Ricky’s Ricky’s Riobound Riobound
OneTongalaPrimarySchoolgradesixerhasdual identitieswhenitcomestohistwowintersporting pursuits.WhenheplaysAussieRuleswiththeTongala BluesheisknownsimplyasRicky,butwhenheisin thesoccerpitchhebecomesEnriqueDosSantos. FullstoryonPages3,4&5ofTTE.
MengatheredattheTongalaTownHallforafree Men’sBreakfastaspartofMen’sHealthWeek. SponsoredbyStrideMentalHealth,theeventoffered connection,conversation,andpromotedbetter healthandwellbeing. MoreonPage2
ABOVE:StuartKeathwithHealth PromotionOfficerRachael WindridgefromKyabramHealth LEFT:KenMcMaster,AllanMitchell andIanWilson.
Menenjoyheartybreakfast Menenjoyheartybreakfast
Afreemen’sbreakfastwas heldattheTongalaTown HallonJune18aspartof Men’sHealthWeekactivities HostedbytheTongala CommunityActivities Centre,thebreakfast broughtlocalmen togethertoenjoyameal andconnectwith healthandwellbeing services Theeventwas sponsoredbyStride MentalHealth, withStride representatives RussellDavis and Helena Troy attending tospeak withparticipantsabout mentalhealthsupport services
RachaelWindridge,Health PromotionOfficerfrom KyabramHealth,wasalso presenttoprovide informationandresources onmen’shealth
IanRalphandGregRossborough.
Benand Robert Arthur.
Stride’sRussellDaviswith AndrewBader.
RachaelWindridgewith Stride’sHelenaTroy.
TONNYTIMES
RVovernightstopopens
TravellerspassingthroughTongalanow haveawelcomingnewplacetostay,with theopeningofanRVOvernightStopin town.
Locatedonthesiteoftheoldbowling greens,thestophasbeencreatedasa convenientspaceforcaravansand motorhomestoparkovernight Theprojectwasacollaborativeeffort,with theLionsClub,BowlsClub,andOpShop workingtogethertomakeithappen. Communitymembershavepraisedthe initiativeasagreatadditiontoTongala, providinganopportunityforvisitorstostay longerandexplorethetown’sattractions Travellerscannowenjoyeverything Tongalahastooffer,includingits renownedstreetart,movingwar memorials,andgreatlocaleateries ThisnewRVstopisanotherexampleof communityworkingtogethertobuilda stronger,morewelcomingtown
Excitementisbuilding astheBroseReserve
DogParkedgescloser toopening,withjusta coupleofweekstogo. Theparkisreally startingtotakeshape, withturfnowlaid, pathsforming,and fencingsoontobe installed.Nativeplantsandtreeshave alsobeenplanted,bringingthespaceto life.Thenewdogparkwillprovideasafe, welcomingplacefordogstorunand play,andforownerstoconnectwith othersinthecommunity.
ThecountdownisonforTonny’snewest communityspacetoopenitsgatesto four-leggedfriendsandtheirhumans.
FundsraisedforFijianchurch FundsraisedforFijianchurch
Adinnerpartyandmusical performanceonJune14at TongalaTownHallhashelped takeanimportantsteptowards buildinganewchurchinthe FijianvillageofNukubolu,inthe provinceofCakaudrove.
Theeventwasorganisedby localresidentSamuela Lakonavakabauta,whohas madeithismissionto financiallysupportthe constructionofachurchinhis homevillage
“WhenIwasinFijiIservedinour localvillagechurchfull-time,” Samsaid
“Thereweren’tmanymento supportthechurch.”
Despitesmallnumbers, Samuelasaidthecommunity’s faithwasstrong,withwomen andchildrenformingthe majorityofthecongregation Serviceswereheldundera simpleironroofsupportedby fourposts,withpeoplesittingon thegroundbeneath
“BeforeIcametoAustralia,one ofmyplanswastobuildanew churchformyvillage,”hesaid Thatdreamhasbeenedging closertorealitythankstohis fundraisingefforts Lastyear, Samhostedafundraiserwhich allowedforlanddevelopment workstobegin Thisdinner raised$6,500–enoughtostart constructiononthechurch foundationandroofing.
“Ijustwanttosaythankyouso muchtoeveryonewhocame alongandsupportedus,”Sam said Healsosharedhisdeep gratitudetothestafffrom Greenham,especiallyMrs DarrenMelouny,whodonated meatforthedinner,valuedat approximately$1,400 He thankedMissLeannefromthe TongalaCommunityOfficefor herkindnessandsupportin
preparingthedinner,aswellas theCaravanParkoffice managerandthewhole Tongalacommunityfortheir generosity.
“AndImustnotforgettothank theLordAlmighty,JesusChrist, whogavemethevisionandthe couragetohostthedinner,”he said.“Thankyoualsoto everyonewhotookpartinthe dinnernight.MayGodblessyou all”
Samsaidhewillcontinueto exploreeverypossiblewayto finishthechurch,fulfillingthe dreamhehascarriedsince leavingNukuboluvillage.
CongratulationstoourtalentedTongalaPrimary SchoolstudentswhotookpartintheLionsClub PublicSpeakingCompetitionlastmonth Thestandardwasexceptionallyhigh,withall studentsdemonstratingconfidenceand courageastheyspoke Welldonetoour winners,whoprogressedtothenextstageofthe competition–wewishthemtheverybest
MoreTPSnewsonPages24-27
Lastmonth,StPatrick’sPrimary SchoolGrade3senjoyedaspecial visitfromgorgeouslittleElla,as Willwassoexcitedtosharehis newkittenwiththeclass!
MoreStPat’snewsonPages28-31
MeetDinniget
MynameisDinniget
Luaine,andIamfroma provincecalledMorobe intheMomaseregion ofPapuaNewGuinea (PNG)
Iammarriedtoa beautifulwife,withtwo handsomesonsanda beautifuldaughterwho arecurrentlyathomein Lae,thecapitalcityof Morobewherewereside Iamverypassionate aboutfootball(soccer) andhaveplayedasa childgrowingupinLae city
Myfootballcareerwent asfarasplayinginthe country’spremiersoccer leaguecompetitionuntil lastyear,2024.
Ialsoparticipatedinmy country’snationalteam, whichisyetmymost treasuredmoment
Apartfrommypassionfor football,Ialsolike cookingandwatching adventuremovies
Preparinglocaldishes andsharingthemwith mylittlefamilyis somethingIlovedoing. Practicingcookingand watchingovertimehas becomeahobbythatI havecarriedwithmeall mylife
Ialwaysfindtimetodo soevenaftermyregular jobsincecomingto Australia
IhavecometoAustralia
towork,andIamgladto becurrentlyemployedby Greenham&SonsPty Afewthingsthat surprisedmesince arrivinginAustraliaare thepeopleand environment.
Thepeoplehereare friendlyandarealways mindingtheirown businessandlives,which isdifferentcomparedto whereIcomefrominPNG. Ihavealsometalotof peopleandhavemade lotsoffriendsgoingto andfromwork Moreover,the environmenthereis completelydifferentfrom whereIcomefrominPNG thoughthetwocountries arejustnexttoeach other
Sayingthat,Idonot meanthenatural environmentonlybutals thecities,towns,andthe manmadestructures aroundhere Citiesand evensmallsuburbshere arewelldevelopedand organisedcomparedto citiesandtownsback home.
Toconclude,Imaybe quiet,butIaman outspokenpersonaround thepeopleIam comfortablewith However,Ilikemeeting newpeopleandtravelling toplacestolearnabout newthings
KinderkidsLearnfiresafety
ChildrenfromTongala Kindergartenrecently visitedtheTongalaFire Stationovertwodaysfora specialfiresafety educationsession. FirefighterKenspoketothe childrenaboutfiresafety whileotherfirefighters demonstratedtheir uniformsandpersonal protectiveequipment Thechildrenhadthe chancetotouchandfeel thegeartobecome familiarwithwhat firefighterslooklikeifthey everneedtosearchfor themduringahousefire
Thebrigadesaiditwas importantforchildrento recogniseandnotbe afraidoffirefightersin masksandairtanks,asit couldbescarybeing confrontedbytheminan emergency.
Firefightersspoketothe childrenthroughtheir maskstohelpthem understandwhattheir voiceswouldsoundlike duringarescue
Afterthesafetytalk,the childrenpractisedthe “Getdownlowandgo,go, go”techniqueunderthe brigade’sparachute Theywerethentreatedto ashow-and-tellwithboth firetrucks,exploredthe equipment,helpeddrag outthehoses,setup lighting,andclimbed throughthetrucks “It’salwaysagreatday whenwegettoshareour loveoffiretruckswithour localcommunitykids,”a brigadespokesperson said “WethankTongala
Kindergartenforthis opportunityeveryyear.” Holidayfiresafety reminder
It’sschoolholidaytime–is yourfamilyfiresafe? ��
��
✅ Makeanescapeplan andpractisetwowaysto exiteveryroom,including fromupstairsifneeded.
✅ Decideonasafe meetingplaceoutside,like yourletterboxorfrontgate
✅ Showchildrenhowto callTripleZero(000). �� Findoutmoreat www.cfa.vic.gov.au/escape -plans
Ifafirestarts:
•Getdownlowandstay outofsmoke
•Closedoorsifsafeto slowfireandsmoke spread.
•Alertothersonyourway out
•Getoutandstayout
•Meetatyoursafeplace
•Call000fromamobileor neighbour’sphoneandask forFire.
Jointhebrigade
TheTongalaFireBrigadeis alwayslookingfornew members
Ifyou’reinterestedin joiningorhavequestions, comealongtotraining everyMondaynightfrom 7pm
Kindheartremembered
RuthChristineLennie,the youngestchildofDougand PegLennie,wasbornon14 April1954atKooWeeRup Shewasabelovedsisterto Robert,Malcolm,Mel,and Neil.
Thefamilyownedand operatedtheGeneralPost OfficeatGrantvilleinSouth Gippsland
In1958,theLenniefamily movedtotheGoulburn Valley,purchasingadairy farmonAngesRd,Wyuna. RuthattendedTongala ConsolidatedSchoolfrom PreptoYear6,before completinghereducation atEchucaHighSchoolfrom Year7toYear11.
Ruthenjoyedherlifeonthe familyfarm,workingand playingwiththeanimals, andlovedbeinginvolvedin anyactivitieshappening aroundher.
HerfirstjobwasatKnights DepartmentStorein Kyabram,whereshe workedfortwoandahalf yearsinrolesincluding accounts,switchboard operator,cashier, reception,sales,andretail. Shethenworkedforthe DepartmentofAgriculture attheKyabramResearch StationandinMelbourne for19years,mainlyin receptionroles.
Later,shespent13yearsin variousadministration roleswithFoster’sGroupin Melbourne,followedby sevenyearsworkingforan accountantinGlenIris. Akeensportsperson,Ruth playedtennisatWyuna, netballandsquashin Kyabram,andsomeindoor cricket
WhilelivinginMelbourne, sheoftenattendedthe AustralianOpentennis Ruthretiredandmoved backtoTongalain2014, wheresheliveduntilher tragicpassing.
Duringthistime,she becameavolunteer CommunityTransport DriverfortheShireof Campaspe,conveying residentstomedical appointmentsin Melbourne,Bendigo,and Shepparton ShejoinedtheTongala BowlsClubandwasa dedicatedandskilled player.
Asamemberofthe CateringCommittee,she wasalwaysshopping, cooking,andcleaning, ensuringtherewasplenty offoodforeveryone Ruthwasverykindheartedandhadadeep passionforherfamilyand forhelpingothers Sheledasimple, uncomplicatedlifeandwill beverysadlymissedbyall whoknewher.
TongalaSeniorCitizens TongalaSeniorCitizens
It’sstatingtheobvious,but hereitisanyway–whata coldwinterthishasbeen! Ourbestwishestoanyone whoisn’tfeeling100%due tocoughs,colds,andallthe usualwinterbugs
Ifyou’relookingforawarm spotonacoldday,you’re alwayswelcometojoinus at14CavellStreetforatwocoursemealevery Wednesday,servedat 1130am
ItcouldbeShirley’smagic chickensouporaserveof homemaderissoles, followedbypuddingand custard–themenuvaries eachweek Thenthereis bingoforthoseinterested. Wehavewelcomedback
oursmilinghelpersfrom TongalaPrimarySchool, anditislovelytohavethem withusagainalongwith theirteacher,Melissa Interactionbetween generationsissoimportant, andwecongratulatethe schoolfordevelopingthis initiative.Itwasso successfullastyear,andit waswonderfultoseethe studentsgainconfidence asthemonthspassed We lookforwardtointeracting withournewgroupof studentsandwatching themdeveloptheircatering andconversationalskillsin themonthsahead
–JoyChalmers,Secretary, TonnySeniors
Let’skeepsalegoing
OneofTongala’smost lovedevents theTownWideGarageSale isat riskofdisappearingin2025 withoutnewvolunteers steppingforward. Asplanningbeginsforthis year’sevent,thesmall groupthathascarriedso manyofourtown’s communityprojectsis simplystretchedtoothin. FromEatsandBeatsand theChristmasHaybaleTrail, toOperaintheCountry, AustraliaDaycelebrations, andthisyear’sheartfeltHall Stories theseeventshave onlyhappenedbecause someonecaredenoughto makethemhappen Butthetruthis,theycan’t keepdoingitalone
Thisisn’taboutstepping away it’saboutcreating spaceforotherstostepup Whetheryou’rean individual,community group,orjustsomeonewho lovesthistown,we’recalling onyounowtogetinvolved Weknoweveryoneisbusy, andvolunteeringcanfeel likeabigask butevena fewpeoplecomingforward canmakeahuge difference
Ifyou’veeverenjoyedoneof theseevents,orjustwantto seethemcontinue,nowis themomenttoact. TheTongalaDevelopment Groupwillsupportand guideanyonewillingtotake onaroleindeliveringthis year’sGarageSale
Butwithoutfreshhelpinthe comingweeks,the2025 eventwilllikelybecancelled ormovetoabi-annual format.
Ifyou’veeverwandered throughthesales,danced atEatsandBeats,orsmiled atahaybalecreation,then you’veseenwhat’spossible
Let’skeepthatmomentum alive together Togetinvolved,message thevisittongalaon Facebookoremail tongaladevelopmentgroup @gmail.com –JasonKelley President,Tongala DevelopmentGroup
OurFREEAfterSchoolCareprogramis heldattheCommunityCentreevery Tuesdayfrom3:30pmto5:30pm.Our programissupervisedbyqualified facilitatorsandassistedbyvolunteers.
YourmembershipwithTongala CommunityActivityCentrecam anendonJune30 Wehope you’vefoundyourmembership valuableandifyouwantto continuebeingpartofTCAC pleaserenewyourmembership $10perIndividualsubscription.
Monday9am-3pm Tuesday9am-3pm Wednesday9am-3pm Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm OpeningHours OpeningHours
Thecommunitycarisavailableto anyonelivingintheTongalaarea whoneedstransporttoattend medicalappointments WetransporttoKyabram,Echuca, BendigoandShepparton BOOKINGSINADVANCEPLEASE Asthisserviceisrunbyvolunteers Phone(03)58591268
ROOM& OFFICEHIRE
Needaspaceforyournextmeeting? Wehavespacestosuitgroups, meetings,training,classesandmore. PLEASEcallreceptionandmakea bookingon(03)58591268
ewingupnew ewingupnew S S skillsatTCAC
skillsatTCAC
Congratulationsto thesewonderfulSt Patrick’sPrimary Schoolstudentswho completedtheirbags attheTongala CommunityActivities CentreandTongala ChildCare!Guidedby PatandGillian,they learnedvaluableskills inusingasewing machineand stitching Eachstudent proudlyreceiveda certificateandtheir sewinglicense,and thegroupcelebrated theirachievements withamorningtea.
ChangeoverDinnerheld
TheLionsClubofTongala celebrateditsannual ChangeoverDinneronJune 19,markingthetransitionto anewboardforthe202526year
OutgoingPresidentLion
AndrewBaderwasthanked forhisdedicatedtwoyears ofservice,withmany membersacknowledging hisleadershipthroughouta busyperiodfortheclub Andrewpresentedhis President’sReport,reflecting onayearofstrong fundraising,community serviceprojects,andclub growth
Twomuch-lovedmembers, MickJonesandSpud Florence,wereremembered followingtheirpassing
duringtheyear,withtributes highlightingtheiryearsof friendship,service,and contributiontothecluband widercommunity
ThedinnersawLionMurray Rossinductedastheclub’s newPresident.
Incomingboardmembers werealsoinstalledonthe night,withLionJennyReid servingasMasterof Ceremonies
Theeveningincludeda roastdinneranddessert, fellowship,and presentationsrecognising theclub’sachievements Highlightsfromthe President’sReportincluded theclub’songoingsupport forlocalschoolsthrough juniorpublicspeaking events,successfulbattery fundraisingdrives,and maintenanceofTongala’s Lionswalkingtrack Theclubalsocontinuesto supportthetown’sstreetart
projects,includingmurals andChristmaseventssuch asthepopularPolarExpress day,enjoyedbymanylocal children.
TheLionsAuxiliaryreport
reflectedabusyyear cateringforevents,hosting socialoutings,and supportinglocalcommunity programs.PresidentLorna McConnellthankedall auxiliarymembersfortheir hardworkanddedication
AsoutgoingPresident AndrewBadersaid,theclub remainsastrongand successfulorganisation becauseofitsmembers’ commitmenttoserving others
LionsClubofTongala–IncomingBoard2024-2025
President:MurrayRoss
Secretary:AlexandraAndrew
Treasurer:NoelLloyd
1stVicePresident:LynHope
2ndVicePresident:Catherine
Franklin
3rdVicePresident:RobertArthur
2YearDirectors:RossTaylor, MartenByl
1YearDirectors:GaryMepstead, AlanDureau
TailTwister:DavidJacotine
LionTamer:KenChapman, CorrieWeber
CateringOfficers:Kaye
Hodgson,JennyReid
MembershipChairman: AndrewBader
LionsAuxiliaryOffice
Bearers
President:Lorna
McConnell
VicePresident:Glenys
Salmon
Secretary:LesleyRobinson
Treasurer:BevFlorence
AtTongalaGirlGuides,we havebeenenjoyingsomefun activitiesthisterm When askedwhattheywouldliketo do,thegirlsusuallychoose paintingorcooking So,for ourlastnightofguidingfor Term2,wemadeoneofour mostpopularrecipes–SausageHotPotwithSweet PotatoandPotatoMash. Thisrecipeisalways adaptable,aseachtimethe vegetablesincludedare decidedcollectivelybythe group Thistime,weadded leek,carrot,tomato,broccoli, onion,peas,andcorn.We alwaystrytoencouragethe girlstotrysomethingnew whenwecook Wehavealsobeen practisingsomeworld guidingtraditions,including colourparty,workingin unison,flagunfurling,and ropetying Theseskillsareall partofourflag-raising ceremoniesandarealso usedwhenmarchingforRSL eventsandAustraliaDay ceremonies.
Thegirlsarelookingorward toanupcomingeventweare runninginconjunctionwith theTongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre–aPrimary
AgeTropicalIslandDiscoon
July25at4pmattheTongala ShireHall Thegirlsand leadersareexcitedtohelpall thekidshaveawonderful night
Empoweryourchild's journey
WhychooseGirlGuides? Ouruniqueyouth-led programfostersasenseof belongingandconnection, encouraginggirlstoexplore newchallengesandactivities inasupportiveenvironment. Withtheguidanceofour dedicatedunitleadersand volunteers,yourchildwill createfunandmeaningful experiencesthatlastalifetime whilebuildingconfidenceand courage.
Wehopeyouallstaywarm duringtheTerm2holidays Wereturntoguidingon Wednesday,July23at 5:30pm Ifyouwouldliketoseeif guidingisforyourdaughter, pleasecomealongon Wednesdaynightsfrom 5:30pmto7pm–wewould lovetoseeyouthere Forqueries,phoneMelon 0409804091orvisittheGirl GuidesVictoriawebsite:Join Now—GirlGuidesVictoria.
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
JUL 16
JUL 15 JUL 25 JUL 26
JUL 26
Heart Heath Session Dr Jennifer Coller 10am @ TCAC
Tongala Football/ Netball Club Sponsors Day
Tropical Island Disco, 4pm to 7pm @ Tongala Shire Hall
Kyvalley Dance 7.30pm to 11.30pm @ Kyvalley Hall
Tongala Football/ Netball Club Ladies Day
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
Tradedirectory CONTACT: TongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre Phone:(03)58591268
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621
OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Aprildeadline
Copydeadline: 07/08/25
Issuedate: 14/08/25
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
DIDWEMISSYOUR ADVERTTHISMONTH?
PleasecontactTCACon (03)58591268oremail tongalatimes@tongalavicau
DOYOUHAVEASTORYTO SHARE? Pleaseemail tongalatimes@tongalavicau
YourmembershipwithTongalaCommunity ActivityCentrecametoanendonJune30. Wehopeyou’vefoundyourmembership valuableandifyouwanttocontinuebeingpart ofTCACpleaserenewyourmembership$10per Individualsubscription.
94ManganStreetTongala 0358591268 0437469585 tcaccoordinator@tongala.v
TongalaPrimarySchool TongalaPrimarySchool
TURNINGBLUEFORDOLLY
TongalaPrimarySchoolturnedblueforDoItForDollyDay,raisingan incredible$891.45tosupportthisimportantcause.Inpreparationfortheday, studentslearnedaboutDolly’smessageofkindnessandcreatedbeautiful displaysacrosstheschool.The5/6studentsbaked300bluecupcakes, whichweresoldtoraisefundsontheday.Theschoolwasaseaofblue, spreadinghopeandcompassionthroughoutthecommunity.
FOOTBALLSTARS
Anoutstandingperformancefromourfo inter-schoolcarnival,withthreewinsand Thestudentsshowedexcellentteamwor l
VITY VITY LAY LAY
OurGrade5/6studentsare producingsomeamazingpiecesof artwithMissSchiller Theirwork, alongwiththeworkofallother students,willbeondisplayatour end-of-yearArtExhibition.
YOUNGTALENTTIME
CongratulationstoourbrilliantlytalentedfinalistsofTonny’sGotTalent.
3/4 3/4
WINTER WINTER SPORTS SPORTS
Lastmonth,the3/4students travelledtoKyabramP-12 Collegetoparticipateinthe 3/4WinterSportsagainst otherlocalsschools.Our3R’s wereondisplayandtheyall representedourschoolwith pride.
OurGrade5/6students’ bravedthecoldtoenjoy WinterSportsDay!Itwas afantasticopportunityfor ourkidstoplaywithnew andoldfriendsfromother schools
StPatrick’sPrimarySchool StPatrick’sPrimarySchool
MARKETMAGIC
OnJuly3,ourGrade5/6studentsrantheirfirstStPat’s MarketDay,anditwasanincrediblesuccess!The atmospherefeltjustlikearealmarket,with stallholdersdoinganamazingjobservingand greetingeveryone.Thereweresomanyhappyfaces withtheirpurchases.AbigthankyoutoMrsHillforall herhardworkinmakingthiswonderfuldayhappen!
FOOTBALLCARNIVAL
Lastmonth,ourteamcompetedintheCampaspeBoysFootballCarnival,showcasingfantasticskill,ferocity, andteamwork Theboysfinishedwiththreewinsandtwolosses,creatingplentyofmomentsthatwillnodoubt beretold(withabitofextramayo)forweekstocome Abigthankyoutoourcoaches–Troy,Mop,andKizza–andtoBlueforgoalumpiring Wehadanawesomesupportcrewensuringtheboyshadagreatdayout
YOUNGINVENTORS YOUNGINVENTORS
OnJuly3,inInquiry,ourGrade2–4 studentscametogetherto showcasetheiramazinginventions, eachthoughtfullycreatedthrough thedesignprocess Itwasafantastic opportunitytocelebratetheir creativityandeffortastheyproudly sharedtheirworkwiththeirpeers.
SONGS,SMILES, ANDBLESSING
WelovedhavingtheBishopofSandhurst ShaneMackinlay,visitourschoolonJuly Duringhisvisit,BishopShanemetwithst touredtheplayground,andevenhelped collecteggsfromourchooks Hevisitede classroom,takingtimetoanswerstuden questions OurCatholicIdentityLeaderst ledhimonaspecialCatholicIdentityMa walk,explainingthesignificanceofsymbols aroundourschool,beforedeliveringhimtot churchwherethewholeschooltreatedhim threeofourfavouritesongs.BishopShanew blownawaybytheperformance,rankingus amongthebesthe’sheard!Thankyou Bisho
i i S i k i S
ATHLETICSDAY
Lastmonth’sAthletics Daywasahugesuccess thankstoourwonderful community Weareso gratefultoKyabramLittle Athleticsfortheir equipmentandsupport, totheStAugustine's CollegeKyabram partnershipstudentsfor theirenthusiastichelp, andtoouramazing parentsandfamiliesfor volunteeringand cheeringontheday.A bigthankyoualsoto KyabramP-12Collegefor theuseoftheirovaland facilities.Together,you madeitafantasticday forourstudents.
116a Mangan Street, Tongala
As property values across Victoria continue to shift, now is the perfect time to get a current market opinion on your home.
We’re offering a Free Property Appraisal to homeowners in Tongala - a quick, no-obligation service that takes less than 15 minutes.
What’s My Property Worth?
Scan the QR Code below to get an instant property estimate!
OpShop OpShop TONGALA
Winterclothing donationssought
TheTongalaCommunity CharityOpShopis currentlyinneedofadult winterclothing,especially men’ssweaters
Ifyouhaveanyitemsto donate,theywouldbe gratefullyaccepted
ThePresidentwishesto thankthecommunityfor theirongoinggenerosity andsupport
J.K. Byrne – Blacksmith J.K.Byrne–Blacksmith
JohnKenrickByrnewas borninBallaratin1858 Whenhisfamilymovedto Echuca,Johnbegan workingforablacksmith namedHanson.Itwasthere hecreatedhismodel plough,whichbecame knownasthe“JK Byrne Plough”
Johnlatermarriedatthe churchinKyabramWest, neartheKyWestHotel. TheByrnefamilyhomewas locatednexttotheTongala PublicHall,withhis blacksmithworkshop positionedbetweentheir houseandMangan’sHotel Atthattime,therewereno telephones,andmailwas sortedanddistributedat theTongalaRailwayStation In1907,JK ByrnebuiltaPost Officebetweenhishouse andworkshop Itwasa woodenbuilding,andhis daughterMonicaservedas PostMistressuntil1911.
ThisfirstPostOfficestoodon asmallpartoftheirland,
wherethepresenthall toiletsandlanewayarenow located,neartoday’s bakery
Duringthebusyseason,JK Byrneemployedupto13 youngmen.Theylivedin roomsintheByrne’syard, washingintindishesbefore headinguptothehousefor tea
MrsByrnepreparedmeals foreveryone,bakedbread, andcaredforherown family,sometimeswith extrahelp
TheByrnechildrenattended TongalaSchool,locatedone andahalfmileseastof town.Thisschoollater becameknownasTongala EastSchool,afterthe townshipschoolwas establishedinTongalaitself In1910,theByrnefamilyleft Tongalaandmovedto Bendigo,whereJ.K.Byrne continuedhisblacksmith business.
–Itemprovidedbythe TongalaHistoryGroup
�� TongalaCommunity CharityOpShop
66ManganStreet, Tongala
��
OpeningHours: TuesdaytoFriday:10am –2pm
LastSaturdayofeach month:10am–12noon
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 22nd July at 1pm History Room - Tongala Community Hub
TONNYTIMES
Enjoyingplaygro Enjoyingplaygro
Wehavebeenbuildingonour communityconnectionsby visitingStPatrick’splaygroup everyThursday.
Whenwearrive,MissAbbey greetsusatthedoor Wethen sitonthemat,singingsongs anddiscussingtheactivities wecanparticipatein
Thereisawiderangeof learningexperiencesforusto enjoy,includingpuzzles, climbingandbalancing beams,Lego,androleplaying
Weevenhadthechanceto meetthechickensand collectsomeeggs!
Wewereluckyenoughto meetboththePrepand Grade6children.
Welookforwardtocontinuing toattendplaygroupatSt. Patrick’sinTerm3.
Renownedartistvisits
WarramundaVillage residentswelcomeda specialvisitorthismonth, withacclaimedwildlifeartist JimmiBuscombespending threedaysinKyabramas partofanewartproject Jimmiisworkingclosely withresidentsandstaffto bringthebeautyofthe GoulburnValley’sbirdlife andnativeanimalsindoors throughaseriesoflargescaleartworks
Hisvisitispartof Warramunda’smajor redevelopment,whichwill seethevillageexpandfrom 82to130bedsduringthe nextfiveyears
WarramundaCEOJohn ClarksaidJimmi’s involvementwaspartofa broadervisiontoenhance thelivingenvironmentfor residents
“Ouraimistobringthe outdoorsinside,especially
forthosewhomaynotbe abletogetoutdoorsas muchanymore,”MrClark said “Thisredevelopment isaboutcreatingspaces thatinspirewellbeing, comfort,andconnection–andJimmi’sartplaysan importantpartinthat vision”
Duringhisstay,Jimmiis visitingKyabramFauna Parktoresearchlocal
tradetrade guide guide
Advertise in our trade guide:
Email: tongalatimes@tongala.vic.au
Phone: Tongala Community Activities
Centre on (03) 5859 1268
species,helpingensure eachartworkfeelstruly connectedtoplace Heplanstospeakwith residentsaboutthebirds andanimalsthathold specialmeaningforthem. “There’ssomethingabout artinagedcarethat createsadifferentkindof magic,”Jimmisaid “It’sasharedexperience It bringsstoriestolife”
Jimmiisnostrangerto agedcare,havingspent fiveyearsasartist-inresidenceatLyndochLiving inWarrnambool,wherehis muralsofnativeanimals transformedthefacility’s wallsandresidents’lives. Residentsandstaffare lookingforwardtoseeing hisvisioncometolifeat Warramundainthe monthsahead
TEveryclu andsha we’vego thewhol I’venarro 10mosti Tonny,w quitecon that’sthe Atnumb Northau everythin everythin jumper,e probably grass,an allourph keeptra uptotra IanChaf mention Coming Souter,f He’sbee leadsby thestan Number GraceHa hardest microph matterifit’sapresentation, milestonegame,orB&F night–onceGracehasit, goodluckgettingitback. AtsevenisTristan Kreymborg,ourFootball Managerwhosomehow keepsushalf-organised eachweek Plus,histwin
favouriteofmine,always aroundwith encouragementorbanter. Trunkcomesinatnumber five.He’sagreatleader,a realpeopleperson,andthe typeofblokeyouwant aroundwhentimesare tough
ThirdspotisShereeMarsh, thequietachieverwho keepseverythingticking overbehindthescenes. NumbertwogoestoPickles, ourvicepresident Hedoes everythingCoxywon’tdo, followshimaroundlikea loyalKelpie,andisanall-
Round11–Numurkah Badkickingkillsfootyteams, andthisroundwasa perfectexample.Wekicked fourpointsinthefirst quarterandwentintohalf timeat18 Endeduplosing by40points Numurkah haveimprovedalot,butwe
peopleatTFNC
reallyletourselvesdown withbasicskillerrors. MitchFitzgeraldplayedhis bestgamefortheclub Took afewinterceptmarks,shut downsomedangerous entries,andshowedwhy he’srenownedforhis goldenfistthisyear. Round12–Congupna AgainstCongupna,itwasa gameoftwoandahalf quarters Wewereonly30 pointsdownhalfway throughthethird,thenwe lostby100.
Congupna’sKyleMueller wasahandfulasalways JackHammondplayedon himinthesecondhalfafter AlexWilliamshadagoin thefirst.
JordanSouterwashugefor usagain,leadingfromthe front Unfortunately,welost MacaCowleyfortheyear withakneetothebackthat crackedhisribsand puncturedalung.Toughas nails,butnoone’sgetting upfromthat.Thoughtswith himasherecovers
Topplayersleaderboard –Brownlowstyle Intheseniors,threevotesgo toJordanSouter He’shad anexcellentseason,only missedonegame,andat 33stillhasplentyleftinthe tank.Mightnotquitelook afterhisbodylike Pendleburydoes,buthe’s beenoutstanding TwovotestoJack Hammond,hardasnails andtruetohisnickname ‘Critter’.Greattohavehim back,addssomuchgrunt toourmidfield Onevote goestoBaileyWaasdorp Hewasagunjuniorand nothinghaschanged,
regularlyplayingonthe opposition’sbest Inthereserves,threevotes toKyleHalliwell He’s playedfourseniorgames thisyearandneverletsus down,slotsinanywhere. TwovotestoJayden Tucker,ourswingman who’snowchalkedup200 gamesfortheclub Middle brotheroftheTucker dynasty. OnevotetoMarkWatson, theevergreenveteran. Onceafullforwardkicking bagsofgoals,now controllingthehalfback line Stillreckonshecould kick40aweekifweput himbackthere.
BELOW:Withabyeroundrecently, ourseniorstooktothecourtfor what’sfastbecominganannual TFNCmixednetballtournament! Picturedisthewinningteam.
LEFT:ZenaHolingplayedher100 gamelastmonth.Hercalmand composedpresenceoncourtmakes heranightmareforanyattacker Zenasimplydoesn’tgetrattled.A rockindefenceacrossC-Gradeand B-Gradeoverthepastfewyears, Zenahasbeeninstrumentalinour success.Shewaspartofthe2024CGradePremiershipteam,whereshe wasawardedBestonCourt,andhas backeditupasakeydefenderinour 2024B-GradePremiershipside.
FortheUnder-17s,three votestoHugoMonnichVo,a bottomageplayerwho carriesandusestheballso well Would’vebeenplaying seniorsintheolddays. TwovotestoJeddTurpin,a walk-upstartforseniors nextyear HisdadJeff comesdowntowatchwhen he’snotumpiring Onevote goestoLachlanNeville,a quick,honestmidfielder whotrainswithusabit. Won’tbelongbeforehe’s wearingaseniorjumper Fitzy’sShortSprints Here’saquicklookatwhat’s happeningwithourBendigo Pioneersconnection,andon thenetballcourtsinMurray
Leaguecolours.Thanksto mynetballco-author JessieJstandsout It’sbeenastandoutseason forTonny’sownJessie Johnstone,who’smaking waveswiththeBendigo Pioneers.Jessiehasbeen selectedforeverygameso far,provinghimselfasone oftheregion’smost consistentyoungtalents We’vebeenfortunateto havehimbackintheblue duringPioneerbyes,where he’smadethebestplayers listintwoofhisthreesenior appearances Jessiealsofeaturedina recentVicCountrytrial ContinuedonPage36
More FitzBi
matchagainsttheYou Gunssquad,akey showcaseforupcomin draftprospects Jessie’sjourneyisonly beginning andwe couldn’tbeprouder HighfiveforMFLreps FiveofourveryownAGradestars–Sienna,M Corey,Chelsey,andco GraceHammond–we partofthe12-playerM FootballNetballLeague teamwhotookonthe MurrayInter-League tournamentrecently LedbyA-Gradecoach Graceandco-captain Chelsey,theteamhad standoutcampaign–throughwithjustoneloss andadrawintherounds beforeknockingoffOvens& Murrayinthesemitoearn theirplaceintheGrand Final!
Graceforleadingfromthefrontascoach,andtoSienna,Meg,CoreyandChelsey whotodayrepresentedtheMurrayFootballNetballLeagueintheOpenMurray Inter-leagueteam!Thegirlshadanincredibledayofnetball,holdingontosecond spottomakethesemifinal,thenwinningthroughtothegrandfinalagainst GoulburnValleyNetballLeague!Itcamedowntotheclosestofmarginsinthe decider,withafinalscoreof14–15.
Inanail-bitingdecider,they wentdownbyjustonegoal toGoulburnValley(14–15), provingtheycould absolutelymatchitwiththe bestintheregion.
Incredibleeffortgirls we’re soproudofhowyou representedTonnyandthe MurrayLeague! Nexttimeroundwe’ll havesomedetailsonthe Under-14footballteam–plentyofexcitement buildinginthatgroup–andmorefromthe netballcourts.
BluesBloopersand Highlights
Footyisfulloffunny momentsandhere’safew
fromrecentweeks
IntheFinleygame,oneof theboyscoppedaFalcon sodirtyitrattledthe grandstand.Evenbetter–it’scaughtonvideofor thoseofyouwhowanta goodlaugh
ThentherewasRobbie Armswhoforgothiswhite shortswhenweplayed FinleyandNumurkah Despitemultiplereminders, heturnedupinblue Had togetthemdeliveredover –specialdeliveryforthe forgetfulfootballer. SpeakingofBrennans,at NumurkahDamian ‘Danger’Brennanwas umpiringbecauseKizza
Brennandidhishammy earlierintheyear Onlytwo brothersleftstanding. Damianthenpingedhis ownhammyduringthe game,soanotherbrother hadtotakeoverthewhistle Luckilyhemadeitthrough unscathed
Andfinally,JackHammond tookaspeccyoverKyle MuellerintheCongupna game Worththepriceof admissionalone–nearly jumpedoverhimentirely Harley’sSeason We’vetalkedabitabout HarleyReidandwhata turnaroundhe’shadinthe lastfewroundsthisyear Hiswilltowinandgetbetter
hasn’tsurprisedus–that’s whoheis
Hecoppedplentyof criticismearly,buthewas underdoneafterhavingcalf issuesinthepre-season He’sarealcompetitorand that’swhatweseeevery timeheisinacontest–I loveit.
Ireckonafterhisthreeyears withWestCoasthe’llbe backinVictoria Asa Collingwoodsupporter,I thinkhe’llendupinthe samecoloursashissister. Representativefooty Noleaguefootysince2019, whichisarealshame.Gary Lyonistryingtoget Victorianstatefootybackto
itsglorydays.So,IthoughtI wouldtakeupthemantle forareturntoMurray Leaguerepresentative football
Someofourblokes,like Souter,wouldbewalk-up starts,butthereisnogame. Itisn’tjustus,eventheGV onlydoitonceayearnow,
TeachersvsKids–NetballShowdown!
Whatanight!OurMiniBlueshitthecourttotakeon theteachersfromTongalaPrimarySchoolandSt Patrick’sPrimarySchool,andwhatamatchitwas! Laughter,teamwork,andsomeverycompetitive momentsmadeitanighttoremember Ahugethankyoutoalltheteacherswhocame downandgotinvolved–yourenergyand enthusiasmmadeitsomuchfunforthekids. Plentyofsmiles,plentyofgoals,andawholelot ofcommunityspirit. ��
playingthesameleague everyyear Thesesortsof gamesusedtobethe pinnacle Let’shopeit returnssoon
Finally,here’smybestMFL teamfortheyearsofar: Backline:AlexWilliams, SeamBeasley,andJohn Anstee
Halfbacks:ZacStovell,Kyle Coates,andHarryHillier Centreline:CallumParsons, LucaAllen,andJack Hammond
Halfforwards:Jordan Souter,LiamEvans,and MattLias.
Forwards:KyleMueller, MichaelMummery,and
DanielSchaper.
Rucks:BrodieRoss,BJ Squires,andJimmyBoyer Interchange:Todd Gallagher,Jamason Daniels,JackNorman That’sitfrommeforthis month’sFitzBitz.Seeyouall attraining–don’tforget yourshorts!
BIG BIG fun at junior ball fun atjuniorball
WhatanightitwasatTFNCfor theJuniorBall!Therewasreally onlyoneruleatthisevent–drink asmuchsoftdrinkashumanly possibleandrequestthewildestsongsimaginable Thekidsspentthenighthangingout,muckingabout, laughing,dancing,andsinginguntiltheirlungsgave out AhugethankyoutothejuniorBrennans,Marshs, andTuckersforhelpingwiththesetup
EXTRA EXTRA TONNY TIMES TONNY TIMES
JULY
JORJA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
OTPTongalaHotelapprenticechef JorjaPontonputherculinaryskillsto thetestonThursday,July10, competinginthe2025National ApprenticeCompetition.
The19-year-oldfromStanhope preparedtwoportionsofanentrée andtwoportionsofamaincourse, withchickenastherequiredprotein, alongsideagreenvegetable,a sauce,andastarchcomponent Beyondtheserequirements,shehad fullcreativefreedomwithherdishes.
Inthelead-uptothecompetition, Jorjapractisedintensely,staying backafterGOTAFEclassestoperfect herdishesundertheguidanceofher teacher,JessRea
“Jesswasabsolutelyamazing,”Jorja said “OnceIfoundoutIwas competing,weusedourtimeafter classestopractise,makingsureIwas confidentwithwhatIwasdoing”
JorjahasbeenworkingattheOTP TongalaHotelasanapprenticechef foraboutayearandfourmonths She saidshelovedherjoband appreciatedthesupportshereceived fromherteam.
“Ireallyenjoyitthere,”shesaid,“Every dayisalwaysanewadventureanda lotoffun”
DespitelivinginStanhopeallherlife, Jorjaadmittedshehadneverstepped footinsidetheTongalaHoteluntilshe
beganherapprenticeship
“I’dbeentothebowlsclubinTongala, butneverthepubitself,”shelaughed. Herapprenticeshipisduetofinishin February2027,thoughshehopesto besignedoffearlierifherskillsare deemedcompetent
Jorjasaidcookinghadbeenher dreamcareer“foraslongasIcan remember”,inspiredbyhertwo grandmothers,SandraCrillyand PatriciaPonton
“Bothmygrandmaswerealways gettingmeintothekitchenwhenIwas attheirhouses,”shesaid
ContinuedonPage3ofTTE
8LambertStreet,Tongala
Thisattractive,brick-veneerhomeislocatedina sought-afterareaofTongala.Ithasanopenplanlivingareawithcathedralceilings,three doublebedrooms,plustwosmallersinglerooms
Thehomeisonawell-fenced765m2corner blockwithelectricgateforsideaccess Itis leased@$500perweekuntil19/09/2025
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Wehaveapreapprovedfamilylookingtobuy homeinTongala.Thewishlistincludes:4 bedrooms;2bathrooms;formalandfamily livingareas;andshed,forupto$650,000 Ifyou arewantingtosellandthinkyourpropertymay suit,phoneBrendanorTomon(03)58532588
ATongala12-year-oldwho livesdualsportingidentities willrepresentAustraliaon theworldsoccerstagelater thismonthattherenowned IberCup,aninternational youthfootballtournament thatisthisyearbeingheld inRiodeJaneiro,Brazil EnriqueDosSantos,the internationalsoccerplayer, andRicky,thegradesix
TongalaPrimarySchool student,areoneandthe same HewillbeEnriquein Brazilforthesoccer tournament,whileanyone watchinghimrunaround underlightsonaFriday nightwillsimplyknowhim asRicky
Anyonewatchingwould probablydismisshimas justanotherenthusiastic gradesixerwithambitions toemulatethefeatsofhis AFLheroesandmakeitinto thebigleague
Howwrongtheywouldbe Rickyisabouttoembarkon anexcitingjourney,onethat willseehimreturntohis
father’shomeland,Brazil, butinthegreenandgoldof Australiaandnotinthe famousblueandgreenof thesoccer-madSouth Americannation
Rickywillbecompetingin oneoftheworld’slargest youthfootballtournaments, theIberCup,whichattracts
juniorsoccerstarsfromall overtheworld Hewillbe playingwiththeAustralian teamattheprestigious tournament,facingoff againsttopjuniorteams fromBrazilandaroundthe globe
Continuedonpages 4&5ofTTE
JORJA’SRECIPE FORSUCCESS
FromPage1
“Iremembercookingfried ricewithNanSandraalot, andeverytimewevisited NanPatricia,we’dcome homewithbiscuits Istill trytomakethemnow, buttheynevertastequite asgoodashersdid.”
Lastyear,Jorjacompeted intheeventatGordon TAFEinGeelong,where sheachievedsilver–the highestplacingforafirstyearstudent.Sherecalled hernervesasmedals wereannouncedbutwas thrilledwithherresult, finishingjustninepercent behindtheoverallwinner Thisyear,shewasexcited tocompeteagainand hopedtodoher supportersproud “EverythingI’vedoneso faristogetmethatone stepclosertowhereI wanttobe,”shesaid.
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Rio to Rio
From From Tonny Tonny to
FromPage3
Ricky,whoturned12in March,playsasawingeror centralmidfielderfor SheppartonUnitedinthe localBSLleague.
Histeamcurrentlysitsfirstin thecompetition,havingonly beenbeatenonceinfive gamesthisseason Heisexcitedthatdespite missingsixweeksoffootball hewillreturnjustintimefor thefinals.
Ricky’ssoccerjourney beganatagefive,inspired byhisfatherJoseDos Santos,aformer professionalplayerfor PalermoFCinBrazil’s seconddivision.
“Mydadplayed professionally,soI’vealways hadfootballinmyblood” TheIberCupisan internationallyrenowned youthtournamentthat drawsteamsfrom academyclubsfromSpain, Brazil,France,Chile,and Peru–amongothers Thisyear’seventwillsee Ricky’sAustraliansquad competingagainstfour Brazilianteamsinmultiple groupmatchesfromJuly15 toJuly19
“Wewillbeupagainstsome reallystrongteamsfrom Brazil,”hesaid.
“It’sgoingtobeagreat experiencetoplayagainst playersfrommydad’s country”
WhileinBrazil,Rickyandhis parentswillvisitextended
familyinJose’shometown ofSantadedoSul,andthis willbehisthirdvisittothe country–thefirstwhenhe wasababyandthesecond threeyearsago
“I’mlookingforwardto spendingfourweekswith myfamily.It’sgoingtobe amazingtoseewheremy dadgrewupandseemy unclesandauntiesagain” HismotherLeanne, originallyfrom Rockhamptonin Queensland,expressed prideinherson’s achievements
himandenjoythetrip together”
“It’sawonderfulopportunity forRickytocompeteonan internationalstageand connectwithhisheritage,” shesaid.“We’llbegoing withhim,andthewhole familyisexcitedtosupport
Ricky’sTongalaPrimary Schoolwillbeabletofollow hisprogressontheIberCup website,wherefullstatistical informationwillbeavailable andevenlivefeedsofthe games Rickyhasbeenat
theschoolsinceprepand balanceshissoccer commitmentswithplaying AussieRuleswithhismates “IplaysocceronSaturdays andIalsoplayfooty,butthe footyseasonwillbeoverby thetimeIgetbackfrom Brazil”
Inadditiontohisclub performances,Rickyhas beenrecognisedforhis talentthroughselectionin elitesquads.
HewaspartofGlobal Football’selitesquadin September,whichwas scheduledtoplayagainst PremierLeagueacademy teams. Unfortunately,hewas unabletoacceptthisoffer, insteadmakingthe commitmenttotheIber CupsquadandtheBrazilian adventure
“Makingthoseteamsisa bigdeal.Itmotivatesmeto keepworkinghard”
Ricky’solderbrother,Jye DosSantos,isalsocarving outhisownpathinsoccer At17,Jyeiscurrentlypartof theSEDACollegeMelbourne Victoryhighperformance program aprestigious pathwayforyoungplayers aimingtobreakinto professionalranksthrough MelbourneVictory. Hisdedicationandskillhave alreadyattractedattention beyondAustralia Lastyear,theHeraldSun featuredJye’sjourneyafter hespentthreemonths
clubsworldwide,andRicky hasalreadybeenidentified asaprospect,withinterest fromoneofthemajor Manchesterteams.
“It’sincredibletothinkthatI mightgetachancetoplay atthatlevelsomeday,”he said
“Wetrytosupportthemas muchaspossible,and seeingRickycompete internationallyisaproud momentforus”
“Soccerisahugepartofour family,”Leannesaid “Havingthechanceto connectthroughsport makesthistripevenmore special.”
trainingwithasoccer academyinSpain,gaining invaluableinternational experienceandexposureto Europeanfootballstyles
“He’swaybetterthanme,” Rickylaughs,“buthe’sabig inspiration”
TheDosSantosfamilyare passionateaboutfootball andproudoftheir multiculturalbackground RickyisadevotedArsenal supporter,admiringtheir attackingstyleand
resilience,whilealso keepinganeyeonReal Madrid’sViniciusJunior,his favouriteplayer.
“IlikewatchingArsenal becausetheynevergive up,”hesaid
TheIberCuptournament offersmorethanjust competition it’sacultural experienceandastepping stoneforyoungathletes aimingforprofessional careers Playersarescoutedbytop
AsRickypreparestoleave onJuly12forhissix-week trip,theexcitementis palpable Thetournament willnotonlytesthisskillsbut alsodeepenhis understandingofhisroots andtheglobalgamehe loves
Theschoolhasrecently decidedtoinvestfurtherin itssoccerfacilitiesandwill havenewgoalssetupon theschoolovalfornext term Thisfollowsthe constructionofnewAussie Rulesgoalpostslastyear Withseveralsoccer-playing residentsinTongala,the goalswillalsobeavailable tothegeneralpublic,who willnodoubtappreciate beingabletoplaythesport intheirhometown
AsforRicky,hewillnodoubt beoneofthehighestusers ofthenewgoalsinhislast twotermsofprimaryschool atTongala And,justmaybe, onedayhewillbereturning toBrazilwithAustralia’s nationalteam,ratherthan asa12-year-oldintheIber Cuptournament.
“PlayinginBraziland wearingAustralia’sgreen andgold it’sgoingtobe unforgettable,”Rickysaid
