Issuu

Vol. 29 No. 15

A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS 3WM AND MIXXFM

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

TERRIFIC TRAINS: Natimuk resident Brock Mewett, 11, will again raise money for The Royal Children’s Hospital with a model train exhibition. This year at Natimuk Showgrounds pavilion after outgrowing last year’s National Hotel venue, people can visit by gold coin donation between 10am and 4pm on October 17, and 10am and 3pm on October 18. The event will feature multiple Thomas and Friends layouts as well as displays by Grampians Model Railroaders. Last year’s inaugural event raised $817. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Mining licence approved R

BY LAUREN HENRY

esources Victoria has approved a mining licence for WIM Resource’s Avonbank mine, signalling a significant step in the mineral sands project at Dooen. The mining licence allows Avonbank to move to its next phase of progressing detailed planning, technical work, engineering and other requirements needed to advance the project. While other regulatory approvals are still required and WIM Resource must still secure appropriate finance for the project, the mining company is working towards a start in late 2027, with the mine to be fully operational in 2029. The project will mine heavy minerals sands, including zircon, titanium and rare earth elements, which are

used in a range of products, including renewable energy infrastructure and everyday technology products. Resources Victoria assessed WIM Resource to have an appropriate program of work, which they can finance and complete, and also determined the company to be ‘fit and proper to hold a minerals licence’. Resources Victoria says all recommendations by the Planning Minister following the Environment Effects Statement process were considered as part of the decision and will be addressed through a combination of licence and work plan conditions. Resources Victoria executive director regulatory operations Laura Helm said procedures to safely handle mineral concentrates, the introduction of real-time onsite monitoring and the mine’s operating hours would be fi-

nalised as part of the work plan assessment. Ms Helm said the approval followed a thorough assessment of WIM Resource’s application against ‘stringent criteria set out in the state’s minerals legislation and relevant Commonwealth provisions’. “This outcome is as a result of diligent assessment work by numerous agencies and departments at both the state and Commonwealth level,” she said. But Victorian Farmers Federation president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate, who put in a submission against the mine, said he ‘felt crook’ when he heard the mining licence had been approved. Mr Milgate said his first thoughts were with the affected landowners who did not give WIM Resource per-

mission to mine their land, but there were also many other wider community and agricultural issues that had not been addressed. “It’s just been fast-tracked. We’re coming into an election. They’re going to be in caretaker mode soon. There was a risk that if it stayed in the approvals process, it wouldn’t have got approved,” he said. “It just feels wrong in so many levels. It’s a pretty shitty day for the Wimmera.” Resources Victoria say the work plan will include risk management controls to protect the environment and nearby communities, and WIM Resource will be required to ensure land is restored and returned to a productive state. WIM Resource has proposed to deliver a staged rehabilitation across the mine’s 36-year life.

To coincide with the mining licence approval, WIM Resource executive team of Eddy Wu and Michael Winternitz announced a $40-million community benefit fund, progressively funded over the life of Avonbank. The executive team said once Avonbank was in operation, WIM Resource would employ hundreds of people, building a local workforce and supplier opportunities. “This is a major moment for Avonbank, but just as importantly, it is a major moment for the Wimmerasouthern Mallee and the communities who have been part of this project for many years,” Mr Winternitz said. “The $40-million community benefit fund represents a substantial longterm commitment to local communities.” Continued page 3

IN THIS ISSUE • Mt Arapiles climbs reinstated • Heavy rains hit region • Spring garden festival feature Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

KMART

SPOTLIGHT

REJECT SHOP

BEST & LESS

21,505 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EACH WEEK (average)

WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALTY STORES

WWW.HORSHAMPLAZA.COM.AU

MEGA SALE Wednesday, October 7 to Sunday, October 11

FROM $7490

20% OFF

SPAS

POOL & SPA CHEMICALS

SAVE UP TO $7000

20%* OFF

SWIM SPAS

DAISY BLANKETS & ROLLERS

SAVE UP TO 40%

$2100

1-2 person

$2695

2-3 person

$4490

3-4 person

SAUNAS

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

97 Wilson Street, Horsham • Phone: 5382 4443 (Opposite Woolworths)

Page 2

*Conditions apply www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Climbing access reinstated Licence approved

fter years of uncertainty around proposed blanket bans on rock-climbing routes at Mt Arapiles due to cultural heritage protection, Parks Victoria will keep 96 per cent of climbs open.

To prevent unnecessary bans, Parks Victoria and traditional owners – through the Barengi Gadjin Land Council – identified specific technical adjustments across popular walls such as Tiger Wall, Pilot Error Wall, Denim Wall and Bluff Major, Werewolf Area, Upper Hunger and Southern Finger. The announcement brought a sigh of relief from the Natimuk community, who has a heavy social and financial reliance on the rock climbing community, and associated visitors to Mt Arapiles. Parks Victoria released two reports last week – its Dyurrite Engagement Summary Report and Dyurrite Access Changes Summary. More than 400 surveys and submissions fed into the engagement report, along with feedback gathered at dropin and online sessions, where participants shared a range of views and priorities, including protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage; maintaining

access where appropriate; improving visitor facilities; providing clear information about access and park use; and continuing communication and collaboration. The engagement findings, together with Aboriginal cultural heritage, environmental, safety, legislative and broader park management considerations, were used to form access arrangements. The access changes summary outlines new access arrangements that will take effect from September, 2026. The summary includes updated maps and information for specific areas with restricted access, climbing routes that will be closed or re-routed, and locations where visitors can continue to undertake their activities. More than 20 per cent of participants requested explicit, written confirmation in the plan that The Pines campground will remain open and retain its informal, affordable character. Parks Victoria says it will continue working with traditional owners, Dyurrite Community Working Group and key stakeholders to progress updates to the draft addendum and identify priorities for future visitor facility improvements.

In November, 2024, the State Government released an updated Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan, building on announcements in 2019 to ban certain climbs to protect cultural heritage at Mount Arapiles. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy welcomed the decision, calling it a ‘huge win for climbers, Natimuk and common sense’. She said the rock-climbing and Natimuk communities fought back against the 2024 proposal, which would have closed more than 60 per cent of climbing. “I particularly want to thank everyone who has persevered through this long journey – the climbers, local businesses, community members and advocates who kept turning up, negotiating, advocating and fighting for a fair outcome,” she said. “In February 2025, I presented a petition to parliament with 10,373 signatures demanding genuine consultation and protection of established climbing routes. “Today we have an outcome that proves we can protect significant Aboriginal cultural heritage while retaining access to one of the world’s great climbing destinations.

“That balance is what we have been calling for all along.” Peak representative body, Climbing Victoria, called for climbers to make themselves aware of the changes and respect the small areas of the southern part of the mountain and Mitre Rock where climbing routes would be changed to protect cultural heritage. Climbing Victoria advised mitigation work would be undertaken over the next several months to open more climbing routes, but there would be areas where climbs and descents would be re-routed. “Climbing will remain substantially intact, in an environment now enriched with a greater understanding of the Aboriginal cultural heritage that has existed here for thousands of years,” the statement read. “From the start of October 2026 new arrangements exist for where you can and cannot climb at Mount Arapiles. These replace the voluntary closures that have been in place for the last several years. “These new arrangements mean that around 96 per cent of the climbing and bouldering will be open. This is a fantastic outcome for Australian climbing.”

Annual art fair on now Rotary Club of Horsham East’s annual art fair will this year donate its proceeds to the restoration of performance space The Wesley. Curator and acting Horsham Regional Art Gallery director Lauren van Katwyk will judge the fair’s exhibits, which will include paintings, sketches and photographs by the district’s artists. Art fair committee chair Peter Robertson said prizes would be awarded for the show’s best bay, best artwork, people’s choice, and best photograph, in recognition of its growing section of the show. “The art fair committee has again worked hard to build on the success of past years, and this year will see an expanded number of exhibits and diversity of art works,” he said. “Paintings in a variety of mediums remain the cornerstone of the event, and will also feature a range of photographic exhibits and a feature display from the Horsham Camera Club. “The event has always been community-based and I encourage every-

READY FOR HANGING: Artists Terry Pollock, Horsham, and Ray Colvin, Wartook, hang their paintings at Horsham Town Hall for the Rotary Art Fair. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER one, even those with just a passing interest in art, to come along to the Horsham Town Hall and support the event. “There is something for everyone and all art works are available to purchase. Your support is returned to the local community to support local projects – this year The Wesley

performing arts and cultural centre, and the region’s artists.” The fair, the club’s 48th event, starts at Horsham Town Hall today, until Sunday. Entry tickets are available at the door, as are raffle tickets; the winner can choose either a jewellery voucher or a Case IH 12-volt children’s

tractor and trailer, each valued at $1000. For more information on the event and exhibiting artists, people can visit Rotary Club of Horsham East’s Facebook page.

– Bronwyn Hastings

From page 1 It is about investing in what matters here: education, well-being, economic participation, sustainability and the priorities the community itself identifies,” Mr Winternitz said. He said there was still important work ahead before construction could begin, and WIM Resource would continue working closely with traditional owners, councils, landowners, businesses and the community. “Our focus is not simply on developing a mine, but on delivering a project that creates local jobs and opportunities, supports regional businesses, and leaves a positive and lasting legacy for the Wimmera-southern Mallee,” Mr Winternitz said. Mine Free Wimmera Farms president Russell Heard said the group, which includes landowners directly affected by the project, was extremely disappointed, and the approval was further evidence of a lack of transparency in the process. “We’re pretty staggered by the result in light of all the very relevant and factual information we’ve presented about WIM’s credibility, the Environmental Effects Statement process and the way they’ve gone about doing their business,” he said. “If the current State Government’s used this as a ploy to help get themselves over the line at the next election, I think it could be a massive backfire because people in this region – even if they’re not of conservative persuasion – they may not be happy about the mining process and all the unknown health effects of having this sort of rare earth mine so close to a town of Horsham.” Mr Milgate said the VFF would continue to raise concerns about the proximity to the Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub at Dooen. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said it was ‘extremely disappointing’ the concerns of the community and Horsham Rural City Council had not been addressed prior to granting the mining licence – particularly in regards to the impact on productive agricultural land and food production. “Avonbank’s EES panel did not include a single agricultural expert, despite the fact the proposed mine sits adjacent to a multi-million-dollar food production hub and critical infrastructure,” he said. “This raises deep concerns for WIM Resource’s ability to create social licence and work respectfully with the local community, and they must explain how these outstanding concerns will be addressed before the project progresses any further.”

Trusted Local Specialists Focused on Termite Protection Termite Inspections Termite Monitoring & Baiting

Pre-Purchase Inspections Termite Chemical Treatments

What you should expect from a comprehensive written termite inspection report? Find out here Honest Advice | Thorough Inspections | Detailed Reporting | Local Reliable Service

0353 822 993 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 3

HRCC NEWS Nominate Now for the 2027 Australia Day Awards

NOTICE OF PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION The land affected by the application is located at: 112 Barnes Boulevard, Horsham VIC 3400 The application is for a permit for: Variation of the Covenant to allow for the use of rendered blueboard cladding and proposed works for the construction of a dwelling and shed A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

Horsham Rural City Council is inviting the community to take part in this year’s Australia Day Awards by nominating a standout citizen, young achiever, or event that deserves recognition. The Australia Day Awards honour individuals and groups who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Horsham region. Nominations are now open in the following categories: • Citizen of the Year (25 years or older as of 26 January 2027) • Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25 years as of 26 January 2027) • Community Event of the Year Nomination forms are available online or in hard copy at the Civic Centre. Submissions close: Friday 16 October, 2026.

Horsham RegFest Tickets Available Now!

MANAGER GOVERNANCE & REGULATORY SERVICES Permanant Full Time Closes Monday 19 October

The application reference number is: PA2601069 You may look at the application and any documents that support the application by: • Visiting the planning section at hrcc.vic.gov.au • Using a smart device to access via QR code • In person at the office of Horsham Rural City Council 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham VIC 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 9777. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Contact Officer: Kirsten Miller Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions.

Wednesday 21 October 2026. If you object, HRCC will inform you of its decision.

The Round Table is a collaborative space where everyone has an equal voice. If appointed, you will be sitting alongside: • Other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives and Elders. • Horsham Rural City Council Councillors and executive staff. • Representatives from local Indigenous health, education, and community service organisations. Closes Friday 23 October. Scan the QR code for more information.

DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE Permanant Full Time SENIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER Permanant Full Time Closes Sunday 1 November 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 26-017 THE WESLEY REDEVELOPMENT Closes Wednesday 14 October 27-004 PROVISION OF ADVERTISING SERVICES Closes Wednesday 21 October 27-003 Urquhart Street Revitalisation Closes Wednesday 21 October All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

2026 Victorian Senior Festival GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS October Pop-Up Hubs

Book your tickets with the QR code, or visit www.regfest.com.au

Nominations are invited from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community members to participate on the Aboriginal Community Roundtable. There are currently two community representative vacancies on this committee.

TOWN HALL TECHNICIAN Permanant Full Time Closes Monday 12 October

The applicant for the permit is: Harberger Builders Pty Ltd

HRCC will not decide on the application before:

Expression of Interest: Horsham Rural City Aboriginal Community Round Table

VICHEALTH PARTNERS IN PLACE PROJECT OFFICER Fixed Term Part Time Closes Sunday 11 October

MANAGER PEOPLE, CULTURE AND SAFETY Permanant Full Time Closes Monday 19 October

• Be made to the Responsible Authority in writing • Include the reasons for the objection • State how the objector would be affected.

Horsham Rural City Council, in partnership with promoter RegFest, has confirmed the event will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026 at the events stage at Horsham City Oval.

FIRE RECOVERY PROJECT OFFICER Fixed Term Full/Part Time Closes Wednesday 7 October

Clause 44.04 - LSIO - Building and Works Clause 52.02 - Create, Vary or Remove an Easement or restriction

An objection must:

Horsham will take centre stage this October as some of Australia's biggest country music names roll into town for a festival expected to draw music fans from across the state and beyond.

CAREERS AT HRCC

CELEBRATE SENIORS FESITVAL IN HORSHAM! FRI 09/10 1PM - 3PM

Seniors Concert: Frankly Sinatra - A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, presented by Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Church of Christ, 91 River Road Stay for a cuppa from 2pm to connect with local services.

SUN 11/10 1:30PM - 4PM

Horsham Historical Society Open Day

TUE 13/10 2PM - 4PM

High Tea for Seniors

Horsham Historical Society, 33 Pynsent Street

Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13–15 Robin Street

Riverside Walk WED 14/10 8:50AM FOR A Horsham Angling Club car park, Dixon Drive 9AM START

WED 14/10 2PM - 4PM

Horsham and District U3A

FRI 16/10 9AM - 11AM

Come and Try Table Tennis with Morning Tea

Join Horsham and District U3A for their regular Wednesday afternoon classes and activities, followed by a healthy afternoon tea. Horsham Table Tennis Association, 11 Harriett Street

TUE 27/10 2:30PM - 5PM

Silver Strings

Live performance and sing-along. Horsham Neighbourhood House

Friday 9 October, Quantong Rec Reserve, 6-9pm Outdoor Tennis Hotshots & Pickleball provided by WRSA. Get the kids outside and active after the school holidays. Friday 16 October, Natimuk NC2, 6-9pm Youth Movie Night. Come enjoy a family-friendly movie, with popcorn and snacks provided. Bring a blanket and your friends. Friday 23 October, Quantong Rec Reserve, 6-9pm Confused by insurance? Come along to a free workshop provided by Allied Justice on how to understand insurance policies. Tell Your Story - Sunday 18th October, NC2 Recovery Hub, 2-4pm & Tuesday 27th October, Quantong Rec Reserve, 6.30-8.30pm Women’s Health Grampians (WHG) are undertaking a project on understanding the different impacts disaster have on different people, with Claire Evans of WHG as guest speaker.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 26, 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

Page 4

October 7, 7, 2026 edition

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Dridan Heavy rains bring benefits found R not guilty BY LAUREN HENRY

ain across the region on Friday forced the cancellation of several weekend events and caused localised flooding, but farmers were mostly happy with the weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology, BOM, issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Warracknabeal, Wycheproof, Birchip and surrounds, Stawell, Ararat, St Arnaud, Halls Gap and surrounds on Friday evening. Some rain started on Thursday, but it was Friday when rain gauges started to quickly fill and as rain fell consistently overnight, many people woke up to flooding on Saturday morning. Horsham’s Nick Rigas said he recorded 91mm of rain, including 56mm overnight on Friday, causing his street, DeCastella Drive to flood. Mr Rigas said the flooding took all day on Saturday to subside. “We have lived here for 25 years and this is the third time we have been inundated,” he said. “The previous two times was a result of the channel that connected to police paddock. “That channel has been filled in to accommodate for a new housing es-

tate so we were a little surprised that we were flooded out again.” Several other roads were closed across the region, including a stretch of Mackies Road, between Grahams Bridge Road and Laharum Road. The BOM reported Warracknabeal in the top eight locations across Victoria, New South Wales and ACT in terms of rain totals, with 62mm in 24 hours from 9am Friday to 9am Saturday, including 35.2mm in two hours from 4pm to 6pm on Friday. Other BOM rain totals across the region, from Thursday to Saturday, were: Ararat 43.4mm; Edenhope 43.4; Hopetoun 24.6mm; Horsham 72.8mm; Mt William 96.8mm, plus 18.4mm on Sunday; Nhill 43.8mm; Stawell 50.8mm; and Walpeup 46.6mm. Much of Victoria exceeded its average October rainfall in just the first two days of the month. A flood watch was also issued for the Avoca River, which experienced minor, isolated flooding, over the weekend. Events such as the Murtoa Cup race day, Rainbow Rise Events Association’s Weekend in the Dirt and the opening round of the Horsham Crick-

et Association were all cancelled, or postponed.

Crops

Farmers have welcomed the rain, but it could push back the start of this year’s crop harvest in the region. However, the rain will cause issues with cutting hay, particularly for those in the southern Mallee who had already began hay season. Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke said rain gauges at his property captured between 64mm and 86mm. “It was excellent rain for this time of year, and there’s been other places within the district that have been getting up and over 120 millimetres,” he said “So as far as rainfall goes this time of year – it’s very unseasonal, but hopefully it puts that quality on top of the quantity that we’re looking at at the moment. “It is all about maximising the potential we had, and yes, it has made some areas very wet, to the extreme where it’s going to be an interesting scenario for cutting hay, doing the hay processing, let alone getting canola windrowed in a timely manner too. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge to get this harvest lined up,

but as far as places we’ve been and seasons that we’ve seen before, I would say in most areas this is extremely welcome – not because we were necessarily desperate for it, but it just finishes off what has been an exceptional year.” Pat Millear, who has a mixed livestock and cropping farm at Willaura, said the 50mm of rain at the end of last week was a ‘Godsend’. Mr Millear said 270mm of rain had been recorded at his farm this year, which was ‘a bit light-on’. “It’s been a cracking season up until then really, but just the last few weeks we’ve been thinking that, you know, here we go again, this El Niño might come to fruition,” he said. “But this rain’s been absolutely, probably really timely, probably one of the best rains we’ve had in the early October period for a long, long time. “It’ll certainly put a lot of yield on crops, on cereal crops and canola. It’ll stretch out our pastures. “We’ve got a pretty good pasture operation here with sheep, and it’ll certainly stretch our pastures out and then keep those clovers and grasses growing pretty long into the season.”

COMMUNITY PROJECT: Horsham Group of Fire Brigades has won Horsham Sports and Community Club’s $50,000 member-voted major community project grant. The group, consisting of Horsham, Vectis, Pimpinio, Dooen and Jung fire brigades, will purchase a forward control vehicle for firefighting operations. The other finalists were Horsham Apex Club for its Adventure Island shelter project and Grampians Health for rehabilitation equipment. HSCC board president Gloria Muldoon is pictured, centre, with group officers Roger Perris and Steve Foster. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wendouree man Bryce Dridan was last week found not guilty of both culpable driving and dangerous driving following a Stawell collision that claimed the life of Pimpinio man Trent DeZoete. Dridan, now 31, was a participant in Stawell Motorsports Club’s LOO5ENATS burnout competition on November 4, 2023 when his brakes failed. He drove his Holden Commodore VU utility off the pad, through the arena and into the food-court area, where he fatally struck pedestrian Mr DeZoete, 18. Dridan was tested for drugs and alcohol with blood, breath and fluid tests shortly after the incident, returning a positive result for methylamphetamine. He was transported to Stawell Police Station, where he gave a ‘no comment’ interview. During the Melbourne County Court trial, the jury heard from eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, travelled to Stawell Motorsports Club’s Black Range site, and viewed dashcam and amateur video footage taken of Dridan’s burnout and exit from the pad, including the collision with Mr DeZoete. Dridan’s utility was inspected at Victoria Police Forensic Science Centre; it had no rear or hand-brakes, with modifications made to the front flexible brake lines, leaving them poorly fitted and wearing unevenly. Experts pinpointed the timing of the brake failure while on the pad, the ‘biologically significant’ level of methylamphetamine in Dridan’s system, the event’s safety procedures, and Dridan’s course of action. Prosecutors for the Director of Public Prosecutions argued that Dridan should have stayed within the arena, beyond the skid pad, instead of exiting into the food-court area, while the defence argued a lack of safety systems contributed to Mr DeZoete’s death. Dridan was not required to appear in court during the trial. Judge Trapnell gave final instructions to the jury, and said they must be unanimous in their verdict. “It is not for Mr Dridan to demonstrate his innocence, it is only if the prosecution has proven all the elements of the charge beyond reasonable doubt that you may find Mr Dridan guilty,” he said. “If you are not satisfied the prosecution has done this, your verdict must be ‘not guilty’.”

CLOSING

SALE 1/2 PRICE

Trading until er Novemb 13

STOREWIDE 56 Scott Street, Warracknabeal. Ph 5398 1138 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

HEAVILY DISCOUNTED BARGAIN TABLES

feetfirstfootwear.online Page 5

Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West)

Environment Effects Statement now on public exhibition Public comment invited

EPBC Act process

VicGrid VNI West (the Proponent) has prepared an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the Victorian component of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West or the Project).

On 25 June 2025, the Commonwealth Government determined that approval for the Project would be required under the EPBC Act. The EES process is accredited to assess impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) under the EPBC Act through the Bilateral Assessment Agreement between the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria. The Commonwealth Minister or delegate will decide whether the project is approved, approved with conditions, or refused under the EPBC Act, after having considered the Minister for Planning’s assessment under the EE Act.

The EES and the project’s draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) GC316 are now available for public comment. This notice is provided pursuant to the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) (EE Act), the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act), and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) (PE Act). Written submissions can be made between Monday, 5 October 2026 and 11:59 p.m. Monday, 16 November 2026.

This EES considers MNES for the purpose of making a determination under the EPBC Act. You can make a submission on the matters assessed for the purposes of the relevant provisions under the EPBC Act, by making a submission on the EES.

Project description

Planning Scheme Amendment

The project assessed in this EES is the Victorian component of VNI West. It comprises a proposed new double-circuit high voltage transmission line and associated infrastructure extending from Bulgana near Stawell to the Murray River north of Kerang, where it is proposed to connect to the New South Wales component of VNI West. In Victoria, a proposed easement of about 70 m wide has been identified for most of the route.

A draft PSA has been prepared and is included as Attachment I to the EES. The draft PSA seeks to apply the Specific Controls Overlay and an incorporated document to facilitate use and development of land for project works within the area covered by the Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon and Northern Grampians planning schemes. You may make a submission on the draft PSA by making a submission on the EES.

VNI West will harness clean electricity from Renewable Energy Zones in both States and maintain the reliability and security of electricity supply as ageing coal-fired power generation is retired.

How to access the EES and exhibited documents

The Project proposes a new 500 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line extending approximately 240 kilometres from the Dinawan Substation in New South Wales to Bulgana in Victoria, where it will connect to the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) project.

The EES and the draft PSA application are now available to read and download at vniwproject. com.au/about-vni-west/environment-effectsstatement Hard copies of the EES and the draft PSA will be made available at the following locations during the exhibition period:

The EES process

VNI West regional office Kerang

On 13 April 2024 the Minister for Planning determined that an EES was required for VNI West. Procedures and requirements for the EES were published and are available on the DTP website at www.planning. vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browseprojects/referrals/victoria-to-new-south-walesinterconnector-west-victorian-component

Shop 15, 47 Victoria Street Patchell Plaza, Kerang

Draft scoping requirements for the VNI West EES were publicly exhibited from 28 November 2024 to 18 December 2024. After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister issued final scoping requirements in February 2025. The key approvals required for VNI West under Victorian legislation are: • Approved Cultural Heritage Management Plans prepared in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic). • A planning approval pathway under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), proposed via a Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) applying a specific control overlay and incorporated document across the relevant planning schemes. • Any other approvals and permits required and described in the EES. The Victorian Minister for Planning will provide a final assessment of the effects of the project following public exhibition of the EES and a subsequent public hearing. Further information regarding the project EES can be found on the Department of Transport and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmentalassessments/browse-projects/referrals/victoria-tonew-south-wales-interconnector-west-victoriancomponent

Page 6

VNI West regional office Stawell 179 Main Street, Stawell

State Library Victoria

Submissions will be treated as public documents and will be published on the Engage Victoria website. The submission process is independently managed by PPV and any enquiries regarding the management of submissions, or the Inquiry and Advisory Committee and Hearing process should be directed to PPV.

The Inquiry and Advisory Committee process The Minister for Planning will appoint an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to consider the EES, draft PSA and received submissions. The scope of the IAC is limited to providing advice on the identified ‘key environmental matters’ and ‘other environmental matters’ outlined in the IAC Terms of Reference issued by the Minister for Planning. The IAC will conduct a public hearing on the ‘key environmental matters’, which will commence in the week beginning Monday 8 February 2027. The ‘other environmental matters’ will be considered by the IAC on the basis of written submissions only, as outlined in the Terms of Reference. The IAC will hold a Directions Hearing on Monday 7 December 2026 to consider the arrangements and timetable for the Hearing and the process for submitters who want to be heard or provide further written material on ‘other environmental matters’. If you would like to participate in the IAC process, by either appearing at the Hearing and/or providing further written information, you will need to make a written submission and mark on the submission form that you would like to participate. The IAC will review all submissions, the EES and draft PSA before providing advice to the Minister for Planning about the Project in accordance with its Terms of Reference. Information on the IAC process will be published as it becomes available at: engage.vic.gov.au/ VNI-West-IAC

328 Swanston Street Melbourne

Contacts

Members of the public can request a digital copy of the full EES and draft PSA from VicGrid VNI West at any time during the public exhibition period – these will be provided on a USB.

In relation to the Project or EES documentation, contact:

How to make a submission Anyone can make a submission on the EES and the draft PSA. Submissions must be made in writing and be received by 11:59 p.m. on Monday 16 November 2026. Submissions can be lodged via the online form on the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website: engage.vic.gov.au/VNI-West-IAC The Engage Victoria web page and online submission form will be available from Monday 5 October 2026. If you do not have internet access or are unable to lodge a submission online, contact Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) on 136 186 (select option 6) and request a hardcopy submission coversheet.

Stay connected Email: enquiries@vniwproject.com.au Free call: 1800 824 221 www.vniwproject.com.au @VNIWest

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

VicGrid VNI West Free call: 1800 824 221 enquiries@vniwproject.com.au Mail: VicGrid GPO Box 1756 Melbourne VIC 3001 For all enquiries outside of Australia, please call: +61 3 9609 8000 In relation to making a submission or the IAC process, contact:

Planning Panels Victoria Phone: 136 186 (select option 6) office@planningpanels.vic.gov.au In relation to the EES process, contact:

Impact Assessment Unit, Department of Transport and Planning Phone: +61 3 8572 7980 environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

The complete EES, draft PSA and technical appendices are available on the VNI West website at vniwproject.com.au/EES

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Processing plant proposal A

Horsham Neighbourhood House will host its annual High Tea on the afternoon of October 13, as part of the seniors’ festival. The event, catered for and supplied by HNH, is free but there are limited spots. HNH manager Charlie Helyar said the event was always popular. “It is always a great time for people to get together, partake in high tea and have a few laughs,” he said. Horsham Rural City Council also supports the event. People need to book their spot at the high tea by calling HNH on 5382 5352.

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

proposed 600,000-tonne-per-annum grain processing plant at Dooen could be established and operating by 2032, supplying product to national and international markets.

Eligible for a fast-tracked process to promote economic development, the 40-hectare Freight Terminal Road plant will employ about 150 people once established. The plant will use straw to principally power its biomass plant, steam in its processing, and recycled water, processing wheat and barley to produce gluten, starch, ethanol, animal feed and food-grade carbon dioxide. Victoria Grains Export, an Australian-owned subsidiary of Heilongjiang Pengcheng BioChem Co, a privately held Chinese company specialising in large-scale grain processing, hosted two sessions in Horsham last week. Independent engineering and professional services company Worley representative Diana Galbraith, principal environment and planning consultant, was also part of the sessions. Ms Galbraith said the project was in its early stages, which included project definition and the completion of technical studies. “At the moment we’re completing technical studies to assess potential impacts, and mitigating and managing those impacts,” she said. “The suite of studies is pretty standard – the main ones are in relation to emissions to air and noise, and for traffic and transport.” Ms Galbraith said the studies would be com-

Dementia fundraiser

MAJOR PROJECT: Vic Grains’ Min Zhou, Horsham resident Scott Johns and Worley’s Diana Galbraith at an information session in Horsham on Thursday. plete by the end of November, when further community drop-in sessions would take place. “Once we draft reports, we will have some findings to communicate with the community, and we’ll have another session for people to ask questions about those studies,” she said. “Then we expect to submit to the regulators as part of a development facilitation process, which is reasonably new within Victoria. “We submit the whole package of information to Department of Transport and Planning and EPA Victoria, who will deliver a finding within four months. “Hopefully, by mid-next year, there will be a decision on the project.”

Tributes flow for couple Horsham couple Angela Wang and Michael Zheng have been identified as two of three people who died in a three-vehicle collision at Ledcourt on September 27. Chinese nationals Ms Wang, 31, and Mr Zheng, 38, were occupants of an MG ZS that was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Triton and a truck. The couple died at the scene. A passenger of the Triton, 14-yearold Tenesha Fieldsend, was airlifted to hospital where she later died. Ms Wang was a nurse at Grampians Health, which released a statement on Monday. “Grampians Health is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague, Angela Wang, who worked as a nurse in Horsham’s Wyuna ward, and her husband Michael Zheng, who worked at Horsham Dental Group,” it said. “Angela was a valued and muchloved member of the Grampians Health team who dedicated her career to caring for others. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Angela and Michael’s

High tea and BBQ events to fundraise

family, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this devastating loss.” Mr Zheng managed Horsham Dental Group, which shared news of the couple’s deaths last week. “It is with deepest regrets to share that our manager Michael and his wife Angela passed away on Sunday 27th of September,” a statement read. “Michael was a great person who we were proud to have known, worked with and called our friend. “Through Michael, we heard sweet stories about Angela, and we wish we got to know her better. “They were both well loved and respected by the community and will be deeply missed. “We will forever remember them in our heart.” Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crime stoppersvic.com.au.

Ms Galbraith said the plant would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 330 days a year, taking grain from about a 70-kilometre radius. “A lot of the product would be trucked in, and some of it trucked out if it’s within the Australian market,” she said. “A large percentage of the product will be containerised and railed to the Port of Melbourne and exported for the Asian market.” People can visit projects.worley.com/portal/ apps/sites/#/horsham-wheat for more information or to submit feedback. Future Horsham drop-in sessions will be announced during the proposal’s progression.

Quilts in Stawell Hand-made quilts will fill Stawell Entertainment Centre this weekend as Stawell Quilt Show exhibits more than 100 quilts. The biennial show, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, offers a visual feast of colour and design by the Stawell Quilters members. As well featuring shops and a trading table, the show will also have tea, coffee, scones and slices available for patrons. There will also be a raffle with the prize a quilt made by Stawell Quilters members as a group project. Stawell Quilters spokesperson Lois Johnson said prizes for the quilts would be on offer and patrons could vote for the people’s choice award. “Our wonderful quilters might not think themselves as artists, but they are,” she said. “They are certainly artisans. The quality of the work, the time, effort and planning that goes into each quilt, the colour selections, layout choices and in some cases designed by our members. “The quilts can have piecing, embroidery, appliqué, a whole lot of love and maybe a few muttered swear words in what turns into a finished quilt, proud and beautiful.” The show is $5 to enter.

HNH will also host a ‘barbecue and cuppa’ for Cuppa for Dementia on October 16 at noon. Mr Helyar said dementia was the leading cause of deaths within Australia and there were more than 500,000 Australians living with the disease. “It is a cause close to my heart with some friends suffering from it and I have personally lost some friends to it this year. Everyone is welcome to come along, have cuppa, enjoy the barbecue and be around others,” he said.

Shows continue on

Entertainment for all ages, and agricultural and homemade feats continue to be showcased this week with agricultural and pastoral shows at Donald, Kaniva, Rainbow and Nhill. Donald’s two-day event – this year winning Victoria Agricultural Show’s people’s choice award among other accolades – is on Friday and Saturday, Kaniva’s is Saturday, Rainbow’s is on October 13 and Nhill’s October 15. People can find tickets and more information at the shows’ respective Facebook pages.

We offer multiple appointments on the same day to save travel costs Registered with all Private Health Funds, see DVA Card Holders and all private and pensioners.

o Talk t ne e l Noe f e J & f today

New dentures, partial dentures and all denture related care

Wimmera

DENTURE CLINIC

33 Dooen Road, Horsham (opposite the Dooen Road shops)

Ph 5382 5772

While hot chips can disappear quickly, a windscreen chip can quickly turn into a crack!

Not Delicious delicious chip Contact Horsham Auto Glass today to repair chip it before it becomes a real pain in the glass!

60B Darlot St, Horsham (Next to Horsham Bearings) Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

0427 977 336 Page 7

Page 8

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Effects Councils exit VNI group Environmental Statement on display

oncerns about ignored feedback and high staff workloads have prompted the Northern Grampians and Buloke shire councils to withdraw from the VNI West Environment Effects Statement Technical Reference Group.

Both councils sent letters to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny advising they would withdraw from the group, which was established in 2024 to provide input on an environmental effects statement, EES, for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West, VNI West, project. The technical reference group, TRG, comprised representatives from State Government agencies, councils and industry stakeholders including the project proponent VicGrid, but Northern Grampians and Buloke council officials said they felt their input was minimised. Northern Grampians Shire deputy mayor Justine Hide said the process saw council technical specialists undertake EES review work that should have been the responsibility of VicGrid and government agencies. “The group essentially invested valuable time and effort reviewing, checking and correcting the proponent’s own technical material, which is not the intended purpose of the TRG,” she said. “This, combined with the limited evidence of our input translating into any substantive change, has left both councils with the strong impression that the TRG process has been tokenistic rather than a genuine mechanism for local government to influence VNI West outcomes.” Cr Hide said the government and VicGrid presented large volumes of technically complex material to the TRG, often on very short timeframes. She said the burden the work placed on councils was disproportionate to the influence they received in shaping the EES.

AGAINST: VNI West has prompted much opposition in the Northern Grampians and Buloke shires, including this paddock demonstration at Gre Gre South.

“This came at a cost to our capacity to work on other projects and matters that are currently affecting our communities,” she said. Buloke Mayor Graeme Milne said leaders from both councils identified potential negative effects from the project on local areas such as roads, housing and employment opportunities during TRG meetings. Cr Milne said VicGrid generally ignored or minimised councils’ input, resulting in no material change in their decision-making approach. “Both councils remain committed to constructive engagement with the project proponent in the lead-up to the EES inquiry scheduled for February and remain even more committed to ensuring the interests of our communities are properly represented,” he said. A State Government spokesperson said the TRG had concluded its work and that VicGrid and the government would continue to work constructively with both councils as the project progressed.

Hopetoun

Rainbow

OPEN UNTIL 6PM WEEKDAYS | NOON ON SATURDAYS

SKIP BIN HIRE 0476 125 232

Jeparit Warracknabeal

Bordertown

Nhill

Kaniva

Donald Dimboola

Apsley

Gymbowen

Natimuk

HORSHAM SKIP BIN HIRE

Clear Lake

PACK

St Arnaud Rupanyup Marnoo

Glenorchy

Navarre

PORK FOREQUARTER CHOPS

FULL TOP QUALITY RUMP

Landsborough Stawell

Edenhope Harrow Balmoral

Halls Gap Pomonal

Great Western

YOU FILL ’EM, WE’LL TIP ’EM

TBONE STEAKS

Ph. 0476 125 232

44 GOLF COURSE ROAD, HORSHAM MOBILE: 0476 125 232 www.wastebusters.com.au Wednesday, October 7, 2026

PORK BELLY

SLICED FREE

PORK SPARE RIBS

FRESH SEAFOOD

PORK LOIN CHOPS

Marinated or Plain

• Orange Roughy • Blue Grenadier • Salmon • Flake • Flathead • Oysters

2299

OCTOBER ONLY!

56 Darlot $ Street, 99 Horsham (Previously $ Poultry) 99 $ 99 Tender Breast KG KG KG Temporary contact numbers: (03) 5381 1021 or 5382 6170

þ 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m & 9m bins available þ 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9m feature drop down doors for easy access þ Delivered anywhere - travel rates apply

THE WIMMERA’S #1 FOR RECYCLING & WASTE

FULL TOP QUALITY SCOTCH

SLICED FREE

Marinated or Plain

1199

Ararat

120

• 1kg Frying Steak • 2kg Mince • 1kg Chicken Steaks • 5 Chicken Schnitzels • 1kg Lamb BBQ Chops • 1kg Pioneer Bacon

Easy DINNER

Minyip

Murtoa Goroke

GET YOUR PORTION IN DARLOT ST HORSHAM

Beulah Brim

Yanac

They said the aim of the VNI West project – transmission infrastructure linking the power grids of Victoria and New South Wales – was vital for reducing power bills. “Victoria consistently has the cheapest power prices in the country and we’re delivering $18-billion in wages to regional communities through renewable energy jobs,” they said. VicGrid released the EES for public exhibition on Monday. The EES inquiry process, beginning early next year, will see submissions tabled for review, bringing another opportunity for the councils to share their concerns. Both councils shared information regarding their advocacy efforts on their respective websites at ngshire.vic.gov.au/ government-renewable-energy-projects and buloke.vic.gov.au/renewable-energyprojects-in-buloke-shire. People can find more information about the VNI West project and the EES process on VicGrid’s website at vniwproject.com. au.

Households, Businesses, Builders – remove waste the easy way!

Want the job done quick? Hire a skip!

An environment effects statement, EES, for the Victorian component of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West, VNI West, project is on public display. The EES and the project’s draft Planning Scheme Amendment GC316 became public on Monday, with people able to provide feedback until November 16. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will provide a final assessment of the effects of the project following the EES exhibition period and a subsequent public hearing. The EES is required to assess the potential environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts of the project, which is planned to include a double-circuit high-voltage transmission line from Bulgana near Stawell to the Murray River north of Kerang, proposing to connect to the New South Wales component of VNI West. The interconnector is designed to link renewable energy generation in both states in a bid to boost the reliability and security of electricity supply as coal-fired power stations reach the end of their lives. The Victorian section of the project will include an easement of about 70m for most of the route. People can view more information on the EES at www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/ browse-projects/referrals/victoria-to-new-southwales-interconnector-west-victorian-component. Hard copies of the EES and the draft planning scheme amendment are also available at VNI West’s Stawell office, 179 Main Street, Stawell. There will be information sessions at St Arnaud Town Hall on October 28 and 29; Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud on November 11 and 12; and North Park Community Sports Centre, Stawell on October 29 and 30, November 12 and 13. Anyone can make a submission on the EES and the draft amendment before the November 16 deadline. People can lodge submissions via an online form on the State Government’s Engage Victoria website at engage. vic.gov.au/VNI-West-IAC. People unable to lodge a submission online can call Planning Panels Victoria on 136 186 and request a hardcopy submission coversheet.

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE Just call us!

1599

WEDNESDAY

1599

56 DARLOT ST HORSHAM 5381 1021 or 5382 6170

 SPECIALS RUN FROM WED, OCT 7 TO TUES, OCT 13 OR UNTIL SOLD OUT  PHONE ORDERS WELCOME | FIND US ON d Horsham City Meats

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 9

Builders must now purchase new Home Warranty Insurance for eligible projects, giving homeowners greater protection to resolve issues. It’s one of the ways the Building and Plumbing Commission is helping to give Victorian homeowners peace of mind when building or renovating their home. Learn more at vic.gov.au/openingdoors

Page 10

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

I’m sorry, what? There’s bigger issues

s I drove home to Horsham from my parents’ house in central Victoria, dodging the evergrowing potholes like I was playing a video game of Mario Kart, I listened on the radio about Labor’s election pledge to allow dogs inside pubs.

I’m sorry, what? Labor has pledged to change a law that allows people to take their dogs to the pub. Don’t get me wrong – I am a dog-lover. In fact, my girl is obsessed with dogs so much of our life revolves around them. Everywhere we go, if we come across a dog, she asks the owner if she can pet their dog. She talks to them about their name, their breed, their personality … so it

can be quite a time-consuming exercise, but it allows her confidence to grow in speaking to adults, and brings her joy to find out more about the dog. We have our own dog, Coco, and she travels with us a lot. She even comes to pubs sometimes, if we venture out for lunch and sit in a beer garden. But never would I have imagined taking Coco inside a pub where other people – many of whom may not even like dogs or want to eat with them – are enjoying dining out. I respect the fact that not everyone likes dogs. I mean, I think it’s a little weird if you don’t but I get it – dogs aren’t for everyone. Some people may have had a negative experience with dogs in the past, some people think dogs are unhygienic and some people are just cat people. As a teenager I was bitten by a large

EDITORIAL By Lauren Henry

German shepherd, and I’ve never taken a liking to that breed since, so I understand that not everyone likes dogs. But as a dog family – we spoil ours like a newborn baby, much to my surprise; and we live with about 50plus stuffed animal dogs and various other dog-related ornaments and canine-themed stuff around the house – you would think we are exactly who is affected by this little-known law that prevents hotel owners from allowing dogs inside. Then why is it that I am completely dumbfounded by this election prom-

Is this the way we manage ratepayers’ money? The decision to relocate the Natimuk Road shared path, The Weekly Advertiser, September 30, 2026, raises a much bigger issue than whether we like bright orange bollards. The original project was intended to provide a safer route for children and other cyclists. A worthwhile project, and no ratepayers objected. But somehow Horsham Rural City Council managed to put the new path in a position where it interfered with parking and driveways after they lined it with bright orange reflective bollards through one of Horsham’s older streetscapes. Now, after the work has been completed, council has voted 4-3 to spend another $93,357 plus GST moving the path to be away from the road and underneath the trees. I find some of the arguments surrounding this decision difficult to accept. We are told there was an opportunity for residents to comment before construction. Fair enough. But how were residents supposed to object to something they apparently weren’t shown in its finished form? If councillors didn’t know what the bollards would look like, and residents didn’t know what they would look like, exactly what did the consultation achieve? Even Cr Ian Ross acknowledged that the type of bollards to be installed had not been explained and that councillors themselves had been ‘blind-sided’. Cr Cameron McDonald described the bollards as one of those things council ‘didn’t get quite right’, while blaming nobody and pointing towards the contractor. But surely contractors build what council approves. Ultimately, who designed it, who approved it and who was responsible for checking that the finished result was appropriate for the location? And now ratepayers are being asked to pay again to put it right. The parking-meter saga provides another example. Council approved a new parking-meter system costing $735,359, plus a five-year contract and associated costs. The meters were introduced in 2023. Council subsequently suspended them, consulted the community and eventually decided they would not return. I’m not arguing that councils should never change their minds. Sometimes they absolutely should. What I am asking is: where is the accountability when they get things wrong the first time? How much did the original Natimuk Road bike path works cost? How much has already been spent removing two out of every three bollards as an interim measure? And how much of the original work are we effectively paying for, twice? Wednesday, October 7, 2026

recent years where people’s drinking habits have changed. But how about easing the burden of the taxes that small businesses face as a start to helping the hotel industry. I’m well aware this isn’t the first and won’t be the last of silly election promises – particularly in a state in so much debt that announcing big-spending projects and programs is going to be seen as fiscally irresponsible. As my drive home continued, and I came across the large signs on people’s properties about the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy, the VNI West project, and mines on agricultural land, it reinforced the very real, very important issues that people are facing in Victoria. But don’t worry, come November, if Labor is re-elected, at least we’ll be able to take our dog to the pub.

‘Down tools’ for Alliance rally

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Difficult to accept

ise? I don’t know, maybe it’s because of the long list of other priorities that our government should be getting right first. Here we are in 2026, when either policy-makers and/or politicians have thought up this idea in a bid to attract more votes in the November state election. I could not help but be bemused at what I imagined as a group of 20-somethings – paid staff of our government – sitting around in inner-city Melbourne thinking what they can do to help a political party win votes: “Yes, dogs in pubs – that’s it!” It’s straight out of an episode of the political satirical comedy television show Utopia. My research shows there is some reasoning behind it in trying to encourage more business to pubs, who have been heavily hit economically in

These aren’t millions of dollars in isolation. But they are ratepayers’ dollars, and they add up. Perhaps the real question is a simple one: Can anyone name three recent significant things Horsham Rural City Council has got right the first time – without having to spend more money fixing, changing or removing them later? I would genuinely like to hear them. Phil Lohrey Horsham Editor’s note: The original works for the Natimuk Road on-road bicycle lane were costed at $144,887 when approved at the January 2025 council meeting.

Failure or good governance?

Horsham Rural City Council’s decision to spend almost $94,000 relocating the completed Natimuk Road shared path raises serious questions about governance, accountability and the responsible use of ratepayers’ money. The project was open for public consultation for a month before construction began, with no objections received. Yet, after the work was completed and the orange bollards installed, objections from a small group of residents resulted in council voting to relocate the path at considerable public expense. Residents have every right to raise concerns, but good governance also means getting the planning and decision-making right before a project is completed – not changing course afterwards. What changed? What new evidence justified reversing a completed project at a cost of almost $94,000? Ratepayers deserve a clear explanation. I am particularly concerned that the money is coming from the bridge renewals budget. Our bridges and other infrastructure need ongoing maintenance. What work will now be delayed or sacrificed to fund this decision? Public consultation must be more than a box-ticking exercise. If completed projects can be reversed at significant public expense, what confidence can the community have in council’s planning processes? Councillors are elected to consider the interests of the whole municipality, not simply respond to those who object most strongly. They must weigh those competing interests and make decisions that are responsible and defensible to the ratepayers who fund them. The councillors who opposed this expenditure deserve credit for questioning whether the cost was justified. Those who supported it should explain why they consider it justified. Good governance means making sound decisions, being accountable for them and respecting ratepayers’ money. Kath Dumesny Horsham

The Across Victoria Alliance will host a rally in Melbourne on Friday to call on political leaders to commit to policies that support a bright and prosperous future for the state. Rupanyup farmer and rally co-ordinator Andrew Weidemann invited everyone to call on politicians and election candidates to ‘step up and commit to tangible policies to fix Victoria’. Mr Weidemann said people who could not attend the 11am rally on the steps of Parliament House to ‘down tools or shut their business door for 15 minutes’ at 11am in a show of unity and a call to action. “The AVA largely represents rural and regional communities, but we recognise that the social and economic pain we are experiencing is also

being felt in the city,” he said. “Victoria’s small and family businesses, shopkeepers, tourism operators, café and restaurant owners are part of the communities that keep our state moving – from regional towns to Melbourne suburbs. “Increases in rates, registration and rent, potholes, damaged cars and road safety, and huge rises in energy costs, the list of issues is endless.” Mr Weidemann said rises in crime rates and escalating violence, major projects such as datacentres, electricity poles and transmission lines being planned without proper consultation, and a lack of funding to support the Country Fire Authority were other key issues.

Richard, Penelope and Dean

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

31 Darlot Street, Horsham Ph 03 5381 1951 E advice@planrite.com.au W www.planrite.com.au

Richard Goudie (ASIC Reg 264938), Penelope Manserra (ASIC Reg 264949) and Dean Winfield (ASIC Reg 264965) are authorised representatives of Horsham Licensing Services Pty Ltd. AFS Licence 552144; ABN 26 670 780 355

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 11

Help stop the impacts of Australian plague locusts Prepare now, monitor for hatching and be ready to spray if high numbers are on your property. If you find locusts on your property, let us know. Report at agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts or call 136 186.

Page 12

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FROM HOME No Driving, No Navigating – Relax and Enjoy the Journey We offer expert and trusted guided group tours that take you from your front door to the heart of it all.

NEW ZEALAND MARCH 2027

T U DO

SOL

SUCCESS STORY: Member for Southern Metropolitan David Davis and Western Victoria Bev McArthur, pictured with QA Hay co-owner Scott Somers, toured parts of the district last week. QA Hay was showcased as a locally-owned venture, established in 2020.

Ready for growth W

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

arracknabeal’s QA Hay featured during MPs’ Bev McArthur and David Davis’ tour across much of regional western Victoria on Friday. They were joined in part by mayors and councillors of Horsham and Swan Hill rural cities, and West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon and Northern Grampians shire councils, as well as Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Member for Mildura Jade Benham. Yarriambiack Cr Kylie Zanker said the visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s strength, innovation and resilience. “Businesses like QA Hay demonstrate that regional Victoria is creating jobs and delivering high-quality products to national and international markets,” she said. “Having ministers visit our community helps highlight the important role rural industries play in supporting the wider economy. “QA Hay is a significant local employer that has invested with confidence in our region, creating employment opportunities and supporting local families. “Being able to demonstrate that success directly to government ministers reinforces the message that regional communities are ready for growth and deserve continued support and investment.” Locally owned, QA Hay was officially opened last month. It can produce up to 200,000 tonnes a year, using hay from a 30-kilometre radius. Owners Scott Somers and Paul Johns registered the business in 2020 and bought a neutral site south of Warracknabeal. Mr Somers said the factory was on the cusp of a major milestone of increasing production. “At the moment we are running four-and-a-half days a week, running four shifts pressing boxes, and then we shut down Friday lunchtime to eat a cooked lunch together to create a culture,” he said. “We’ll move to a 14 or 15-hour shift, rotating through from 4.30 in the morning, until about six at night, over the coming weeks. “We’ll press out about 75 boxes to go to Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, mainly Asian places, that’s where they go to. They’re struggling to get

Departs March 18, 2027

TURKEY, GREECE AND CROATIA CRUISE 2027

fodder for dairy, beef, anything like that.” Cr Zanker said the key message of the tour was to show that regional businesses could achieve great things when they had the right support and infrastructure around them. “We wanted ministers to see firsthand the opportunities that exist in our region, the value local industries contribute to Victoria’s economy, and the importance of ongoing investment in transport, workforce development, housing and essential services to help businesses continue to expand,” she said. During the tour, Mr Somers explained some of the challenges to Mr Davis and Ms McArthur that he and Mr Johns met during construction, including highway signage and turning lanes, and the transfer of permits between departments. “It’s been frustrating,” he said. “There was a traumatic incident with our surveyor in November last year, and the way the permit had to transfer from him to someone else through the system – it has been a very lengthy process. “It’s taken us nine months to get it through the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission to say they have approved it to go through another surveyor. “Although I understand there’s a process, it costs us money, and we’re trying to operate out of two little huts. “It’s just an unfortunate thing that’s precipitated it, but it could be a little bit smoother than that.” QA Hay’s establishment has been timed around the area’s drought conditions. “We do one box of hay every hour of every day,” Mr Somers said. “We delayed ourselves a little bit over the last three years, we slowed down and stopped the build a few times, because we couldn’t get enough products. “But we’ve got heaps of product this year.” Cr Zanker said QA Hay’s success story was exactly the kind of story the council wanted government decision-makers to see. “It’s a story of regional confidence, innovation, job creation and long-term investment,” she said. “When businesses choose to grow in communities like Warracknabeal, the benefits flow throughout the entire region.”

Departs June 5, 2027

EUROPE RIVER CRUISE 2027

Departs July 11, 2027

CANADA AND ALASKA TOUR 2027

Departs August, 2027

ITALY & SICILY TOUR 2028

Halls Gap, Murtoa promises Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has pledged to fund a trail to Halls Gap Zoo and upgrade Murtoa Recreation Reserve if the Liberal-Nationals Coalition forms government at next month’s state election. Ms Kealy last week visited both sites to make the election commitments. She said a shared walking and bike path connecting the Halls Gap township to Halls Gap Zoo and the Wildlife Art Museum of Australia would improve safety in the area by separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicle traffic. “It will complete a critical missing link, strengthening connections between key attractions, accommodation and local businesses,” she said. Northern Grampians Shire Council has committed $80,000 towards the project, with organisers of the annual Run the Gap fun run contributing $70,000. Ms Kealy said upgrades at Murtoa Recreation Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Reserve were also vital for the facility’s future. She said Yarriambiack Shire Council officials and the reserve committee had worked to develop plans for a staged upgrade, including a new community centre and changerooms upgrades, as well as improvements to the venue’s ticket booth, spectator shelter and oval surface. “Unfortunately, the reserve’s infrastructure is ageing and at a point where significant redevelopment is needed to ensure community groups can continue to use the facility effectively,” Ms Kealy said. Yarriambiack Mayor Andrew McLean said the election pledge was important in applying for a co-contribution from the Federal Government funding. “This type of investment is truly changemaking. It has the power to deliver enormous social and economic benefits, not only for Murtoa but for the broader region,” he said.

Departs June, 2028

LEANNE

KATE

KELLY

CHRIS

Experts in everywhere!

Office hours: 9am to 3pm, WED, THU, FRI

Outside hours please email us on: horsham@helloworld.com.au Or call and leave a message on:

38 Firebrace St, Horsham, VIC 3400

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

(03) 5382 6699

Page 13

Melrose

OPEN 7 DAYS

MERINO’S RAM SALE

FLOCK No. 1704 P1238

LAST CHANCE TICKETS

112 Russels Road, Nurrabiel, VIC 3401

On Property Auction Wednesday, October 14, 2026

NEW MENUS COMING SOON!

48 Total Rams: 16 Horn Rams, 32 Poll Rams

Jackpot Joker $6,125 - 19 cards left!

Inspection @ 10am Auction @ 1pm

March shorn

WHAT

16 mths old • OJD Vaccinated • Brucellosis Accredited Free 4% rebate outside agents Semen available form stud sires. Private sales throughout year. Inspections always welcome.

Oct 10:

Little Di g Birthda ger’s y Oct 1516: H Cou ntry orsha m Mus ic Oct 30: Me m b e rs Hallowe en & Th e Dalton G a ng

36 McLachlan St Horsham Ph 5382 5222

Warren Russell: Mobile: 0427 881 204 John Russell: Mobile: 0427 340 844

Page 14

’S ON

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Celebration of region’s police

he time and contribution given by Western Region Division Four Victoria Police members was celebrated last week, in a presentation ceremony at Horsham.

Western Region Acting Commander Jamie Templeton said the event publicly recognised members’ contributions. “It’s recognition of all the work that occurs, back-of-house – we’re not talking about years in your jobs, it’s what you’re doing in those years,” he said. Rainbow Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark, recognised for his 35 years’ service, said he loved the reciprocated help and support in his community. In Rainbow for almost 20 years, he said the good times had outweighed the bad. “I do it because I was brought up to do the right thing, it’s what my mum and dad taught me, and to be honest with you, I just love helping community and helping people better their lives in any way I can,” he said. “Rainbow is fantastic, they just support and help me – if I was to put out a call for assistance right now, I’d have 20 or 30 on my doorstep within five minutes.” Leading Sen Const Clark said among his career highlights was an incident at the 1997 Mallee Football League grand final. “I won a bloke from Walpeup Underbool a brand-new car on (Channel Nine’s The Footy Show’s) Almost Football Legends,” he said. “I’d only been in Rainbow about three or four weeks. He did a nud-

RECOGNITION: Victoria Police Awards recipients at last week’s Western Region Division Four Victoria Police presentation ceremony at Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER ie run and I chased him across the ground and arrested him, and got injured in the process. “But I am proud of my achievements. I’ve seen a lot of good stuff, I’ve seen a lot of bad stuff. I think the good outweighs the bad, I’m glad to have been in that long. “My wife Simone has just been with me through thick and thin – there’s been a couple of little rough times and she’s just been so solid in everything.”

Recognition

The Aboriginal community awardee was Senior Sergeant Mat Olston, while Sergeant Travis Kerr received

JEPARIT A&P SOCIETY

the culture award. Service medal clasps were presented – Fifty years: Leading Senior Constable Alan Perry; 45 years – Sergeant Michael Salter; 35 years – Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark, sergeants Brendan Khan, Dale McIvor and Darren Wright. Thirty years: Senior Sergeant Rob Gibson, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neale Roberts. Twenty-five years: Superintendent Dan Davison, Leading Senior Constable Narelle Smart. Twenty years: Victorian Public Service employee Elvira Hannett, Lead-

ing Senior Constable David Tranter, Sergeant Travis Kerr and Senior Sergeant Liam McMahon. Fifteen years: Leading senior constables Sarah De Rooze, Madeleine Jackman, Sam McCaskill, David Piera and Teilah Rabone, sergeants Stephen Gray, Stewart Howarth and Brett McConachy, and Senior Sergeant Olivia Wright. National Medals were awarded to 15-year members for good conduct and diligent service, with clasps awarded to members for every 10 years served thereafter. National Police Service Medals were

awarded to members De Rooze, Howarth, Jackman, Piera and Rabone for 15 years’ ethical and diligent service. Victoria Police Service Medals, for 10 years’ service, were presented to senior constables Steven Carrigg, Troy Curran, Marc Davey, Abby Harrisson, Michael Hemburrow, Jayden Herald, Michael Hughes, Nathan Martin and Julie-Lea Morris, sergeants Alexandria Baldock, Laura Horsley and Shane Pettingill, and senior sergeants Eddie Malpas and Tim Thomson. End of service certificates were presented to leading senior constables Perry and Shayne Riggall.

ANNUAL SHOW Step right up to an unforgettable day of fun, laughter, and excitement at our annual show.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 10am onwards Sir Robert Menzies Park, Jeparit

Kim Dodson & Muster Dog Banjo – 2025 winners from ABC TV hit series ‘Muster Dogs’ Demonstrations at 1pm and 3pm Professor Wallis Puppet Show • Tiny Goats & Co from 11am • Fair Dinkum Fauna • Little Duckie Pasta & Co • Nhill Lions Club BBQ & Spiral Potatoes • Cold meat & salad A&P Luncheon from noon

Admission: Adults $15, FREE entry for children U18

Dress up, step out, and enjoy a day full of family fun!

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 15

The Environment Effects Statement for VNI West is now on public exhibition The Environment Effects Statement (EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) for VNI West are on public exhibition from 5 October to 16 November 2026. This will be your opportunity to review the EES, learn more about the technical studies and make a formal submission should you choose.

Learn more in person

Join a submission focus session

The VNI West project team will be out in the community during the public exhibition period, hosting information sessions and pop-up events along the proposed project route.

Submission focus sessions provide a better understanding of the EES process and how to make a formal submission. Sessions will be run by an independent third party.

These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the EES and speak directly with members of the project team. Kerang Memorial Hall 4 Nolan St, Kerang Monday 26 October 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Tuesday 27 October 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Monday 9 November 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Tuesday 10 November 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Charlton Park Community Centre Calder Hwy, Charlton Tuesday 27 October 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Wednesday 28 October 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Tuesday 10 November 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Wednesday 11 November 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Thursday 29 October 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Lord Nelson Park 10 Dunstan St, St Arnaud Wednesday 11 November 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Thursday 12 November 8:30 am - 11:30 am

North Park Community Sports Centre Lamont Street, Stawell Thursday 29 October 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Friday 30 October 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Thursday 12 November 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Friday 13 November 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Drop in to a regional office (during business hours or by appointment)

VNI West Kerang regional office Shop 15, 47 Victoria St, Patchell Plaza, Kerang VNI West Stawell regional office 179 Main St, Stawell

Stay connected Email: enquiries@vniwproject.com.au Free call: 1800 824 221 www.vniwproject.com.au @VNIWest

Page 16

Charlton Park Community Centre Calder Hwy, Charlton

Wednesday 14 October 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Thursday 22 October 9:00 am - 11:00 am

St Arnaud Town Hall 40 Napier Street, St Arnaud

The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) will attend the sessions and speak about the importance of meaningful community participation in these processes.

Wednesday 21 October 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Learn more online Visit the VNI West engagement hub to explore a range of digital resources designed to help you understand the project and the public exhibition process.

St Arnaud Town Hall 40 Napier Street, St Arnaud Wednesday 28 October 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sir John Gorton Library Kerang (The Glasshouse) Murray Valley Highway and Shadforth St, Kerang

Visit vniwproject.com.au/EES Access to the full EES, fact sheets covering each technical study area, and a range of supporting project information

Explainer videos covering what the EES is, the public exhibition process, how to make a submission, and the roles of key organisations

Interactive maps and visual before-and-after comparisons of project locations

Audio summaries of the EES technical studies, allowing you to listen to the information at your own pace

Webinars If you’re unable to attend an in-person session, you can join an online webinar to learn more about the EES, hear from technical specialists and ask questions about the public exhibition process. Agriculture, land use and planning, bushfire, landscape and visual

Aviation, noise and vibration, traffic and transport, electric and magnetic field

Monday 12 October 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday 15 October 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Ecology, surface water, groundwater

Business and economics, social, historic heritage

Tuesday 13 October 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Friday 16 October 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

View the full EES and draft PSA Printed copies are available at VNI West regional offices and State Library Victoria, while the digital version and audio summaries are available online.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Councils buck reform F

BY LAUREN HENRY

our councils in the Wimmera Emergency Management Resource Sharing Partnership are advocating to stop proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Reform that will disadvantage regional and rural councils.

The Federal Government’s National Emergency Management Authority released a Disaster Management Reform discussion paper in July, prompting Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack councils to highlight the potential impacts of raising the threshold for activating an event from $240,000 to $2.7-million. The councils have also argued against the proposal to set the limitation of an allowance of an extra 15 per cent when rebuilding damaged assets to make them more resilient to future disasters. In a letter to NEMA, the partnership said while reforms contained several positive initiatives, they had concerns that aspects of the framework might disadvantage rural and regional communities – particularly the proposed event activation threshold, which ‘risks limiting access to recovery assistance for localised disasters that have significant impacts on rural councils and communities but do not meet statewide expenditure thresholds’. “In regions such as the Wimmera, where councils manage extensive road networks, dispersed populations and constrained revenue bases, disasters that may appear modest at a state level can have far-reaching financial, economic and social consequences,” the letter read. The councils will also advocate to the State Government, in particular, to seek to understand how it might respond to the proposed NEMA reforms. The council began advocating against the specific aspects of the reforms through a series of meetings in Horsham last week with Liberal and Nationals MPs, including David Littleproud, Emma Kealy, David Davis and Bev McArthur. Horsham council discussed the issue at last week’s monthly meeting, warning some proposed changes

could leave regional councils carrying a greater share of recovery costs after natural disasters. Mayor Brian Klowss said the council supported some measures that made disaster recovery funding easier to access and help communities become more resilient. “But some of the proposed changes could make it harder for regional councils to recover from natural disasters, and that’s something we need to get right,” he said.

Call for clarity

Cr Klowss said raising the Victorian threshold for Commonwealth disaster recovery funding would significantly change how smaller disaster events were funded, but it was unclear how those costs would be managed. “A flood, storm or bushfire doesn’t have to cause millions of dollars of damage to have a major impact on a rural community,” Cr Klowss said. “We’re concerned there is currently no clear answer about how events below the proposed threshold would be funded, or whether state governments would step in to fill that gap.” Cr Klowss said councils could face a much greater financial burden if funding arrangements for smaller disaster events were not clarified. “Regional councils already work hard to maintain roads, community facilities and essential services. “If we’re expected to cover more disaster recovery costs ourselves, that money has to come from somewhere. Ultimately, that could mean other projects or priorities are pushed back,” he said. Cr Klowss said the proposed extra 15 per cent allowance made sense, but might not go far enough. “But in many cases, a 15 per cent allowance won’t be enough to deliver meaningful resilience improvements,” he said. “If we want stronger infrastructure that can better withstand future disasters, the funding needs to reflect the real cost of achieving that.” Cr Klowss said it was important the realities facing regional and rural councils were considered before any changes were finalised. “We support reform, but regional communities can’t be left worse off as a result,” he said. “Any new funding model must rec-

ognise the realities facing regional and rural councils, support recovery from cumulative disasters and provide the investment needed to build infrastructure that can withstand future events.” At last week’s meeting, Cr Rebecca Sluggett said raising the threshold by a minimum of 1125 per cent was ‘ far too much, and too quickly’. “This means for each event, there will need to be over $2.7-million in disaster management costs before financial assistance is provided by the Federal Government,” she said. “This is a federal matter that will affect any future decision on the state’s emergency services and volunteers fund as well, which we know is a concern for our community as well as us here to collect it.” Cr Sluggett said although it was a federal matter that was impacting the State Government, it would also impact ratepayers and councils’ ability to provide ongoing services if they were managing a disaster. Mr Littleproud, the federal shadow minister for emergency management, said he supported lowering the threshold because some smaller councils did not have the rate base to cover disasters. “I think there’s some real work that needs to be done there in making sure that particularly small councils get protected,” he said. “That should be the principle. It’s always been an agreement between state and federal governments. “It should remain that way, and local government should have an ironclad guarantee that their job is the delivery vehicle of that recovery, and that’s their role. Nothing more, nothing else. They don’t have to pay.” Mr Littleproud called on the Federal Government to work out the terms with the states, and for maturity, calmness and leadership from Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain. “We’ll be constructive in how we look at this, and we will come out back with where we believe after those discussions with the states of what works and what doesn’t work, and then where we should actually align ourselves with what those arrangements should look like in the future,” he said.

HELP NEEDED: Kannamaroo chair Emma Smith and secretary Sue Papst are seeking volunteers and groups for April’s festival.

Festival seeks volunteers Horsham’s Kannamaroo committee is seeking community groups and people to be part of next year’s festival, which is in its early planning stages. Committee chair Emma Smith said there was opportunity for groups to fundraise at the event, and for people to volunteer in different capacities. “We encourage people to come to our meeting on October 14, because we especially want to get new and young people involved in the festival to help the committee with new ideas,” she said. “We have two different ways to volunteer – people can join the committee, we only have four or five meetings a year, or they can just help out on the day of the festival.”

A November event for 46 years, the festival was moved to April this year away from other major events and declared a success; it is scheduled for the first weekend of April, 2027. “Nothing is set in stone yet, but a lot of what we did this year went well, so we are building on that,” Ms Smith said. “If there are any groups that want to be involved, they are welcome – we have the Scouts, the Rovers, the soccer club, the RSL – and they can use it as a fundraiser if they want to.” People are welcome to attend the committee meeting at West Side Horsham at 6.30pm October 14, or email kannamaroo@gmail.com or call Ms Smith on 0400 292 459 with enquiries.

Speeding tops offences More than 60 speeding offences were detected across Horsham and Northern Grampians police service areas during the AFL long weekend’s Operation Scoreboard. Among those was a 25-year-old Clyde North man, who was detected travelling at 166kmh in a 100kmh zone at Ararat. He received a $1046 fine and his licence was suspended for 12 months, while his vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1769. Horsham area’s other offences included two drug drivers, three unli-

censed drivers, three disobey signs or signals, three seatbelt offences, three unregistered vehicles and two cyclist offences. Other offences detected in Northern Grampians were one disobey sign or signal, eight unregistered vehicles and four impoundments. No mobile phone offences were detected in either area. Victoria Police implements Operation Scoreboard across the AFL long weekend in a bid to reduce road trauma.

Are aches & pain s keeping you from the things you lo ve? Don’t let life’s ac hes, pains and injuries drag on – do something about it today! Over 70 years combined experie nce Shaun Casey, Sandra Casey, Erin Wallace

16A Darlot Street, Horsham ✆ 5382 2430 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 17

Making your home electric is Easy as Switching to electric could save you over $2,000 a year on your energy bills. Calculate your rebates and savings, compare appliances, and find local tradies – all in one place. Take control of your energy costs and save on bills.

Visit

easyelectricsec.com.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Page 18

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Check properties under exploration licence proposals M

ine Free Wimmera Farms, MFWF, is calling on all landowners across the Wimmera to check whether their property falls within an existing or proposed mineral sands exploration licence area.

MFWF leaders believe many farmers and rural landowners remain unaware that exploration licences can cover large areas of their agricultural land, including properties on the outskirts of Horsham and throughout the broader region. The call comes after an advertisement in The Weekly Advertiser in August of a proposed new exploration licence application impacting parts of the Murtoa and Warracknabeal districts, highlighting that exploration activity continues to expand across the region. New applications and licence areas continue to emerge as interest in Victoria’s mineral sands resources grows. MFWF president Russell Heard said the group believed it was critical that landowners

understood what activity might be proposed over their land and what licences already existed in their district. “We can no longer afford the attitude of believing it won’t affect us,” he said. “Many landowners are shocked to discover that exploration licences already exist over their properties or neighbouring farms. “Some of these licences extend into areas surrounding Horsham itself. The time has come for everyone in the Wimmera to take this issue seriously and become informed.” MFWF is encouraging all residents, farmers and property owners to use Resources Victoria’s online mapping system to determine whether their property is affected. Landowners can visit the Resources Victoria website and use the ‘Licence Near Me’ mapping tool to enter an address or property location and view current exploration, retention and mining licence information. Victoria’s licensing framework allows exploration licences to

cover significant areas of land. As mineral sands development is increasingly promoted as a major economic opportunity for Victoria, MFWF believes community awareness and participation in the process is more important than ever, particularly as interest in mineral sands projects and its potential impact on agricultural areas grows. “Whether people support or oppose mineral sands development is a matter for them to decide,” Mr Heard said. “What is most important is that every landowner knows what licences exist over their land and understands what proposals may be emerging in their district. “You cannot engage in a conversation about the future of your farm, your community or your region if you do not know what is being proposed around you.” MFWF encourages all residents to check their properties, speak with neighbours, attend information sessions, and stay informed about exploration activity occurring across the region.

VICSES Wimmera community resilience coordinator Crystal Sanders

SES ShakeOut to be safe As the control agency for earthquakes, Victoria State Emergency Service, VICSES, plays a key role in supporting communities, before, during and after earthquake events. Earthquakes can and do happen in Victoria, and VICSES is encouraging greater awareness through a Great ShakeOut Day on October 15. Organisations can increase their awareness of earthquake risks by practicing the correct responses that could save lives, and help build a safer, more resilient community. Workplaces, schools and organisations are encouraged to gather their staff, students, or volunteers to practise the simple steps – drop, cover, and hold on. VICSES Wimmera com-

munity resilience co-ordinator Crystal Sanders said the main aim of the day was to promote what people needed to do in earthquakes to feel safe. “Research showed following the 2021 Woods Point Earthquake, only three per cent of people who were involved and impacted knew what to do in the event,” she said. Ms Sanders said registering ShakeOut drills helped VICSES and the global ShakeOut program track participation and share the impact of earthquake preparedness. Registrations can be made are ses.snapforms. com.au/form/great-shakeout-2026.

Goroke church’s 70-year milestone The congregation of Goroke’s St Peters Lutheran Church celebrated a milestone last month, marking 70 years of worship at the site. More than 80 members and visitors joined the celebration, including several former congregation members who returned to the region, along

BULK DELIVERY

with friends and visitors from nearby churches. The event began with a service by vicar Adam Borgas, featuring music played by Elspeth Ampt, Val Tischler and Jennifer Altmann. Following the service, attendees shared a lunch and discussed the past 70 years.

Lutheran families first came to the Goroke area in 1878, worshiping at various venues until they decided to build their own church. St Peters was dedicated on November 2, 1956, with a congregation including the Ampt, Wade, Hausler, Batson, Schuller and other families.

OUR NETWORK OW CONTINUES TO GR

& FUEL STOPS QUALITY FUELS

RELIABLE DELIVERY

CONVENIENT FUEL STOPS

LOCAL SUPPORT

DIESEL | UNLEADED 91 | PREMIUM 95 | HI OCTANE 98 | LUBRICANTS

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 19

Murtoa Big Weeekend

Pictures: KAREN REES

BIG: Despite Friday’s deluge of rain, Murtoa Show committee members exclaimed ‘The show must go on’ the day prior to Murtoa’s Big Weekend. The 140th Murtoa Show had entertainment galore, with new attractions including motorcycle stunt show Mad Style Moto and a fire performance. The rain meant the fireworks were postponed until Saturday night, and the Murtoa Cup race day and lake market were also cancelled. But an impromptu ‘popup’ Murtoa Community Spirit Muster provided a welcome venue for several planned reunions, community members and visitors. There was also an art exhibition at The Stick Shed, and the ‘Mindful Mobile Photomaking Project’ exhibition unveiled at Murtoa Railway Station. The Big Bird Project revealed creative results from schools and community groups, while the Wimmera Inland Freezing Works historical engine two-day rally had to make modifications to its Saturday program but went ahead otherwise. Other highlights included The Lake Colour Run, the Ecumenical Service at St John’s Lutheran Church and the book fair. The Big Weekend committee is now looking ahead to next year’s event, celebrating 30 years, on October 1-3. Pictured left is Clinton Louder, of Ballarat, with Donald Timmins, of Murtoa; then clockwise Ron Schneider, Rupanyup; Glenn Baker, Jenny Blohm, Tony Jackson and Sally McMahon, from the Portland Classic Car Club; Carolyne and Mark McNamara, Numurkah; Noel Grellet, Rhymney; Timothy Swan, Murtoa; and Sunday Looker, Geelong.

IN TIMES OF

EMERGENCY TUNE INTO YOUR LOCAL OFFICIAL EMERGENCY BROADCASTERS

Page 20

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2025

Feral deer trial launch Mining group A

selects leader

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

feral deer-control trial has been launched for the Grampians, as part of a national 14-month program designed to track and control the pest across borders and groups.

Project Platypus launched the Grampians-Gariwerd Deer Co-ordinator Trial at Ararat last month, where stakeholders shared the details and future of the trial. National Feral Deer Action Plan management co-ordinator Jane McKenzie, speaking via video link from Adelaide, said deer were one of Australia’s fastest-expanding invasive pests. “Numbers are now estimated to be between one and two million – they are in every state and territory,” she said. “But we are making progress – South Australia and Western Australia are well on the way to eradicating their relatively low population through statewide eradication programs. “In other states, there has been progress to reduce numbers in some locations and protect significant assets, but not at the level and landscape scale that is going to change the continued spread, or significant populations and impacts.” Ms McKenzie said managing deer was complex. “We need to reduce populations by at least 35 per cent every year just to stop population growth and further spread, and that requires co-ordinated control across public and private land,” she said. “To help tackle the problem with feral deer, the National Feral Deer Action Plan was launched in 2023. “The plan has three clear goals: number one, stop the spread; secondly, control and eradicate small, isolated populations before they spread, where possible; and thirdly, prioritise and protect significant sites from impacts.”

IN CONTROL: Project Platypus’ feral deer project launched at Ararat last month, with guest speakers including, from left, Patchweave director James Maino, Black Rage Landcare’s Mark Farrer, Project Platypus field operations manager Lachlan McIntyre, Mt Langi Ghiran general manager Damien Sheehan, Invasive Species Council’s John Kelly, and Matt Godson, of Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia. Project Platypus field operations manager Lachlan McIntyre said the trial was using the Landcare network to monitor deer and the impact they have on their surrounds. “The fires around the Grampians, Little Desert and Mount Cole have pushed the deer out onto private land where they have an impact on production, wineries, fencing, people’s orchards and gardens being eaten, and road accidents,” he said. “Project Platypus is an association of nine Landcare groups, so when everyone’s doing an individual work, we can try and link it together and work out if that model can work in this area. “We hope to set up a heap of cameras along forested areas, which we monitor and then

hopefully that data will help us work with private landholders, and co-ordinate with private landholders to work over the fence. “We’ve got about 10 cameras in the field already as part of another project which have collected 15,000 images in 10 months and about 700 or 800 of those are deer.” Mr McIntyre said an app was being developed for people to monitor deer sightings. “People will be able to record a deer sighting, but also look at monitoring protocols like rub marks and things like that,” he said. “We’re trying to skill the landholders up to acknowledge or to monitor in the same ways so all the data can be used.” People can visit the Project Platypus website or Facebook page to find out more.

WIM Resource has announced the appointment of a Bendigo-based executive as the inaugural independent chair of the Avonbank Community and Coexistence Reference Group, CCRG. Jan Boynton has worked in senior executive roles in state and local government and the community sector across 30 years. Her previous roles include regional director with Regional Development Victoria, chief executive of Radius Disability Services, director of city strategy with the City of Greater Bendigo, regional director of Natural Resources and Environment Northwest and the inaugural chief executive of the Loddon Mallee Catchment Management Authority. Ms Boynton also brings extensive governance experience, having served as non-executive director on a range of regional and statewide boards, including the CFA, La Trobe University Council, Bendigo Health, Haven Home Safe, Goulburn-Broken CMA, CVGT Australia, Bendigo Jockey Club and Lifeline Loddon Mallee. WIM Resource is finalising the selection of CCRG members, which will help inform the community support program and future community investment priorities. WIM Resource director of community and landholder relations Kevin O’Brien said the chair role was critical to establishing the Avonbank Community Benefits Fund. “Jan brings a wealth of experience to the CCRG chair role, with an in-depth understanding of rural and regional communities and an extensive and diverse background in governance roles relating to several key focus areas of the Avonbank Community Support Program,” he said. Ms Boynton said she was pleased to work with communities across the region. ‘An important part of the group’s role will be ensuring local perspectives, priorities and ideas are heard and reflected in discussions about community benefits and investment,” she said.

Some creepy crawlies are just for fun.

Others have moved in...

For over 100 years Australians have turned to Flick because nobody knows creepy crawlies better. That's why, when you think Halloween, think

Treat or Trick, Give Pests the Flick.

Mention Halloween when you book your Flick service between October 5 – October 31, 2026, and you’ll go into the draw to win a Halloween Hamper, including a $500 Visa gift card.

13 14 40

flick.com.au

Terms and conditions apply. View the T&Cs here: www.flick.com.au/halloween2026.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 21

BORN TO FARM MASSEY FERGUSON

BIG PACKAGE ON PREMIUM COMPACTS PACKAGE INCLUDES

BONUS + BONUS Front End Loader

4 in 1 Bucket

MF 1840 M (40HP) FROM

$42,500

INC GST*

IMPROVED HEALTHCARE: Theatre team lead Stephanie Rathgeber and associate nurse unit manager Kristi Bibby show new endoscopy equipment to Stawell Hospital Foundation trustees Kevin Erwin, Meg Blake and Brian Hancock.

Services to expand

tawell Hospital Foundation has donated $50,800 for a specialised paediatric long colonoscope for Grampians Health Stawell’s operating suite.

Step up to the mf 1840 M and take on bigger jobs with confidence. A powerful 40HP engine, higher lift capacity and the versatility to tackle demanding loader work, it’s built for anyone who needs more from their compact tractor. See your local Traction AG dealer now. While stocks last!

*Pre-delivery and freight charges may apply. Prices valid until 31 October 2026. Offer available at participating Massey Ferguson Dealers only, while stocks last. ^5-year warranty consists of a standard 2-year / 2,000-hour manufacturer’s warranty plus a 3-year extended warranty (for a total of up to 5 years or 2,000 hours, whichever occurs first), commencing from the date of retail installation. The extended warranty is subject to AGCO’s standard extended warranty terms and conditions, including applicable exclusions and excess. This promotional warranty offer applies to new purchases of Massey Ferguson MF 1800 and MF 2800 Series tractors only. Contact your local Traction AG dealer for full terms and conditions.

The equipment will allow clinicians to perform procedures that are not always possible with a standard colonoscope, improving access to complex endoscopic care for local patients. Grampians Health Stawell perioperative manager Sally Hamilton said the specialised scope would improve the hospital’s ability to manage more complex cases locally. “The paediatric long colonoscope is longer and more flexible than a standard colonoscope, making it easier to navigate complex or tortuous colons,” she said. “Despite its name, it is most commonly used for adult patients when a conventional colonoscope cannot be advanced successfully. “By adding this equipment to our operating suite, we will be able to complete more complex

✓ We hire Lawn Dethatchers

endoscopic procedures here in Stawell, reducing the need for repeat procedures or referrals to larger hospitals.” Stawell Hospital Foundation trustee Brian Hancock said the foundation was proud to support equipment that enhanced healthcare services and improved patient access to specialist care. “This specialised colonoscope is a great example of how foundation support can make a direct difference to local patients and clinicians,” he said. “Investing in modern medical equipment helps strengthen the services available at Grampians Health Stawell, allowing more patients to receive care closer to home. “The foundation is pleased to continue supporting initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes for our community.” Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods thanked the Stawell Hospital Foundation for its ongoing support.

✓ We hire Lawn Corers

HAVE YOUR LAWN LIKE A BOSS WITH BREUERS HIRE

✓ We hire Top Dressers

✓ We hire Lawn Trenchers

Call the team at Breuers for all your lawn care equipment INDUSTRIAL PH: 5382 2242 &DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL

Page 22

EQUIPMENT

HIRE

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

105 STAWELL ROAD, HORSHAM VIC 3400

www.breuershire.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

shed Comedy call for community Women’s hosts first

omedian Troy Kinne is set to bring something new to the Willaura and District Community Development Group’s annual Big Night Out event when he visits the town later this month.

Mr Kinne will perform his standup comedy show titled Made Wrong at Willaura Memorial Hall on October 24, with attendees set to be treated to a two-course meal by local caterer Paula Symons. Willaura and District Community Development Group committee member Heather Fleming said the group tried to present something new in the town each year. “Every year our group puts on what we call our Big Night Out, where we get usually outside professional entertainment of the sort that wouldn’t normally come to Willaura unless we organised it ourselves,” she said. “We’re always looking for something a bit different: we’ve had tribute shows, we’ve had murder mystery shows, we’ve had all sorts, but we’ve never had a comedian.” Ms Fleming said some of the group’s members had previously seen Mr Kinne live and thought he would be a good fit for the Big Night Out. Mr Kinne has previously hosted television shows on channels 10 and 7, and has more than one million followers across his social

media platforms. Tickets to the show are $75, including the two-course meal, with drinks available to buy at the bar. “The tickets are really good value, considering you get top-class entertainment and a great meal,” Ms Fleming said. Doors will open at 7pm, with the show commencing at 7.30pm. Ms Fleming said Willaura Memorial Hall’s committee of management would operate the bar, with all proceeds from drink sales supporting the hall. She said the night would be a good opportunity for people from the region to share a laugh and enjoy themselves. “We’re hoping people dress up a bit. In the past we’ve usually had some sort of a theme or event where people dress up,” she said. “We’re encouraging people to dress as their favourite comedian or comedy show. It’s not compulsory, but it’s a bit of fun. “We want people to come out, have a good time and enjoy themselves with the community. And it’s not just the Willaura community. We welcome people from across the district.” People can find more information and book tickets by visiting www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1612061. Ticket sales close on October 20.

makers market

STANDUP SHOW: Comedian Troy Kinne will perform at Willaura on October 24.

Kaniva bush kinder explores natural habitat Kaniva Kindergarten started a new bush kinder program at Kaniva Fauna Park last week. Children spent Wednesday morning exploring the bush and waterway and making discoveries including a burrow, old duck eggs, a small fish and a yabby claw. Bush kindergarten programs offer children opportunities to explore their natural environments and learn through hands-on experiences. Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout

said bush kinder provided valuable opportunities for children to learn outdoors. “Learning in a natural environment encourages children to be curious and follow their own interests,” he said. “Children can explore, ask questions and develop their own ideas through hands-on experiences.” Mr Bezuidenhout said the program also supported children’s social development.

“Bush Kinder gives children opportunities to communicate, co-operate and solve problems together,” he said. “These experiences help build confidence and independence while developing a connection with the natural environment.” The bush kinder program is being delivered at Kaniva Fauna Park during terms two and three with support from the State Government’s Bush Kinder Grant Program.

✓ We hire Bobcats

Ararat Women’s Shed members are inviting people to shop, sell and de-stash at its first-ever market on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre. With a limited number of tables still available, the market is a chance for local makers and collectors to sell art, craft, design work and supplies. Visitors can browse handmade soaps, posters, stickers, art, wool, fabrics, buttons, knitting needles, lingerie and more. Ararat Women’s Shed founder Rowena Murray said the market would welcome people learning a new craft. “De-stashing is what happens when you look at your pile of fabric, wool or other supplies and realise it’s grown bigger than you can use,” she said. “Rather than leave those things sitting in a cupboard, you can pass them on to someone who’ll love them. “It’s a great way to pick up a bargain, especially if you’re learning and want to try something new without spending a lot.” Market stalls cost $10 each, with entry for $5 and shed members admitted free. Free tea and coffee will be available from patrons, with stall and entry proceeds going to support Ararat Women’s Shed. The shed will also host a stand at the market, where visitors can make a donation or sign up as members. “We couldn’t believe we had over a dozen bookings for stall holders in the first 24 hours, and now we’d love to fill the remaining tables and see plenty of people through the doors,” Ms Murray said. “Whether you’re selling, searching for your next project or just coming for a look, help us make our first market a good one.” For news, membership updates or to get involved, people can visit www.facebook.com/ araratwomensshed.

✓ We hire Tip Trucks

HAVE YOUR YARD LIKE A BOSS WITH BREUERS HIRE

✓ We hire Excavators

✓ We hire Mini Diggers

Call the team at Breuers for all your yard care equipment INDUSTRIAL PH: 5382 2242 &DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

EQUIPMENT

HIRE

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

105 STAWELL ROAD, HORSHAM VIC 3400

www.breuershire.com.au

Page 23

Page 24

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 25

Free health checks

rampians Community Health is using two new Healthy Ageing Hubs to bring free health checks to local communities.

The two hubs are now operating across the Horsham, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack municipalities. Program leader Ruby Klemm said the hubs provided free, confidential health checks and support to help people stay healthy, independent and connected to their community as they aged. “Small checks can help prevent big health problems,” she said. The hubs started in Horsham, Natimuk, Dimboola, Goroke, Nhill and Minyip, with Grampians Community Health officials planning to extend the service to more regional centres within the designated local government areas in coming months. Healthy Ageing Hubs are community-based dropin sessions delivered by Grampians Community Health officials, offering free health checks from community paramedics. The hubs provide information, support and referral pathways for people who might benefit from additional services. They are available for free to people aged 50 years and over, and First Nations people aged 45 years and over. Ms Klemm said the hubs could benefit people

without regular access to health services who wanted a better understanding of their health and wellbeing. Health checks available include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, blood sugar, heart rhythm, temperature, body measurements and cholesterol and blood fats when available. Beyond physical health, the hubs also aim to support overall wellbeing and help people in regional communities to remain socially connected. “Participants may be asked a few simple questions about their health, daily life and social connections,” Ms Klemm said. “The aim is to identify opportunities to improve wellbeing and connect people with support before issues become larger concerns.” The community paramedics will guide people on the next steps they need to take following their health checks. “Healthy Ageing Hubs are an important community resource,” Ms Klemm said. “They support healthy ageing close to home, overcome barriers faced by rural people and assist in early identification of health concerns, potentially helping to prevent big health problems.” The drop-in consultations are free, with no appointments required. For more information and to check upcoming hub dates and locations, people can visit gch.org.au/service/healthy-ageing-hubs.

PRIORITISING HEALTH: Grampians Community Health client and community connector Karen Watson, with Healthy Ageing Hub community paramedics Amy Brown and Kelsey Kelm are promoting free health checks.

Connecting through Ararat art club Financial feedback Ararat Rural City Council leaders are inviting people to put their phones away, meet someone new and spend an afternoon with art at Ararat Gallery TAMA’s Analog Art Club. Led by visual arts co-ordinator Katy Mitchell, each session offers participants a chance to explore the gallery’s current exhibitions through guided slow looking.

Mayor Bob Sanders said participants might be invited to discuss what they noticed or to try observational drawing. He said the sessions offered a simple way for people to make time for art and each other, with no prior art experience necessary and materials provided. “You don’t have to know anything about art to enjoy an afternoon at the gallery,” he said.

“Put the phone away, take a closer look, share what catches your eye, and hear what someone else sees. It is a good chance to slow down, have a conversation, and enjoy what we have here in Ararat.” The club is a joint initiative of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria and ArtsHub, hosted by galleries across the state.

The sessions are open to people aged 14 and over. The remaining 2026 sessions will be on Saturday and November 14 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Tickets are $5 each, with organisers encouraging bookings to help plan seating. Event details and tickets are available through the Ararat Gallery TAMA website araratgallerytama.com.au.

Hindmarsh Shire Council has endorsed its draft long term financial plan 2026-2036 for public consultation. The plan sets out the income the council expects to receive, what it expects to spend, and the community buildings, roads and other assets it needs to maintain in the next decade. The council will look at how services are delivered, find more efficient ways, make better use of technology and improve how community assets are planned and maintained. Submissions close on October 30. To find more information, people can visit www.haveyoursay.hindmarsh.vic. gov.au.

production of

Venue: Stawell Entertainment Centre, 63 Main Street, Stawell

Page 26

Friday 23rd October Saturday 24th October Matinee Sunday 25th October Friday 30th October Saturday 31st October Matinee Sunday 1st November

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Tickets on sale now through Humanitix or Stawell Neighbourhood House

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Ararat council Auxiliary buys ring-cutter releases road safety strategy A

rarat Rural City Council endorsed a new Community Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan at last week’s council meeting, setting out a long-term approach to reducing road trauma across the municipality.

Aligned with vision zero and safe system strategies, the five-year plan responds to local crash data, community feedback and regional road-safety risks, setting targets and actions to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes. Governments across Australia have adopted a global Vision Zero plan to build safer road-transport systems, with a goal of no road deaths or serious injuries. Meanwhile under a Safe System framework, every piece of a road network is designed to work together to prevent crashes and cushion impact forces, helping people survive when accidents do occur. The council plan outlines seven goals to address the highest-risk areas and protect all road users across the municipality, including: reducing fatal and serious injuries on rural roads; preventing run-off-road crashes; improving safety at high-risk intersections; protecting vulnerable road users; aligning speeds with road function and risk; improving safety

for work-related road use; and strengthening data, monitoring and reporting. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said the work was ‘so important for our community’. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen 158 crashes resulting in casualties on our roads, including five people who lost their lives and 83 who were seriously injured,” he said. “Those numbers are a stark reminder of why we need a clear, ongoing focus on road safety.” Cr Sanders said the new council strategy charted a course towards achieving Vision Zero. “It aligns our local priorities with state and national safety standards, putting us in a far better position to lock in government funding down the road,” he said. “Council can’t do this alone, though. Reaching Vision Zero takes a collective effort across state government and our entire community. “Ultimately, it’s about making sure every resident, worker, and visitor in Ararat makes it home safely at the end of the day.” The Community Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan is available to view on the council’s website at www.ararat.vic. gov.au/council-documents.

Wimmera Base Hospital ladies’ auxiliary has donated money to the hospital’s emergency department for an electronic ring-cutter. The auxiliary donated $1435 to buy the cutter and a AlgerBrush 2 corneal rust ring-remover. Grampians Health head of emergency Peter Carter said Horsham’s team had only ever cut rings manually with a plier-like tool. “The new ring-cutter features a flat metal protective guard that slides safely under the stuck ring then a very small circular saw blade cuts through the metal,” he said. “It will make our job so much easier and provide added comfort to the patient.” Dr Carter said the AlgerBrush 2 was used for removing metal stains on the eye surface after a metal foreign body has been removed. “These stains can cause permanent visual impairment if left in place so we are very grateful to the ladies’ auxiliary for their continued generous support,” he said. Retiring auxiliary president Anne Stevens said the committee was pleased to be able to support the Horsham campus with state-of-theart equipment, no matter the size of the item.

NEEDED: Head of emergency Dr Peter Carter shows auxiliary junior vice-president Anne Stevens the workings of the new ring-cutter.

Brass band members honoured The recently disbanded Natimuk Brass Band hosted a members’ service presentation to honour the band on September 12. Members who had served the longest years of service were Robert Emmett, 72 years and Charles McCuish, 71 years. Other members recognised include Brian Lewis, 57 years; Howard Schier, 47 years; Peter Schier, 41 years; Steve Ellis, 40 years; Laurie Taylor, 39 years; Robert White, 39 years; Robert Mackley, 37 years; Barry Whitehead, 30 years; Joan Mackley, 30 years; Jill Walsgott, 30 years; Judy Sommerfield, 26 years; Bevan Boschen, 22 years; Heather McPhee, 20 years; Graeme Hateley, 20 years; Shirely Blackwood, 11

years; Lindsay Blackwood, 11 years; Bob Blackwood, 11 years; Margaret Howison, eight years; Mark Bryon, seven years; and honorary member Jenny Brown, 15 years. Alan Williams, 28 years, received a life membership of the band, the 15th awarded in the band’s 124-year history. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss attended the evening and extended the council’s gratitude to all recent and past band members who have contributed to the band over the years. “The band leaves behind a legacy that the Natimuk community can be extremely proud of,” he said.

STORAGE UNITS STORAGE UNITS STORAGE UNITS

5358 1300 1300 5358 5358 1300

Unit sizes – 4m x 3.8m * 9m x 4.5m * 12m x 4.5m Unit sizes – –4m xx3.8m 3.8m 9mxxx4.5m 4.5m***12m 12m x4.5m 4.5m Unit sizes 4mx 3.8m ** 9m 9m 4.5m xx4.5m Unit sizes: 4m 12m • Safe and secure • Short and long term Safe andsecure secure ••Short Short long term Safe and and long term Shortand and term • •Safe and secure •• 24 hour access • Clean andlong convenient 24 houraccess access Clean 24 hour •••Clean andconvenient convenient Cleanand and convenient • •24 hour access •• Varying sizes Varyingsizes sizes • Varying • •Varying sizes

Enquiries to Enquiries to Enquiries to

Monaghan s Monaghan ss Monaghan

Enquiries to:

BURGH STREET, STAWELL

189Main Main Street, Street, Stawell. 189 Stawell. 189 Main Street, Stawell.

monaghansrealestate.com monaghansrealestate.com monaghansrealestate.com

Emma KEALY MP

THE NATIONALS MEMBER FOR LOWAN

Where you live shouldn’t determine the healthcare you can access. If you’re struggling to get the care you need locally, please get in touch. 34 Firebrace St, Horsham Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5382 0097

emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au

YEAH CREW PRESENTS

Youth Ignite

ARARAT’S BIGGEST YOUTH EVENT

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2026 2PM - 7PM ALEXANDRA OVAL PRECINCT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FOOD TRUCKS - LEVEL UP ZONES WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

FREE ENTRY & GIVEAWAYS! REGISTER: ARARAT.VIC.GOV.AU/EVENTS YOUTH IGNITE 2026 IS A SMOKING, VAPING, E-CIGARETTE, DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 27

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF BUILDING FUTURES 1986-2026

Founding employee and former CEO reflects When John Ackland walked into his new job on October 6, 1986, he wasn’t joining an established organisation or a growing business. He was the business. Working from a small office above the Commonwealth Employment Service in Horsham, Mr Ackland became the first employee of what was then known as Wimmera and Grampians Group Training Incorporated, laying the foundations for what would eventually become Skillinvest Limited. In its first 12 months, the organisation supported 25 apprentices across the region. Forty years later, as Skillinvest celebrates its milestone anniversary, Mr Ackland has reflected on the early days, the challenges, and the belief that helped transform a oneperson operation into a trusted employment, training and education organisation supporting communities across Victoria and beyond. The group training model emerged as a response to Australia’s apprenticeship shortage. Wimmera and Grampians Group Training was established to bring that model to the region and create more opportunities for local employers and apprentices. Mr Ackland said small businesses often wanted to take on apprentices but couldn’t always guarantee enough work. The solution was simple but innovative: apprentices could be employed through a Group Training Organisation and rotated between host employers when required. “It was a great concept,” Mr Ackland said. “I never thought it wasn’t going to succeed. As long as we could get the numbers, I knew it would work.” Turning that vision into reality required determination. Without mobile phones, email or the internet, much of Mr Ackland’s time was spent travelling throughout the Wimmera and Grampians region, meeting with employers, councils and community groups face-to-face and calling people after hours. He attended council meetings across the region, visited local businesses, set up promotional displays at field days and agricultural shows, and even used a caravan as a mobile marketing office to help spread awareness of the new organisation. “My first budget was around $24,000 to $26,000 for the year. That had to pay me and cover everything we were trying to do,” he recalled. As apprentice numbers began to grow, so did confidence in the model. Reaching 15 apprentices was an important milestone, followed by 30 and then 50 apprentices, proving the service was delivering value to employers and communities across the region. The organisation’s second employee Annette Jardine was brought on board to assist with payroll and administration,

About Skillinvest Skillinvest delivers employment, education and training services that support individuals, businesses and communities across a wide range of industries. As a Group Training Organisation, GTO, Skillinvest manages apprenticeships and traineeships that provide career opportunities for jobseekers while helping employers develop their future workforce. Skillinvest’s partners range from small businesses to major organisations across the public, private and community sectors. It also provides flexible labour hire solutions that connect employers with skilled, reliable workers. As a community based independant RTO, Skillinvest delivers nationally recognised, industry-specific training programs and short courses, along with agricultural training through Longerenong College. It also works closely with schools to provide VET Delivered to Secondary Students, VDSS, to more than 500 secondary students across Victoria each year, helping build future workforce pathways. As a not-for-profit organisation, all profits are reinvested into the business, helping strengthen the communities and industries Skillinvest serves.

Then-Premier Jeff Kennett officially opened Wimmera Grampians Group Training’s Firebrace Street headquarters in 1995. He is pictured viewing artwork by then-Aboriginal liaison officer trainee Nola Illin, with John Ackland and then-company chairwoman Greer Dellar. allowing Mr Ackland to spend more time building relationships and supporting apprentices and employers throughout western Victoria. While apprenticeships were the organisation’s foundation, its impact soon extended much further. Throughout the 1990s, the organisation expanded into traineeships, employment programs and training services, becoming a Registered Training Organisation, creating new pathways for people to gain skills and find meaningful work. Programs supporting young people, Indigenous communities and job seekers helped create opportunities for those facing barriers to employment. “Helping young people who otherwise may not have had a chance has always been important,” Mr Ackland said. As the organisation evolved, so too did its identity. In 2000, Wimmera and Grampians Group Training Incorporated adopted the name WorkCo Limited to better reflect the broader range of employment and training services it had grown to provide. Mr Ackland said continued growth was important as government funding and contracts increasingly shifted towards larger organisations with broader geographic reach. “We had to get bigger. We were a big fish in a little pond,” he said. As part of that growth strategy, WorkCo’s board assumed

Bold decision to save Longerenong College One of the most significant decisions in Skillinvest’s history came in 2006 when WorkCo took over the administration and operation of Longerenong College from the University of Melbourne. When the opportunity was first raised by board director Donald Carter, former chief executive John Ackland admits he was sceptical. “Donald thought we should tender. I thought he was mad,” he recalled. After giving the idea further thought, Mr Ackland came to see the opportunity differently. With a background in agricultural

41,494 STUDENTS QUALIFIED In accredited training through Skillinvest and Longerenong College Page 28

responsibility for LINK Employment and Training in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs in 2002, and in 2007 EastVic Workforce in Gippsland. The three organisations continued to operate separately until LINK Employment took over EastVic Workforce in 2009. Another defining moment came in 2006 when WorkCo took over the administration and operation of Longerenong College from the University of Melbourne. Mr Ackland said the decision reflected the organisation’s willingness to embrace opportunities that others might have considered too risky. As the organisation grew, so too did its contribution to regional communities. Long-term support for community initiatives, local events and women’s sport became part of the organisation’s identity. Partnerships supporting women’s netball through the Horsham District and Wimmera football netball leagues, along with support for the Stawell Gift and other community organisations, reflected a commitment to strengthening the communities in which Skillinvest operated. These partnerships continue today. “The organisation has always been about community,” Mr Ackland said. The next major chapter came in 2015, when WorkCo and Link Employment and Training merged to create Skillinvest Limited. The merger brought together decades of experience in employment, training and community services and established the organisation known today. Later that year, Skillinvest secured a significant Jobs Victoria contract to deliver employment and training opportunities for Indigenous communities across Victoria, including the award-winning program delivered in partnership with Victoria Police. Today, Skillinvest’s reach extends far beyond the small office where it began, but Mr Ackland believes the organisation’s greatest achievement isn’t measured by its growth. Instead, it is the people. The apprentices who became qualified tradespeople. The trainees who built successful careers. The employees who contributed to the organisation’s success. The board members who believed in and supported the organisations work. And the communities that supported the journey along the way. “What gives me the most pride is the success we’ve had helping young people into employment, apprenticeships and traineeships,” Mr Ackland said. “We achieved our goals. Skillinvest is still going 40 years later.”

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

manufacturing and strong personal connections to Longerenong through his family, he became convinced that preserving the college was important for the future of agricultural education in regional Victoria. WorkCo successfully secured the college, helping rebuild one of Australia’s most recognised agricultural education institutions and adding a new chapter to the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities through education and training. Twenty years on, Longerenong College remains a thriving part of

John Ackland with Donald Carter, WorkCo board chairperson at the time and Longerenong College’s then-college co-ordinator John Goldsmith in 2006, when WorkCo, now Skillinvest, took over. Skillinvest, continuing to educate and support future generations entering the agricultural industry.

Continuing a commitment to creating opportunities For 40 years, Skillinvest has connected people with employment, training and career opportunities. The opportunities have included targeted programs supporting young people, women entering trades, First Nations peoples, culturally diverse communities, young parents and jobseekers facing barriers to employment. Skillinvest chief executive Darren Webster said the programs reflected the organisation’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce. “As a not-for-profit social enterprise, our focus has always been on creating positive outcomes for people and communities,” he said. “These programs are examples of the many ways Skillinvest has worked with industry, government and community partners to help people build skills, confidence and meaningful careers.”

Breaking down barriers

One of Skillinvest’s most impactful initiatives has been the Victorian Police traineeship program, which created training and employment pathways for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program, initiated and developed by Skillinvest, provided meaningful employment and career pathways while strengthening relationships between Victoria Police and the communities they serve. Based in police stations across Victoria, trainees gained workplace experience, completed a Certiﬁcate III in Business Administration and developed skills in communication, customer service, teamwork and problem-solving.

The program also aligns with Skillinvest’s broader commitment to reconciliation and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2015, Skillinvest became one of the ﬁrst organisations in the Wimmera – southern Mallee region to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan, reinforcing its commitment to building stronger relationships, respect and opportunities for First Nations communities.

Lasting impact

While industries, programs and funding models have evolved over the past four decades, Skillinvest’s purpose has remained consistent: creating opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background, culture or education, to be trained and/or employed. Not all will succeed, but at least they will have had the opportunity with organisations like Skillinvest. The VicPol traineeship program is just one of many initiatives that reﬂect Skillinvest’s commitment to supporting people who may face barriers to education, training and employment. Other recent programs include the BuildHer Women’s Apprenticeship Program, Lendlease Tradie Bootcamp, Jobs Victoria Mentoring Program, Young Parents Education Program, Head Start Taster Program, Statewide Racing Project and Grow Your Future horticulture initiative. The programs have supported young people returning to education, women entering trades, jobseekers changing careers and people facing barriers to employment. Skillinvest also partnered with Jobs Victoria, working closely with Department of Justice to support people exiting the justice system into employment.

As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years of building futures, we thank the many people and organisations who have been part of our journey. For four decades, employers, schools, community partners, apprentices, trainees, students, jobseekers and staﬀ, have placed their trust in us. Together, we’ve created opportunities, supported careers and helped strengthen communities across Victoria. While much has changed over the years, our purpose remains the same: creating opportunities for people and supporting the workforce needs of employers. Many young people may not have had these opportunities without organisations like Skillinvest. We are grateful for the partnerships that have brought us to this milestone and look forward to continuing that journey together. Darren Webster, Chief executive oﬃcer Skillinvest

Partnership helps build next generation of skilled workers For Wade’s Horsham, employing apprentices and trainees has played an important role in supporting the company’s growth and developing its future workforce. Through its relationship with Skillinvest, Wade’s has employed more than 60 apprentices since 2011 in plumbing, refrigeration, electrical and business roles – some who began as schoolbased apprentices before progressing to higher-level qualiﬁcations. Today, the company has 15 apprentices and trainees, the highest number it has supported at one time. Wade’s Horsham managing director Adam Jolley said Skillinvest’s ongoing support had made it easier for the business to employ apprentices and trainees and develop its future workforce. “The biggest beneﬁt is the support we receive,” he said.

5,846 APPRENTICES & TRAINEES Placed with host employers

The program also built stronger connections between participants and local police members. Of the 146 students who commenced, 79 completed their traineeships – a 54 per cent completion rate, 10 per cent above the national rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices and trainees. The program also produced awardwinning participants and highlighted the impact of collaboration, education and mentorship. Among them was Jaynaya Miller, who won the 2022 Victorian School-Based Trainee of the Year Award and was a finalist at the Australian Training Awards. After completing her traineeship at Warrnambool Police Station, Ms Miller progressed into a Certificate IV in Business traineeship and was again recognised as a Victorian Training Awards finalist in 2023. “I 100 per cent recommend this experience to others. This has changed my life and set me up for my future,” Ms Miller said. “Knowing that I am only 18 and already have a Certificate III in Business and am working on a Certificate IV in Business is unbelievable. It has empowered me to become a great leader, not only to my siblings but for my whole community.” The benefits extended beyond the trainees, with Victoria Police members reporting increased cultural understanding and stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities. Sergeant Stewart Henderson, of Warrandyte, reflected on the program. “Our trainee taught us a lot about Aboriginal culture and where she comes from,” he said. “It helped my team understand more about Aboriginal culture, family groups and how their culture works.”

Wade’s Adam Jolley, back right, and Skillinvest’s Daryl Eastwell, right, with apprentices. “Skillinvest assists with administration, compliance, mentoring and organising trade school. “When we need to recruit, we can make a phone call, explain the type of person we are looking for and receive help ﬁnding suitable candidates. They are always just a phone call away, and that makes the

entire process easier.” The support extends to both Wade’s and its apprentices and trainees, creating what Mr Jolley described as a genuine two-way partnership. “The apprentices receive support as well as us,” he said. “It works both ways and has developed into a good working relationship.”

2,436 LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYEES

During his 29 years with Wade’s, Mr Jolley has seen the business grow from a small team of about six employees and expand its work across heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services. Apprentices and trainees have supported that growth while gaining practical experience, confidence and recognised qualifications. Many have remained with the company after completing their qualification, with about half of Wade’s qualified tradespeople beginning with the business as apprentices, while former business trainees have also progressed into longer-term roles. Among the success stories is Jarred Martin, Wade’s first plumbing apprentice employed through Skillinvest – who went on to establish a successful heating and cooling business of his own.

Forty years in business is certainly a milestone worth recognising. As a board, we are proud of what Skillinvest has achieved over that time and the impact it has had on people, employers and communities across Victoria. While we celebrate this achievement, our focus is ﬁrmly on the future. Guided by our vision of maximising employability through developing people, growing business and supporting industry, we remain committed to creating opportunities, strengthening workforces and supporting vibrant communities for many years to come.

Placed with host employers

RTO CODE 4192 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

David Brennan, chairperson – Skillinvest Board

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

skillinvest.com.au Page 29

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF BUILDING FUTURES 1986-2026

41,494 STUDENTS QUALIFIED In accredited training through Skillinvest and Longerenong College Page 28

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Breaking down barriers

Lasting impact

5,846 APPRENTICES & TRAINEES Placed with host employers

2,436 LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYEES

Placed with host employers

RTO CODE 4192 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

David Brennan, chairperson – Skillinvest Board

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

skillinvest.com.au Page 29

Page 30

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

EPA fines for dump-andburn offences

wo Ararat companies have been fined more than $10,000 by the Environment Protection Authority, EPA, Victoria for dumpand-burn offences. An Ararat construction and earthworks company was fined $10,455 for adding plastic, oil, metal, timber and other waste to what should have been a legal green waste burn-off. Another Ararat company was fined $10,176 after EPA officers used an aerial drone to find construction and demolition waste had been burned and buried The EPA also fined a Melbourne company $10,176 after an EPA inspection blitz on farms in Sunraysia and the Mallee found burnt remains of treated pine posts, metal trellises, wire, plastic items, discarded tyres and mattresses. The environmental watchdog issued the fines for a string of dump-and-burn offences, which occurred within a few weeks, and issued a blunt warning for anyone setting fire to household or industrial waste. EPA executive director operations Rachel Gualano said whether it was carelessness, ignorance or a planned criminal act, burning dumped waste was unlawful.

“Burning waste that should be recycled or sent to an EPA licensed landfill only pollutes the air with smoke, the land with chemical residue, and nearby waterways with tainted runoff,” Ms Gualano said. “And while those responsible might think they saved the cost of proper disposal, anyone with a phone can report it as pollution, leaving the culprit open to a fine or prosecution, plus an order to clean it up at their own expense. “In recent cases, members of the public and unannounced inspections by EPA officers have exposed evidence of burning waste – in some cases while the waste was still smouldering.” EPA receives more than 26,000 pollution reports from the public every year. The leads go to the Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce – a partnership with the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and DEECA – that shares intelligence-gathering and enforcement capacity to tackle illegal dumping on public land. People can report pollution by calling EPA’s hotline on 1300 372 842 or provide information at epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reporting-pollution.

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy 96-98 Firebrace St, Horsham

MON – FRI: 8:30am - 6:00pm SAT – SUN: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Ph: 5382 1019

Open 7 Days

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

WELCOME: Horsham Rural City Council hosted a special ceremony where 18 people became Australian citizens.

New Australian citizens celebrated Horsham Rural City Council welcomed 18 new Australian citizens at a special ceremony last month. The new citizens, who came from Fiji, India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Argentina, the Philippines, Finland and New Zealand, made the Australian Citizenship Pledge in front of their families, friends, invited guests and council representatives at Horsham Civic Centre last month.

Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss and chief executive Gail Gatt led the ceremony, with more than 47 guests joining the new citizens to mark the occasion. Cr Klowss said it was a privilege to formally welcome the municipality’s newest Australian citizens. “It was a very special moment to see our newest citizens take the pledge, surrounded by the family and friends who had shared the

journey with them,” he said. “Our community is shaped by people from many different backgrounds. The experiences, cultures and traditions our newest citizens bring with them add to the character of our region and help make it a welcoming place to live. “We were delighted to celebrate this important milestone with them and officially welcome them as Australian citizens.”

Visit our webiste: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 31

Host of activities for seniors’ festival

‘F

rankly Sinatra – A tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes’ will headline two Victorian Seniors Festival free concerts at Nhill and Horsham. The free shows, tomorrow at Nhill and Friday at Horsham, will be led by music theatre star Ian Stenlake, who will be supported by Michelle Fitzmaurice as Liza Minelli. Hindmarsh Shire Council is also hosting other festival events, including a men’s bus tour and lunch on October 21, with buses collecting travellers from Rainbow, Jeparit and Dimboola before departing from Nhill for sites including Little Desert National Park, Natimuk Climbing Museum and Murtoa Stick Shed. Seniors Rights Victoria will deliver planning ahead sessions, addressing powers of attorney, medical treatment decision-making and advanced care planning at Nhill on October 19 and Jeparit and Dimboola on October 20.

Bookings are required for the Hindmarsh concert, bus trip and planning sessions. People can secure their places by calling the council on 5391 4444. For the Horsham Frankly Sinatra show, at the Church of Christ, people can visit www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1601627.

Historical societies will host open days with free entry and light refreshments; 10am-1pm today, October 7, at Nhill, 10am-1pm October 20 at Rainbow, 10am-1pm October 22 at Jeparit, and 10am-2pm October 23 at Dimboola. The council will continue to host its free activities across the shire, including Rainbow Crochet Corner, weekly Cuppa Connections, Writing Hour and Get Creative at Nhill Library, and Jeparit Knitting Circle. For more information, people can visit the council’s website www.hind marsh.vic.gov.au/Community/Events/ Upcoming-Events or call 5391 4444.

Hindmarsh events

Other events across the Hindmarsh shire include relax, create and relate sessions, which will feature painting, puzzles, clay-modelling and more, with light refreshments and resources provided. The free sessions, with upcoming dates at Jeparit Library 10-11.30am and Rainbow Library 2-3.30pm October 14, do not require registration. Classic movie screenings at 10.30am of Red Dog on October 13 and Yesterday on October 27 will follow 10am morning tea at Nhill Cinema.

Ararat activities

Ararat Rural City Council is planning a range of events in celebration of next month’s Victorian Seniors Festival, with a program packed with opportunities to learn, explore and connect.

This year’s program offers free and affordable events for Victorian Seniors Card holders. Participants can uncover Ararat’s past with guided visits to J-Ward, one of Australia’s most historic mental-health sites, and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, where visitors can explore the role Chinese gold miners played in shaping the region. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour through Langi Morgala Museum, housed in a former wool and grain store and offering a look into the daily lives of early settlers through a collection of artefacts and memorabilia. Ararat Town Hall will showcase a daytime performance from internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Dannielle De Andrea. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said De Andrea would take audiences on a musical journey through jazz standards, American classics, country and soul.

“We’re really pleased to see such a fantastic line-up of events from our local tourism partners for this year’s seniors’ festival. It’s all about giving our seniors great opportunities to get out, try something new, and connect with one another,” he said. “We’ve kept things accessible with plenty of free and low-cost activities for Victorian Seniors Card holders. “It’s going to be a wonderful month, and I really encourage everyone to grab a program, get your tickets booked early, and come join in the fun.” A full program of events is available to view at ararat.vic.gov.au/events, and people can pick up a physical copy from the council’s municipal offices. Bookings are essential for most events, with free admission to select performances and discounted tickets available for concession-card holders.

Donation welcomed Residents at East Grampians Health Service aged care facility 70 Lowe Street will benefit from a recent donation by the Lions Club of Ararat. The club donated $2000, which assisted in purchasing a specialised ‘air’ chair. Residents who spend extended periods of time sitting or lying and require specific mobility aids can use the chair to ensure they remain comfortable. Pressure-relief chairs help to redistribute pressure across the surface of the skin and prevent pressure sores. The donation was facilitated by Lions Club member Mary Schwencke,

NEW CHAIR: East Grampians Health Service 70 Lowe Street acting manager Jazmin Sabo, Lions club members Mary Schwencke and Peter McNeill and staff member Helen McPherson with the new ‘air’ chair donated to the aged care service.

who worked at 70 Lowe Street for more than 11 years, and was keen to give back to the workplace she loved and the residents who lived there. “I used to work there and have kept in touch with everybody,” she said. Facility manager Chris Jordan and staff member Helen McPherson gained feedback from staff, and the air chair was seen as a piece of equipment that would benefit both the patients, and the staff who care for them. “We are very grateful to the Lions Club for donating the money that has enabled us to provide this chair for our residents,” Ms McPherson said.

JOIN OUR TEAM THINK IN

SIDE THE

Administration Professional Planrite is looking for an experienced and organised Administration Professional to join our busy and growing team, on a full-time basis.

BOX FOR ON

IT’S WHA T YOU MA

KE OF IT

We’re seeking someone with a minimum of 5 years administration experience who is highly organised, has excellent attention to detail, and enjoys working in a fast-paced team environment. If you’re keen to join our busy and great team we’d love to hear from you!

Send your resume to:

AILABLE V A S R E N I ED G CONTA LLY PAINT A N R SHIPPIN E T , IN FEET HIGH 9 , G N O EET L

40 F

$4,400

ADDITIONAL SIZES AVAILABLE ON ENQUIRY, CALL FOR OFFER!

Page 32

ADVICE@PLANRITE.COM.AU

31 Darlot Street, Horsham Ph 03 5381 1951 E advice@planrite.com.au W www.planrite.com.au

Planrite Pty Ltd trading as Planrite Advice Group are authorised corporate representatives of Horsham Licensing Services Pty Ltd. AFS Licence 552144; ABN 26 670 780 355

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Your gardening adventure starts at Largest Stock and Best Prices in Town

Nursery open this weekend 9am to 3pm

140 GOLF COURSE RD, HORSHAM General & Nursery Enquiries: 5382 5002 Concreting Enquiries: Kev 0438 820 269

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

HOURS

Your garden is set to flourish this season Soil Yard: 8am-5pm weekdays 9am-3pm weekends Nursery: 9am-4pm weekdays 9am-3pm weekends klmconcretesoil.com.au Page 33

36th Annual Horsham

Brought to you by

The region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayers, parts and accessories

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival advertising feature

Spring into this year’s Horsham garden festival G

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

ardening, lifestyle, live music, food and demonstrations will form part of this weekend’s Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival.

Organiser Graham Gerlach said the twoday event at Horsham Botanic Gardens would showcase about 30 exhibitors. “We have lots of plants outdoor, lifestyles, pottery, horticulture, garden art – a good spread of products and exhibitors,” he said. “Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants will be there, Horsham Paws, Ambulance Victoria with their Shocktober campaign, and CFA is going to do Get Fire Ready. “The historical Horsham photo display that we had last year in the rotunda is going to be there again, with about 100 photos of historical local scenes.” Mr Gerlach said some exhibitors were offering hands-on experiences. “One of the nurseries, Blossom Blend from Jeparit, runs little sessions for kids to learn how to pot plants, and they take it home with them,” he said. “Morgan was there last year with the nursery, and we thought it was a great thing for

kids to do, so she’s back. There will also be a walking tour through the native sections that have been developed at the west end of the gardens.” People can also buy tickets in the raffle, offering three prizes – a $1800 barbecue, $700 wheelbarrow and hamper, and a $500 weed-spray unit. “We will have live music from Leah Briggs. We had her last year and she was great,” Mr Gerlach said. “At lunchtime on Sunday, Horsham City Pipe Band will march in and perform for half an hour or so.” Mr Gerlach said a food court offered people plenty of meal options. “On top of the exhibitors, we have a food court that has everything, from barbecued sausages, to the Spuddy Good van, icecream, coffee, and wine-tasting,” he said. “The gardens are beautiful – they are just pristine at the moment. “We invite people to come along, it starts at 9am both days. We want people to have fun and enjoy.” People can find more information on the festival at the Horsham Spring Garden Festival Facebook page.

OUTDOOR DELIGHTS: Horsham Spring Garden Festival offers plenty to see and do – especially for gardeners. Pictured above at last year’s festival are Drew and Katrina Fraser checking out some plants. Historical photographs will again be on display at the rotunda at the festival. Pictured below at last year’s festival is Emma Langlands pointing to a Hugh Jenkins photo of Langlands store.

OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2026 @ Horsham Botanic Gardens Featuring a vibrant display of blooming flowers, plants and outdoor living displays. Plus, learn more about living a sustainable lifestyle, enjoy the delicious food and get involved in activities.

The festival also includes sustainable lifestyle focused exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices.

R 16 FR

FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

Outdoor Living, Garden, Food and more! Scan here to follow us on Facebook

With special thanks to our sponsors

For enquiries please email: horshamsgf@outlook.com Page 34

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

36th Annual Horsham

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival advertising feature

Brought to you by

The region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayers, parts and accessories

Plant propagation front and centre T

he practicality and appeal of native plants will be a highlight of Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival, with tours of Horsham Botanic Gardens’ native beds and a Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants propagation activity. In a continuing collaboration with Horsham Rural City Council, HRCC, gardens staff, Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants, WGAP, members are establishing Grampians, Little Desert and rare Wimmera plant beds from locally collected and propagated plants. WGAP member Graham Goods said the first association with gardens staff was to establish a Fred Rogers Memorial Walk, after a row of Acacia Pendula was planted to honour the Horsham resident, school-teacher and Australian Plants Society Victoria president. Their most recent planting day included 18 members planting 320 seedlings in about 90 minutes, after council employees prepared the beds on the gardens’ west side. “We’ve got a happy relationship with the staff here,” Mr Goods said. “It’s important to represent other areas’ plants here, as

RARE PLANTINGS: Graham Goods, Ryan Johnstone and Maree Goods in Horsham Botanic Gardens’ rare Wimmera plant bed. They are showing narrow-leaf yellow buttons, Chrysocephalum apiculatum subspecies filifolium, which was commonly grown on Wimmera plans before agricultural clearing.

sometimes people just don’t get to those areas. “We propagated all these ourselves. “Native plants support the whole local ecosystem as well as making the place a pleasant place to live. “There are a lot of small invertebrates – wasps, spiders, flies and bees, and I think ev-

erybody’s pretty keen on native bees – that are supported by natives, then you’ve got the little skinks and geckos and things in amongst the rocks too. “I think it’s our patriotic duty to each grow some Australian plants in our gardens.” HRCC’s Craig Gawith said the gardens showcased a variety of garden beds, contribut-

ed by several designers since being established by English landscape gardener and botanist William Guilfoyle in the 1870s. “A lot of our beds are themed – a number of different curators throughout the gardens’ history all would have put their own stamp on it,” he said. Garden festival attendees can

propagate their own plants to take home. WGAP member Maree Goods said the opportunity was popular last year. “People come in and get their hands dirty – we have disposable gloves – and take home what they’ve done, we will tell them how to care for it after they get home. Last year,

I had a woman who had her two grandchildren, and they did some propagating and took it home,” she said. “She told me the plants were now in her garden. “We hear that sort of thing, that kids are coming on board, and we think that’s great.”

PUT A LITTLE SPRING IN YOUR STEP WITH...

Garden Show Specials INDOOR

OUTDOOR

NATIVES

EDIBLES

Come and check out the great range of plants we have on display

Nursery team onsite to answer all your questions Find us on Facebook & Instagram Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

2 Apricot Avenue, Horsham 03 5382 0473 Page 35

36th Annual Horsham

Brought to you by

The region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayers, parts and accessories

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival advertising feature

Proud supporters of the 2026 Horsham Spring Garden Festival Harvested locally and packed with natural goodness, it’s perfect for your tea, toast, baking, or gifting!

100% PURE

PALETTE OF COLOUR: Wimmera Aquatrail’s Iola Mitchell will showcase the nursery’s range of plants and garden supplies at the Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival across the weekend. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Supplying supplies and know-how Wimmera Aquatrail will showcase a selection of its range, including a host of new plants and seedlings, at Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival this weekend. Wimmera Aquatrail nursery staff member Iola Mitchell, who has worked in the industry for 30 years, said she was looking forward to the festival. “It’s always good – we love people coming in and asking for help or advice, I find that’s

Pure, Local & Delicious

Australian Honey Contact Us Today PH: 0428 825 894

21 Graham’s Bridge Road, Haven, 3400 grampians.honey@bigpond.com

the fun part of it. We will bring a bit of everything to the festival – natives, exotics, trees and pots to show people what we have,” she said. Ms Mitchell said she expected a new delivery of proteas would be popular. “People have been chasing these – we ran out,” she said. “We’ve also got fruit trees just coming back, now we have finished the bare-root season with the deciduous trees, we

have a good range of fruit trees. Tomato plants are also popular, and we have a good range of those, from tall to dwarf, suitable for large or small gardens, beds or pots – tomatoes do really well in pots.” People who make a purchase from Wimmera Aquatrail at the garden festival will receive a $5 voucher to spend at the nursery at a later date.

The region’s one-stop-shop for all p TTI Zero-Turn Trailers Long drawbar for extra-sharp turning – up to 90o – more suitable for zero-turn mowers $690 incl. GST

95 Litres

TTI WeedControlTM 12v 8.3L/min 70psi Pump with Spray Gun 865 x 390 x 435mm (LWH)

$1,275 incl. GST 55 Litres 12v 8.3 with 2m Boom

$1,375 incl. GST 95 Litres 12v 8.3 with 2m Boom

TTI ATV Trailers Large pneumatic tyres for handling rough terrain – suitable for mowers and ATVs $381 incl. GST

16 Litres

$1,005 incl. GST

150 Litres

TTI WeedMaster 16R

TTI WeedControl

Rechargeable Knapsack Sprayer with Trolley Pump: Speed Control with 2.4L/min 70psi

12v 8.3L/min 70psi Pump with Spray Gun 900 x 620 x 500mm (LWH)

$2,920 incl. GST 150 Litres 12v 8.3 with 3m Boom

$3,190 incl. GST 225 Litres 12v 8.3 with 3m Boom

8 Hamilton Road Horsham 3400 Phone: (03) 5382 6103 Website: www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au Page 36

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

36th Annual Horsham

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival advertising feature

Brought to you by

The region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayers, parts and accessories

Helping combat shocking statistics A

mbulance Victoria encourages all people to learn its ‘Call, Push, Shock’ campaign steps to help Victorians survive cardiac arrest – maintaining its title as the state with the country’s best cardiac arrest survival rate.

‘Call, Push, Shock’ encourages people to call triple zero, ‘push’ by starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, and ‘shock’ by using an automated external defibrillator, AED. Horsham paramedic Stuart Mills said the region’s paramedics would again be at the Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle festival to demonstrate the process. “We will have mannequins for people to practise – everyone can have a go, from young kids through to adults, grandparents, carers, anyone who can get down on their knees to do chest compressions can have a go,” he said. “CPR gets the blood pumping round the body – we don’t want to lose any oxygenation of the brain or any of the organs. “So, do compressions and send for help, and if you’ve got availability of a defib, get an early shock on board.” Across the state in the past year, bystanders performed CPR in 80 per cent of witnessed cardiac arrests. There are about 21 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each day. “We also encourage people to sign up as GoodSAM responders,” Mr Mills said. “It’s a free app that alerts people to nearby cardiac arrests, and will show you where all the registered AEDs are, and

if they have 24-hour access. It enables people to attend, perform chest compressions, or grab a defibrillator on the way to do chest compressions. “Especially in rural areas, any early shock and chest compressions is the way to go, to give every heart a chance.” Mr Mills said for every minute that CPR was delayed, survival probability decreased by 10 per cent. “But when CPR and an AED is used before paramedics arrive, it can more than double a person’s chance of survival,” he said. “AEDs are designed to be easy to use, with instructions that guide people through what to do.” Ambulance Services Minister Ingrid Stitt, who launched this year’s Shocktober campaign, said every minute mattered during cardiac arrest. “Shocktober is making sure those minutes matter,” she said. “Victoria has one of the best cardiac survival rates anywhere in the world and that is thanks to our dedicated paramedics and the brave Victorians who step up to save a life.” Mr Mills said people of all ages were welcome to visit Ambulance Victoria’s stand at this weekend’s festival. “Some people find AEDs scary, but at the festival, we will have AEDs on display that people can have a go with and practise their CPR method with our paramedics and ambulance community officers,” he said. “We also welcome people – children and adults – to have a look through the ambulance and ask questions.”

READY TO SHOCK: Garden festival exhibitor Ambulance Victoria will help promote Shocktober. Pictured above is Horsham paramedic Stuart Mills. At last year’s festival, the site received plenty of interest, including left Jacob and Evie Morrow, pictured with Ambulance Victoria team leader Braeden Hyland.

popular farm sprayers, parts & accessories

SMALL Sprayers Offer the same beloved spraying opportunities and vital features as our larger spraying range. Suited for gardens and paddocks of all shapes and sizes.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 37

take a Break

Brought to you by

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 OCTOBER 4 TO OCTOBER 10

1. Born on this day in 1975 was which Australian

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: 20 years ago – October 5, 2006 Chairman of Karkana Support Services Foundation Kerryn Shade thanked the 23 Horsham businesses that sponsored the building of a home on the rural city’s Barnes Boulevard. The sale of the charity house raised money for Karkana. Mr Shade said builder JG King Homes had also provided 22 state sponsors to help cover costs. Mr Shade is pictured with painter Ken Booker, colour consultant Anne Ledger and Karkana Support Services trustees deputy Robyn Lardner. 10 years ago: October 5, 2016

comedian, writer and musician, responsible for

‘Matilda: The Musical’ and ‘Rock ‘n Roll Nerd’? What was the car, with a single letter name, produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927? Joe, Kevin and Nick are better known as what? In the Peter Pan stories, what is pirate captain Hook’s first name – John, Justin or James? Which duet had a hit with song ‘Up Where We Belong’? The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World existed at the same time for a period of about how many years – 750, 50, 250 or 500? What zodiac sign does a person born today, October 7, have? Who is the owner of fictional dog Snowy? Which song by The Beatles uses the national anthem of France as an introduction? Celeste is a shade of which colour? Who said, ‘What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you’? Anthony ‘Tony’ Nelson is a character from which television show? What is the square root of 100? The star Betelgeuse is in which constellation? Dying on this day in 1956 was which American inventor and founder of the modern frozen food industry?

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Organisers of Murtoa’s Big Weekend declared the event a major success, despite challenging weather conditions. The event featured the town’s annual show on the Friday, along with live music, and the new aspect of a pre-loved art sale. More than 50 market stalls and 60 classic cars and motorcycles attracted people on the Saturday morning. Celebrity chef Dani Venn gave a demonstration, while cycling enthusiasts turned out for bicycle relay Tour de Marma.

8. 9.

Five year ago: October 6, 2021

12.

One year ago – October 8, 2025

Warracknabeal’s Josh Berry was gearing up for Bowls Australia Nationals championship in Tasmania after returning from a $150,000 international tournament in New South Wales. Barry, one of the Wimmera’s most decorated para-athletes, said his team performed strongly, finishing 27th of 44 in an all-abilities competition.

13. 14. 15.

Answers: 1. Tim Minchin. 2. T. 3. The Jonas Brothers. 4. James. 5. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. 6. 50. 7. Libra. 8. Tintin. 9. All You Need is Love. 10. Blue. 11. Ralph Waldo Emerson. 12. I Dream of Jeannie. 13. 10. 14. Orion. 15. Clarence Birdseye.

Rupanyup’s Stonehaven Nursing Home was set for a $2.118-million redevelopment, with confirmation of funding for a second stage of a refurbishment project. The second stage included a new kitchen, family and resident community lounge, disability access, ventilation and lighting improvements, and a nurse-call upgrade. The home had 15 bedrooms with 23 residential beds and shared bathrooms. Horsham’s Kurrajong Lodge was also set to benefit from $522,500 in State Government funding to replace heating and cooling systems.

10. 11.

FIVE-DAY forecast Thursday

23° Sunny.

Friday

24°

Showers increasing.

Saturday

19°

Showers.

DIRECTORY

Since 1985

Sales • Service • Installation

www.wadesgp.com.au

NEED MILK? WE DELIVER!

Dave Hayter’s Free measure & quote!

DB-U 39486

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC REGISTERED BUILDER Work Covered: Commercial Projects, New Homes, Extensions, Renovations and Maintenance

Specialisingininhouse house restumping restumping & relevelling. Specialising & relevelling.

HORSHAM

Aaron & Brylee Pope

HORSHAM (03) 53 62 62 62

MILK RUN

• Regular pool servicing • Maintenance checks • Equipment repair & replacement

Call David - 0437 985 319

Mob 0414 825 199

Across town or interstate

WATER CARTAGE

NEED A SKIP?

Clean drinking water delivery 13,000 Litre capacity

Stawell & surrounding areas

www.rowesremovals.com.au

Taking New Clients UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

131 546 www.jimsmowingwv.com.au

Paul Clementson 0493 912 201 clemoscartage@ gmail.com

W: www.jjrichards.com.au

Advertise your business here! an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and

HORSHAM ELECTRICIAN

3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Experienced in all types of electrical; new installs and repairs, offering 24 hour emergency maintenance!

For a small weekly investment you will receive

• Packing supplies

Email slingshotremovals@gmail.com Web: www.sshotremovals.com.au

GOLF CART SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Our mobile service unit comes to you! DEALER

PO BOX 214 NATIMUK VIC 3409 BENPERKINCARTS@GMAIL.COM

CALL BEN 0408 268 424

IN BUS I N E S

Contact The Weekly Advertiser

Phone: 5382 1351

12 month: $45 • 6 month: $47 • 13 week: $50 (all prices ex. GST)

PTY w LTD

Horsham & Districts Garry 0427 054 461

P I N N AC L E PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

Plumbing - Gas Fitting Roofing - General maintenance Gutter cleaning for residential & commercial properties. PINNACLE@PLUMBING-MAINTENANCE.COM

REC. 11963

Celebrating 80 years!

PH: (03) 5382 3238

hopperelectrics.com.au

Got termites?

new home BuildS

That’s Steve Olver, The Termite Man

Renovations - Bathrooms

www.prestonbuilders.com.au www.prestonbuilders.com.au 5313 9720 0428 384 876 admin@prestonbuilders.com.au

Renovations | BBQ’s | Pizza Ovens Garden Features | Retaining Walls Letterboxes | Brick Fencing

OVER 50 YEARS PLUMBING AND MAINTENANCE EXPERIENCE

Hopper Electrics

HORSHAM (03) 5381 0622

– Local, regional, Wimmera & Interstate

Email: abpope@bigpond.com

Mobile: 0429 008Vic507 PO Box 615, Horsham 3402 Ah: 03 5382 1585 Email: abpope@bigpond.com

• Front Lift Bins • Skips • Hook Bins • Wheelie Bins

8 Turnbull DrIVE, Horsham Ph: 03 5381 1300

License No. CDB-U 52415

Furniture Removals • Freight • Pre-packing

DB-L37993

Also specialising in: Document destruction, sanitary/ washroom services, liquid waste and clinical waste

REC. 38099

HORSHAM Ph. 0428 820 175 STAWELL

Mobile:Pope 0429 008 507 Aaron & Brylee Ah: 03 5382 1585

LIC: 41089

Horsham

Sales & Rentals

Residential, Rural & Commercial

Call: 53 822 993

31 O’Callaghans Parade, Horsham Ph: 5381 1131

new

home

Email: admin@termitesolver.com.au

www.termitesolver.com.au

Ph. 0476 125 232 Renovations

www 0428 384 876 a d m i n @ p re st o n b u 140 Golf Course Rd, Horsham BUILDING RELOCATION þ 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m Ph: 5382 5002 (Soil Yard) 5382 6230 (Nursery) HOUSE RELOCATION SPECIALISTS RESTUMPING & 9m bins available

Hire a skip!

Shanan 0448 387 167 Trevor 0418 504 401 bakerbuilders3@bigpond.com

44 GOLF COURSE RD, HORSHAM. PH 0476 125 232 www.wastebusters.com.au

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, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Sales • Service • Installation

www.wadesgp.com.au

Page 45

MULTI MEDIA As part of an all-inclusive

Classifieds RUN IT TILL YOU SELL IT

With The Weekly Advertiser’s Run It Till You Sell It, your classified advertisement will run in the paper every week until you sell the item or six months have passed (conditions apply). Prices start at $33 for the first 12 words or less* *$6 per 4 words thereafter. *This offer is not applicable to businesses. EXTRA OPTIONS Photos $25, colour text $17.

package your advertisement will also appear on the digital version of The Weekly Advertiser located at www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au which is promoted via Facebook on a weekly basis.

DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS: Prices start at $15.00 per single column cm. *Multiple week specials available.

Your classifieds team

GARAGE SALES: $52.25 inc GST includes a display advertisement in the paper and mentions on the radio.

Newspaper classifieds continue to be a trusted marketing tool and The Weekly Advertiser classified staff continue to give you the best customer service. Contact us today via online, phone or in person at our office.

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 remembrance

death notices

Memorial Notices

Birthday Remembrance

SLEEP, Kenneth Graham ‘Ken’

SOUTTER, Brian

Brian Soutter Friday, October 9

Loved Husband of June.

Thinking and missing you on your birthday, Brian. Love and hugs Jeanette

Death Notices BELL, Greta Lynette Passed away 31-8-26 Many special and loving memories. Dear long time friend of Merelyn, respected by Tom.

Loved Father & Father-InLaw of Julie, Paul & Aleysha.

accommodation

Passed away 28-9-26 aged 84 We will miss your Cheekiness, Practical jokes and having a Yarn. You may be gone, but your love and memories we shared will stay with us forever. Loved father, father-in-law of Bob and Sharron. Pop of Kane, Courtney, Jordan and Jacoba. Grandpop of Paisley, Watson and Oakley.

accommodation

Animals & Accessories

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

O’CONNOR, William Thomas ‘Bill’

Passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026 aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of Kath. Loving father and father-inlaw of Peter; Kathryn; Joan & Garry; Brian & Sue; Margie & Ross; Greg & Robyn; Brendan & Dianne. Adored Grandpa to all of his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great granddaughter. “Go Tigers”

RYAN, Michael Andrew 25/3/39 - 4/10/26 Peacefully at home. Dearly loved husband of Elizabeth (Liz) Loved dad of Karen, Glenn, Sandra, Craig & Michael and all their families Funeral details yet to be finalised - see Wimmera Funerals website

Page 46

Funeral Notices O’CONNOR, William Thomas ‘Bill’

Requiem Mass will be oﬀered for the repose of the soul of Bill O’Connor at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Monday, October 12, 2026 commencing at 1pm. At the conclusion of mass the cortege will leave for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery. The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/@ smjchurchhorsham/streams

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with pool table, just $1100! Free $150 fuel card with special booking, call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book, excluding school holidays

2 male Jack Russell's, 8wks old vaccinated vet checked microchipped $1200, microchip no 953010008081317, 953010008081295 Ph 0423182267

Birds for sale, princess *The Weekly Advertiser reserves the right parrots and bourkes, all to accept or refuse advertisements. colours, call for prices Ph Gorgeous Cavoodle 0408535515 Stawell puppies, 2 Ruby Red boys, 2 Black girls and 1 black boy, 8 weeks old, looking for their forever home, located in Stawell, 978142001434621, Bristlenose catfish, great MC 9 7 8 1 4 2001434645, tank cleaners $5ea until sold 978142001434290, out Ph 0474159010 after 978142001434795, 6.30pm 978142001434633 $1800 per puppy Ph 0407665755

Funeral Directors

Our professional staff will ensure your family is provided with the highest level of care available.

Ph 5385 2833 NFDA Member

www.wimmerafunerals.com.au

Ph: 5382 1149 | Email: admin@hdf.com.au SLEEP

The Funeral of Mr. Kenneth Graham ‘Ken’ Sleep will leave the Uniting Church (Anglican Service) Jeparit on Wednesday October 14th, 2026 after a Service commencing at 1pm for the Jeparit Cemetery.

W.B. Gardiner & Son

Funeral Directors Warracknabeal

0407 340 064

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.

Prime beachfront locations, $1200 - $1500 for 7 nights, limited availability, conditions apply Ph 03 5568 2899 to book

MACFIE, Barbara Grampians Health is saddened by the passing of Barbara (Barb) Macﬁe, a valued member of the Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and a much-loved volunteer at the Hospital Op Shop in Horsham. She will be greatly missed. We extend our sincerest condolences to Barb’s family and friends.

Animals & Accessories

Passed 11-10-2018 I’m waiting for your star to fall into my heart, that is where it belongs. Love you, Jeanette.

Loved Pa of Emma, Hannah, Abbey & Brayden.

TAYLOR, Robert Graham

DEADLINE 10am Tuesday before publication, this includes payment and advertisement details.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PERSONAL NOTICES: $12.50 per single column cm.

of Jeparit, on October 2nd, 2026

PAYMENT: Mastercard or Visa card payments via phone or online. Alternatively, cash or eftpos available at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham.

When you pre-arrange your funeral, you’re thinking of your loved ones as well as yourself. When the times comes, it’s a relief to know everything has been taken care of. Pre-arrange your wishes with us

5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au

ABN 16 064 882 042

Animals & Accessories

caravans

REDUCED Golden Retriever X Foxhound puppies, dob 12 July, black/ white markings tricolour, source# MB310162, microchip# 985141011652/ 003/001/ 002/ 000 651/ 999/ 998 $500 Ph 0429486058 Dimboola

caravans 2006 Jayco Dove Outback Camper, rarely used, always garaged, I.S. mattress, annexe, flys, good condition $14,000 Ph 0428535646

2023 Mystic 12' Fantasy Caravan, only been used once, always shedded, $36,000 Ph 0427857354

2009 Jayco Starcraft 20ft, ensuite, A/C, stove, TV, HWS, reg D39115D, $25,000 Ph Compass Caravan 200/14 0417054706 19'6", a/c, toilet/shower, inverter, solar panel, 4 burner stove/oven $20,500 ono Ph 0476601705

2012 Jayco Starcraft 22 ft, rarely used, ensuit, laundry etc, photos available, $28,000 ono call paul ph0438564345 Jayco 2012 18' 6" Expanda, 2 double beds, double single bunk, toilet ,shower, low kilometres, reserve cycle air cond, fridge, microwave & more $32,000 Ph 0408504076

2014 Supreme Executive Caravan, 21' 6", one owner, full ensuite, club lounge dining, full oven, hot plates, fridge, A/C, diesel heater, 2 solar panels, always shedded, excellent condition, regretful sale due to health, inspection welcome $47,000 Ph Jayco Journey Tourer, Pure bred Australian Kelpie, 0428133100 pop-top 17.55.8 2023 model, 'Bailey', beautiful natured duel axle, full ensuite, solar, working dog, great working large fridge, hot and cold dog lines, from Stuart Park water, double bed, awning, ac, Kelpies, very faithful, basic excellent condition $45,000 training, been around sheep Ph 0466237445 but not working yet, needs training, DOB 27/7/2025, not desexed, selling due to cutting back sheep numbers, M/C 2023 Jayco Cross Trak, 972274001675727 $1000 Ph 4.2m 14', Hybrid pop-top, off 0419399684 road suspension, solar, TV, REDUCED Eclectus parrots external shower, diesel heater, Jayco Starcraft 2013, 21', aviary birds only, 2 year olds generator, air con, 2 fridges, one owner, very little use, as and a pair ready to breed, tare 1370, tows behind most new, always shedded, many three pairs $900 per pair Ph vehicles, as new condition added extras $37,000 Ph or text 0492486058 Dimboola $38,000 Ph 0421511754 0427 909 230

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

caravans

REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212

for sale

Chook house, 1500mm wide 1400H x 1200L, nest box attached, keep your chooks 140 bottles of cellared safe from predators, $250 Ph REDUCED Aluminium Ute Red Wine, some up to 20 53583440 Tray, electric/hydraulic tipper, years matured, $2500 Ph Cool room drop-in unit, 1 ram overhauled $1800 Ph 0427581825 horsepower, 10amp plug 0428944462 2 beds, 1 single folds into in, digital control, other chair, 1 double folds into sizes available $1850 Ph REDUCED Beko dryer $200, entertainment unit $200, both couch, steel frame, includes 0417101120 mattresses and cover $150 Coolroom and drop in unit, in excellent condition Ph Jenny 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.4m, 240 volt 53836242 or 0429029215 ono Ph 0447660707 plug in, sliding door, flat pack, $3600 Ph 0417101120

motorcycles

Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000

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

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

for sale

Two antique rattan hand weaved wicker rocking chairs $600 for the both together Ph 0428504301 White outdoor lawn mower, needs starter, and Girntz tilter $600 Ph 0427828420

Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000

household items

Filtrite RC 4500 robotic pool cleaner, cleans walls, 18m power cable $200 Ph 0427852270 Full lift electric chair, pure leather, $350 Ph 0478254195

REDUCED Jayco Silverline 21' 6" 2015, always shedded, slide out queen bed, ensuite, washing machine, many extras, excellent condition $43,000 Ph 0408442497

2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 0429335706

5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner REDUCED Toyota Coaster rockers, blue 2 seater couch, camper, 2 seater, diesel kitchen table, colour tv Ph heater, 1hz motor, solar 0429821820 and 12v awning much more 60+ 78 inch Gramophone $27,500 Ph 0418325662 records, country and western

farm machinery

Ph 0402506858 8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, $1000 Ph 0478254195 ARC Garden Fencing, 20 panels, $1000 Ph 0459027575 Stawell

Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit Krone 8' Cut Disc Mower $9,000, Tonniti Hydraulic lift & fold 12 wheel plus 2 splitter hay rake $8,000, New Holland 658 baler nett & twine $14,000, all in excellent condition, Ph 0429861729

Slasher Leith Rotary Mower Orange model, 18ft, 1000rpm gear box, very good condition $38,500 plus gst Ph 0428894258

for sale Oaten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill

REDUCED Kirby Avalir 100th Anniversary, excellent condition, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, Holden Eight Transistor all attachments (some brand Car Radio, His Masters Voice new) $400 Ph 0429679481 Press Buton Car Radio, Astor Truck Radio on valves, Ph Ride on Mower 42" cut Zero Turn Cub Cadet, 2.5 hrs, 5L of 53824316 or 0419115930 Large amount split cane oil and spare blades $8990 Ph 3pce fly rods, 2pc split cane Evan to inspect 0427740155 rods, 1pc solid split cane rods Ride on Mower, 1978 Toro with reels excellent condition, Groundmaster 72 rebuilt/ D.A.M Quicksilver fly 9.5ft with reconditioned, reconditioned reel, custom built 8ft6" fishing R4 engine renault petrol, new rod with reel, lots of fishing flys seals & bearings in deck, Ph 53824316 radiator cleaned, new belts, Masport Chipper and Spreader, twin blades, blades, brake cables, air never been used, $1000 Ph cleaner element, seat, king pins redone & repainted Ph 0456393984 Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, 0428501109 portable on stand, stainless Second hand black steel tray, electric motor $300 Ph star posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143 0428944143 Multiple items - Swing saw, Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne new belts, 39" blade with grated and pickled, round bench, Kohler motor rec, 2 old lawn mowers, good goers, bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 chainsaws all in good cond, all hydraulic cylinders 18"x2.5" makes, 10 speed mens bike, Ph 0407911884 ex cond, 80ltr car fridge, in cooler bag, new, never used, make an offer Ph 0429824055

Avery 6 inch Chrome and Wood, Avery 7 inch Chrome and Wood, Mitchell 3390, Ocean City 165 USA, Penn Longreach 68 USA, Mitchell Garcia 386, Penn Senator Game, Dam Quick 22A Ph 53824316, 0419115930 New hand crocheted knee Balansa and Clover and rugs, approx 90cm square, all oats hay rolls, ME 8.8, protien colours $20 Ph 0402506858

6.3 and DND 60.8, feed test New TTI diesel tank 100L available $77 inc each Ph plus $300 of diesel free $1300 0429388438 0400603022 Bicycles, Geeko boys bike Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 Ph 0429821541 12" $10, Mens Trek mountain bike $50, Ladies Avanti Oaten hay rolls for sale,4' 6 X 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw Discovery 27 Speed as new 0427105591 Balmoral $300, Unisex Trek 'Legal' Pallet Jack crown, very little E-Bike Bosch Electrics, use from new, asking $400 Ph hydraulic disc brakes, as new, 0421791492 Stawell cost $4k + selling for $2900 Parsnip seed, professionally Ph 0427617677 Horsham cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat Cattle yards, 10 panels, 0427822455 2 gates, 1 head bail, 1 Portable air compressor, backing gate, 1 L. ramp Ph new, very handy machine $1500 firm Ph 0407340961 0419007741

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Yamaha XT600 1985, very good condition, new tyres, low 1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, kms, can be registered $5000 RWC, BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 10am-7pm Ph 0439377524 Black 6 piece dining setting in good condition $200, large

motor vehicle accessories

wooden rimmed mirror $85, New TC Boxes 900mm a number of pictures and tapered under tray alloy painting ranging from $10-$30, toolbox (pair) Ph 0400387895

2018 Holden Equinox, 4 brand new tyres, one elderly Motor Vehicles Ararat owner, excellent condition, $3000 - $10,000 towbar fitted and never used, Ford 2005 XR6, BA Falcon, new battery, will come with MOBILITY AIDS roadworthy, 2 month RWC, 55,000kms $19,500 rego, 1HI7QS $4990 Ph ono Ph 0428573808 Sectorcare walker 8" wheels 0422444750 with cane holder brand only Motor Vehicles open to offers Ph 0409312294

over $20,000

used once $100 Ph 0353 583206

marine motorcycles

2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all factory original 9600kms, 10

month

rego,

meets

requirements for club plates, YB-122 $8,000 Ph or text 0417561843 leave a message,

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: 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.

2006 Toyota Landcruiser 100 series Wagon, grey metallic, auto, 4 x 4, UHF & dual battery, engine: 1HD0299671, will come with RWC, rego due 18/7/27, 514,000 kms, WBF010 $30,000 Ph 0427704880 2014 Toyota Prado, GX 4x4, RWC, reg til Oct, 1BJ6BL $24,000 Ph 0409954335

St. Arnaud, all offers will be considered

garage sales Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

160 Dooen Road, Horsham

Saturday, October 10 8am to 1pm

Stromberg Carlson Radio, ex cond Ph 53824316 or 0419115930

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Shed items, including: Assorted hand & power tools, x 8 fishing rods & lures, “icytek” cool box, kayak, camping gear, storage items for a man cave!

CASH ONLY

2024 Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo (AWD) black, top of the range model, 4 cyl 2.5L petrol, immaculate condition inside & out, one owner and bought new, full service history, very lows kms, always shedded, rego until April 2027, selling due to upsizing, 22,000kms, CJD990 $44,000 0428173144 Page 47

motor vehicles 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.

Expressions of Interest

wanted to buy Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph 0427506552 Gear box from a grain auger

Public Notices

Fire Prevention Contractor

Catalogue distributors wanted

Expressions of Interest

Ph 0421791492 Stawell Classified

Northern Grampians Shire Council invites quotes from suitably qualified and experienced organisations for the position of NGSC Fire Prevention Contractor/s.

Advertisement Looking for a 2 bedroom small

country

homeRemember Ph a Local The successful candidate/s undertake slashing and clean-up of – Help Name a Road or awill Place

model

March each year.

To be commemorated, the person will: or via council’s website, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Council/ shire.vic.gov.au • be deceased Interest. • have left a Council-tenders/Fire-Prevention-Contractor-Expressions-oflasting legacy • have a long association with the nominated area.

LP Records, prefer 60's,

The deadline for lodgement of quotations is 5pm, Friday 23 October, 2026.

70's, 80's and rabbit traps Ph

BRENT MCALISTER

• Horsham • Stawell • Ararat

Your nomination could helpEXECUTIVE name the newOFFICER road. All submissions will be added to council’s official Name Bank CHIEF to be considered for future naming opportunities. Find out more and submit your nomination today at engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place

you have a nomination for our road naming, please contact ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au Old bottles, marble Ifbottles

ginger, beer bottles, torpedo

(Map below of unnamed road)

Motor Vehicles over $20,000 Kia Seltos 2020, sport auto 2wd, SUV, 1 owner, excellent condition, warranty and reg to may 2027, steel-gray with black interior, no accidents or damage, RWC supplied, RIT4GT, 39,100kms $23,750 Ph 0418541300

4WD Trailer 6x4 with cage. Registered till may 2027 No longer in use. $500 ono. ph 0407 251 965

Personals Wanted, 49+ year old lady for serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman from Horsham, interests are reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming Ph 0491230835

Trades & Services Keyte's mowing service, lawn mowing, block slashing Ph 0429309491 or 53826461

bottles,

demijohns

0448943498 Ad type

accessories,

from

Date

single Format

Goroke 10am LR Natimuk 10am HC Vectis 10am LR Dimboola 10am LR

Come and hear from the candidates for the upcoming Victorian election.

The Weekly Advertiser

Stawell Times News, The Weekly Advertiser

4/6/2025 or 6/6/2025 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ivehub.com.au

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 6PM

AT THE HORSHAM SPORTS & COMMUNITY CLUB RSVP OR MORE INFORMATION: TOMH@WRSA.ORG.AU OR 0429 530 536

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Public Notices

Mental health contacts

Horsham

Open Mon-Sat

0455 187 842

Lifeline _____________________ 13 11 14 1800Respect _____________ 1800 737 732 MensLine _______________ 1300 789 978 Suicide Callback Service ____ 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue _____________ 1300 224 636 Kids Helpline _____________ 1800 55 1800 Headspace ______________ 1800 650 890 Mental Health Access Line ___ 1800 011 511 13YARN Crisis Line ____________ 13 96 76

No Texts

wanted Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 cubic metre, to fit Victory 280E Ph 5385 2628 after 7.30pm

wanted to buy

Page 48

Sunday, 11th October

Monica Revell Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

Male Masseur

Caper trailer tent top, to fit 7ft x 5" Walkabout trailer Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

2 Column

EXTERNAL MEMBER – AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE template Hindmarsh Shire CouncilAsisperseeking expressions of interest items to bulk estate Logo sales, Council Purchasefrom Order Number a suitably qualifiedTBC individual to be appointed as an $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph external member to Council’s Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the 2024 to 2028 Council term. 0407163900 The Audit and Risk Committee is an independent Advisory Committee established in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 to provide oversight and Public Notices appropriate advice to Council on the effective conduct of its responsibilities for financial and performance reporting, risk management and fraud prevention, internal controls and facilitating the organisations ethical and sustainable development. About You We are seeking applicants with strong business acumen, understanding of Hindmarsh Shire Council’s rural context, demonstrated professionalism, substantial experience in private sector business management, and a practical, stakeholder-focused lens. External members are required to demonstrate experience in the fields of finance, risk, governance, audit, and/or public sector management. A copy of the Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Terms of Reference which clearly set out the Committee’s roles and responsibilities is available from Council’s website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/council-committees. Expressions of interest, detailing background and experience and an understanding of the Committee’s duties and responsibilities as detailed in the Audit and Risk Committee Charter are to be in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 250, Nhill or emailed to hr@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au, and be received by 12 noon on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Any questions regarding the position can be directed to Janelle Reichelt, Manager People and Performance, at jreichelt@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or by phone at 03 5391 4444.

A GREAT MASSAGE

Bellhousing from straight 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph 0421791492 Stawell

Smartphone required

Public Notice

Name of Publication radio, CB Radio and related

Rose Pruning, many years experience, call to book, can travel Ph Max 0417824141

30 or 40 tonne vertical/ horizontal wood splitter in good condition Ph 0429018879 Ararat

Weekly pay

Wanted to buy, Amateur Ad size

Victorian State Election Candidates Forum

See us on Facebook - All Welcome

Contributions might include work in community service, healthcare, science, sport, architecture, military service, the arts or volunteering.

0400017344

Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish

At the Warracknabeal Community Centre, Anzac Park, Warracknabeal

individuals who have helped shape our lives, especially those from under-represented groups including

women, First Peoples and multicultural communities. International Quotations are to be submitted electronically, either by email to mfpo@ng-

tractor Ph 0428483286

Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association Inc.

Monday, October 26 6pm for Sausage Sizzle 7pm start

The State works are usually required to beinitiative performed and part of the Victorian Government’s Remember a Local to namebetween places, weDecember are inviting you to Louver cabin to suitAs early nominate someone who has made a lasting impact on our community. This is a special opportunity to honour

60's

Public Notices

Opportunities to ask questions.

non-compliant properties (properties that fail to comply with a Fire PreCouncil currently has a road that needs naming, and we are calling on the community to help commemorate a vention Notice) for fire prevention. local hero.

0411801581

Public Notices

LEAVE NO ONE IN NEED

Black Dog Institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe.org.au Indigenous supports www.wellmob.org.au

Please donate now

RED SHIELD APPEAL salvationarmy.org.au

The Weekly Advertiser

@theweeklyaddy

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

www.ontgroup.com.au

DUE TO COMPANY GROWTH WE HAVE MULTIPLE VACANCIES FOR HC & MC DRIVERS

Christian Devotion October 7 According to NASA, the observable universe is estimated to be about 92 billion light-years across. That’s a mindbending figure to comprehend and is only an educated guess of what we can see, let alone what else could be out there. With almost no light pollution the Wimmera experiences some spectacular views of the starry night skies. When was the last time you stopped to look up and enjoy it? Many who pause to enjoy the cosmos find themselves pondering the deeper questions of life. Have you ever wondered where it all came from? Consider the opening words of the Bible, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 The Bible teaches that planet earth and every visible thing in the cosmos is an incredible act of intelligent design. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1. In the opening two chapters of the Bible you’ll see the story of creation. God created the world in six literal days, and He rested on the seventh day so He could spend time with the people He loves. Many today feel that God is distant and far oﬀ. Some might believe there is a God but feel that He isn’t interested in their lives. My friend, nothing could be further from the truth. In the eyes of God you are a priceless treasure, all heaven is interested in your life. God loves you more than words can tell. So next time you find yourself outside looking up at the stars, remember there is a loving creator God looking forward to hearing your voice. Pr Jaiden Green – Horsham, Stawell and Nhill Seventh-day Adventist Churches

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Public Notices

situations vacant

situations vacant PART-TIME – MATERNITY LEAVE CONTRACT

READ

JOIN OUR TEAM

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Environmental Health Officer Permanent Full Time (Part Time by negotiation) Salary commencing at $96,759 per annum Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

ONLINE AT www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/ readonline

! ee r F r o f ibe

Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or visit our website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council You can also contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444. You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

Part Time Driver/Wool Presser AWN Wimmera are seeking a casual or permanent part-time Driver/Wool Presser to join the team out of the Horsham Wool Store AWN are a privately owned Australian business committed to delivering the highest level of service to our clients across wool, livestock and property

Applicants should ideally possess the following attributes Have a current car license with a minimum of a medium rigid truck classification preferred Be physically fit and able to manoeuvre large wool bales Have a base knowledge of agriculture and more specifically, wool production A current forklift license is preferred but not essential The ability to identify differing wool types is preferred

Are you looking for a challenging administration role in a fun, team environment? Do you enjoy routine and have good attention to detail? This might be the next administration job for you!

The role will include accurately scheduling commercial airtime and radio station promotions using the company’s online computerised advertising trafﬁc control system. You will work closely with our sales marketing team and programming team to ensure that the radio station offers an efﬁcient service for our radio clients and agencies. This role will also include some receptionist duties such as phone answering and general customer service. Ideally the successful applicant should possess the following attributes:

This position is ideal for someone who has previous administration skills including accounts and someone with adequate IT skills. To apply or for more information please phone Olivia 5382 1351 or email olenehan@aceradio.com.au ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

We can help!

Place your situation vacant advertisement in

Need help spreading the word? Call The Weekly Advertiser on 03 5382 1351 or email

weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

01608T-2408

Applications should be sent to mphelan@awn.net accompanied by a cover letter and resume, closing Friday the 9th October For further information please contact Wimmera Area Manager Michael Phelan 0427 987 001

3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser is seeking a reliable and self-motivated person to join our administration team.

• Willingness to learn and use relevant in-house trafﬁc management software • Excellent administration, communication and organisational skills • Attention to detail • Ability to analyse and interpret data • Ability to work independently but also as part of a team • Self-motivated, ability to prioritise work and show problem solving skills • Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet deadlines

Subscr

situations vacant

ADMINISTRATION POSITION

The Weekly Advertiser

Looking for staff?

@theweeklyaddy

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. Telephone: (03) 5382 1351 Email: horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

...WE’RE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

situations vacant

NEWSPAPER WALKERS WANTED We’re looking for people to deliver

IN HORSHAM & DIMBOOLA Earn some extra cash on Wednesdays with flexible runs available! To find out more contact Shannon: email horsham.distribution@gmail.com or phone/text 0438 064 269 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 49

sport

Brought to you by

The Morning Rush

Weekdays from 6am on

Tracey builds a bridge for inclusion H

elping build a bridge between Nhill Sporting Club and the town’s Karen community has earnt Tigers volunteer Tracey Bell AFL Victoria’s National Diversity Ambassador of the Year award for 2026.

The accolade allowed Mrs Bell to attend the AFL grand final, participate in the AFL grand final parade, and attend an awards function in Melbourne. Mrs Bell said she was shocked to be notified that she had won the award. She said she was one of a few people at the club to help foster a connection with Nhill’s Karen community – a feat that had reaped rewards for the Tigers’ junior program, particularly the achievement of winning the Wimmera league’s under-14 premiership this year. But Mrs Bell’s work began long before any grand finals, having forged relationships over the past decade. “It certainly had some challenges, with language barriers probably the largest one,” she said. “I suppose the Karen traditions and

their values are probably a little bit different to what our Australian ones are, so that’s probably the biggest barrier to start with. “But trying to get the kids involved actually wasn’t difficult – it was just getting them there, turning up to training, getting them to game days in particular in the initial stages was difficult. Over the years, Mrs Bell has provided opportunities for many people to become involved in the club, from guiding people through their initial registration with the club, connecting people from the community to the club, and providing consistent transport opportunities for these people to and from games. Karen players now make up almost half the total junior registrations at the club, helping keep the club alive at a time when it was facing various sustainability challenges. Mrs Bell recalled a story of one boy who she had organised to play his first game of football but the language barrier had caused confusion on where he should go to.

Tracey Bell with the 2026 AFL premiership cup “He’d ridden his bike to the football ground, not realising that we were picking him up from his house and when we went there, grandma couldn’t talk to us either so he missed out on his first game of footy,” she said. “Since then, that could’ve been a real barrier for him and he could have

just said ‘I’m not doing that again’ but I think the resilience of the kids is pretty amazing. “And the families are very trusting as well – just to let their kids go and let them go on Saturdays.” Mrs Bell, a qualified Auslan teacher who has worked at both primary and secondary levels, had also used her school connections and her own children to help with communication and connection. This year she also executed a plan that led to a deaf teenager play safely in the under-17 competition, liaising with the league, umpires, opposition coaches and the family to ensure the opportunity could take place. “He doesn’t speak English or Karen, he doesn’t actually speak, and he also can’t hear, obviously, but even his language, he doesn’t know Auslan – he’s just got a constructed sign language that he’s developed to get by,” she said. “He communicates with the other kids on his phone with emojis, which is just really good, and all the kids his age, they just embrace it and they help

him get along to trainings, to sport. I think it is a real win for our club and a real positive step forward for us because including somebody who might otherwise have no opportunity to play, I think that’s an amazing feat by our club and everyone involved even in the league. “I spoke to the umpires and opposition coaches and players and we developed some strategies, and everybody was more than willing to let him have a go and play safely, and just enjoy footy like everybody else, which was pretty cool.” Mrs Bell said lots of families at the club help with transporting and assisting the Karen players when they could. “The kids are just so eager to get out and have fun. There are always kids at the footy oval, whether it’s Karen kids or local kids,” she said. “Sport is a really good bridge for that, and they’re all just there for the common reason to have fun and play a sport that they love and play with their mates – it’s pretty simple really.”

Long-distance champions Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s penultimate weekend of racing featured the ‘500 mile’ – or 800 kilometre – race, one that most members strive to win above all others. Bourke, NSW, was this year’s release point, with 14 members entering 223 of their ‘distance’ bloodlines for the Saturday event. Released at 6.20am, the flock was initially assisted by a modest northnorth-east breeze of seven kilometres an hour, which was short-lived, as later in the morning the winds swung from a 15kmh west-north-west to a 20kmh south-south-west. At Horsham for much of the afternoon a southerly of 18kmh prevailed, gusting at 30kmh. The headwind towards the last half of the flight path served to slow the release down to an average velocity of below 50kmh overall. The eventual winner and secondplaced pigeons averaged 51kmh to arrive to their home lofts on Sunday morning. Four pigeons owned by Rob Nelson and John Muszkieta led the field to

arrive at 9.14am on Sunday. Nelson’s lead pigeon, flying a further 2.6km, was the eventual winner, with Muszkieta’s first of three taking second place. The winning velocity was 853 metres a minute; second was 851m/m; all four pigeons were worthy of being titled a winner. Bill Hartigan’s third-placed pigeon averaged 796m/m to round out the placings. Not to be outdone, a Muszkieta pigeon was first home in the second long-distance race, from Cunnamulla, a 1020km distance flight. The winning velocity was 814m/m ahead of Leigh Arnott’s second-placed pigeon which averaged the 1020kmh at 750m/m. Third was the McPhee family’s leading entry at 696m/m. The club will host two more races to complete this year’s race season. Both races will be on the north line, being from Tibooburra and Packsaddle, both NSW. The first was scheduled for Monday, October 4.

SEASON CONTINUES: Horsham pigeon racing enthusiasts Brian Muszkieta and Rob Nelson with their champion birds. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

STAWELL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

WE ARE MOVING Stawell Family Chiropractic Centre formerly Bower’s Chiropractic Centre is moving to a new place. From September 28, the practice will be situated at 34 SLOANE ST, STAWELL with Browne Psychology.

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD THIS SEASON • Heel pain • Achilles injuries

Phone 0459 754 223 for your appointment

• Ankle injuries • Fractures • Shin splints

Same great team – Pauline, Dade, Michelle and Lynda look forward to seeing you there!

Dr. Pauline Walsh Dr. Dade Gardiner

22 Pynsent Street Horsham

NEW ADDRESS: 34 Sloane Street, Stawell 3380 | Phone: 0459 754 223

www.elitepodcentre.com.au

B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP

Page 50

Opposite Horsham Centre Cinema

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

sport

Brought to you by

The Morning Crew

Weekdays from 6am to 9am on

Parkers pick up where they left off BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Results

espite splitting into two teams for the 2026-27 season, Central Park showed it will remain a force in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s pennant competition with a pair of dominant round one wins.

The Parkers claimed last season’s pennant as a united side, but are this season fielding Central Park Blue and Central Park White sides. Each took on an opponent from Horsham Lawn – Blue playing Horsham Lawn O’Connor and White taking on Horsham Lawn Savage – after Lawn also split its pennant side. The Parkers posted a pair of handy wins, with Blue defeating Lawn O’Connor 8-80 to 4-61 and White downing Lawn Savage 9-92 to 3-66. Under a new format comprising six singles and six doubles rubbers, Central Park Blue was tested in the early going by Lawn O’Connor. A one-two men’s pairing of Harry Allan and Matt Jones defeated Lawn’s August Koch and Aiden Reinheimer, but on the women’s side of the draw Cherie and Sienna Wood pulled out a tough 8-7 tiebreak win against Parkers Eve Wear and Emma Streeter. The opening singles rubbers were similarly split, with Lawn O’Connor’s Graeme Wood defeating Parker Yassasri Sumanapala 8-2 while Parker Misha Wear downed Daniella Gillespie by the same score to level proceedings. After the one and three men’s and women’s pairings were split, with the

Seniors

Pennant: Central Park Blue 8-80 d Horsham Lawn O’Connor 4-61; Central Park White 9-92 d Horsham Lawn Savage 3-66; St Michaels 11-92 d Kalkee 1-50. A Special: Haven-Drung South 10103 d Brimpaen 4-79; Natimuk 8-80 d Central Park 6-71. A Grade: St Michaels 9-86 d Haven-Drung South 3-67; Horsham Lawn Ahern 12-96 d Laharum 0-0; Horsham Lawn Tigers 9-82 d Horsham Lawn Massey 3-66; Central Park 1193 d Homers 1-43. B Special: Haven-Drung South 1076 d Natimuk 6-57; Central Park Blue 10-85 d Central Park White 6-56; Horsham Lawn McGennisken 10-80 d Horsham Lawn Bardell 6-60.

EYES ON THE BALL: Horsham Lawn O’Connor’s Daniella Gillespie and Central Park White’s Tara McIntyre in action on Saturday. Pictures: KAREN REES Parkers’ men winning 8-6 and Lawn’s women triumphing by the same score, it was the second doubles frame that turned the day decisively in Central Park Blue’s favour. Jones beat Reinheimer 8-2 and Streeter was too strong for Sienna Wood in an 8-3 win. From there it was largely one-way traffic, with the exception of a late 8-1 doubles win from Wood and Gillespie against Streeter and Wear. In Central Park White’s win against

Lawn Savage, the 9-3 set scorelined belied some competitive early rubbers. Simon Bardell and Frazer Shurdington got White off to a good start with a tiebreak win against Lachlan Punchard and Joel Boyd, but Dylan Thompson struck back for Lawn Savage in the men’s singles with an 8-7 win against Nathan Jensz. Jensz was involved in another tiebreak in his first doubles set, this time coming out on top alongside Bar-

dell against Punchard and Thompson. A third tiebreak set went against Jensz when he teamed with Shurdington, coming up just short against Thompson and Boyd. But the outcome mattered little, with the Parkers holding the ascendancy on the women’s side of the draw. Lydi Boyd was the only woman to break through for Lawn Savage, defeating Tara McIntyre 8-6 in their singles rubber. St Michaels topped Kalkee in the

most one-sided match of the round, at Kalkee, winning 11-92 to 1-50. Eli Bailey and Steve Schultz got the Saints off to a good start with an 8-5 doubles win against Kees Jeff and Jordan Friberg. The Kees struck back in opening women’s doubles rubber, with Keeley Schultz and Meaghan Pohlner besting Mia Rees and Violet McGennisken 8-4. But despite some competitive play, it was Kalkee’s only set win for the day. Round two this week will see the Saints attempt to replicate their strong form at home against Central Park White. Horsham Lawn Savage will host Central Park Blue, and Horsham Lawn O’Connor will welcome a travelling Kalkee.

Take two for region’s cricketers

FOCUSSED: Central Park Blue’s Harry Allan won his three sets in the opening round against Horsham Lawn O’Connor on Saturday.

A wet weekend across the Wimmera saw Horsham Cricket Association’s scheduled first round of A and B grade competition rained out. With the slated round of one-day matches to open the season abandoned, A Grade will instead commence with two-day matches starting this weekend. Reigning premier West Wimmera will host Donald-Jeffcott at Nhill’s Davis Park, while Noradjuha-Toolondo will travel to play Laharum in a rematch of last season’s semi final. Horsham Tigers will be at their Dimboola Road Oval home against Swifts-Great Western, with Southern Mallee Eagles set to host Homers at Brim Recreation Reserve. Lubeck-Murtoa will play host to Colts at Murtoa to close out the round. The round marks the first of six

consecutive two-day matches prior to a Christmas-New Year break, with the next one-day rounds scheduled for rounds eight through 10 when play resumes in January. It marks an uptick in the number of two-day matches in the A Grade competition, with the association last year scheduling four two-day rounds compared to nine one-day rounds. With round one abandoned, this season will see A Grade play nine two-day rounds and three one-day rounds.

Other grades

B Grade play was also abandoned at the weekend. The competition will also commence its allotment of two-day games this weekend, with SwiftsGreat Western hosting West Wimmera at Central Park, Rup-Minyip

hosting Horsham Tigers at Minyip, Noradjuha-Toolondo welcoming Donald-Jeffcott to Noradjuha Recreation Reserve and Horsham Saints travelling to play St Mary’s at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park. The association has also published draws for its under-16.5 and under-14 junior competitions. The under-16.5 season will commence on Friday, October 16, with Dunmunkle Renegades hosting Noradjuha-Toolondo at Minyip and Blackheath-Dimboola taking on Swifts-Great Western at Dimboola’s Les Howland Oval. In the under-14s, beginning on Saturday, October 17, the Bullants will host Dunmunkle Renegades, Southern Mallee Eagles will welcome Blackheath-Dimboola to Brim and Horsham Tigers are at home to West Wimmera.

WE drive right past you... • Front Lift Bins • Skips • Hook Bins • Wheelie Bins Wednesday, October 7, 2026

8 Turnbull Dr, Horsham Ph: 03 5381 1300 w: www.jjrichards.com.au E: operations.horsham@jjswastecom.au

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 51

sport

Brought to you by

The Morning Rush

Weekdays from 6am on

Call to arms V

BY DAVID BERRY

olleyball Horsham’s Big Smash ’26 on next Sunday, October 18, will showcase its junior members’ skills on a day specifically for them.

While the spotlight will focus on the juniors, the day will be dedicated to Latrobe Valley volleyball’s Fieldsend family, following the tragic passing of Tenesha on the way home from the Junior Country Champs in Horsham last month. Volleyball Horsham vice-president Laelah Robertson said last year’s Big Smash was a great success and she hoped this year’s will be even bigger. “The Volleyball Horsham community has been super brilliant over the journey when a call to arms has been raised, and we are hoping the same will occur again, as we do our best for a volleyball family doing it tough,” she said. Robertson said any form of assistance would be greatly appreciated throughout the day. “The registrations have been rolling in nicely from the kids, with numbers at about halfway, so now we are asking the community to donate anything they wish that can be sold on the day,” she said. “Last year we had cake stalls, homemade biscuits and slices as

well as a raffle and barbecue, so we’re looking at doing the same again at minimum. “A major raffle will be held where one lucky winner can win a 50th anniversary gift pack worth over $300, while we will have spot prizes throughout the day.” Robertson said the beauty of the Big Smash was that it was not just about winning but more about encouraging youngsters to enjoy being with competitors they didn’t normally get to play with. “We’re looking for a minimum of 48 players to register, so we can form eight teams with those teams split into two pools of four where they will play a Lightning Spike format of three 20-minute games, then quarter, semis and medal matches,” she said. “Lightning Spikes are always great fun especially when the clock gets down to the last minute of play, so we’re hoping for the same again.” Robertson said all donations were welcome not just those from the Volleyball Horsham community. “We will welcome anything from anyone as we know the community we are a part of has a great heart,” she said. The Big Smash registration QR code is on the Volleyball Horsham socials, or enquiries can be directed to info@volleyballhorsham.com.au.

PRESTIGIOUS WIN: Horsham City Bowling Club’s Prestige two-bowl triples on Sunday attracted 28 teams from clubs across the Mallee, Wimmera and Ballarat regions. The tournament was won by a Victorian Bowls Club team from Ballarat, pictured top, Govan Bellinger, Shaun O’Loughlin and Dante Prenc. Runners-up was the Stawell Golf Club team of Bryan Adamson, Rob Gibson and Kylie Adamson, pictured left, who defeated fellow club members Rod Richard, Peter Walker and Andrew Reading.

Footballers win state squad selection Three footballers from the Wimmera-Grampians region will represent Victoria after being picked in squads for this year’s all-abilities AFL Open tournament. Wimmera Whippets’ Rachel Werner was picked for the Victorian women’s

team to compete at the tournament, while former Whippet Sam Hudson won selection in the men’s side. Leading Hudson’s squad will be Grampians Giants player Lachlan Lee, who was given the honour of captaining the side.

The AFL Open tournament will begin on Monday at Melbourne’s La Trobe University. People can find more information at play.afl/play/local-footy/disabilityinclusion/national-events.

OFFER ENDS SOON!

1.11

% P.A. *

Finance on 5 & 6 Series Tractors

SMART SOLUTIONS TO STAY AHEAD *Conditions apply. John Deere Financial Limited. Approved commercial applicants only. Based on 30% deposit, GST back and 48-month term. In stock units only. Fees and charges apply. Expires on 31/10/2026. Other terms and rates are available.

Your local, Australian-owned, John Deere dealership 1300 628 596 emmetts.com.au Page 52

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Brought to you by

The Morning Crew

Weekdays from 6am to 9am on

sport PROMISING FUTURE: Stawell’s Chloe Formosa is one of 12 junior golfers to be selected in a Wimmera District Golf Association squad to play in the Golf Australia Junior Country Regions event.

IRRIGATION / PUMPS / WATER SOLUTIONS

OCTOBER

LAWN CARE SCHEDULE

r u o N Y t e G LAWN O

Juniors selected

he Wimmera District Golf Association will make its long-awaited return to junior representative competition later this month, announcing its squad of 12 junior golfers for the Golf Australia Junior Country Regions event.

Taking place at Terang Golf Club on October 17 and 18, the Wimmera will take on other districts from across country Victoria over 36 holes in the team event, with individual trophies also up for grabs. This year’s squad selection follows an absence of several years from representative golf. The talent in the squad, which includes golfers from clubs spanning the Wimmera region, features several players beginning their golfing careers, demonstrating the rising interest in golf among younger players and a promising future for golf in the region. For players like Stawell’s Chloe Formosa, the chance to represent the Wimmera for the first time is significant. The 2025 junior district champion will lead the charge for the Wimmera in what will be her last year of eligibility for junior events. Chloe said she was looking forward to playing at a different course, having never played at Terang before. “However, I’m most looking forward to representing the Wimmera District and competing against so many talented juniors from other districts,” she said. Since taking up the game at 12 years old, Chloe has taken her game to great heights, including participating in a West Victorian Academy of

Sport golf program in Ballarat. Chloe said started playing golf when she was looking for an alternative sport to netball. “Mum looked around for programs and saw that there was one being run in Ararat,” she said. “That happened five years ago when I was 12, and I never expected golf to play such an integral part in my life today. “However, I’m so passionate about it and couldn’t see myself playing any other sport.” Chloe said she loved the golf community. “You meet so many different people of all ages and create friendships that otherwise may have never happened. But I also enjoy the personal side of golf,” she said. “Yes, you are playing and competing against other people but you can only rely on yourself. You constantly compare yourself with your last game and try your hardest to push yourself to be better.” The district plans to build on the selection of this year’s squad to expand the program into a year-long academy in 2027 supported by several junior district events and a junior order of merit. The 2026 Wimmera District Junior Golf Squad: Taite Beattie, Nhill Golf Club; Lenny Carter, Horsham Golf Club; Oscar Clarke, Rainbow Golf Club; Chloe Formosa, Stawell Golf Club; Eli Friend, Horsham Golf Club; Ned Jones, Hopetoun Golf Club; Charlie McCurdy, Minyip Golf Club; Jett Rabone, Kaniva Golf Club; Hunter Schmidt, Horsham Golf Club; Chase Talbot, Minyip Golf Club; Judd Uebergang, Horsham Golf Club; and Ranger Uebergang, Horsham Golf Club.

IRRIGATION SERVICE & MAINTENANCE AVAILABLE

WEEK 3 1

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

During its 20 years, the event has been held at every greens course in the Wimmera district - a region encompassing 27 greens and sandgreen clubs from Hopetoun to Ararat and across to the South Australia border. “This year is a very special event as it marks the 20th anniversary of Jimmy’s passing - Jimmy was a fantastic advocate for junior golf so honouring Jimmy with his own event was a given as this event gives us the opportunity to help our juniors make their mark in this game,” Mr English said. It is fitting the impact of Mr Bates’ legacy will be on show later this month as the Wimmera District makes its return to the Golf Australia Junior Country Regions event. The day will provide funding for the representative junior golf squad. Golfers are encouraged to register for the day by visiting www.wimmeragolf.com.au soon as tee-times are likely to fill before the October 30 cut-off for entries.

Knocks down common lawn pests, including armyworm & beetles

Lawnporn History Systemic Insecticide

Spartan Herbicide Prevents annual weeds before they emerge for cleaner turf

Bow & Arrow Herbicide Targets broadleaf while protecting established turf

Lawnporn Launch+ Delivers targeted nutrition to drive strong, healthy turf growth

Provides systemic control of damaging soil-dwelling turf pests

Lawnporn Rootbuilder+ Uses kelp biostimulants to encourage stronger, deeper roots

WEEK 4 1

20 years for memorial golf day This year’s Jimmy Bates Golf Day will mark 20 years of the landmark event in the Wimmera District Golf Calendar. The 2026 event also marks 20 years since Mr Bates’ passing – a stalwart and remarkable advocate for junior golf in the Wimmera. Such was his impact on junior golf that honouring him with a district event was warranted. Twenty years on, his legacy and impact continues as the day raises money for junior golf programs for the Wimmera District Golf Association. This year’s Jimmy Bates Four-Person Ambrose will be at Horsham Golf Club on Sunday, November 1. Wimmera District Golf Association president Lee English said Mr Bates’ family also remain heavily involved, supporting the day through their sponsorship of the annual event. “There will be morning and afternoon tee off times available so we can get as many players as we can to raise money for the Wimmera district juniors,” he said.

Lawn Solutions Battle Insecticide

Knocks down common lawn pests, including armyworm & beetles

Lawnporn History Systemic Insecticide

Targets broadleaf while protecting established turf

Provides systemic control of damaging soil-dwelling turf pests

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Spartan Herbicide Prevents annual weeds before they emerge for cleaner turf

Bow & Arrow Herbicide

Lawnporn Launch+ Delivers targeted nutrition to drive strong, healthy turf growth

Lawnporn Rootbuilder+ Uses kelp biostimulants to encourage stronger, deeper roots

Find us on Facebook & Instagram 2 Apricot Avenue, Horsham 03 5382 0473

Page 53

sport

Brought to you by

The Morning Rush

Weekdays from 6am on

Coach ‘completely devastated’ by ban BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

outh Australian running coach Paul Young has vowed he and his charge Olufemi ‘Femi’ Komolafe will not be defined by an incident that saw the latter stripped of his Stawell Gift title last week.

Komolafe, 21, received a 12-month suspension from Sports Integrity Australia after returning a positive drug test following his win at the Gift in early April. He also forfeited the winner’s sash and $40,000 prize money – the first time in the Gift’s 144-year history a winner has been disqualified for failing a drug test. The positive test related to a substance contained in an ADHD medication used by Komolafe and banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA. Athletes can apply for a therapeutic-use exemption in order to continue taking prescribed ADHD medication during competition, but Young said Komolafe did not have an exemption at the time of the Gift. He said Komolafe began using the medication while undertaking medical studies in Adelaide. “He went on the medication two years ago, before he started competing.

It was in the middle of winter and he was having trouble with his studies, so he reached out to a doctor,” Young said. “The doctor said ‘it looks like you’ve got all the symptoms of ADHD, but I’ll have to refer you to a specialist who can then put you on medication’. “But he reached out to somebody else and they provided him with the medication without a proper diagnosis and a proper prescription. “That got him through his studies for a year and he had no idea it was going to affect his athletics. “His medical studies were his number one, two and three priority – athletics is just something he does on the side.” On July 2, Komolafe received a four-year suspension, which was subsequently downgraded to 12 months following a submission from Komolafe and Young. Young said he was ‘completely devastated’ when he received a letter notifying him of the ban. “When I first read the letter, I don’t think I’ve ever been so consumed with anxiety. It was to the extent that I was over the toilet dry retching over just a letter – I was completely sick,” he said.

“It was just an overwhelming sense of shock, I guess. “I spent probably seven weeks on the couch. I didn’t leave the house. I didn’t go to training, didn’t go anywhere. “I wasn’t able to sleep. I was going to bed at 2am, getting three or four hours of sleep. It was just devastating – one of the worst periods of my life.” Young, himself a former Gift winner in 1985, also trained 2025 winner John Evans. Young said his ‘whole life revolved around’ the Gift. “I’ve been around the sport for 46 or 47 years. At one stage I could name every Stawell Gift winner,” he said. “If you include Femi up until the disqualification, he’s the 14th athlete from South Australia to win it, and the lowest-handicapped South Australian ever off five meters. “For me being a former winner, only five former winners have ever trained a Stawell Gift winner, and no former winner had ever trained multiple winners before. “And to go back-to-back was such a huge thing – you’re almost on the verge of being in the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame. “But that’s all lost now. It’s such a

devastating blow just to think you had it and it’s gone.” Young said sporting industry figures had reached out to him since news of the suspension broke. “Bruce McAvaney’s been really good the last week or so. He gave me some advice and told me I did nothing wrong,” he said. “I’m a bit better about it now. I’m getting fitter and healthier, and I’ve got my daughter’s wedding next week in Byron Bay. I’m focused on that and looking forward to that.” Young said Komolafe had taken the suspension in his stride. “He’s not too bad. He’s philosophical about it all,” Young said. “I don’t think it’s really hit him how in the context of this race, 144 years of history, it’s the first time anyone’s ever been disqualified on a drug violation. I’m not sure if he fully appreciates the historic nature of what’s occurred yet. “He wrote me a nice text message last week saying he’s remorseful, he’s apologetic and he’ll be back training as soon as he’s allowed to next year.” Young said Komolafe was attempting to have his suspension backdated so that he could begin training again in May ahead of the 2027-28 athletics season.

He said his young charge had only scratched the surface of his full potential, and that a place among Australia’s top sprinters was still a possibility for Komolafe. “On the Easter Saturday at the Gift he was the fastest athlete in the entire field on a metres-per-second basis,” Young said. “He recorded a faster metres-per-second than former 100-metre world champion Christian Coleman. “We want to see how fast he can possibly be and see whether he can match the likes of the Lachlan Kennedys of the world – those sorts of guys. “He’s probably put in only maybe 25 per cent or 30 per cent of what those guys have ever put in, because he’s just been totally focused on his studies. “If he actually applies a lot more concentration to his athletics he’s looking at being in contention for a potential place in the national final of the 100 metres. “A lot of people are happy to start calling you a drug cheat regardless of your circumstances. “But if he comes back and starts running seriously quick, they can test him every day of the week and he’ll be 100 per cent right to go.”

Gath wins memorial Kate Gath won the 35th Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitational Drivers Championship on Monday. This year’s meeting featured six ratings-exempt championship events, along with four support races, providing a bumper program for the club’s feature day. The championship attracted some of the finest reinsmen and women from across Victoria to Horsham. Reigning champion Jordan Leedham returned to defend his title alongside James Herbertson, Gath, Jason Lee, Chris Alford, Ellen Tormey, Taylor Youl, Jackie Barker, Michael Bellman and Aaron Dunn. But it was Gath’s day, snaring the win on 37 points, just ahead of Leedham on 36 and Bellman on 35. Gath previously won the title in 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown. The 2020 win was the only time the event winner did not take out a heat, scoring three seconds and a fourth from four drives that day.

On Monday, the Lee stable won three races, but Jason collected the wooden spoon. Gath thanked all the trainers for making their horses available in the five heats, and said it was great to see Dexter Dunn supporting the day, recalling his time working at the Gath stable in his early days. Dexter Dunn, now racing in the USA, is racing prominently at major harness tracks like The Meadowlands in New Jersey and Yonkers Raceway in New York. Unfortunately, Nick Youngson had a mishap with his truck in transit from Wedderburn, resulting in five late scratchings. Horsham and District Harness Club officials reported the meeting was a fun day, with plenty of giveaways thanks to a band of sponsors. The championship honours the late Noel Smith, a long-serving Horsham and District Harness Racing Club committee member, past president and delegate who made an enormous contribution to harness racing across Victoria.

SUCCESS: Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitational Drivers Championship winner for 2026 Kate Gath, centre, following Monday’s race. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Have you had an accident? When you claim your accident with us,

WE WILL PAY YOUR EXCESS WE DEAL WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY

WE HANDLE ALL THE PAPERWORK

WE ORGANISE THE REPAIRS

We take care of the whole process.

1300 420 230

1c Hazel Street, HORSHAM gemcanautobody.com.au Page 54

✓

GEMCAN CAN!

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

| SMASH REPAIRS | INSURANCE WORK | PRIVATE WORK | ALL MAKES & MODELS

LIMIT

TIME

OFFER 6

0, 202

ober 3

Oct *Ends

*Terms & conditions apply

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

sport

Brought to you by

Need an electrican? See 18-20 Pynsent Street, Horsham • Ph: 03 5382 3823

Hot season start for Hornets men BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

he depth of talent on the Horsham Hornets’ men’s squad was apparent on Sunday as the team kicked off its 2026 Country Basketball League south-west conference season with a 30-point win on the road against Hamilton.

Despite missing two star players – former conference MVP Micah Livingtone and 2024 grand final MVP Austin McKenzie, who rejoins the Hornets after a year off in 2025 – the team romped to a 99-69 win against the Hurricanes, led by 24 points from Levi Munyard and 21 from Austin’s brother Jeremiah McKenzie. A third McKenzie brother, Elijah, made his senior Hornets debut in the game, and coach Scott Benbow said the addition of the trio to a team that reached a semi-final last season had given the Hornets tremendous versatility.

“The depth is amazing this year. It’s really good, and we’ve got some genuine height as well,” he said. “We were missing Micah and ‘Aussie’ on the weekend, but Elijah McKenzie came in and did a great job.” While Munyard and Jeremiah McKenzie were the team’s leading scorers, Benbow praised their effort at the other end of the court. “Levi was outstanding on (Hamilton guard) Josh Miller. Keeping him to 15 points is a good effort,” Benbow said. “‘Jezza’ McKenzie is an absolute star of a player. He was finding his feet but I thought he played a very good team role. “He could have really taken the game over and made it his own, but he passed the ball and defended well.” Other contributors included captain Mitch Martin and defensive ace Cody Bryan, each with nine points, while Tarkyn Benbow, Judd Wright and Jeremy Williamson scored eight apiece.

With every Hornet scoring at least one basket, Benbow said his team’s next challenge would be to incorporate Livingstone and Austin McKenzie while continuing to find enough touches and shots for other players. “We should have our full squad this Saturday night at home against Terang. So you’ve got a bunch of guys in there that can play 30 minutes a game, but because of the depth, we don’t want to do that,” he said. “We don’t want to rely on three or four players, so it’s going to be a challenge for the first half of the season to figure out how it all works.” Benbow said other commitments would see both McKenzie and Livingstone miss games throughout the season, leaving the Hornets to balance their mix weekly. “What our starting five looks like will probably change from game to game, but I have the confidence that we can get everyone going. We can

take three or four players off during a quarter and put three or four on and we shouldn’t lose too much height or experience or pace,” he said. “If we can get it right, we’ll be a great team to watch. I’m really happy with our energy. The vibe was great on Sunday.” While this weekend’s Hamilton Junior Basketball Tournament will see many junior Horsham players away for the Hornets’ first home game against Terang on Saturday night, Benbow said he expected a good atmosphere and a strong home crowd. “Terang has picked up three or four really good players out of Warrnambool, so we’re expecting a tough game,” he said. “Terang always match up well against us. We lost to them last year at Terang, and they made the grand final. “We think that should’ve been our spot, so we’re probably going in with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder.”

Women

The Hornets’ women got their season underway with a difficult away game against Millicent on Saturday. The Magic outscored the Hornets 85-37, with Ilze Van Zyl, 14 points, the only Horsham player to reach double figures. After Millicent raced to a 24-9 lead at quarter time, a stronger defensive effort in the second term gave the visitors something to hang their hats on. But Millicent’s Claire Mitchell proved irrepressible, finishing the game with 26 points, while Mackenzie Burke added 20. The Hornets will attempt to bounce back on Saturday when they play the opening game of a home double-header against Terang. The women will play the visiting Tornadoes at 6pm at Horsham Basketball Stadium, with the men’s game following at 8pm.

ON A ROLL: Wimmera Bowls Region competition got underway at the weekend, with Wimmera, North Wimmera, Grampians and North Central playing areas’ seasons commencing. Round one of Wimmera Playing Area’s division-one weekend pennant saw home side Kaniva beat Dimboola 78 shots to 61, winning all three rinks. Nhill posted a close away victory against Coughlin Park, claiming two rinks to one and winning 75-70. At Horsham City Bowling Club away team Horsham Golf earned a 73-69 win, while visiting Goroke-Edenhope was too strong for Sunnyside, winning 92-56. In the North Wimmera Playing Area’s division-one weekend pennant competition, Warracknabeal Gold defeated Rupanyup 91-42, Beulah topped Warracknabeal Maroon 97-47 and Warracknabeal Golf bested Rainbow 83-59. In the only result for the North Central Playing Area’s division-one pennant, Boort defeated Wycheproof 55-35, while there were no results available for the Grampians Playing Area. Pictured are, left, Nhill’s Charles Hickman, above, Coughlin Park’s Brendan Lloyd, and above right, Larry Bywaters, Nhill. Pictures: KAREN REES

www.dmdagents.com.au Facebook @dmdnhillhorshamstawell Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 55

Sport Vol. 29 No. 15 Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Central Park pennant player Matt Jones joined competitors across the region hitting the courts for the launch of Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s 2026-27 season. Jones’ Central Park Blue defeated Horsham Lawn O’Connor 8-4 at Haven. Horsham Cricket Association cancelled its opening round late on Friday after rain made ovals unplayable. More, page 57. Picture: KAREN REES

Making a racquet

Page 56

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, October 7, 2026