3rd July 2024

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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: [email protected] Published weekly.

WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

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Circulating in:- St. Arnaud, Charlton, Donald, Rupanyup, Bealiba, Stawell, Marnoo, Navarre, Dunolly, Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Birchip, Korong Vale, Stuart Mill, Redbank, Avoca & Moonambel.

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Community gets its time to outline its case to retain Teddington Reservoir COUNCILLOR Eddy Ostarcevic spent some time in his report to Council on his activities at the last meeting of the Northern Grampians Shire Council on 1st July on the topic of an update on the issue with Teddington Reservoir. After informing the last meeting of council that there had been no luck in obtaining an appointment with the Minister for Planning, Cr Ostarcevic had much delight in informing council that the CEO Mr Brent McAlister had been in contact with Martha Haylett Member for Ripon who had informed him that she had since been advised of an appointment to meet with the

Minister Steve Dimopolous. The meeting is particularly important because as Cr. Ostarcevic said this will give the community the opportunity to stop the process of decommissioning the Teddington Reservoir that Parks Victoria put in motion without community engagement. The meeting will be held on 23rd July.

Above: A drone aerial photo from 2023 illustrating the receding body of water due to Parks Victoria action to open the valve between the two reservoirs. PHOTO: Supplied.

Council brings additional requirements as Womens Charter signatory COUNCILLOR Eddy Ostarcevic put forward a motion for the meeting of the Northern Grampians Shire Council of 1st July 2024 that brings back to council the issue of their signatory to the Women’s Charter that was defeated at the last meeting.

Above: Ripon Youth Council participants.

Ripon Youth Advisory Council launched ELEVEN students aged between 16 and 18 years attended Member for Ripon Martha Haylett’s first Ripon Youth Council meeting on Thursday 27th June. These students cover most of the electorate including Ararat, Middle Creek, Beaufort, Chute, Avoca, Maryborough, Bung Bong, Miners Rest, Wattle Flat, and St. Arnaud. Martha Haylett said that during her time as the Member for Ripon she has been struck by the passion of young people across our region to make change. “I want to give the next generation of leaders a voice on local issues and matters that impact them. “During the state election campaign in 2022, I promised to create a Ripon Youth Advisory Council if elected. “I’m very excited to have now launched this group that is

a first of its kind in our region, made up of 16–18-year-olds across Ripon. “Our first meeting was fantastic, with so many great ideas shared. In future meetings, members of the Advisor y Council will get more opportunities to develop their leadership skills and understanding of how government works” Ms Haylett concluded. The Ripon Youth Council provides the opportunity for these students to meet with local Councillors, Ministers, and notfor-profit CEOs about issues they have nominated as being of interest. It encourages them to take a leadership role in developing

their own community-based initiatives focused on key issues to young people and to participate in policy consultations on major government initiatives, as well as develop their own policy suggestions. The meeting was a huge success, with the students learning about the Federal, State and Local Government and then putting forward their ideas for the future, responding to the prompt to consider the change they want to see in the world, Australia and in their town. The Ripon Youth Council will meet four times over the next twelve months, with the last meeting being held at Parliament House in Melbourne.

Cr Ostarcevic was not on council when the issue was first bought to council but has since read, analysed, and put forward the motion to become a signatory to the Womens Charter.

Link between Gender Inequality and Family Violence “A child is present and exposed in more than a third of the cases of family violence that Victoria Police are called to, that means every 15 to 18 minutes and this is intolerable” said Cr Ostarcevic. “We must address these facts. “The community demands and expects this of us.” Such documents as the NGSC Gender Equality Action Plan and Prevention of Family Violence is evidence of the council officers’ unwavering dedication to creating a community that values equality and safety for all individuals, and there are Key Performance Indicators on the CEO and leadership team that relate to these topics. Cr. Ostarcevic noted that the best way to avoid the duplication that becoming a significant might hypothetically entail was for council to receive reports from the Advisory Group on Gender Equality and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Advisory Group.

“We have a role to support the agencies that support family violence victims” Cr Ostarcevic said in introducing his motion. “The link between family violence and gender inequality is there. “The motion of gender equality must be embedded into everything we do as it will permeate through the organization. “The motion attempts to alleviate gender equality by ensuring that community voices and those of council officers are recognized and heard through regular reports to council thereby reducing the blight that is family violence.” Cr. Hyslop finished by saying that ‘change nothing and nothing changes’. Northern Grampians Shire Council is a member of the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Alliance, a partnership of organisations, businesses, clubs and groups who share a vision for safe, equal and respectful communities in the Grampians region. Cr. Trevor Gready, voting against the motion to become a signatory to the Women’s Charter, said that he believed this motion was a “back door for a quota system” and therefore would be voting against the motion. The motion was passed by all councillors with the exception of Cr Gready.

To the Editor

The fallacies of Nuclear Power Dear Editor, It is almost a year since my previous letters, warning of the dangers of nuclear power and of the concerted push by the pro-nuclear lobby aimed at overturning legislation banning it. And now Peter Dutton has announced his master-plan for no less than seven nuclear power stations dotted around Australia. Let us consider where that puts us. To begin with, locating nuclear reactors in the heart of Gippsland, Victoria's most fertile dairy, vegetable and fruit growing region, is a move bordering on insane. As if that was not enough, Loy Yang is only 40 km away from Thomson Dam, Melbourne's primary water supply. And Gippsland is the most earthquake prone area in Victoria, if not Australia. It is good to see that mankind's talent for self-destruction is going from strength to strength! There are 416 civilian nuclear power reactors in operation around the world and a further 700 have been shut down. That makes a total of 1116, of which 4 have suffered catastrophic meltdown (1 at Chernobyl, 3 at Fukushima). This gives a probability of 4/1116, or 0.36% of any one reactor suffering such a meltdown during its lifetime. The probability of any one reactor NOT melting down is therefore 99.64%. Assuming seven reactors (1 per site), the probability of NONE melting down is 0.9964^7, or 97.5%. That leaves a 2.5% chance of AT LEAST ONE melting down during its lifetime, which is about 40 years. Assuming not one, but four reactors per site (a more typical number), the probability of NONE melting down drops to 0.9964^28, or about 90%. That brings the chance of AT LEAST ONE melting down up to 10%! Your chance of winning the first division prize in a standard game (4 squares) of Tattslotto is a mere 1 in 2,000,000.

• Cont. next page.

Perhaps this is the start of the disintegration of democracy The small village of Great Western has had some luck at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) with an issue that has been going on for some time which is good to see. The issue, just to recap, is that the community ‘at large’ do not want the proposed motel with its ugly facade in the middle of their heritage town. They have in fact been able to have changes made to the approved plans. The official site of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) states that it ‘provides fair, efficient and affordable justice for the Victorian community by making decisions about a wide range of cases or by helping people to resolve disputes’. But it is really sad … no, it is frustratingly infuriating that to get action an individual or an organization must resort to taking their case to VCAT. There is so much written on how to resolve disputes, so much that governments (all levels) must bring into their policy on how to engage. That is engage with communities. The most common GRIDdispute 17 reconciliation methods are negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and private judging. But in the last resort we end up with the legal system. It all starts with communication and Government’s recognise this fact with their community engagement policies. The purpose of the Northern Grampians Council Community Engagement Policy is to outline the principles council commits to community members to increase their participation in Council planning The Features People and decision-making as required under section 55 and 56 of the Local Government Act 2020. PO Box 8271 Community engagement benefits people by Bundall Qld providing opportunities to exercise their right to Australia 4217 take part in decision making. These decisions 5553 3200 support our systems,Telephone: policies,(07) services, infrastructure and legislation. Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 So it is all about participation, the5553 democratic Fax: (07) 3201 principles of participation. Email: We are not saying that the issue that the good [email protected] people of Great Western took to VCAT was a lack Visit our of community engagement, butsite: nevertheless it was www.auspacmedia.com.au a dispute between parties that ended in the legal system. What the presence of VCAT does shriek to us is that to get anywhere, where there is no compromise, you will end up within the legal system. What do we do however, when our dispute and the Government has legislated away the power of the people, the democratic right to appeal, which the Victorian Government has done in the case of appealing against powerlines or wind farms. In the situation with the Upper Teddington Reservoir when Parks Victoria made a decision to decommission the reservoir without community engagement and the state government actually put Ted Whillier dollars in the budgetCreated: for the project, the situation has not developed into a legal system wrestle Creator no: 10139 because the state government actually refuses to Qxpress: Peta Mandrakas engage. They have ignored their own policy and Rosemary refuse to engage withChecked: the community whoJ wish to have the issue reviewed with ‘their involvement’. So what happens when an entity, Parks Victoria in this instance, makes a decision and the government follows that up, before the community knows about it, with actual dollars for the project. They just say naughty Parks Victoria ‘do not do that again’ instead of saying ‘that is totally against the policy that we abide by and that we expect all public entities to abide by, so the issue will be

Editorial

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Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts

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The North Central News is 100% locally owned, independent newspaper, established in 1864. With an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and an revisited’. How would that different outcome estimated readership of over 4,250 throughout the benefit the public? NATIONAL CROSSWORD 13 XGrampians 13 Release Northern and Buloke Shires.No. 10139

There is nothing much you can do when one GRID 17 party refuses to be involved in any compromise, they simply avoid engaging, thereby eradicating any risk that they might lose the argument or have to accommodate any compromises on the issue. It is a really sad day for democracy when that theDright of appeal and the right to be heard has been taken from us. Is it a sign of the future … The can Features we take People any heart from other actions that this is not going to be a line PO Box 8271 of the Governments … that otherQld rights will also Bundall Australia 4217 be taken from us.

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ACROSS 3 Tree 8 Bedroom item 9 Naval hero 11 Contrivance 12 Loves intensely 15 Covering for the hand 18 Showground attractions 19 Rodent 20 Physical 23 Prefix ­ half 25 Day before 26 Indigo 27 Went before 29 Loud noise 30 Acting parts 33 Bucolic 36 Long angry speech 37 Words spoken in undertone 38 Customer 39 Moves on ice 40 Cosy retreats

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Proudly sponsored by:-Solution No. 10139 Solution S F CNo. E D 10139 A R M P I L L O W N E L S O N E O D E V I C EDOWN D ACROSS ACROSS DOWN A D O R E S M I T T E N 3 Cedar 1 Spear R I D E S R A T W U 3 Tree 1WARNING Weapon !!! V L M A T E R I A L 8 Pillow 2 Flood 8 Bedroom item 2 Deluge S E M I E V E A N I L Z R Note 3toCyphers Editor: 9 Nelson UP R ES C DE DI NE3 D Codes 9 Naval hero R O L E S R U S T I C T I R A D E 11 Device T A S I D4 E Ewes Solution to thissheep puzzle should 11 Contrivance 4 Female S S N not appear on the same page 12 Adores P A T R O N 5 S Animated K A T E S 12 Loves intensely 5 Full of life S S E 15 Mitten H N E S6 T Recite 15 Covering for the 6 Repeat from 18 Rides 7 Mode hand memory 19 Rat 10 Let 18 Showground 7 Fashion 20 Material 13 Diver attractions 10 Permit 14 Relic 19 Rodent 13 Underwater worker 23 Semi 25 Eve 16 Twin 20 Physical 14 Souvenir 26 Anil 17 Null 23 Prefix ­ half 16 Counterpart 27 Preceded 19 Raven 25 Day before 17 Of no effect 29 Din 20 Medicine 26 Indigo 19 Bird 30 Roles 21 Razor 27 Went before 20 Remedy 33 Rustic 22 Aired 29 Loud noise 21 Keen­edged 36 Tirade 23 Spur 30 Acting parts implement 37 Asides 24 Mess 33 Bucolic 22 Ventilated 38 Patron 28 Edison 36 Long angry speech 23 Goading device 39 Skates 30 Risks 37 Words spoken in 24 Jumble 31 Lasts undertone 28 American inventor 40 Nests 32 Sense 38 Customer 30 Hazards 34 Utah 39 Moves on ice 31 Endures 35 Tar 40 Cosy retreats 32 Sanity 36 Test 34 American state See this week’s solution on page 15. 35 Sailor 36 Examine

To the Editor • From prev. page. Even if you were to play every week for 40 years, your chance of winning first prize would only be 0.1%. So your chance of witnessing a reactor meltdown in Australia is roughly 100 times better than winning first division in Tattslotto if you play every week of your adult life. Earlier, I mentioned that 700 nuclear reactors have been shut down. My question is very simple. Why? Electricity demand has rocketed since 1955 when the first civilian power reactor came online. It is only going to rise further in the foreseeable future. Why, then, are nuclear power stations being closed? Surely they should be kept running to meet demand? The answer was in one of my earlier letters. After forty years of operation, every reactor is so embrittled that it HAS to be closed down. And it is not replaced, because the site is so contaminated

that it CANNOT be replaced. It is invariably left, including spent fuel, to "cool off", a process that will take centuries. So every forty years will we be seeking new sites, for new reactors, while we let the old ones rot? That is the way it is being done everywhere, so why should we be different? Another lie being bandied about is "new technology" will make nuclear power generation safer. My question to the people who say this is also simple. WHAT new technology? What has changed in valve design since 1980? What has changed in heat exchanger design? What new alloys have been developed? What has changed in pump and compressor design? What has changed in cable drawing and insulation? What has changed in structural design? What has changed in tube manufacture? What has changed in welding technology? NOTHING! The only changes have been in comput-

erisation, and that is a drawback, NOT an improvement. Microsoft WinDOZE have a regular meltdown all by themselves, without the need for a nuclear reactor in the equation. Several airliners have crashed thanks to computer glitches, and we are told this is an IMPROVEMENT? A fridge or washing machine, designed and built in 1980, lasted for twenty to thirty years, and worked without missing a beat. With a modern appliance, you are lucky if it works out of the box! And chances are, in six months you are chasing warranty repairs. And what of the "next election being a referendum on nuclear power"? Since when is an election a referendum? That is why we have two words. A referendum deals with a single issue; an election does not. This all-in-one package offered by Peter Dutton is nothing more than a cynical gamble on people being sick of Labor at the helm, and casting a protest vote. People should realise that new

governments are not voted in, but old ones are voted out. Even the idea that nuclear power should be put to a popular vote is absurd! Most people have no idea about the technology or the risks involved, and must rely on the advice of "experts". But how are they to decide, when experts themselves cannot agree? Never forget, that "experts" are generally not impartial, and derive personal benefit from pushing a particular agenda. Historically we were told many fallacies. DDT was safe, Dieldrin was safe, Endosulfan was safe, PFAS was safe, smoking was safe, asbestos was safe, leaded petrol was safe, CFC's were safe, thalidomide was safe, the list goes on and on. Today we are being told nuclear power is safe, a blatant lie to anyone who understands the process. Dr Vlad Bata, Carapooee B. Eng. Hon. (Metallurgy, RMIT), Ph. D. (Materials Engineering, Monash)

Former Merri-bek councillor pleads guilty to stealing votes FORMER Merri-bek councillor Milad El-Halabi has avoided a jail sentence by pleading guilty to stealing and forging votes in the 2020 Merri-bek City Council election. In October 2020, through its own rigorous systems and the vigilant actions of its staff, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) detected that some votes had been tampered with in the postal election for North-West Ward in what was then Moreland City Council. By law, the VEC was required to declare the result of that election and the matter was immediately referred to Victoria Police. In separate proceedings last year, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found that Milad El-Halabi was not duly elected as a councillor for Merribek City Council’s North-West Ward, but held that the 2020 election of 3 other councillors for NorthWest Ward was not affected by fraudulent ballots in the count. Acknowledging this sentence, a community correction order of 18 months and a fine of $20,000, Electoral Commissioner Sven

Bluemmel reminded all Victorians that the VEC’s work does not end with this ruling. “What this matter has demonstrated is that our processes and safeguards to protect democracy and electoral integrity are working. “Work has continued over the last 4 years with Victoria's local government sector, relevant law enforcement agencies, and Australia Post to further secure the system and ensure this doesn’t reoccur,” Mr Bluemmel said. As a result, the VEC is centralising public enquiries for the upcoming postal elections in October to help

monitor for any patterns and trends. Ballot packs will also be mailed randomly, over a longer period to further reduce the impact of any attempt to tamper with votes. These changes along with other operational changes will provide the VEC with more sophisticated data to detect unexpected activity in real time. “Victorians can have confidence that postal voting remains a safe and secure system in Victoria, and we remain vigilant to any attempt to undermine this process and will take action where necessary.”

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 3

Review of Expenses Policy brings added tension to Council meeting EVEN though a 2024 Expenses Policy was passed by the Northern Grampians Shire Council this week the policy rationale stated that it is reviewed after each general election of council, so that new councillors have the opportunity to suggest revisions. It is therefore, rather perplexing that the policy has come up for review before the November elections. Minor amendments were made as to outdated devices as well as more prescriptive definitions of ‘private vehicles’ to include the types of private use by Councillors. Also included in the new policy are inspections of road, property or area in the capacity of a Councillor on matters relating to Council.

$3,000 threshold for CEO approval for professional development training, which includes seminars and conferences. The reviewed policy has added that professional development claims above $3,000 must come to Council for approval.

Council approval required

Alan Esmore and wife Heather have been planning for this weekend for quite a while and although the flat stretches of road will be great for any veteran model, competitors are advised to keep a look

The new policy does however make one significant change relating to amounts claimed above the

Councillors attacked on gender equality issue There were two questions in Public Question Time relating to gender equality and the cost of professional development training for Crs. Lauren Dempsey and

Karen Hyslop who had claims of over $10,000 and $8,000 respectively over the last year. The first question came from a male resident who wanted to know if Cr. Dempsey would advise voting for a woman candidate in the November election or ‘the best person for the job’. Cr. Dempsey in her reply noted that it was highly unusual for an individual councilor to

be asked a question or even for the question to be accepted. Cr. Dempsey urged a ‘values-based mentality’ when deciding on voting.

High PD dollars questioned Mrs Kathy Ormsby addressed a question to the two female councilors about their professional development training, both of whom completed the

Australian Institute of Company Directors highly acclaimed course. Cr Dempsey responded that the expenses relating to performing their roles and equipping them with the best professional development to perform those roles. Cr Hyslop stated that the Company Directors course, whilst entailing a significant commit-

ment in study and exams, that completion has bought a whole different level to her acuity. “The course is aimed at raising director’s performance” Cr Hyslop said. Cr. Ostarcevic also spoke on this issue saying that the Municipal Association of Victoria sponsored these courses and do so to assist councilors to do their jobs.

Pre-1918 Veteran cars on display in Market Square IT will probably be a chilly weekend for the next RACV Veteran Car Club MidWinter Rally in St. Arnaud on 12th to 14th July with pre-1918 veteran cars on show at Market Square.

We have all the latest cutting-edge equipment: Bulldozers, Truck, Scrapers, GPS Graders, Excavators, Tip Trucks for roads, Shed Pads, Dams and all general earthmoving.

out for bushrangers Captain Moonlight and Captain Melville. As part of the history of St. Arnaud that is being showcased is not simply the ‘rivers of gold’ but also the legends of the bushrangers that roamed the coach roads, looking for a ‘quick buck’. Veteran beauties will be on show at the Market Square at 9am on Saturday 13th July and the Cold Start competition will commence at 8.30am on Sunday 14th July. Alan’s poem… Hear there was a rumour going ‘round town … Captain Melville’s a coming down tonight With no doubt his bloody mate Captain Moonlight Will be right by his flank Maybe to rob the local bank. On their horses they do gallop Down the creek and ‘cross the paddock. Stopping coaches with plans they do hatch,

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With a crack of a pistol, stealing jewellery and cash. That Captain Moonlight he’s a ladies man Chasing women wherever he can Captain Melville loves living up in the caves Rocks on the mount are his hidey hole maze. Last time in town a ‘posse’ was all set To track them down, the coppas to get Maybe down Lord Nelson Mine so deep, Where gold could be found for them to keep. But alas they slipped away down the back lane. A slippery trait that is part of their fame.

Above: Veteran vehicles on display at the Kyabram Showgrounds. PHOTO: ‘Brass Notes’, Veteran Car Club of Australia (Vic) Inc. With lots of gold nuggets to add to their stash That was taken from many a Cobb & Co hold up clash So to find out the ending get here early to our town

COVID Updates and Developments

59 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD. PH: (03) 5495 2021 Monday to Thursday 9am - 5.30pm; Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am - 2pm

Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

and song, there’s no way back. So I will leave this tale here for the real master of verse. Doug, it is up to you to help break my poet’s curse. ...The afternoon will entail Bewley Street to be closed. Should be a ripper of an event.

Victorian Stats The number of people in hospital with COVID19 has decreased this week. The 7-day average was 254 (week ending 25th June), compared to 311 last week. Deaths have increased in the most recent 28-day period (15th May 2024 – 11th June 2024) to 212 COVID-19 associated deaths. Increases and decreases in the reporting of deaths attributable to COVID-19 tend to lag waves of infections and hospitalisations by several weeks. It is worth noting that the peak of this current wave, those requiring hospitalizations and ICU, was higher than the peak of the last wave, back in January with more serious cases. Deaths were at the same number as at the peak of the last wave. It is also interesting that those under 65 years of age were making up a smaller number of the deaths.

Destruction of expired tests

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The rumour the best rally this year is going down Go ask Scotty Emmerson, who says planning it is easy But that’s not so for me, Alan Esmore aka Ol’Ezzie. So I have written this verse and I have lost my track Runout of rhyme

The ABC is reporting that after initially struggling to get enough COVID-19 RATs, the WA government went on to order millions too many. It's now having to deal with about 19 million unusable tests that are costing it $75,000 a month to store. The total bill for disposal of these tests will cost the WA Government $4million.

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Charlton 100 Years Ago: 28th June – 2nd July 1924 by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Good News When Lake Marmal is full, water is flowing in from the Marmal Creek, and flowing out at the North end. People situated on the west side, between the creek and the outlet, have great difficulty in getting out. During the winter floods last year, as a temporary expedient, the residents constructed a corduroy track across the outlet to the Lake. The Shire Engineer made an inspection, and decided that a stone crossing is absolutely necessary. This is a joint work with Gordon Shire who are willing to co-operate with the Charlton Council.

Obituary Many people in Charlton and District will regret to learn of the death of Cecilia (Ciss) (third daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Pyers), which occurred at the residence of her sister, Mrs C. F. Stowe (Spring Vale). In years gone by, her parents were very well known and widelyrespected personalities in Charlton, and it was at Spring Bank they passed to their rest. For a number of years Cecilia conducted a ladies’ wear shop in the premises in High Street now occupied by Mr R. J. Tippett, succeeding her sister (Mrs Stowe) in that business.

Niblick and Mashie (Ladies’ Golf) A stroke competition was held over 12 holes for trophies donated by the President (Mrs P. Spain), who also entertained the players and visitors at afternoon tea in the Club-house. The winner was Miss Burton. The silver spoon donated by one of the members, was played for on 20th June, when Mrs Secombe handed in the best score – 7818-60. The play off for the first monthly medal match was won by Mrs P. Spain, whose score was 73-18-55.

Creditable Concert ‘An undoubted success’ is the only possible verdict upon the Juvenile Concert and Variety Entertainment given in St Joseph’s Hall. The programme

presented, was most creditable alike to the children, and to Miss Mollie Bourke, who trained them, played the accompaniments for their songs and dances, and rendered several items herself. The scenic effects were painted by Mr W.G. McConnell; while the charming decorations were carried out by Mesdames Bourke, Patton and Donaldson, and Misses H. O’Shea, Eily and Ada Bennett, Mollie Bourke and Mollie Grady. Among the items a sweet rendering of “Believe Me’ was given by Alice Grady, Eileen, Nancy and Phoebe Bourke, Madge and Mona Fanning, Daisy and Nancy Young, Maggie Donaldson and Dorothy Jenkins. An enjoyable and well-attended dance was held afterwards.

the loss of such good citizens and church workers was the keynote of the farewell social tendered to Mr and Mrs S. C. Le Lievre in the Methodist Sunday School Hall. Appreciative mention was made of Mr Le Lievre’s work in the Sunday-School; and of the assistance Mrs Le Lievre had rendered in the choir, and at social functions in town and district. Mr and Mrs L e Lievre accepted a handsome three-tier silver cake stand from the congregation, with a fine pair of motor

gloves for Mr L e Lievre, and a silver Eversharp pencil, as the gift of the boys’ class.

During the evening, a pleasant musical and elocutionar y programme was submitted.

Games etc filled in a sociable occasion. The supper was both dainty and bountiful.

Above: 1920s St. Joseph’s Dance. (Information from East Charlton Tribune)

‘Soccer Pioneers’ There being no Australian rules football team in Glenloth this season; and, as there are a number of immigrants in the district, a proposal has been mooted to form a “Soccer” Club. As many Diggers are aware – for quite a few of them have played it – ‘Soccer’ is a game vastly different from that which rules in Victoria. There is, of course, no ‘Soccer’ competition anywhere near with which a Glenloth Club could affiliate; but the idea is to get together a couple of teams, in the hope that other clubs might be formed later.

Inter-School Football Donald Catholic Primary School met Charlton Catholic Primar y School at Charlton. The visitors proved very much the bigger team so that the chances of the Charltonians were not very bright. The home side battled gallantly, and were individually better than their rivals; but they lacked the system. The final result was Donald 10-10; Charlton 5-10. Charlton’s most prominent players were:- Jack Bailey, J. Howard, P. Wilmot, L. Hammond, Joe Fanning, M. Donaldson, K. Fanning, R. Shannon, L. Wilmot. The central umpire was Father Gleeson.

The Parting Guests A feeling of regret at

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 5

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 27th June – 3rd July 1924 by Heather Pritchard

Charity Match On Wednesday a large crowd gathered at King George Park to see a footy match between St Arnaud and the Kara Kara Junior Association to raise funds for the St. Arnaud Hospital. Scores, ¼ time St. Arnaud 3-3 Kara Kara 2-0, ½ time St. Arnaud 5-6 Kara Kara 2-0, ¾ time St. Arnaud 5-7

Kara Kara 4-3, final ¼ St. Arnaud 6-9 defeated Kara Kara 6-3. Best players for St. Arnaud, Millgate, Wyatt, Lardiner, Crone x 2. Best players for Kara Kara, Thompson, Michael x 2, Cadzow, Walton x 2.

School Plantation The St. Arnaud State School Committee have purchased a 2 acre block, which is cleared and fenced

SUDOKU Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks. You can successfully solve the puzzle just by using logic and the process of elimination.

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from Mr W Taynton, north-east of Lord Nelson dam. The senior boys have dug 400 holes and the first of 100 sugar gums have been planted. The block has a capacity for 1,000 trees planted 9 ft apart. Another 60 dozen sugar gums and 20 dozen pine trees will be planted in the lowlying portion of the block.

Deaths Eleven-month-old Bernard Joseph Ryan, son of Mr and Mrs Martin Ryan of Shepparton died in Melbourne on 29th June. Mrs Ryan is a daughter of Mr and Mrs W Pickthall of St. Arnaud and the baby was buried at St. Arnaud; his uncles W and E Pickthall carried the tiny coffin. Bernard was buried next to Elizabeth Pickthall died 1915 age 65 and John Pickthall died 1884 age 46 Stanley Strike the 3½-year-old son of Mr and Mrs C Strike of Coonooer Bridge died at the hospital on 29th June. Mr John Caine age 38 years died on 1st July in Melbourne. He served in the AIF during WW1 and was wounded at Gallipoli and again in 1916 in France. The funeral left from his mother’s residence in North Western Road for the St. Arnaud cemetery where he is buried alongside two tiny Caine babies.

All Major Repairs & Brands of Tyres

Football

Car/Truck/4WD Wheel Balancing

On Saturday, St. Arnaud played Donald at Donald. The scores were ¼ time St. Arnaud 0-1 Donald 1-5, ½ time St. Arnaud 5-1 Donald 1-7, ¾ time St. Arnaud 5-3 Donald 4-10, final scores St. Arnaud 9-5 won to Donald 5-12.

Modern Laser Wheel Alignments All Battery Sizes

Phone: 0400 377 278 20 Melbourne Road, St. Arnaud Phone office 03 5495 2734 See Solution page 8

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

Litchfield 9-15 beat Birchip 7- 8 and Watchem 13-8 beat Cope Cope 7-11. Ladder – St. Arnaud 14, Birchip 12, Donald 10, Watchem, Litchfield and Cope Cope 8.

Rifle Club Ten shots at 500 yards won by M Andrews 50, followed

by W Zeuschner and P Gents 49 each, then J Anderson, W J Walton, E J Cherry, and C Holmes 46.

Skating Ladies peg and line race won by Miss Edna Anderson and gents motor tyre race won by Mr Andrews,

Sales W and A Stanislaus sells 40 acres 3 miles from St. Arnaud on Stuart Mill Road, joins Punshon and Storer. Alex Gunn has furniture sale on corner Alma and Canterbury Sts, opposite the Catholic Church. As the lease has

expired, the proprietor of the Bon March Emporium auctions the entire stock of general drapery, men’s, ladies’ and children’s wear, manchester, etc.

Rainfall Rain during June – 2 inches, making a total of 12 ins 52 p so far this year.

St. Arnaud 50 Years Ago: July 1974 by Heather Pritchard

Engagement Fiona De-Bruin and Ross Torney.

Births John and Helen McCulloch nee Lovel, a daughter. John Smith and Lynette Smith nee Saunders, a daughter Sharon Michelle. Brendan and Chris Dalton nee Cecini a son John Matthew.

Merv and Jenny Pritchard nee Allan a daughter K aylene Maree.

21st Birthdays Philip Jorgenson, Robert Oxley, and Edna Townsend nee May.

Deaths Mr Daniel Canning age 88. L eslie Edward Jeremiah, age 74.

Mrs Isabel Alice Donaldson. Mrs Martha O’Donnell age 82. Mrs Hilda Bilton, age 80. Mrs Annie Bullock, age 93. Mr Joseph Gifford, age 85. Mrs Daisy Teasdale, age 85. Mr William Bertalli, age 87.

Deb Ball The debutantes and

their partners were Audrey Goldsbury – Ronald Hyder. Julie Gill – Tony Denham. Kerry May –Gary Evans. Tricia Sloane – Pat Driscoll. Kerr y Meade –Phillip Petrie. Ann O’Donnell – Denis Caine. Flower girl Jane Holiday and pageboy Kevin Lynch.

Above (left to right) Back row: Pat Driscoll, Phillip Petrie, Gary Evans, Denis Caine, Tony Denham and Ronald Hyder. Front row: Tricia Sloane, Kerry Meade, Kerry May, Ann O’Donnell, Julie Gill, Audrey Goldsbury. Attendants: Page boy, Kevin Lynch. Flower girl, Jane Holliday

Despicable Me 4 at the REX HOW despicable can it get? The fourth movie outing in the “Despicable Me” franchise heads to The Rex this weekend for some school holiday fun with the favourite characters (and some new ones) heading up the laughs and high jinks. Gru, the world’s favourite supervillainturned-Anti-Villain League-agent, returns for this exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem. Following the 2022 blockbuster phenome-

Contributed non of Illumination’s “Minions: The Rise of Gru, a new chapter opens as Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) and Lucy (Oscar® nominee Kristen Wiig) and their girls —Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan)—welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Emmy winner Will Ferrell) and his

femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Emmy nominee Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run. The film features fresh new characters voiced by Joey King (Bullet Train), Emmy winner Stephen Colbert (The L ate Show with Stephen Colbert) and Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live). Pierre Coffin returns as the iconic voice of the Minions, and Oscar® nominee Steve Coogan returns as Silas Ramsbottom. In this movie Gru

confronts his past along with the changing family dynamics with the arrival of his new son, the threat posed by his old school rival, the antics of the minions and a host of other twists and turns along the way. The movie offers plenty of fun, great animation and lots to keep audiences entertained. So, grab some popcorn and settle in! “Despicable Me 4” (PG94 mins) screens on Saturday 6th July at 8pm, Sunday 7th July at 2pm and Tuesday 9th July at 8pm.

In The Paddock Mobile Command Centres to fight biosecurity emergencies TWO new state-of-the-art Mobile Incident Command Centres have been deployed to Meredith to boost efforts to fight the current avian influenza outbreak in Victoria. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has launched the two purpose-built Mobile Incident Command Centres and attended the first meeting of the Biosecurity Reference Group at Agriculture Victoria’s Attwood Centre. Ms Spence said that biosecurity emergencies can happen in any corner of the state and these new mobile incident command centres are key to ensuring we can get our expertise on ground as quickly and efficiently as possible. “The Biosecurity Reference Group will be able to draw on their industry connections and diverse expertise to ensure that biosecurity actions and activities delivered across Victoria will be meaningful and relevant situations we face.”

The trucks were previously used by State Emergency Services (SES) and have been refurbished and equipped with enhanced IT including satellite access and audio -visual equipment, allowing Agriculture Victoria’s biosecurity team to be on ground where outbreaks are occurring and still have access to

key facilities and equipment. Agriculture Victoria’s field operations teams have benefitted from the connected workspace already, with seamless communication and coordination between the officers at the outbreak and the Local Control Centre Incident Management Team set up in Ballarat. The first truck was completed in May and has been stationed in Meredith since the

avian influenza incident began, the second truck is now complete and will make its way to Meredith today. The refurbishment was carried out by R.A Bell in Sunshine, a Victorian design and manufacturing company of emergency response vehicles. Each truck is named after former Animal Health Officers – Aileen Eccles, the first female Animal Health Officer appointed in Victoria in 1980 and Alan Ross who was

the longest serving Animal Health Officer for 55 years with Agriculture Victoria. Victoria’s Biosecurity Reference Group met last week to discuss the biosecurity risks and challenges facing Victoria, including the current avian influenza outbreak. The group of 15 experts represent all areas of the biosecurity system, including Traditional Owners, agricultural sector, supply chains, community and environment.

LISTINGS WANTED Residential, Rural, Commercial & Leasing See your local

Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate team Sharlene Bertalli: 0447 952 320 Damian Drum: 0428 952 284 13-19 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Calling All Men to come to Man Therapy classes THERE are huge benefits from the Man Therapy class to be once again held at the Torney’s Fighting Fit Gym. Social connection, strength and conditioning are just a couple as well as improved health. Come to a class at a mere $15 per class or pay up front for $60 for the block – three 5 week blocks.

St Arnaud Farmers Man Therapy and Movement was developed in 2022 to promote positive physical and mental health in our community of farmers through movement and connection. Since 2023, Man

Therapy and Movement is open to all men in the community, you do not need to be a farmer to attend. The tailored exercise session is very much about the laughs, but primarily we aim to encourage movement (Pilates focused), healthy lifestyle habits and to create connection with

one another in a safe and welcoming space. The class is usually held Wednesdays 5.30pm- 6.15pm. Please contact Brett Douglas at Driscoll Ag on 0447 162 455 or Johanna Medlyn at St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre on 0438 392 027 or email on [email protected] to reserve a spot.

• Dam Sinking, Enlarging & Cleaning • Land Levelling and Filling • Land Clearing, Driveways etc. • Gravel For Sale Phone Mike: 0408 316 394 D ARRIE Truck Available. ALL WORKSOC Y L T P R M OUT P UR For a no obligation TO YO N D N A IO T C FA Quote Phone: SATIS

(03) 5494 3120 Calder Highway Wedderburn

Reminder - Wed. 10th July Week ending Thursday June 26 2024

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market has closed out the 2023/24 wool selling season softly, with an overall loss, driven again by falls in the merino fleece sector. Fremantle returned to the program, bolstering the national offering. There were 37,147 bales on offer, 9,657 bales more than the previous week. There were 1,826,909 bales put through the auction system for the season. This was 49,725 fewer bales than the previous season, a reduction of 2.6%. Buyer sentiment was best described as cautious from the outset, and prices generally deteriorated as the series progressed. By the end of the week the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece dropped by between 11 and 49 cents. Worth noting the West had a solid finish on the final day, where all MPGs recorded small increases. The benchmark AWEX

Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) lost 18 cents for the series, closing at 1,142 cents. The EMI opened the 2023/24 selling season at 1,126 cents, gaining 16 cents across the season, this equated to a 1.4% increase. When viewed in USD terms, the EMI movement was similar. The EMI opened the season at 748 US cents and closed the season at 763 US cents, a rise of 15 US cents, a 2.0% gain. The total dollar amount of wool sold for the season was $2,228 million. This was $179 million or 7.4% less than the previous season, due mainly to the smaller volume offered. Next week the 2024/25 wool selling season commences.

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 52 52 52

Days Offering 25, 26 June 11,091 25, 26 June 19,510 25, 26 June 6,546 37,147

Future Offerings Week

1

2, 3 July

Source - AWEX

36,653

Normally there would be two sales in July, then the annual three-week midyear recess. This year there will be four sales in July, then the recess. The opening sale of the season is not as large as it has been in the past, due in part to the extra selling opportunities later in the month. There are currently 36,653 bales on offer nationally.

Melbourne 1118 M 16.5 1769n 17 1677 17.5 1598 18 1508 18.5 1450 19 1396 19.5 1367 20 1348 21 1304 22 23 24 25 26 588 28 393 30 348 32 297 MC 722n Ind.

-16

-39 -42 -45 -49 -36 -31 -16 -11 -18

+3 -2 +3 0 -7

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 7

Country Club and Pebble Church are winners Water prices confirmed in the Tiny Towns across Ripon for next 12 months PUBLIC Art at the Pebble Church Carapooee and improvement in disability access at the St. Arnaud Country Club are two of the winners in the Tiny Towns projects. More communityled projects in Ripon’s smallest communities are being backed, with more than 200 new initiatives set to make our tiny towns across Victoria even better places to live, work, and stay. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett has announced 20 new projects in Ripon are being delivered through the first round of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said that the smallest communities are full of the greatest people. “I am so pleased we are supporting them to thrive even more with this fantastic fund. “From Marnoo to Creswick and everywhere in between, our Labor Government is backing our rural communities and the locals that call them home.” From community halls to local sporting club upgrades, the fund is strengthening

community connections and encouraging more visitors to all corners of Victoria. Across the Ripon electorate, successful Tiny Towns Fund recipients include: • $50,000 for the Buangor Recreation Reser ve Pavilion Development – Stage 1 • $50,000 for the Cardigan Village Reserve Upgrade • $9,000 for the Adelaide Lead Hall Upgrade • $21,563 for the Bealiba Historic Horse Trough Relocation • $31,050 for the Dunolly Senior Citizens Hall Upgrade • $37,500 for the Majorca Historic Cemetery Beautification • $50,000 for the Tullaroop L eisure Centre Upgrade in Carisbrook • $50,000 for the Talbot ANA Hall Renewal • $5,871 for Mosaic Bollards at the Creswick Neighbour-

hood Centre •$8,000 to refurbish the entry foyer for the Creswick Courthouse Theatre • $18,750 for the Newlyn Recreation Reser ve Playspace Upgrade Planning •$45,000 for a Shade Structure over the Playground in Queens Park, Clunes •$32,000 to upgrade the Amenities Block at the Tarnagulla Recreation Park • $8,694 for Public Art at the Pebble Church in Carapooee • $50,000 for the St. Arnaud Country Club to improve disability access • $50,000 for the Marnoo Memorial Park Refurbishment and Upgrade • $26,400 for the Beaufort Golf Club Greens Resurfacing • $12,000 for the Evansford Community Centre Refurbishment • $49,292 for the Natte Yallock Community Hub Upgrade.

The program’s first round is bringing to life more than 200 projects across our smallest rural and regional towns, each with fewer than 5,000 residents. The successful projects celebrate each community’s local spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns. From local hall upgrades to sports club renovations, community and non-profit groups and councils are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to get these community-driven projects off the ground. The Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is just one of the ways stronger communities are being created, more tourism opportunities and backing more local jobs, with the $25 million Council Support Package also helping get shovel-ready projects off the ground in our rural and regional towns. For more information visit rdv.vic.gov. au/tinytownsfund.

GWMWater’s 2024/2025 tariffs have been confirmed by the Essential Services Commission, with water bills increasing with only CPI in most cases. Average household bills in GWMWater’s service area will rise by 3.6% or $12.50 a quarter. Water and wastewater charges are regulated by the Essential Ser vices Commission and align to GWMWater’s 2023 Water Price Review. Managing Director Mark Williams said the water corporation was pleased to maintain affordability for customers. “While water costs vary depending on a number of factors, we have been able to keep prices stable with only the rise in inflation in most cases,” he said. “During consultation with customers and stakeholders as part of the Water Price Review, the feedback was that affordability was a priority. “Our focus is to deliver on that while maintaining our levels of service and progressing initiatives which contribute to

Parents urged to book in Helping people through separation free flu vaccination for or divorce kids as cases rise VICTORIAN parents are being urged to book their children in for their free flu vaccination, as cases of the virus surge across the state and concern grows around low vaccination coverage. The Department of Health’s latest surveillance data shows notified cases have increased across all age groups, with the biggest increase in those aged under five – up 37% in the fortnight ending 15 June. Meanwhile, just 23% of Victorians aged under five have had their free annual flu vaccination this season. Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker said flu cases had quadrupled between April and June, with a six-fold increase in the number of presentations to Victorian emergency departments. “We’re expecting flu cases to keep rising in the weeks ahead so it’s critical people book in their flu vaccination n o w, particularly for those groups at higher risk

of severe illness such as children,” Dr Looker said. “The flu vaccination is free for children and other high-risk groups and is widely available across GPs, pharmacists and other providers.” Dr Looker said the flu vaccine provided the best protection against infection and severe illness. “Flu is highly contagious and while most people may only experience mild to moderate symptoms, for some it can be deadly.” The flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of severe disease, including children under five and people aged 65 and older, as part of the National Immunisation Program. It is available through your GP, local

pharmacy, Aboriginal health service or local council immunisation service. The rising number of flu cases in Victoria comes at the same time as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to circulate in the community. Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other National Immunisation Program vaccines and COVID19 vaccines. In addition to vaccination, simple steps can be taken to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses in the community, such as flu, seasonal respirator y illnesses and COVID-19. This includes washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask and staying home when sick. More information on flu vaccination is available on Better Health Channel and Kids Health Information.

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

IN an Australian first, parents and carers who are going through separation or divorce now have access to a free, selfdirected online course, which is university-developed and based on extensive research. "The research shows divorce itself isn't harmful to children. “It's how parents and carers manage the transition through separation and divorce that has the potential to negatively impact children," said Dr Helen Stallman, Clinical Psychologist and coauthor of Family Transitions Triple P. Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children. Dr Stallman said statistics show that almost half of Australian divorces involve children under 18. "Parenting can be challenging at the best of times. “Add separation or divorce on top of that, and it can become even harder. “It's normal for parents and carers to feel concerned about how this big life-change may affect their child,” said Dr Stallman. “In the program, parents get evidence-based tips and strategies to avoid common parenting traps, help kids adjust, manage emotions and coparent effectively. “And while the program recognises this is often a tough time for families, it's not just about coping skills, it's also about evolving and moving forward in a new family dynamic. "The research shows divorce itself isn't harmful to children. “It's how parents and carers manage the transition through separation and divorce that has the potential to negatively impact children," said Dr Stallman.

the prosperity of our region.” Victorian water businesses must provide a price plan to the Essential Ser vices Commission (ESC) which outlines service commitments to customers, the prices charged and revenue required to operate the business and maintain service levels. G W M Wa t e r ’ s engagement program is structured to ensure the proposal is cust o m e r- d r i v e n a n d incorporates community input. On 23rd June 2023 the ESC accepted GWMWater’s 2023-2028 Price Submission, which committed to lower customer bills in

2023/24 and see marginal increases in bills (before inflation) over the following four years. G W M Wa t e r ’ s Schedule of Tariffs, Miscellaneous and Other Charges is available at gwmwater.org.au/charges They offer confidential, personalised assistance to customers experiencing difficulties paying their account. Customers with a concession are reminded that they are entitled to a rebate. To find out about payment options, please call them on 1300 659 961 or visit gwmwater.org.au/billhelp

New Women’s Health Hubs to boost access to care ACCESS to sexual and reproductive healthcare can now be made via Grampians Health in Horsham and Stawell as well as East Grampians Health in Ararat. The locations of the other new Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs are Central Highlands Rural Health in Kyneton, Western Health in Melton, IPC Health in Wyndham Vale and DPV Health – Broadmeadows In announcing these new Women’s Health Hubs the Premier Jacinta Allan said that the gender health gap is real and it needs to be addressed. “With these hubs, we’ll help make sure more women can get the affordable and accessible care they need.” These hubs join the current network of 14 hubs that are already delivering free or lowcost care including contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion and sexual health testing and treatment. Hubs were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4,000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services every year. The workforce supporting the hubs will also benefit from our Women’s Health Scholarship program, helping to address exist-

ing skills and knowledge shortages when it comes to women’s health. More than 100 scholarships are being delivered offering chances to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and PCOS. The scholarships also fund training to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for First Nations women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ communities. A public submission and survey process is currently underway with close to 9,000 responses to date and Victorian women are encouraged to ensure their voice is heard before it closes in just over a month, on 31st July.

SUDOKU SOLUTION 2 5 3 8 1 6 4 7 9 7 8 4 2 9 5 3 1 6 6 9 1 7 3 4 2 5 8 5 7 8 6 2 3 9 4 1 3 1 9 4 8 7 5 6 2 4 2 6 1 5 9 8 3 7 1 6 5 9 4 2 7 8 3 8 3 2 5 7 1 6 9 4 9 4 7 3 6 8 1 2 5

GWMWater puts workplace safety in the spotlight GWMWATER has launched a new occupational health and safety strategy with an emphasis on leadership and best practice. The organisation launched the strategy this week, with the help of guest speaker, Alan Newey, from Chat Safety. Mr Newey was fitted with

Australia’s first mind-controlled bionic arm, following a workplace accident where he lost his right dominant arm in 1999. Mr Newey shared his story at the launch event highlighting the importance of safety controls, the danger of complacency and the ripple effect that accidents can have on the victim and

people around them. Managing Director, Mark Williams, said hearing from Alan brought to life the purpose behind the strategy and the importance of an ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of staff, contractors and the community. “GWMWater has always been committed to providing a safe

working environment to make sure everyone returns home safe, every day. “But with a renewed focus on safety from the Board, particularly around how we’re reporting on hazards and prevention of incidents, we wanted to further enhance our safety protocols and build a deeper understanding of

safety leadership among staff,” Mr Williams said. The strategy supports GWM Water’s commitment to aspire to ‘Zero Harm’ in the workplace. Alongside the strategy is a new set of ‘OHS Safety Rules’ which is a practical guide for staff and contractors to minimise the risk of injury or illness.

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We are NOW based in your area FOR ALL TYPES OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BLINDS, SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS, ALUMINUM ROLLER SHUTTERS AND PLANTATION SHUTTERS Free measure and quote at your request. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

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BE NOTICED Call North Central News to arrange an Advert in the Trades & Service Guide

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FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS! For all your Trophy and Engraving needs! Phone: 0428 951 441 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 9

Urban water and wastewater tariffs In accordance with the provisions of Section 260 of the Water Act 1989, notice is given by GWMWater of the making of a resolution setting the following tariffs for 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. The price changes have been approved by the Essential Services Commission, the independent regulator for the water industry. The tariffs have been calculated in accordance with the ‘Essential Services Commission 2023, GWMWater Determination: 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2028, 23 June’. Tariffs consist of a Service Availability Charge (SAC) and a Consumption Charge per kilolitre. Accounts are issued quarterly. Tariffs are due and payable 28 days after issue of account. Accounts outstanding on due date may attract interest on unpaid amounts. Tariffs apply to properties within declared water and sewerage districts. GST does not apply to water and wastewater tariffs. Customers outside the water and wastewater districts are supplied by agreement, which are reviewed annually by the Corporation. The State Government provides concessions for non-profit organisations and holders of concession cards. Assistance is also available through the Utility Relief Grant Scheme. Please phone 1300 659 961 or visit our website gwmwater.org.au/billing for any enquiries regarding your account, current prices or available concessions. A copy of our Schedule of Tariffs and Miscellaneous Charges 2024/25 is available on our website at gwmwater.org.au/charges or by contacting us on 1300 659 961 during business hours.

MEETINGS

St Arnaud Community Action Network Inc. (SCAN)

Water Charges

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Drinking water in the following towns/districts Ararat, Beulah, Birchip, Brim, Charlton, Dimboola, Donald, Edenhope, Great Western, Halls Gap, Hopetoun, Horsham, Jeparit, Lake Bolac, Manangatang, Minyip, Murtoa, Natimuk, Nhill, Ouyen, Pomonal, Quambatook, Rainbow, Rupanyup, Sea Lake, St Arnaud, Stawell, Ultima, Underbool, Warracknabeal, Willaura, Woomelang, Wycheproof

Monday 8th July 2024 at 7.00 pm in the

Residential Water 1 Availability Charge # $455.96

Perry Meeting Room 40 Napier St, St. Arnaud

Non Residential Availability Charge # $435.48

Volumetric Charge 2 $1.8114

Concessional Service Availability Charge $297.84

FOR SALE

Toyota Hilux LAY-BY for sale & Registration No.: TYK340 GIFT 2006 Toyota DC Ute VOUCHERS with crew cab and canopy available Registered until 8th February 2025 at Odometer reading: St. Arnaud Allsorts

Ph: 5495 1161 89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Regulated (untreated) water in the following pipeline towns/districts Antwerp, Berriwillock, Chillingollah, Chinkapook, Culgoa, Dooen, Glenorchy, Jung, Lalbert, Lascelles, Marnoo, Nandaly, Nullawil, Patchewollock, Pimpinio, Speed, Tarranyurk, Tempy, Waitchie, Walpeup, Watchem, Yaapeet Residential Water 1 Availability Charge # $409.40

Non Residential Availability Charge # $388.92

Volumetric Charge 2 $1.6484

Concessional Service Availability Charge $297.84

Residential Water 1 Availability Charge # $409.40

Non Residential Availability Charge # $388.92

Volumetric Charge 2 $1.3345

Concessional Service Availability Charge $297.84

Regulated (untreated) groundwater in the following towns/districts Apsley, Cowangie, Goroke, Harrow, Kaniva, Kiata, Lillimur, Miram, Murrayville, Serviceton, Streatham, Westmere Residential Water 1 Availability Charge # $407.32

Non Residential Availability Charge # $386.84

Volumetric Charge 2 $1.0143

New Customer Contributions - Developer Charges ## Connection Application Fee $ 67.50 Water Tapping / Connection Charges # $443.30 By Agreement Water and Recycled Water

Concessional Service Availability Charge $297.84

Fire Service / Standpipe^ This fee applies to all of the above-listed townships Industrial Fire Service Charge (per service)

$658.72

1 Recreation Contribution Charge - Includes annual recreation contribution of $20.48 or $10.24 for concession card holders. 2 Recreational, Sporting Club and School Discounts - The following volumetric discounts will apply to eligible recreational, sporting clubs and schools: Consumption up to 5 ML per annum - 40% discounted volumetric rate; Consumption between 5 to 10 ML - 25% discounted volumetric rate; Consumption greater than 10 ML would be charged at the full volumetric rate. Night Watering Consumption Rebate receives a 15% discount from the relevant town volumetric rate and can be used in conjunction with the recreation, sporting club and schools discount. Recreational and sporting clubs not receiving the discounts should contact GWMWater to discuss eligibility and to obtain an application form. # All tariffs are based on a standard 20 mm meter size. Meter sizes larger than standard 20 mm attract higher tariffs. The maximum residential tariff applied is 25 mm. ## Refer to GWMWater New Customer Contribution Negotiating Framework located on our website for guidelines. * Town moving to a drinking water tariff once declared. ^ Water taken from fire services for fire fighting purposes does not attract a charge. Any consumptive water drawn from standpipes / fire services attracts a volumetric charge of $2.9445 per kL for fully treated water and $1.7864 per kL for non potable water.

Wastewater Charges Charges for wastewater in the following towns/districts Ararat, Birchip, Charlton, Dimboola, Donald, Edenhope, Goroke^, Great Western, Halls Gap, Hopetoun, Horsham, Jeparit, Kaniva, Lake Bolac, Minyip, Murtoa, Natimuk, Nhill, Ouyen, Rainbow, Rupanyup, Sea Lake, Serviceton, St Arnaud, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Willaura, Wycheproof Wastewater Service Availability Charge $556.20

Concessional Service Availability Charge $321.52

New Customer Contributions - Developer Charges ## Sewer

Pressure Sewer Unit Charge (Residential) * $8,499.99

By Agreement

Wastewater Connection Charges Connection Application Fee Residential Commercial and Small Industrial Large Industrial

FREIGHT BUSINESS FOR SALE

Self Storage

well-established business. Regular & Reliable Customers Running Daily to St Arnaud, Ballarat, Maryborough, and Donald.

• 7 DAYS ACCESS • BUSINESS STOCK • LONG OR SHORT TERM STORAGE AVAILABLE

Hayley:

Truck Included In Sale.

0409 337 276,

Price Reduced

0458 885 266

All Enquires to

St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Luke:

Brett on 0418508404 Or By Email [email protected]

Solicitor

Pressure Sewer Unit (Commercial - Materials Only) On Application $474.44 On Application

Job Vacancies

Trade Waste Fees Minor Trade Waste (Minor) Major Trade Waste

$298.72 By Agreement

Vacant Land Development rates in the following towns/districts Ararat, Great Western, Halls Gap, Horsham, Pomonal, Stawell $214.76

Wastewater

$247.24

General Information Statements Application Fee Application Fee (Priority)

$ 67.60 $135.30

Disconnection / Reconnection Fees

$ 94.70

Non-Core Miscellaneous Services

At Cost

Debt Collection Fees Includes field call fees, skip trace fees and company search fees

At Cost

Build Over Easement Application Charge

$170.10

Developer Plan Checking Fee (0.75%) and Review and Inspection Fee (2.5%) = 3.25% of the cost of works for water and wastewater charges. Charges also apply for miscellaneous services provided by GWMWater. Mark Williams Managing Director 11 McLachlan Street | PO Box 481 | Horsham Vic 3402 Enquiries: 1300 659 961 - bh | Faults: 1800 188 586 - 24 hrs [email protected] | www.gwmwater.org.au

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

Practical, experienced advice in plain English

$ 67.50 $135.30 $203.10 $406.30

^ Stage 1 boundary Goroke Sewerage Scheme. Stage 2 will move to this tariff once declared. * Unit Commissioning and Materials excluding Boundary Kit. ** Boundary Kit only. ## Refer to GWMWater New Customer Contribution Negotiating Framework located on our website for guidelines.

Water

AT YOUR SERVICE

116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

Pressure Sewer Unit Charge (Residential) ** $707.15

Trade Waste Application Fees Trade Waste Application Fee (Minor) Trade Waste Application Fee (Categories 3 and 4)

Russell Steel 0455 133 498

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Excellent opportunity to own a $550.48

268 273 Regularly serviced with service history available In excellent condition RWC

Price $12,800

EMPLOYMENT

Regulated (untreated) water in the following Eastern Grampians towns/districts Buangor, Elmhurst*, Moyston, Wickliffe

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Birchip • Food and Domestic Service Assistant Charlton • Food and Domestic Service Assistant Donald • Food and Domestic Service Assistant St Arnaud • Enrolled Nurse • Cleaner • Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Nurse Unit Manager • Associate Nurse Unit Manager Wycheproof • Chef • Nurse Unit Manager • Associate Nurse Unit Manager Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

Ph: 5495 2595 [email protected]

Top of the Town Beauty Salon For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

Ph: 5495 1306 ~ OPEN ~ Monday to Friday Colours, Perms, Unisex Cuts, Waxing, Teeth Whitening, Brow Wax & Tinting, Tanning etc.. 110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEATH

KOOREH MEMORIAL HALL Notice is given of a

PUBLIC MEETING,

Lions Club of St. Arnaud

Paper Collection Sunday, 7th July, 2024 Please leave newspapers on nature strip by 9am

AT YOUR SERVICE

Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri 63 Napier Street, ST. ARNAUD

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108 DEATH GIFFORD - Allan Edward passed away peacefully in Bendigo on 25th June 2024, aged 88 years. Loving husband of Glenys (dec). Loved by Paulett, Craig, Michael, Steven and partners, Grandchildren and great Grandchildren. Re United with Glenys. GIFFORD - Allan Edward Loved brother of Terry brother-in-law of Carol, loved uncle of Wendy, Shane and Dale. - Wonderful memories of family and working together on the farm for 43 years. GIFFORD - Allan Edward What beautiful memories you left behind. Sharing and caring from your little sister. Beverly, Doug, Wayne, Darren, Sandra and Donna Clark. GIFFORD - Allan Edward Loving Brother-in-law and Uncle of Max and Mal Harvey and family. Fond memories of the many good times we shared with Allan.

ROUND, RUSSELL (2990555) Member of Buckrabanyule Fire Brigade. The Chairman, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family. WHITE - Margaret Catherine 29.4.1940- 28.6.2024 Beloved Wife of James Leslie White (dec). Loved and Loving mother and mother-inlaw of Cherie and Tony, Diane and Trevor, Jack (Gary-dec) and Sharyn, Tania and Adrian. Cherished gran of her 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren

to be held at the Kooreh Memorial Hall, 7766 Wimmera Highway Kooreh, on Monday the 5th of August at 5.00pm The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Kooreh Memorial Hall, for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire at this evening. All positions will be declared open, and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declarations forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. Further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Helen Rigby on 0428 385 862

FUNERAL GIFFORD A service to celebrate Allan’s life will be held at St Arnaud RSL Hall (Crn McMahon and Raglan sts) on TUESDAY July 9th at 11.00am. The cortege will then leave for the St Arnaud Lawn Cemetery. KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

EST: 1860

5495 1043 WHITE Funeral Prayers to celebrate the life of Margaret Catherine White will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 7 Learmonth Street, Charlton on Monday 8th July, 2024 commencing at 3.00pm followed by burial at the Charlton Cemetery. Tributes can be left on the website:

kellyfuneralsbirchip .com.au Mark & Raelene O’Halloran

Kelly Funerals Birchip Phone: 5492 2547

CHURCH NOTICES DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish BIRCHIP

Sunday July 7th 10.30am Live Stream out to churches without Mass BOORT

Sunday July 7th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON

Sunday July 7th 10.30am Live Stream in DONALD

Sunday July 7th 8.30am - Mass ST. ARNAUD

Saturday July 6th 7.00pm - Mass WYCHEPROOF

Sunday July 7th 10.30am Live Stream in Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 7th July ST. ARNAUD 9.30 am Worship Team PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 5th July 9.30am Morning Prayer St. Arnaud 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist Bealiba 8am 2nd/4th Sunday All Welcome Rev. Peter Downes Enquiries phone: 0412 957 383

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

Get it through our

WANTed ads! (03) 5495 1055

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: July 3rd Jacinta Harvey Diane Pritchard July 6th Schantelle Wild

July 7th Brooke McIntyre Ethan McIntyre

July 8th Brad Baldock Bernice Fithall Chance Wild July 9th Helen Bartlett Wendy Gifford Dianne Medlyn

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 11

North-Central Football Roundup Uniting Church Under-14s

Goldacres Seniors

BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1 7.2 8.5 11.9 (75) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.4 1.5 3.5 3.6 (24) Goals for Boort: Ethan Coleman 2, Kieren Jaksic 2, Will Perryman 2, Alex Chamberlain, Alex Cockerell, Malachi Coleman, James Keeble, Ryan McGhie. For Charlton: Mitchell Collins, Bailey Dixon, Billy Sexton. Best for Boort: Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, Tom Potter, Matt Austin, Alex Chamberlain, Jayden Dick, Will Perryman. For Charlton: Mitchell Collins, Sam Woods, Rhyen Woods, Elliott Fitzpatrick, Ben Lanyon, Bailey Dixon. SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 6.7 11.10 12.14 (86) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1 3.1 3. 2 4. 3 (27) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Joshua Jenkins 5, Thomas Cox, Wade Donnan, Lachy McClelland, Tyson McKenzie, Jackson McMahon, Adam Pattison, Brody Weir. For Wedderburn: Tom Metherell 2, Tom Campbell, Oscar Holt. Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Wade Donnan, Bryce Delmenico, Thomas Cox, Adam Pattison, Will Simpson, Joshua Jenkins. For Wedderburn: Joe Lockhart, Jayden Jones, Mitchell McEwen, Danny Benaim, Corey Lowry, Tom Metherell. WYCHEPROOF-NARRAPORT . . . . . . . . 1.3 3.5 7.8 9.11 (65) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1 2.3 3.3 7.6 (48) Goals for Wycheproof-Narraport: Joshua Grabowski 2 Cody Green 2, Maysen Murgov 2, Rick Allan, Nicholas Grabowski, Steven Kennedy. For St Arnaud: Torin Petrie 3, Kurtis Torney 2, Mitch Egan, Bailey Nicholas. Best for Wycheproof-Narraport: Koby Hommelhoff, George Turner, Jack Marlais, Trevor Rumbold, Maysen Murgov, Rick Allan. For St Arnaud: Daniel Gifford, Matthew Goode, Scott Driscoll, Kurtis Torney, Mitch Egan, Ryan Lempa. BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 6.8 9.13 11.18 (84) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 4.7 5. 9 6. 9 (45) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Ben Edwards 4. Daniel Bell 3, Joseph Reid 3, Sean Hogan. For Donald: Noah Berry 2, Blake Grant 2, Ryan Bath, Andrew Browne. Best for Birchip-Watchem: Charlie Frank, Joseph Reid, Nicholas Rippon, Ben Hogan, Ty Colbert, Daniel Bell. For Donald: Jesse Wallin, Josh Potter, Ryan Hards, Tom Heuston, Daniel Pearce, Jamie Papalia. BYE: Nullawil.

Haeusler’s Reserves

BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 4.3 8.7 9.10 (64) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 2.3 3.5 5. 7 (37) Goals for Boort: Frasier Holland 5, Harry Weaver 2, Max Beattie, Patrick O’Rourke. For Charlton: Joseph McGrath 3, Kris Clifford, Andy Nisbet. Best for Boort: Timothy Flick, Dylan Hatcher, Brady Whykes, Mitchell O’Donoghue, Frasier Holland, Harry Weaver. For Charlton: Kris Clifford, Tim Hill, Ricky Welch, Marcus Campbell, Joseph Durie, Mathew Thompson. SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 8.9 11.13 13.15 (93) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 0.3 0. 3 0. 3 (3) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Zachary Wemyss 3, Joel Clohesy 2, Flynn McGarry 2, Felix Warne 2, Cooper Allan, Jordan Bath, Tom Considine, Chase Tait. For Wedderburn: Nil. Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Connor Michael, Jordan Bath, Jordan Humphrey, Chase Tait, Cooper Allan, Tom Considine. For Wedderburn: Maikia Punguika, Ashley Younghusband, Robert Tonkin, Brody Jones, Tom Hewitt, Mack Matthews. ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 5.7 6.7 11.11 (77) WYCHEPROOF-NARRAPORT . . . . . . . . 0.4 0.5 1.9 2.11 (23) Goals for St Arnaud: Joshua Hicks 4, Jarryd Kell 4, Frankie Donald, Sam Male, Tristan Ward. For Wycheproof-Narraport: Ben Brennan 2. Best for St Arnaud: Jarryd Kell, Frankie Donald, Sam Male, Joshua Hicks, Chase Zander, Beau Knight. For Wycheproof-Narraport: Heath Senior, Thomas Martin, William Allan, Kane Butcher, Zachary Cruse, Will Ringin. BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 2.2 5.4 6.5 (41) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 3.5 4.5 5.7 (37) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Matthew Berry 3, Callum Goode 2, David Ferrier. For Donald: George Morgan 3, Colby Anderson, Eddie Landwehr. Best for Birchip-Watchem: Connor Chase, Matthew Rickard, Cormacc Wilson, Matthew Berry, Edward Rickard. For Donald: Brady Griffiths, Dylan Gowlett, Gavin Beckham, Jett Adams, Kalon Green, Jed Foott.

Community Bank Charlton & District Under-17s

BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4 3.7 10.16 11.21 (87) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1 0.2 0. 2 1. 2 (8) Best for Boort: Jackson Bird, Sam Toose, Luke Boyd, Riley Wagner, Deacon Hird. For Charlton: Jye Roberts, Locke Coles, Ethan Soulsby, Murphy Fitzpatrick, Jordan Chamberlain, Sebastian Zagame. SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4 7.6 12.9 13.9 (87) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 (14) Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Jack Stacey, Tye Griffiths, Charlie Goldman, Cruz O’Sullivan, Brayden Allan, Archie Alday. For Wedderburn: Jye Dingfelder, Sam McMahon, Cree Ward, William Cunningham, Aaron Thomas, Eli Clarke. DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 7.3 7.5 BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.4 0.4 1.7 Best for Donald: Sam Hancock, Braxton Hollis, Jesse Lydom, Charlie Burke. For Birchip-Watchem: Riley Hogan, Jeswin Daniel, Austin Dean, Noah Dean.

10.9 2.7

Next Round

Round 12, Saturday, July 6 — Wedderburn v. Charlton Birchip-Watchem v. St Arnaud Bye: Boort

Wycheproof-Narraport v. Sea Lake-Nandaly Nullawil v. Donald

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

(69) (19)

BOORT 10.10 (70) d. CHARLTON 2.2 (14). Best for Boort: Cooper Gould, Liam King, Noah Howe, Chaise Hird, Archer Lee. For Charlton: Flynn Zagame, Murphy Fitzpatrick, Scott Good, Jackson Nisbet, Dustin Hill, Cooper Phillips. SEA LAKE-NANDALY 7.5 (47) d. WEDDERBURN 1.1 (7). Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Oscar Conlan, Finn Austerberry, Zander Wight, Ryder Newick, Hugo Warne, Henry Cox. For Wedderburn: Caleb Gault, Blaz Cramp, Benjamin Cunningham, Zane Polkinghorne, Jack Dierickx. ST ARNAUD 9.21 (75) d. WYCHEPROOF-NARRAPORT 2.2 (14). Best for St Arnaud: Archer Reyne, Nathan Saludes, Charlie Kirk, Arley Reyne, Charlie Baldwin, Samuel Greenaway. For Wycheproof-Narraport: Finbar Polzen, Morgan Beattie, Ryan McDonald, Jai Poyner. DONALD 4.13 (37) d. BIRCHIP-WATCHEM 1.1 (7). Best for Donald: Oakley Brennan, Noah Michael, Myles Hollis, Nullah Clapham. For Birchip-Watchem: Bayley Kemp, Desmond Coffey, Jett Hinds, Samuel Ferrier.

Positions of Teams Goldacres North-Central Seniors Teams Birchip-Watchem . . . . . Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wycheproof-Narraport . Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . . St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 9

Teams Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birchip-Watchem . . . . . St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wycheproof-Narraport . Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

P 9 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10

Pts 38 36 26 20 18 18 16 4 0

% 207.09 224.27 113.26 95.92 109.64 85.60 89.33 43.19 40.64

W 9 9 6 5 4 4 4 1 0

L 0 1 3 5 5 5 5 9 9

D 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

For 1139 1072 709 681 762 725 737 422 369

Ag 550 478 626 710 695 847 825 977 908

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1

For 852 852 708 521 400 541 421 397 351

Ag 232 262 320 585 826 540 587 818 873

Haeuslers Reserves Pts 36 32 32 24 16 12 12 8 4

% 367.24 325.19 221.25 89.06 48.43 100.19 71.72 48.53 40.21

W 9 8 8 6 4 3 3 2 1

L 0 2 2 4 6 6 7 8 9

Community Bank Charlton and District U17s Teams Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . Birchip-Watchem . . . . . Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

P 9 8 9 9 8 8 8 9

Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . Birchip-Watchem . . . . . Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . Wycheproof-Narraport . Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 9

Pts 32 24 24 24 12 12 8 0

W 8 6 6 6 3 3 2 0

L 1 2 3 3 5 5 6 9

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1

Uniting Church U14s

Voting for round 11:

Pts 40 32 32 24 16 16 12 4 0

W 10 8 8 6 4 4 3 1 0

L 0 2 2 4 5 6 7 9 9

Tooleybuc Sporting Club Presidents’ Award

Boort: J Dick 3, T Potter 2, J Baddeley-Kelly 1. Charlton: S Woods 3, R Woods 2, B Lanyon 1. Sea Lake-Nandaly: W Donnan 3, T Cox 2, J Jenkins 1. Wedderburn: J Lockhart 3, J Jones 2, M McEwen 1. Wycheproof-Narraport: K Hommelhoff 3, G Turner 2, M Murgov 1. St Arnaud: D Gifford 3, M Goode 2, S Driscoll 1. Birchip-Watchem: C Frank 3, N Rippon 2, D Bell 1. Donald: J Wallin 3, J Potter 2, R Hards 1.

Saturday’s Leading Goal Kickers Seniors Reserves

Ben Edwards (Bir.-Watchem) 4 . . . . . . Joshua Jenkins (SLNT) 5 . . . . . . . . . . Mitch Farmer (Nullawil) 0 . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Campbell (Wedd) 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Rippon (Bir.-Watchem) - . . . . Trent Grant (Donald) ........... Joseph Reid (Bir.-Watchem) 3 . . . . . . . Jack Exell (Nullawil) ...........

61 33 28 28 26 25 21 21

Chris O’Rourke (Boort) - . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Poulton (SLNT) ........... Andrew Oberdorfer (Nullawil) - . . . . . . Chris Hargreaves (Wedd) - . . . . . . . . . Harry Harcourt (SLNT) - . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Judd (Charlton) - . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Berry (Bir.-Watchem) 3 . . . . . Sam Goldsmith (Nullawil) - . . . . . . . . .

23 23 22 18 18 18 17 15

CHS Broadbent Club Championship

(Senior win 10 pts., Reserves 6, Under-17s 4, Under-14s 2) Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . . . . . . . . . Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wycheproof-Narraport . . . . . . . . . Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Snr. 10 10 10 0 0 0 10 0 0

Res. 6 6 6 0 0 6 0 0 0

U-17 4 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0

U-14 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0

Ttl. 184 163 141 106 105 70 64 57 32

Yapper wins again MARK and Janice Boyle’s 6yo gelding “Yapper” improved on his eye-catching 3rd at Swan Hill to win easily at Echuca on Wednesday.

Above: (left to right) Chris Livingston, Wendy Laffin and Kim Laffin.

Charlton Ladies golf championship CHARLTON ladies golf championship has been played over three weeks in June.

- Contributed

Winners were; Silver division Wendy Laffin 89, 92, 85, also the Dew Putting 78. Bronze division Janice Boyle 94, 103, 90.

C Grade Chris Livingston 110, 113, 110. Doreen Heanan best two netts Kim Laffin 73, 75 = 148.

There has been some excellent scores with the course transitioning into green grass after a dry start to the season.

Above: (left to right) Wendy Laffin, Janice Boyle and Chris Livingston.

St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls Report Tuesday 18th June Ten bowlers made up the four teams having two teams of three bowlers and two teams of two bowlers. Having a draw in the first game and winning the next two games, it was Flo Andison (S) and Gaye Campbell that won for the day with 39 points. Sunday 23rd June Invitation Day It was ‘Invitation Day’ for Indoor Bowls at the St. Arnaud R.S.L. on Sunday 23rd June 2024 where Bowlers from Charlton, Wedderburn, B e a l i b a , D u n o l l y, Av o c a and Maryborough were invited to come along and join St. Arnaud for an afternoon of social bowls. A total of 23 bowlers made up the six teams - five teams of four bowlers and one team of three bowlers. Each team to play three games. Invitation Days are always enjoyable as you get to play with

and against bowlers from other Clubs. At the end of the afternoon’s bowling, score cards were handed in and checked with bowlers all waiting patiently for the outcome of the winners. Starting from the bottom and working up, the results were annonced. Triers went to:- Bob Nicholls (S) (Wedderburn), Lyle Streeter (St. Arnaud), Maria Hills (St. Arnaud) and Gaye Campbell (Avoca). Second Place went to:- Flo Andison (S) (St. Arnaud), Brian Boyton (Wedderburn), Brad Chester (Charlton) and Alf Hunter (Maryborough). The winners for the day were:- Malcolm Campbell (S) (Avoca), Wayne Stephens (Dunolly), Jenny Barnard (Wedderburn) and Jenny Walsh (Charlton). It was then time for a well deserved afternoon tea with lots of chatter before departing.

- Contributed Right: The winning team for Invitation Day (left to right) Malcolm Campbell (S) (Avoca), Wayne Stephens (Dunolly), Jenny Barnard (Wedderburn) and Jenny Walsh (Charlton) Tuesday 25th June Low in numbers but those who attended enjoyed their afternoon of bowling. With only two teams of four we played each other three times, each game on a different mat. The winning team with 34 points was Malcolm Campbell (S), Lyle Streeter, Aline Deanshaw and Mitch Horwill.

Right: Second place getters (left to right) Alf Hunter (Maryborough), Brad Chester (Charlton), Brian Boyton (Wedderburn) and Flo Andison (S) (St. Arnaud).

Driven by James Herbertson the son of “Tell All (US)” worked forward from barrier 4 to lead easily and drew away in the straight to win by 5.4m. Third in that race was Denis and Elise McIntyre’s “James Garner” who did quiet a bit of work early in the race and battled on well for its placing. It was a Tormey family success in the first race at Mildura on Friday morning with the 2yo pacer “Coniston” winning at its first race start. The colt’s owner/breeder is Alison Tormey with

husband John doing the training and daughter Ellen doing the driving. The winner is by US sire “Stay Hungry”, who is having considerable success with his 1st Australian crop, from the 10 time winning mare “Nomi Malone”. The last race at Melton on Thursday night saw the S and J McNaulty trained “Terror Eyes” win at its second start for the stable. Although the gelding had won 2 races before Thursday, 1 in NZ and 1 at Geelong in December 2023 the 6yo

is still a work “in progress” with a few problems to be ironed out yet. The Ainsworth family had more success last week including winning a Mares Final at Melton on Saturday night with the Toby Ainsworth trained “Designs”. The 5yo’s usual driver is Ada Massa, who qualified the mare for final with a 3rd in the heat at a country front meeting at Melton, but as Saturday’s final was a Metropolitan meeting Ada had to hand the reins to Ellen Tormey who had the mare well positioned throughout the race, not having to pull out until inside the last 400m, before sprinting

Inside running by Archie

away to a comfortable 4.6m win in 1.58.5 for the 1720m trip. At Pinjarra, WA, on Monday the 2185m mobile trot was won by Noel and Kaye Boyd’s “Luvaflair”, winning by 10.3m in 1.58.8. The 6yo mare has now won 2 races this season for a career total of 20 wins and $185,919 in prizemoney. Charlton’s annual US Independence Day meeting is on today (3/7) with in excess of 20 local area horses engaged including “James Garner” who has drawn the pole position in race 8 with Ryan Sanderson listed to drive him.

Above: The Kooreh trained winner of race 11 at Melton on Thursday “Terror Eyes” with co-trainer Shaun McNaulty, Eddie Swanton, James Herbertson, Grace Munro, Steve Dickson and Chelsea Dickson holding son Sam. PHOTO: Stuart McCormick.

St. Arnaud Ladies Golf THERE was only a small field of ladies who played a stableford round again last Wednesday. Three played nine holes with the winner being Chris Batters with 17 points. Chris’s visiting grandson Sam also accompanied these ladies on their round enjoying his game. The winner of the 18 holes was Alison Fahey with 33 points with runner-up Trish Hines with 32 points (Well done Trish). Nearest the pins 8th Trish and 18th Jenny Lanyon. Thursday 11th July is combined Champion of Champions and Shield and Association Day at Wedderburn. If anyone would like to go and play in the Shield event please let Alison know by the 10th of July. The more the merrier. It would also be a great opportunity to support our Champions Brenda Proctor and Chris Batters.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 13

Vape control smoked Wedderburn v Sea Lake Nandaly footy LEGISLATION passed in the Senate last week expanded access to nicotinecontaining vapes, putting a new generation of young people in harm's way say the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia (the Guild) strongly opposed the amendments, which make vapes available for purchase over the counter in community pharmacies. The amendments were also opposed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline, National Pharmacies, Blooms and Pharmacy 777 pharmacy groups alongside thousands of independent pharmacies. Amendments proposed by the Greens in a deal struck with the Government will see nicotine-containing vapes move from Prescription only (Schedule 4) to Pharmacist only (Schedule 3) as

early as October this year. National Vice President of the Guild Anthony Tassone said the amendments compromise community health and do not take into consideration the safety or efficacy of vapes as a smoking cessation device. “Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and community pharmacies do not want to supply this potentially harmful, highly addictive product without a prescription. Changes to the Therapeutic Goods and Other L egislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 come into effect as early as October this year.

The 2024 Inter-hotels’ Pool Competition ROUND Nine of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition was played on Wednesday, 26th June and as winter encroaches upon us the top three sides continue to increase their level of comfort that separates them from the teams who occupy the less temperate regions of the ladder however this was not to occur without some trepidation and narrow escapes. While your correspondent was basking in the northern sunshine, occasionally luxuriating on prawns and red wine as well as negotiating the harsh reality of the Birdsville track, there were a number of astounding results in the two rounds that took place during my absence that resulted in the Country Club Two side usurping the prime position on the ladder and in this round they were to vindicate their authority to occupy that exulted standpoint by recording the biggest win of the evening. At home, in their bastion amid the nowverdant rolling fairways, they prepared in anticipation for the attack of the RSL team however the onslaught of the Diggers was to be an unmitigated disaster, akin to the British attempt to capture the town of Caen on this day eighty years’ ago. It was not until the final frame of the second round, when Peter Anderson levelled his encounter with Will Jackson, that they were finally to register a positive result on the score sheet. He went on to be the only member to fly the colours when he roasted Will in the third round while previously, gallant RSL captain Ned Gorrie and his lieutenants’ Jack and Harry Ryan had been banished to the casualty clearing station by Harley Durward, Grant Doyle and Jake Male. With the doubles shared the rollers and floggers departed the green, green grass of home with a comfortable eight games to three triumph. The highest extent of the round’s dramas

arguably took place at the Royal hotel where their number One side hosted the Country Club One team when, at the completion of the singles encounters, they could not be separated on the score sheet. For the visitors, the Mean Machine’s crusty captain, Paul Mullins, and Jacob Vanrenen had eliminated Mitch Phillips and Tom Hamilton respectively while for the Royalists Dave Russ and Sam Postlethwaite had retired Troy Shields and Des Moulday to a perch, thereby resembling Heckle and Jeckle (for those of you who have not had the sufficient number of birthdays, they were a pair of cartoon talking magpies but I don’t recall either one of them sporting a moustache) and it appears that that was where they stayed as the Royals went on to win both doubles and the match by seven games to five. The first match of the season to go the minimum number of games was to take place in the wilds of the Avoca Forest when the boys from the Pub in the Scrub hosted the Farmers’ Arms One team. With the Welsh wizard, Leigh Watkins, leading from the front the match was over at the end of the singles encounters after he had cast a spell over Ben Pell, Hayden Perry

- By Bob Wooley had manipulated his wand-like cue to return perennial publican Keith Turner to his duties and Geoff Watts had been too beguiling for Jason McNaulty. Only Ben Medlyn was unable to conjure up any bewitchments in his encounter with Shaun McNaulty and then the enchantment prowess deserted the entire team as they failed in both doubles but managed to sail away back to the world of reality with a six games to four victory. An interesting contest was to take place in the nether expansions of the ladder when the Sporting Club side visited the Farmers’ Arms hotel to take on their number Two team, the current cellar-dwellers. The match seesawed throughout the singles battles with the Club’s Reg Nazifouski and Jess Cook being successful against Logan Hines and Ruby Smith while Luke Pole and Bianca Cannon responded for the Farmers against Joel Nevill and Dayle Pitt. Replacing the Farmers’ Two in the dreaded wooden-spoon position was now a distinct possibility for the crumbling Clubbers but they grimly hung on to share the doubles and take the match by six games to five and thereby avoid that ignominy.

Ladder Team Won Lost For Agnst pts % Country Club Two 7 1 66 26 28 257.7 Royal One 7 1 60 36 28 166.7 Farmers’ Arms One 7 1 56 36 28 155.6 Country Club One 3 4 46 34 12 135.3 Royal Two 3 4 44 40 12 110.0 Logan 3 5 35 54 12 64.8 RSL 2 6 34 56 8 59.6 Sporting Club 2 6 34 58 8 58.6 Farmers’ Arms Two 1 7 27 62 4 43.5

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

FOURTH placed Redbacks were at home to the second placed Tigers from Sea Lake Nandaly and for the home side there was a lot at stake - Contributed riding on the result favouring the Redbacks. In the opening term the Redbacks looked like they were in for the fight as they took the game right up to the Tigers from the opening bounce. After a couple of earlier attempts not resulting in the positive the Redbacks broke through with the ball finding coach Tom Metherell who capped off the good work with the first goal of the quarter. From the restart the home side again went forward, and it was Metherell who chimed in for goal number two and the Redbacks looked a little pacy at this point. Like all good sides the Tigers returned fire and a goal to Wade Donnan got the Tigers on the board. Sea Lake Nandaly pushed forward with a centre clearance and it looked like they would level up with the Redbacks but the solid defence of Wedderburn sent the ball past the centre and into open space and it was that man Metherell running in for goal number three but his miss kick resulted in a minor score. As the clock ticked down towards the first break the Tigers went up a gear and within a minute, they had added two goals and claimed a two-point lead at siren time. With the game all but tied up entering the second term both sides were committing to the cause, but the Tigers got the first break with a free kick

Bealiba Hall Indoor Carpet Bowls - Contributed

ANOTHER great roll up this week saw eleven bowlers take to the mats. Even though some of the scores weren’t close, the bowling was tight. Pam Brightwell played the unbelievable shot of the night and at times other bowlers were wondering if there was a remote control in her pocket. Congratulations go to the team of Tiger Coburn, Gar y McClelland and Shirley Coburn with the perfect score of three wins, just nudging out Heather Cooper, Chris Evans and Marg Bonsor (our yearly visitor from up North) with two wins.

to Josh Jenkins resulting in their first for the quarter. From this point the ball remained in the Tigers attacking area and this had the Redbacks back men on alert for a major part of the term. Jenkins again got into the action with another goal to his tally and he was causing some issues to the Redbacks defence. Thomas Cox and Adam Patterson got onto the goal kickers list late in the quarter and the Redbacks looked like going to the half time break without adding to their earlier tally. In the dying last minute of the first half Wedderburn’s Tom Campbell goaled to bring the Tigers lead back to four goals with a half to play. With conditions getting a little more slippery at the start of the third quarter the game started to get scrappy with the umpire being called on many times to restart play with many packs forming which is usual in these conditions. Mid term the Tigers started to handle the conditions better than the Redbacks and this was the major factor in them increasing the lead out beyond the reach of the opposition. T h e Ti g e r s h a d their biggest quarter of the game in the third adding five goals and at the other end they were not letting the Redbacks past half forward apart from one time where a free was paid and the kick while making the distance did not have the accuracy adding their only score for the term a minor score. At the final break, the Tigers lead was just short of ten goals and the result was locked in it was only the final margin that had to be entered. With some tired bodies breaking from their respective huddles with the final term to go it was a matter of how far the Tigers or what could the Redbacks add to make the scoreboard look a little more respective. As we had seen in the earlier terms the conditions turned the contest into a scrappy affair as the final scoring opportunities would show on the scoreboard. Just the two goals were added in the final quarter, one each to the Tigers and

Redbacks. The Tigers gained control of the game late in the first term and retained control of the game from there on. Wedderburn did not handle the conditions as good as the Tigers and that was quite evident on the final score with the Tigers falling just short of a ten-goal victory. The Tigers now sit comfortable in second spot as they start to regain some key players in the coming weeks. For the Redbacks the loss would see them lose their spot in the top four and they will need to regroup quickly so they do not fall away and lose touch with those ahead of them in the race for a final’s berth. Best for the Tigers: Wade Donnan, Bryce Delmenico, Thomas Cox, Adam Pattison, Wi l l S i m p s o n a n d Josh Jenkins (5 Goals). Best for the Redbacks: Joe Lockhart, Jayden Jones, Mitch McEwan, Danny Benaim, Corey L o w r y, a n d To m Metherell.

Reserves Winter arrived at Donaldson Park last Saturday, the cold and the wet reminded us that it will happen at this time every year. A very undermanned Redbacks lineup found the going very tough against a talented Tigers combination which handled the slippery conditions competently. A reasonably even first term saw the Tigers three goals up at quarter time. Three points to three goals four behinds. A rapid deterioration thereafter saw the Redbacks fail to add to their score for the remainder of the match. The Redback defence had plenty of work to do, being under the pump throughout. Maikia Punguika i n a b a c k p o c ke t has been showing improved form every game and Saturday was his best by far. Must enjoy the slippery conditions. He received plenty of support from a half backline in Brody J o n e s a n d To m Hewitt, both playing their first games for the Redbacks and the consistent Robbie Tonkin who has been in the best players each week.

Coach Ash Younghusband on ball put in his usual efficient performance and Mack Matthews in his first game for the year found plenty of action. Sea L ake’s best were Connor Michael, Jordan Bath, Jordan H u m p h r e y, C h a s e Tait, Cooper Allan and Tom Considine in an even side.

Under 17s Despite the score differential this was a very watchable game in way less than ideal conditions. The short staffed Redbacks received a helping hand from the Tigers and two reasonably matched teams fought for supremacy. The Tigers reigned supreme throughout but the Redbacks had solid contributors. Jye Dingfelder on a wing, Sam McMahon in the midfield along with Cree Ward on ball all performed solidly and found plenty of ball. Will Cunningham at centre half back was in plenty of action while Aaron Thomas and Ely Clarke were the better performed forwards. Both enjoying the heavier conditions. Sea Lake was well served by Jack Stacey, Tye Griffiths, Charlie Goldman, Cruz OSullivan, Brayden Allan and Archie Alday.

Under 14s Another game where the Redbacks were understaffed but the Tigers chipped in with some talented help and while the Redbacks were always behind the eight ball this was another watchable game which held interest throughout. The Redbacks are building a good little list of players who are beginning to play some very consistent footy. Caleb Gault, Blaz Cramp, and Ben Cunningham all on ball have been performing well for many games now and the heavier conditions did not deter any of their efforts. All capable ball getters and do something with the air filled leather when the get it. Zane Polkinghorne and Jack Diericks were good contributors in the forward line with Jack being the lone goal scorer. Oscar Conlan, Finn Austerberry, Zander Wight, Ryder Newick, H u g o Wa r n e a n d Henry Cox were Sea Lake’s best performers in a good wet weather display.

Saturday at the Park included the Auction IT was a cold, wet day on the park last Saturday against WycheproofNarraport, however the absence of our Under 17s taking the park left a significant gap in the day, and a bit of a ‘weird’ feeling around the A Ted Whillier park. Thankfully there was still plenty of Netball and Hockey to cast C 10139 - Story & photo contributed. our eyesQon! Peta Mandrakas

Above: St. Arnaud Reserves, after a good win, encourage the Seniors coming onto the Park for their game last Saturday against Wycheproof-Narraport.

Results Charlton vs Boort netball 14 & Under A Charlton 8 def by Boort 21 Stacy’s Dental Best: Stella Nicolson, Nutrien Ag & Bendigo Bank Coaches: Rosie Fitzpatrick, Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lilymae McPhee Special Comments: Amazing 4th quarter by all players!

17 & Under A Charlton 20 drew with Boort 20 Bendigo Bank Best: Elise Fitzpatrick, Heenan’s Newsagency Coaches: Maggie Riley, North West Ag Coaches: Emmy Nelson, Holmes-Brown Floor and Window Coverings “Have a Crack”: Isabel Soulsby

C Grade Charlton 24 def by Boort 67 East Charlton Hotel Best: Zoe Carney, Charlton Caravan Park Coaches: Emily Wright

B Grade Charlton 19 def by Boort 45 JS Plumbing Best: Holly Thompson, Signwise Solutions Coaches: Liz Riley Special Comments All the girls for listening to the coaches, taking on corrections and playing as a team.

A Grade Charlton 41 def Boort 27 Walsh Motors Best: Kirsty McKenzie, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Kiarra Perry Heenan’s Newsagency Lucky Volunteer of the Day: Ellie Rae

North Central Netball results 14 & Under A: Charlton 8 Boort 21 Sea Lake Nandaly 30 Wedderburn 0 Donald 35 Birchip Watchem 17 St. Arnaud 32, Wychepoof Narraport 2

14 & Under B: Donald 2, Birchip Watchem 21 Sea Lake Nandaly 8, Wedderburn 4

17 & Under A: Sea Lake Nandaly 40, Wedderburn 19 St. Arnaud 28, Wycheproof Narraport 25 Donald 21 Birchip Watchem 56, Charlton 20 Boort 20

A Grade: Charlton 41 Boort 27 Sea Lake Nandaly 34 Wedderburn 46 St. Arnaud 56, Wycheproof Narraport 32, Donald 40, Birchip Watchem 50

B Grade: St. Arnaud 37, Wycheproof Narraport 22 Charlton 19 Boort 45 Sea Lake Nandaly 37, Wedderburn 52 Donald 42, Birchip Watchem 48

C Grade: Donald 17 Birchip Watchem 52, Charlton 24 Boort 67 St. Arnaud 31 Wycheproof Narraport 13 Sea Lake Nandaly 35, Wedderburn 35

C Reserve: Sea Lake Nandaly 23 Wedderburn 58 St. Arnaud 22

Wycheproof Narraport 50

Ladders

pts

14 & Under Donald Sea Lake Nandaly Birchip-Watchem St. Arnaud Boort Nullawil Wyche-Narraport Charlton Wedderburn

40 32 32 24 20 16 8 4 0

14 & Under B Birchip-Watchem 24 St. Arnaud 20 Donald 8 Boort 8 Wedderburn 8 Sea Lake Nandaly 8

17 & Under Birchip-Watchem St. Arnaud Nullawil Wyche-Narraport Charlton Sea Lake Nandaly Wedderburn Donald Boort

40 32 28 20 18 16 8 8 6

A Grade Wedderburn Boort

30 30

Birchip-Watchem Nullawil Charlton Donald Sea Lake-Nandaly Wyche-Narraport St. Arnaud

28 24 20 16 16 8 4

B Grade Wedderburn Birchip-Watchem Boort Donald Nullawil Sea Lake Nandaly Charlton Wyche-Narraport

40 34 24 22 20 8 8 0

C Grade Birchip-Watchem Wedderburn Nullawil Boort Sea Lake Nandaly St. Arnaud Donald Charlton Wyche-Narraport

32 30 28 28 22 16 8 4 4

C Reserve Nullawil Sea Lake Nandaly Wedderburn Wyche-Narraport Birchip-Watchem St. Arnaud

24 16 12 12 12 0

North Central Hockey Association results Under 12 Charlton 8 Boort 0 Donald 0 Birchip Watchem 7 St. Arnaud 7 Wycheproof-Narraport 2

Underage Charlton 3 Boort 2 Donald 0 Birchip Watchem 1 Sea Lake Nandaly 10 Wedderburn 0 St. Arnaud 7 Wycheproof-Narraport 0

Women Charlton 10 Boort 4 Donald 1 Birchip Watchem 2 Sea Lake Nandaly 4 Wedderburn 2 St. Arnaud 0 Wycheproof-Narraport 3

Men : Charlton 0 Boort 8 Donald 7 Birchip Watchem 0 St. Arnaud 3 Wycheproof-Narraport 5

C o n gCr a t u l a t i o n s firstly to the A Grade netballers who notched up their first win of the season! The Under 14s footballers kicked the day off with some of these young lads having their first wet footy experience. It wasn’t exactly the epitome of accuracy in front of goal, however Luke’s troops came home with the win never the less. The Reser ves march up to 5th spot on the NCFL ladder, as they post their 2nd win on the trot. Josh Hicks and Jarryd Kell starred in front of the sticks, meanwhile efforts around the ground from the likes of Frankie Donald, Sam Male, Chase Zander and Beau Knight, (among so many others) also played a significant part in the Reserves resurgence. For what may be the 5th time this year, a quarter of footy has come between the Saints seniors, and another victory. A 4 goal 3 behind third quarter by the Demons was enough to open the margin just enough, to make the gap just a little too big to bridge. As we have seen particularly over recent weeks, the Saints

never gave up, putting on four goals of their own in the final term, to close that gap, in the end going down by just 17 points. Saturday night saw the Saints host their annual goods and services auction. The St. Arnaud Football Club would like to thank each and every business and individual who contributed to make it another successful event. Thanks to Luke Batters, who once again spearheaded the job, and followed up (and continues to do so) on each and every aspect involved with the Auction. Thanks again to auctioneer extraordinaire, who once again lead the auctioneering, as well as our spotters and

assistants on the night. Thank you to our donors, buyers, and underbidders - your efforts have once again help us achieve a very successful result. Thank you also to those of you who just came up to have a look, it’s always great to see our Saints family gather together and enjoy a great night! To anyone and everyone involved in any way, shape, or form, your contributions have not gone, and will not go unnoticed. Solution No. 10139 S F C E D A R M P I L L O W N E L S O N E O D E V I C E D A D O R E S M I T T E N R I D E S R A T W U V L M A T E R I A L S E M I E V E A N I L P R E C E D E D Z R U S D I N R O L E S R U S T I C T I R A D E T A S I D E S S N P A T R O N S K A T E S H N E S T S S E

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024 - Page 15

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JULY 3rd 2024.

SPORT

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

Golf Championship at St. Arnaud Country Club WITH 7 of the 25 players playing to their handicaps it was difficult to decide the winners in both grades in Sunday’s golf. In A grade it was Sam Male with 84/14/70 the winner by 1 stroke from Harley Durward on 83/12/71 and brother Jake on 75/4/71. In B grade it was even closer with 3 players on 71 net. John Goode was the eventual winner with 90/19/71 in a 3 way countback from Chris Campbell on 96/25/71 and Hayden Heyme on 91/20/71. Nearest the pins were Cam Morrison on the 6th, Will Jackson on the 8th, Duncan Jackson had great

delight in taking the 10th off his father and Trevor Stewart on the 18th. Sunday was also the last round of the championships. Over the last few years there seems to be shif t towards the younger players winning the important competitions within the club, this year the trend continued. Winner in C grade was one of the younger senior players John Goode on 272 from Trevor Stewart 2 shots back from Trevor

- Contributed McDonald coming in 3rd. In the hotly contested B grade Harley Durward on 251 came out the winner by 1 shot from Sam Male with Rob Batters in 3rd place. In A grade Jake Male is the club champion with 231 from last year’s winner Scott Wright 2 shots back with Craig Burns coming in 3rd. It was an impressive win by Jake who came from a long way back after a lacklustre first round. Congratulations Jake. The all important Duff cup for the best net

score over all grades for the championships was another young gun Sam Male.

Sam has big shoes to fill in following some of the previous winners. Congratulations to

Kirk is a back to back Champion KIRK Boyle won his second Charlton Golf Club Championship after a thrilling finish on the final hole to record a memorable victory on Sunday, June 30.

Above: (left to right) Sam Male, John Goode, Jake Male, Harley Durward, Chris Campbell.

Maryborough Castlemaine District Football results Seniors Avoca 9.12 66 Talbot 14.11 95 Campbells Creek 4.2 26 Newstead 27.15 177 Carisbrook 6.13 49 Trentham 8.8 56 Navarre 9.12 66 Maryborough Giants 9.8 62 Natte Bealiba 12.12 84 Harcourt 9.4 58 Maldon 8.8 56 Lexton 12.7 79 Bye Dunolly Reserves Avoca 7.6 48 Talbot 6.11 47 Campbells Creek 5.3 33 Newstead 9.14 68 Carisbrook 10.12 72 Trentham 3.5 23 Navarre 6.7 43 Maryborough Giants 9.8 62 Natte Bealiba 6.10 46 Harcourt 6.9 45 Maldon 7.3 45 Lexton 4.8 32 Bye Dunolly

- Contributed Going into the final round, 4 shots behind leader Troy Heenan, Kirk steadily closed the gap to be locked together at the last hole. Kirk holed his birdie putt and avoided the necessity for a playoff with Troy. With rounds of 86, 83, 82=251, Kirk was awarded the Les Mays Cup and reigning Champion. Troy was runner-up with rounds of 83, 82, 87=252. Matt McGurk was 3rd with a total of 261 . Matt was awarded the best 3 nets in A Grade with 228 on count back from Troy Heenan also on 228. B Grade winner was overnight sensation Anthony Hargreaves with a ‘come from the clouds’ victory. Going into the final round 5 shots adrift of Chris Mathew’s and

all the winners and thanks to all who put in to make the last 3 weeks such a success.

Preliminary Notice St. Arnaud Country Club

ANNUAL MONSTER

WOOD AUCTION Above: (left to right) Anthony Hargreaves, B Grade Champion and Luth Cup, Kirk Boyle, Club Champion, John Headon, Irwin Cup, Benno Catherine, C Grade Champion. Brendan Byrne, Anthony fired a blistering 80 off the stick to win by 11 shots. Anthony was awarded the Bob Wescott Cup as B Grade Champion with rounds of 92, 90, 80=262. Runner up was

Chris Mathews 273 and 3rd Trevor McGurk 274. Trevor had the best 3 nets with 226. C Grade Champion was Benno Catherine with rounds of 88, 93, 96=277. Benno led all the way, apart from a mid

round challenge from Jamey Soulsby 93, 93, 95=281. Nick Olive had the best 3 nets with 224. The Luth Cup for the best 2 nets was won by Anthony Hargreaves 142. The Irwin Cup for

most improved Handicap for the year was won by John Headon. A well attended Presentation Dinner followed the day’s play and a very a sociable evening was enjoyed by all.

Saturday, 13th July 10.00am St. Arnaud Country Club Wycheproof Road St. Arnaud

25 plus Trailer Loads up for Auction