General News
21 August, 2025
FLASHBACK: August 21 1975
Auctions 'rigged': The Victorian Farmers Union is investigating allegations that some cattle and sheep auctions have been rigged.
The VEU has appealed to any farmer with evidence of planned bidding at auctions to come for-ward.
State president Mr J Heffernan, said there were widespread reports of collusion at country saleyards. which were depressing returns to farmers.
The situation has been drawn to the attention of the Trade Practices Commission, but the VFU is seeking concrete evidence.
Under the Trade Practices Act, collusive bidding is illegal if at least one corporation is involved.
"This means that while it might not be illegal for seven small private butchers to use a single buyer to purchase their requirements, it would be an offence for companies to bid in collusion, “ Mr Hefferenan said.
Youth training centre, not jail, says minister
The Reverend Graham Clark, of Warracknabeal and a Warracknabeal Rotarian, recently addressed the Rotary Club of Hopetoun on the subject of the Langi-Kal-Kal Youth Training Centre.
It is only a training centre, certainly not a jail.
Graham Clark was Methodist chaplain there for some years and speaks with substantial authority on the centre.
The emphasis is on helping boys, not on punishment — so it is quite easy to abscond from the centre, but then the boys who go there need that kind of honor.
The centre is used as a training ground, usually after unsuccessful probation. No crimes of violence are sent there.
Combine victory in semi-final
In a hard fought game of changing fortunes at Hopetoun, Woomelang /Lascelles who were six goals down early in the second quarter unleashed an eight goal burst to lead Brim by 14 points at half time.
By adding five goals to one in the third quarter, the Combine enjoyed a 40-point lead at the last change.
Brim fought back strongly in the last quarter and scored five goals to be 10 points down but the combine steadied then added two goals to be 26 points up with time almost up.
Brim fought back but were still 19 points down at the end.