Fabulous fete Fabulousfete
TPSBOWLS SUCCESS
Colour,crowdsandcowlotto—seeallthefunfromtheTongalaPrimary SchoolFete. �� Checkoutpages4&5forafullphotospread.
K-Pop beats and Halloween treats K-Popbeatsand Halloweentreats
�� “Fromspookystyletoshiningsmiles seeStPatrick’sPrimarySchoolTwilight Cinemaphotosonpages6&7.
CENTENARY MARKED MEET HESRON HONOUR FORCRIER
Beefingupproduction
Sixgenerationsoffamily passionandinnovationare drivinganewerafor GreenhamAustralia,with thecompany’sTongala abattoirnowfully operationalfollowinga majorexpansionthathas doubledproduction, createdhundredsoflocal jobs,andsecuredmajor nationalandinternational contracts
Fromitsbeginningsinan 1800sMelbournebutcher shop,Greenhamhas grownintooneof Australia’smostrespected beefproducers,employing morethan1000peopleand supplyingpremium, responsiblyraisedbeefto 25marketsworldwide. Attheheartofthatsuccess isTongala hometoa state-of-the-artfacility nowprocessingmorethan 1300cattleeachday.
Completedin2023,the upgradefeaturescuttingedgetechnology,solar powerandadvanced waterrecycling, strengtheningGreenham’s sustainabilityand productivitywhilesecuring thefutureofVictoria’sbeef industry
invested$5millionto expandTongala’scaravan parkandleased20homes forstaff aclearshowof commitmenttothe communitythathas supportedthebusinessfor generations
ManagingDirectorPeter Greenhamsaidtheproject markedaproudmilestone forthecompanyandthe region
Tongalasitelastmonthon behalfofMinisterJaclyn Symes,acknowledging
Greenham’srolein strengtheningVictoria’s foodandfibresector.
Morethan500peoplenow workonsite,supporting regionalfamiliesandthe widersupplychainacross northernVictoria.
Theexpansionhasopened doorstonewinternational marketsandmajorretail contracts,including McDonald’sand Woolworths.
Recognisingthe importanceofits workforce,Greenhamhas
“Thisexpansionmeans morejobsforthe communityandastronger futurefortheregion,”Mr Greenhamsaid.“We’re proudtobuildonmorethan acenturyoffamilytradition andcontinueproducing high-qualitybeeffor customersinAustraliaand aroundtheworld.”
Theexpansionwas supportedbytheVictorian Government’sRegional Developmentprogram, recognisingitspotentialto drivelocalemploymentand exports.
ParliamentarySecretary MichaelaSettletouredthe
FETE FEVER
Whatawonderfultimewas hadatTongalaPrimary School’sannualFeteon November7 acolourful celebrationofcommunity spirit,games,andgood old-fashionedfun Familiesflockedtoenjoy therides,classstalls,cake stand,andofcourse,the famousCowLotto!
Congratulationstoallour luckywinners CowLotto wenttoSquare112,the BuchananFamily,whileour raffleprizeswentto:
�� 1st–Gledhillfamily (c/oLucyGledhill)
�� 2nd–BodhiMullins
�� 3rd–AlannahBrennan
�� 4th–FayeZealley
�� 5th–ChettandVan Cox
Ahugethankyouto everyonewhomadethe nightpossible fromstall organisersandfamilies whodonatedtothecake andclassstalls,tothe manylocalbusinesseswho gavegenerously SpecialthanksgotoGV Water,DeniFireProtection
fortheirincrediblesixburnerBBQdonation,GTS, JulianandJedBrennan, TongalaFNC,WyunaFire Brigade,AFLAuskick, TraceyHughes,and KyabramP-12Collegefor thedunktank
We’realsogratefulfor supportfromourraffle sponsors Tarragon Lodge,MurrayGumsEstate, RichRiverGolfClub,Plaza TheatreKyabram,andThe PortIceCreamery and forfooddonationsand helpfromGreenhams, Fitzgerald’sFarmFresh Meats,TongalaBakery, TongalaIGA,TongalaFire Brigade,EverydaySupplies, SPCArdmona,McColl’s Transport,KyHireService, Peat’sOfficeEquipment, Cadell,andallourfamilies whobakedand contributedtothecake stall
Finally,amassivethank yougoestotheamazing FeteCommitteefortheir tirelessworkinbringingthis joyfulnighttogether.
StPatrick’sPrimarySchool’sannual TwilightCinemalitupthenightwith K-Popcolour,Halloweenflairand plentyofenergyunderthestars Familiesrolledoutthepicnicrugs forK-PopDemonHunters,enjoying afreesausagesizzle,livereptile encounters,apre-moviedance partyandmore allthankstothe supportofFirepitsRUs,GMCUand MarketMeats
Fromspookyvibestodazzling dancemoves,thecrowdwas glowingrightthroughtomovietime Amazingcostumeswereondisplay! ��✨ Congratulationstoourbest dressedwinners Buddy,Morgan andAmelia!
Staterunners-upinlawnbowls
Whatanincredible achievementforTongala PrimarySchool! Outofmorethan2000 primaryschoolsacross Victoria,ourtalentedlawn bowlsteamhasfinished secondinthestate an outstandingeffortwecan allbeproudof Ourteamtravelledto SunburyonWednesday tocompeteagainstthe top-eightschoolsin Victoria.Afteran undefeatedrunthrough thepreliminaryrounds, theyadvancedtothe statefinalagainstCowes PrimarySchool.
Inathrillingmatch, scoreswerelockedat6allbeforeCowes managedtotakethefinal twoendstowin8–6 TPSstudentswere fantasticrepresentatives oftheschool,showing teamwork,determination andwonderful sportsmanship throughouttheday Abigthankyougoesto MrTinning,BarryCuttriss, GeoffTinningandBernie Tinningfortheirtime, coachingandguidance inhelpingourstudents reachthisincredible result.
MoreTPSnewsonPages30-34
StPatrick’sPrimarySchoolboys’andgirls’cricketteams travelledtoRochesterearlierthismonthtotakepartinthe T20BlastCricketTournament,andwhatafantasticdayit was!Studentsmadethemostofthebeautifulsunshine, playingsomegreatcricketandshowingterrificteamwork andenthusiasmthroughouttheday.
MoreStPatsnewsonPages35-39
MeetHesron
MynameisHesron Karagu.
Iam26yearsoldand comefromthebeautiful andculturallyrichcountry ofPapuaNewGuinea Iwasbornandraisedin theEastSepikProvince, oneofthemost linguisticallydiverse provincesinPNG,where around30different languagesarespoken Thisdiversityreflectsnot onlythemanylanguages butalsothevibrantand uniqueculturaltraditions thatexistacrossthe province Icomefromahumble andsimplefamily groundedinstrong Christianbeliefs. Iamoneofsixchildren, andsadly,welostour fatherwhenwewereall veryyoung Sincethen,ourmother hasraisedusonherown, becomingthestrong foundationofourfamily Herstrengthandsacrifice haveinspiredme throughoutmylife Intermsofeducation,I successfullycompleteda DiplomainBusinessand SalesManagement BackinPapuaNew Guinea,Ihavebeen activelyinvolvedin churchactivities,serving asaCatholicYouth Coordinator.
Thisrolehashelped shapemeintoamore
responsibleand compassionate individual
IcametoAustraliawitha clearpurpose tofind betterjobopportunities, furthermyeducation,and supportmymotherand siblingsbackhome.
Whathassurprisedand inspiredmemostabout Australiaisthe abundanceof opportunitiesavailableto peoplewhoarewillingto workhard. Theenvironmenthere encouragespersonaland professionalgrowth,and amdeterminedtomake themostofit.
Inmyfreetime,Ienjoy reading,cooking,and goingtochurch Thesehobbieshelpme staybalanced,keep learning,andmaintaina healthylifestyle. Theyalsoreflectan importantpartofmy personality Myjourneysofarhas beenshapedby challenges,faith,and determination.
IamproudofwhereI camefromandexcited aboutwhereIamgoing Ibelievethatwithhard work,faithandtheright opportunities,Ican achievemygoalsand makeapositiveimpact bothhereinAustraliaand backinPapuaNew Guinea
TophonoursforourTownCrier
YourTownCrier,Judy Campbell,accompanied byPeterCampbell,recently competedintheAncient andHonourableGuildof AustralianTownCriers NationalChampionship, hostedbythe TuggeranongRotaryClub, TheBurnsClub, TuggeranongCommunity Council,andtheHighland GatheringintheACT AsguestsoftheHighland Gathering,theTownCriers joinedtheiraffiliatedclans fortheofficialopening ceremony.
JudyandPeterproudly representedClan Campbellduringthe welcomeofthemassed
thatnight threegazebos broken,twotables damagedandseveral criersandattendants bruised Thechampionship resumedafterashort delay,thoughthebattle withthewindcontinued Competitorsstruggledto delivertheircrieswhile holdingtricornsinplace,as judgeswrestledtheir paperwork.
pipesanddrums, marchingthroughthe ranksofpiperswiththe
ClanChieftainand MemberoftheLegislative Assembly,MrPeterCain. DuringtheClanrollcall, Judyproclaimedthe CampbellClanmotto:“Ne Obliviscaris”–DoNot Forget
Afterthethunderofdrums andskirlofbagpipes,it wasamomentto remember!
AstheChampionshipwas abouttocommence(in verywindyconditions),a gustestimatedat65km/h hitthearena sending gazebos,tablesand belongingsflying!Judges’ scoresheetsscattered acrossthenearbysoccer field,asdidthecriers’ tricornhats.
Judy’shat,particularly aerodynamic,wastossed acrossthefieldasshe valiantlychaseditdown Thesceneresembleda BennyHillsketchuntilshe triumphantlyreturned, collectingstrayjudging sheetsalongtheway Thechaosevenfeatured onABCCanberraNews
Bythesecondround,the windhadeasedslightlybut composurewasstilla challenge andnearby HighlandGames competitorsfaredno better!Thatevening,the TuggeranongRotaryClub hostedtheGuild ChampionshipAward Dinner JudyandPeterpresented greetingstoPresidentDeb Hawkeronbehalfof KyabramRotaryClub, alongwiththebook “CelebratingWomen”by membersandfriendsof theKyabramTownHall Writers’Group JudyandPeterarethrilled toannouncethatJudywas crownedChampionof Championsforthe2025 AncientandHonourable GuildofTownCriers NationalChampionship. Shewasalsorunner-upfor BestContentofCry,and togetherJudyandPeter werejudgedBestDressed TownCrierandAttendant Aheartfeltthankyouto HeatherKidgellofTongala forherexceptionalskillin creatingtheensembles JudyandPeterproudly wearwhenrepresenting ourshire
Tank leads Tankleads
TheannualTongalaServiceforthe CommemorationoftheFallenwasheldlast month,andthisyear’seventfeatureda spectacularfirst thearrivalofanAbrams M1A2tank,thelatestinAustralianArmy armour,leadingthemarchfromtheRSLHallto theCenotaph
Theimpressiveprocessionwasjoinedbya largecontingentfromBSquadron,3rd/4th CavalryRegiment,basedattheSchoolof Armour,Puckapunyal,alongwithlocalprimary studentsandaKyabramP-12drumgroup, whoaddedrhythmandspirittotheoccasion. Organisedandruneachyearbythe3rd CavalryRegiment(Vietnam)Association,the commemorativeservicecontinuestogrowin scaleandsignificance.
The2025eventwasnoexception apowerful andmemorabletributetothefallen,anda proudmomentfortheTongalacommunity.
Colourfuldayat muralopening
Despitethewindyweather, wehadawonderfuldayfor theofficialopeningofthe TongalaSeniors’Mural Thankyoutoeveryonewho camealongandjoinedour celebration,helpingmake itsuchahappyoccasion
EvenourlocalMP,Peter Walsh,joinedinthefun tryinghishandatface painting!
Wethankhimsincerelyfor takingthetimetoattend andofficiallyopenthe mural.
Ahugethankyoualso goestoMurrayRossforhis creativityandforbringing alittlebitofmagictoour clubroomwall
Hisvibrantartworkhas brightenedupCavell
Street,andit’slovelyto seechildren’ssmiling facesastheystopto admirethebutterfliesand bees
Wewereveryfortunateto havetheTongalaLions Clubonboard as always,theywereright theresupportingourtown.
Thankyoutotheteamfor donatingyourtime, sausages,andenergyto theevent.
Specialthanksalsoto Mark,whocametoour rescuewithgarden equipmentatthelast minute,andtoAlex,who gavethebuildingitsfinal
coatofpaintthenight before nostressatall! We’renowofficiallypartof theaward-winning TongalaStreetArtTrail, andwecouldn’tbe prouder
JoyChalmers, Secretary,TonnySeniors
TongalaSeniorCitizens
Kyabram & District Bush Verse Group Christmas Party
Sunday,December14 atKyvalleyHall th AnInvitationisextendedtoOne&Allto joinusforafun,social,afternoon. 12pmstart
$30perperson
Includes:Deliciouslunchandgreat entertainment;bushverse,yarns,and poetryfeaturingmembersof KyabramBushVerseGroupandvisiting performers Don’tmissthisgreat opportunitytolistento,andlaugh alongwith,thesetalentedfolk. Plus,therewillbearaffle. BookingsbeingtakenNow! Pleasecalltosecureyourseat/table. Greg-0418599924 Mick-0427522097 Paula-(03)58522281 Welookforwardtoseeingyouthere. ALLWELCOME
NextDancewillbeheldon Saturday,November22& Saturday,November29 7.30pm–11:30pm
Anyonelookingtotakeupdancing,asanew interest,ismostwelcome,alongwithourregular dancers.Youarealsoinvitedtocomealongfora friendlysocialevening,andsimplyenjoylisteningto populartunes,thatyouwillrecognisefromoverthe years Itwillbeatopeveningout,withyourfriends, orachancetomeetnewones!Greatmusic providedbyAndrewSpackman,delicioussupper, rafflesandluckydoorprizes AllWelcome Enquiries:PhoneBevon 58521853/0417360687 Hall:534ScobieRdKyvalley HALLISAIR-CONDITIONED
We’reSeekingVolunteers!
OurFREEAfterSchoolCareprogramis heldattheCommunityCentreevery Tuesdayfrom3:30pmto5:30pm Our programissupervisedbyqualified facilitatorsandassistedbyvolunteers
94ManganStreetTongala 0358591268 0437469585
tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au
Tongala Childcare Notice Tongala Childcare Notice
DearFamiliesofTongalaChildcareCentre, Wewillbeclosed fromThursday18thofDecember2025 toThursday8thofJanuary2026. Weapologiseforanyinconveniencethis maycausetoyourfamily. Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasedonot hesitatetocalloremail: TheCoordinator �� tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au �� (03)58591268 �� 94ManganStreet,Tongala3621 Thankyouforyoursupport
OF INTEREST
(formerlyknownasTheCottage) TongalaChildcareisanOccasionalChild CareCentrewhichcurrentlyoperates everyWednesday,ThursdayandFriday, 830am–600pm **EXPRESSIONSOFINTEREST FORJANUARY2026ENROLMENTS** Ifyouneedmoreinformationorwouldlike tospeaktosomeone,pleasedonot hesitatetocalloremail: �� tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au �� 0437469585or(03)58591268
TCACisofferingaplaceforcommunity memberstocatchup,haveachat,meetne people,andenjoymorningtea
Thursday,November27,andThursda December11,10am-11.30am
Monday9am-3pm
Tuesday9am-3pm
Wednesday9am-3pm Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm
Tai Chi Tai Chi Tai Chi
Centenarycelebrated
Morethan100people gatheredonSunday, September14,tocelebrate 100yearsofservicetothe TongalaandDistrict community
TheTongalaBushNursing MemorialHospital later knownasTongalaand DistrictMemorialAged CareServiceInc.,andnow knownasTongala Memorial was establishedin1925 Itscentenarywas recognisedwithan afternoonofreminiscingin theactivitycentreofthe agedcarefacility Thehistoryofthe organisationwas presentedby10former staffandCommitteeof Managementmembers. Eachpersongavean overviewofadecadeof
the100years,alongwith theirownrecollectionsof workingforthehospital andagedcare. Manyinterestingstories wereshared,including connectionstothe TongalaRSL,thedaysof thehospitalbazaar,and
thenumerouschanges thatoccurredoverthe century.
Thecelebratorycakewas cutbywell-knownlocal MrsMoiraPankhurst formerhospitalmatron, Committeeof Managementmember,
LifeGovernor,andcurrent residentofRM McHale Hostel.
Theimpressivecakewas madeanddecoratedby theTongalaBakery Adisplayofhistorical articleswasalsoavailable forthosepresenttoview Theitemsforthedisplay andtheearlyhistoryof theorganisationwere researchedandcompiled byJudyBiggin Thoseinattendance includedMPSamBirrell, MPPeterWalsh,and CampaspeMayorDaniel Mackrell,aswellas currentandformerstaff, residentsandfamilies,Life Governors,andlocal communitymembers AnHonourBoard recognisingthepeople whohavebeenawarded
Tongala Servicing & Repairs
WearealocalVACCAccredited workshopandmobilemechanicforall yourautomotiveoragriculturalservicing andrepairneeds.
Wedoeverythingfromservicingyour chainsawuptofixingyourbrokentractor orfarmmachinery,wealsooffermini diggerhire(withoperator).
Nojobtoobigorsmall,feelfreeto giveusaringandaskifwecan helpwithanyofyour mechanicalneeds.
LifeMembershipandLife Governorshipfortheir tirelessworkforthe hospitalandagedcare overthepast100yearswas unveiledbySamBirrell,MP, FederalMemberfor Nicholls.
ThankyoutoRespectAged Careforhonouringtheir commitmenttofundthe HonourBoard,whichwas
madebyMrLenTaylor, withthesignwriting completedbyMrRussell Wilson TheHonourBoardis nowondisplayinthefoyer ofTongalaMemorialAged Care.
Aftertheformalities, everyoneenjoyeda deliciousafternoontea andthechancetocatch upwithpeoplenotseenfor
sometime.Thankyouto theTongalaOpportunity Shopandlocalindividuals fortheirdonations,which assistedwiththecostsof theafternoonteaprovided byTongalaBakeryand TonnyTakeaway. Thecelebrationswere organisedbytheFriendsof TongalaAgedCarewith thesupportofRespect
AgedCare–Tongala Memorial.
Thankyoutoeveryonewho contributedtothe organisationofthe functionandtothosewho attendedforhelpingto maketheoccasionsucha success.
—FriendsofTongala AgedCare
TongalaFireBrigade
Isyourpropertyfire truckready?
Asweheadintofireseason, it’simportanttomakesure emergencyservicescan reachyourpropertyquickly andsafely
Firetrucksarelarge,heavy vehiclesthatneedclear, stableaccess
Checkyourdriveway it shouldbeatleast3.5 metreswide,withanextra halfametreofclearanceon eachsidefreefrombushes, posts,orstructures,andfour metresofoverhead clearanceforsafepassage. Ifyourdrivewayislonger than100metres,you’llneed aturningareanearthe house
Fordrivewaysover200 metres,passingbaysare required. Firetrucksmustalsobe abletoparkonacleared, stableareawithinfour metresofyourCFAwater tankoutlet
Blockedornarrowaccess candelayemergency services andinan emergency,everysecond counts
Formoreinformationon preparingyour propertyforfireseason, visit �� www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pla n-prepare/how-toprepare-yourproperty/propertyaccess-foremergency-services
StayInformedThisFireSeason ��
Beingpreparedandstayinginformedcanmakeallthe differenceduringfireseason TheVicEmergencyappis yourone-stopsourceforup-to-dateFireDangerRatings, TotalFireBaninformation,warnings,andthelocationsof currentfiresacrossVictoria �� GettheApp
DownloadthefreeVicEmergencyapponyourAppleor AndroiddeviceandsetupyourWatchZones youcan createupto20zonestoreceivereal-timealertsfor incidentsandwarningsinyourchosenareas �� Downloadandlearnmoreat wwwemergencyvicgovau
Turningthepageson
AtTongalaPrimarySchool, storytellinghasbecome morethanjustanEnglish assignment it’sawholeschoolcelebrationof imagination,creativity,and voice.
Nowinitssecondyear,the StoryBookCompetition hasfastbecomeoneofthe mostanticipatedeventson theschoolcalendar, thankstotheinnovationof Grade6teacherDeena Pridham,thecommitment ofPrincipalRobHoganto readeverystorybook,and thecoordinationof CurriculumCoordinator LianaHaw,whooversaw thepublishingofeach student’swork.
Whatbeganasasimple writingprojecthasgrown intoamajorcreative milestoneforeverystudent andashowcaseofwhat happenswhenyoung mindsaregiventhe freedomtodream,write andillustratetheirown worlds
“All142studentstookon theroleofauthor,illustrator andeditortocomplete theirownnarrativeaspart ofthecompetitionduring Term3 Thequalityofthe finalproductswassimply amazing,”MrHogansaid Therewerenorestrictions onlength,andstudents spenttheentireterm planning,draftingand publishingtheirbooks FromFoundationtoYear6, classroomsbuzzedwith thesoundsof brainstorming,typing, colouringandthe occasionaldebateover
characternamesorplot twists.
MrHogan,whohadthe enviablebutenormous taskofreadingeverysingle book,saideachclass broughtsomethingspecial tothetable.
“Wejudgedthestoriesin threecategories Best Narrative,MostCreative andBestIllustration and Iwasblownawaybythe thoughtandeffortthat wentintoeveryentry,”he said.
Thewinningnarrativeswill nowbeprofessionally boundandaddedtothe schoollibrary,allowing studentstoborrowand readtheworksoftheir classmatesforyearsto come. Eachyearlevelworkedto atheme TheFoundation toYear2studentswere freetolettheir imaginationsrunwild, whileYears3and4 createdanimal-inspired stories.
Theseniorstudentsin Years5and6tookona specialchallenge writingtheirown Dreamtime-inspiredtales, linkingcreativitywith culturalunderstanding andrespect Andtheresultswereas diverseastheywere delightful Therewashumour,heart, deepthought,andevena touchofscientific researchwoventhrough thepages proofthat storytellingisaliveand wellatTongalaPrimary Amongthisyear’swinners weresomefamiliar names ThomasGrinter,aYear4 student,pickedupthe BestIllustrationprizefor thesecondyearinarow withhisstrikingworkon TristantheTasmanian Tiger
LucyGledhillwonBest StoryinYear3withEnvy
LucyGledhill,ThomasGrinter,TaitOhlsen,andOscarWatsonwiththeirstorybooks.
ImogenBockholtandJedBrennan.
imaginationatTPS
theDingo,whileAva Dove-McCabe’sQuiet QuokkaandAnikaHaas’s HowtheWombatGotIts Clawstoppedtheir respectivegrades
Theschoolcommunity cametogetherfora specialassemblyto celebratetheyoung authors,witheachwinner presentedtheirawardin frontofcheering classmatesandproud families.
“Thejoyontheirfacessaid itall,”saidMrHogan “They didn’tjustwritestories theycreatedsomething lasting Andformanyof them,it’sonlythe beginning.”
Grade5/6winnersTippiHolyman,AnnikaMacKenzie,andAnikaHaas.
2025StoryBookCompetitionWinners Foundation
BestStory:LillytheKoala–MiaKleinsman
MostCreative:RobotsvsMachines–MaverickRosete
BestIllustration:IndiandRosie–IndiHoyman Grade1
BestStory:FluffytheKitten–AmberCampbell
MostCreative:TheChipmunk–KaitlinWatson
BestIllustration:TheSandCat–SophieGledhill Grade2
BestStory:RubytheLostPuppy–PennyBuchanan
MostCreative:TheAdventurousLittleCapybara–EmmaWebb
BestIllustration:TheRattlesnake–MayaForde Grade3
BestStory:EnvytheDingo–LucyGledhill
MostCreative:T-TraintheAmazingWombat–KaseTucker
BestIllustration:SallytheLittleSeaTurtle–TillyEmonson Grade4
BestStory:WaltertheStockyWombat–OscarWatson
MostCreative:CoopertheCassowary–TaitOhlsen
BestIllustration:TristantheTasmanianTiger–ThomasGrinter Grade5
BestStory:QuietQuokka–AvaDove-McCabe
MostCreative:KingBrownLearnsaLesson–JedBrennan
BestIllustration:HowtheShortNeckGotItsLongNeck–TippiHolyman Grade6
BestStory:HowtheWombatGotItsClaws–AnikaHaas
MostCreative:HowtheCodGotItsBigBelly–ImogenBockholt
BestIllustration:HowtheAngryKoalaBecameAngry–AnnikaMacKenzie
Back(fromlfet)isMayaForde,Ariyah VanEijk,KaitlynWatson,Penny Buchanan,whilefront(fromleft)is SophieGledhill,AmberCampbell.
Estatesbusy,butrentalsscarce
Tongalahasjoinedthelikes ofEchuca,Kyabram,Tatura andMerrigumasthelatest sitetoembarkonamajor realestatedevelopment. Sevenfamiliesareeither livingorclosetolivingin theirnewhomesaswe approachtheendofan excitingyearofrealestate developmentinthearea. Andwhilehalfofthe25 blocksinthenewMurray EstateatTongalaareeither soldorunderofferthere remainssignificant frustrationforfamiliesand workerslookingtosecure rentalaccommodationin thetown. Thereis,however,lighton thehorizonaslandbetween thechildcarecentre,water treatmentplantandBrose Reserve(onthecornerof FinlayandHendersonRds) iszonedtownship,meaning
italsohaspotentialfor futureresidential development,althoughthe currentownerisstill consideringoptions. Tongalahasjoineda numberoftownsbecoming increasinglyactivereal estateconstructionzones, withnewestatestaking shapeandasteadystream offamilieschoosingtocall thegrowingregionhome. Atthecentreofthecurrent activityistheMurrayEstate, aresidentialdevelopment thatwasfirsttitledinAugust 2024.Justoverayearlater, thesubdivisionisnowfully titled,with10lotssoldanda furthertwounderoffer, accordingtoMcConnellFirst NationalRealEstate SalesagentBrendan McConnellsaidthe responsetotheestatehad beenoverwhelmingly
positive,drivenbyTongala’s strongcommunityfeeland thelimitedsupplyofnew housingopportunitiesinthe region.
“It’sbeenareally encouraging12months sincethefirsttitleswere issued Sevenhomesare eitherfinishedornearing completion,andit’s fantastictoseenew familiesmovinginbefore theendoftheyear There’s arealbuzzaroundtown,” Brendansaid
BlockswithinMurrayEstate varyinsizeandprice,with allcurrentlistingsand detailskeptup-to-dateon theMcConnellFirstNational website Thedevelopmentfollowsa successfultrackrecordof projectsinthetown, includingtheAlanCharlton Dveestate,a16-lot
subdivisiontitledin2019, andFinlayRd,whichwas titledinAugust2020 BrendansaidTongala’s consistentlevelofgrowthin recentyearshadhelped strengthenconfidence amongbuildersandbuyers “There’sbeensteady, sustainabledevelopment here,”hesaid.“We’reseeing thebenefitsofgood planningandtheright amountofnewsupplyto meetlocaldemand” Despitetheflurryofbuilding activity,Brendansaidrental availabilityacrossTongala andKyabramremained extremelytight.
“There’sstillasevere shortageofrental properties,”hesaid “That’s anotherreasonwe’reseeing strongdemandfornew housing–peoplewantto secureaplaceoftheirown.”
NOV 19 NOV 22
Fire Safety Info Session, 10am-11am @ 114 Mangan St, Tongala
Free health checks
9.30am-12pm @ TCAC
Kyvalley Dance, 7.30-11.30pm @ Kyvalley Hall
Carols by Candlelight, 7pm9pm @ Tongala Soundshell
Jolly Jugs
@ Old Tonny Pub, Mangan St
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 PhonePsLynHopeon 0408821760.
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am. PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938 Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday.
Scan the QR CODE to access the full-colour, extended digital version of Tonny Times
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CONTACT:
TongalaCommunity ActivitiesCentre
Phone:(03)58591268
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621
OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Decemberdeadline
Copydeadline: 07/12/25
Issuedate: 14/12/25
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
1stTuesdaymonthly,5pm 1st&3rdThursday,7pm 2ndTuesdayeverymonth 4thMonday,monthly 4thTuesday,monthly,1pm 4thWednesdday,6pm 3rdTuesday,Monthly,10am EveryWednesday
TongalaGirlGuides
Lotshappenedthismont withJOTI,Halloweenand theMelbourneCup! JamboreeontheInternet (JOTI)isanannualScout eventthatconnectsScou andGuidesaroundthe worldovertheinternet Theeventisheldonthe thirdfullweekendof Octobereachyear,toget withJamboreeontheAir (JOTA).
Thisyearwewereableto connectwithpeoplefrom NewZealand,Namibia, Colombia,Indonesia, England,Cyprus,Germany, PortugalandLiechtenstein. OneofourGuideshasbeen leadinganactivityinvolving flowerpressing,whichwe willbedoingmoreofinthe comingweeks
clearly Thistrickedafewof thejockeys,whomanaged togothewrongway!Itwas veryentertainingforall involved.
Thegirlshadgreatfun choosingbetweenallthe flowersandleavestheyhad broughttoshare
Theywerearranged betweenlayersofbaking paperandplacedinbig books,andweaddedextra
flowersandleavestheyhad broughttoshare. Theywerearranged betweenlayersofbaking paperandplacedinbig books,andweaddedextra booksandweighteditems tohelpwiththeprocess WecelebratedHalloween andMelbourneCupDayon thesamenight!
Thegirlsweregiventhe optiontodressfor HalloweenorforFashions ontheField
Wemadecandysalad,
whichwasverysweetand sour,andhadsomerace heatsonthehobbyhorses. Thegirlswereaskedto nametheirhorses,andwe endedupwiththefollowing interestingnames: TwinkleToesHorsey PrincessSparkleGlitter Hoof
JacquaviousThompson ClippityCloppity RainbowHooves Theraceswerescrutineered closely,asthedirections neededtobefollowed
Thankyoutothosewho havedonatedtheircans andbottles yoursupport isverymuchappreciated We’recontinuingtocollect eligible10crecyclables throughtheCDSTongala initiative.Ifyou’dliketo supportus,pleaseconsider donatingyourbottlesand cans simplydropthem offatthefrontoftheGuide Hall,bringthemalongtoour meetingnights,orcontact ustoarrangeacollectionor drop-off Everycontributionhelpsus providemoreopportunities andexperiencesforour Guides.
Ifyouwouldliketoseeif Guidingisrightforyour daughter,pleasejoinus onWednesdaynights from5.30pmto7pm— we’dlovetoseeyou there!
RESPECTONSHOW
Our3-6students,alongwithstudentsfromStPatrick's PrimarySchoolattendedthe3rdCavalryRegiment (Vietnam)Association,AnnualServiceoftheReflectionto theFallenonOctober23.Wearesoproudoftherespect shownbyallofourstudents,particularlyourschool leaderswhohelpedleadtheservice
EMPOWEREDGIRLS
OurnextgroupofEmpoweredGirlskickedofftheir programonOctober16,launchingstraightintoathreeweekSafeguardSelfDefencecourseatWickham’s MartialArtsCentre andtheenergyhasbeen incredible!Therewasplentyoflaughterasthegirls learnedabouttheimportanceofstayingactive,building corestrength,andbeingawareoftheirsurroundingsin everydaylife Diandtheteamcreatedasupportive, confidence-buildingspacewhereeverygirlfeltstrong andcapable Andaperfectspringdaycalledfora splash!Thegirlsenjoyedanafternoonoffun,connection andplayatEchucaEastPlayground,strengthening friendshipsandcelebratinghowgooditfeelstomove, laughandunwindtogether.
SUPERB EFFORTS SUPERBEFFORTS
OnNovember6,someofour5/6studentshadafantasticdayoutplayingT20cricketinRochester Both teamslosttwoandwontwo Oursportsmanshipandresilienceshoneagain
OnOctober17ourbasketballersenjoyedagreat dayofverytoughcompetition!Ourtwoteams playedtheirhardest,scoringsomepretty impressivegoals.Withonewineach,weweregreat sportsalltheway.AbigthankstoBrettfordriving thebusandcoachingbothteams
BONAFIDESUPERSTARS
Congratulationstothesesuperstarswhocompeted onNovember6attheStateAthleticsfinalsin Melbourne Bothgirlscameinthetop15intheir respectiveevents,meaningtheyarewellandtruly amongthebestathletesinVictoria!
RESTOCKINGANDREBOX
TwogreatprogramsonOctob shelvesandourHands-onLea Greatopportunitiesforourstu
CountryKidz
It’sbeenabusytimehereatCountryKidz ChildcareandPreschool Werecentlyinvitedgrandparentsand specialgueststojoinusforafternoon tea.ThankyoutoTongalaBakeryfor providingthedelicioustreats. Thekinderchildrenhavebeenbusy makingtheirownlunchboxes Children havebeenmakingtheirownsandwiches andpackinghealthysnacksin preparationforschoolnextyear Nurseryroomshavebeenbusygetting creativewiththeirartsandcrafts. Creativeartsofferchildrensomeofthe mostenjoyablewaystoexpresstheir ideasandimagination Alongwith providingopportunitiesforfreewheeling thinking,creativepursuitsoffermany developmentalandlearningbenefits.
TONGALANUTRITIONVISIT
OnNovember7theGrade3and4studentsvisitedTongalaNutritionaspartofour InquiryUnitexploringstatesofmatter.Studentslearnedhowmilkanddairy productsareprocessedandtransformed,seeingreal-lifeexamplesofsolids, liquidsandgasesinaction.We’reverygratefultotheknowledgeableteamat TongalaNutrition includingAmberTownsendandShannonTucker fortheir time,enthusiasmandthefantastictourtheyprovided.Itwasatrulyengaging andeducationalexperienceforeveryone!
SEEDSOFCHANGE
Ourstudentshavetakenpartinawholeschool“Seeds ofChange”activitytocelebrateCatholicMission Month(October),exploringhowseeds,likekindness, respect,courage,peaceandhope,cangrowinto beautifulactions.WearecalledtobelikeJesus, plantingseedsofloveandcompassioninallthatwe do.Asourflowersbloom,studentscantakethem homeoraddthemtoourStPatrick’sGardenofHope, showingthateventhesmallestactionscangrowinto somethingbiggerandbeau
TEAM TIME
Fore-getthe classroom!We tradedpencilsfor putters!Staff enjoyedafun Wellbeing Wednesdaylast monthonthe greensatKyabram ParklandGolfClub.
OMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS
Thesewinggroupareworkingveryhard togettheirbagsfinishedbeforetheend oftheyear.
TheMen’sShedgrouphavebeen hammeringupastorm,theirnailart projectsarecomingalongnicely
FALLENHONOURED
OnOctober23ourGrade5/6students proudlyparticipatedintheTongala BeershebaCommemoration Alongside TongalaPrimarySchool,ourstudentshelped hosttheservice;showinggreatrespectand leadershipthroughout WelldonetoJames, JackandDusty,whospokebeautifully,andto allstudentswholaidwreaths,carriedflags andbanners,orsupportedrespectfully duringtheceremony.Theyespecially enjoyedmeetingsoldiersandcheckingout theartillerythatwaspartoftheservice.
HALLOWEEN SNAPS
Gingerbreaddelights
LocalartistMurrayRosshasbeen atitagain,addinganother splashofcolourandcreativityto ourtown!
Hislatestmasterpiece a whimsicalGingerbreadHouse muralbesideTongalaIGA is alreadyturningheadsand spreadingfestivecheer Completewithsweetdetailsand Murray’ssignaturemagic,it’sa joyfulnodtotheholidayseason. Andthecreativitydoesn’tstop there anAliceinWonderland–themedartworkisbeginningto unfoldnearthechemist,with photostocomeinnextmonth’s edition.
Murray’sbrushhascertainly beenbusythisseason,following therecentlaunchofhisstunning TongalaSeniorCitizensmural
Sum port
CRICKET
Tongala’scricketseason hasdeliveredcontrasting storiesacrossitsseniora juniorgradesafterthefir fiveroundsofGoulburn Murrayaction
FromAgrade’stoughsta toBgrade’sladder-lead formandjuniorsshowing flashesofbrilliance,here howtheBluesaretrackin
AGrade:Searchingfor consistency
It’sbeenachallenging openingforTongala’sA Gradeside,withonewin fromfivematchesanda needtosteadythebattin order Still,therehavebeen standoutindividualeffort thathintatbetterdays ahead.
Theseasonopeneragain Rochestershowcased skipperJaydenTucket’sg asheanchoredtheinnin with40runs
RyanSmith(26)andMat Ohlsen(19)chippedinto pushTongalato163. Rochesterchaseddown targetat4-165,butMitch Cornwall’s2-19fromsix overswasabrightspotin anotherwisetoughday Roundtwobrought Tongala’sonlywinsofar-a bowlingmasterclass againstNondies
Theverdict:AGradeneeds unsontheboard The bowlinghasshownbite,but hebattingcollapseshave costthemdearly.
BGrade:Bluesontop BGradeteamhasbeena evelation,sittingontopof heladderwiththreewins romfourmatches. Thesidehascombined disciplinedbowlingwith clutchbattingtosecure early-seasondominance RoundoneagainstMoama wasastatementwin CallumTuckerstarredwith 4-9offeightovers,then backeditupwith35runs, supportedbyKade Northausen(31) DespiteaRoundtwolossto EchucaSouth,whereJessie Johnstonetook4-33and JessieJackmanscored33 off41balls,Tongala bouncedbackstrongly AgainstLockingtoninRound hree,theyscrapedhome byfourrunsthankstoRiver Townend’s3-3fromsix oversandSethChantler’s33from44overs Withthebat,clubpresident TravisJohnstone’s38not outoff60ballsproved decisive,alongsideTucker’s 9.
DarinOhlsentorethrough theoppositionwith5-6off 4.2overs,whileAdamNunn delivered4-13fromseven overs,includingthree maidens–Nondiesallout for87 Thechasewas steady,withTuckeradding 16off24ballstohis impressiveseasonstartas Tongalafinished5-90.
runsshortdespiteLachlan CaldwellandZacMackenzie claimingthreewickets each Thebattingfalteredto manageonly94(chasing 170),withSteveTownsend (20),Caldwell(19),and Nunn(18)thebest contributors Roundfoursawa competitiveeffortagainst KyabramFireBrigade Tongalamanaged101, thankstoMaccaCowley’s
taking3-19offnineovers. InRoundfive,Echuca chaseddownTongala’s108 injust212overs Tuckerwas thestandout,carryinghis batfortheentireinningsto score47notoutoff119balls, whileTownsendchippedin with20 AfterTownsend’sdismissal, thenextninewicketsfellfor just68runs acollapsethat summedupTongala’s battingwoes.
SazJohnstonecontinued hisheroicsinRoundfour, scoring38notoutoff41 ballstoguideTongalapast Rochesterwithaballto spare.
HugoMonnichVo’s3-21 fromsevenoverswas equallycrucialinatense finish
Thismixofexperienceand emergingtalenthas Tongalawell-placedfora strongseason.
TravisJohnstoneand JamesCoulson
SummerS t R t
Theverdict:BGradeis settingthebenchmark With depthinbothbattingand bowling,theylookeverybit atitlecontender.
DGrade:Onebigwin,one biglow
Tongala’sDGradesidehas hadamixedstart,withone winfromthreeoutingsafter anopening-roundbye. Theirhighlightcame againstColbinabbin, posting185off36overs thankstoAlistairSmith’s unbeaten66off49balls andAndrewReid’s43off31 Withtheball,JackBrennan’s 2-46fromfiveovershelped restrictColboto7-166.
Thenextweekwasastark contrast,bowledoutforjust 20runsagainstKyabram FireBrigade Itwasareality checkforateamstillfinding itsrhythm,butthetalentis theretorebound.
Theverdict:DGradehas shownitspotentialbut needsconsistencytoclimb theladder
Juniors:Buildingforthe future
Tongala’sjuniorprogramis showingpromise,evenif resultshavebeenmixed Under11
Afterafirst-roundbye,the U11slosttoKyabramFire BrigadedespiteJed Brennan’ssolidbatting. Theybouncedbackin Roundthree,scoring109to beatanotherFireBrigade side(91) TaitOhlsenstarred with2-4and11runs,while ChertCoxfinished unbeatenon7.Lossesto Rochesterfollowed,but ThomasWest(10)and SpencerWilliams(8notout) impressed
Under13
TheU13shavebe outstanding,sittin ontheladder Th withabigwinove losingjustonewi JackWest(26),L (20),KevMaurizi BohdiWilliamson out)dominated sawanotherwin Echuca,highlight Maurizi’sexplosiv balls(sixsixesan boundary)andW 19notout
Anarrowthree-ru StanhopeinRoun didn’tderailmom withMaurizi(13n KanePyke(22retired) shining Roundfourbrought athrilling122-119winover Rushworth,thankstoLucas Pyke(31notout)andMaurizi (37notout).
Under17
BOWLS
TheU17sareyettoregistera winbuthaveshownfight In Roundoneagainst Rochester,CrueLucas smashed22off12balls, whileMitchCornwalland TylerRobinsontooktwo wicketseach Roundtwo sawCornwalldominatewith 4-12fromeightovers, restrictingEchucato6-180 Tongalafelljustshortat8162,withMurphyStephens (38)andLucas(43)leading thechase
Inlatergames,Cornwall, RiverTownsend,Monnich Vo,andBayleeLetiziaall chippedinwithwicketsas Tongalanarrowlymissed victory.
Theverdict:Juniorsare developingnicely,withU13s leadingthewayandU17s showingresilience
Whilethefocusison pennantcompetition, TongalaBowlingClub’srole indevelopingthenext generationofbowlerswas theheadlineactofthe openingmonthofthis season WiththesupportofPeter Tinning,wifeBernieand legendGeoffTinning(who actedasmentorsand coasches)theTongala PrimarySchool’slawnbowls teamfinishedrunners-upat thestateprimaryschools lawnbowlschampionships. Itwasthethirdyearinarow thattheclubhadmadeitto thefinalsandtheylosta closefinaltoCowes6-8 Inothersignificantnewsa datehasbeensetforthe inauguralJBChallenge, celebratingthecontribution ofthelateJohnBentley(or JB)totheTongalaand Mathouracommunities throughhispassionfor communitybanking
Aspecialtrophy(seethe photo)hasbeenstruck (carvedbyJBWoodcraft fromEchuca)andwillbe contestedbetweenTongala andMathouraBowling ClubsonSatyurday, December6atTongala BowlsClub-agreatwayto honouragreatman Backtothepennant competitionandTongala sitsninepennantpoints outsidethetopfourofthe Campaspeplayingarea’s topDivisiononeweekend pennantfourafterstarting theseasonwithtwowinsin thefirstthreegames-only tolosethelasttwoweeks
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SummerSp
Despitesittingfifth,theBulls havefourplayersranked insidethetopfourplayersin thetopflight-reigningclub championMattLiverton leadinghisrinkofBarry Tinning,MarkCoulsonand GregLyontofourwinsfrom fivegamesandan85-22 shots-upreturn.
AfterbeatingRichRiverby sevenshotsintheopening roundtheBullsteamlostto thereturningKyabramclub byfourshots,beforean11shotwinagainstDeniliquin. Theyhavelostthelasttwo gamestoMoamaand Rochester Divisiontwohavestruggled andapartfromaJorja Ponton-inspiredthreeshot winagainstStanhopehas onlywononeofitssix games
Thesamestoryappliesto theDivisionthreeteam, whichhastwicecomeclose tochallengingitsopposition -losingbyninetoRichRiver andfourtoRochester-but losingfourothergames convincingly Goodnewsisthattheteam hasplentyoftimetoget backontrack.
Leadingthewaythisseason arethemidweekbowlers, Divisionthreeunbeatenwith fourwinstostarttheseason -oneofonlytwoteamsto doso,theotherbeing Deniliquin.
BernieTinninghashadan amazingstart,thenumber tworankedplayer(andtop skip)withfourwinsanda shots-upreturnof96-44 PeterKessonandEllie Vanderburght,playingon thesamerink,arethe7 and8 rankedplayersin th th
thecompetition(withEllie thesecondrankedlead).
Roskellett,BettyOzols, TandyKessonandPeter Tinningarealsoinsidethe top15bowlersthisseason (sofar)
TheteambeatKyValley Viewby30shotsinround onetosetthetone,then beatMoamabysix,Echuca by21,withtheirmostrecent gameduringtheweek againstKyabram Divisionfour’smidweek pennantteamhasbeen almostasgood,sittingthird ontheladderwiththree winsandonelossinthe openingfourweeks Threeplayershavehad outstandingstartstothe season,withDarylReidnot onlythethirdrankedthirdin thecompetition,butalso11 overall th
JennyDickerisonespot furtherbackinthe seedings,whileGeoff Tinningisthefourthranked skipthisseason.
TENNIS
Afterfourroundsofthe CampaspeTennis Associationseason, Tongala’sDivisionone seasoncouldn’thave startedbetter-four successivewinsanda gamesforandagainst recordof188-47
Thereare10teamsinthe Divisiononecompetition, fromRichRiver,Elmore, Rochester,LockingtonBamawmandEchucaElmore’snumberoneteam theonlyotherunbeaten teamtothisstageofthe season
InRoundoneTongalawon
Blythe, Kenzie,TayahandMia,whomakeupTongala’s leadingjuniortennisteam.
Johnstonelosingathrilling tiebreakerinRoundtwo, butdominantwith SImpsonandRaysonin6-0 and6-1doubleswins InRoundthreeitwas Milneswhowasinvolvedin alosingtiebreaker, Johnstoneagaina standoutbydroppingjust onegameinthreesets AgainstRichRiverinRound 4theTongalateamwonall 8setsandfinishedwitha 48-10win.
InGoulburnMurray associationtennis,Tongala alsoleadsthewayinthe DivisiononeGM4Open competition
withthreewinningsets. Arepeatofthe8-1 scorelineagainstTatura Rommelscameafterthe Raysonsagainsetthe tone,winning8-2,thenMia FortpartneredMareeVan RoyandChildto8-1and 8-2wins,beforewinninga tiebreakerwithBlythe Rayson RoundthreeagainstSt Andrewswasmuchcloser, Tongalawinningthegame 6setsto3,66-47. BlytheRaysonwonall threeofhissets,butitwas GrantRayson’s8-1and8-2 winsthathadthebiggest influenceontheresult
OurfirstThursdayNightSocialBowlswasahit great company,plentyoflaughs,andawholelotoffunonthe greens Thankstoeveryonewhojoinedin!
As property values across Victoria continue to shift, now is the perfect time to get a current market opinion on your home.
TONNY TIMES
For77years,thenameMcConnell hasbeenpartofTongala’sdaily rhythm.Theyhavecarried generationsofchildrentoschool, sportandbeyond.FromJohn McConnell’sfirstrunin1948for localpioneers“Red”DickandJim andKitTorrance,throughtoHec andLornabeingatthewheel,then ontoGarry“Spanner”McConnell’s fourdecadesbehindthegreen buses-thefamily’sstorymirrors thetown’sown.
Onlyamonthorsoago,Garrysold thefinalschoolcontractstothe DineenGroup,closingoneera whilekeepingtheenginesrunning withsmallercommunityruns.It’s ataleofreliability,humourand hometownpride—proofthat somejourneysneverreallyend.
LAST STOP FOR BUS OPERATIONS
WhenGarry“Spanner”McConnell turnedtheignitionkeyonhisfinal schoolrunearlierthisyear,itmarked theendofanextraordinary77-year journeyforoneofthedistrict’smost enduringfamilybusinesses Fornearlyeightdecades,aMcConnell hasbeenbehindthewheelofagreen schoolbussomewhereinthedistrict navigatingdustybackroads, floodedcreeks,morningfogsandthe fullspectrumofschoolyardchatter fromKoyugatoKyabram Fittingly,thebuseshavealwaysworn thesamecoloursastheschool they’veservedsofaithfully:Tongala PrimarySchool,formerlyTongala Consolidated. Thereisastronghintofgreeninthe
coloursofStPatrick’sPrimarySchool, withwhothefamilyhasshareda similarlylongrelationship. Garryadmitsit’sabitstrangenot seeingthebuseslinedupintheyard, butsaiditfeltright “It’stheendofanera,nottheendof thestory”
Frompaddocktopassengerseat
TheMcConnellstoryinTongala begins,likesomanylocalstories,with farming JohnRoweMcConnell workedthelandatKoyuga,near whereJamesTyler’shousenowsits, whilehiswifeTeenie(Christina) Bosse’sfamilyfarmedaneighbouring blockknownasTwizel.
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JUSTLISTED
takingoverrunsthatferried childrenfromtheouter farmsintoTongalawhen smallerschoolsbegan consolidating
ThoseearlyBedfordswere bare-bonesmachineswith petrolengines,noairconditioningandnoheater towarmtheshinsofa hardierbreedofstudent Forgenerationsofkids,the McConnellbuswaspartof dailylife,andforJohnitwas thestartofafamilytradition thatwouldrollonforthree
generations.WhenJohn diedin1972,thebaton or ratherthegearstick passedtohissonHector John“Hec”McConnell, who’dgrownuponthe farm,gonethroughKoyuga andTongalaPrimary Schoolsandlearnedatrade asaplumberunderAlby Smith
HecandLornatakethe wheel Hechadbeenrunninghis ownplumbingandgas
businessintownwhenhis father’shealthbegantofail. “Dadsteppedintohelpout, probablynotknowinghow longitwouldlast Fiftyyears laterwewerestillatit” By1974,Hechadtakenfull controloftheoperation, nowre-namedTorrance andMcConnell,withsix busesservicingfiveschool contracts
Hewasapracticalman thesortwhocouldfixa motorwithfencingwireand abitofpatience and
14FinlayRoad,Tongala Setonaspacious2839m²block,this 3bedroom,2bathroomhomeoffers theperfectblendofcomfort,space andfunctionalityidealforfirsthome buyers,families,tradiesoranyone seekingroomtomove.
Toregisteryour interestortofind outmore,callor textBrendanon 0407344995or Tomon0457771813.
Tongala Expansive1945m² (approx)blockacross twotitles,thissuperb craftsman-builthome combinesquality, space,andlifestyle. Lot1O’DeaRoad Koyuga Prime14-acrelifestyle homesitewiththe flexibilityofTownship zoning,sealedroad frontage,anda convenientlocation
oper
quicklybecameknownas thesteadyhandofthe district.
HiswifeLorna(née Graham)wasjustas integral
BorninEchucain1940,she spentpartofherchildhood inEaglehawkbeforemoving toKoyugatolivewithher auntyanduncleatKoyuga RailwayStation
Afterleavingschoolat16 sheworkedinthe
ManchesterDepartmentat Wenns’StoreinTongala, whereshemetHecata localdance.
ThepairmarriedonApril15, 1961,becomingoneofthe town’sfavouritecouples hetheplumberwiththebus businessontheside,she theenergeticall-rounder whocouldorganise anything
WhenHectookthewheel, Lornakeptthebooks, manageddrivers,andlater workedalongsidehimon theSpecialSchoolrunto Shepparton,whereshe
Dadmightvebeenbehind thewheel,butMumkeptthe wheelsturning.”
Enter“Spanner” IfHecwasknownforhis calmandLornaforher kindness,theirsonGarry broughtamixofboth withanextradoseof mischiefandmechanical skill
Thenickname“Spanner” stuckearlyafteranightat footytrainingwhenPossum
Hestartedasanapprentice mechanicwithWallyHealy in1979,finishingfouryears laterbeforejoiningTorrance andMcConnellfull-timeon April5,1983asboth mechanicanddriver.
“Beingyourownmechanic inthebusbusinesssaves youafortune,”hejokes “Andifsomethingbreaks, there’sno-oneelseto blame.”
WorkingalongsidelongservingstaffsuchasDave
MurrayRoss,MervWild,Rick Szakiel,andtheReidfamily, Garrybecamepartofthe nextwaveofTonnylocals whokeptthewheelsturning notjustforschoolkids, butforsportsteams, communitygroupsand weekendtripstoMelbourne shows Thereweretoomanyother casualstoname,whocould takeuptheentireTonny Timesedition.
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Op muchapartofTongala’s landscapeasthemilk factoryorthefootyground. ThegreenBedfordsgave waytodieselMercedesBenzcoaches,thefirst arrivinginthelate’80s,and thebusinessexpandedinto chartersandsportingtrips.
j p halfthetown’shopesfor theday.”
Thosewerethedays beforeseatbelts,when“70 or80kids”mightsqueeze ontoa57-seater
“Theyweregoodkids, mostly,”hegrins “Ifanyone muckedup,they’dbe
p child-safestandards meantbusoperators suddenlyneededa diplomajusttopass accreditation “Ihadtogobacktoschool todrivekidstoschool,” Garrylaughs How’sthat forirony?
pp g “Dadhadagreat reputation,whichIwas luckytoinherit.The supportofTongalapeople helpedourbusiness grow,”hesaid Lorna,bythenafamiliar faceontheShepparton SpecialSchoolroute,
stayedonforseveral moreyears,retiringin 2002
Despiteabreast-cancer diagnosisin1991,she recoveredwellandwent ontoenjoymanymore yearswiththeTongala Lions,KyabramProbus andhergrandchildren
AfterHec’spassing,Garry officiallyboughtthe business,bringingitunder theMcConnellBus Operationsbanner
Thefleetgrewtothree largecoachesandfour smallerbuses,covering TongalaPrimary,St Patrick’sandVerneyRoad schools,aswellasprivate chartersandsporting trips
Thefamily’strademark humourandreliability becameitsownbrandof localcurrency.
“Peopletrustedus.We triedtohelpeveryoneout andwe‘veneverreally engagedincompetition withotherbusowners, evenwhenafewsingle busoperatorslikeAlan RaggettandtheSlades weregoingaround Hekeptacoreteamof long-termdrivers,among themLesleyRobinsonand LaurieWest,whodidthe VerneyRoadrunfortwo decades.
“Driversstuckwithus,” Garrysays.“Wetreated themlikefamily andthey were.”
Thenextstop In2025,afteryearsof thoughtandafewfalse starts,Garrysoldhislast twoschoolcontractstothe DineenGroup,endingthe McConnells’77-year associationwithschool transport
FoundedbyBillDineen, now94,thecompanyruns morethan700buses acrossVictoria,including PanoramaCoachesin Kyabram “Itfeltliketherighttime Thekidsaregrownup,and Dineensareaverywell knownnameinbuses.”
TheMcConnellshaven’t steppedofftheroad entirely
Theystilloperatefourminibusesforchartersand localwork enoughto keepSpanneroutof trouble.
Theroadahead FromJohn’sfirstrunin 1948,throughHecand Lorna’sdecadesof service,toGarry’sfourdecadecareer,the McConnellnamehas becomewovenintothe fabricofTongala. Betweenthem,they’ve carriedgenerationsof schoolchildren many whonowwavefromthe driver’sseatoftheirown familycars Itisnotunusualatallfor Spannertobewaved downattheshopsby peoplesaying,‘Youdrove metoschoolin1985’ There’sstillaMcConnell presenceinnearlyevery cornerofcommunitylife atthebowlsclub (whereSpanner’syounger brotherisnowasponsor throughhisrealestate business),thetennis courts(whereMarleySpanner’sson-isastar), thefootyoval,and especiallyontheDinghy
Clubracingscene,where GarryandMarleycan usuallybefoundtinkering withboats.
Tamikaalsomadeamark onthenetballcourt, winningfinalswiththe Bluesin2024/25
HeandhiswifeJanellestill liveintheHobbySthome wherethebusinessgrew, andwherethememories ofearlymornings,idling enginesandpacked lunchboxeslinger TheirchildrenTamikaand Marleymightnothave inheritedthebusbug,but they’veinheritedthe familyworkethic and thesamequietpridein beingpartofTongala’s story.
Spanner’syoungersisters MaryanneandTricia, alongwithmumLorna andBrendan,wereall spokentopriortothesale, showingjusthowmuchof afamilyconnection remainswithMcConnell BusOperations.
