20th March 2024

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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly.

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

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

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Martha Haylett spends time in St. Arnaud MARTHA Haylett, Member for Ripon, was joined on a tour of St. Arnaud Secondary College by Cr Karen Hyslop from the Northern Grampians Shire, Mrs Therese Allen SEIL Department of Education, Bill Anderson, School Council President and Primary School Principal Ms Melissa Mitchell.

The tour on Thursday 14th March was of the new secondary school building finally being utilised after the State Government spent $8.95 million on its erection.

The tour of the Djimbtjarrang Wing (named after the Dja Dja Wurrung word for learning / teaching with each other) or “D Block”, began at the west end with the five general purpose classrooms.

The Food Centre and Canteen was followed by the staff room and student management

centre which all open onto the Café area.

Then the tour went to the senior end of the school with five purpose built rooms and an open learning area.

Next on the tour was the new changerooms and toilets which is a significant improvement on the previous facilities.

The tour then focused on the second phase of the building works which has just begun.

This includes a completed remodelling of the General Office and

administration spaces, which will create a whole new entrance to the school.

The group then shared a morning tea in the new Café area.

Martha said she was very impressed with both the new facility and the work of the staff to ensure a smooth transition.

Martha also spent time talking with the College Captains, Tyson Funston, Owen Lowe, Ben Greenaway and Scarlett Hand, who were tour guides for the day.

Everyone is excited

to see phase two completed and an official opening in the second half of this year.

Above: (left to right) Veterans Greg Fullarton, Bill Deanshaw, Wayne Cross, with John Beggs (Secretary RSL), Bob Wooley (President St. Arnaud RSL), Martha Haylett, Diane Wright (President Ladies Auxiliary).

Visit to RSL to give assistance Martha Haylett also spent time at the St. Arnaud RSL Sub-Branch for the holding of a special afternoon

tea to assist those who were applying for the Victorian Veteran’s Card.

Below: (left to right) Bill Deanshaw gets some help from Jarrah Storey Electorate Officer in Martha Haylett’s office.

Above: (left to right) Terry Jones, Dean Stevens, Bill Anderson, Owen Lowe, Tony Hand, Martha Haylett, Melissa Mitchell, Scarlett Hand, Therese Allen, Ben Greenaway, Tyson Funston and Cr. Karen Hyslop.

North Central News Easter arrangement

How often does someone say ‘that’s something off my bucket list’ BRIAN Wright had a farm accident several years ago but still manages to play the organ at the Uniting Church every Sunday but it was not until Annie Pearse played the Grand Piano at the Town Hall that Marg Batters heard Brian say ‘if only…’.

PLEASE NOTE: North Central News will not be publishing a paper after Easter on Wednesday 3rd April.

If you have important notices for that week they will need to be place in next week’s paper 27th March.

Above: Brian Wright, playing the Grand Piano at the St. Arnaud Town Hall last week.

That was last November and recently Marg Batters was Guest Speaker at the opening of the Thrive 50+ Hub in St. Arnaud and spoke of the importance of volunteering and happened to mention to Kim Birthisel that she really wanted a certain something to happen.

Marg is now the Keeper of the Key at the Town Hall and before we all knew about this Brian Wright was presented with the opportunity to play the Grand Piano at the Town Hall.

With feeling in one finger on his right hand, and three on his left, Brian played Amazing Grace and many hymns as well as such tunes as When the Saints Come Marching In,

to the delight of the dozen or so in attendance.

Brian did a repeat performance after lunch and when coming down from the platform on his walker he said to Marg “that’s something off my bucket list.”

Brian’s wife Sue said the next day that he has a whole different attitude on life.

Marg Batters has been deeply affected by the experience of Brian’s determination and the ability of music to lift the soul.

“Volunteering is so important as is music to many” she said.

Brian Wright maybe losing the feeling in his legs but today he has a certain spring in his step.

Editorial Is this a matter of winning the battle but losing the war THREE years ago the Australian Government went head to head with Facebook (Meta) in support of media outlets to get them to pay for the news that facebook features on its platform. They won – or did they. We all thought as much but with Meta now refusing to renew the deal that has run for three years, it seems like perhaps that was just the battle and that Meta have now won the war. But no, perhaps it is just another battle of the war.

Prime Minister Albanese says the government will ‘move within weeks to force Meta to the negotiating table’. That sounds like another battle.

GWMWater to hold Community Engagement workshop G W M Wa t e r customers can have their say at GWM Water’s Customer a n d S t a ke h o l d e r Workshop.

The workshop will be held between 10 am and 12 pm this Friday 22nd March 2024 at West Side Horsham, with an option to join online.

G W M W a t e r Managing Director Mark Williams said the organisation was committed to engaging customers and stakeholders in order to meet their expectations now and into the future.

“The March workshop includes a presentation and engagement session on our digital initiatives,” Mr Williams said.

The Financial Review writes that the decision deals ‘another damaging blow to media companies like Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment and News Corp that have been grappling with a deepening advertising crunch as businesses tighten their belts in a cost of living crisis’.

Although those three companies will lose up to 9% of their annual net profit after Meta withdraws, that is nothing compared to the local independent newspapers particularly those in rural and regional areas.

If you can remember back three years, when Victorian the first battlelines were drawn with Meta refusing to comply with the Australian code, that Stats prompted ‘allies’ (Canada and the UK) to enact As the State similar laws, and like war, changes to the Government has landscape prompted job losses around the moved from reporting world. There have been layoffs in just about weekly to a fortnightly every big media corporation not just in Australia report, the next report but around the world. And still the local will be available 22nd independent newspaper pushes on, or some of Qld them, with the help and assistance of the A March.4215 community that they serve.

Long What is at stake here in the war is freedom, COVID? 1 800 652 284 that is media freedom and this new battle is a different kind of threat to the media freedom F What’s that! that we are accustomed to hearing about E Queensland’s Chief freedom from legal restrictions, so journalists Health Officer has and their sources are not threatened with quoted a study that prosecution for exposing the possible misdeeds has decided that it is of governments. time to stop using This media freedom is the ability to employ term ‘long COVID’ as journalists to run the investigations that are the symptoms are no very thing that media freedom used to mean. It worse than those after doesn’t matter how free the laws are if there are flu. no journalists to do the reporting.

These researchers We talk a lot about democracy in this Ted Whillier based their conclusion editorial and this is the crux of this issue because on comparison of the C 10127 without free media that can hold governments symptoms and impairto account that informs public debate, Q Peta ofMandrakas ment COVID with democracy is the loser.

C influenza patients a Meta is making commercial decisions and year after they tested maximising shareholder returns. But Meta’s positive. interests are not the same as those of the Sixteen per cent of Australian public. patients involved in Meta’s interests to maximize shareholder the study reported returns are not the same as ours. Our society ongoing symptoms, does need democracy. The role of local regardless of whether newspapers in regional areas is to primarily keep they had COVID-19 or local government tier accountable. Without local another respiratory media what will happen? Will our local councils infection. carry on or will standards slip and people get

COVID Updates and Developments

away with all sorts of activities?

We at North Central News appreciate the D campaign by the Country Press Association to stand up to the bully (Meta) and fight another battle on our behalf. Please stand with your local newspaper.

North Central News is published weekly by Peter Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud Road, Slaty Creek for NCNews Pty. Ltd., 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. A.C.N. 146 461 903. Printed by Western District Newspaper P/L, Camperdown Vic. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. VAC 4217 - Recommended and maximum selling price only.

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

Phone: (03) 5495 1055; Email: ncn@iinet.net.au St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts

N.C.N. INFORMATION The North Central News is 100% locally owned, independent newspaper, established in 1864. With an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and an estimated readership of over 4,250 throughout the Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires.

Above: (left to right) Libby and Judith at at previous GWMWater workshop. be seeking input from participants about its online presence, with demonstrations of the Customer Portal and the new e-notices platform.

More information, including an agenda Qld and registration A 4215 details, is available on GWMWater’s website: 1 800 652 284 Fwww.gwmwater.org.au/ Estakeholderworkshop

“The workshops are a key component of our broader engagement program.

“It’s an opportunity for us to share important information about our water outlook and the initiatives we are working on to ensure a secure water supply and reliable wastewater services.”

GWMWater will also

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription for 12 months is only $144.00 (inc. GST), including postage and packaging.

ADVERTISING & COPY DETAILS Artwork, and all advertisements or alterations are to be submitted before 5.00pm Friday prior to publication.

Announcements of births, deaths, marriages and engagements must be properly authenticated.

N.C.N. prefers advertisement and editorial copy to be typed or neatly hand-written to avoid being published incorrectly. We accept no responsibility for error or misspellings in illegible advertisement and editorial copy.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by the publisher or editor. The publisher and staff accept no liability for injury or losses which may occur as a result of information presented in this publication. © Copyright 2023

No. 10127

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ACROSS 1 Jokes 5 Well­mannered 9 Radiolocation 11 Spanish nobleman 12 Bucolic 13 Fresh 15 Was ahead 16 Left alone 18 Yields 20 Part of a church 21 Consumer 23 Offer 25 Crouch in fear 26 Sluggish 28 Scattered, as seed 30 Lyric poems 32 Small branch 33 Worker of a machine 34 Jurisprudence 36 Horseplay 37 Elevates 38 Female sheep 39 Dogma 40 Longing 41 Prophets

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Researchers say jabs substantially reduce for up to a year the chances of serious cardiovascular complications.

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

See this week’s solution on page 13.

DOWN 2 Oozes out 3 Merchant 4 Auctions 5 Chief priests 6 Not working 7 Digit 8 Making beloved 10 Soon 14 Falter 17 Perfect score 18 Cut short 19 Expensive 22 Not extreme 24 Entrance 25 Drink 27 Mild explosion 28 Fairy 29 Season 31 Wise man 32 Parts of shoes 33 Is indebted 35 Respectful fear

Local leaders join Buloke Shire executive team Environmental Art BULOKE Shire Council has made two key appointments to its Executive Management Team, both with strong ties to the area.

Jenna Allan has been appointed Director Corporate and Organisational Performance and Daniel McL oughlan as Director Infrastructure and Delivery.

Both are already established and highly regarded organisational and community leaders and are raising their families in their respective hometowns.

Jenna Allan, born and raised in Wycheproof has had several roles at Buloke Shire Council since 2018, and most recently led Council’s process in transitioning from Aged and Disability Services.

This delicate, high-

Left: New Executive staff for Buloke Shire. (left to right) Daniel McLoughlan and Jenna Allan.

profile process saw Jenna demonstrate her exceptional leadership skills and engagement practices in ensuring the transition was successful and respectful.

Daniel McLoughlan, a Birchip product has been employed at Buloke Shire Council since 2019 and has most recently been leading Council’s response and recovery to the October 2022 flood event.

Daniel’s innovative and collaborative nature was to the fore and his ability to understand and comfort the community at the same time has seen tremendous outcomes as a result.

C E O, Wa y n e O’Toole is thrilled to make such tremendous appointments.

“This is an exciting time, to be appointing two outstanding local leaders into these roles will underpin the strength of Council’s leadership for many years.

“Jenna and Daniel have been at the forefront of the two most significant undertakings at Buloke in the last two years, being the October 2022 flood response and recovery and the transition from Aged and Disability Services.

“Their compassion, leadership and expertise will carry both them and our organisation a long way”.

Both Jenna and Daniel will commence their roles in the short term, fully furnishing the Buloke Executive Management Team alongside Wa y n e O’Toole and Travis Fitzgibbon.

St. Pats students donate to Historical Society - Contributed

STUDENTS from St. Patrick’s School recently made a donation to the St. Arnaud Historical Society to help with repairs after a recent accident left the buildings damaged.

Many students have visited the museum over the years and have been in awe of all the memorabilia that is on display from days gone by.

As a result, the senior students decided to fundraise, via a gold coin donation box, to help preserve this history for further generations to enjoy.

A staggering $500 was raised across the school.

When contacted, the Historical Society members were extremely excited and grateful for the generous donation.

Museum members thanked the students and made mention that their visit would be documented and become part of the history that they had just help preserve.

A certificate of appreciation was also presented to the school.

Gallery bound for Halls Gap AUSTRALIA’S first dedicated art and environment precinct is set to open in Halls Gap, creating a national centre for environmental art and supporting artists from across Australia.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has announced construction has begun on Australia's National Centre for Environmental Art, a state-of-the-art art gallery and botanical precinct on a 16-hectare site near the Grampians (Gariwerd).

Mr Dimopoulos said the visionary project will showcase the spectacular natural surroundings of the Grampians and entice art lovers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

“We’re backing unique cultural experiences like the WAMA project across the state because they attract visitors to the regions and support local businesses and jobs.”

The Where Art Meets Nature (WAMA) precinct will be home to a new climate controlled state-ofthe-art art gallery, café, retail space and multipurpose room for workshops and events.

In celebration of the connection between art, science and nature, the gallery will host artist workshops and educational sessions for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The gallery will host major exhibitions inspired by the natural environment and loan artwork collections from leading galleries in Australia and internationally.

The new precinct will also feature restored native bushlands and landscaped botanic gardens with paths, signage and gathering places to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

More than 13 jobs will be created during construction while the project will also support local Victorian suppliers.

WAMA will be fully operational and open to the public by early 2025.

FOR SALE 6 Armstrong Street, Charlton Expression of Interest invited

Above: (left to right) Bev Reid, Marg Fyffe, Dennis Arnott, Mervynne Dunstan, Kay Medlyn, Heather Pritchard, Len Reid, Charlie Kirk, Ayvah ManningMcIntyre, John Dunstan, Evie Ezra.

Just $12.00 pp !

Locally screened movies to enjoy! ______________________________________________

“DUNE: PART 2”

Fri 22 Mar @ 7.30 pm Sun 24 Mar @ 2.00 pm

_______________________________________________

School Holidays Matinees

Special $10.00 pp !

“KUNG FU PANDA 4” Wed 10 Apr @ 2.00 pm Sun 14 Apr @ 2.00 pm

Organization fundraising Ph. 0408 559 246 Gift Passes 5 for $45.00; 10 for $90.00

Please check our website and Facebook page for updates www.starnaudcinema.com Ph. 0408 559 246

Your inspection will surprise, beyond the delightful park-like streetscape is a property that offers the prospect of your forever-after home.

Comprising huge living area with dining area, well appointed kitchen, family rumpus room, 5 bedrooms (4 with BIR's, main with huge W/I robe and en-suite), bathroom suite with separate bath, shower, toilet & vanity areas, office.

Lifestyle features abound with courtyard access from living room, rumpus room and bedroom.

Consider also the lock up garage with room for 4 cars plus carport.

Open for inspection Sunday 24th March, 10.30am – 11.30am.

Prior inspections by appointment.

Close date for Expression of Interest: Friday 5th April, 12 noon.

Selling agent: Noel Bennett 0417 562 691 Elders Wycheproof

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 3

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 15th – 19th March 1924 Schools A decided success was the euchre party and supper, held in the Pa r i s h H a l l ( S t Martin’s) on behalf of the effort which the Ladies’ Committee are making for the Higher Elementary and State Schools.

Eighteen tables were occupied by 74 players. The ladies had a great night among the prizes.

Playing as a gentleman, Miss Donaldson won the gentlemen’s award – two boxes of Vice-regal cigarettes, donated by Mrs A. J. White.

The ladies’ prize (a pair of jazz garters, no less, made and donated

by Mrs Flockhart) was captured by Mrs Nixon.

The secret table prizes, both donated

by Mrs Bertoli, fell to Miss Violet Wood and Mr Clarke.

The function is expected to yield something over £8.

A sumptuous supper, of home-made fare, was provided.

Rifle Team The North-Western Union (Charlton District) team won the Australian Championship teams match, defeating Sydney Metropolitan and Melbourne “A” teams.

The prize was £100 cash.

They also won the Victorian Championship Union teams match, which carries with it the McBryde Shield, valued at 150 guineas, and 8 gold medals.

The successful combination was W. Sproat, S. M. O’Brien, A. C. Dabron, J. Barrett, S. Barratt, J. Clark and H. Jesse.

At 500 yards, S. M. O’Brien scored 48 out of a possible 50, and at

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600 yards 50 out of a possible 50 – total 98, the highest individual score recorded.

A. C. Dabron scored a total of 96.

E. R. Dabron was selected for the team but did not shoot, owing to another engagement.

A Sudden Call The news of the sudden death of Mr Francis Fradd, of Glenloth East, will come as a great shock to his many friends.

The sad event occurred at 9.10 on Sunday evening. Mr Fradd had visited the residence of his brother, Mr Daniel Fradd, and they were sitting down having a yarn – the one on a chair, and the other on a box at each side of the doorway.

Suddenly, the late Mr Fradd fell off his seat, and expired.

Heart failure was the cause.

The late Mr Fradd, who was 62, was born at Coghill’s Creek, and was the eldest of a family of 12 – 8 brothers and 4 sisters.

The deceased came to Glenloth about 49 years ago and shortly afterwards he took up land and farmed there.

For years he was, however, accustomed to follow up the shearing.

Deceased leaves a widow, two sons (Richard and John) and one daughter (Mary).

Good Bye and Good Luck A link with the Charlton of other days was severed when Mr and Mrs J. T. Holmes

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Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

left for their new home in Melbourne.

They were accompanied by their daughter, Miss Isabel Holmes.

Prior to her departure, Nurse Holmes was entertained to a musical evening at the Manse, when the gathering numbered about 30.

Mr Tom Symons brought his Zono phone – a very fine instrument, and with selections on this, community singing, and games, an enjoyable time was spent.

On behalf of the choir and congregation, rev. W. G. Fitzgerald, who presided, presented Nurse Holmes with a pretty xylonite mirror and brush, also a comb.

In so doing, he paid a tribute to her many excellent qualities, and to the good work she

Above: 1920c Mr and Mrs Drew with family and friends. had unostentatiously done.

Parting Gifts A euchre party and dance was held in St Joseph’s Hall.

During the evening a farewell presentation

Shigella outbreak linked to Esoteric Festival in Donald THOSE who attended the Esoteric Festival from 8th to 12th March in Donald are being urged to get tested for shigella immediately if they experience gastro symptoms.

The warning follows a confirmed outbreak of the disease at the Donald event, with preliminar y results suggesting it was an antimicrobial resistant strain.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer, Ben Cowie, said the bowel infection was highly contagious and mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, or contaminated food.

“Symptoms may i n c l u d e d i a r rh o e a , abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting,” Dr Cowie said.

“Symptoms usually develop one to three days following exposure but can occur as early as 12 hours to as late as one week afterwards in some cases.”

People with symptoms should maintain good hygiene, practice handwashing, avoid preparing food for others and practice safer sex practices.

Those with shigellosis who work as food handlers, childcare workers, health care workers, or workers in a residential facility should not return to work until advised.

The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit has been working with the Department of Health,

Buloke Shire Council, local health staff, festival management, and other stakeholders to manage the outbreak since its onset and implement appropriate public health measures.

At this stage only a small number of cases have been notified with confirmed shigella but we are aware of at least 120 individuals with gastroenteritis symptoms.

Shigella gastroenteritis (shigellosis) is a bowel infection characterised by an acute onset of diarrhoea (which may be watery or contain traces of pus, mucous or blood), fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Dr Cowie said it was important those with symptoms kept their fluids up and practiced good hygiene.

“Make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids and keeping hydrated – antibiotic treatment is only required in the case of severe infection,” he said.

“Good hygiene can prevent the spread of shigella gastroenteritis.”

Additional information is also available on Better Health Channel.

was made to Mr D. Drew, Mrs Drew and Misses Marie and Jessie Drew.

Mr P. Carmody expressed the regret of all at losing such good citizens and asked them to accept a beautiful silver tea and coffee service.

A dance evening was given at the residence of Mr and Mrs Reed as a farewell gathering Miss Marie Drew.

Dancing was held and then after the supper interval Miss drew was made the recipient of a handsome xylonite hand-mirror and stand as a token of esteem from those present.

Afterwards the revelries continued.

A delightful farewell picnic was tendered to the Drew family by the members of the River Club.

The weather was ideal ideal for bathing, then tennis was indulged in until the failing light caused all to adjourn tot the teatable.

Mr Con Maher presented an inscribed silver-mounted blackwood tray as a parting gift.

Brisk Business Since the beginning o f t h e y e a r, t h e Charlton and Wycheproof mills of Messrs Noske Bros Pty Ltd, have been working three shifts continuously.

Within the past two weeks, they have between them sent away consignments totalling 750 tons of flour for export.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

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St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 14th – 20th March 1924 St. Patrick’s Day Businesses closed at noon and a procession commenced at 1 o’clock from the weighbridge and made its way down Napier St, along Inkerman St to the showground for the annual sports gymkhana.

Father Phelan led the procession in a single seated car followed by the St. Arnaud Band and the H A C B Society in full regalia.

The Convent High School pupils represented a tableau ‘Australia and her States’ with M Hoye [Australia], M Shanahan [Vic], T Barnes [NSW], G Feeny [Queensland], I Daily [S A], J Erket [W A] and R Hoye [Tas].

The St Patrick’s Primary School depicted ‘ St Patrick Teaching Christianity to King Legshire’, with Ted Breen [St Patrick], Gordon Hughes [King Legshire], S Travaglia [Monk], D Cadzow [Bard] and Joe Ward [Courier].

These floats were followed by a long line of cars and many horsemen.

The main event the men’s Sheffield Handicap of 130 yards was ran in 2 heats and the final was won by W Kennedy, 2nd J Irons and 3rd H Smith.

Charles Wright won the wood chop.

The red gum logs were 15 inches in diameter, entry fee 5/-, prize £10 and trophy donated

by A Smith of the Manchester Arms Hotel.

Race winners - boys under 12 years Rupert Scarce, under 14 years Ted Breen, girls under 12 years Theresa Hoye, under 14 years May Hyder, boys Siamese race P Secombe & P Travaglia and married men’s race W Kew Ming.

There were a range of Irish dance competitions throughout the day, which were won by C Sinclair, V Kelly and M Hunter.

A large crowd attended the ball at the Town Hall in the evening with music by Mrs Tucker [piano], Mr T O’Shannessy [violin] and Mr R Jones [cornet].

Hospital Sunday The St Arnaud Band raised £65/5/- at Coonooer Bridge, the Birchip Band raised

£30 at Curyo, £53 at Watchupga and £14 at Kinnabulla and the Donald Band raised £17 at Swanwater West and £42 at Cope Cope; all for St. Arnaud Hospital.

by Heather Pritchard frontage to Avon River, joins R Baldwin and Dyke Bros sold to J R Baldwin for £12/5/0 per acre.

Weddings

Sales

Miss Stella Davies and Mr B Galvan were married at the Stuart Mill Methodist Church, with her sisters Lillian and Eileen as bridesmaids and L aurie Douglas as bestman.

Miss Jessie Erwin of Stuart Mill and Mr David Haynes of Winjallock where married in the St. Arnaud Presbyterian Church, her brother William gave her away, her nieces Vera and Leila Erwin were bridesmaids and her brother Chris was bestman.

Jessie has been sewing mistress at the Stuart Mill State School for the past four years.

Clearing sale - R Thatcher who sold his house in Silvermines Road last week.

R Brain sells 60 acres at Waterloo Plains to Alex Gunn, who owns the adjoining property for £10 per acre.

Death William Patrick Anderson died age 25 years from pneumonia at Abbotsford.

He is a son of Alexander and Margaret Anderson and the family left St. Arnaud three years ago.

Cricket Traynors Lagoon 188 defeated Cope Cope 53, with the most runs for Traynors Lagoon by R McLean 72 and D Wells 55 and for Cope Cope Dunstan 10 and Hines 9.

Tennis Gents doubles C of E 44 defeat Methodists 29.

H Templeman and C Kearnan [C of E] lost to J English and A McGee [Meth 5-6] Gents doubles Presbyterians 37 defeated St. Arnaud North 32.

L Knights and Rev Fletcher [Pres] beat H L each and T Lanfranchi 6-4.

Rewards Offered Mrs Medlow has lost 4 cows.

The Slaty Creek telephone line party officer offers £5 reward on conviction of the person who recently cut the telephone wires.

Sales Arthur Duggan of Wallaloo East holds clearing sale – 26 horses, 380 sheep and near new farming plant.

Estate A Canning [dec] - 46 acres with

Magnificent DUNE Part 2 at St. Arnaud Cinema - Contributed

THE graphics in this Sci-Fi adventure are incredible.

Part 2 opens as Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Paul is up against Feyd-Rautha, a vicious psychopathic killer who tries to poison Paul, but Feyd-Rautha ultimately meets his match, and is beaten.

In this illusionary spectacular characters create their own reality; costumes, headdresses and veils are all superb and make fashion statements in their own right and in every scene.

There is fast action throughout this wellloved movie and viewers won’t be disa p p o i n t e d a s Pa u l Atreides shows he is a true hero.

To boost the suspense and conflict in this movie, there is the experience of yet another of Hans Zimmer’s excellent music scores. Once again, the music moves our spirit and becomes memorable.

We see elite perform a n c e s b y Au s t i n B u t l e r, Ti m o t h i e Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya.

Screening times at St Arnaud Community Cinema are Friday 22nd March at 7.30 pm and Sunday 24th March at 2pm.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 5

Charlton Probus report for March THIRTY nine members attended the Charlton Probus Club meeting on - Contributed 8th March at the Charlton Shire Hall.

Above: The Committee for 2024/25 (left to right): Sandra Patton, Nick Saunders, Garry Larmour, Anne Kenny, Pat Mathews, Pat Clifford, Eily Rosewall and David Beaty. Absent: Kim Wishart

A Minute’s Silence was held in memory of Rose Stafford who was a member for 10 years.

At the meeting we also heard the sad news that another former member, Max Dodd, had passed away.

Happy birthday was

Left: One hundred per cent Attendance (left to right): Greg Barnard, Pat Saunders, Jenny Barnard, Anne Kenny, Pat Mathews, Nick Saunders, Noreen Ryan, Pat Clifford and Val Sultana

sung to the March birthday members.

One of our newer members, Greg Wain, gave a two minute talk on aspects of his life – his work and his interests.

Kevin Mathews will again oversee the Footy Tipping.

Good luck everyone.

Lee Parker and Pat Saunders continue to amuse us with their jokes.

Brian Patton was delighted to finally be the Lucky number winner, af ter being a member for 13 years, but there are still a few Foundation members yet to win.

Annual General Meeting

VNI West – delivering benefits for the community and Victoria VNI West is an important infrastructure project to build a new transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales. TCV recognises that the project is causing concern in some communities and will continue to work closely with local landholders and communities across the draft corridor for the VNI West project as we progress.

Why is VNI West needed?

As coal-fired power stations retire, we will need new sources of electricity to improve the reliability and security of supply.

New transmission lines are needed to connect power from renewable generation as well as new gas, hydro and batteries with our homes and businesses.

What are the benefits of VNI West?

VNI West will deliver a range of benefits to local communities and more broadly, such as: Harness renewable energy for Victorian homes.

Provide local jobs and business opportunities during construction.

Support training and skills development in rural communities.

Boost regional economic activity.

Strengthen the connection between Victorian and NSW power grids.

Ensure energy security as coal fired power retires.

Freecall: 1800 824 221 Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

After morning tea the 17th Annual General Meeting was held.

President, David Beaty, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to ser ve as President for 2023/24.

He thanked the committee for their support, especially Noreen Ryan and Neil Cossar who were not seeking re-election.

He noted the willingness of members to engage in club activities and attendance at monthly meetings.

Treasurer, Nick Saunders, presented his annual statement and noted a healthy balance at the end of the financial year.

Membership Officer, Garry Larmour, stated we have 60 members, gaining five new members during 2023/24.

We had nine members with a perfect attendance record – Greg and Jenny Barnard, Pat Clifford, Anne Kenny, Pat Mathews, Noreen Ryan, Pat and Nick Saunders, and Val Sultana.

Other committee members did not speak to their printed reports.

General Business, such as the Annual Membership Fee, was then conducted.

Anne was previously president in 2019/20.

The following members were also elected: David Beaty is the new Secretary; Nick Saunders is continuing in the role of Treasurer; Kim Wishart will be Program officer for the 2nd year; Eily Rosewall is the new Caring Officer and Anne Kenny Publicity and Historian.

Probus recommends that the same person should not serve more than three successive years in the same position so Sandra Patton, Garry L armour, Patricia Mathews and Pat Clifford were not able to nominate for their positions so nominations from the floor were called for Outings, Membership, Newsletter and Hospitality.

As there were no nominations the following members were reappointed to the positions: Outings – Sandra Patton; Membership – Garry Larmour; Newsletter – Patricia Mathews; Hospitality – Pat Clifford.

We still require a Vice President.

After the elections President Anne thanked Brian for his time.

Slide show A slide show of Probus activities was viewed, then a group photo was taken and a delicious Sausage Sizzle lunch was enjoyed.

Thank you to Pat Clifford and her helpers.

Our next meeting will be held at the Senior Citizens Room on 12th April.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK Battles are won in the hearts of men.

- Vince Lombardi

Election of Committee

SUDOKU SOLUTION

President David then introduced the Returning Officer, Brian Heenan, to conduct the election of the committee.

Anne Kenny was elected as the 2024/25 President.

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

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 7

In The Paddock

Above: A very large crowd was attracted to the Fentons Creek clearing sale last week.

Clearing Sale attracts large number of interested bidders A clearing sale in Fentons Creek was held last Friday 15th March with a huge number of interested individuals and bidders.

Above: Gordon Hendy (left) and Will Barratt find a tree under which to catch up.

With around 350 people attending and more than 200 of them actual bidders, the sale was successful.

All sold items sold well.

The sale was held

by Driscoll Douglas and East, St. Arnaud.

Above:(front left) Brett Douglas and Tristain Douglas from Driscoll Douglas and East conducted the successful clearing sale.

Striking a balance to save threatened Dingo population PROTECTING a vulnerable population of dingoes in Victoria’s north west while ensuring farmers are able to protect their livestock is the balance that the State Government believe they have found.

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

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

• Dam Sinking, Enlarging & Cleaning • Land Levelling and Filling • Land Clearing, Driveways etc.

• Gravel For Sale Phone Mike: 0408 316 394 D ARRIE Truck Available. ALL WORKSOC Y L T P R M R OUT P For a no obligation O YOU AND T CTION FA Quote Phone: SATIS

(03) 5494 3120 Calder Highway Wedderburn

Effective from 14th March, the dingo unprotection order will conclude in north west Victoria, with the decision following new research, strong advice and the effectiveness of non-lethal dingo control methods to protect livestock.

Farmers in this area will be supported by a $550,000 investment to adopt alternate nonlethal control methods via a pilot of measures, such as exclusion fencing and guardian animals.

This funding will also support the management of other pests including feral goats, wild pigs and foxes.

In other parts of Victoria, dingo control measures will remain unchanged, giving stability to farmers in need of protecting their livestock.

The Government’s review into its wild dog management policies will be finalised in the next six months and consider the new research alongside the impacts

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

on livestock.

Dingoes play an important role in the ecosystem and the latest Arthur Rylah Institute data shows the dingo population in the north west is at risk of extinction, with as few as 40 dingoes left.

Whilst dingo numbers are much greater in other parts of the state, they remain a threatened species and are protected under the Wildlife Act. Where livestock are being significantly impacted and there are no other control options available, all farmers – including those in north west Victoria – can apply for an Authority to Control Wildlife permit to use lethal control methods.

In light of these changes, the wild dog component of the current Fox and Wild Dog Bounty Program will not continue in the north west.

There will be no changes to the Fox Bounty in the north west.

Week ending Wednesday 14 March 2024

— By Glendon Hancock

AFTER two weeks of successive rises, and three without a fall, the Australian wool market has recorded a reduction this week, the dip in the market largely due to the strengthening of the Australian dollar.

There were no large falls, with many pockets recording increases, particularly in the North.

The movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged between plus 13 and minus 29 cents.

The crossbred sector recorded minimal changea (MPG movements between plus 2 and minus 5 cents), the skirtings generally tracked the fleece, whilst the oddments closed slightly higher.

The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) fell by 5 cents for the series, closing at 1,167 cents.

The EMI began the current season (beginning of July 2023) at 1,126 cents.

Over the seventy selling days that have since tran-

spired, the EMI has risen on twenty-nine occasions, fallen on thirty-five and been unchanged on the other six. With the EMI now sitting at 1,167 cents, the net result of all these market movements, is an increase of 41 cents.

Averaging this movement across the season, the EMI has risen by an average of 0.58 cents per selling day.

Although the increase is small, it shows the market is tracking marginally higher for the season.

As mentioned earlier, much of the market movements for the series can be attributed to currency movement, so much so that when viewed in US dollar terms the market strengthened.

The EMI added 9 US cents for the series, closing

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 37 37 37

Days Offering 12, 13, 14 Mar. 9,386 12, 13, 14 Mar. 20,543 12, 13, 14 Mar. 10,126 40,055

Future Offerings Week

38

19, 20, Mar.

Source - AWEX

45,877

at 772 cents.

The largest improvements for the season, have been in the broadest reported sector of the market.

In the South the 30.0micron MPG has gained 57 cents for the season, a 20.0% rise.

The 32.0-micron MPG has added 50 cents, again an increase of exactly 20%.

Next week’s quantity is forecast to increase by over five thousand bales.

Melbourne 1133M -10 16.5 1859n -22 17 1748n -29 17.5 1650 -25 18 1558 -19 18.5 1478 -22 19 1426 -11 19.5 1391 -9 20 1336 -25 21 1322 -16 22 1296n -6 23 24 25 698n -1 26 530 +2 28 357 -3 30 342 -5 32 300 0 MC 742n +7 Ind.

In The Paddock New Group 14 herbicides expand broadleaf weeds control options THERE has been a gap in the pre-emergent herbicide options for growers to control broadleaf weeds, particularly in pulses, but also in cereals.

Dr Chris Preston, P r o f e s s o r, We e d Management at The University of Adelaide, says the suite of Group 14 [G] herbicides now on the market is helping growers to control brassica and thistle weeds, and to rotate away from the imi chemistry that has been heavily used in recent years.

“These newer Group 14 herbicides are of particular value in pulse crops,” he says. “Until recently, Group 14 products have only been used in small quantities, predominantly as a knockdown spike ahead of planting, but several newer products have pre-emergent herbicide use patterns.”

The Group 14 mode of action inhibits the plant’s ability to produce chlorophyll, and the leaves die.

Uptake of the herbicide is usually through the leaf surfaces – either through contacting emerged weeds or taken up from the soil as the weed seedlings break through the soil surface.

“The introduction of Terrain (flumioxazin) as a pre-emergent broadleaf herbicide in front of faba beans offers a helpful use pattern in the pulse phase,” Chris says.

“Terrain is also a good fence line weed control option on heavier soils, provided all surface vegetation is removed before application.”

Another option in pulses is Reflex (fomesafen), which offers growers pre-emergent control of broadleaf weeds that might resist other mode of action (MOA) groups. This

product can be used either pre-emergent incorporated by sowing (IBS) or post-sowing, pre-emergent (PSPE), and provides an alternative to imi herbicides for the control of weeds like sowthistle and prickly lettuce in pulse crops.

Lentils are less tolerant than other pulse crops, so Reflex can only be used IBS in lentils.

A third recently released Group 14, Voraxor (a mixture of

saflufenacil and trifludomoxazin), provides a pre-emergent control option for broadleaf weeds in front of cereal crops.

As these products are residual in the soil, Chris says it is essential that growers check labels for appropriate rates and plant backs, both in front of the crop sown and for following crops.

He also reminds growers and agronomists of the importance of ensuring that herbi-

cide product choice is always based on addressing the likely weeds present that could cause economic loss or produce large quantities of seed.

“Mixing and rotating herbicide modes of action is one of the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics, and crop competition is just as important,” he says.

For more information about managing herbicide resistance, please visit the website: www.weedsmart.org.au

Real Estate

LISTINGS WANTED •Broadacre •Lifestyle •Residential •Commercial Contact:-

Mark Swanton 0407 102 050 87 Stawell Rd, Horsham

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

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 9

PUBLIC NOTICE Valerie Lenore Freeman late of 66 Dundas Street, St Arnaud, VIC, 3478, School Teacher, deceased.

CREDITORS, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the will of the above named deceased, who died on 20 October 2022 are required by the executors, Donald Gilbert Freeman and Austin Freeman, c/the undermentioned solicitor, to send particulars of their claims to them by the 27 May 2024 after which date the executors may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.

MCL LEGAL 78 Napier Street St Arnaud VIC 3478

MEETINGS

PEER MOUNT TENOR BANJO CARAPOOEE FIRE BRIGADE

A.G.M. and election TODAY, 20th March 6pm at the Carapooee fire shed BBQ Tea New and current members welcome

Price: $1,000.00 Phone David Hines 0432 151 409. St. Arnaud.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

“Vetch Seed Growers Wanted” For more information Contact Alan: 0427 152145 Email: agowers@ barenbrug.com.au

6 Unused 12 Foot Cyclone Gates

$95 each Ph: 0408 987 678

MASSIVE WOOL SALE 3½ Days HEN PICKED CRAFTS 96 Napier St, St. Arnaud

Ph: 5495 2888 26 Prosperity Way, Dandenong South, Victoria

Made to order North Central News

FOR SALE

Ph: 5495 1055

Quality Vintage Instrument made 1920’s.

Original Hard Case.

WANTED

RUBBER STAMPS 18 Napier Street St. Arnaud

FOR SALE

Apples for Sale Market Square St. Arnaud 23rd March 9am - 1pm

EASTER NOVELTIES

be quick before all stock HOPS out the DOOR! available at St. Arnaud Allsorts Ph: 5495 1161 89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

EMPLOYMENT

SOCK PROTECTORS Lots of Designs.

Including football teams, animals, flowers etc., available at

106 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

0413 859 780

Job Opportunities Campus Negotiable • Nurse Practitioner • Physiotherapist • Foot Care Nurse Charlton • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Infection Control Coordinator Donald • Enrolled Nurse Wycheproof • Resident Lifestyle Coordinator Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

AT YOUR SERVICE

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

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

AT YOUR SERVICE

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

Hayley:

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266 St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

Ph: 5495 2595 Karen@klp.net.au

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

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

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

DEATH FITZPATRICK - Maddison Ann 17.11.2004-11.03.2024 Passed away peacefully at home.

Loving daughter of Shane and Kim and loved sister to Cobi and Elliott.

Our little Princess, with a beautiful smile and cheeky wit. It was the fight you shouldn’t have had to battle, but you fought the battle all the way to the end with your head held high. As with everything, you were our brave little girl.

You made us so proud.

We will miss you always.

Rest in peace Maddi.

Sincere thanks to the staff at the East Wimmera Health Service (Charlton) and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for their care and support.

Loved Granddaughter of Brian and Lucy (dec) Fitzpatrick.

What wonderful memories of a special girl, a good friend and a great mate.

Love always Pop. Dearly loved eldest granddaughter of Beryl and Geoff (dec) Elliott.

Loving memories of our beautiful farm loving Maddi who will be sadly missed. Watch over those crops with Pa. Love Nana x SMITH - Alma “Elsie” 20-1-1937 - 14-3-2024 A tender thought that brings a tear, A silent wish you were still here.

Words are few, thoughts are deep.

Memories of you we will always keep.

Forever in our hearts.

Till we meet again.

Nana Duckie.

Chris, Tammy, Harrison, Jayden, Noah, Mark and Carmel, Luke, Shae and Cade.

IN MEMORIAM

SORRAGHAN - Sheila Mary Passed away peacefully in St. Arnaud on Friday March 15th, 2024.

Loved and loving wife of Jim (dec).

Mother of Ruth and John.

Grandmother of Daniel and Nicole; James; Olivia and Edward; Rebecca and Nic. Great Grandmother of Lily, Mia and Evie; Hudson, Addison and Oscar; Cooper and Flynn.

WONDERFUL MEMORIES A private cremation will be held.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

EST: 1860

5495 1043 SORRAGHAN - Sheila Mary Words are few, thoughts are dear, memories of you are ours to keep.

Gone home for a pot of hot english tea.

Ken, Jacko, Peter, Linda, Currie.

Dear great friend of Samantha and Gary.

Will be sadly missed.

The St. Arnaud Bowling Club extends our deepest sympathy to the families of past and present members Bruce Coates, George McKinley, Ray Pole and Sheila Sorraghan, who have passed away recently.

Their support and friendship for our Club will be sadly missed.

SORRAGHAN - Sheila.

We will miss Sheila’s smiling face in the breakfast room. She certainly buttered a lot of toast over her time volunteering, we are very grateful.

Our condolences to Shelia’s family.

Students, staff and families at St Arnaud Primary School.

WALL - Christopher James 14-11-1967 - 20-03-2012 Your presence we miss, Your memory we treasure, Loving you always, Forgetting you never.

Mum and Dad.

FUNERAL FITZPATRICK - Maddison Ann A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of the late Maddison Ann FITZPATRICK will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Learmonth Street, Charlton on THURSDAY (March 21st, 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.

The Funeral cortege will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Charlton Lawn Cemetery.

To view the Service via Live Streaming go to www.smfd.com.au

Bendigo Funerals

CHURCH NOTICES ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 22nd March 9.30am Morning Prayer St. Arnaud 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist Bealiba 8am 2nd/4th Sunday All Welcome Rev. Peter Downes Enquiries phone: Phone: 0412 957 383 ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 24th March ST. ARNAUD No Service in St. Arnaud.

Combined with Stuart Mill.

STUART MILL 10.00am G. Pearse Followed by Morning Tea. PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish BIRCHIP

Sunday March 24th 10.30am Live Stream in BOORT

Sunday March 24th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON

Sunday March 24th 10.30pm Live Stream out to churches without Mass DONALD

Sunday March 24th 10.30am Live Stream in ST. ARNAUD

Sunday March 24th 8.30am Mass WYCHEPROOF

Saturday March 23rd 7.00pm Mass Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Hearing the good news of Jesus Thurs. 21st March 10.30 a.m.

Faith Group Sun. 24th March 10.00 a.m. Prayer Time 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Sharon Douglas Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267

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Tel: 03 5444 0400 www.smfd.com.au

CELEBRATION OF LIFE CHURCH - Judith 25-12-1938 to 23-02-2024 Judith's friends are invited to a celebration of her life at the St Arnaud Raillery hub on Saturday 23 March at 11:00 am.

Light refreshments will be served.

Owen and Roger Church

BEREAVEMENT THANK YOU THANK YOU The family of the late Bruce Tasman Coates send our sincere thanks for your cards, flowers, kind expressions of sympathy shown following his sad passing.

Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to all of the family.

Special thank you to Coates Hostel staff for their care and understanding. To the Bowling Club for their support and catering.

And also to Kells Funerals.

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

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Friends of the St. Arnaud Queen Mary Botanic Gardens,

GALA DAY Saturday, 23rd March 2024 9am to 12noon in the Gardens Stallholders welcome - payment by donation Contact Lyn Box (54 951 167 or 0408 951 167) or Deirdre Freeman (5496 3311 or 0417 222 661) Donations of plants, books, CDs, DVDs, produce, jams and cakes gratefully received.

Phone Lyn or Deirdre for collection or deliver on the day from 7.30am.

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: March 20th Jarryd Ezard Eleanor Parry John Shields March 21st Gary Martin Hayden Torney Yelena Jennings March 22nd Molly Hendy Mason Lyon

March 23rd Dale Gifford March 24th Judy Johnson Ashlea Martin Kevin Meade Jane Snell March 26th Corey Decker Simone Martin Diesel Harvey

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 11

Country Club and Boort best bowlers • From page 16.

President Phil

Above: Wimmera Bowls Region Champion of Champions 2023-24, Aradale's Gary Jamieson delivering one of his telling bowls last weekend.

St. Arnaud Bowls president thanked all the clubs for their support over the two days of the tournament, and also was very loud in his praise for the strong sponsorship received from – Hendy Transport, Weirs IGA, Kell Funerals, Casey’s Truck and Tractor, Graeme Male Real Estate, Nutrien Ag, Six 2 Six Café, Elders, Traverston Farming, and P. J. & M.S. McRae. Tournament Director Greg McNally sincerely thanked all the clubs for their continued participation, saying their support was appreciated very much.

Above: Runners-up in the Invitation Fours Country Club (left to right) John Nevill, Paul Mullins, John Needs and Simon Elliott

Page 12- NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

Above: Standing (left to right) Rhonda Marchment, Diane Fullarton, Wendy Peacock, Lyn Moulday, Bill Deanshaw, Daryl Marland, Greg Fullarton. Seated: (left to right) Des Moulday, Beryl Crone and George Sinclair.

Combined Probus report for March THE annual meeting of the St. Arnaud Kara Kara Combined Probus Club was held on Wednesday 13th March at the St. Arnaud Sporting Club.

- Contributed President Des thanked all members for attending, and then handed over to John Dunstan from the Rotary Club of St. Arnaud to conduct the election of office bearers for the coming year.

The new Office Bearers are: President: Bill Deanshaw Immediate Past President: Des Moulday Secretary: Daryl Marland Assistant: Secretary Mary Marland Treasurer: Wendy Peacock

Welfare/Caring: Beryl Crone Historian: George Sinclair Catering: Dianne Fullarton Trips: Greg Fullarton Membership: Lyn Moulday Bill thanked John and presented him with a gift and a copy of our newsletter.

To all members of our sister club, a big thank you for all your help and assistance over the past 23 years.

We are saddened to hear that your Club will be shutting down and to all members, if you wish you are most welcome to attend our monthly meetings.

Above: Incoming President Bill Deanshaw (left) thanks John Dunstan of St. Arnaud Rotary.

Stats show Council offers exceptional customer support NORTHERN Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) Customer Support Team attended to more than 22,800 phone and counter enquires across the Council’s Stawell and St. Arnaud offices; a figure equating to more than 1,900 enquiries per month and a minimum of 90 per day.

The team successfully managed 70 percent of these without diverting to individual department staff, a figure which is considered exceptional for local government, where enquiries can be complex.

The duties allocated to the Customer Support Team at Northern Grampians Shire Council include phone, counter and email enquiries, receipting, facility bookings, accessible parking permits, general organisation administration and managing the dayto-day responsibilities of the VicRoads Agencies in Stawell and St Arnaud.

Across the year, 6800 customer requests were recorded, an average of 27 per day, with 6000 of these listed as having been completed on time.

NGSC CEO Brent McAlister emphasised that this is an exceptional standard and one the council is proud of.

“The figures provided to us through departmental reports and programs illustrate that the council currently offers an exceptional customer support service standard.

“Seventy to ninety percent is highly commendable and well above state averages.

“I've worked for councils in Victoria, New South Wales and in New Zealand and these figures are better than the other councils that I've worked at.

“It is a great result, and I am proud of the commitment to customer support that the Customer Support Team and staff as a whole show,” said Mr McAlister.

“We are not perfect but are constantly improving.

“We’re working on furthering our customer centric focus moving forward and I am confident that our commitment to continuous improvement is

consistent across the whole council.

“Our achievements can be seen through the number of requests handled per year and the response percentages; we are doing well.

“We do have a small minority of customers that have been aggressive in their interactions with council staff, and we have a zero tolerance for this.

“Our staff do an incredible job, and they are striving consistently to answer your enquiries.

“Just think, of an average 92 phone enquiries per day, only 2.6 of these divert to voicemail,” he added.

The total of 22,872 enquiries made to Northern Grampians Shire Council Customer Support in 2023 represents 16,240 phone enquiries and 6,632 counter enquiries.

These statistics do not include enquiries made directly to individual council staff.

F

Countdown is on to the Nhill Air Show

‘Dune’ Part 2 at the REX

E

IN the heart of Nhill, where the boundless sky meets the rich tapestry of history, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for the upcoming Nhill Airshow on 13th April, 2024.

This year's Airshow promises not just an exhibition of aircraft but an immersive journey into the realms of aviation history, heritage, and community spirit.

Headlining the event is the return of the incomparable Paul Bennet, a world-class aerobatic pilot whose performances have left an indelible mark on aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

The skies above Nhill will once again echo with the thunderous roar of engines and the grace of aerobatic manoeuvres as Bennet and his team take centre stage. Nhill Airshow spokesperson, Rob Lynch, is brimming with excitement.

"Paul's aerobatics are stunning and always a major attraction at the Avalon Airshows, so we're really looking forward to

having him at Nhill this year."

One of the features of the Nhill Airshow is the opportunity to meet some of the pilots and have a close look at their aircraft during the interval.

Adding a touch of vintage glamour to the festivities, a DC3 aircraft will grace the Airshow with a historic touchdown with passengers arriving from Melbourne, evoking memories of an era when these magnificent machines graced the skies regularly.

The morning arrival of the DC3, coupled with a special joy flight during the Airshow, offers a unique opportunity for attendees to relive the golden age of aviation.

Bookings for this ‘flight of a lifetime’ can be made on the Nhill Airshowwebsite.

As the aircraft take

centre stage, the ground activities are equally engaging.

Helicopter and Tiger Moth joyrides promise to elevate the adrenaline, while the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre will open its doors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Nhill’s century of aviation.

A large photographic display captures life on the WW2 RAAF Base set up in 1941, and the restored Avro Anson and Wirrawayon show are a tribute to the fearless airmen of that time.

Of course it’s more than an Airshow!

A diverse ground program will offer a range of entertainment for all ages.

The Pacific Belles, a singing group specializing in songs from the 1930-50s, along with the Nhill-Dimboola Brass Band will create an atmosphere that resonates with nostalgia and joy.

A unique Delorian

SLUDGEBUSTERS

car will be on display, along with a variety of classic cars and military vehicles.

A special feature will be the Crafters Fair set up in the historic Bellman Hangar where local craf ters will demonstrate their skills and passions, along with lots of activities to keep the children entertained.

Of course no event is complete without food and drink.

Tim Bone, the celebrated MasterChef, will offer his famous ‘Tim’s Toasties’ while stirfried duck, kebabs and cinnamon-coated donuts are just some of the mouth-wateringchoices for visitors.

The whole event is a community effort, organised by local volunteers and benefiting many clubs and organisations in the town.

Tickets for this unmissable event are now available, inviting all to be part of a day where history, aviation, and community converge.

Contributed

Secure your spot at www.nhillairshow.com.

A sequel to the highA Ted au or stay updated byWhillier ly successful “Dune” C 10127 following the Nhill (based on the best-selling Q Heritage Peta Mandrakas Aviation book of the same name C Facebook.

Centre on

by Frank Herbert), Bookings for joy “Dune: PartTwo” stars flights can also be heart-throb, Timothee made on the website, Chalamet, Zendaya, but be quick as seats Rebecca Ferguson, are fast filling up.

Florence Pugh, Stellan For inquiries, conSkarsgard, Christopher tact Rob Lynch on 0428 Walken and Charlotte 911 387 or Jenny Creek Rampling, along with an on 0417 014 278. equally strong supportMore details are also ing cast. available at www.

Filmed across nhillairshow.com.au or Budapest, Italy and Abu visit the Nhill Aviation Dhabi, the film features Heritage Centre at the visually thrilling scenes Nhill aerodrome, open and stunning cineevery weekend and matography as the epic public holidays from story unfolds.

10 am to 4 pm.

The movie explores Join us on April 13th the mythic journey of as Nhill once again Paul Atreides (Timothée takes flight, not just in Chalamet) as he unites the skies but in the with Chani (Zendaya) hearts of all who witand the Fremen while on ness this extraordinary a warpath of revenge spectacle. against the conspirators The Nhill Airshow who destroyed his 2024 – where the past family. and present dance in the Atreides faces a clouds, creating memochoice between the love ries that will linger far of his life and the fate of beyond the horizon. the known universe as

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 13

A “Helluva” Charlton Cup IN a race that produced many “back me next time” performances the John Justice trained “Helluva” was successful on the day that mattered winning the $30,000 Charlton and District Community Bank sponsored Charlton Cup.

Inside running

by Archie

The two very evenly matched fields that contested the Central Vic. Finals produced exciting racing and close finishes.

The heats were contested at the recent Boort and We d d e r b u r n at Maryborough meetings with both winners coming out of the Boort heats.

The final of the Birchip run heats of the Betavet Pace was won by the Shaun and Jason McNaulty trained “Colby Art” in a 3-way finish that saw a head and a neck margin between the placegetters.

A mid race move by driver James Herbertson took the winner from near last to the front and although he appeared to have been on headed on the last turn the 7yo fought back doggedly to get the judge’s verdict.

At t h e B e n d i g o

meeting on Wednesday the Gadsden camp continued their good run with the win of “Hungry Hogarth”, who was driven by Ryan Sanderson, and in the following race the combination of John and Ellen Tormey was successful with the former Mildura trained 5yo mare “Chogi”.

Adopting the “handlebars down” stance from the start of the 2570m event the trainer’s daughter Ewa Justice had the 6yo gelding in front within the first 400m of the race after starting from barrier 6.

With the opposing drivers allowing Ewa to pace a pedestrian 62.9 for the first half of the last mile a 55.2 last half gave nothing a chance of running the leader down.

First up since an unsuccessful Queensland campaign late last year the gelded son of “Mach Three CA” has now won 13 races and earned $147,670 in prizemoney.

The Trotters Cup was won by the Chris Alford driven “Kyvalley Hotspur”, a former Victorian Trotters Derby winner, who is trained by Bret Lilley and was the middle pin of a training treble for the ex-kiwi.

Next Sunday the Country Cups circuit continues at Ouyen, no trot though.

Above: The connections of the Kooreh trained winner “Colby Art” (left to right) Anthony Gray, Shaun McNaulty, winning driver James Herbertson, Eddie Swanton, Drew Gray, Eliza Gray, Jan Grant and Colin Grant.

Above: The inaugural winner of the Local Legend trophy was “Tom Finlay” who out performed 20 other participants in the tipping competition on Sunday.

Trophy presenter was Club President Joe Thompson accompanied by SEN’s and HRV’s Toby McKinnon.

Above: Attendees at the “Bubbles in the Bush”, women’s cancer foundation fundraiser, lapping up the good weather outside on the lawn at the Park.

Right: Charlton trainer John Tormey handling the auctioneer’s duties at the “Bubble in the Bush” fundraiser.

Above: The Charlton “Local Lady of the Day” was won by Liz Riley.

Donald turns the tables on Kara Kara in semi-final St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls AFTER a defeat by St. Arnaud’s Kara Kara team in the season’s final home and away match the Donald Tennis Club turned the tables to record a close win in the North Central Lawn Tennis Association semi-final on Saturday.

Clearly the Donald team had done some soul searching and brought stronger combinations to the St. Arnaud lawn tennis courts to record a final score of 142-121 games to proceed to the Association’s Grand Final next Saturday.

Ably led throughout the season by Jake Male, Kara Kara on this occasion found itself just a little short of winning pairings in each of the three sections against the dominant Donald team.

Excellent wins by Jason Rowe, Matt Goode and Jake and

Sam Male in the top section of the Men’s Doubles were insufficient to counter Donald’s strength in the lower section with the latter achieving a 48-43 games win.

In the L adies Doubles, St. Arnaud’s 2024 Club Champion Sharyn Erwin led from the front winning her two sets comfortably, two of her three set victories in the semi-final.

However, again the Donald team’s strength in the lower section proved the difference and it drew away for a 45-37 games result.

In past weeks the

K ara K ara Mixed Doubles combinations have proved stronger that the opposition, resulting in “come from behind” wins but for this match Donald had planned their pairings to counter Kara Kara’s strength and it worked well resulting in a 49-41 victory.

Although St. Arnaud teams will not feature in this season’s NCLTA Grand Final for the first time in recent years, the Club’s members have enjoyed the season, the camaraderie and the introduction of new players into the senior ranks.

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

- Contributed On the adjacent courts “top of the ladder” Nullawil Tennis Club comprehensibly defeated Birchip 17195 games to march into the Grand Final against the Donald Tennis Club.

The players from all four participating clubs enjoyed a semifinal BBQ to round out a great day of tennis.

The St. Arnaud Tennis Club is now in full swing preparing for its Annual Easter lawn tennis tournament, always a highlight of the year and an important fundraiser and economic boost for the town.

Tuesday 5th March 2024 Another week of fairly close bowling with three out of the four teams winning two games and losing one game each.

The fourth team didn’t win a game.

Playing six ends and leaving kitty where it landed, had bowlers testing their skills, especially when kitty landed close to the edge of the mat which happened in quite a few ends.

In Bowls, like any sport, it is never over until the end.

One team had won their first two games and was winning the third to be the overall winners, but their opponents snuck up on them and they lost by one point.

This resulted in them finishing in third place with 27 points.

The team that thought they had won the day with 31 points ended up being second.

The team with 32 points winning the day were pleasantly surprised with the result.

- Contributed They were Malcolm Campbell (S), Kaye Smith and Win Battersby.

Tuesday 12th March Back to playing eight ends, this week’s result was similar to last week where three teams all won two games and lost a game each.

The fourth team didn’t go all that well and lost all three games.

The second game between two of the teams was quite interesting with kitty being knocked off in four ends, of which three ends were by the same team.

Kitty may get knocked off once or twice in a game but getting knocked off four times is rarely seen.

With teams waiting eagerly for the winners to be announced, the team that just scraped in on 34 points were Dot Baldwin (S), Aline Deanshaw and Lyle Streeter.

Another week of very close results with second place on 33 points and third place on 32 points.

St. Arnaud Piranhas Presentation Night ON Wednesday 13th March 2024 the Piranhas gathered at the Lord Nelson Park Community Centre to celebrate the 2023/24 swim season.

President Scott Wilson welcomed everyone and presented his end of season wrap up.

He thanked all swimmers, families, coaches and committee for the season.

He thanked the Bendigo Bank for our new branded gazebos, they look fabulous.

Scott also read out some achievements for the season.

We had 16 registered swimmers.

Nine meets were held across the Wimmera District 12, with St. Arnaud hosting 3 of these.

The Piranhas took home 130 gold, 105 silver and 53 bronze.

We had 3 age group champs, Lewis Lowe, Heidi and Ebony Start.

And 1 Open girls champ, Ebony.

At the Wimmera Champs the Piranhas won the Barrow shield which is a standardized club aggregate for team points from the Wimmera champi-

Bealiba Hall Indoor Carpet Bowls - Contributed

TWO mats in action again this week and there was action aplenty.

Some bowlers seemed to have trouble keeping their bowls on the mat with several looking like they were heading out the door.

John Maher played the shot of the night.

The opposition had the kitty surrounded, just like in the wild west with the Indians circling the wagons.

Along came John displacing the opposition bowls and nestling his bowl against the kitty.

Congratulations to Malcolm Campbell, Shirley Coburn and Gary McClelland on their two wins and a draw just in front of Heather Cooper and Chris Evans with two wins.

Bowlers are reminded that next week is supper night and play to the kitty rule applies.

Happy bowling.

- Contributed onship meet.

Ebony won the W. Maroney Perpetual Trophy for the Women’s Open 100m freestyle, the Geoff Ferguson Memorial Trophy for the Women’s 17&O best performing swimmer over 4 strokes and the Eleanor McRae Perpetual Trophy; For Womens open Freestyle 400m.

Dr Allen Memorial Trophy: This season Hamish Tannock was nominated for the Dr Allen Memorial Trophy.

Hamish is always up for a good chat and is a good friend to his fellow swimmers.

Throughout this season Hamish had a ‘can do’ attitude to his swimming, although somethings might’ve gone his way he never gave up.

Hamish would practise and always ask for advice.

He attended most training sessions and took his role as club captain with pride.

Congratulations Hamish on a great season!

We can’t wait to see what you achieve in your swimming next season.

2024/25 Club Captains: Very deserving role models, Finn Wilson and Eliza Scarce.

This season the coaches, L eanne, Belinda and Riley chose the stroke and coaches awards.

Here they are as follows:

IM: This person competed in 5 meets for the season, 4 of those meets he completed an IM. Great stuff Finn Wilson as it's not an easy thing to do.

Backstroke: We can see this person becoming a real backstroke champion.

He is following in his brother's footsteps.

Arley Reyne started the medley relay at Champs, doing the backstroke leg and gave his team a really good start.

His team ended up coming 1st!

Breaststroke: This person knows what he’s doing wrong and he always persists to get it right by never giving up.

Hamish always asks for advice on his breaststroke and is really striving for perfection.

Keep it up Hamish Tannock.

Butterfly: This person took off 8 seconds for the season in his fly.

Each time he swam the 50 fly he would always take a few more seconds off.

Lewis Lowe, your fly is looking amazing, keep it up.

Freestyle: This person has had a great season, we could tell he really wanted to improve.

Spencer’s freestyle at champs was amazing, he flew through the water and took 7 seconds off his time from the week before.

10 seconds off from his first 50 free of the season.

Coaches Award Eliza

Scarce.

Above: 2024/25 Club Captains: Finn Wilson (right) and Eliza Scarce.

Majority of our swimmers this season were boys, although Eliza didn’t let that get in her way!

Eliza has really stepped up this season, and isn’t afraid to take on a challenge.

She has attended most training sessions and has helped with set up/pack up for swim meets.

She would always say thankyou after each training.

Jesse Amos. He competes at ever y meet, knows his times off by heart, comes to every training, helps pack up after trainings, helps pack up and set up for meets and always says thankyou after training.

Jesse is a role model to his peers.

First year swimmer: Leo Kay. Leo had a great season in the pool for his 50m freestyle.

Above: Slice winners (left to right) Tara Lowe, Prue Reyne and Leanne Burke.

Everytime he dived into the pool he took seconds of his time.

Leo has now cracked under the minute for his 50m freestyle.

Go Leo! Highest Attendance: 1st Jesse, 2nd Hamish and Leanne, 3rd Austin and Spencer.

At each of the 3 swim meets we hosted families supplied a slice to share for our helpers.

Scott secretly ran a slice competition where he chose his favourite slices for the season.

The winners of the best slices went to 1st Prue Reyne, 2nd Leanne Burke, 3rd Tara Lowe. Great baking ladies.

That now wraps up the 2023/24 swim season.

We wish to see you all again next season.

New swimmers are always welcome!

Keep an eye out for our first “Bring a Friend Night” to be held the first week of next season.

Big thanks for taking your time to read our write ups each week. We love all of your support throughout the season.

Above: Dr Allen Memorial Trophy Winner: Hamish Tannock.

Above: Coaches Award: Eliza Scarce and Jesse Amos (absent).

Below: Stroke awards (left to right) H a m i s h Ta n n o c k , Spencer Kay, Arley Reyne, Lewis Lowe and Finn Wilson.

Rubber Stamps North Central News (03) 5495 1055

Above: First year swimmer: Leo Kay.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024 - Page 15

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 20th 2024.

SPORT

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

Country Club and Boort best bowlers Boort Best Triple Last Saturday and Sunday bowlers came from near and far to participate in the annual St. Arnaud Bowling Clubs Invitation Triples and Fours.

The weather was absolutely ideal for the two days and added greatly to the standard and the enjoyment of the competition.

St. Arnaud Club president Phil McRae extended a hearty welcome to the visiting players and wished them good bowling.

Teams came from Aradale (3), Country Club (3), Boort, Landsborough, Wedderburn, Dunolly, Donald Golf, Avoca, Donald and

Serpentine, and after a quick cuppa, the players took to the green at 9.30 to play 4 games of 12 ends of 2-bowls triples.

Two of these were played before a very enjoyable lunch provided by the hardworking ladies.

The afternoon session was keenly contested and only two teams managed to win all four games, necessitating a playoff to the yardstick.

Boort’s Shayne Morris, Kelvin Ritchie and Sarah Polack defeated Aradale’s Dan Mahoney (a former St. Arnaud bowler), Gary Sherwell and Rhett Cosgriff 3 shots to 2.

Presentations were performed at afternoon tea by Tournament

Director Greg McNally and President Phil McRae. The prize for the biggest winning score in the last game was won by Wedderburn, skipped by Laurie Witham.

Sunday’s Invitation Fours Country Club Dominates The green was filled with the 14 teams of four, who enjoyed four games of 10 ends, again in very pleasant conditions.

The lunch break was again a credit to the ladies and the bowlers emerged from the clubhouse for the

Above: Tournament Triples Runners-up (left to right) Gary Sherwell, Dan Mahoney and Rhett Cosgriff from Aradale.

- Contributed last two eagerly contested games.

The only undefeated team with 3 wins and a draw was the Country Club four, Jason Abbott, Des Moulday, Trevor McDonald, L eon Lynch.

Runners-up were also from the Country Club, Simon Elliott, John Nevill, John Needs and Paul Mullins with three wins and a loss.

Three other teams, We d d e r b u r n , Serpentine and Avoca each had 2 wins a draw and a loss, in a close contest.

The prize for the highest winning margin in the last game was won by Dunolly.

Appreciation After his team’s presentation Country Club skipper Jason Abbott sincerely thanked all the St. Arnaud club members, Greg McNally, Phil McRae, the Ladies, the bar lady Marg. McRae and all those involved in making the two days so good.

“St. Arnaud always puts on a great tournament, so thankyou very much, and we look forward to being here next season”.

• Cont. on page 12

Above: Country Club Invitation Fours Winners soon after receiving their winners’ prize money. (left to right) Des Moulday, Leon Lynch, Trevor McDonald and Jason Abbott.

Above: Tournament Triples Winners, Happy Boort triples team (left to right) Shayne Morris, Sarah Polack and Kelvin Ritchie.

Youngest bowler does well - Contributed

THE youngest bowler at the St. Arnaud Invitation Tournament was Keisha Allen (right) in the Dunolly triples team.

Keisha is 12 years old, and started bowling about 12 months ago after she and some school mates were invited to try the game down at the Dunolly Bowling Club.

She then tried barefoot bowls and soon after became a member of the Dunolly Bowling Club.

She had a good day playing for the Dunolly team in the triples tournament at St. Arnaud last Sunday, winning a couple of games, and the prize for her team being the biggest winners in the last game of the day.

To top off a great day she won a major prize in the raffle.

Great to see such a young girl enjoying the game of bowls.