24th May 2023

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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: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly.

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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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Royal Flying Doctor Service to commence Community Transport for St. Arnaud and district WHEN you do not have the ability to get yourself to a medical appointment in Ballarat, Bendigo or Horsham what do you do without friends or other support to help you?

Hayley Wallace has the answer that is going to be a lifesaver for many in our communities.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is soon to start a Community Transport service so that residents within 45km radius of St. Arnaud can book a car and a

friendly driver to take them to their appointments.

That means that communities in Donald, Charlton, Wedderburn, Stuart Mill, are all eligible to receive this service.

H a y l e y Wa l l a c e RFDS Community Transport coordinator, and others in the

RFDS team, were on hand at the recent Uncle Bob’s Market handing out the RFDS Community Transport Ser vice guide and giving first hand information to anyone who wanted to chat.

A Kia Sportage will be the first vehicle to be available but in a few months time the

service will also have a minibus on hand with a wheelchair hoist.

E a s t Wi m m e r a Health Service will continue to offer a limited service similar to that being offered by RFDS that will ferry community members to Melbourne for medical appointments.

The Process When a community member is given an

Above: Hayley Wallace chats with community member Barry Robertson at Uncle Bob’s market last week. appointment date and time, they will ring in to the RFDS service and book their travel trip giving the date, time and possible length of

the appointment.

The service will operate 5 days a week depending on appointments.

Hayley Wallace

stressed that the service requests that they be given 24 hours notice of a booking.

• Cont. page 3.

Save Teddington petition is on its way to Melbourne EVEN on a cold foggy morning such as last Friday, the Upper Teddington Reservoir was a picture of beauty and many of those gathered could be heard saying how beautiful it would be to wake up in the campground of the Kara Kara national park and gaze out over the beauty of a full reservoir in the fog and mist.

Some of those involved in the Save Teddington campaign were on hand to farewell the petition as it commenced its journey to Spring Street in Melbourne to be presented to the Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt by Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

It was the end of just one part of the journey to save the Upper Teddington Reservoir from Parks Victoria’s decommissioning project, which gained State Government funds of $3.2 million in the May 2022 budget.

The path has been difficult due to the lack of information

available, all that was known was that Parks Victoria had made a decision to decommissioning the Upper Teddington Reservoir without the knowledge or consultation with communities affected.

This is only the first part of the fight against decommissioning because although the petition will be handed to the Minister for Environment (who has Parks Victoria under her authority) the

group was clear that if we sit back we may lose this fight.

It was stressed on that morning that all must encourage anyone who has not written to the Minister for the Environment to

keep up the pressure.

A further public meeting will be held in the near future when communities will be updated on the progress and any new information that has become available.

Above: The remaining water in the Upper Teddington Reservoir, thanks to a faulty valve in the dam wall not being repaired by Parks Victoria (left to right) Rodney Medlyn, Danny Lloyd, Glenda Lloyd, Elizabeth Jabornik, Sharon Douglas, Sam Lloyd, Northern Grampians Cr Eddy Ostarcevic and Russell Steel.

Editorial

Is volunteering dying?

Research conducted by Volunteering Australia concluded that in 2020 younger volunteers, aged 18-24 years and 25-34 years, were among the least likely to have stopped volunteering.

However, according to the Household Impacts of COVID-19 surveys, youth volunteering had yet to show signs of recovery with those between 18 and 34 years of age the only age group in which volunteering rates continued to decrease month-on-month during the first half of 2021.

The proportion of people aged 18-24 years who had done voluntary work in the previous 12 months fell from 36.5% in late 2019 to 25.6% in April 2021.

These are puzzling statistics and are worth pondering since last week was National Volunteers Week, the theme of which was ‘The Change Makers’, a modern take on an age-old activity that without which some communities would struggle to exist.

The week-long event recognised the vital support that the millions of volunteers across the country provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering.

National Volunteer Week 2023 is a celebration of our power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.

With a vision for volunteering to be at the heart of Australian communities, it fails to consider that regionally, residents are becoming older and less able to find suitable volunteering for their abilities.

Rural volunteering In rural communities, volunteers are the simply the only source for many essential services.

Without volunteers, there would be no fire service, A SES or other critical emergency and support.

Volunteers also play a vital role in the social fabric of rural communities, essential to the running F of social, educational, sporting, cultural and environmental groups and activities. However, withE ageing populations it may be that volunteering becomes a thing of the past.

This is not just in the St. Arnaud district and those communities that this newspaper services but Australian rural communities generally are facing a volunteering crisis, in part caused by the ageing population but also because many are moving away from these towns. It means that where government does not sufficiently fund these essential services that volunteers are required to pick up the slack.

If we were to project from the dwindling of C volunteer numbers it may mean that in some towns, Q there will be a reduction in the number of doctors and teachers, thereby making the situation even C more urgent.

With new volunteers difficult to recruit and government services lacking, it may prove nearly impossible to fill the void.

Volunteering is however a way of life in rural communities and of the non-retired population, generally two-thirds are involved in local volunteering of some sort which is far higher than the national average of 31%.

Governments need to think creatively about how rural volunteering can be supported and move away from city-centric approaches. Reducing the red tape around funding initiatives and allowing rural communities to explore more innovate funding schemes would also almost instantly reduce the workload and pressure on rural volunteer-based organisations.

No matter what the answer is to improve the rates of volunteering, we cannot get past the fact that our communities are ageing and although organizations such as the Young Farmers and many CFA brigades that have the younger generations coming onboard, volunteering will need more numbers than this generation is able to supply.

To the Editor Dear Editor I recently listened to Simon Roger’s inter view on ABC Breakfast.

He was interviewing a Clunes farmer whose equity had been devalued by $1.5million after being told that AUSNET would be installing two power transmission towers on his property.

In a frightening similar manner to AEMO’s proposed Option 5, this new transmission line had simply ‘arrived’ in his local area.

The farmer put in a complaint to the Energy and Water Ombudsman of Victoria (AWOV), but was told it was outside their jurisdiction.

AUSNET responded to AWOV suggesting they would have a discussion with the farmer, but stressed they held a ‘firm position’.

This statement was followed by 6 phone numbers - all relating to suicide prevention or self-help.

What a disgrace.

Sadly, it seems AEMO is heading down this exact same path again.

Nicola Falcon, Victorian Group Planning Manager for AEMO, stated at Qld the Wedderburn Forum 4215 on 05 May, that AEMO had been 1 800 652 transparent, they284 had held drop-in sessions and community consultation.

What was glaringly absent, was any mention for the consideration (let alone concern) of the emotional impact of Option 5.

As a health care worker, Stacey Keller was quoted in the Ted Whillier Loddon Herald article 10090 Fuming Farmers Pop upPeta Banners ‘there is Mandrakas heightened worry and concern… farmers who are stereotypically known to show no emotion, are (now) showing emotion loud and clear, and it’s concerning.

‘The utter negligence you at AEMO have shown towards the mental health of affected communities is horrendous.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Act as if what you do makes a difference - it does.

- William James

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

‘We are people.’

She continues by highlighting that ‘mental ill health and suicide rates among rural farming communities is significantly higher than the general population and non-farming rural males.’

What an insult and disgrace that the best our government and its energy providers can do is hand out suicide-prevention and self-help phone numD bers as a solution.

Perhaps the Andrews Labour government and Minister D’Ambrosio should hold AEMO accountable for addressing the

18 Napier St., St. Arnaud, Victoria 3478.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055; Email: ncn@iinet.net.au

well-being concerns of their constituents.

Neglecting to consider such a critical element on a project of this scale will sadly only add to the tragic statistics to which Ms Keller referred.

AEMO have already shown they don’t care, but it is the role of our elected representatives to hold them to account.

I’m calling on Minister D’Ambrosio and Premier Andrews to hold AEMO accountable for the sham that they call ‘consultation’.

Regards, Glenda Watts Charlton

St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts

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No. 10090

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DOWN Indolent Guarantee Acquire knowledge Numeral Conducted a meeting 7 Gloomily ill­ humoured 8 Disparage 15 Pressing 16 Departure 17 Commences 18 Builds 20 Vehicle 22 Mocking 24 Going in 26 Bushy­tailed carnivore 29 Sounded a flute 30 Otologist 32 Wired enclosures 33 Latvians 35 Leave out 2 3 4 5 6

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Strengthening Protests against AEMO and the VNI West transmission lines AT a meeting held last Tuesday night in Maryborough, concerned farmers and their allies along the proposed 190+ kilometre VNI West route known as Option 5 met with members of the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (the MCHPA) to discuss shared concerns on the proposed rushing through of overhead transmission lines by AMEO and the Victorian Government.

The MCHPA shared their experience of companies aggressively seeking access to land and other stories of their 3-year journey to date fighting to stop the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project, which is 190+ km of overhead transmission lines between Bulgana and Sydenham.

It is important to realise that both projects must be built to create the entire proposed interconnector transmission line from Melbourne to NSW. The large tractor Rally in St. Arnaud in April, which was organised by the VFF and St. Arnaud Young Farmers, along with other recent community meetings held in St. Arnaud, Charlton and Wedderburn, has seen a lot of attention drawn to AEMO’s consultation process.

Politicians both Federal and State have declared it inadequate.

Many people are calling for the Victorian Government to discontinue the $2.342 billion (the cost in Victoria alone!) interconnector project

that is VNI West and WRL, and reassess renewable energy transmission planning in an open and fully consultative way for the benefit of all – go back to the drawing board!

The meeting on Tuesday saw broad representation from western, central and northern Victoria, covering the distance from Callawadda to Boort (VNI West Option 5), and L exton to Plumpton near Melbourne (WRL) and people discussed the best way forward for stopping the development of overhead transmission lines in locations that would have enormous social, economic and environmental impact.

Their concerns are supported by reports from energy experts Professor Mountain and Professor Bartlett that question many of the premises made in the report by AEMO that saw Option 5 as the preferred route.

AEMO costings, truthfulness and actual positive benefits of the projects have come under fire as has the

limited amount of renewable energy that would be able to be transmitted by these extensive, expensive, and destructive projects.

It is clear that there are major problems with the overhead transmission lines in being able to farm viably and into the future, the devaluation of land, extensive fire risks from the limiting of firefighting capacity and potential health risks.

Information on the issues with overhead powerlines can be found at the website www.stopausnetstowers.com.au and https://www.energygridalliance.com.au/ Continuing the pressure on governments and educating people about the 80 metre towers that are needed ever y 450 metres to thread 500kV lines across the region is an imperative focus of all the groups represented at the meeting.

Grassroots action such as the Tractor Rally in St. Arnaud and community meetings create lots of attention to the issues and facil-

itates authentic discussions on the impact of transmission towers.

But ultimately it is the courts that can determine if the Victorian Government and AEMO should revise their actions.

Any protest against the VNI West and WRL needs to be fought both at the grassroots level and with legal action.

Currently, the MCHPA has two legal cases in place opposing the actions undertaken so far in the development of the WRL and VNI West transmission lines.

One against the decision by AEMO that the WRL is the preferred option for transferring renewables via overhead transmission lines from Western Victoria to Melbourne.

The second is challenging the ‘VNI West and WRL Ministerial Order’ (Order) made by the Energy Minister Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio on 20 February 2023.

The Order allows AEMO to fast track the planning and building of VNI West and WRL and no longer have to comply with sections of the National Electricity Law (NEL) in designing and consulting on

the projects.

The Order even removes the need for competitive tendering.

At last Tuesday’s meeting it was agreed that a combined action group called the Regional Victoria Power Alliance would be created so people along the proposed 190 kilometres of transmission lines and towers in option 5 could join up with the MCHPA and be adequately represented in decision making in the fight against transmission line development and the compulsory acquisition of land.

A fighting fund to raise money for the legal case is being actioned and those along the line and their supporters will be able to contribute.

AEMO is set to imminently provide a Conclusions Report in response to the 500 submissions that came from the communities and business affected

by Option 5.

This Report will also disclose more precisely where the VNI West lines will go in regional Victoria - then people will be on your land seeking access.

Currently it is important that all

landowners know they do not have to let anyone on to their land and do not sign anything without legal advice.

Local groups supporting farmers, their families and the communities are meeting across the district to share factual informa-

tion and offer friendship and connection.

The stress and anxiety that AEMO is imposing across the farming community is huge and people are being welcomed, can be heard and can ask for help. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or Lifeline 131 114.

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To the Editor

Hoorah for Volunteers Dear Editor, Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community.

From our CFA and SES members to our Hall Committees, Neighbourhood Houses, L andcare groups, Lions and Rotary Clubs, RSLs, and sports clubs.

They give thousands of hours of their time to keep our rural and regional communities ticking. This National Volunteer Week - I say thank you.

Thank you for all that you do.

You make a differ-

ence to the lives of so many.

And without you, we’d be a lesser place.

Martha Haylett MP Labor Member for Ripon

Regional neglect in infrastructure Dear Editor, In the upcoming State Budget, the Andrews L abor Government must reverse a decade of neglect and invest in regional communities.

We only received 13 percent of new infrastructure in last year’s

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state budget, despite accounting for 25 percent of Victoria’s population.

Since then, the Albanese L abor Government has cut billions of dollars out of regional programs like the successful Building Better Regions Fund, the National Water Grid, and the Regional Accelerator Program, and will introduce new taxes on food producers and the logistics sector.

L abor has no respect for regional Victoria and this is beyond the pale.

In addition to the urgent funding needed for our hospitals, roads, schools, flood recovery and more, our community groups are crying out for long-awaited support.

From Red Cliffs and Donald in the North West, to Violet Town and Seymour in the North East, and Korumburra-Bena in the East – Football and Netball Clubs need new and upgraded

changerooms, clubrooms, courts and fields.

Other community sports facilities need investment, too, whether that’s the Timmis Speedway in Mildura, the Shepparton Sports Stadium, Echuca’s Victoria Park, or the Rushworth Bowls Club, or the seemingly countless others.

Then there’s foreshore erosion, with communities like Loch Sport and Inverloch in need of urgent works to prevent further erosion and restore their coastlines.

And the list goes on.

There’s the Myrtleford Swimming Pool, the Heathcote RSL, the L akes Entrance Fishermen’s Co - operative, the Agnes Falls Viewing Platform, and CFA and ambulance stations right across the state.

Our communities are tired of getting scraps from this Labor government.

We don’t ask for much, and we shouldn’t

have to beg for our fair share.

This year’s State Budget must deliver for regional Victoria.

Peter Walsh MP Leader of The Nationals Shadow Minister for Regional Development

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 3

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago 11th – 24th May 1923 Farewells

of the Sunday School for 10 years, secretary of the Red Cross Committee during the war years and recently secretary of the Ladies Hall Furnishing Committee was given a silver cake dish and flower epergne and their daughter Vera was given a xylonite toilet set.

The Methodist Young Peoples Guild presented Mr E R Stafford with a roll of notes at a farewell evening where musical items were given by Mrs Waters, Mr E Goldsbury and Misses Richards, Grigg, Kirk, and Beyer. Mr Stafford, who has been the clerk of courts and receiver and paymaster for the past two years, has been transferred to Geelong.

The ladies of the Christ Church Choir presented Miss Lorna Johnson with a xylonite mirror prior to her taking up a position as junior assistant at the Moreland State School. Lorna is the daughter of Mr and Mrs George Johnson of ‘Bainlee’ St. Arnaud.

Mr & Mrs T J Beattie who have lived in Navarre for the past eight years were presented with a silver tea and coffee service prior to moving to West Footscray where he has purchased a wood yard.

His brother George, another member of the firm Beattie Bros, will carry on the Navarre business.

A large crowd gathered at the Gooroc Hall to farewell Mr P McKew, Mr J McKew and Mrs Hoye who recently moved to St. Arnaud.

Fifty years ago Mr McKew snr selected land at Gooroc. Music for dancing by C Martin, James and Joseph Walsh, M Caine, H O’ Donohue and T O’Shannessy.

Kooreh residents held a dance at the Memorial Hall to farewell the Dobson family. Private Fred Dobson sailed from Australia in July 1916, served in France and returned home in March 1919. Mrs Dobson, who was the superintendent

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Accident Mr J C Smith of Dooboobetic returned home from St. Arnaud and when closing the gate into his homestead property his horse plunged and upset the gig, which fell on his right arm badly breaking it near his shoulder.

Weddings Mr Thomas Martin of and Miss Emma Stringer were married at the Methodist Parsonage on 16th May. Miss Stringer was given a kitchen tea by the Methodist Guild prior to the wedding.

On 8th May Mr Joseph Summerfield of Moonambel married Miss Rose Burge of Redbank and intend making their home at Moonambel.

Mr William McGillivray of Yeungroon and Miss Alice Hazel Rotherham of Coonooer where married on 17th May at Moreland.

Stuart Mill Races Although showers kept picnic parties travelling from St. Arnaud and other districts £21 was taken at the gate. Recent improvements to the grounds costing £100 included an enclosed saddling paddock, a picket fence erected in the front of and running parallel with the straight, also a fence enclosure in front of weighing room for horses to remain while jockeys were being weighed and 2 ticket boxes at the gate.

Luncheon Booth by Mr G Sutherland and Publican’s Booth by Mr E Scarce of Racecourse Hotel Moolerr.

There were 6 races including Stuart Mill Handicap, £15, 1 mile, 4 started, owner of winner W G Wilson, Flying Handicap, £12, 5 furlongs, 4 started, owner of winner H J Wilson, Welter Handicap, £10, 7 furlongs, 7 started, owner of winner C B Sinclair and Maiden Plate £6, 5 furlongs, 3 started, owner of winner W J Nichol.

Owners of place getters of both Pony Race and Novelty Pony Race £8 each, 4 furlongs, 4 started, 1st H J Wilson, 2nd A F Cleary.

Changes to Staff.

Mr C E McLellan teller at the St. Arnaud State Savings Bank is transferred to the Box Hill branch and is

Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

replaced by Mr Nugent. Mr McLellan is presented with a silver shaving outfit by his fellow boarders at the Farmers Arms Hotel.

Mr R O S Holgate, manager for the past 14 months of the St. Arnaud Branch of Dalgety and Co is promoted to the auctioning staff at head office in Geelong and replaced By Mr K Hood.

Mr J Connell, accountant at the St. Arnaud National Bank is transferred to head office and is temporarily replaced by Mr Soulsby.

Hospital Sunday The St. Arnaud Band raised £18-9-0 at St. Arnaud North and the following weekend raised £28 at Kooreh, while the Donald Band raised £150 at Donald, all for the St. Arnaud Hospital.

St. Arnaud Races.

The St. Arnaud Turf Club held an extra meeting on the 16th May, which was a huge success with a large number of spectators attending, gate £75.

The recent inclu-

sion of a permanent jumping event meets with the approval of owners and trainers.

Hurdle Race, prize £30, 2 miles, 6 started, owner of winner G Travill.

Welter Handicap £20, 7 furlongs, 8 started, owner of winner T F Oakley, Trial Stakes £10, 5 furlongs, 5 started, owner of winner T A Marshall of Kerang.

St. Arnaud Handicap £35, 1 mile, 5 started, owner of winner P J Dennehy.

Flying Handicap £20, 6 furlongs, 6 started, owner of winner A H Morrow of Navarre.

- By Heather Pritchard Novelty Pony Race £10, 4 furlongs, 7 started, owner of winner G McVicar.

Publican’s booth E Scarce of Racecourse Hotel, Moolerr and Luncheon booth- Miss Arnold of St. Arnaud.

Teeth Wanted The London Tooth Co wants to buy old false teeth – 10/-, 20/-, 40/- per set, sound or broken, cash by return mail - send to the above company at Tattersall’s Building, Melbourne.

Rex to launch Strategic Plan FOLLOWING on from the community consultations earlier this year, the Rex Theatre, Charlton will launch its’ Strategic Plan on Tuesday 6 June at 9am at the Rex venue.

Using community feedback from both the meetings and from an online sur vey, the community owned and operated facility has been hard at work finalizing the document, guided by Leah Sertori from Sertori Consulting.

Enablement of the process was made possible thanks to a grant through the Foundation for Regional and Rural

Renewal (FRRR), funded by ANZ’s Seeds of Renewal Program.

Rex Chairperson, Hayden McKinnon said the Board had spent a considerable amount of time reviewing and refining the content to accurately reflect the directions and priorities needed to take the organization forward.

“Input from both the community and the Rex Board helped us

identify five areas of strategic priority which will guide our direction into the future and which will strengthen both our internal structure and external outreach,” Hayden said.

“The community response was very clear about how this facility is perceived and how we need to have an all-embracing scope.”

Hayden expressed gratitude to ANZ and FRRR for their support saying it was an investment which would guide the Rex in

Community sporting clubs across Australia are struggling

its ability to provide a service and to build its community connections.

He also acknowledged the work of consultant, Leah Sertori for the facilitation of the community consultations and her drafting and development of the strategy.

“We are now ready to share this document,” Hayden said, “and we extend an invitation to everyone to be a part of the launch.”

The event will take place at the Rex Theatre on Tuesday 6th June at 9 am prior to the Small Towns Big Difference Forum which is on the same date in Charlton.

DESPITE Australia's love of sport, our community clubs are struggling.

Local sport has long been the backbone of community health and cohesion as well as being a breeding ground for Australia’s sporting success. But it is now at a crossroads.

The perspectives of almost 3,000 community sporting clubs across Australia have been released, with worrying trends uncovered, in the research report titled Clubs Under Pressure.

Rising costs and falling revenue are pushing almost one in five (18%) community sporting clubs to the brink of collapse.

More than one in four (27%) clubs are also reporting a decline in registrations among 15-19 year-olds.

Of the clubs surveyed 52% report cost of living impacts as a growing barrier to member registrations and more than two in three (68%) have experienced increased

running costs, which is a substantial increase from 47% in 2021.

Not having enough volunteers and administration load are the top challenges clubs are facing.

There are also positive signs of increased participation amongst females and young people, and some clubs showing increased revenue and cash reserves.

Challenges Almost one in four small clubs are considering closing their doors, with rising costs impacting participation and pushing many clubs toward insolvency.

Teenagers are continuing to disengage with community sport.

Clubs are struggling with less volunteers and more administration.

Clubs want facilities, participation and volunteer support ahead of 2032.

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Local students visit Stawell mine as part of career immersion program STUDENTS from St. Arnaud and Donald Secondary Colleges had a careers field trip to the Stawell Gold Mine to learn about mining jobs and training pathways for local regional kids.

This is part of a career immersion program the Minerals Council of Australia Victorian Division is running (MCA Victoria), A combined tour of St. Arnaud and Donald students took part in the visit to the mine on 16th May. Executive Director MCA Victoria James Sorahan said the minerals industry careers program take regional secondary students to Victorian mines to learn about the job and training opportunities in this growing industry.

‘The program is so important to make regional students aware of the jobs on offer in mining.

“Mining is high tech and highly skilled, young people interested in science and trades have lots of options in our industry.’

‘Students hear from a range of different workers in the mine from engineers to geologists, diesel mechanics to electri-

cians and environmental scientists.

“The range of jobs in mining is bigger than people realize, and they are local jobs.

“The students realise that a lot of the workers at the mines are regional people who grew up in small towns and on farms just like them, so it is really inspiring to see that you can become a highly skilled worker in mining and enjoy a regional lifestyle.’

‘With mineral sands mine projects in the pipeline in north west Victoria, and significant gold exploration throughout Northern Grampians and the golden triangle between Bendigo, Stawell and Ballarat, Victoria has great potential as a mining state with a lot more jobs.

This is the second year the very successful program has taken regional students to Victorian mines to learn about the jobs and training required

Above: Students from both St. Arnaud and Donald Secondary Colleges attend the Stawell Gold Mine as part of the career immersion program. in modern mining.

Last year, 14 schools and over 350 students took part, and this

year there have been eight schools visit mines.

The North Central

L ocal L earning Network in Charlton is supporting the program and Jane

Hosking and the team have been encouraging schools to take part and open local stu-

Stay close, go further.

VISIT THE MURRAY

Deborah Bogenhuber Food Next Door Mildura, The Murray The spirit of the Murray River is in the food we eat. At Food Next Door, we match migrant farmers to land and create ‘Out of the Box’ fresh produce boxes that supply our local cafes, restaurants and the community.It’s a beautiful cycle that brings everyone together and visitors to Mildura can enjoy our culture of creativity and inclusivity.

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

dents minds to the job opportunities in regional industries like mining.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 7

Charlton Probus May meeting MICHELLE Ride Bendigo Bank (Charlton Branch) talked on scams, and the best way to protect yourself from scams at the Charlton Probus Club May meeting.

Above: Kim Wishart thanked Michelle for her time and talk on a very important subject.

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

Everyone is vulnerable to scams so everyone needs information about how to identify and avoid being scammed.

Some people think that only the gullible and greedy fall victim to scams.

The truth is scammers are clever and if you don`t know what to look out for, anyone can fall victim to a scam.

Have you received an offer that seem too good to be true, perhaps a phone call to help fix your computer or a threat to pay money you do not owe, an alert from your bank or telecommunications provider about a problem with your account or even an invitation to ‘befriend` or connect online?

Scammers know how to press your buttons to get what they want.

They are getting smarter moving with t h e t i m e s t o t a ke advantage of new technology, new products or services and major event to create believable stories that will convince you to part

with you money or personal details.

Contact Your Bank Immediately If you have sent money or personal banking information to a scammer, contact your bank immediately.

They may be able to stop a money transfer or cheque or close your account details (Reverse the Transaction) if your credit card was billed fraudulently.

Some Golden Rules To Protect Yourself Be alert to the fact that scams exist.

When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it`s over the phone, by mail email, in person or on social networking.

Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Know who you`re dealing with.

If you have only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research.

Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up or email – delete them.

If unsure , verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.

Don’t use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.

Keep your Personal details secure.

Put a lock on your Mail Box and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out.

Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place.

Be ver y careful about how much personal information you share on social media.

Beware of unusual payment methods.

Scammers often ask for payment by wire transfers.

Super Mario Bros. at St. Arnaud Cinema A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a Princess named Peach and an Anthropomorphic Mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother called Luigi, to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopna named Bowser.

Bowser’s mission is to conquer the world.

With the help of Peach our brave and intrepid hero becomes a warrior and gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop the fire-breathing Koopna with his evil plan.

This becomes an exciting adventure as Mario does his best to out-wit Bower.

The graphics in this fast moving story are excellent in detail.

Just what young people come to love as

Contributed they also travel the journey of their hero Mario.

Chris Pratt is superb as Mario’s voice, Anya Taylor Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser and Keigan Michael Key as Toad.

Come along and relax and be entertained by heroes called Super Mario Bros.

Screen for this (PG) popular animated movie is on Sunday 28th May at 2pm.

COVID Updates and Developments Victorian Stats

Mask wearing encouraged

There has been a steady increase in the numbers of new cases being reported with this week ending last Friday an increase of 9,316 which is a 7 day average of 248 new cases.

There was another 66 cases admitted to hospital for a total of 374.

ICU cases have decreased by 1 to 16, but deaths have been recorded at 27 lives lost.

Northern Grampians Shire has a total of 27 new cases reported while Buloke has recorded 11.

After a snap national cabinet meeting brought forward to Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned a COVID -19 wave is likely to peak in August, based on the Chief Medical Officer's report.

With rising COVID infections at the forefront of the meeting, Mr Albanese announced national cabinet was in agreement on consistent messaging around wearing masks.

New term is underway at St. Joseph’s School WINTER Sports and Mother’s Day celebrations have been on the agenda at St. Joseph’s School, Charlton.

Last week students travelled to Boort, on what was a glorious Autumn day, to participate in Minkey Hockey, AFL 9s Football and Newcomb Ball.

Students mixed with peers from

Wycheproof, Boort, P yramid Hill and Wedderburn, to make up teams for participation on the day.

Secondary students from the competing schools did a terrific job with coaching and umpiring to make for a

Above: Isaac Roberts, a keen competitor all day long, gets his kick away.

- Contributed very pleasant day for everyone involved.

On the Friday preceding Mother’s Day, all mothering figures in the St Joseph’s students’ lives were invited to join in a specially prepared liturgy to mark this important occasion.

It was noted that the saying ‘it takes a village to raise children’ was very fitting, as many inspirational women (and a few men) joined in the celebration.

Both the junior and senior classes sang for their visitors as a part of the liturgy. A few chuckles were heard as the little ones sang, “…..I’m sure that she has got some faults But I can’t think of one.

Even though she gets no sleep She always looks so young.

The greatest gift I’ve ever had …

Is my Mum!” Following the liturgy visitors were presented with carnations, special home -made gifts and cards, and treated to a delicious morning tea.

Wedderburn Historical Engine & Machinery Swap Meet Wedderburn Swap Meet was held last Saturday with many treasures to be found from art pieces (above) and car parts (below).

Test. Reset.

Protect.

Test and reset the safety switch on your switchboard to protect you from faulty wiring.

Stay safe and test your safety switch every year.

Go to esv.vic.gov.au

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 9

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 19th – 23rd May 1923 Croquet Club A pleasant little function graced the meeting of the Croquet Club, when, at a full attendance of members, supplemented by a number of friends, the president, Mrs H. T. Grainger, was presented with a souvenir of her stay in Charlton, on the eve of departure for Bairnsdale.

After a well-contested game, Mrs R. H. Broadhurst asked Mrs Grainger to accept from the members a memento of the happy days they had enjoyed during the nine years’ secretaryship that she had devoted to the advancement and wellbeing of the club.

Mrs Grainger thanked the donors very sincerely, and wished the club all prosperity, and hoped she would hear of its success in matches against other teams, and that it would shortly have a verdant lawn worthy of the skill of the players.

Burglary at State School On opening the school at 9 o’clock on Friday, the headmaster, Mr E. J. Sprake, found that someone had been there before him.

His office was in a state of confusion, with candle grease guttered over the floor.

The cover of a Remington typewriter was out of place, and the instrument itself, valued at about £18, was not to be seen.

Nothing else was touched but the miscreant set fire to a number of papers which blazed up to a height of four feet against the wall.

The flames ignited a framed time-table which fell to the ground, breaking the glass, and scattering other papers, which burned themselves out in dangerous proximity to the wicker waste-paper basket.

There does not appear to have been any attempt to extinguish the fire. The police have the matter well in hand.

Golf Crows have accounted for 27 golf balls since the links were first patronised this season, and are still pretending to mistake them for eggs.

A party of four players, Messrs B. Green, Aubrey O’Donnell, P. Rogan and N. Frahm, were playing, and approaching the river the first three mentioned drove into the water.

- by Charlton Golden Grains Museum Then Mr Frahm, with a lordly sweep, sent his missile well over the far bank, and with pardonable pride looked patronisingly on his three less skilful comrades.

But, such is the irony of the ancient and honorable game, that while the others successfully fished their belongings out of the stream and up the mudbanks, an observant bird swooped down from his eyrie and regardless of entreaty and abuse carried off the ball from within five yards of a whirling club, croaking harshly by way of tally ”from Frahm”.

Football Donald and Charlton, having some new blood to try out, met at Donald – their first meeting for sixteen years.

Being engaged in two different trophies, supporters of both teams were confident of success.

High winds which blew from goal to goal were against good football.

Donald, with the wind for a start, could not make much headway; the visitors’ ruck and defence being strong.

Above: 1920c the Golf opening.

In the second quarter, with the wind at their backs, the visitors wasted too much time in the corners.

In the third quarter, with the wind now much calmer, Donald attacked, but, kicked badly.

Wanting 9 points to win, Charlton were a long time making headway in the final term, and when Mulquiny twice from nice marks hit the posts, and another point was snapped, time was well advanced. From a mark, a goal was kicked, placing the visitors one point in front when the bell rang.

Obituary Mrs Elsie Margaret James passed peacefully away at her mother’s residence, “Riversleigh”, High Street, Charlton, after 2 ½ years’ suffering, leaving a devoted husband (Thomas James of Boort) and two little children, Rosie and Ian, to mourn the loss of a good wife and mother.

Second loved daughter of Mrs R. Owen, sister of Emmie and Willie, Ivy (Mrs

Kirk) and Eddie. Aged 34 years.

Complimentary Tribute Unique amongst the fancy and poster costumes at Wedderburn Ball were two dresses worn by Mrs Les Mays and Mrs Arthur Cooper.

They were almost the same in design being made of white material on which were printed that day’s issue of the “East Charlton Tribune”.

One lady was adorned with the sporting page and her fair colleague with the latest stop press edition.

They were the centre of attraction amongst bright conversationalists with whom to discuss the current topics of interest, such as the “Coming Events”, the wit from the Agricultural Society meeting or the balance sheet at the bank.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Final: Charlton 4-5 defeated Donald 3-10.

Above: 1925 the Charlton State School.

ANZ fails Robinvale community ANZ’s Robinvale branch has closed, but not before the bank delivered one final blow to the community in crediting closures as part of its emission reduction actions, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

Authorised by M Haylett, 177 High Street, Maryborough VIC 3650

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

The branch closed its doors on Thursday, the same day the bank was facing the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Inquiry into bank closures into Regional Australia hearing in Ingham, Queensland.

“The people of Robinvale have in no uncertain terms been told by ANZ that servicing them is not as important as projecting the bank’s green image,” Dr Webster said.

“They have been treated with absolute contempt, as my Senate colleague Matt Canavan said at today’s hearing – people aren’t

talked to, they are not spoken to, meanwhile the bank claims credit for their closures in their climate commitments.”

ANZ’s own public disclosure statement admitted its committed emissions reductions continued in 2022 – when the closure of the Robinvale branch was announced - due to property consolidation.

“This is just a case of ANZ virtue signalling, at a cost to their customers in Robinvale,” Dr Webster said “In the end the buildings will be occupied by new tenants who also turn the lights on and use air conditioning and heat-

ing – but it’s the Robinvale community who are losing a banking service.”

Dr Webster encouraged Robinvale residents to move their banking business to either the remaining Commonwealth Bank or Westpac.

Westpac initially was to close however backflipped on that decision.

“Regional communities should not be forced to use vital bank services online, particularly in communities like Robinvale with a significant older or multicultural population who find it much easier to bank in person,” Dr Webster said.

“These other two banks in Robinvale provide that option and ultimately haven’t abandoned the community like ANZ has now done.”

Victorian businesses saving Non-voters asked ‘please explain’ big with solar SMALL, medium and family Victorian businesses are saving on average more than $2,000 per year from their energy bills by installing solar power systems.

For every business t h a t a d o p t s s o l a r, the reduction in electricity use is the equivalent of removing a residential household from the grid.

The Solar for Bus in es s P r o gr am which commenced in 2021 is designed to support Victorian businesses, including Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and Small to Medium Family Businesses (SMFBs) in reducing their energy costs by accessing the benefits of renewable energy.

A recent review of Solar Victoria’s Solar for Business program by the Centre for New and Emerging Technologies (C4NET) found that over 2,290 businesses ranging from cafes to auto repair shops, dentists and doctors are enjoy-

ing the savings.

The Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Hume local government areas the top three metropolitan LGAs, and Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong and Ballarat the top regional areas where eligible businesses have taken advantage of available rebates to cut the cost of installing a solar panel system.

As well businesses in the Mildura, Wa r r n a m b o o l a n d northeast Victorian region have accessed rebates.

The rebates cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with businesses eligible for a maximum rebate of $3,500 to reduce the upfront cost.

As well businesses can access an interest free loan of up to

$5,000 to assist with their installation, in essence, getting a financial boost to save on power bills.

Businesses applying for rebates may also be eligible to access tax benefits such as the Instant Asset write-off incentive provided by the federal government.

The recently announced $314m Fe d e r a l Small Business Energy Incentive will further business savings post 1st July.

The incentive will allow businesses with up to $50m in turnover a 20 per cent tax deduction on solar panels, batteries and other energy efficient electrical devices when they invest up to $100,000 on reducing their reliance on fossil fuel energy.

You can find more information about Solar Victoria’s business rebate at: Solar for Business Program | Solar Victoria

THE Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging Victorians to respond if they have received a request to explain why they appear to have failed to vote in the last State election in November 2022.

The VEC issued close to 300,000 ‘Apparent failure to vote notices’ earlier this month and recipients must respond by the 28day deadline with a detailed explanation.

The notice is an opportunity to avoid a fine if non-voters provide a detailed response with supporting documentation.

The VEC is required to automatically fine non-respondents or those who do not provide a valid reason for failing to vote; the penalty is $92.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming, said that recipients should contact the VEC for assistance if unsure what to do, rather than ignore the notice.

‘If you need help understanding what the notice means and what you need to do, you can call us on 1300

New Planetarium goes interstellar in Bendigo MORE stargazers can explore outer space just by going to Bendigo, with a bigger and better planetarium open and ready to blast off.

The new Bendigo Planetarium at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre is now complete and double the size of the original.

The project is backed by $250,000 from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

The redesigned planetarium includes a state-of-the-art dome theatre which displays

high-res images of planets and the cosmos to teach audiences about space.

It is expected to attract more than 14,000 new visitors to the region annually.

Visitors can enjoy a range of entertaining and educational experiences in the six-metre-high dome.

By using more than 30,000 items of scientific data and images,

When is a lemon not a lemon?

When it looks like this Above: Brought into North Central News last week and locally grown, this is truly a lemon lemon.

students will be able to take part in astronomy lessons.

Visitors can sit back and explore outer space by watching footage and images displayed on the doom by a 360-degree projector.

The space can also be hired by the community for film screenings or other events.

The planetarium will soon be used for the Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival to show a film on Carriberrie dance, song and music in Aboriginal culture recorded on 360-degree cameras.

Established in 1995, Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre is a non-for-profit organisation and one of Australia’s first science and technology centres outside of a major metropolitan city.

The new planetarium is designed to bring in more visitors to the region thanks to the dome-theatre and is open every Tuesday to Sunday with special event bookings available on the Discovery Centre website.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and boosting the tourism sector.

551 575 or visit our website at vec.vic.gov.au,’ Ms Fleming said.

‘Information on what to do if you receive an apparent failure to vote notice will also be available to view in 25 in-language

videos,’ Ms Fleming added.

‘I also encourage you to sign up to our VoterAlert service, to make sure you’re notified whenever there’s a State or local council election you need to vote in.’

The VEC issued VoterAlert reminders

by SMS and email at key points in the election to 2.4 million

enrolled voters who had provided their details.

They included reminders on the close of roll date and a reminder to vote on Saturday 26th November.

People can sign up at at any time to be reminded to vote in all future State and local council elections at vec.vic.gov.au/VoterAle rt

Multi Vendor Auction ONLINE AUCTION This is the Lions Club fundraiser STARTS: 26/05/2023 at 3.00pm FINISH: 31/05/2023 at 7.00pm

Extend auction for active bidding: 2 minutes Collection by appointment only Contact: Brett Douglas 0447 162 455 (DDE) Tristian Douglas 0458 087 619 (DDE) Justin Naughton 0466 889 878 (NASCO) Step 1: Log onto Ray White NASCO. Step 2: Go to Online Auction. Step 3: Click on Driscoll Douglas East

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

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130* Years of Substantial Farming History Can Be Yours Gowar East, Victoria • 474.29ha* (1,172ac*) — homestead block 150.54ha* (372ac*), farmland 323.74ha* (800ac*) • t lamb & crop produc on • Grand 5 bdm homestead + inground pool & gardens • Farm manager’s residence, add! onal outbuildings & shearing sh ed • 23km* St Arnaud, 99km* Bendigo, 237km* Melbourne CBD To be "#$%$&'as 2 separate parts or sold as a whole.

EOI Closing 23 Jun 4pm View By appointment Jason Hellyer 0403 043 571 0447 162 455

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 11

Local schools to receive funding for upgrades and new equipment

The humble mum and the poet son

SENATOR Jana Stewart Labor Senator for Victoria has announced that twenty local schools across the Mallee will benefit from a share of $32 million in grants to upgrade school infrastructure and equipment.

THIS poem, The Swaggy, was written by Russell Steel in 1958 for the magazine of the new Finley High School.

‘A good person’ screens at Rex “SOMETIMES we find hope where we least expect it” is the tagline for the Rex movie “A Good Person” screening this weekend.

Starring Morgan Freeman and Florence Pugh the film also provides an exploration of forgiveness – who deserves it, what do you have to do to be worthy of it, and can you forgive others if you can’t forgive yourself?

The story revolves around Allison, ‘a promising young woman with a thriving career, a loving fiancee, and a close-knit circle of family and friends’.

However, her life takes a sudden turn for the worse when she experiences a harrow-

Contributed ing tragedy that leaves her battling an addiction to opiates and grappling with unresolved sorrow.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, she finds solace and strength in an unexpected relationship with her would-be father-inlaw, who becomes her unlikely ally in the journey towards healing and recovery”(Frank Liesenborgs).

This is an emotional roller-coaster ride of a movie, guaranteed to tug at the heart strings, so be prepared!

“A Good Person” MA15+ (Strong themes and drug use) 129 mins screens: Saturday 27th May at 8pm, Sunday 28th May at 2pm and Tuesday 30th May at 8pm.

Senator Jana Stewart said that the Federal Government was delivering better infrastructure and better equipment to help students across the Mallee achieve their best.

“Students in our regional communities deserve the same facilities as those in our capital cities.

“This is a great outcome and I’m happy that we can deliver this funding to much-needed projects for Victoria’s regional schools.

“The Albanese Government is investing in a better and fairer education system and this is terrific news for schools right across the state’s northwest, with more to come.”

The local schools that will benefit from this funding are Stawell West PS to

TRUE BLUE FLOORS

The Swaggy The swaggy left the city as work was hard to find And headed for the country where he heard the folk were kind He wandered then from farm to farm begging at each door He wanted any kind of job but the country folk were poor The farmers’ wives were kind to him giving meat or tea or bread Keeping him from death’s dark door and they alone kept him fed At last he got a shearing job and as the wages were quite high He settled down to this new life and so the years went by He started as a shed hand baling wool or penning sheep The work was hard but plentiful and he could earn his keep Then he asked to shear a sheep during smoko break He learned the skills so quickly he would a shearer make They toured the country far and wide working fit to break They were exciting times and history they would make

This life was hard shearing, drinking, gambling Always on the move across the country rambling There was a woolshed dance held at a nearby farm Where he met a country girl on whom he heaped his charm Settled down and married the kids would soon arrive It was a hard but worthwhile life it was good to be alive Then there was the shearers strike in eighteen eighty four It was a nasty business and he could work no more They say there is a contact here with our Australian past Waltzing Matilda is the song and ever may it last The drought of eighteen ninety five stopped his working life.

It was tough, with six young kids and a newly pregnant wife They lived hard on handouts in a humpy on the creek Scraping an existence surviving week to week A diet of underground mutton boiled or baked or fried This was no culinary delight but at least then no one died And now that he’s too old to shear he’s able to sit back And reminisce the years gone by when he took the northern track

Fencing, Decking & Concreting

Owner operator

FLOOR SANDING AND POLISHING NEW AND OLD FLOORS RECOATING OF FLOORS

It was a combined collaboration with his Mum. Russell has no idea of how much of it was his contribution, but his mum made it seem like it was mainly his.

FOR ALL YOUR

Ric Lang

0417 110 922

refurbish classrooms, Stawell PS for repairs and/or maintenance to school facilities, Birchip P-12 School, for upgrading or improving existing outdoor learning spaces, Charlton’s St. Josephs School to purchase and/or upgrade ICT equipment and upgrade ventilation in school facilities.

The funding is part of a $250 million commitment to improve school infrastructure.

All schools across the country were invited to apply for the funding and projects were assessed by the Department of Education and selected based on need.

Schools were able to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to support much needed improvements to facilities and learning environments.

The Federal Government is delivering on our promise to invest in our schools and there is more to come.

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ST. ARNAUD BLINDS Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters

We are NOW based in your area Open Wednesday to Sunday

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Your local option for commercial & residential solar installations Phone: 5495 1449

Page 12- NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

107 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD

Wimmera Blinds & Awnings

For all your Trophy and Engraving needs!

Phone: 0428 951 441 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

Using weigh scales to help Who will be crowned Footy’s Favourite drought proof your farm Farmer in 2023?

FEMALE Farmers of the Future award winner Sandy Pollington will explain how she is using Gallagher weigh scales to drought proof her business at a free workshop at Nullawil on Tuesday the 23 of May. To register visit: https://cqu.syd1.qualtri cs.com/jfe/form/SV_1T 6UKNBuoXTsyCW?fbc lid=IwAR2oiwqrcN5K rv2Q1KwXBiGqH3ncq irXh5xNFr0yYVo1SQf5 xNpLNp6B0cw In October 2022, Sandy was awarded $5,000 to purchase and install a commercially available agri-tech system or tool on her farm and undertake mentoring with industry professionals.

BCG CEO and Regional Director of the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Ms Fiona Best, said showcasing Sandy’s experience at the workshop had many benefits for farmers across the region: “It can be hard to make the decision to spend money on new tools and technology.

Therefore, it will be invaluable hearing how a relatively small investment is creating positive change in a local farm business while also preparing for the next drought.”

Ms Best said the addition of the Gallagher weigh scale was demonstrating real merit in Sandy’s operation: “We know weighing livestock can be a powerful performance measurement tool.

“A livestock’s weight gives insight into animal growth, health and performance, allowing farmers to make more informed management decisions using data that is accurate and easily collected on a

weigh scale.

“Being in the yards, seeing Sandy using the scales and how she is using the data, the free workshop will be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to evaluate if the tech could improve efficiency and profitability on their farm as well as contributing to the drought preparedness of the business.”

Ms Best said the workshops were also an opportunity to promote the important role women play in agriculture.

“We hope attendees will be inspired to look for ways on their farm to prepare for drought by upskilling and building confidence, by believing that women can be ‘change makers’ in their communities and industry.”

Four free work-

shops are being run across Victoria by the selected participants of CQUniversity’s Female Farmers of the Future (FFoF) program to link local producers with the latest technology for future drought proofing and preparedness.

The FFoF project was designed to build the skills, confidence, and leadership qualities of the recipients as well as boost drought resilience and is funded by the Australian Government’s Drought Resilience Ideas Grant.

For more information call Grace Hosking on (03) 5492 2787 or register at: https://cqu.syd1.qualtri cs.com/jfe/form/SV_1T 6UKNBuoXTsyCW?fbc lid=IwAR2oiwqrcN5K rv2Q1KwXBiGqH3ncq irXh5xNFr0yYVo1SQf5 xNpLNp6B0cw

THE search to find Footy’s Favourite Farmer is officially on with the State Government and WorkSafe celebrating the unique role of sport in farming communities while promoting the importance of workplace safety on farms.

Tragically, three agricultural workers have already lost their lives this year – in 2022, 568 people working in the sector were injured seriously enough to make a worker's compensation claim.

Victorians can nominate a farmer’s involvement in their local country football netball club for a chance to win $10,000 towards safety upgrades for the winner’s farm, and another $10,000 for safety improvements or repairs at their club.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett is encouraging locals to put their favourite farmer in the running and nominate them.

Ms Haylett said that from Wedderburn to Skipton, and every-

The Nationals will scrap new fresh food tax on farmers A future Coalition Government will abolish the Labor Federal Government’s new fresh food tax on farmers.

L eader of The Nationals David Littleproud said a Coalition Government would scrap Labor’s new tax, which will force farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of their international competitors.

“Labor’s Budget measure is a new tax on farmers and food, meaning farmers will have to pass it onto consumers, resulting in

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higher grocery prices at the check-out,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Why would any Australian government tax their own farmers, to pay for foreigners to bring their products into this country?

“To slug our farmers with a new $153 million tax, who will now be forced to pay for the risks of international importers, is unjust.

“The Nationals, as part of a Coalition Government, will stop Labor’s new tax, in order to protect and support our farmers, while also helping to ease financial pressures on families.”

In government, the Coalition was in the process of delivering a cost recovery model, where importers would pay a levy, commensurate to the risk provided, rather than

Australian farmers.

“Labor has prioritised importers before Australian farmers. In stark contrast, The Nationals will always put Australian farmers first.

“Instead of taxing Australian farmers, we will establish an ‘importer container levy’, as recommended by the independent Craik Biosecurity review.

“Under our plan, importers of foreign products will pay for the biosecurity risk they pose – not Australian farmers.

“It makes sense that those importing into Australia pay for the biosecurity risk of their products that they benefit from selling here.

“This measure will save our producers of agriculture, forestry and fishery products, while ensuring our agriculture industry can thrive and be protected from biosecurity risks.”

where in between, our farmers are an integral part of our community.

“It’s important their safety is a priority.

“Footy’s Favourite Farmer is about recognising the contributions of our farmers both out at the farm and at our local clubs – with the opportunity to improve safety at both.

“All you need to do is say, in 50 words or less, why your nominee deserves to be Footy's Favourite Farmer in 2023.”

From May through to July, monthly finalists will be announced, and the farmer’s local club will also receive six footballs and six

Above: Ricky Allan from the WycheproofNarraport Demons was the 2022 winner of the Footy's Favourite Farmer competition. netballs.

On 21st August, one monthly finalist will be crowned the 2023 WorkSafe Footy’s Favourite Farmer.

Nominations are

Week ending Thursday 18 May 2023

open until 26th July – Victorians wanting to put for ward their favourite local football netball club farmer can do so at countryclubhub.com.au.

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market has retracted again this week, with weaker buyer demand pushing prices lower for the second consecutive selling series.

Last week’s losses did not deter many sellers from the market and the national offering was only slightly lower, with 42,492 bales available to the trade.

The total amount offered nationally is now tracking very close to last season, this year there has been 1,652,464 bales put through the auction system, this is 10,376 more than the previous season, an increase of only 0.6%.

The Western region suffered the largest falls in the previous series and the Individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs)in Fremantle fell well below those posted in the Eastern centres.

This series, the Eastern centres came more into line with the West, recording the largest falls for the week.

The merino MPGs in Sydney and Melbourne dropped by between 11 and 55 cents, compared to falls in the West of between 1 and 22 cents.

After recording the highest passed in rate (24.8%) in nearly two years in the previous series, less extreme price reductions meant a smaller passed in rate, this week 15.3% of the national offering was passed in, 9.5% lower than was experienced last week.

The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) lost 21 cents for the series, closing at 1,263 cents.

The EMI is now at its l owe s t p o i n t s i n c e December.

The carding market lacked buyer support and fell for the seventh consecutive series.

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 46 46 46

Days Offering 16, 17, 18 May 8,827 16, 17, 18 May 25,704 16, 17, 18 May 7,858 42,489

Future Offerings Week

47

23, 24 May

Source - AWEX

45,936

T h e t h re e M e r i n o Carding (MC) indicators fell to an average of 766 cents, this is the lowest average level of the MCs since October 2020, where the MCs were sitting at an average of 731 cents.

Despite the falls of the previous two weeks, another reasonably large sale is rostered for next week.

Currently, there is 45,936 bales expected to be offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Melbourne 1270M -23 16.5 2368 -12 17 2180 -16 17.5 2035 -15 18 1830 -15 18.5 1664 -42 19 1571 -25 19.5 1510 -25 20 1458 -11 21 1395 -47 22 23 24 25 720n +5 26 555 +5 28 325 -10 30 297 -6 32 238n -12 MC 786 -18

Ind.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 13

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS

Job Opportunities Birchip • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Planned Activity Group Assistant Charlton • Infection Control Coordinator Donald • Enrolled Nurse St Arnaud • Junior Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Communications & Marketing Officer Wycheproof • Enrolled Nurse Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Administration Officer • Permanent and Part-time position • 20 hours / week (flexible) starting July 2023 • Diverse and fast-paced environment with an agriculture industry leader • St. Arnaud based with home/office balance considered Ridley Agriproducts has an exciting opportunity on offer for an Administration Officer to join our small and supportive logistics team for a 12-month period (with potential for extension) based at our St. Arnaud mill.

The position will take control of an established invoice assessment and processing function that ensures our supply partners are paid on time and in full, every time. Daily tasks will include preparing invoices for payment, analysing improvement opportunities and liaising directly with freight providers via phone and email.

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the position and bring an enthusiastic approach and wiliness to learn. Your key skills and attributes include being able to balances priorities, work autonomously, be process driven with a keen eye for detail with barriers/obstacles rationally and effectively.

Ideally the success candidate will have 3+ years working in accounts payable (or similar) role, worked in an office environment and has a sound understanding of Microsoft Office (Excel and Outlook) programs. Experience with the micros D365 ERP system is desirable but not mandatory.

If this opportunity appeals to your or you would like more information, please contact us on one of the methods below: Email: Transport@ridley.com.au

POSITION VACANT

Ideal Performance

CASUAL Driveway Attendant

Chantelle Petrie 0437 322 641

Weekdays and Weekends as needed

Exercise Physiologist Do You Have or Suffer from: Arthritis, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Mobility/ Balance Issues, Overweight, Heart Disease, Depression, Pulmonary Disease, Cancer, Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS or a recent surgery?

Position includes fuel & shop sales, general cleaning and other sundry duties.

Basic computer knowledge.

Applications in writing, delivered to:Alan & Mark Esmore St. Arnaud Apex Service Station 1 Silvermines Road, St. Arnaud. Vic. 3478

Looking for an improved quality of life and to maintain your independence?

Call Chantelle for a chat today!

You make the move to a better you.

RURAL PRODUCTS SALES REPRESENTATIVE We are looking for a Rural Products sales rep to join the St Arnaud branch.

Notice of Proposed Budget 2023-24 and Revised Council Plan 2021-25

Nurture. Grow. Thrive.

Accepting a role with Elders means you will be joining the family backed by a team ready to support and grow your career. Be part of a culture that has been in the making for more than 180 years, a culture so strong it is almost tangible. Much like the farmers and communities we work with, you will experience, passion, dedication and resilience across all parts of the business. With such an iconic, essential business in the Australian landscape we are confident that you too will be proud to grow your career at Elders and wear the pink shirt.

At the unscheduled Council Meeting held on Monday 22 May 2023, Council resolved to give notice of the draft Budget 2023-24 in accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020. Council also resolved to amend its current Council Plan.

To read and make a submission on the proposed draft Budget and Council Plan, visit council’s website at www.ngshire.vic. gov.au/have-your-say or contact the Customer Service Team to arrange a copy.

About the role We are looking for a Rural Products Sales Representative to join the team on a permanent, full-time basis.

Candidates seeking part-time employment or flexible working arrangements are encouraged to apply.

As an Elders Rural Products Sales Representative, your expert product knowledge and customer service skills will enable you to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including finding new opportunities for them to explore.

Although there is a particular focus on animal health and livestock production, the St Arnaud branch is a multifaceted branch offering good variety in all areas of production including crop protection, wool, seed, and fertiliser.

Supported by the Elders network, you will be provided with the tools necessary for you to grow in your career.

Responsibilities • Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, recommending the Elders range of products and services that will strengthen the growth of their business • Proactively source new business to achieve KPI’s and targets • Supporting inventory management, including in stocktake and dispatch • Processing sales and performing sales quotes About you • Are comfortable and thrive in a collaborative working environment • Are passionate about effecting real change for both your clients and your community • Have technical seasonal and rural products knowledge to support clients • Have a proven track record in sales, including retail skills • Have an ability to provide a high level of customer service and cultivate relationships with current and future clients • Have a driver’s licence. A forklift licence is preferred however we can support you to obtain one.

For further information please contact Scott Cameron, branch manager on 0418 991 776.

To apply visit Elders Careers (myworkdayjobs.com)

Phone: 0418 640 542 Applications close on 16th June 2023.

Any person wishing to make a submission on the proposed Budget or Council Plan must do so in writing. Any person wishing to be heard in support of their written submission must request this in their submission and will need to appear in person or by a person acting on their behalf at the 26 June Council Meeting. All submissions will become a part of a document available to the public.

Submission must be received by 4pm, Thursday 15 June 2023.

SAM10

EMPLOYMENT

Council will meet to consider any submissions and the adoption of the proposed Budget and revised Council Plan at a Council Meeting held at 12.30pm on Monday, 26 June 2023 in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall.

BRENT McALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PUBLIC NOTICE

CONTRACT No. C117 – 2022/2023

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & DELIVERY OF UNREGISTERED MOVABLE DWELLINGS IN BULOKE The Buloke Shire Council invites tenders from experienced contractors for the design, construction, and delivery of unregistered movable dwellings in Buloke.

Further details are available at www.bu loke.vic.gov.au/tenders.

Tender documents are available for downloading from https://portal.ten derlink.com/bulokeshire.

Tenders close 2:00pm AEST Wednesday 21 June 2023.

Winner Historical Society Wood Raffle

Bill Knights We thank all supporters and all volunteers who helped to make it come together.

North Central Farm Trees will be CLOSED between 22/5/2023 to 30/5/2023 Sorry for any inconvenience

FOR SALE

Farm Pro SIMPLY THE BEST

Local Manufacturing Company based in St. Arnaud has a position available for a

PERMANENT PART-TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 16 hours a week (flexible days) Send Resume to:Attention; Managing Director 20 Kell Road, St. Arnaud 3478. or:- Email: accounts@farmpro.com.au For more information phone:0409 953 100

METAL DETECTOR

Minelab GPX 5000 • Excellent Condition • 1 Year Minelab Warranty left • Pro Find 45 Harness • Pick & Scoop • Cable Guard • Protective Box Cover • Minelab Headphones • Car Charger • 240v Charger • 12” Evolution Coil • 10” DD Commander • Sadie Coil • 20” Nuggett Finder • 2 Coil Shafts

$3,800 Phone or text: 0428 951 441

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

AT YOUR SERVICE

FOR SALE

The PLANT TO Cleaning SKIN Soap Lady with at your Shea Butter service.

11 different fragrances to choose from

available at

Please phone Kerry 0431 227 217

St. Arnaud Allsorts

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

AT YOUR SERVICE

Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 15 years experience Open Mon to Fri 8 Nelson Parade ST. ARNAUD

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

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

Ph: 5495 1306 Colours, Perms, Unisex Cuts, Waxing, Teeth Whitening, Brow Wax & Tinting, Tanning etc..

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

Hayley:

100th BIRTHDAY

100th Birthday for

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266 St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Iris Farnsworth Will be celebrated at Moonambel Sports Ground

June 17th 2pm Onwards Afternoon tea

RSVP: 10th June

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

Practical, experienced advice in plain English Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

Ph: 0458 951 975 or 0428 316 291 or 0428 967 228.

Get it through our

Ph: 5495 2595

WANTed ads!

Karen@klp.net.au

(03) 5495 1055

IN MEMORIAM

DEATH

CHURCH NOTICES

GOOD SANDERSON (Morrison) MORRISON (Fithall) WILKINSON ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD - Gladys Irene - Darren Scott - Lesley June - Myles Arthur 20-7-1924 – 21-5-2023 24/4/1978-12/5/2023 9/2/1978 – 25-5-2021 9th May 2023 Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 26th May Loved wife of Frank It’s with broken hearts Remembering you is Our little Angel.

9am Morning Prayer Oswald Sanderson (dec). that we announce the easy we do it every day.

Loved and cherished Sister of Bert, Jean, Lil, sudden death of Darren.

Missing you is the St. Arnaud little boy of Luke and Charles, Ern (all dec) and heartache that never 9.30am Every Sunday Loved and devoted Teagan. Treasured little Pearl. Loving mother of goes away.

Eucharist father of Caileb, Chelsy, brother of Bryce.

Lynette (dec), Marilyn Bealiba - Your loving family Reagan and Xavier.

Precious Grandson of (Knights), Glenys (dec), 8am 2nd/4th Sundays and friends.

Much loved and Emil and Jenny Leonie (dec), John and treasured son of Ron Wilkinson and Bruce All Welcome Mark (dec). Mother-inand Lyn. Loved brother and Jan Douglas.

Priest Archdeacon Locum CHURCH NOTICES law to Bill, Carmel, Jenny of Sharon,NATIONAL Melanie, CROSSWORD for No. 10090 13 X 13A butterfly appears Release NAT140 Peter Blundell and friend of Lynda.

Josie andGRID Maxine. a brief moment its glory 16 Enquiries phone: ST. ARNAUD Nanna Sandy to Peter, Brother in law to Tim and beauty belongs to Phone: 0427 694 720 UNITING CHURCH Sally (Saw), Karen Leach, Darren Eaton our world: but then it Sunday 28th May (Russ); Jason, Luke, and Chris Thompson.

DISTRICT flies again. And though ST.ARNAUD Kate; Lisa (Ciurleo), CATHOLIC Loved Uncle to Liam we wish it could have 9.30am Kimberlee (Collins), CHURCHES and George, Oliver and stayed, we feel so lucky Rev. Bruce Gallacher Aaron, Paul and their East Wimmera Parish Patrick, Thomas, Jack, to have seen it.

Shared lunch to follow families.

BIRCHIP Lara, Abby and Nick.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 A private service STUART MILL Sunday May 28th REST IN PEACE Much love of partner of 9 10 Combined with St. Arnaud. will be held.

10.30am - Live Stream in Rachael.

PARISH OFFICE KELL FUNERALS 11 12 BOORT No longer in our days to Chris & Rob Batters ST ARNAUD Auspac Media Sunday May 28th 13 14 15 16 share, but in our hearts MACGOWAN Pastorial Co-ordinators NFDA EST: 1860 10.30am - Live Stream in The Features People you’ll always be17 there.18 Enquiries 5495 6223 - Doreen 5495 19 1043 20 BANYENA - No Mass PO Box 2585 Marilyn and Bill. Peter passed away peacefully CHARLTON 21 23 22 24 Southport Qldand Natalie; Sally and at Anglesea on May 4215 ST. ARNAUD Australia Sunday May 28th Karen and 25 Dave.

26 FUNERAL 27 21st 2023. Loved wife (07)Stuart; CHURCH OF 10.30am Telephone: 5591 5361 and Lachie, Bridgette Live Stream out to CHRIST of Howard (dec) and 1 800 29 28 30 Toll Free: 652 284 and Hannah churches without Mass Fax: 5591 5066 Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. loving mother of Colin (07)Patrick 33 32 and Harry; Rachael and31 MACGOWAN Celebrating faith in our Lord and Jan; Janne and DONALD Email: Friends36 of Doreen and Liam, Laura and 34 Jack; 35 Sunday May 28th John. Loved info@auspacmedia.com.au Nan of Thu 25th May her family are invited to 10.30am - Live Stream in our site: Sarah and Abbey and Brad and Jess,Visit Mark; 10.30 a.m.: Faith Group 37attend a celebration 38 of your great great grandwww.auspacmedia.com.au ST. ARNAUD Greg and Tiffany, Sun 28th May her 100 children Claudia,39Henry 40 years at the Sunday May 28th Christopher, Matthew 9.45 a.m.: Prayer time RSL Hall at 12:00 pm. and Maedie.

8.30am - Mass and Katelin, Michael 41 10.30 a.m.: Worship on WEDNESDAY42 31st WYCHEPROOF and Brieana. Loved & Communion May 2023.

Saturday May 27th Great Nan of Ruby, My mother, my friend, Speaker: Norma Hunt A private burial will be 7.00pm - Mass Ava, Djari, Luka, Kai, my confidant. I will Solution No. 10090 All welcome held at the St Arnaud Parish Coordinator: Bodhi. miss you but will ACROSS reCreated: Ted Whillier ACROSS DOWN Eccles Cemetery prior to theDOWNEnquiries: Brian Noeline Hogan member all 1theEssential good Creator no: 10090 2 Indolent 1 Vital 2 Inactive AT REST Ph: 5495 2267 0476 617 976 service. times, your wit the springs 5 and Mineral 3 Guarantee 5 Spas 3 Assure Qxpress: Peta Mandrakas 9 Cut off 4 Acquire knowledge KELL FUNERALS 9 Sever 4 Learn sharing Checked: Rosemary J of jokes.

10 Offensive to sight 5 Numeral 10 Ugly 5 Seven ST ARNAUD – Marilyn.

11 Corkwood 6 Conducted a 11 Balsa 6 Presided NFDA

EST: 1860

12 Disguise 12 Veil 5495 1043meeting Advises strongly 7 Gloomily ill­ 13 Urges Those we love13don’t 14 Bait humoured 14 Lure go away, SANDERSON8 Disparage 17 Part 17 Stern they walk beside us of a ship 19 More agreeable Pressing 19 Nicer A service to 15 celebrate everyday.

21 Weary 16 Gladys Departure 21 Tire the life of Mrs. Unseen, unheard but 23 Peril 17 Commences 23 Danger 21/5/23 Sanderson 18 willBuilds be always near. 25 Hail!

25 Ave A/C Doreen Macgowan held at the Uniting to Editor:Loved mother 26ofLess 20 Vehicle 26 Fewer (Munn)Note WAAAF Markin number Church on Created in QUARK 27 Compass point (init)St. Arnaud 22 Mocking 27 ENE (dec), loving mother-inThe President, Committee THURSDAY 24 Going (May in 28 Clergyman 28 Rector XPRESS. VER.4.03 law and friend to Jenny. and Members of the 25th) at 10.3026 am.

Insects Bushy­tailed 30 Ants not neededAdored for Nana30 Sandy to St. ArnaudItems Sub-branch 31 Poisonous The cortege willcarnivore 31 Toxic publication can be then Lisa and Shane; mourn the passing of 33 OldKim stringed 29 Sounded a flute 33 Lutes as each is and in a Josh; Aaron leave for the St this highlyerased esteemed and instruments 30Arnaud Otologist 34 Soso member. separate text box. Ailsa; Paul and 34Charlie, Tolerable Lawn Cemetery.

32 Wired enclosures 36 Safer This Saturday!

This Saturday!

36 More 33 Latvians and treasured Greatsecure KELL FUNERALS 37 Twig Sincerest condolences 37 Slender shoot 35 Leave out 38 Timid ST ARNAUD Nan to Bailey, Isabella to her family.

38 Shy 39 Dire NFDA EST: 1860 and Cooper, Emily; 39 Dreadful 40 Vents 5495 1043 Edward, William and 40Maggie.

Outlets 41 Dyes McRAE Desmond, and 41 Stains 42 Stage - Joan CROSSWORD 42 Raised platform

Lots of laughs and wonderful memories from the past.

R.I.P. Love Joan S. WARNING !!!

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Note to Editor:

Wallaloo & Gre Gre District Alliance Solution to this puzzle should not appear Standing up for farmers on the same page

HOLD THE LINE

SOLUTION Solution No. 10090 V I T A L S P A S S N S E V E R U G L Y B A L S A V E I L U C U R G E S L U R E S T E R N N I C E R G T I R E D D A N G E R A V E F E W E R E N E R E C T O R D A N T S T T O X I C L U T E S S O S O S A F E R R M T W I G T I M I D D I R E V E N T S N T D Y E S S T A G E

NO GO AEMO You do not have permission to go on my land

3

Text your local 'What's App' group: "ON PROPERTY NOW"

4

YOU HAVE RIGHTS You do not need t o say anyt hing else.

Do not sign anything without legal advice! Stop VNI West Towers

This Saturday!

This Saturday, May 27 9AM - 1 PM

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

I am not talking to anyone regarding VNI West 1 Can I please have your name and who you work for? 2

7 Sullen 8 Slur 15 Urgent 16 Egress 17 Starts 18 Erects 20 Car 22 Derisive 24 Entering 26 Fox 29 Tooted 30 Aurist 32 Cages 33 Letts 35 Omit

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

FOR SALE Rotary Club of St. Arnaud Traditional Rum & Brandy Fruit Cakes

$20 available at North Central News and Apex Service Station St. Arnaud.

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: May 24th Steve Hicks Shannon Pickthall Finn Wilson May 25th Myra Collison May 26th Chantelle Petrie

May 27th Luke Sanderson May 29th Marnie Price Felicity Ezard Prue Reyne May 30th Jack Walker Leila Morris

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 15

Digital driver licences St. Arnaud 25 Years Ago: May 1998 Grants open for Wimmera Band on the way for community groups and Sunday footy netball clubs who Victorian motorists MOTORISTS will soon have the option to carry promote road safety their licence on their phone with a digital driver licence trial to be held in Ballarat before a statewide roll-out by 2024.

The new technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the popular Service Victoria app or soon-to-be-launched my VicRoads app.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said that they know Victorians want digital driver licences and that’s why this trial is such a big step before further rollout occurs.

“A digital driver licence will make it easier and more convenient for Victorian motorists and it will help businesses and authorities to verify identity with minimum time and fuss.”

From June, full licence holders in Ballarat will be able to sign up for the pilot through the Service Victoria or VicRoads websites before the trial begins in July, with those who register progressively invited to add a digital version of their licence to their phone.

The card will feature superior security features, with the licence updated in real time in response to any changes such as new licence conditions or a change of address.

Digital licences will automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age when it is not active.

The licence has a highly secure, timed QR code that can be scanned by licence validators such as police, businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

Accessibility and security of personal information is the highest priority.

During the Ballarat trial, feedback will be sought from motorists, retailers, licensed venues, Victoria Police and places where a licence is used as proof of identity.

The initial pilot is for full licence holders and won’t change the obligation for L and P plate drivers to carry their physical licence with them at all times. Drivers will still have the option to use their physical licence.

In anticipation of a statewide roll-out, the Government will also begin engagement with key business and industry leaders to make sure Victorian workers and businesses are well prepared.

By 11.30am the eight bands massed at the top end roundabout and marched to the Town Hall to continue playing in front of the portico, conducted by St. Arnaud Bandmaster, Bob Wooley from the balcony, high above the bands.

The actual Band Sunday, the performance of all the bands in the Town Hall in the afternoon was outstanding and it was a great day well attended, and with a barbecue lunch served

by Rotary midway.

It was the 18th Wimmera Band Sunday and the second time it has been hosted

by St Arnaud.

Sulphur deficiency Once unheard of in Victoria, sulphur deficiency appeared to develop in some Wimmera canola crops last year.

Canola is hungry crop, removing a least five times as much sulphur as wheat for the same yield.

Anzac Day at Bealiba At 11am Anzac Day, Main Street, Bealiba was closed and the Norman Simpson Memorial Pipe Band played and led the march.

Some returned soldiers had returned,

travelling long distances to take part in the service.

Thanks must go to all who participated, the ladies for supplying the lunch, Mr Denis Heard for his organisation and not forgetting the Pipe Band who have attended for many years.

May the ANZAC spirit live on.

Off to the outback It was an early morning start for the St. Arnaud Secondary College outback trip on Saturday.

Music teacher Anthony Briggs took his guitar, Naomi Ball (student) took her favourite pillow, and teacher Col Macgowan was prepared for the Central Australian sun.

Forty-four students and four teachers are headed for Alice Springs and Ayres Rock with a lot of interesting places in between.

Time for a rethink?

The Municipal Association of Victoria, which is made up of 78 local Councils in Victoria, has been fighting changes to the electricity supply bill that it believes could result in devastation of trees and destroy urban and rural landscapes.

If the tree is ‘in the way, according to whoever wants its space’,

by Luke Hannigan Work experience Student Forster Secondary College

the norm is to get rid of it.

The destroyed ‘trimmed’ trees they leave in their wake are a disgrace.

Surely in this age of technology we can progress beyond that point at least.

Charlton Mother’s Day Fete Charlton College held its annual Mother’s Day Fete on May 8.

The weather was kind and a very successful day resulted with a profit of over $5200.

The BBQ, hot dogs, baked potatoes and milkshakes were very popular.

The students organised activities included a car wash (which kept the year 10 students sufficiently busy and saturated) a table tennis competition, the longest football kick, a ‘who’s who’ photo competition as well as the ‘guess the number of jelly-beans’, ‘guess the length of the string’, helium balloons, popcorn and fairy floss gave the fete a wonderful atmosphere.

It was a great occasion for the College and the Charlton Community.

(Information from the St. Arnaud North Central News)

MEMBER for Ripon Martha Haylett is encouraging community groups and football and netball clubs across the region to earn a share in funding as part of the 2023 TAC Road Safety Grants and Club Rewards Programs.

Ms Haylett said that locals know their roads best, they know the issues and opportunities – that’s why it’s important to allow community groups to take action and implement solutions.

“Whether you’re doing the school drop off, coming home from the footy or on your daily commute to work – road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“These programs will work with community groups and football netball clubs across our region to support them in creating a safer environment for all road users.”

The TAC Road Safety Grant Program gives community groups the opportunity to identify road safety issues in their area and implement solutions, by coming up with a project to overcome them.

The program has two funding categories – Road Safety Support Grants of up to $50,000 and Road Safety Collaboration Grants of up to $150,000.

Examples of projects that may be funded include those that engage with communities to raise awareness of the benefits of safe road user behaviours or proven road safety measures.

Community groups that are eligible to apply include incorporated associations, not-for-profits, charities, community trusts and social enterprises.

Applications for the 2023 TAC Road Safety Grants Program are now open and close on 16 June.

Separately, the TAC Club Rewards Program is also back, giving grassroots football and netball clubs the opportunity to earn a share in funds by participating in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

As part of the program, all AFL Victorian aligned clubs across regional Victoria can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety to their community.

These funds can go towards facility upgrades, new kits or keeping the tuck shop prices low.

For more information including how to apply for both grants, visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety-grantprogram and https://www.aflvic.com.au/tacclub rewards.

Supporting Local Business

An new ew p place lacce to ΈQd ΈQd all all of our o great great Local Local Businesses Businesses

Calling C alling all all Businesses Bussinesses

Continuing in our trad tradition dition to be all about everythin everything g local, we are pleased to announce the th he launch of a new Online Directory Direcctory to support our great Local Businesses Businesses provided by your independently indepe endently owned and operated North Central Ce entral News. We proudly provide comprehensive coverage of news and events across our region, and are passionate

We’d love to invite every local ocal business in our region to be part of the North rth Central Directory.

To ΈQG out how we can help support your business online contact us on 5495 1055.

advocates forr the local story of each of our townships, covering the issues D·HFWLQ D·HFWLQJ QJ us all. In addition we play an important im mportant role in promoting our local businesses bussinesses and organisations. North Norrth Central Directory will further help connect c our local residents with our o great local businesses.

Visit our new website and join us in Supportin Supporting ng Your Local Businesses.

www.northcentraldirectory.com.au ww w.north hcentraldirectory.com.au

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

Get vaccinated to stay well this winter

Horsham O’Connors Call to stop unsolicited engineering apprentice phone calls re Energy Upgrades Program leads the field

VICTORIANS are being urged to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter by getting their influenza vaccination, ahead of an expected spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases during winter.

O’CONNORS engineering apprentice Aiden Keys has won two major awards at the annual SuniTAFE Graduation and Awards at Swan Hill in north-west Victoria.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has visited the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Immunisation Clinic to encourage all Victorians to get vaccinated, with alarming data showing only one in ten children were vaccinated against the flu as of late April.

Ms Thomas said that while flu can be mild in some people, in others it can cause a very serious illness.

“So protect yourself and your loved ones by rolling up your arm for your flu vaccination.”

“Children are at a much higher risk of serious illness due to flu, and with so few vaccinated I want to encourage all parents to protect your children this winter.”

“Stay well this winter - get vaccinated against flu and COVID, and stay at home if you’re sick.”

The new data also revealed that one third of parents were not aware that flu can cause serious illness in otherwise healthy children.

Flu is highly contagious, and while it can be mild in some people, it can also cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and death in otherwise healthy people.

Following a resurgence in 2022, seasonal flu activity is expected to continue to rise in 2023 – and the last fortnight has seen an increase in notified flu cases, with of cases in children aged from 5-14 increasing by 115 per cent – highlighting just how important vaccination is for children.

Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older and is free under the National Immunisation Program for people considered to be at higher risk.

This includes children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months of age and older, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu and its complications.

All Victorians can receive their vaccination through a local provider – including your GP, pharmacy, local council immunisation clinic, Aboriginal Health Service or community health centre.

Cases of RSV are also on the rise, especially among younger children – around half of RSV cases within the past fortnight were aged under 3 years.

While there is currently no vaccine available against RSV, there are other simple steps people can all follow to stay well and stop the spread of respiratory illnesses, including washing or sanitising hands often, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick.

No interval is required between the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as they target different viruses and with booster vaccines now available that target emerging variants, you can receive both vaccines on the same day.

New equipment helping the fight against cervical cancer VICTORIA is now home to world-leading technology that is making it easier and faster for Victorian women to screen for cervical cancer.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has visited the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC) to unveil its new BD COR Machine, which is making sure we can screen more women across Victoria for cervical cancer.

Ms Thomas said that the machine is the first of its kind in Australia and will ensure more Victorian women are screened for cervical cancer.

“By allowing more women to selftest at home, this machine will reduce barriers and make it easier and faster to screen for cervical cancer.”

“We’re proud to work in partnership with organisations like the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer on the journey to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.”

The first of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, the new machine means Victoria can now process a much higher volume of self-collected tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) - a common infection that can cause cervical cancer.

Many women report that the traditional method of testing, done by a clinician, can be uncomfortable and can also be difficult to access – especially for women in regional Australia.

Allowing more women to selftest, in the comfort of their own

home will reduce these barriers and ensure women who otherwise would have gone without a test are more likely to screen for cervical cancer – potentially saving lives.

The State Government has invested more than $400,000 to purchase the machine, which will help the ACPCC meet the growing demand for self-collected samples, following the introduction of selfcollection as an option for all women participating in routine cervical screening.

More than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in those who have never screened or are overdue and self-collection will play a key role in our efforts toward the elimination of cervical cancer.

Australia’s world-leading screening program, combined with its HPV vaccination program, means we are on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended every five years for women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74.

The Victorian Cancer Plan 20202024 sets the ambitious target for Victoria to reach this goal by 2030 – and this new technology, and partnerships with organisations like the ACPCC, is crucial to achieving this goal.

The 19-year- old was named the Outstanding First Year Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice of the Year (1st Year) Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade.

Aiden, who works at agricultural machinery dealership, O’Connors’ in Horsham, says he was honoured to receive the awards.

“I was honestly amazed with these awards.

“To have been named the winner of the Outstanding First Year Apprentice was very special but to also win Apprentice of the Year, was so exciting.

“I can’t believe it,” he said.

Aiden says resilience, determination, and a passion for learning from the best in the business at O’Connors, has paid off.

“I’m really proud of myself. “ have achieved a great deal over the last two years.

“All the hard work has been worth it.

“I feel like I am positioned well for a successful career in engineering and the future looks bright,” he said.

In 2022, Aiden joined O’Connors’ as a first-year apprentice and has benefited from on-the-job support, mentoring and Case IH training at state-ofthe-art workshop facilities.

He says the opportunity has been significant and boosted his career prospects.

“I started my engineering apprentice ship at another business before I joined O’Connors’.

“The level of support, the equipment, the financial assistance, and mentoring I’ve received since joining O’Connors is second to none.

“I can explore all facets of engineering through my apprenticeship with O’Connors, and I am going to make the most out of it.”

Aiden encourages anyone looking for an exciting and rewarding career who has an interest in building or

UNSOLICITED phone calls from call centres purporting to be representatives of the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrades Program has been raised in State Parliament by The Nationals.

Above: O’Connors engineering apprentice Aiden Keys has won two major awards at the annual SuniTAFE Graduation and Awards at Swan Hill in north-west Victoria. working with machiner y, vehicles and accessories to consider an apprenticeship with O’Connors and particularly, its Redstart Apprenticeship program.

He was well aware of O’Connors’ reputation as a leading machinery dealer, but it was mates who pointed him in the direction of its Redstart program.

“If I had my time again, I would have applied for this immediately.

“There are plenty of options as part of the initiative and you will work with brilliant people.

“The support you get from the Program Coordinator in particular, is world-class,” he said.

Aidan Keys says he came into the industry with no farming background but in no way was that a barrier to securing a career in machinery engineering.

Originally from Ferntree Gully in suburban Melbourne, Aiden is based in Warracknebeal, in the wheatbelt of Victoria.

“I always knew I wanted to do something with my hands, and I am confident I have found my career calling.

“I love working for O’Connors, it’s a great company full of great people.

“Now as far as I am concerned, the sky’s the limit.”

O’Connors is the largest Case IH dealership in Australia and has more than 380 people working across 16 locations in regional New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said her office continued to be contacted by distressed residents and businesses who were being inundated with unsolicited calls, particularly in the evenings.

“I am aware of one case where a private resident received four calls in 24 hours – two on a Sunday evening and two the following day,” Ms Kealy said.

“Even more concerningly, most of the constituents who have contacted my office and the offices of my National Party colleagues are on the “do not call register”.

“I wrote to the Minister for the Environment in January this year asking for advice on what steps the Andrews Labor Government is taking to stop the harassment of private residents and businesses who do not want to participate in the scheme.

“Despite follow up contact from my office, no response has been received.

“Given the problem is ongoing and the Minister’s lack of response to my letter, The Nationals had no option but to raise the issue in Parliament, asking the Minister again for advice on what actions the government is taking to protect those who do not want to participate in the scheme.”

The Minister has also been asked to advise if the State Government has engaged these centres and if so, where they are located, as some have reported the initial delay associated with international calls.

The Minister now has 30 days to respond to the questions asked.

Funding to stop violence against women with disabilities WORKERS in the family violence prevention and disability sectors will be better equipped with the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities with a funding boost to Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV).

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence said that the Government will build an inclusive family violence system that responds to the needs of all Victorians.

“Women with disabilities disproportionately experience family violence compared with the rest of the community so it’s critical that we support prevention work where it is needed most.”

The State Government will invest $1.8 million to support the expanded delivery of its Gender and Disability Workforce Development Program, which gives workers the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities.

Since it began in 2017, the program has offered training and professional development to more than 900 participants from disability, social services, local government, prevention and carer

workforces.

WDV has worked with 12 women with disabilities in paid employment as specialist disability -inclusion consultants to a range of organisations and has facilitated a statewide Community of Practice for prevention.

WDV also partnered with Our Watch to produce an innovative, evidence-based resource titled Changing the Landscape, to guide the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities.

Wo m e n with Disabilities Victoria is the only womenfocused, human rights-based disability organisation in the state.

Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission into Family Violence – more than every other state and territory combined.

Shop locally, support local business and secure your children’s future

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 17

The 2023 Inter-hotels Pool Comp season ROUND Five of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition was played on Wednesday, 17th May and it now appears to be a certainty that the monkey of the first round mulligan is well and truly off the back of the Country Club One team as they produced a profound pool performance at home amongst the gum trees against the flamboyant Farmers’ Arms One side.

Above: Warm winners Di Ostarcevic and Terry McSwain after their big wins.

And the winners are…

- Contributed

THERE was only one unconquered team at last Sunday’s Winter Bowls, round 2, at the St. Arnaud Bowling Club.

And there was only one team that failed to win a game.

Terr y McSwain Di. Ostarcevic and Graham Simpson won their first game 14 shots to 6, and Terry and Di, won the second game 14 -7, after Simo had to pull out.

The two - game losers were Col Marchment and Sandra McIntyre.

The bowlers welcomed Lyn Southwell and Garry Bates from Charlton and first timer Graham Willson.

It was cool but the eighteen bowlers enjoyed some sunshine and some good socialising, and some good bowling.

The next round of Winter Bowls will be on Sunday June 4th, names in by 12.30pm for a 1.00 pm start.

Above: Is that score right? Col Marchment (left) checks the score with Tony Marland.

Right: Graham Willson and Garry Bates blinded by the light.

Below: Lyn Southwell in action watched by Kerryn Dyke.

Page 18 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

The rollers and floggers had ambushed the Farmers’ boys in the first round of singles with perennial captain Paul Mullins blemishing the previously untarnished record of his Farmers’ counterpart, Leigh Watkins, while Troy Shields and Jacob Vanrenen each had success against Hayden Perry and Ben Medlyn while Des Moulday was to be the odd one out, having been shirt-fronted by Geoff Watts.

Their lead of three games to one at the beginning of the second round was to dissipate rapidly however as Leigh and Hayden regained their composure to square their matches but Geoff was to suffer his first loss of a frame for the season when he succumbed to desperate Des, sufficiently resuscitated from his opening frame failure, and then Jacob dispatched Ben to the smoking area however it was to be in the third round that the high drama was to occur as Paul inflicted upon Leigh his first match loss and Des, delighted by the previous weekend’s performance of his revered Magpies produced a Daicos-like performance to inflict an identical ignominy to the previous match upon Geoff.

In amongst this carnage Haydn had taken Troy to the cleaners but the damage had been done and with the doubles halved the Mean Machine had inflicted upon the forlorn Farmers their first loss for the season, eight games to five.

L adder leader’s Royal One gained the mantle of being the only undefeated combination when they produced the biggest win of the evening at home in their redoubt against the sputtering Sporting Club side.

Reg Nazifouski was to be the Clubbers only shining light as he extricated one frame off Thomas Watts while the rampaging Royals’ Sam Postlethwaite and Daniel Needs each overcame Jesse Cook and Dayle Pitt while dapper Dave Russ celebrated his return to the baize by overpowering Colin Crooks.

A half in the doubles resulted in a nine games to two victory to have them gazing down from their exalt-

ed perch now one game and percentage clear.

Closest match of the night took place in the wilds of the Avoca Forest where the Countr y Club Two team made the road trip to take on the Loganites.

For the Pub in the Scrub, Jason McNaulty dusted the extensive cobweb collection off his cue to overcome Grant Doyle in straight sets while his brother Shaun needed three to dispatch Harley Durward.

Stephen Rodger only needed two to take out Jake Male while Ben Pell was their only casualty, going down to Will Jackson but the horse had bolted by the end of the singles however the Clubbers won both doubles to leave the Logan with a seven games to five triumph.

Eighty years ago

today nineteen Avro Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron RAF attacked three dams in the German Ruhr, destroying two of them. Codenamed Operation Chastise, the aircraft had earlier taken off from RAF Scampton in East Anglia and while the results were only partially successful it was a tremendous moralebooster for the people of Britain and the Commonwealth, even though eight aircraft were lost with fiftythree crew members killed, many of them senior officers and three taken prisoner.

Similarities can be drawn with the Royal Two team’s foray to the Farmers’ Arms hotel where, even though their venture was to be successful the defenders, tonight, being the all-Amazonian makeup of the Farmers’ Arms Two team, were

- by Bob Wooley to give a good account of themselves, indeed, at the conclusion of the first round the defence was resisting valiantly after Bianca Cannon had lost her opening frame against Dillon Baldock but Alayne Cunningham then won her opening frame against Nick Birthisel and, inspired by their courageous captain, Kelly Pole and Zoe Cunningham opened their accounts against Simon Elliott and Harry Bigmore.

A major boil-over appeared to be a distinct possibility but the attackers started finding their targets in the second round as Dillon sank Bianca then Nick, Simon and Harry all squared their matches.

The third round saw Alayne score her first kill for the season but the dam wall then burst as Simon and Harry finally breached the defences of Kelly and Zoe then with the doubles shared the Royalists had returned to base with an eight games to five win.

An eagle scored at St. Arnaud Golf JOHN “Sanga” Goode did what most long standing golfers still haven’t done by scoring an eagle in his first official full round of golf last Saturday.

Sanga will be able to lose a few balls now after collecting a full eagle’s nest.

Trevor Stewart was the standout performer on the day with 68 net.

In division one Tubby Drendel had a 70 net from Scott Wright with 71 net.

Division 2 was Trevor Stewart winning from Daniel Needs and Sanga Goode both with 71 net.

Nearest the pins were David Lanyon on the 6th, Harley Durward on the 8th, Rob Batters on the 10th and Cam Morrison on the 18th.

One 4 ball match was played with Tubby Drendel and John Proctor overcoming Arnold Bond and Rob Batters 3/1.

Two singles knockout matches were played with Trevor Stewart winning the battle of Trevor’s over Trevor McDonald 6/5.

Cam Morrison protected the president’s pride by going down on the 17th.

Next Sunday the

Kara Kara mens pennant will be held at St. Arnaud in a 6 hole round robin format.

Craig Burn, Scott Wright, David Lanyon, Jake Male and Bill Rodger will carry the expectations of the

St. Arnaud golf club on their shoulders.

Next week is the 2nd round of the singles knockout and another chance for everyone to emulate Sanga’s first game achievement.

Charlton men’s golf ON Sunday, Kirk Boyle stepped onto the Charlton course for the first time this season and proceeded to rack up 38 points which was clearly enough to win the Stableford competition.

Kirk’s 80 off the stick has him inspired to return for a hit out next week.

Jostling for the runners up position with 35 points each was Trevor McGurk, Anthony Hargreaves and Jeff McLoughlan.

Close behind with 34 points each was Jamey Soulsby and Wayne Southwell.

Sharing the final ball handout was Jeff Cox and Troy Heenan with 32 points.

Jamey Soulsby had the radar working with nearest the pin on the 2nd and 14th.

New member Cody Wishart was closest on the 7th.

- Contributed In the match play knock out round, a further 2 matches were played.

Ian Jenkins defeated Brendan Byrne 3/2 and Jeff McLoughlan defeated Trevor McGurk 1 up.

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

Natte Bealiba netball results North Central League: Inaugural AS we welcomed Newstead back to the pond we - Contributed

were granted with a later start, lucky 11 and Under’s got a sleep in with games commencing at 9:45am.

11 & Under It was a strong game for the 11 & Under’s against a third place Newstead with a draw 11 all.

Each player held their position well applying pressure on centre passes.

Canteen award to Lexie Lea-Brightwell for chasing loose passes and working the ring.

13 & Under The 13 & Under team won against Newstead 24 to 9.

The glass award went to Darcey Williams and the canteen award to Morgan Lea-Brightwell who both played their best personal game for the year.

15 & Under The 15 & Under’s had a great game contesting close with the Newstead girls, eventually coming out with a win 24 to 21.

Awards went to Sky Smith and Milla Boyes.

17 & Under The 17 & Under girls were awarded with a week off due to Newstead not being able to fill a side.

C Grade The C Grade girls came up against a tough Newstead team which proved to be a great game to watch, unfortunately not falling our way 37 to 25.

All girls played their parts exceptionally well and achieved their personal goals for the game.

Awards went to Zali Mortlock and Hannah Lanfranchi for their hard work and driving in the mid court.

B Grade It was another close game for the B Grade girls.

Newstead came out firing which put us on the back foot from the beginning.

Extra two meetings for Charlton Harness

A credit to the Natte girls who were able to remain calm and started to execute better in the second half coming through with the win 37 to 30.

Awards went to Shelby Farrell for her strong defensive pressure and providing the attackers with more opportunities and Ellie Martin for fighting hard in the attack to control the ball and execute at pivotal moments.

A Grade A big win for the A Grade girls this week.

A huge team effort where everyone played their role well.

The girls showcased a very slick and fast game style, proving to be much stronger than their opponents, winning 83 to 26.

Awards went to Naomi Medlyn who was excellent in defence, causing headaches for the Newstead Attack and Ella Tranter and Lavinia Martin who worked hard in attack.

Inside running

by Archie

THE efforts of the Committee and members of the Charlton HRC have again been recognised with the Club being allocated an extra 2 meetings for the 2023-24 season.

Their US Independence Day meeting on July 3 is the first of 16 dates that will allow the Club to develop even more and provides more options for increased community engagement.

The 2024 Charlton Cups meeting is scheduled for March

17, St Patrick’s Day, when the annual “Blue Sunday” for one year will become “Green Sunday”.

St. Arnaud Cup is set for November 5, the Sunday before the Melbourne Cup, with the Wedderburn Cup on January 28, the Sunday of the Australia Day weekend and the Boort

Club has been allocated March 3 for their big day.

There is a ver y strong list of nominations for the Charlton Club’s meeting tomorrow, the 25th, and Ballarat race that night with the highlight being a Trot final for horses that qualified in the heats on Friday night.

headspace Round 19 May 2023 • From page 20.

“Teammates anticipate each other’s next move and are always on the lookout for each other on the field and court.

“We are encouraging that this happens away from sport by checking in with mates and continuing to have important conversations about how you are going off the field or court”.

Many young people in Australia will experience a significant issue in the next 12 months that really gives them trouble, and one of the best supports we have is each other.

Whether you drop a mark/pass or miss a kick/shot, your teammates are there to pick you up and get around you.

This year’s inaugural headspace Round will highlight just how important this is to continue away from sport. “ We k n o w t h a t sporting clubs are extremely influential on young people, offering a strong sense of community, belonging and normality” said Lindsay Rose, headspace Bendigo Manager.

“It takes people like coaches, trainers, supporters and teammates to lift you to success on the field and court.

“It is equally important to have a team around you to be physically and mentally healthy off the field or court.

“At headspace we are absolutely committed to ensuring all

young people have the tools and confidence they need to be more proactive and open in managing their mental health and wellbeing.

“Simple tips like staying connected to others, building coping strategies, doing things you enjoy and staying active, can all play a vital role in building resilience and maintaining a healthy headspace,” said Mr Rose.

This inaugural headspace Round will promote a positive mental health message to all on the day but will specifically focus on the importance of checking in with your teammates on and off the field or court, so that everyone in our sporting communities knows they have someone to talk to.

The teams at headspace Swan Hill and headspace Bendigo would like to thank the North Central League and their clubs for helping us to get this extremely important message out to young people.

If you or a young person you know is looking for support, headspace can help.

We are not just a mental health service and can help point young people in the right direction and provide support before things get too hard.

To get in contact with your local centre: https://headspace.org.a u/headspace-centres/ The seven tips to maintaining a healthy headspace can be found at https://headspace.org.au/tips/.

Abby has been selected Abby Weir (pictured above left) former St. Arnaud Under 14s football team player has received confirmation that she has been selected in the AFL Central Victoria Academy Program for 2023 in the Under 16 Girls age group.

Abby is the daughter of Andrew and Melissa Weir of St. Arnaud.

whats coming up •|THIS saturday |• | AWARDS @ |• SPORTING CLUB •|THIS saturday round 6 | AWAYa V DONALD | AWARDS @ SPORTING CLUB club @ sporting round 6 | AWAYawards V DONALD | AWARDS @ SPORTING CLUB club & meal from 7pm @ sporting

awards & meal from 7pm @ sporting club

•|coming up|•night @ lord nelson park | home v wedderburn | kids home vvwedderburn up|•night @ lord nelson park rround 7 || away boort •|coming | tba | kids awayvvs vwedderburn boort | tba | |kids rround 78 || home bir/watchem goods auction round nightand @ services lord nelson park round 9 | home vs bir/watchem | goods and services auction s round 8 | away v boort | tba sunday, june 18th - wood farming auction round 9 | home vs bir/watchem | goods and/services auction round 10 | bye sunday, june 18th wood / farming auction bye v nullawil | awards @ club rooms round 11 || home r | awards @ club rooms round 12 || home awayvvnullawil slnt | tba round 10 r awayvvcharlton slnt | tba| netball club event round 13 ||| bye home round 11 roomsarms r charlton netball club event round 14 || home awayvvnullawil w.-N'port|||awards awards@ @club farmers r w.-N'port | awards @ farmers arms round 12 slnt | tba round 15 || away home vvdonald | awards @ sporting club r donald | awards @ club sporting club arms round 13 | netball 16 | home awayvvcharlton wedderburn | awards @event farmers r awayvvvboort wedderburn |olympics awards @ farmers arms 17 | home | saint round 14 away w.-N'port | awards @ farmers arms r | home v boort | saint olympics round 18 | away vs bir.-watchem | royal hotel 15 home v donald | awards @ sporting club r away|vvsst bir.-watchem | royal @ hotel september arnaud saints round 16 || 23rd away wedderburn | awards farmers arms s | black st arnaud saints vote count & presentations round 17 | home v black boort tie | saint olympics tie vote count & presentations Above: Two additional meetings in the 2023-24 season will allow the Charlton HRC more opportunities to hold promotions like the annual Team Teal fundraiser “Bubbles in the Bush” that raises funds to support ovarian cancer research.

- Photo. Charlton HRC.

round 18 U | away royal TH R SvsDbir.-watchem A Y N I| G H hotel T MEAL september 23rd | st arnaud saints this week: chicken schnitzel black tie count presentations wvote / c h i p& s & salad kids from 6pm

|

adults from 7pm

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023 - Page 19

SPORT

Page 20 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 2023.

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

Captain vs President’s day WITH one of the best field so far this year ladies played 9 holes stableford in teams for the captain and president.

What more would you want - a lovely day, good company and a course that was a pleasure to play on all thanks to the hard work of volunteers.

The Captain’s team, (Shar yn Er win) of Rhonda Pole, Marilyn Knights and Glenda O’Neill were victorious

over the President’s team.

Glenda won the day with 20 pts. Nearest the Pin was Bernice Fithall and the longest putt was Brenda Proctor Championships The first round of the club championships will now start on May 31st.

Pennant The last round of pennant was played last Monday where St. Arnaud defeated Wedderburn 3/2.

Sea L ake won the pennant from Wycheproof.

Right: The Captain’s team (left to right) Glenda O’Neill, Sharyn Erwin, Marilyn Knights and Rhonda Pole.

BRING ON

SAYS BINGO

EVERY TUESDAY Starting 10:00am Doors open 9.00am

North Central League: Inaugural headspace Round 19 May 2023 ON Saturday 3 June the North Central League will be hosting the Inaugural Football, Netball and Hockey headspace Round with headspace Swan Hill and headspace Bendigo.

26 Dunstan Street, St Arnaud VIC 3478 | Telephone: (03) 5495 3111 | www.starnaudsportingclub.com.au

On the day, headspace representatives will be raising awareness of the services available to our regional communities, and promoting the message that teammates matter.

With just over half (53%)1 of young people experiencing mental health challenges on their own rather than speaking to someone, we are sharing the message that it is just as important to support your teammates off the field or court as it is on.

“We know how challenging the past few years have been and that we are still recovering.

“Sporting clubs are often the glue that holds regional and rural communities together and they play an important role in the well-being of young people” said Kirsty Jacobs, headspace Swan Hill Manager.

*Game structure and prizes are subject to sufficient tickets sold.

• Cont. on page 19

Location: St Arnaud Sporting Club function room, 26 Dunston St, St Arnaud.

10 x FREE GAMES OF BINGO* 9 GAMES @ $20.00 1 GAME @ $50.00 10 x Star Book BINGO ($3.00 per book) 9 GAMES @ $30.00 1 GAME @ ‘Spin and Win’ MYSTERY PRIZE CALL BINGO ON A (*) Star number to double your prize!

PLUS Super Jackpot

We match the books you purchase in the star books for the free games.

Flyer game ( $2.00 per ticket) Minimum $200.00 PRIZE

Raffles

Raffle Drawn @ 12:30pm

Guaranteed $200 Venue Voucher Winner*!

Tickets start at $2 per ticket *You must be in venue to win.

FREE HOME DELIVERY Peach’s Fruit Market NOW IN Reid’s Mixed Business

Specials * 2kg Pink Lady Apples

$3.99 per bag * 5kg Brushed Potatoes

$3.99 per bag * Mandarins

$2.99 per kg * Sweet Potatoes

$1.99 per kg WHILE STOCKS LAST 105 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

Telephone (03) 5495 2848

7 Days a Week B RM za from 5.00pm Ph: 1300 416 461 Piz Phone Orders Taken & Delivered

New Winter Weekend hours Saturday 9am till 2pm Starting this Sunday 10am till 2pm weekend 5961 Sunraysia Highway, St. Arnaud. — Phone 03 5495 1422