Working across Australia in extension, industry development for plant breeding programs, marketing, communications and consultation, Ms McLellan has also worked with farm businesses in managing people and safety. “That was really about helping farm businesses get the people side right – employing staff, supporting them and creating a positive culture,” she said. “Through my work with the Victorian Farmers Federation, GrainGrowers and the National Farmers’ Federation, I spent a lot of time working in the advocacy space, particularly around workforce development and building the capability of people in farming and agriculture. “I see coming to Longerenong College as a natural transition because I’m still working in farming and agriculture, but now I’m helping develop the emerging workforce and connecting students with the industries and businesses that need skilled people.” Ms McLellan said nurturing independent, foundational thinking was
a priority, to ensure students in all courses at all levels would thrive in their chosen areas. She said the college’s range of courses served about 500 students each year, from short courses to online learning, to on-campus study. “If students want to go and work on a farm, they can go and work on a farm. If they want to work their way up to be a farm manager, they can do that, or they can go and work in industry,” she said. “Our role is to give students the skills, confidence, practical experience and industry connections to pursue whichever pathway they choose. “We want to develop the minds of young people so they can make good critical decisions, improve businesses and contribute positively to the future of agriculture. “My core belief is that anything you want to do, you can do in ag – if you want to be a teacher or work in finance or mechanics or comms or genetics, anything you want to do, you can do in ag.” Ms McLellan said she would also like to see a reconnection with the college’s alumni. “Longerenong College has been educating people in agriculture since
high-consequence dangerous goods remained unchanged. He said the update was a reminder for farmers to revisit safety responsibilities and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety. “Farm safety is about more than ticking boxes, it’s about creating practical systems that protect farmers, workers, families and everyone who visits a farm,” he said. “Whether it’s reviewing chemical storage, machinery safety, workplace systems or preparing for changing regulatory requirements, our team can work alongside farmers to identify improvements that are realistic and achievable in person and on your farm.” People can book a free farm-safety visit or access the Child Safety on Farms Guide by emailing mofs@vff. org.au or visiting makingourfarms safer.org.au. ALL WELCOME: Longerenong College general manager Denise McLellan invites people to the college’s open day next month. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
1889, and I am passionate about reconnecting with our alumni,” she said. “Our alumni have incredible knowledge, experience and networks, and there is a real opportunity for them to stay connected with the college, support current students and continue contributing to the future of agriculture. “There are so many passionate people who spent an important part of their lives at Longerenong College and have gone on to make significant contributions to agriculture. “It could be in their community or it could be nationally, but they are looking to maintain and strengthen those relationships with the college
and I really want to nurture that.” Ms McLellan said the college’s annual open day – this year on August 9 – was an opportunity to showcase its features to all people, not just courses for prospective students and their families. “There’s so much happening here, we have so many partnerships and relationships,” she said. “We’ve got three plant breeding companies on site, Agriculture Victoria, the CFA, Stay Upright motorbike training, and we have lots of partnerships with a range of industry groups that are doing trials here. “Those partnerships are incredibly important because they ensure stu-
dents are learning in a real industry environment and building connections with the people and organisations they’ll work alongside throughout their careers. “Our open day is the perfect opportunity to come and have a good look at everything we offer. “People can explore our facilities, learn about our courses and see firsthand the role the college plays in developing the next generation of agricultural professionals.” For more information on Longerenong College and its open day, people can visit website longy.com.au. – Bronwyn Hastings
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Farmers sitting ‘quite comfortably’ 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
W
immera and Mallee farmers are optimistic amid what many are hailing one of the best starts to a cropping season in recent memory.
Wet conditions during autumn and winter have resulted in abundant subsoil moisture across the region, with growers reporting crops progressing weeks ahead of schedule. Farmer John Bennett, a Lawloit farmer who also owns a property near Stawell, said rainfall in both locations had been above average. “I think for the month of June we had up to 100mm in that Stawell district. Less in the West Wimmera at home at Lawloit, but still, paddock operations have ceased and we’ve nearly got a full profile of moisture, so we’re pretty happy,” he said. Mr Bennett said canola crops were beginning to flower, with few signs of fungal blackleg disease. “Most of our canola looks pretty healthy, and some of it’s actually running up to flower. The canola crops in the district are looking pretty good,” he said. “If anybody sowed before the rain I
think we had on April 15, there’s yellow showing up in the paddocks. “But generally, even the later-sown canola that was sown at the end of April is bulking up really nicely. The canola looks tremendous.” Mr Bennett said wheat crops were also looking strong despite global uncertainty surrounding the availability of nitrogen fertiliser caused by the United States’ war in Iran earlier in the year. “Even though we’ve got paddocks that are getting a little bit wet, the crops all went in early or on time and we had temperatures basically being about two degrees warmer than normal,” he said. “So the crop has come up really quickly and it’s established really well – it’s got good root systems and looks extremely healthy, so I think it’ll get through this wetter winter. “Pulses look good. I notice there’s a lot of lentils being grown in the district where potentially they weren’t before. “It’s the same thing – they went in early and they look really healthy, so it’ll be interesting to see how they survive the wet.”
Birchip Cropping Group member John Ferrier said he had also seen the benefits of strong rains. “We had quite big rainfalls in that late-February, early-March period. That gave us 150mm to 200mm of rain, which was fantastic for getting good weed control prior to sowing the crops and storing moisture for the rest of the season,” he said. “Since then it’s really been what you might call a dream season for us, because everything has run through quite nicely.” Mr Ferrier reported ‘ideal conditions’ across the region. “The crops are probably a little bit ahead of where they’d normally be. Probably two weeks ahead,” he said. “Our challenges have really been making sure those crops are up to reaching their potential that each individual farmer is looking for. “With what we’re seeing with the crop-production models at the moment, we’re probably looking at, for wheat, four-ton to six-ton crops provided that they had enough nitrogen to achieve that. “We are seeing a lot of people starting to put fungicides out to protect
for disease in their cereals and their canola.” While forecasters have predicted hot, dry El Niño conditions for Australia later in the year, Mr Ferrier said growers remained well placed. “It’s a decile-nine year for rainfall so we’re thinking we’ve got enough stored moisture to certainly grow a fairly reasonable crop,” he said. “We’re not actually sitting on the edge of our seat – we’re quite comfortable with where we are at the moment.” Toolondo’s Simon McKenry, who grows red wheat, wheat, beans, canola and barley, said an excess of soil moisture had become an issue in places. “The main damage is where that summer rain went through. We were pretty happy with it at the time and now it’s working against us,” he said. “Anything in early on the better ground looks really good, anything sown towards the end of May is starting to show the effects a bit more – it didn’t really get a chance to get going before it got wet.” Mr McKenry said he was hoping for a cool, dry spring. “Moisture-wise we’ll be fine – we’ve
got massive amounts of moisture – but we don’t want a hot spring either,” he said. “These waterlogged crops that have had it very easy over autumn and winter have never been stretched to force a decent root system down, so we certainly don’t want a hot snap early in spring, because the wet crops will be the first ones to turn their toes up.” Mr Ferrier said growers were conscious that conditions could change, but were cautiously optimistic after an ideal start to the season. “Yes, we are concerned about the El Niño forecast, yes, we are concerned about frost, and yes, we are concerned about disease, but it’s a really good position to be in,” he said. “Not very often in our area do we see ourselves in such a nice position going into this time of the year. “Speaking to a number of farmers around recently and they’re saying ‘this is the best ever – if I could organise anything I’d organise it like this’. “Who knows what’s going to happen from here on in? “We’re optimistic at the moment that we’re going to grow a reasonable to very good crop.”
ALL-ROUNDER: A one-day seminar at Balmoral on Thursday discussed the results of the decades-long, Australia-wide Merino Lifetime Productivity Project. It highlighted sheep breeding for specific needs and areas for use alongside visual selection. Traditionally known for its wool, the meat quality of merinos has improved because of the project, along with its fleece, fat, worm resistance and methane emissions, showing the all-round benefits of the breed across different climates. The project received $8-million in funding from AWI and $5-million from project partners. Above left, organisers and guest speakers, from left, Mick Craig, Geoff Lindon Daniel Brown, Peta Bradley and Tom Silcock, and above right, Anne Ramsay, Ben Swain, Sean Harvey and Jane Craig. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
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Many farmers across northwest Victoria are calling 2026 one of the best starts to a season they have experienced, but with spring still holding the key to securing yield potential, all attention is on what the weather will do next. One of Australia’s leading meteorologists and weather presenters, Jane Bunn, will help farmers unpack what may lie ahead when she opens the BCG Main Field Day at Curyo on September 9. Ms Bunn will present in the main marquee at 9am, exploring the climate drivers shaping the final weeks of the crucial spring period. Her presentation will provide a timely insight into the remaining seasonal outlook as growers weigh up key decisions and look to convert a strong start into a successful harvest. Known for turning complex weather and climate information into practical insights, Ms Bunn is one of Australia’s most respected meteorologists and a trusted weather consultant to farming communities across south eastern Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, majoring in atmospheric science and mathematics, and was one of just nine students nationwide selected to complete the Bureau of Meteorology’s Grad-
I
n a recent meeting of the Horsham Livestock Agents Association, the decision was made to switch to a fortnightly sheep and lamb market for the winter period, or for the next six-to-eight weeks, until such time the throughput of stock increases again in the spring period and beyond.
At that point, the market will revert back to a weekly event. The idea of the temporary measure is to consolidate numbers on a fortnightly basis, in order to put more head together on market day. This makes it a more attractive proposition for more buyers to attend, compete and put loads together, helping to gain efficiencies on their end as well as achieve sale results reflective of the wider market for the clients of Horsham-based agencies. This is a measure that has rarely been taken in the past and is an additional lever that can be pulled, along with the usual change to an afternoon market in the winter months, designed to work in with the Hamilton market, which operates weekly on a Wednesday morning at this time of year. At present, all selling centres are seeing a dramatic fall in numbers being put up for sale that speaks to the current state of sheep numbers, not only locally but Australia wide. With ‘arguably’ unprecedented high prices in the sector, the flip side is an equally ‘arguably’ unprecedented level of low supply, off the back of ‘arguably’ an unprecedented set of seasonal circumstances over recent years. This all leads to a slightly different set of challenges that need to be navigated and worked through. The latest Meat and Livestock Australia, MLA, six-monthly projections are set to be
released this month, which will be an interesting read to see where things are at in terms of the supply cycle. All growers would rather it this way than the other, and to a point low supply is music to the ears of many. However, like any system or machine, if the RPM’s get too low, the chances of stalling start to become a risk. It is of high importance to do everything practicable to maintain the strength of selling centres such as Horsham during lower supply periods in order to maintain their permanency in the landscape. Not only is Horsham one of the best selling centres in Victoria from an infrastructure standpoint, it acts as a source of revenue and employment for the council, as well as a meeting place for the region. Equally, if not more importantly, the physical market acts as a level of insurance to the producer, providing an underrated avenue of sale that, when firing, will often exceed contracted rates that are on offer at the time as well as providing an option for stock that don’t neatly fit into a processor grid. Things can change quickly, and fortunately seasonal conditions have been kind with new-season stock already starting to appear in northern markets. With prices strong and particularly if grass remains available, or not available for that matter, our local physical market will be back in full swing sooner rather than later.
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AT HAND: Meteorologist and weather presenter Jane Bunn will be at the BCG Main Field Day. Picture: Seven News
uate Diploma of Meteorology in 2006. As part of her studies, she also completed a semester at Penn State University, one of the world’s leading meteorology schools. Following graduation, Ms Bunn worked as a forecaster with the Bureau of Meteorology in Sydney, Canberra and at the Royal Australian Air Force’s Williamtown Base. In 2008, she joined The Weather Channel before becoming a familiar face to regional Victorians through WIN News, where her practical and engaging weather presentations
earned her a loyal following. Ms Bunn also provides specialist advice to the Country Fire Authority, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and numerous organisations within the agricultural sector. He presentation will kick off a full day of BCG showcasing local research, new agricultural innovations and facilitated discussion between farmers at the BCG Main Field Day. The event is free for BCG members, while non-members can purchase tickets at www.bcg.org.au/event/bcgsmain-field-day-2026.
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Victorian farmer is urging rural Australians to speak up before their mental health reaches a breaking point.
John Clark from Darlington, south of Lake Bolac, has joined forces with organisations Beyond Blue and Zoetis, which this month launched an 11th annual campaign to support mental health in regional communities. With research showing about half of Australians who need mentalhealth support wait until they are very or extremely distressed before seeking help, Mr Clark said it was time to encourage open conversations. After moving from Tasmania to Darlington to manage his family’s farm, Mr Clark said he found himself feeling isolated and stressed amid drought conditions and a turbulent family situation. He said the pressure led to severe burnout, depression and anxiety, forcing him to step away and prioritise his mental health. “I just lost the ability to sleep. I became really withdrawn,” he said. Accessing mental-health support in a rural area brought challenges including long travel times and limited availability of doctors, but Mr Clark connected with a GP and psychologist. He said the support he received allowed him to find a better balance in his life, with connection becoming one of the biggest factors in
“Looking after yourself is a community service. It’s the greatest thing you can do for the people who rely on you”
– John Clark, right
his recovery. He encouraged other people living in rural communities to seek help if they needed it. “Looking after yourself is a community service. It’s the greatest thing you can do for the people who rely on you,” he said. “Think about your mental health as getting a tune-up, if you’re only running on three cylinders out of four, you’ve got to get it sorted. “It’s finding the tools, the skills, and the next steps to get yourself back on track. “Some people see independence as a sign of strength, but sometimes it’s not effective doing this stuff by yourself. “It’s a very lonely journey if you try and go it alone.” Zoetis livestock business unit director Peter FitzGerald said only 28 per cent of Australians felt part of their community, while one in five were unsure if they had someone they could rely on for support. More than 18,500 Australians have accessed mental-health support through the Zoetis and Beyond Blue partnership, which has contributed $1-million during the past decade to the Beyond Blue Support Service.
The 2026 campaign aims to raise a further $100,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service. Mr FitzGerald said the partnership was designed not only to raise money, but to encourage everyday conversations that could help reduce loneliness, isolation and distress before people reached crisis point. “Rural and regional Australians are often the first to show up for others, whether that is on the farm, in the workplace, at the local club or across the wider community,” he said. “But many people still find it difficult to talk about how they are really coping. “This campaign is about helping make those conversations feel more normal. “A simple check-in can be the first
step towards someone feeling less alone, more supported and more able to ask for help.” Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the partnership with Zoetis helped the organisation reach rural communities where isolation could be felt hardest. “Last year alone, our support service helped more than 300,000 Australians – that’s around 800 people a day, or a call every two minutes,” she said. “With demand up 12 per cent this year, partnerships like this ensure that we can be there when people need it, while also ensuring support can reach more people earlier.” If you or someone you know needs support, the Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, people can call the 24-hour Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. A free 24-hour webchat service is also available at beyondblue.org. au/support-service/chat, and people can join free online forums and share their experiences anonymously with a Beyond Blue online community. To learn more or find out how to support the campaign, people can visit www.zoetis.com.au.
Spirit of the Bush returns 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
A national Spirit of the Bush photography competition is back for 2026, with organisers inviting people to share photos that capture the stories, landscapes and spirit of rural and regional Australia. Hosted by Rural Aid, the competition opened on July 1, with entries closing at 5pm on Friday, July 31. Now in its seventh year, Spirit of the Bush is an annual showcase of often unseen moments from farming communities and rural landscapes across Australia. Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters encouraged photographers to share images that reflected the challenges, determination, people and natural beauty of rural and regional Australia, helping to bring the country to the city through the power of photography. “Every year we are reminded just how powerful a single image can be. These photographs do not just show us the bush, they tell us its stories, its resilience, and its heart,” he said. “Spirit of the Bush continues to bring rural Australia closer to the cities. It opens a window into the everyday realities, the challenges, and the incredible strength of farming communities.” He said the competition was open to all Australians, regardless of photography experience. “You do not need to be a professional photographer to enter. Some of our most moving and memorable images come from people simply capturing life as they see it, honest, raw and real,” he said. A panel of judges will select 12 winning photographs, with each winner receiving a $250 prepaid Visa card. People can submit entries via www.ruralaid. org.au/spirit-of-the-bush.
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‘Truth in his well-crafted words’ 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
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or decades I’ve been heading to Sheepvention at Hamilton in August, but I don’t recall such a high-profile keynote speaker.
This year it is highly acclaimed political journalist Chris Uhlmann, who in recent years has become a leading critic of Australia’s climate change policies. I used to work on the same floor of the ABC in Melbourne when Chris was the senior producer for now retired Jon Faine. I knew that Chris was an excellent producer and that his first career path had been to enter the seminary to become a catholic priest. That didn’t last and I think he found his vocation in more recent years as
a leading political commentator. He’s the same age as me and was always a very friendly, intelligent man. He was a rather conservative dresser unlike some of the other characters working at the ABC, including one who was always bare foot, no matter the weather. I assumed as he was working with Faine that he’d be more of the left of politics. How wrong was I? And now, he is an incredibly forthright critic of net-zero emissions policies, which he made patently clear in an interview on Country Today. “Well, what is net zero, Libby? I mean, have you had anyone ever give you a clear answer of what that looks like? It’s not actual zero, is it? Be-
Country Today with Libby Price
cause the word ‘net’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting there. It’s a slogan without a policy to actually deliver it,” he said. “There is nothing that we have in the Australian policy landscape at the moment which would deliver you a policy that looks anything like net zero, because all we’re talking about at the moment is changing the electricity system.” Rather well put I thought.
Certainly the mood has radically shifted away from the net-zero target. One by one, agricultural commodity groups are quietly dumping the target. So, too, are many federal politicians. It’s not just the likes of Pauline Hanson. Days after taking over the Liberal leadership Angus Taylor announced he would dump the policy if elected as Prime Minister. So where does this leave the race to renewables? It’s suddenly also shifting from, ‘well they have to go somewhere’ to farmers saying ‘not in my backyard’, to ‘why have them at all?’ Just ask Uhlmann: “What we’re seeing as we move to these dispersed
sources of generation – solar and wind, which are off more often than they’re on – but in order to get the same kind of generation, you’ve got to build six times the amount of it, and you’ve got to connect it with vast networks of transmission lines. “Then you’ve got to back it up with this huge life-support system of batteries and all other manner of things. “So, that requires an enormous amount of land, and the people who are on the front line of that, of course, are the people in the regions.” It’s food for thought. He’s a very decent, polite man, and while we may agree to disagree agreeably as they say, there is certainly a lot of truth in his well-crafted words.
Annual Sheepvention expo returns Hamilton Showgrounds are set to come alive on Sunday and Monday as the annual Sheepvention Rural Expo returns to the town. Hosted by Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society in conjunction with the Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, Sheepvention has evolved beyond exclusively sheep-related activities in its more than 40 years of existence. The family-friendly event is designed to educate and inspire people about all facets of agriculture and foster an appreciation for farming and its role in society. Sheepvention will feature an array of exhibitors, activities and experiences aimed at not only farmers but families, children and anyone with a curiosity about agriculture. Visitors can participate in dynamic exhibitions, hands-on workshops and engaging demonstra-
Clearing Sale
OUT AND ABOUT: Longerenong College Certificate IV Wool Classing students with trainer Craig Mackley, above, judge fleeces and sheep in the Dohne merino pavilion at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo earlier this month. Right, Thomas Minchinton, of Gherang, was the winner of the sheep judging, and Megan Bird, of Tasmania, the winner of the fleece judging.
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Junior sheep, wool training success Marleigh White Suffolks’ Trevor, Nanette and Lucinda Smith hosted a junior sheep and wool judging training day at their Gymbowen property ahead of this year’s Goroke Agricultural and Pastoral Show.
tions highlighting diverse and evolving aspects of agriculture. The event is also a hub for networking, collaborating and exchanging knowledge. Included in the two-day program are multiple competitions, including shearing, wool handling, inventions, junior judging, sheep show and farmdog championships. Organisers will bring back a women in ag lunch after it successfully debuted at last year’s expo, with Millie Austin as a guest speaker. People can find more information about this year’s Sheepvention and buy tickets online at www. hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au/sheepvention. People can also follow Sheepvention Rural Expo on social media and call 0409 039 086 or email web@sheepvention.com for more information.
The day was well attended and gave aspiring competitors the chance to build confidence, develop practical judging skills and gain valuable experience under guest wool classer Caitlin Flanagan and the Smith family.
Further details on Elders Website via the Elders QR Stay up-to-date via Elders Facebook Page BUYERS PREMIUM: 8% inc GST and 3% inc GST for John Deere Tractor
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he VicNoTill conference, known for its ability to inspire innovation and change in agriculture, will have a focus of real-time challenges at the ‘farmers helping farmers’ event.
Helping Australian farmers solve real-time and real-world challenges is the focus of one of the nation’s leading farmer conferences at Yarrawonga-Mulwala on September 3 and 4. VicNoTill, which started in the Wimmera in 2002, has opened bookings for its annual two-day conference, bringing together some of the country’s most progressive farmers, soil scientists, agronomists and change-makers in agriculture. Former VicNoTill president, Riverina broadacre cropper and Farmer of the Year finalist Dan Fox, General Jeffery Soil Health Award winner Dr Susan Orgill and Founder of Changing Habits and The Nutrition Academy Cyndi O’Meara will be among guest speakers. Also speaking are systems-thinking agronomist and rural men’s health advocate Tim Watt, Queensland beef production farmer and Create Australia graduate Anna Hughes and agronomist and ag researcher Alex Grant. The program also includes a field day at the Burramine property of broadacre cropper Nathan Lawless who farms with his father Peter. VicNoTill president Michael Gooden said the main goal of the
GUEST: Farmer of the year finalist Dan Fox is among guest speakers at this year’s VicNoTill Farmers Helping Farmers conference. conference was for farmers to feel more confident and gain new skills, ideas and contacts to help them with the day-to-day challenges they faced on-farm. With a growing number of agronomists, scientists, government organisations and ag industry specialists attending the conference, Mr Gooden said it also provided a great opportunity to bridge the gap between farmers and high-level decision makers. VicNoTill was formed by a group of Wimmera farmers who were keen to share their skills and experience in transitioning to no-till and controlled traffic farming systems. The member-based group is now
one of the world’s leading voices for sustainable, profitable largescale systems that prioritise soil and farmer health and grow food and fibre at scale utilising regenerative tools. Mr Gooden said the not-for-profit group, led by a volunteer farmerbased board, had a long-established reputation for challenging traditional thinking and supporting farmers in their transition towards farming systems that aligned more closely with nature. “The key reason VicNoTill still exists and remains relevant after 24 years is that we follow a simple yet highly effective approach – farmers helping farmers,” he said.
“We’re changing agriculture from the ground up and we exist to benefit our members. “We’re proud to play our part in regenerating soil resources and helping people farm more sustainably while improving plant and human health. “It’s a privilege to be part of creating a significant flow-on effect you get when people make positive changes for the long-term future of the industry we are all so passionate about.” Tickets for the conference are available at www.vicnotill.com. au or by calling VicNoTill general manager Amy Burgess on 0400 782 744.
Planting expansion Landholders across Victoria are being supported to integrate more trees into their farming systems, following an extension of the Victorian Trees on Farms Program. The program and Professional Service Provider Register has been extended to November 1, giving eligible landholders more time to apply for grants to establish trees on their properties. Grants up to $40,000 are available to deliver on-ground works such as shelterbelts, riparian planting and revegetation projects. The program supports farmers to improve productivity and build resilience, while delivering environmental benefits including better soil health, reduced erosion, increased carbon sequestration and enhanced biodiversity. Agriculture Victoria acting executive director forestry and fibre industry Liam Costello said the extension would support more landholders to take part in the program. “This program is about helping farmers integrate trees into their properties in practical ways that support their business and the longterm health of their land,” he said. “The extension gives more landholders the opportunity to plan and deliver planting projects that improve productivity, resilience and environmental outcomes.” Mr Costello said trees on farms also play an important role in strengthening Victoria’s farming systems for the future. “Integrating trees into farming systems can deliver multiple benefits, from shelter for livestock to improved soil and water outcomes, while supporting sustainable land management.” The State Government has invested more than $1.5-billion to support industry transition, impacted workers and communities, and the management and future use of Victoria’s forests. For more information about the program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/vtof
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Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm Horsham, VIC
𝗔𝗔𝗪𝗪𝗡𝗡 𝗪𝗪𝗶𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗮 𝗶𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘂𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘆 𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗴𝗴 𝗣𝗣𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗶𝘃𝘃𝗮𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗕𝘂𝘂𝘆𝘆𝗶𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗴𝗴 𝗪𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗕uying 𝗠𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗱𝗱𝗮𝗮𝘆𝘆 – 𝗙𝗙𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗮𝗮𝘆𝘆! We have welcomed Noradjuha local Casey Quick who has joined our team as our resident Private Buyer out of our Horsham Store at 50 Hamilton Road A recent graduate from Longerenong College, specialising in Wool Classing, Casey has the skills, local knowledge and relationships to help you with all of your private buying needs from lines of wool to shed cleanouts. Feel free to give Casey a call on 0477 716 356
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