Seniorscelebrate Seniorscelebrate
TheTonnySeniorCitizensmarkedanotherbirthdaywithadayfullofsmiles,deliciousfood,andplenty ofcommunityspirit.FromtastytreatsprovidedbyTongalaPrimary’smumstothehelpinghandsof TonnyPrimarystudents,itwasatrueteameffort–cappedoffwithaspecialLifeMembership presentationtoShirleyAllen,picturedheregettingacongratulatorykissfromPhilChalmers. �� Seepages4&5fortwopagesofpartypicturesandturntopage10forthefullSeniorCitizensreport.
Yoursayonourfuture
Astrongcommunitystarts withlistening andnowis yourchancetoshareyour ideasforthefutureof Tongalaanddistrict TheTongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre(TCAC)is invitingalllocalgroupsand residentstobepartofa CommunityNeeds AssessmentSurveyand upcomingcommunity meeting
Thegoal?Tobringpeople together,talkaboutthe projectsandimprovements thatmattermost,andplan forafuturethatreflectsthe community’spriorities Thesurveywillhelpidentify theneedsandaspirations oflocalresidents,providing valuableinsighttoguide decision-making,funding applications,andfuture projects
Bycontributingyourviews, you’rehelpingtoensure thattheworkbeingdoneis relevant,effective,and benefitseveryone Ifyourgroupcan’tmakeit tothemeeting,youcanstill haveyoursayby completingthesurveyand returningittotheTCAC officeoremailingitthrough Thisisagreatopportunity tobepartofshaping
Tongala’sfuture your voicematters,andevery ideacounts.
Toprovideyour feedback,fillinthe belowquestionsand dropoffyouranswersto TCACat94Mangan Street,Tongala.Or emailus whatyou thinkvia tcaccoordinator@ tongala.vic.au
COMMUNITY TONGALA SURVEY
WhatcanwedotoimproveTongala?
Whattypesofactivities/eventswouldyou participateiniftheywereavailableinTongala?
Suggestions/ideasforTongala:
Multiculturalfamilyfestival Communitygardens Communitymeals
Other
Wouldyouvolunteerfortheseevents?
Nameandcontactnumberifinterested:
StPatrick’sPrimarySchoolFoundation studentsmarked100daysofschoolwitha dressupdayandparadeearlierthismonth
MoreStPatsnewsonPages24-27
TongalaPrimarySchoolstudentswerewelcomedto theTongalaSeniorCitizens’birthdaycelebrationslast month Ourgirlsenjoyedhelpingservefood, perfectingtheirteaandcoffeeskills,andwerethrilled toreceivesuchawarmwelcomeandthoughtfulgift.
MoreTPSnewsonPages28-31
MeetWai
MynameisWaiKumbak, andthisismystoryof comingtoAustralia. I’mfromtheWestern HighlandsofPapuaNew Guinea WesternHighlands islocatedintheheartof PapuaNewGuinea PapuaNewGuineaisone ofthePacificIslandsandit comprises800languages anddifferentcountries, withuniquesounds producedbybirdsof paradise Wehavesixinthefamily I’mthethirdborninthe family.Ihavelovedplaying rugbyleaguesinceIwas18. Ontheotherhand,Ilove doingelectricaljobsasI amanelectrician I completedNational CertificateOneandTwoin Electro-Technology.Idid notcompleteNational CertificateThreeandFour duetofinancialissues In2015,Ileftmyfamilyto liveinLae,thesecondcity ofPapuaNewGuinea,in searchofjobopportunities. Eventually,Iwasgivenan opportunitybyoneofthe largestbiscuitcompanies Iceasedthisemployment andmovedontoPremia Smallgoods–it’sameat processingcompanyin Lae,PapuaNewGuinea. ItimportschickenMDMand beefMDMfromAustralia Idecidedtocompletemy NationalCertificateThree andFour,however,the wagesIreceivedweren’t
enoughtopaythefees required
Duetoforegoingthis,Iwas initiallyselectedbytheAsrie LaborAustraliatoworkin Australia
IhavecometoAustraliato increasemyskillsand knowledgeandtolivea betterlifeinthefuture. Honestly,whenIfirstarrived inAustraliaitlooked differentandsmelled different,andIwasabit nervous Newcountry,newpeople, andacompletelydifferent lifestyle. However,afteramonthI realisedthattheAustralian aresuperapproachable Theyarefriendlyandreally helpful Therearealotofactivities aroundthetowns.Another thingIloveisthework opportunities AlotofPacifi Islanderscometoworkin Australia,includingme Oneofthebiggest advantagesisthe opportunitiestoconnect withpeoplefromallover theworldhereinAustralia
Thisexposurewillnotonly helpmedevelopadiverse networkbutalsogivemea newperspectiveIcanbring backtoPapuaNewGuinea. Iwillbeabletoworkwith internationalteams,and that’ssomethingsuper valuablebackhome Whatexcitesmeisbeing abletogivebacktomy country. Craving fresh, tasty, and classic takeaway? Tonny Takeaway has all your favourites – from hearty burgers to crispy fried chicken, wraps made fresh to order, and all the fried classics you love! Visit
Victoria’semergency managementsector continuestostayreadywith statewidebriefings,training, andexercisestopreparefor emergingrisks
enoughwaterand equipmentonhand,and neverleaveitunattended.
Chimneyfiresafety
TheSeasonalOutlookfor Winter,developedbythe AustralianandNewZealand FireandEmergency ServicesCouncil(AFAC) withsupportfromthe BureauofMeteorology, indicatesabove-average bushfireriskforlargeparts ofVictoriathiswinter It’simportantforevery communitytounderstand localrisksandstay informed KeepuptodatewithFire DangerRatingsviathe VicEmergencyappor website. Ifyouareburningoff, registeryourburn,monitor weatherconditions,have
Overthepast12months, CFAcrewsrespondedto80 chimneyfires. Thesecanbecausedby creosote–ahighly flammableresiduethat buildsupovertime Reduce yourriskby:
Havingyourchimney andflueprofessionally cleanedeachyear; Usingafirescreenand keepingcombustibles atleastonemetre away; Onlyburningdry,clean wood;and Extinguishingfires beforebedorleaving home
Let’salldoourparttokeep ourhomesandcommunity safethiswinter.
Signsofspringarehere, withwattleinbloomand thedaysgettingalittle longer
I’msurewe’realllooking forwardtosomewarmthin theair.
It’sbeenbusyat14Cavell St,withtheclubrecently celebratinganother birthday
Ahugethankyoutothe mumsofTongalaPrimary whoprovidedbeautiful sandwiches,cakesand slices,andalsohelpedout ontheday
OurTonnyPrimarystudents were,asalways,hands-on –andweloveseeingtheir happyyoungfacesasthey assistinthekitchenand
diningarea.Thankyouto teacherMelissaand TongalaPrimaryformaking thishappen
It’saveryworthwhileand rewardingprogram,and justoneofmanytheschool hasorganisedthroughout thetown.
Averyspecialpresentation ofLifeMembershipwas awardedtoShirleyAllenfor manyyearsofassistingthe TonnySeniorsinamultitude ofways.WethankShirleyfor everythingshehasdonefor theclub
Thebirthdayrafflewaswell supported,andwe appreciateeveryonewho helpedmakeitasuccess. OurnextraffleisforFather’s
Day,andonceagainwe’ll beoutsideTongalaIGAon August28and29–come alongandhaveachat Hopefully,itwillbewarmer bythen!
Onourcomingeventslistis anotherbustriptoRich RiverGolfClubonSunday, September14–$10for transportandacarvery lunch
Tobook,pleasecontactJoy on0418370058orMarilyn on0418228018.
–JoyChalmers,Secretary, TonnySeniors
Traditionkeepsgrowing
Backin2020,withChristmas feelingalittleuncertainand theworldinlockdown,two haybalesdressedasBluey andBingopoppedupon theedgeofTongala Simple,cheerful,andabit unexpected,theysparked joyduringatoughtime. Fiveyearson,thosetwohay baleshaveinspired somethingtrulyspecial TheTongalaChristmasHay BaleTrailhasgrowninto oneofourtown’smost lovedtraditions.
EachDecember,closeto20 haybaledisplaysappear acrosstown–craftedby localfamilies,businesses, schools,andcommunity groups.
Somearefunny,someare
clever,andallofthembring asmile.
It’sbecomemorethanjust afestivedisplay
Thetraildrawsthousandsof visitorstoTongalaeach year,givingpeopleareason toexploreourstreets, supportlocalbusinesses, andfeelpartofsomething joyful Forlocals,it’ssomethingto lookforwardto;forvisitors, it’sareasontocomeback Thankstostrongsupport fromCampaspeShire,this year’strailisshapingupto bethebestyet
Butforittohappen,we needaleader
We’relookingforsomeone tocoordinatethisyear’sHay BaleTrail.
Youdon’tneedtobean expertorhavea backgroundinevents–just someonewhoenjoys bringingpeopletogether, lovesabitofChristmasfun, andcanhelprallya communitythatalready lovesthisproject TheTongalaDevelopment Groupwillbackyouevery stepoftheway.
Ifyou’reinterested,orknow someonewhomightbe, pleasereachoutviathe VisitTongalaFacebook pageoremail tongaladevelopmentgroup @gmail.com.
Let’smakethisyear’strail anotheronetoremember –JasonKelley President,Tongala DevelopmentGroup
OurFREEAfterSchoolCareprogramis heldattheCommunityCentreevery Tuesdayfrom3:30pmto5:30pm Our programissupervisedbyqualified facilitatorsandassistedbyvolunteers
TCACisofferingaplaceforcommunity memberstocatchup,haveachat,meetnew people,andenjoymorningtea Thursday,August21,andThursday, September4,10am-11.30am
Monday9am-3pm Tuesday9am-3pm Wednesday9am-3pm Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm OpeningHours OpeningHours
ofthemonth@8am 9.30amto10.30am $10persession
YourmembershipwithTongala CommunityActivityCentrecameto anendonJune30.Wehope you’vefoundyourmembership valuableandifyouwantto continuebeingpartofTCAC pleaserenewyourmembership $10perIndividualsubscription.
Thecommunitycarisavailableto anyonelivingintheTongalaarea whoneedstransporttoattend medicalappointments. WetransporttoKyabram,Echuca, BendigoandShepparton BOOKINGSINADVANCEPLEASE Asthisserviceisrunbyvolunteers Phone(03)58591268
Needaspaceforyournextmeeting? Wehavespacestosuitgroups, meetings,training,classesandmore. PLEASEcallreceptionandmakea bookingon(03)58591268
Salemovesto biannualevent
Thetown-widegaragesale hasbecomeafunand much-loveddayonthe Tongalacalendar.
Thisyear,we’vedecidedto hitpauseandlookat makingitabiannualevent, aimingforareturnin2026 Bygivingitabitmorespace betweenevents,wehopeto makeitevenmore enjoyableforeveryone involved buyers,sellers, andthevolunteerswhohelp
bringittogether We’dlovetohearfrom anyoneinterestedin helpingplanorsupportthe 2026event. Withafewmorehands,we canmakeitarealhighlight onceagain Thanksasalwaysfor supportinglocaleventsand lookingoutforeachother.
–TongalaDevelopment Group
Thisyearmarksa remarkablemilestonefor Tongala–thecentenaryof theTongalaBushNursing MemorialHospitalandAged CareService
Establishedin1925,the servicehasbeena cornerstoneofsupport, compassion,andcarefor theTongalaanddistrict communityforanincredible 100years
Tohonourthislegacy,the communityisinvitedtojoin inaspecialcelebrationon Sunday,September14,from 2pmto4pmintheActivity Centreat18PurdeySt, Tongala Theafternoonwillfeaturea celebratorycakecuttingat 3pm,alongwiththechance toshareafternoonteaand reminisceaboutthe organisation’shistory
Whetheryouhaveapastor presentconnectiontothe service,yourpresencewill helpmarkthisimportant chapterinTongala’sstory Theeventisbeing organisedbytheFriendsof TongalaAgedCare,withthe supportofRespectAged Care–TongalaMemorial Forcateringpurposes, pleaseRSVPtoSarah TeebyAugust29via emailat sptee64@gmail.comor phone0473578187.
Tongala Servicing & Repairs
WearealocalVACCAccredited workshopandmobilemechanicforall yourautomotiveoragriculturalservicing andrepairneeds.
Wedoeverythingfromservicingyour chainsawuptofixingyourbrokentractor orfarmmachinery,wealsooffermini diggerhire(withoperator). Nojobtoobigorsmall,feelfreeto giveusaringandaskifwecan helpwithanyofyour mechanicalneeds.
TheLionsJuniorPublic SpeakingClubFinalwas heldonSaturday,27Julyat StPatrick’sPrimarySchool, Tongala,bringingtogether talentedyoungspeakers fromTongalaPrimary School,StPatrick’sTongala, KyabramP–12Collegeand StAugustine’sKyabram StanhopeandGirgarre PrimarySchoolsalso trialledaparallel competition,givingtheir studentstheopportunityto presenttoalarger audienceandbuildtheir publicspeaking confidence Thisinitiativewas organisedbyHopeLionsin partnershipwithTongala Lions.
Grade3and4students deliveredaprepared three-minutespeechon thetopic“Ifyoucould inventsomethingnew, whatwoulditbe?”
Meanwhile,Grade5and6 studentstackledthe
question“Istechnology movingtoofastfor humanstokeepup?”ina four-minuteprepared speech Theolderstudentswere alsosetachallenging impromptutask:withjust
10minutesofpreparation, theywroteanddelivereda one-minutespeechon“The bestdayofmylife” Afternoontea,kindly providedbytheLions Ladies,wasenjoyedbyall, whilethreewell-knownlocal
cleverandcourageous
identitiestookon thetoughjobof judgingthe competition Speakinginfront ofanaudience of80people, everystudent impressedwith theirconfidence andcreativity Eachcompetitor receiveda certificate andavoucher fromCollinsBooksellers, withwinnersgoingonto representtheirschoolsat theDistrictFinalin NumurkahonAugust10 Andaspecialupdate bothofourclubwinners havegoneontoclaim victoryintheRegionFinal heldontheweekend! Afantasticachievement andatestamenttothe hardwork,skill,and courageofouryoung publicspeakers.
Willow Nicolasand Indianah Baumann werewinners intheregional finalon August10.
Thankyoudiscodivas!
We’dliketoextendahuge thankyoutoallthe childrenandparentswho joinedusfortheTropical Disco
Wehadanabsoluteblast andhopeyoudidtoo! Yourenergy,smiles,and tropicalspiritmadethe nightunforgettable. We’resogratefulforyour supportandcan’twaitto seeyouatournextevent GirlGuidesVictoriahas beenasourceof empowerment
Webelieveinempowering girlsandyoungwomento discovertheirpotential andmakeapositive impactintheirworld AspartofGirlGuides AustraliaandtheWorld AssociationofGirlGuides andGirlScouts(WAGGGS), weareconnectedtoa globalnetworkofover10 milliongirlsandyoung women
Thisconnectionenriches ourprograms,allowingus toshareideasand experiencesthatignite passionandpurposein everygirl
GirlGuidesVictoriais
poweredbythepassion andcommitmentofour volunteers
Theircommitmentand energyfuelsourmission, creatinganurturing environmentwheregirls canexploretheirinterests, buildlifelongfriendships, anddeveloptheleadership skillsneededtonavigate life’schallenges Ifyouwouldliketoseeif Guidingisforyourdaughter, pleaseattendWednesday nights5.30pmto7pm.We wouldlovetoseeyouthere Forqueries,phoneMelon 0409804091orvisitthe GirlGuidesVictoria website:JoinNow Girl GuidesVictoria.
Anyonelookingtotakeupdancing,asanew interest,ismostwelcome,alongwithourregular dancers.Youarealsoinvitedtocomealongfora friendlysocialevening,andsimplyenjoylisteningto populartunes,thatyouwillrecognisefromoverthe years Itwillbeatopeveningout,withyourfriends, orachancetomeetnewones! Greatmusic,delicioussupper,rafflesandlucky doorprizes AllWelcome Enquiries:PhoneBevon 58521853/0417360687 Hall:534ScobieRdKyvalley HALLISAIR-CONDITIONED
EVENTS
AUG 23
AUG 28 SEP 12
Miss Tongala @ TFNC in the evening after final home game
Community Meeting
5.30pm @ TCAC 94 Mangan Street
R U OK Day High Tea
10.30am @ Tongala Shire Hall
Hospital Centenary 2pm to 4pm @ 18 Purdey Street
Free Seniors Expo 10am to 1pm @ Tongala Town Hall
Scan the QR CODE to access the full-colour, extended digital version of Tonny Times
CHURCH SERVICES
StJamesAnglicanChurch Services:EveryTuesdayat 5pm
HollycommunionwithRev: SimonRobinson(from Mooroopna) AllWelcome Forinformationonservice times,phoneDonSlade (Warden)on0428503844 orDianeManganon 0427590282
StPatrick’sCatholicChurch PhonetheParishOfficeon (03)58521026
EmbraceChurch 80ManganSt,Tongala Morningservice:10am Servicesarealsolivestreamed PhoneLynHopeon 0408821760.
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am. PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938 Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday.
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Tradedirectory
CONTACT:
TongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre Phone:(03)58591268
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621
OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Copydeadline: 07/08/25 Issuedate: 14/08/25 Aprildeadline
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
YourmembershipwithTongalaCommunity ActivityCentrecametoanendonJune30. Wehopeyou’vefoundyourmembership valuableandifyouwanttocontinuebeingpart ofTCACpleaserenewyourmembership$10per Individualsubscription.
94ManganStreetTongala 0358591268 0437469585 tcaccoordinator@tongala.v
KICKINGGOALSATCLINIC
OurFoundationtoYear2studentskickedofftheirfirstAFLfootballcliniclast monthduringPE andtheyhadanabsoluteblast!Thesessionwasfilled withsmiles,energy,andplentyofnewskillslearned.
FOOTBALLSTARS
Ourgirls’footballteambroughtenthusiasmandenergytoJackEddy Ovallastmonth,showingoutstandingsportsmanship,respectfortheiropponents,andplentyofresilience Theycameawaywithtwowins butbestofall,theyhadafantasticdayfilledwithfun
OurHandsonLearning crewhavebeenhardat work,buildingpedalcars andgettingthecombat coursereadyforaction.
BOYSTOTHEBUSH
Thismonth,ourBoystotheBushgrouphasbeenbusyshearingsheep, visitingtheMoamaWoolstores,andenjoyinggamesofpoolandtable tennis withaslushietreatonthewayhome!Theyalsotouredthe BunnalooFeedlot,learningaboutthebusiness,pitchingin,andsharinga greatlunch AbigthankyoutotheCommunityBankforsupportingthis fantasticprogram
VALUABLEVISITS
AtGTSourgrouprolleduptheirsleevestolendahandin theshopalongsidethewonderfulteam Thisongoing communitypartnershipissomethingwevaluegreatly, withourgroupvisitingregularlytosupportandconnect
PYJAMADAYFUN
OnJuly25,StPatrick’sPrimarySchoolcelebrated NationalPyjamaDaywithallstudentslookingcozy andsnugastheycompletedtheirdailytasks.
CELEBRATINGPRINCIPAL
OnAugust1wecelebratedsomeoneveryspecial–ourwonderfulprincipal,MrsStockdale–forPrimary Principal’sDay!Toshowourappreciation,studentssurprisedherwithasweettreat–filledmessage,abeautiful newframedimageforheroffice,and,mostimportantly,plentyoflove
Grade2studentsmadetheirfirst toTongalaAgedCareonAugust andtheyabsolutelylovedit! hewalkbacktoschool,Mrs koverheardmorethanone entsaytheyweresadtheyhad aittwowholeweeksbefore ngtheirnewfriendsagain
ALLSMILESIN THESUNSHINE
TherewereplentyofhappyfacesonJuly31at StPatrick’sPrimarySchoolasstudentsenjoyed theglorioussunduringlunchbreak
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We’vekickedoffour CommunityPartnerships groupswiththeTongala CommunityActivities Centre(TCAC),Tongala ChildCare,Tongala ShineBrightKinder,and theTongalaMen’sShed. Wecan’twaittoshare updatesastheirprojects takeshape–staytuned!
Wheelsstopturning
TheDetheridgeWater Wheelwasonceacommon sightinTongalaand surroundingdistricts,butit isnowdisappearingas modernisationandnewer methodsofirrigationtake over.
Inventedin1910byJohn StewartDethridge(1865–1926),thewheelrotatedand wasdesignedtoaccurately measuretheflowofwater tofarmsfromirrigation channels.
Floodirrigationwasthe methodmostcommonly usedtowaterthefarms
Newcomerstothedistrict, asclosersettlementtook holdintheearly1900s, benefitedgreatlyfromthis invention.
Fruitgrowing,dairying, wheat,andsheepfarming–whichhadpreviouslybeen difficultonthedrynorthern plains–nowhadabetter chanceofsuccess.
Thefarmerwouldorder waterfromtheauthority andliftthedoortostartthe wheelatthespecifiedtime anddate
Theearlynameofthewater authoritywastheState RiversandWaterSupply Commission
TheDetheridgeWater Wheelservedthefarming communityforwellover100 years,butprogressis inevitableand,overtime, thechannelsystembegan todeteriorate
Thewheelcametobeseen asinefficientandnotsuited toadvancedfarming methods
Watersavingsbecamethe primeobjective,and modernisationofthewhole
systembeganintheearly 21stcentury
Somefarmersviewedthis withtrepidation Variousapplicationswere triedandtested–some accepted,othersnot. Plastic-linedchannels, whilesuccessfulin stoppingleakage,were considereddangerousfor wildlife
Rockhasalsobeenused tostabilisechannelbanks. Automatedoutletsare nowwidelyusedand controlledbyacentral systemoperatedby Goulburn-MurrayWaterin Tatura–aboonfor irrigators. Waterisorderedforaset timeanddateand,ifthe outletisfullyautomated, thedoorliftsandirrigation begins
Thisisinstarkcontrastto thepast,whenthefarmer hadtophysicallyliftthe
doortoallowwatertoflow throughthewheel Floodirrigationisstillinuse today,butmobileirrigators movingacrosspaddocks
deliveringapredetermined amountofwaterarenowa commonsight
–Itemprovidedby TongalaHistoryGroupInc
Thismonth,thekinder teamreceivedtheir firstPaddington Postcard
Eachmonth,we’ll receiveapostcard fromPaddingtonfrom adifferentcountry. Asweexplorewhat eachcountryhasto offerandhowchildren therelive,ourdonation toUNICEFhelpsprovide much-needed assistancetopeople incountriesless fortunatethanourown. We’vealsobeenbusy plantingseeds Gardeningencourages planning,problemsolving,andcriticalthinkingskills.Children decidewhattoplant,wheretoplantit,andhow tocareforit.Theyobserveandanalysethe growthanddevelopmentoftheirplants,making adjustmentsalongtheway
Exploringroadsafety
Amazingthingsare happeningatShineBright TongalaKindergarten Lastyear,wesubmittedan applicationtotakepartin the2025RoadSafety InquiryProject andwe werethrilledtobeoneof just12servicesinVictoria chosentoparticipate Whatisthisproject?
LedbyELAAandtheTAC, thisinitiativeallowsusto collaboratewithexpert consultantsthroughboth onlineandface-to-face engagementsoverthe courseoftheyear.
Together,wewillcomplete aprojectdesignedtohelp ourchildrenbecomemore road-awareandmake Tongalaasafer communityforeveryone TheStartingOutSafely RoadSafetyEducation InquiryProjectisadeeper
explorationofroadsafety education,aimedat developinginnovative solutionstolocalsafety challenges.Weareexcited tobeinvolvedandcan’t waittostartsharingwhat welearnwithour kindergartenchildren Atthefrontofour kindergarten,wehave displayedasignpromoting carseatsafety Thisvisual helpschildrenunderstand therulesaroundusingcar seats,whilethe“FiveStep Test”supportsfamiliesin determiningwhentheir childisreadytomoveto anadultseat Wewill continuetobuildonthis displayatourfrontgate, strengtheningour connectionwiththe Tongalacommunityand promotingtheimportance ofroadsafety
SaundersStfirstpieceofpuzzle
WarramundaVillageisjustweeks awayfromcompletingthefirstof fivenewpremiumresidentialcare suitesinitsSaundersStreetwing. Theredevelopmentistransforming underusedrecreationalspaces intomodern,home-likerooms thefirststepinexpandingthe facilityfrom82to130bedsoverthe nextfiveyearsaspartof Warramunda’s2030MasterPlan. CEOJohnClarksaidtheproject reflectsrisingdemandforhighqualityresidentialcare
“Ourfocusisonensuringpeople arewelcomedintoasettingthat feelslikehome,”MrClarksaid.
“We’removingtowardflexible,well-
appointedaccommodationthat supportscomfort,safetyand dignity especiallyforthosewith morecomplexneeds.”
Twoofthefiveroomswillbe
completedbytheendofJuly,with theremainderbyNovember The firstcompletedprojectunderthe plan anewhairdressingsalon openedonJune20andhas alreadybecomeamuch-loved space
Renovationswillsoonbegininthe RockmanWing,adding10more suitesbylate2026.
Theexpansionwillfuture-proofthe village,enhancewellbeing,and ensureWarramundacontinuesto provideexcellenceinagedcare accommodationandservices Visit,www.warramunda.com.au orphone(03)58522611formore information.
Pawsupifyou’reexcited
Greatnewsforlocaldoglovers–ourbrandnewdogparkisalmostreadytowelcomeits firstvisitors
Withthefencingnowcomingdown,youcan seethepathways,gates,andlayouttaking shape.
Thefinalstepislettingthenewlyplantedgrass settlein,soit’ssturdyenoughforplayfulpaws andplentyoffoottraffic
Ifallgoestoschedule,theparkwillbehanded overtothecommunityinearlySeptember–justintimetoenjoythewarmerspringdays Itwon’tbelongbeforedogs(andtheir humans)areenjoyingthisfantasticnew space.
Keepaneyeoutfordetailsontheofficial opening–wecan’twaittocelebratethis additiontoTongalatogether
Advertise in our trade guide: Email: tongalatimes@tongala.vic.au
Phone: Tongala Community Activities Centre on (03) 5859 1268
CouncilisdevelopingtheCampaspeAquaticandWet PlayStrategy–along-termplantokeepourpoolsand splashparkssustainable,accessible,andmeeting communityneedsforthenext20years Shareyour feedbackbycompletingtheonlinesurveyat www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/aquaticandwetplaystrategy andhelpshapethefutureofaquaticrecreationin Campaspe
Fromtheclubroomsto
Aswewrapupanother seasonatthemighty TongalaFootballNetball Club,Iwantedtotakea momenttocelebratethe incredibleeffortsacrossall gradeswithour2025TFNC TeamsoftheYear
Theseteamsrepresentthe bestofthebest players who’vestoodtall,ledby example,andmadeareal impactonandoffthefield andcourt.
Let’skickthingsoffwiththe NetballTeamoftheYear Thissquadisabrilliantmix ofyouthandexperience, withplayersfromA-Grade rightdowntotheUnder-13s atestamenttothedepth anddevelopmentwe’vegot goingon
Thenetballteam oftheyear (ThankstoSienna Johnstone)
Defenders: GemmaBrennan(A-Grade) –rocksolidallyear LydiaDepasquale(13s)–younggunwithabigfuture. LexiChambers(15s)–reads theplaybeautifully AshWatson(B-Grade)–reliableandcomposed Shooters: KenzieJohnstone(17s)–a
scoringmachine. MegBrennan(A-Grade)–clinicalinthecircle MikaelaPyke(CRes)–consistentandaccurate TamaraBrennan(13s)–excitingyoungtalent. Mid-court: PaigeWade(B-Grade)–tirelessandcreative AlannahWeeks(C-Grade) –greatballmovement IslaWhite(15s)–composed andclever.
LauraDomaille(B-Grade)–linksplaybeautifully.
Bench: ZaraVanHaaster(17s)–versatileanddependable
SarahHalliwell(C-Res)–
bringsenergyeveryweek
TraceyHughes(C-Grade)–experiencedandsteady
Thefootballteam oftheyear
We’veseensomeserious performancesacross seniors,reserves,and juniors.
Seniors: MaccaCowley–10games, 10goals,sixtimesinthebest beforeinjury
JackHammond–14games, 9goals,10bests Great returnfromCobden. YoursTruly(FitzBitzeditor)–17games,12goals,11bests.
Okayruckman
CamIllett–11games,732 careergoals Stilla weapon
AlexWilliams–reigning B&F,15games,8goals. CatSouter–15games,7 goals,sixbests Versatile forward/mid
BaileyWaasdorp–14 games,4goals,ninebests Backwherehebelongs.
Reserves: KadeNorthy–15games acrossgrades,2goals BryceDenham–13games, 2goals
KyleHalliwell–reserves captain,16games,always inthebest.
thecourt:Seasonofstars
ToddVanRoy–14games,3 goals,fourbests
SamTyler–14games,10 goals,sevenbests
JaydenTucker–16games, 10goals,ninebests.
MarkWatson–reserves vice-captain,16games,5 goals,10bests
Under-17s:
JeddTurpin–16games,45 goals,13bests.Kicked10in onegame!
MitchCornwall–11games, fivebests,oneseniorgame
HugoMonnichVo–15 games,21goals,10bests AlsostarredinU16sandrep games.
ZekeNeumann–15games, 18goals,fivebests,three seniorgames
LachyNevill–18games,16 goals,eightbests Played acrossthreegrades
LoganMilnes–13U17 games,fivereserves,two seniors Soliddefender
Under-14s:
HarveyVanHaaster–12 games,sevenbests
BraxtonEdmunds-Tinning–16games,twogoals,nine bests.
KanePyke–13games,two goals,fourbests
Theseteamsshowjusthow strongourclubisacross everylevel
Whetherit’sajuniorkicking bagsoraveteranstill dominating,theTongala spiritisaliveandwell
Toeveryonewhopulledon thejumperordressthis year thankyou You’ve madeusproud.Andto thosenamedintheTeams oftheYear congrats! You’veearnedit
Jessie’sspecialinvite
There’sabitgoingonatthe
clubrightnow,solet’sdive intoit startingwithsome massivenewsforoneof ourown
Ifyouhaven’theardyet, JessieJohnstonehas earnedaninvitetothe StateAFLCombinein October. That’sright ouryoung gunisheadingtothebig stagewherethestate’stop draftprospectsgettested infrontofAFLrecruiters. Youdon’tjustgetpicked forthis youhavetobe nominatedbyAFLclubs, whichmakesitevenmore impressive
Jessie’shadaconsistent seasonwiththeBendigo Pioneers,andnowhe’sgot thechancetoshowwhat he’smadeof We’reallbehindhim Go well,mate! Wherearetheynow— andhowaretheygoing? Afewofourboysaredoing goodthingselsewhere: CobyMcCarthywas flying threegoalsand 30touchestheweek before butgot knockedoutinthefirst minuteofhisthirdgame back He’llmissafew underprotocols
JackMonigattiisfinally movingback.Heand formerplayerDarren Ewingplayedina competitionnear ArnhemLand Theywon everygamebutlostthe grandfinal.
NickJamiesonisplaying wellatSorrento RileyBaconhaskicked17 goalsin17gamesfor BrightintheOvens& KingLeague,wherehis teamsitssecond.
AnthonyDennisisat CalivilUnited,just playingthisyearafter coachinglastseason
More FitzBitz
AdamLovisonis assistantcoachat Lancaster,whoseteam issecondintheKDL,and he’sbeeninthebestfor halfofhis15games. HollieReidbeganher netballjourneyat Tongalabeforestintsat SheppartonUnited, Kyabram,andnow Euroa,whereshe’swon anA-Gradepremiership, BestonCourtinthe GrandFinal,andAGradeB&F
DylanNexhipmovedto Sydneyin2019,became HeadCoachofNorth ShoreUnited’snetball team,andisnow AssistantCoachofthe NSWSwifts He’s achievedEliteCoaching Accreditation,joinedFox Netballcommentary, andhelpedguidethe SwiftstothirdintheSSN whileleadingNSWto silveratthe2025 Nationals
MissTongala
Now,ontosomethingalittle different...MissTongalais back.Yep,youreadthat right
It’sbeenafewyears,but we’redustingoffthewigs andglitter
Eachnetballgrade nominatessomeone,and theygetdressedupforabit offun
Sofar,we’vegotKylie Fitzgerald,Bernice(Bryce) Denham,andMaxine Trigwelllockedin. Twomoretobeconfirmed. IreckonI’mintouchwithmy
feminineside,soImight throwmyhatinthering too
WelcomebackJac andAbby JacElborough apast captain,A-Grade
premiershipplayer,and premiershipco-coach is backinTonnyafterafew yearsinPerth She’salreadybeenahuge helparoundtheclub AbbyPettiferplayedfor
TFNCformanyyearsbefore coachingintheKDL,moving totheUAEwithherfamily, andtravellingtheworld She’snowbackinKyabram andconsideringhernext movefor2026.
Reportsfromourpast fourgames
Barooga:Biggestwinof theyear Jack Hammondstarred,Alex Williamshadablinder, andMaxTrigwellkicked three.LachlanNevill kickedhisfirstgoal. EchucaUnited:First back-to-backwinsthis year Camefrom33 pointsdownathalf-time tofliptheresultfroma one-pointlosslasttime. Cobram:Wet,tough day Firsttimewe’ve goneahalfwithouta goal CamIllettwas terrific Moama:Outscored themafterquarter-time. GavedebutstoMitch CornwallandLogan Milnes,andwelcomed backAngusHarrington Fromtherooms
Threequirkybitsforyou: MitchHeywoodwentto thesnowlastweek. Didn’tknowhewasa Melbournesupporter Makessensenow LeytonWebsterplayed hisfirstseniorgameon his18thbirthday Celebratedatthepub. SamCiprianishouted theboystwokegsafter 100daysoffthegrogfor the“75Hard”challenge About25–30turnedup That’sitfornow BigcongratsagaintoJessie everyoneatTonnyis proudofyou Andtotherestofthecrew, let’sfinishstrong Cheers,
�������� ���� >>Comeand bowlatTonny We'returning100this seasonandwe're excited!We'reseeking membersandwe'dlove youtobepartofour clubtoo ������'�� ������ �������� ifyou've beenthinkingabout joiningbowls(or changingclubs)reach outtous.Wewantyou aspartofourfamily We'reasmallclub-a friendlybunch-andit's alsohome.We'dlovefor youtocallithome,too So,don’twait>>Come hometoTonnywhere youcancallourclub “yourclub” Membershipforms email:tongalabowls club3@gmailcom Messageusthrough socialmedia PhonepresidentPeteon 0429339045
TFNCproudly nualLadies aboutwomen omen–hs,creating ndrecognising love,andspirit bersbringto thedayis resentationof theMichelle“Cuss” MulhollandMostGutsy PlayerAward,honouring thecourageandheartthat Cussyshowedonandoff thecourt Oneplayerfromeach seniornetballgradeis recognisedwiththisaward. Thisyear,thepresentations weremadebysome incrediblewomenfromthe clubandcommunitywho wereluckyenoughtoknow
Cussy–KezCox,Glenny Nexhip,JacElborough, CaddyMulholland,and KathCussen Wethank themforbeingpartofsuch ameaningfulmoment Awardwinners:
A-Grade:GeorgiaWatt
B-Grade:PaigeWade
C-Grade:Tracey Hughes
C-Res:MikaelaPyke Itwaswonderfultoseeso manysmilingfaces throughouttheday,with manyofCussy’sfriends andfamilyjoiningusto sharehugs,swap memories,andreflecton theimpactofsucha remarkablewoman
As property values across Victoria continue to shift, now is the perfect time to get a current market opinion on your home.
AUGUST
InthequietstreetsofTongala, behindaneatlykepthomewhere thebluewrensflockfortheirdaily feed,livesoneofthetown’smost colourfulcharacters:93-year-old KeithTinning.
Withhis94thbirthdayapproaching thisSeptember–onethat’slanded onGrandFinaldaymorethanonce –Keithshowsnosignofslowing down
BornandbredinTongala,Keithisa proudlinkinalonglineofTinnings whohavecalledthiscommunity homeforgenerations.
Hisgrandfatherarrivedfrom CumberlandinEnglandandcame straighttoTongala
BOWLS, BIRDS AND BIG IDEAS
“We’vealwayshadastrongpresence here,”Keithsays “MynephewNeilis stillontheoriginalblock–ThePines.” TheTinningbrothersareabitoflocal legend.
Keithisthemiddleofthree:Ivanis97, Geoffis90
“Wewereallfarmerstoo–justlikeour parents,”Keithsays “Dadwasabaker beforethewar,butwhenhedidn’tget hisjobbackafterwards,hemoved intofarming.Wemilkedcows,raised ourkids,andlivedagoodlife”
KeithandhiswifeElaine,now88,have beenmarriedfor66years
TheymetatadanceinKyabramand, aftertheirwedding,settledintofarm
lifebehindwhatisnowGreenham’s “Thatoldhouseisgonenow–itgot bulldozed,”Keithsays.“Butthat’s whereweraisedourtwokids,Steve andJeanette.”
Theirhomeisnowatreasuretroveof memoriesandmetalwork,withKeith’s “recycledrubbishsculptures”dotted throughtheyard:oversizedbikes, roosters,turtles,atoweringemu,even alizard.
“They’vegrownovertime,”Keithsays proudly Hiscreationsarenowpartof Tongala’spublicartscene,with severalfeaturedintheTownSquare ContinuedonPage3ofTTE
ContinuedFromPage1
Whenworkingintheshed becameharder,Keith turnedtodotpainting.
“Icouldn’tkeepupwiththe welding,soIstarted painting,”hesays
“MostlyIpaintsaws–I’ve doneover100now”
InspiredbyIndigenousart, he’spaintedturtles, barramundi,andmore His mother,borninChile,was alsoanartist
Lawnbowlsalsoplayeda hugeroleintheirlives.
Keithonlysteppedawaysix monthsagoaftertakingit upat32 Elaineholdsthe householdrecordwith11 clubchampionshipstoher name
Tongalaitselfhaschanged alotinKeith’slifetime.
“Therewasatime25years agowhereitlookedlikethe townwasdying,”herecalls “Nowyoujustwhisperthat yourhouseisforsale,and it’sgone.”
ForKeithandElaine,daily lifenowisquieterbutstillfull ofmeaning
Theyenjoyfeedingblue wrens,watchingmagpies, andkeepingintouchwith thewiderTinningclan.
Keith’snickname,“Chooka,” datesbackdecades.
“Iusedtolaughat
everyone’sjokes,andthey reckonedIsoundedlikea chook,”hesayswithagrin. Theirlifehasn’tbeenabout fameorfortune–it’sbeen aboutfamily,community, hardwork,andcreativity
Whetherintheformofa weldedrooster,apainted saw,orabowlrollingdown thegreen,theTinningshave lefttheirmark
Helping you and your loved ones live comfortably at home for longer
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StayatHomeLongerwithtailoredIn-HomeSupport OurservicesaredesignedtomakeWarramunda communitycarepackagesmoreaccessible,withsimple solutions,reliableservice,andflexibledeliverytailoredto yourneeds Don’tstressaboutwheretobegin,JUSTCALL!
Sixhomesarecurrently undersimultaneous constructioninthenewly establishedMurrayEstate, withthelatestdevelopment inthetownstartingin MeadowPlace partofthe MurrayEstateoffGooda Street.
Theprojectmarksthe largesthousing developmentinTongala sinceAlanCharltonDrive andisalreadygenerating stronglocalinterest.
Halfofthelotshavealready beensold,withtheestate offeringarareopportunity forfirsthomebuyersand youngfamiliestoenterthe marketatamore affordablepricepointthan neighbouringtowns.
“Thisisthemostsignificant buildwe’veseeninTongala inyears,”saidTomCurnow, whoisoverseeingthe developmentalongside McConnellFirstNational RealEstateprincipal BrendanMcConnell.
oncesomeonestarted building,themomentum wouldfollow andthat’s exactlywhat’shappening”
BrendanMcConnellhas playedamajorrolein expandingtherealestate offeringsinthetownwhere hegrewup,havingbeena keyplayerintheAlan CharltonDrive development
Ithasnotbeenallsmooth sailingforthedevelopersof MurrayEstate,butwith thosechallengesnow behindthem,thereisplenty ofactionontheground.
Homeownersareexpected tomoveinbySeptemberor October,withfurther constructionplannedlater intheyear.
“It’sbeenawhileinthe making,butwealwayssaid
Theestateisattractinga diverserangeofbuyers retirees,professionals,and threeyoungfamilies with localbuilderTylerVick(who grewupinthetown) amongthoseleadingthe charge Severalbuildingcompanies arealsoinvolvedinthe project,reflectingthe growingdemandfornew housingintheregion. Comparedtootherregional centres,thevalueisclear “BlocksinEchucaare pushing$300,000,”Mr Curnowsaid.
“InTongala,youcanstill securelandforunder $200,000
“That’sahugedifference, especiallyforfirsthome
buyerswhoareoftenpriced outofthemarket elsewhere.”
Thedevelopmentfollows earlierprojectssuchasthe FinlayRoadhomesa decadeagoandAlan CharltonDrive,completed sixorsevenyearsago. MrCurnowsaidMurray Estatewasattractingas muchinterestasanyestate currentlyonthebooks a strongstatement,giventhe flurryofactivityjust15 minutesawayinKyabram. WhileKyabramhassix estatesunderway,many buyersaredrawnto Tongala’squietersurrounds andcommunityfeel Thetown’stwohigh-quality schoolsandstrong employmentopportunities drivenbyitsindustrial sector arealsoappealing “Somepeoplejustpreferthe
lifestyleofTongala,”Mr Curnowsaid.
“Andwithblocksstill availablebetween600and 1000squaremetres,there’s agoodmixofoptions”
Withlanddevelopment beingacostlyandtimeconsumingprocess,Tom warnedthatopportunities likethisdon’tcomearound often
“FOMOisreal,”hesaid “There’ssomelandbehind theGoldenCow,butit’sa longroad.
“Ifyou’rethinkingabout buildinginTongala,now’s thetime”
Formoreinformationon availableblocksinthe estate,visitthe McConnellFirst Nationalwebsiteor contactBrendan (0407344995)orTom (0457771813).
Wehaveapreapprovedfamily lookingtobuyhomeinTongala The wishlistincludes:4bedrooms;2 bathrooms;formalandfamilyliving areas;andshed,forupto$650,000.If youarewantingtosellandthinkyour propertymaysuit,phoneBrendanor Tomon(03)58532588
onelooking qualitymeisin ms,allwith j y g eatingand ductedevaporativecoolingthroughoutthe house.Thehomeiswellfenced,withasecure backyard,singlecarport,plusbrick garage/workshop
$459,000-$489,000
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