Berringa Community News Autumn 2024

Berringa Community News

Autumn 2024

News and views from the residents of Bellbridge, Bethanga, Granya & Talgarno

Circulation: 550

ABN: 96 071 800 843

Storm Approaching 13 February by Neil Galloway

Storm Over the Peninsula

Around 7 pm on 13 February a storm ripped through Table Top and Thurgoona, then crossed Lake Hume to Talgarno where it tore trees out of the ground, ripped limbs off trees and blew the roofs off buildings. No people or animals were injured but there are lots of fences to repair and debris to remove.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

This section is for individuals in the community to share their stories, ideas, photos, poems and reports about local happenings, etc. Email items to info@berringacommunitynews.com .au or post/drop in to 341 Wises Creek Road, Talgarno.

Australia

Day Awards 2024

L to R Hugh Hanna, Megan Medwell, Denise Anderson, Robert Medwell, David Elder representing Bethanga Recreation Reserve

At the Australia Day Celebration at Bellbridge, Deputy Mayor, Denise Anderson presented awards to recognise the contribution that people have made to our community.

Sean Farrar - Certificate of Appreciation

Sean is a member of the Bethanga CFA and has been a Lieutenant for the past 3 years. He is passionate about community education, ensuring that members of the community are prepared for a fire. He is also a member of the Tallangatta Group Brigades and serves as Communications Officer. He has overseen the development of many pre-incident plans for Bellbridge and Bethanga area. Sean has assisted with the Gymkhana committee and also helped Rotary, with the Christmas tree harvesting. Sean is a quiet achiever who volunteers his time without seeking reward and often his service goes unnoticed.

Megan Medwell - Certificate of Appreciation

Megan is providing a very important community service, the Bellbridge Community Facebook page. In 2017

Megan began the Bellbridge Community Page. She has been the administrator for the past 6 1/2 years. She deals with Facebook complaints, warriors and items not suitable for children. As administrator, Megan had tried to keep the page local but it had become evident there was another Bellbridge community. She solved the problem and renamed the page to include Lake Hume. Megan takes on this FB page 24/7 all whilst raising three children.

Megan has also been an active member of the Boat Club since moving to Bellbridge with her husband, Dean, 25 years ago. She has held the secretary position and is often seen helping Santa with the annual Christmas Eve speedboat run in Bellbridge. Megan has also been employed at our local kindergarten for many years.

Our community is very grateful for Megan's time and commitment.

Robert Medwell - Certificate of Appreciation

Robert has been a resident and member of the Hume Boat Club in Bellbridge for the past 38 years, He served

as Commodore for 20 years and was an integral part of many projects, such as the electric gates, boat ramp extensions and the repairs and improvements to the Club House.

Rob is well known for his community spirit and selfless attitude. He assists residents in need with mowing and cuts and delivers firewood. During COVID, he took firewood to the checkpoint for the police to keep warm on those cold winter nights.

He has also been a member of the Talgarno CFA for over 30 years, including the 2019/20 Black Summer fires and is still a firefighter to this day.

For decades now the children of Bellbridge have been excited to see Santa on the back of a ski boat on Christmas Eve being towed around town giving lolly bags. His other Santa gigs include; Berringa Kindy, Talgarno and Bethanga schools, and Carols by Candlelight.

Rob is the sort of person that every community needs more of

Hugh Hanna - Citizen of the Year

Hugh is known for his friendliness and willingness to help others and is an admired local whom many know and respect. He is also the informal “local vet” for the area and assists locals with their animals.

Hugh is always helping others. He has devoted many hours to different community groups over the years.

Hugh has been part of the local Community Emergency Response Team for many years. CERT members are ambulance first responders from our local communities. We are very lucky to have had Hugh as one of these devoted volunteers.

Hugh has also been a passionate member of Landcare for many years and has been the president for several terms.

Although he is taking a step back he is still involved with the Three Halls Project. We would like to acknowledge and congratulate Hugh on his continued and constant support to the local area.

Bethanga Recreation Reserve CommitteeCommunity Event of the Year

The Bethanga Recreation Reserve committee has actively promoted and hosted many community events, not only for Bethanga but for the wider community; Easter gymkhana, SR500, CFA District 24 championships, Cricket Albury/Wodonga international games hosted by the Bethanga Cricket Club, Peninsula Seasonal Markets. The Rec reserve committee often assists at these events. The Committee works with the Bethanga Cricket Club and this year the, Tennis Club, to ensure that the grounds are up to standard.

For many years the Recreation Reserve has struggled due to the loss of the local football and netball clubs. They have worked hard to ensure the Reserve is viable and improving where possible. Providing these events has improved community engagement and also brings visitors to the Peninsula area.

ANZAC Day 2024

Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall

THURSDAY 25 APRIL 8:25 AM

Followed by morning tea in the Hall. A plate of morning tea will be appreciated.

The Cemetery Trust members of Talgarno, Bethanga and Granya have much pleasure in inviting community members, family and friends to the ‘Honouring lives, celebrating memories’ event. The event has been supported by The Berringa Peninsula Community Network and the Emergency Recovery Victoria.

Each Cemetery will include a guided tour, memorable stories and an opportunity to meet the trust members and other interested friends.

Bethanga Cemetery from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm on Sunday 7th April 2024 for a bring your own BBQ and watch the sunset

Granya Cemetery from 10.00 am to 12 noon on Sunday 5th May 2024 and enjoy finger food

Talgarno Cemetery from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm on Sunday 26th May 2024 and enjoy a Devonshire afternoon tea

Entry to the three cemeteries event is free. Donations to help with the maintenance of the cemetery, which is done by volunteers, will be appreciated.

For further information please call Julie de Hennin ph 0412 433 499

The Way We Were - Bethanga’s Golden Years.

1875 – 1890

It was reported by the Albury Banner that Victor Hertzog’s discovery in early September 1875 of the Kangaroo Reef was a lucky strike. As legend has it, he was looking not for gold, but for kangaroos.

Bethanga – Talgarno turned out to be essentially a gold field but, intermittently and over three decades after 1877 it was the main copper-producing area in Victoria.

This was followed in December by William Rhodes’ discovery of the Excelsior line of reef on New Years Eve 1875, and by Thomas Williams’ discovery of the New Years Gift line of reef.

Within six months 400 miners arrived in the field, and a year later there were nine steam engines powering 50 stamp heads crushing stone extracted from 12 reefs.

From this Bethanga had grown and now had 16 Hotels to cater for thirsty miners.

In October 1876 Robert Cole opened a large Concert Hall and Theodore Salbeberg opened the Bethanga Store. The Albury Banner reported in March 1877 that Bethanga had grown to a population of some 800 to1000, which saw a school and a Bank of Australia established.

In January 1878 The Great Eastern Copper Smelting Works was opened. According to the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, its opening was seen as having a great effect on Bethanga.

In 1878 a Wesleyan Church was built and the town continued to grow.

June 1886 the Church of England opened a building, services having been conducted in a large room at

Gold’s Hotel. By 1886 complaints were expressed about the smoke hazard from the smelting works constantly covering the township.

In 1890 the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel was calling Bethanga “the city of smoke”.

I acknowledge Albury and District Historical Society Papers No 19, compiled by Ray Gear.

A Poor Man’s Diggings, Mining and Community at Bethanga, Vic, 1875 – 1912, June Philipp

If you enjoy our articles of days gone past, why not visit us at Hut 97, Bonegilla Migrant Experience. We are open Mon, Wed, Sat and Sun, 10 am till 3 pm. If you enjoy history why not volunteer, we would love to have you. Call Marie on 6024 6006 or 0412 264 238.

Marie Elliot President

Wodonga & District Historical Society.

Police Report

Hello from the Bethanga Police Station. I hope everyone is doing well.

As we are coming towards the end of a busy summer by the lake, I am pleased to report our crime is down on last year’s figures.

In saying that we have had another spate of theft from motor vehicle over the past few weeks. Again, unlocked cars were targeted. Please be vigilant and make sure you are locking your vehicles and not leaving valuable items in sight. We don’t want our area to be known as a place of easy pickings.

Road safety is always a concern. I have had numerous complaints of hoon driving throughout my patrol zone.

Unfortunately, numerous penalty notices have been

issued and the majority being young drivers. I will continue to focus on the problem. Late night drivers are starting to come to my attention, and I have adjusted my roster to address the issue.

The lakeside reserves have been popular again over the summer. I have only had a few complaints of people littering and not doing the right thing. I find it very disrespectful to the locals who donate their own time to make sure the reserves are well looked after. If you see something, please take a registration number, and report it to me.

Thank you and stay safe.

Luke Fogarty Leading Senior Constable Bethanga Police Station.

Central Hotel, Upper Bethanga C 1876

Three Halls Project The Rejuvenation of

the Three Halls

A Black Summer Bush Fire Recovery Grants Program (BSBR ) funded project to rejuvenate Bethanga, Granya and Talgarno Halls and make them safer places in the event of any future disasters

Please join us to celebrate the completion of this halfmillion-dollar project at the Talgarno Bush Dance on Saturday, April 13th, an afternoon gathering at Bethanga hall on Sunday afternoon April 21st, or an afternoon at Granya Hall on Sunday, April 28th

It has been along arduous journey with many stumbling blocks along the way. The journey commenced in December 2020 and is now coming to an end with completion by June 2024!

After the disastrous Black Summer Bushfires of 2019/2020, there was clear evidence of a need for safe and functional community gathering locations in times of bushfire or other disasters

Taking guidance from community meetings commencing in 2020, Berringa Peninsula Community Network ( BPCN ) decided, with funding help and advice from Bush Fire Recovery Victoria (BRV ), now Emergency Response Victoria (ERV ), to apply for funding under the Black Summer Bush Fire Grants Recovery Program (BSBR )

A grant fund writer was employed with funding from BRV to apply for a BSBR grant for the Three Halls Project with a united approach from the three halls, rather than

individually. The application was successful.

A partnership was formed between BPCN and Bethanga Landcare (BLG ) in 2021 using Landcare Victoria Inc. to auspice the funding, as neither BPCN nor BLG were incorporated in their own right

Three Halls Working Group (THWG ) was formed to manage the overall project with representatives from Bethanga Landcare, Berringa Peninsula Community Network, and Bethanga, Granya and Talgarno halls

Since then, THWG has worked very closely with project managers: Partnear and construction contractors TVNOn Country, to get to the exciting stage we are at now. The success of the Three Halls Project is due to many people who have put heart and soul into this project. The Three Halls Working Group acknowledges the support of the Australian Government, Bush Fire Recovery Victoria, Landcare Victoria Inc., Partnear, TVN -on Country, Berringa Peninsula Community Network, Bethanga Landcare Group and the committees of Bethanga, Granya and Talgarno Halls.

Jim

de Hennin

Acting Chair Three Halls Working Group

News from Talgarno Recreation Reserve Committee of Management (CoM)

As we near the end of the Three Halls project we are delighted to start to enjoy the improvements. One of the most noticeable is that insulation is making a huge difference - even though the air conditioning units hadn’t then been connected, the hall was cool on a very hot day last month. The kitchen has been fitted out with gleaming stainless steel benches, an air conditioner and will get a new oven. The tank has been connected, drainage put in between the hall and the shelter, window frames and door frames painted, solar batteries to be installed, electricals updated and many other improvements made. There is still work to complete but it will be ready very soon.

The BBQ shelter now has hot and cold water connected to its sink and fans installed. The Social Club is about to install a storage facility at the back of the shelter which will make it much easier to cater for the monthly BBQ and other events.

The recent Peninsula market showed that the Recreation Reserve and volunteers can manage an event of this size but it also shows that we need to enlist more help from the wider community if we are to continue to support these bigger events. If anybody would like to help in future events, please let Mari or me know.

The Bush Dance will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our newly re-furbished hall. It promises to be a great evening, carrying on the tradition from the days when the hall hosted balls where everybody turned up and enjoyed themselves – although it won’t be dancing till dawn as it used to be!

The fund-raising group continues to come up with great ideas including the Trivia night and a grant is being sought for an activity designed to encourage children to play netball.

The recent survey of residents about public toilets at the Reserve came out in favour of there being toilets but there was no clear preference as to where on the Reserve they should be located. Towong Shire Council provided a concept plan for a combined tennis club room and public toilet facility tentatively located in the car parking area but the tennis club is keen to have their own separate club room if possible. The Committee has asked Council for a concept plan showing how public toilets could be incorporated into the hall itself while preventing access to the hall by the public. With both these plans the Committee will be in a better position to decide on location.

If anybody in the community has any comment or question for the Recreation Reserve Committee, please contact me (0419 609 042) or our Secretary, Mari Jones (0418 693 535). Our next meeting will be at the Hall, 10 AM, April 7th, 2024 although this may be re-scheduled.

Greg Hayes and Mari Jones

On behalf of the Talgarno Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

Tallangatta Health Service News

Community Engagement Advisory Group (CEAG)

The Tallangatta Health Service CEAG is made up of consumers, Board Directors and senior staff. Currently it meets three times a year (can be online). Its purpose is to provide advice from a consumer perspective to ensure the services at Tallangatta Health Service are person centred.

The CEAG is seeking people who are consumers, or potential consumers of our service, to provide feedback, opinion, and direction to help shape the way forward for our health service. We strive for active consumer driven advice on person centred care to Tallangatta Health Service.

Are you a “mover and shaker” or a quiet contributor? Would you like to provide your opinion and help shape the services of our community? If you would like to be a consumer voice, then we welcome you to join our group. For more information please phone Vicki Pitcher on 02 6071 5200 or email: Vicki.Pitcher@ths.org.au

Community Podiatry Services

Community Podiatry services will resume on 29 February 2024 with appointments available Thursdays and Fridays, which can be made through the Medical Centre on 02 6071 5270.

Please note there will be a $15 out of pocket fee for those with a care plan, and higher fees will apply for private patients.

Active Living Groups

Exercise groups are back this year after a great 2023! These are for all ages and abilities, with no referral needed.

Osteoarthritis and Strength Exercise Group

Bethanga Hall, Wednesdays @2pm – free

General Strength & Balance Group

Bethanga Hall, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays @3pm –$8.60

Please speak to us for more information on what would suit you best. Call the Tallangatta Health Service Allied Health Team on 02 6071 5210 to register or check us out on Facebook by searching ‘THS Active Living Groups’.

Seeking Volunteers

If you are interested in spending some valuable time with our residents, or feel you would like to volunteer in any other way, then please call us on 02 6071 5200.

Looking ahead – 2024

As we head further into 2024, we thank the community for their past support and look forward to continued partnerships. Tallangatta Health Service is a large employer in the area, and we provide a wide range of services for our community.

Acute Care – we have a 10-bed hospital

Urgent Care Centre – access to urgent 24/7 medical attention. Presentations will be initially triaged by a senior nurse.

Residential Aged Care – we have 51 beds across Lakeview and Bolga Court for permanent residents and respite care

Medical Centre – primary care provided by 5 part time doctors, a Nurse Practitioner, a Credentialed Diabetes Educator and Practice Nurse. Access to Dorevitch pathology on site.

Community Care – providing a range of services through District Nursing and My Community Home Care, including services under several funded programs

Allied Health – offering appointments with our Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, and Dietitian, and providing exercise classes across the community

With all that and more, it’s no wonder our carpark is often full! If you wish to know more about or access our services, call us on 02 6071 5200. You can also get further information from our website: https:// www.tallangattahealthservice.com.au/ or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep updated with our news and positions vacant.

My Adventure with Dementia

2021 was an interesting year for my husband and me. A friend stayed with us for about 8 months and every day he would stir me about my speech. My husband finished my sentences quite often and would preempt what I was going to say and I was happy with that. I would reply to our friend that if he was with someone for over 40 years he too could communicate like we did! Things changed after our friend left and a week later we invited a young couple who were travelling through town to stay.

The second day of their visit we were sitting having a cuppa when the lovely young woman said to me “can I ask you a question?” I didn’t realise the question would change my life. “Do you want me to finish your sentences for you or wait until you can find the words?”, I will not tell you the exact words that came to my mind other than to say I realised I did have a word-finding problem. At times I had difficulty finding descriptive words without drawing a picture in my mind of what I wanted to say.

Never one to put my head in the sand I made an appointment with my doctor who gave me a referral to the Albury Wodonga Health Cognitive and Dementia Memory Services (CADMS). My first visit was from a very pregnant speech therapist who when leaving commented that she was going on maternity leave and would see me when she came back. It was my first indication that there was a problem. I had a home visit from a geriatrician, and this was followed up with Zoom meetings with other specialists, mainly due to COVID 19 restrictions.

At age 57, I was diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia: two things I had never heard of before. My language skills will deteriorate as will my ability to communicate and

comprehend what is going on around me. Because I have been diagnosed very early, I have had longer than most to get my affairs in order. I have done everything I can, including looking at Voluntary Assisted Dying, but because I have a neuro degenerative disease I do not qualify. However, I have put in place everything that I can to make my end stages as easy for my loved ones to navigate. My wishes are out there for everyone to know.

My husband and I attended a Living with Dementia course at Baranduda, run by Dementia Australia. It not only opened our eyes to what may lay ahead for us but also introduced us to two couples that we have become very close with. It can be confronting seeing friends deteriorate when I am currently not.

I have become a Dementia Australia advocate in Victoria and later this month I am going to Canberra where I am on a panel to help choose the winning architects of the Department of Health and Aged Care competition to reimage and build a National Aged Care Design for future homes for aged care and people with dementia. Being diagnosed does not render a person ineffective or unheard.

There is a true saying that goes “when you have met one person with dementia you have met one person with dementia”. Every journey is different. There are over 130 different diseases that fall under the umbrella of dementia, Alzheimer’s is usually what people think dementia is. I think it is such a taboo subject, one reason being there is no cure, that people ignore it until someone they love or care about is diagnosed with it. I had never heard of Juvenile Dementia or Younger Onset Dementia before my diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important in all cases because even though there is no cure there are ways to help the patient and the

family to make the journey less harrowing than it can be. Dementia Australia has a 24/7 help line, there are other organisations that offer support and for myself speech therapy has helped a lot, I have identified and now avoid triggers that make my speech at times impossible to understand.

As strange as it may seem I feel very lucky to of been diagnosed early. Late last year my husband and I went on a 6 week driving holiday, something if left for a few more years I may not be able to do. I am living life and enjoying each day in ways that I may have taken for granted before my diagnosis. My progression is slow, for now.

I encourage any person who has a niggling thought that they, or a loved one, may have neurological issues to reach out to their doctor for advice. Dementia is nothing to be ashamed of, like all other diseases.

National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

Pam Eades Granya

Berringa Peninsula Community Network (BPCN)

Following our feedback from the community the BPCN and Red Cross Australia are offering two free Courses to Berringa Peninsula residents. Please support these programs so we can increase our community’s preparedness in an emergency.

Julie Miller Chair BPCN

Peninsula Seasonal Markets

The December 2023 market held at Talgarno was not as successful as we hoped but we were competing with another market at Tangambalanga. The weather earlier in the day may have put people off and we do not know the impact of a twilight market. We have not set dates for future markets as we want to canvas the stall holders and other interested parties. This may result in a change in direction and a revamp. We value any feedback from attendees on how we can further improve our market.

We are looking for new committee members so please call Denise Anderson 0438 139 917

Please contact us at peninsulaseasonalmarkets@gmail.com for any suggestions or to join our committee

Prospects for the Season Ahead

Rainfall Round-up

Thank you to Greg Hayes who has agreed to regularly contribute weather related articles for Berringa Community News readers.

BOM expected average rainfall over summer but it was a bit drier than average.

The historical median rainfall for Summer (DecFebruary) is 104 mm. The actual rainfall (up to February 23) for Hume Reservoir was 90 mm, or 87% of median. The TAFCO station at Jim & Julie de Hennin’s has stopped working so we don’t have that figure – fingers crossed we will get some help to get it back up again. At Carinya we had 176 mm as result of lucky dumps of rain on December 25/26 and January 15th. The February rainfall to date of 21mm is below average. Each of the heavier rainfall events were the result of low pressure systems persisting over our district. Much of Victoria had record rainfall in December but, as we saw on the radar maps, the storms often passed southwest or northeast of us and we missed out. A strong Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) generated moisture sources and wind patterns over Antarctica (SAM) meant that that the high pressure ridge was further south giving humid conditions more like Queensland.

We had 747mm for calendar year 2023 which was still above average but the rolling 12- month rainfall to end February at Carinya of 654 mm is now below average.

Locally it has been warmer and more humid than normal over this summer. Global warming continues with the last 12 months seeing the highest air and sea surface temperature on record. In Australia the climate has warmed by 1.5 degrees since 1910. It is evident that this warming is a major influence to our weather patterns locally with more intense heat and storm events such as the violent wind storm which did so much damage to some properties in Talgarno on February 13.

Prospects for Autumn (March to end May)

The El Niño is expected to end by April but models are suggesting a 70% chance that it will be followed by a La Niña. Other climate drivers are neutral or have little effect over autumn. It is more likely to be drier than normal over autumn with approximately two thirds chance that rainfall will be below 138 mm which is the median. It is highly likely (80% probability) that it will be hotter than normal over autumn.

Doesn’t look likely to me that there’s an early autumn break in prospect. Fingers crossed for another La Niña.

Greg Hayes

Bethanga Gymkhana & Family Fun Day Rides Again!

Easter comes early this year, which means that we will all get to enjoy the Bethanga Gymkhana and Family Fun Day, just a little sooner in 2024!

Prepare yourselves for a day of happiness and big smiles on the Saturday the 30th of March.

Every year this family day is bursting with hilarious fun and games, designed to create beautiful, laughter -filled memories for you and your children. Relax on the hillside in the shade of those glorious rec-reserve trees while you cheer on the experienced show jumpers and watch the little kids riding their adorable ponies at a show for the first time! Listen to the beautiful and earnest voices of our community children, singing their best for you in the busking competition.

If you really want to fill your heart to the brim and give yourself a roaring belly laugh, make sure not to miss the Easter bunny chase, my personal favourite. Our poor Easter Bunny only just makes it through the chase in one piece each year, sometimes it is two!

Be sure to bring along the kids and jump into some fun games like the pie eating competition and the three-legged race. Time to get revenge on the kids in the tug-o-war but be careful, they’re stronger than you think! I was most pleased to cover my child in egg during the egg throwing competition last year – I cannot recommend this highly enough!

For some extra excitement, wander around to the far side of the oval and witness the speed and agility of the horses in the flag and barrel racing. And, at the end of the day, just when you think you couldn’t fit one more smile in, watch the incredible farm dogs leaping to dizzying heights in the Dog High Jumping competition.

We look forward to spending yet another wonderful Bethanga Gymkhana and Family Fun Day with you all soon See you there!

The Bethanga Gymkhana organising committee.

Call for assistance....

The Talgarno Cemetery Trust is asking for help with a cleanup of fallen trees and branches from the recent storm. The working bee would only be for 2 hours on Sunday 2nd March from 8.30 to 10.30 am. If you have a chainsaw and/or a trailer that you could bring it would be appreciated.

Great River Road Artwork

Road Talgarno. It is called The Bridge to the Moon. There is no storyboard yet but the story behind the Bridge to the Moon is:

Beneath the waters of Lake Hume to the North and close to where this sign stands, lies the remains of the Talgarno Bridge, a wooden construction built in 1895 across the Murray River.

From 1841 until 1895 residents wishing to go direct to Albury had to

ford the Murray at Gold Creek, or to cross in a small rowboat, and make their horses swim across the stream. In the late 1800’s the residents of Talgarno and Bethanga agitated for ten years for a bridge and turned down the offer of a punt.

When a petition for the bridge was presented to the NSW Minister for Public Works, they were told that they “…might as well try and get a bridge to the moon…”,

The ‘Bridge to the Moon” was finally built for 1,750 pounds and officially opened in 1895.

It was to be known as the Talgarno Bridge.

The bridge was seen as an important step towards Federation bringing the colonies of NSW and Victoria together but, until Federation, there was a Customs Officer stationed on the bridge to collect taxes.

The construction of the Bethanga Bridge commenced in 1927. With the Hume Dam beginning to fill, the

were submerged for the first time in 1929. In April 1931, tenders were called for the purchase of the bridge. It was partially demolished in May 1932.

The pictures show remains of the Talgarno Bridge, and the approach that became visible in the drought in 2007 when Lake Hume fell to 1% of its capacity. photos supplied by Julie de Hennin

The fantastic artwork has been installed by Towong shire at the Bethanga Bridge roadside stop. The artwork is by

Artist Xavier Pinard’s interpretation of the Bridge to the Moon story

Have you noticed the new town signs in Bethanga? The signs have been installed by Towong Shire and show off the new branding for Lake Hume.

The Council has also installed a community noticeboard in Bellbridge in the bus shelter that is located on the foreshore near the fish.

Storm damage in Talgarno

COMMUNITY NOTICES

This section is for community members to give notice about local happenings, local photos, births, deaths and marriages etc. Email to info@berringacommunitynews.com.au

Talgarno Hall and BBQ Shelter

Hall and BBQ Shelter is available for Hire

Functions and Meetings held by local and non - local patrons welcomed

Chairs and Tables available for hire

For more information please email Talgarnorecreationreserve@gmail.com or phone (02)60201134

6020 2038

For information on ferry closures: www.livetraffic.com

DYSONS CORRYONG BUS & FREIGHT

Passenger and freight service between Albury/Wodonga and Corryong along Murray River Road

Daily Monday to Friday

Dysons Corryong Bus & Freight 0427 240 077

Women’s Health Clinics

Clinics are held at Tallangatta on the first and third Monday of each month.

All ages welcome.

This is a free service. Appointments necessary. For bookings or further information phone the Tallangatta Health Service

Sue Reid 6071 5270

Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall

Hall and Supper RoomAvailable for Hire

Functions and Meetings Day / Night

Air Conditioned / Heated Competitive Rates

For more information and Hall bookings contact: Graham Maynard 6026 4007, Ron Evans 6026 4301 or Robin Neilson 0400 472 247

Granya Hall

Hire of the Hall - $80.00 (hire only)

Community Meeting $30 (hire only)

For all catering information and availability please contact Bob Cowan or Sharyn Terlich

Bob Cowan 0448 474 669 rcowan@bordernet.com.au

Sharyn Terlich 0411 299 911 shalinda56@yahoo.com.au

Bonegilla Hall

Hall available for hire.

Craft Group held every Thursday 10am-2pm.

Monthly Dance held on the 4th Saturday of the month 8pm start.

Anyone interested in Zumba classes?

Enquiries: 0439 186 373

Email: BonegillaHall@gmail.com

Maternal & Child Health

Do you have young children? Have you accessed Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service for free health, developmental and learning checks?

Towong Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service is available at Bellbridge Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Drop in to see a qualified nurse between 9:30 am and 12:00 noon or arrange an appointment for the afternoon. Home visits can also be arranged for a time that is convenient for your family.

For more information or to make an appointment call Trudi Ellis on 6026 4228 or 0417 535 978

Babies

Kyle, Jess, Sadie & Darcy Lieschke welcome baby girl number three! Marlow Belle

Lieschke Born Wednesday 31st Jan on her

Megan Daly and Pete Coombe of Sirls Road Bethanga welcomed their second child Esme on 5 February. A sister for Atticus

Bethanga Hotel

Email:bethangahotel@outlook.com

www.bethangahotel.com

02 6026 4214

WE ARE OPEN!

OPENING HOURS:

Mon + Tue: closed

Wed + Thur + Fri: 4pm till late

Sat + Sun: 11:30am till late

Thursday night dinner - pizza - 5pm till 8pm

Friday night dinner - full menu - 5pm till 8pm

Saturday and Sunday lunch - full menu - 12pm till 2pm

Saturday dinner - full menu - 5pm till 8pm

Bookings are essential as limited space is available. Please call 6026 4142 to book!

CLUBS AND GROUPS

BERRINGA CERT

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department

It is a public health service run out of Northern Health in Melbourne for non-life-threatening emergencies.

If you are experiencing symptoms and you think you might need medical attention and your usual GP/health service might be closed or not available, rather than call an ambulance or go to the emergency department you can contact VVED. These symptoms might be things like pain, vomiting, urinary infection and influenza.

It is open 24 hours a day with medical reviews offered between 8 am – 11:30 pm 7 days a week, offering full adult and paediatric services.

No referral is necessary. Ring 03 8405 8815 Option 3

Defibrillators

The CERT committee has purchased another defib that will be presented to the Bethanga Golf Club to be installed to provide 24 hour community access. More details of the location will be provided soon.

There are already 6 public access defibrillators available 24/7 on the Berringa Peninsula They are all registered with 000 through Ambulance Victoria. In the event of a cardiac arrest, 000 operators will advise the caller of the location of the nearest available defibrillator.

Cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and stops pumping blood effectively around the body. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Bystanders starting chest compressions or CPR and using an AED can save lives.

Anyone can save a life in three simple steps. Call, Push, Shock: Call Triple Zero (000), Push hard and fast on the middle of the chest, and Shock using an AED.

Defibrillators are available 24/7 in a white box on the front walls of

Bethanga General Store

Bethanga Recreation Reserve pavilion

Bellbridge Community Centre

Bellbridge Foreshore Bus stop (near fish)

Granya Hall

Talgarno Hall

Bethanga Golf Club

Julie Miller, Team Leader Berringa CERT juliemiller3691@gmail.com

0419 339 679

ROTARY CLUB OF BELLBRIDGE LAKE HUME INC.

Lake Hume Cycle Challenge

The Lake Hume Cycle Challenge was held on Sunday 11th February 2024 with all events commencing and finishing at Ebden Reserve Lake Hume.

About 350 riders of all abilities enjoyed the ride of their choice around the lake foreshores and hills. After completing their ride they were treated to a barbeque and refreshments.

Between $20,000 and $25,000 will be donated to the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre Trust.

Australia Day Celebrations

The Australia Day awards were celebrated at the Lake Hume Boat Club, Bellbridge. The day commenced with a breakfast provided by the Bellbridge Lake Hume Rotary Club for the large crowd and families in attendance.

The Naval Cadets performed the flag-raising ceremony. Councillor Anderson, representing Towong Shire Council., presented the awards to the following people and groups.

Appreciation Awards were presented to the following people for their community service.

Robert Medwell

Megan Medwell

Sean Farrar

Citizen of the Year

Hugh Hanna

Community Event of the Year

Bethanga Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

All were in agreeance that the location and services provided by Towong Shire Council and the Rotary club contributed to the success of the day

PENINSULA MEN’S SHED

6 Sirl Street, Bethanga

Anyone interested in joining the group would be most welcome. It’s a great way to share and learn from each other, at the same time as being a social outing.

The Men’s Shed is open every Wednesday from 9 am until 6 pm (depending on attendance). You are welcome to come along and get involved in Men’s Shed projects or create your own. The men at the shed could do a project or repair job for you or you can just come along for a cuppa and a chat.

Member meetings are held at the shed on the first Wednesday of every month at 10.30 am

Phil Craig, President 0427 632 575

BETHANGA CRICKET CLUB

PRESIDENT: Jack Robinson 0488 995 256

SECRETARY: Jess Sirl 0427 401 849

TREASURER: Kristian Jahne 0419 021 901

COACH: Paul Robinson

TALGARNO TENNIS CLUB

Finals time in the Kiewa & Talgarno District Tennis Association is here and, once again, Talgarno TC will be featuring prominently. Hopefully we can celebrate our new courts in style with a premiership flag!

Of the three teams headed for the finals, our Section 2 champs look the most likely – no pressure guys. They currently sit on top of the ladder heading into the finals. Chris & Cara, Jess & Matt Gray, Paul Hamman and Katherine Haines have had great seasons with plenty of support from Ella Lewis and Ruby Pearson. Our junior team in Section 4 have continued their improvement from last year and will feature in finals as well. Shune Cole, The Vine girls Bailey and Charli, Riley & Maddie Green, Frankie Star and Hamish Gray have performed admirably all season and should give it a good shot.

Section 1 have scraped into the finals on the back of some good recent form. Having Daniel Wortmann fit and available at the right time of year has been a major factor as has the form of Craig Schubert. The usual suspects –

Anthea Redman, Deb and Jill, Dave, Jarrod and Brendan – have also been handy.

Junior coaching should be kicking off again shortly as will another Fast4 competition, taking advantage of the much-anticipated agreeable autumn weather. Please make contact with myself or Jill Pearson (0412 042 090) if you would like to be involved.

To our sponsors - The Wool Press Granya, George Stahl Electrical, Bethanga General Store, Rural Asset Maintenance, Leischke Plumbing, Albury Sportspower, Johnsons MME, Cadmac, Bethanga Hotel and Monumental Ice Creamery – thanks for your continued support which allows us to provide tennis opportunities for the Talgarno region.

Happy hitting

Club Secretary

Adam Richardson 0412 560 833

BETHANGA CFA

Fire calls 000

Burn Notifications VICFIRE 1800 668 511

Victorian Bush Fire Information 1800 240 667

All Peninsula Fire Units - UHF 24

CALL OUTS

10 November 2023 Lake Road, Bethanga

Single Vehicle MVA. Brigade attended with a tanker and Ultralight and supported Victoria Police with traffic control

02 December 2023 Lake Road, Bethanga

Grass and scrub fire caused by a lightning strike. Brigade responded both tankers and extinguished with help from private units.

19 December 2023 Murray River Road, Talgarno

Grass and scrub fire. Brigade responded both tankers and the Ultralight to support Talgarno to extinguish with Granya and Bonegilla, plus private vehicles

24 January 2024 Hores Road, Talgarno

Grass and scrub fire. Brigade responded both tankers to support Talgarno to extinguish.

02 February 2024 Riverina Highway, Lake Hume Village (NSW)

Grass and scrub fire. Brigade responded Tanker 1 and the Ultralight to support NSW Rural Fire Service to extinguish. Bonegilla, Granya Captain and air support also assisted

03 February 2024 Sirls Road, Jarvis Creek

Grass and scrub fire Brigade responded both tankers and the Ultralight and extinguished with support from Talgarno, Old Tallangatta, Private Units and air support.

11 February 2024. Lake Road, Bethanga

Incident. Brigade responded Tanker 2 and Ultralight. Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Fire and Rescue Victoria and Fire and Rescue NSW also attended.

SEASON SO FAR

As we can see, we’ve had an increase in callouts this summer compared to the last few summers. We continually remind community members to be vigilant regarding fires and how prepared their properties are. The first place to start when preparing your property is to know your risk.

A reminder that our Fire Danger Period is scheduled to continue until May so we ask residents to not be complacent regarding their preparedness and use of fires. It’s up to you to know the rules.

BRIGADE AWARDS DAY

The Brigade conducted their (long awaited) awards ceremony on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

Approximately 72 members and over 1,600 years of service of the Brigade were recognised. Well done to everyone who was recognised and thank you for your service.

Congratulations to Brigade Members, Rob Medwell and Sean Farrar, who were both recognised with a Certificate of Appreciation for their service to the community in the Towong Shire’s Australia Day awards, mainly for their service with the Brigade and whole.

FIRE DANGER RATINGS

The Australian Fire Danger Rating system is standard across Australia, so no matter where you are over the fire season you will see the same system used.

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

• Moderate - Plan and prepare

• High - Be ready to act

• Extreme - Take action now to protect your life and property

• Catastrophic - For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

The Bethanga area has two signs. One is located at the CFA shed in Bethanga and the other is at t he entrance to Bellbridge on the corner of Lake Road and Murray River Road.

Find out more www.cfa.vic.gov.au/afdrs

SUMMER CLEANUP

It’s that time of the year when we all should think about making our property safe for the fire season. This includes cleaning up trees and vegetation and checking gutters and eaves.

The CFA has excellent information available to assist in preparing your home. Please visit https:// www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ for more details.

The brigade is happy to offer advice if you’re unsure. Please note if you intend to burn on your property, please ensure you check with Towong Shire on your responsibilities to reduce the risk of a call-out.

BRIGADE SIREN

The Brigade has begun a monthly test of the Brigade’s siren. This is scheduled for the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 am.

The Brigade’s siren is used for alerting members of a call-out and is used in conjunction with individual pagers and other alerting devices. The siren serves a secondary purpose in notifying the community when the Brigade has responded to a call out. Please rely on the Vic Emergency app and/or website for updated information. When testing, the siren will sound for no more than 10 seconds. For incidents, the siren will sound for 90 seconds.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

CONTACTS

BETHANGA-TALGARNO JUNIOR CFA BRIGADE

JOINING THE JUNIOR BRIGADE

If you are 11 to 15 years old (or are turning 11 soon) and are interested in joining the junior brigade, please get in contact using the details provided below.

CONTACTS

TALGARNO RURAL FIRE BRIGADE

It has been a relatively routine fire season so far, with a couple of call outs that were good for keeping things fresh in our minds. We thank all those who turned out and helped in any way they could. A couple of things to note for the coming months.

Bethanga Gymkhana:

If any of our brigade members are around over Easter to assist with the BBQ at the annual Gymkhana, it would be greatly appreciated. It would be the same as last year (setting up the CFA BBQ trailer, and cooking egg and bacon rolls from 7.30 am to around 11 am). So, if you can volunteer for any time during those hours, that would be

great! Just let Michael Elliot know.

Brigade AGM & Elections Date 2024: The Talgarno Brigade will be holding their AGM and Elections on Thursday the 13th of June at the Fire Shed at 7 pm. If you would be interested in taking on a role with the brigade feel free to speak to anyone on the BMT, or come along to the AGM/Elections night to put your hand up to help out your community.

Michael Elliot, Captain, 0407 201 169

Jess Lieschke Secretary

talgarnorfbsecretary@gmail.com,

BETHANGA RECREATION RESERVE

The flood recovery works have reached the halfway mark. We hope the community is happy with the new creek pedestrian crossing. The remainder of works are scheduled post Easter.

The Bethanga Rec Reserve AGM is scheduled for 11am, Sunday 2nd June 2024 at the Reserve, which will consist of an Election of committee members, President (Chair), Secretary & Treasurer, general committee members and a presentation of the Annual Financial Report. Local user groups and residents are eligible to vote. We are always looking for new committee members and new ideas. A free sausage sizzle will follow the AGM.

Email: Bethangareserve@gmail.com

President – Ross Mitchell

Secretary/Treasurer – Jo Sirl Ph: 0417 198 421

BETHANGA GOLF CLUB

Springdale Road Bethanga

The course is open from May – October with annual social and full playing memberships available now. Contact us via hello@bethangagolf.club or by Messenger.

The clubrooms can be hired for events. With some events already planned over the year there is a lot of opportunity to really grow this community asset.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for club info, updates and how you can join the fun.

https://www.facebook.com/thebethangagolfclub

Opening Hours for Golf - Anytime.

$10 donation can be placed in the box. Cards and envelopes provided.

Refreshments are available Saturdays and Sundays 12 pm -8 pm.

Peter

BONEGILLA HALL CRAFT GROUP

Come along to our craft group session every THURSDAY (excluding school holidays). Bring all those UFOs along and enjoy a bit of laughter.

10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Cost $4.00, includes tea or coffee. Bring along your lunch

TALGARNO CRAFT GROUP

Held on the last Friday of the month. Come and share ideas and enjoy each other’s company. For further information contact:

Joan Elliot 0498 208 308

PALMS

PENINSULA ACTIVITY, LAUGHTER, MOVEMENT & SOCIABLE

Run by Tallangatta Health Service, this group provides a range of activities with a chance to meet new people and make new friends, a great avenue for companionship and keeping active in the community.

When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday

Time: Starts 2 pm

Where: Bethanga Hall

For more information contact the MCHC office on Ph(02) 6071 5238 for further details

HUME BOAT CLUB

MEMBERSHIP NOW

Members Benefits

*Secure gate entrance (key access).

*Double-width boat ramp.

*BBQ and shelters.

*Public toilets.

*Club rooms available for members’ use.

*Club rooms available for function hire (members’ hire only).

*Members’ functions held year-round.

*Great location for all types of boating.

Membership forms available on the website

Email: Administrator@humeboatclub.com

Wises Creek Talgarno Landcare Group

We have seen more rain than expected this last quarter and it is really only just warming up in the later part of January into February 2024.

On the 14th of December 2023 Jim De Hennin & I made our inaugural annual student Landcare award at the Talgarno Primary School’s end of year celebration. The deserving recipient was Archer Mudra who received a $100 Dymocks book voucher accompanied by a Landcare certificate. Archer was selected because of his dedication to the environment with a keen interest in the school’s vegetable gardens and composting subpods and being a leader for younger students.

Our strategic plan has now been finalised. We look forward to planning in future committee meetings and working with members to determine how we can achieve the strategic initiatives within.

If you are not a member already and wish to join us, feel free to any one of our committee below to organise sign up.

COMMITTEE

Jim de Hennin 0408 978 847

Jessica Furst 0400 357 634

Hugh Dunchue 0488 257 177

Simon Feillafe 0438 190 999

Sandy toes, the scent of sunscreen and delighted squeals as water splashes. Summer at Bellbridge Early Learning Years Centre (BELYC) is better than ever.

But first! With some changes to staff, BELYC is looking for anyone who is qualified or in training - and who wants to join a small, country daycare (just 20 minutes from the centre of Albury and Wodonga) - to apply at https://www.towong.vic.gov.au/1-council/careers/currentvacancies. Now, on with the show…

Before the year came to an end, we said goodbye to our fouryear-old kinders, but not without a proper graduation –mortarboards and all! We wish them the very best of luck this year as they embark on their ‘big school’ journey.

Woven throughout every season are the tried and tested favourites that help our children expand their worlds through playpainting, Play Doh, building, water play, sand pit, trampolining, bike riding and craft. What can we say - sometimes you just can’t beat a good sand castle!

After a much needed Christmas break, the children were ready and eager to come back to BELYC. One of the first notable activities of 2024 was the return of Bluearth - a popular program that focuses on movement in everyday life, AKA, shaking the sillies out after the silly season.

From free movement to ‘walking the deck, the ‘kinders’ loved playing crew to Captain Bell, the Bellbridge pirate imagined from the book, I Wish I Had a Pirate Suit. Meanwhile, in the Long Day-care (LDC) Room, the BELYC dinosaurs had a busy day being discovered in kinetic sand, washed, read about and manipulated in play.

In what seemed like a heartbeat, Valentine’s Day was upon us. The children squelched and squished in a foam tub filled with pink and red paint and glitter. While it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight for some, they have the rest of their lives to warm up to the touchy-feely stuff!

Finally, we would like to offer the warmest of welcomes to our new educator, Lauren. Lauren comes to us with over 13 years’ experience in the industry and is a mum herself to two gorgeous girls. Those children in the LDC room Tuesday - Thursday are lucky enough to have gotten to know Lauren over the past six weeks and bonds have quickly been created.

See you when the autumn leaves fall!

TALGARNO PRIMARY NEWS

We are happy to welcome back our students and families in 2024. A special welcome also to our two foundation students who are happily settling in and embracing their new school life.

Term one has kicked off to a great start, with busy weeks of learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Students have even been preparing for the school play!

With the summer season filling our days with sunshine, we have utilised our time outdoors enjoying sport, Bluearth sessions, and gardening.

Our homegrown tomatoes and zucchinis are in abundance and students are planning on channeling their inner Master Chef and have decided to whip up some home made vegetable frittata! We may even see Mrs Toohey baking an apple pie or two for dessert!

In sport, Juniors have been focusing on basketball and learning how to pass, bounce, dribble and shoot for goals! Seniors have been impressive with mastering their lacrosse skills.

Years 3-6 participated in the 2024 swimming carnival in Tallangatta. Yet another fabulous day with our students giving their all, competing and cheering on their peers. Students also participated in a hockey clinic hosted by the Falcons Hockey Club which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We have had our new Art teacher, Mrs C, join us this term and we couldn’t be happier. Students have enjoyed her classes and as always have been working hard, exploring a range of new art practices and mediums, producing works that they are proud of.

Term one has a few excursions planned. Our seniors are heading off to the Bonegilla Migrant Experience as well as jumping on the train to Melbourne to visit the Immigration Museum.

We enjoyed our first social catch up at the school on the 20th of Feb, with our Welcome BBQ, a chance for families and friends to catch up and reconnect after the Christmas holidays.

Bring on 2024! We can’t wait for a wonderful year ahead of learning and fun.

Berringa Community News is a community initiative. Published articles and advertisements are submitted by members of the community and as such are not necessarily the work or views of the editors.

The editorial team reserves the right to decide on the content and size of any articles or advertisements submitted.

Advertising

Firstly, the Editorial Team wish to thank our advertisers – without your advertisements in our community newsletter – there would be no newsletter!

The 2023 Advertising rates

$120 Full page

$60 half page

$40 third page

$30 quarter page

$15 Business card size Classified Advertisements are $2.00 each. Half price for fund raising events

Berringa Community News Distribution

The newsletter is distributed by volunteers to mail boxes where they are available. Copies will be placed in PO boxes for residents in Bethanga township or they can be can picked up at the General store. For those in Granya with PO boxes copies are available in the community mailbox at the Granya Hall.

We would like to thank Rosemary McFarland, Bob Singline, Mary Schorobura, Bethanga PO, Talgarno mail contractors and Michael Wood for their on-going support in delivering the Berringa Community News

The newsletter is also available in colour on line at www.berringacommunitynews.com.au