Grand finalists Grandfinalists
FinalsfeverhashitTonny,andthreeofournetballteamshavealreadybooked theirspotintheGrandFinal!B-Grade,C-GradeandC-Reservesareallheading straighttotheBigDanceafterastellarseason.Massivecongratulationstothegirls —you’vedoneTonnyproud!WhileourbraveUnder-15sbowedoutofthefinals race,theirhardworkanddeterminationallseasondeservesspecialrecognition. Thejourneyisn’toveryet,withUnder-13s,Under-17sandA-Gradestillfightingfor theirchancetojointheGrandFinalline-upwithpreliminaryfinalslooming.
Tongala’smostpowerfulmuralyethasbeen completed world-renownedartistAdnatehas transformingtheCommunityBankwallintoastriking tributetoSirDougNicholls,celebratinghisjourneyfrom Tongalafootballertorespectednationalleaderand voiceforequality.Themural,backedbySirDoug’s familyandthecommunity,willbeofficiallyunveiledat EatsandBeatsonOctober12 MorePages2&3
MuralhonoursSirDoug
Tongala’snewestmuralhas beencompleted andit promisestobeoneofthe mostmeaningfuladditions toourtown’sstreetscape. OnMonday,September8, renownedmuralartist
Adnatebeganworkonthe walloftheCommunityBank Tongala,transformingitinto apowerfultributetoSir DougNicholls.
Adnate’sdistinctivestyle, knownforcapturingboth likenessandspirit,tellsthe storyofamanwhose journeythroughfootball andleadershipleftalasting markonAustralianhistory. Themuralfeaturesthree portraitsofSirDoug:asa youngfootballerinthe TongalaFootballNetball Clubjumper,duringhis influentialyearsat NorthcoteFootballClub, andlaterinlifeasa respectednationalleader andthefirstAboriginal GovernorofSouthAustralia Together,theseimages capturehisjourneyfromthe footballfieldsofTongalato oneofthenation’smost
importantvoicesfor equalityandreconciliation. Thisprojecthasthefull supportofSirDoug’sfamily andisbeingdeliveredby theTongalaDevelopment Group,guidedbyTongala Place-BasedPlan’sgoalto recogniseandcelebrate Indigenousheritage AlongsideTongala’srich historyofstreetartand murals,thiswork strengthensouridentityas atownthatsharesits storieswithpride. Thisprojectwouldnothave
beenpossiblewithoutthe generoussupportofthe CommunityBankof Tongala,theCampaspe Shire,theTongalaFootball NetballClub,andDeni EchucaFireProtection, whoseassistancehas helpedturnthisvisioninto reality
Theofficialunveilingwill takeplaceduringTongala EatsandBeatsonSunday, October12,whenthe communitywillgatherto celebratethemuralandits powerfulmessage
Aspartoftheunveiling,a specialplaquewillalsobe revealedtohonouramuchlovedlocalhero,without whoseearly encouragementand supportthisprojectmay neverhavebegun. Inthemeantime,residents andvisitorsareencouraged toswingbyandmarvelat thisextraordinaryartwork alastingtributetoSirDoug Nichollsandamomentof prideforTongala. –Tongala DevelopmentGroup
Thestrikingmuraltakingshape ontheCommunityBankwallis theworkofinternationally renownedartistMattAdnate KnownsimplyasAdnate,hehas becomeoneofAustralia’smost influentialmuralists,celebrated forhispowerfulportraitsthat honourculture,identityand community Adnatebeganhiscreative journeyinMelbourne’sgraffiti scenebeforedevelopinga uniquestyleinspiredby Renaissancepaintingtechniques Today,hisworkspanstowering citywalls,regionalsilos,and gallerycanvases,buttheheartof hispracticeremainsthesame: capturinghumanityandtelling storiesthroughtheeyesofhis subjects
ManyofAdnate’smuralsshinea
spotlightonFirstNationspeople, amplifyingvoicesthataretoo oftenoverlooked
His20-storeyportraitin Collingwood,thelargestinthe SouthernHemisphere,has becomeasymbolofinclusivity andresilience
BeyondMelbourne,hisworkcan befoundacrossEurope,Asiaand theAmericas,aswellasin remoteAustraliancommunities. Withaccoladesrangingfromthe ArchibaldPackingRoomPrize (2024)toanARIAAward(2022) forhiscollaborationwithBaker Boy,Adnatecontinuestoblurthe linebetweenstreetartandfine art.Whetheroncanvasor concrete,hisportraitsinviteusto lookcloser,reflectdeeply,and celebratethepeopleand culturesthatshapeourworld
Workingtogetherforourtown
OurrecentCommunity Meeting,heldonThursday, August28,at94Mangan Street,Tongala,brought localresidentsandgroups togethertoshareideas anddiscusswaysto strengthenourcommunity. Twelvecommunity memberscamealongto contributetheirvoicesand vision,andamassive91 completedsurveyswere sentit.
Thismeetingwasguided bytheresultsofthe TongalaCommunity Survey,whichhighlighted someclearprioritiesforour town:
�� Surveyinsights
�� Celebratingcultureand community–strong supportforaMulticultural FamilyFestivaltobring peopleofallbackgrounds together.
�� Communitygarden projects–manyresidents seevalueincreating sharedgardenspacesfor connection,learning,and sustainability
�� Communitymealsand Christmasdinner–regular mealsandfestive gatheringswereseenas importantwaystobuild connectionandreduce isolation
Youth engagement –families emphasisedthe needformore activitiesand opportunitiesfor youngpeopleto participateandfeel included
�� Bettercommunication –respondentsaskedfor regularupdatesonlocal projectsthrough newsletters,socialmedia, andnoticeboards
NextSteps Themeetingbuiltonthese surveyfindings,withlively discussionandideas
abouthowtobringthemto life Workinggroupsare nowbeingformedtofocus on:
PlanningaMulticultural Festival; Developinga CommunityGarden; and Coordinating CommunityMealsand SocialActivities Wethankeveryonewho attendedandsharedtheir voice.
Together,theseinsights andconversationsare helpingtoshapea stronger,moreconnected Tongala
NeweraforCemeteryTrust
Followingthepassingof oursecretary,JohnBentley (JB),therehasbeena “ChangingoftheGuard” ontheCemeteryTrust Board
Ourcurrentchairman,Ian “Tweet”Johnstone,has welcomedanumberof youngercommunity memberstojointheTrust, replacingsomelongservingmembers
Duringthenext12months, youcanexpecttosee severalimprovementsat thecemeteryinDayRd, including:
additionalseating, particularlyforolder visitorsandthosewitha disability;
clearersignageto makeiteasierto navigatethedifferent cemeterysections;and moregreeneryto enhancethe surroundings. Manyofthelong-serving
Trustmemberswhoare steppingdownwill continuetovolunteertheir timeforthebettermentof thecemetery
Theirongoinginvolvement, alongsidethecontributions ofnewTrustmembers,
emphasisesthelocal natureoftheBoard highlightingthatour cemeteryismanagedby communitymembers,not distantshireor governmentpersonnel. OurincomingTrust ChairmanisNeilTinning,a dairyfarmerfromafamily thathasbeenfarmingin thedistrictformorethan 113years
Ifyouareinterestedin helpingontheTrust Board,orvolunteering onsiteatthecemetery, pleasesearchonline for“ClassBCemetery TrustGovernance”or contactDanielleon 0419515317.
HayBaleTrailnomore
EveryDecembersince2020, Tongalahaslitupwith somethingtrulyunique. Whatbeganwithtwo haybalespaintedasBluey andBingointhemiddleof theCOVID-19pandemic quicklygrewintooneofour town’smostlovedtraditions theChristmasHayBale Trail.
Fromthosefirsttwo characterscamean explosionofcolourand creativity
Eachyear,closeto20 haybalesappearedaround town turnedintoSantas, reindeer,Aussieanimals, andcheekyChristmas scenes
Familiesstrolledordrove thetrail,kidspickedtheir favourites,andvisitorsfrom acrosstheregioncameto seewhatTongalawould dreamupnext.
Thetrailgaveusmorethan festivefun.Itgaveus connectionwhenwe neededitmost,prideinour town,andthousandsof visitorssupportingourlocal businesses.Forafewshort
years,Tongalawasknown farandwideasthelittle townwiththebighaybales. Butallgoodthingshave theirtime.
Aftermuchreflection,the TongalaDevelopment Grouphasmadethe decisiontobringtheHay BaleTrailtoaclose. Withoutavolunteer coordinatorstepping forward,andwithoursmall teamalreadystretchedthin runningsomany communityevents,we simplycan’tcarryiton. Whileit’shardtosay goodbye,wewantto celebratewhatthetrailhas givenus
Itbrightenedthedarkest daysofCOVID,itputsmiles onthefacesofyoungand old,anditshowedwhatcan happenwhenacommunity rollsupitssleevesandhas abitoffuntogether
Toeveryonewhopainted, built,decorated,and admiredthehaybales thankyou.
Youturnedasimpleidea intoatraditionthatwill alwaysberemembered withpride
Thehaybalesmaynot return,butthespiritthey createdwillalwaysbepart ofTongala –TongalaDevelopment Group
BoysToTheBush–Term3wrap
OurTerm3BoystotheBushprogramfinished onahighlastmonthwithapaddlesteamer ride,lunchatRichRiver,andplentyoffunat GravityShack It’sbeenafantasticfiveweeks oflearning,connection,andnewexperiences fortheboys Abigthankyoutoour CommunityBankforproudlysponsoringthis programandhelpingmakeitallpossible.
MoreTPSnewsonPages26-30
LEARNINGTOSHEARSHEEP
Lastweek’sBoystotheBushsessionwasagreat success!Theboysthrewthemselvesintoeveryactivity frombasketball,bikeriding,andtabletennisatthe BushShedtohavingagoatshearingasheep.After lunchinthepark,theytouredRiverinaWooltolearn abouttheindustryfromshearingthroughtoselling.It wasadayfullofenergy,teamwork,andlearning,and we’reproudofthewaytheyrepresentedourschool
MoreStPatsnewsonPages31-35
MeetWalter
MynameisWalterYangon. Iwasbornthefourthand lastchildinmyfamily. Icomefromabeautiful countrycalledPapuaNew Guinea,fromasmall provincecalledEastSepik Ilovetellingstorieswith friendsandsellingproducts inthelocalmarket.
IcompletedYear12,butdid notgofurtherwithmy studiesbecauseofmy marks Ihelpmymumbyproviding vegetablesandother productstosellinthelocal market Someofthesewe bringintotowntosell Inthe afternoon,Igohometo helpherprepareforthe nextday.
Inmyfreetime,Ialways findmyagegrouptosit andtellstorieswiththem OneafternoonItoldmy mumthatIwantedtomove toanotherprovincetolook forbetterjobopportunities. Sheacceptedthis,asIwas alwaysbyherside.
Thenextdayshebought meaticket,andIflewto Morobe,tothecityofLae
There,Ifoundworkasa securityguard.Ididn’tearn much,soIbeganlooking foranotherjob
IcameacrosstheLabor MobilityUnits(LMU)office, wheretheyhadexpressions ofinteresttotravelto Australiaforwork. Ifilledoutaformand providedtherequired details Icompletedallthe tasksfaithfully,andtomy surprise,theLMUManager calledmeandtoldmeI waseligibletotravelto Australia. Iamproudofmyself becausenowIamhere, andIhaveenoughtohelp myfamilybackhome
ThankyouMum,foryour hardworkandforcaringfo me.WithoutyoursupportI wouldn’tbewhoIamtoda Also,abigthankstoAgri LabourandGreenhams NowIhaveenoughto supportmyfamily.
Mum,IpromiseIwon’tlet youdown.
MayGodblessyouandall myfamilyforeverand always
TongalaFireBrigade
�� TongalaGetFire
ReadyEvent
CFAOpenDay
�� Saturday,October4
�� 11AM–2PM(3hours)
JoinusforourGetFire
Readyevent!Preparefor theupcomingfireseason withafunandinformative dayattheTongalaFire Station
Learnessentialfiresafety tips,discoverhowto prepareyourhomeand family,andmeetthecrew whohelpkeepour communitysafe
Bringthewholefamilyfora dayoflearning,fun,and communityconnection
Everyoneiswelcome!
�� Forourtownies
Inurbanareas,narrow streetscanmakeitdifficult forfiretrucksand emergencyvehiclesto accesshomesquickly
Toensureaccessto propertiesandfire hydrants: Leave4metres clearancebetween parkedcarsoneither sideoftheroad. Bemindfulwhen parkingoppositeother
vehicles,especiallyon tightroads Where possible,parkonthe samesideasothercars, leavingonesideclear Firehydrantsare markedbyawhitepost witharedtop,blue reflectors,andoften whitearrowspaintedon theroad Donotpark within1metreofa hydrantoritsmarker Keepgrassaround hydrantsshort,report missingordamaged markerstoyourlocal council,andreportany leakstoyourlocalwater authority
Blockingaccesscould delayemergencyservices puttinglivesand propertyatrisk
�� Forourfarmers andlandowners
Firetrucksarelarge,heavy vehiclesthatneedclear, stableaccesstoyour property
Ensureyourdrivewayis atleast35metreswide, withanadditional05 metresclearanceon eachsidefreefrom bushes,gateposts,and otherstructures,andat least4metresoverhead clearance
Drivewayslongerthan 100metresneeda turningareanexttothe building.Iflongerthan 200metres,youwillalso needpassingbays Afiretruckmustbeable toparkinacleared, stableareawithin4 metresoftheCFAoutlet connectedtoawater tank
�� Findoutmore:CFA
PropertyAccessfor EmergencyServices
Food,wine,tonsoffun
Getready,Stanhope!The much-lovedCelebrate StanhopeFood&Wine Festivalisreturningon Sunday,October5 andit promisestobebiggerand betterthanever
From11amto4pm,Birdwood Avewillcomealivewiththe soundsofJB&MeandTim Richards,alongside deliciousfood,localwines, andplentyoffamilyfun �� FoodieFavourites
Enjoytastesfromacrossthe globeandaroundthe corner,including:
Dairy-FreshGelato G-FreeDonuts
BrothlRamen (Japanese)
Smoke-n-Roast
OhMyCeylon(Sri Lankan)
Girgarre&StanhopeFire BrigadeBBQ
Angelo’sPizza&Pasta StanhopeCafé
UpsideDownCoffeeOn theGo
TopNotchPoffertjes BSweetCreations
KateBurke’scharcuterie boards �� Wineries&LocalProduce Sampleoutstandingwines andproducefromacross theregion: WineXSam•Callipari Wines•NedKellyRed• StrathbogieEstate• EchucaDistillery LisadurneHillOliveOils• AAAHoney•TheCheese
Man•TimmeringFood& BeverageCo FamilyFun
There’splentytokeepkids entertainedtoo,with: Facepainting Horse&cartrides Crocodilejumping castle
GiantConnect4& Jenga
Otherchildren’s activities
EventDetails
Entry:Goldcoindonation
Note:Nodogs Glassfree&smoke-freeevent
Pleasebringyourown WineKeepCup. Markyourcalendars this isoneeventyouwon’twant tomiss!
TongalaGirlGuides
Eventfulmonth
Ithasbeenaveryeventful monthatTongalaGirl Guides!
Wehostedadelightful PromiseCeremony,made evenmorespecialbythe presenceofsomany familymemberswho cametowitnessand celebrateCatherine makingherpromise Theceremonyisabout committingtodogoodfor ourselvesandour community Catherinewasthen presentedwithherPromise andWorldGuidingbadges, asash,andacertificate Aftersalutingtheflag, Catherinehadthehonour ofofficiallyleadingthe ColourPartyforthefirst timetotakedowntheflag concludingtheformal partoftheevening Withherpromisecomplete, Catherinebecamethe thirdgenerationinher familytojointheproud traditionofGuiding
Itisalwaysspecialto welcomecurrentandpast membersoftheguiding communityintoourhall. Thenightwasmadeeven morememorablebya celebrationofCatherine’s 13thbirthday,withacake bakedbyhermumfor everyonetoshare. Wealsohadablast makingedibleslime an interestingandveryfun task!Asitwasourfirsttime attemptingtherecipe,the girlshadtoreadthe instructionscarefullyand followeachstep. Theactivitywasfilledwith laughter,especiallywhen oneofthegirlsendedup withslimestuckalloverher hands.
Ifyou’dliketoseeif Guidingisforyour daughter,comealongon Wednesdaynights,5.307pm.We’dlovetoseeyou there!Forqueries,phone Melon0409804091or visittheGirlGuides Victoriawebsitetojoin.
We’reSeekingVolunteers! Helpuswith: Communitycar EventsPrograms
tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au
OurFREEAfterSchoolCareprogramis heldattheCommunityCentreevery Tuesdayfrom3:30pmto5:30pm Our programissupervisedbyqualified facilitatorsandassistedbyvolunteers
TongalaChildcare–ExpressionofInterest
TongalaCommunityCentreislookingfor acaringandmotivatedpersontojoinour childcareteam.
Casualrole,Wed–Fri,8.30am–6.00pm Supportchildren’scareand developmentinafriendlyenvironment Greatcommunicationandteamwork skillsneeded Fordetails,contactLeannePattison: �� tcaccoordinator@tongala.vic.au| �� 58591268
�� 94ManganStreet,Tongala
TCACisofferingaplaceforcommunity memberstocatchup,haveachat,meetnew people,andenjoymorningtea
Thursday,October2,andThursday, October16,10am-11.30am EverythirdWednesday
Monday9am-3pm Tuesday9am-3pm Wednesday9am-3pm Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm
SURVEY
PRIORITIES
Thankyoutoeveryonewhotookpart inourrecentcommunitysurvey!Your feedbackhashelpedusunderstand whatmattersmosttoTongala residents. Herearethetopprioritiesyoutoldus about:
1.Multicultural/CommunityFamily Festival ��
2Sports–Soccer/Rugby ⚽��
3CommunityMeals ��
4.OtherSuggestions ��
5.MorePublicTransport ��
6.FoodCo-op ��
7.CommunityGarden ��
8.BusTrips ��
Readthefullstoryandinsightsfrom thesurveyonpage5ofthisnewsletter
Studentsdousproud
TwoTongalastudents proudlyrepresentedthe TongalaLionsClubatthe LionsDistrict201V6Junior PublicSpeakingFinals,held onSunday,August31,in Corowa
WillowNickolas,aYear4 studentfromStAugustine’s College,andIndianah Bauman,aYear6student fromKyabramP–12 College,tooktothestage infrontofjudges,Lions members,families,and fellowcompetitorsto delivertheirspeecheswith confidenceandskill.
TheDistrictFinalswerethe culminationofahuge programinvolvingmore than1000studentsfrom75 schoolsacrosstheregion Studentsprogressed throughschoolandclub
levelsbeforereachingthe Regionalstage,withthe verybestearningaplace intheDistrictevent. WillowandIndianah impressedtheaudience notonlywiththeir preparedspeeches,but alsowiththeirabilityto thinkontheirfeetduring theimpromptusection. Bothreceivedcertificates acknowledgingtheir achievementasDistrict Finalparticipants TheLionsJuniorPublic Speakingprogram encouragesstudentsto developtheirconfidence, leadership,and communicationskills andWillowandIndianah havedonetheTongala LionsClubproud. Congratulationsgirls!
Tongala Servicing & Repairs
WearealocalVACCAccredited workshopandmobilemechanicforall yourautomotiveoragriculturalservicing andrepairneeds.
Wedoeverythingfromservicingyour chainsawuptofixingyourbrokentractor orfarmmachinery,wealsooffermini diggerhire(withoperator). Nojobtoobigorsmall,feelfreeto giveusaringandaskifwecan helpwithanyofyour mechanicalneeds.
TownCriertriumphsabroad
YourTownCrier,Judy Campbell,andher husband,Peter,recently travelledtotheUnited Kingdomtocompeteinthe AncientandHonourable GuildofTownCriers NationalChampionship, hostedbytheCourtLeetin Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
Theevent,supportedby localbusinesses,marked the40thanniversaryof Bromsgrove’sownillustrious TownCrier,KevinWard Among25competitors, Judyplaced4thand receivedtheBobWalker TrophyfromlocalMP BradleyThomas. Thisawardrecognisesthe highest-placedcrierwho hasnotpreviouslywonthe NationalChampionship Peterwasalsohonoured, winningtheBestDressed Consorttrophy,presented byCourtLeetBailiffMark Robinson Theirtourcontinuedto Clare,Suffolk,forthetown’s inauguralTownCrier Competition Richinhistory,Clareishome toBritain’sfirstAugustinian Friary,establishedin1248 Onasweltering33°Cday, Peteronceagainclaimed theBestDressedConsort prize,thankstoacottonbasedensemblecreatedby HeatherKidgelland MargaretColliverof Tongala HisoutfitreflectsJames Maiden,founderofMoama, whileJudy’sattireisa19thcenturyridinghabitinthe royalcoloursofpurpleand gold Permissiontouse thesecolourswasgranted byBuckinghamPalacein
recognisingJudy’s ambassadorialroleacross CampaspeandMurray Rivershires. NextstopwasChard,Devon, whereJudyandPeter competedinanother prestigiouseventjudgedby theHighSheriffofSomerset Against14Criersand Consorts,theywonBest DressedCouple,Peter addedanotherBest DressedConsortaward,
andJudyreceivedaspecial MayoralAwardfor AmbassadorialFlair.A custom-decoratedcake accompaniedtheirBest DressedCoupleprize,which theygenerouslysharedwith fellowluncheonguests Asistradition,thesilver perpetualtrophiesremain withthehostguilds, engravedwithJudyand Peter’snames,alongwith aninvitationtoreturnnext
The3rdCavalryRegiment (Vietnam)Associationwill holditsAnnual CommemorationoftheFallen serviceattheNationalCavalry MemorialtotheVietnamWar onThursday,October23
Themarchwillstartopposite theTongalaHotelat115pm, proceedingdownManganSt totheNationalMemorial,with vehiclesfromthe3/4Cavalry Regimentandveteranstaking part
Theservicewillbeginoncethe veteranshaveassembledat thememorial,withTongala PrimarySchoolandStPatrick’s assistingintheproceedings. Veteransfromacross AustraliaandNewZealandwill beinattendance Everyoneiswelcometo attend. ��
Koyuga Kanyapella Landcare Group – Annual General Meeting
TheKoyugaKanyapellaLandcare GroupIncwillholditsAnnual GeneralMeetingon: �� Tuesday,October14 �� 730pm
�� KoyugaHall,961O’DeaRoad,Koyuga Forenquiries,pleasecontact: JoyLiersch(President)–0428959145 DianneMangan(Secretary)–0427 590282
�� Email:kklandcaregroup@gmail.com
TongalaSeniorCitizens
President’s Report
Thepast12monthshave beenbusyat14CavellSt, andoneofthehighlights hasbeenourongoing connectionwiththe studentsfromTongala Primary
Wearenowinthesecond yearofthisprogram,andit hascertainlybeena learningcurveforthe students
Thisyear,anewGrade6 groupisjoiningus,anda hugethankyougoesto teacherMelissafor bringingthegirlsacrossto helpoutandchatwithour seniors
Lastyearwewelcomeda groupof“greenfingers” whobroughtalongtheir veggieplantsandcreated agardenouttheback, whichwasadelight Wehavealsobeenkept busywithvariousraffles, andonceagainthelocals
haveshown theirgenerosity eachtime. Ourrecent birthday celebrationwas awonderfulsuccess,andit wasgreattoseeeveryone enjoyingthemselves, includingseveralinvited guestsfromaroundtown Congratulationsagainto ShirleyAllenonbecoming ourlatestLifeMember–a verywell-deservedhonour. Wecontinuetoreceive strongsupportfromDiand herteamattheTonny Times,withamonthly reporthelpinguskeepthe communityuptodatewith ouractivities.Thankyou,Di, foryoursupport.
OurBunningsBarbecues havebeenextremely successful Theyarehard work,butthankstothe dedicationofour
volunteerstheyhavealso beenfinanciallyrewarding Wealsohavethewheelsof thebusrollingagain! Afterthesuccessofour firstouting,wearenow bookedinfortwomore tripstoRichRiverin2025 Soonwewillalsofeature ontheTongalaArtTrail, anditwillbeexcitingtosee thereactionfromboth localsandvisitorswhen theyseeourmural Finally,ahugethankyouto allourhardworking membersfortheir continuedeffortsin keepingTongalaSeniors thriving –PhilChalmers, President,TongalaSeniors
Rafflesuccess!
TonnySeniorsareatough lot!Despitethecoldwind whistlingupManganStreet recently,ticketswerestill beingsoldforourFather’s Dayraffle Itmayhave beenmoreacaseof peoplefeelingsorryforus –andPresidentPhilwas quicktotakeadvantage!
Ourluckywinnerswere: 1stPrize–Wheelbarrow &Voucher:Brittany 2ndPrize–Voucher:C. Clark
Thankyoutoeveryonefor yoursupport!
–JoyChalmers, Secretary,Tongala Seniors
Weektoinspire,educate
GoulburnValleyWateris gearingupforNational WaterWeekfromOctober 20to26,presentingevents designedtoinspire, educateandconnectthe communityaroundthe themeofwater sustainability NationalWaterWeekisa timetoreflectonthevital rolewaterplaysinourlives, encouragingAustraliansto rethinktheireveryday wateruseandbecome championsof conservation.
GoulburnValleyWater ManagingDirectorDrSteve Capewellsaidtheevents aimedtoengageabroad cross-sectionoftheregion, fromstudentstofamilies, businessesand communitygroups.
“WaterWeekisapowerful reminderofhowessential wateristoourdailylives, andhoweasyitistotakeit forgranted,”DrCapewell said.
Eventsinclude:
Let’sGrowWaterwise Gardens–Wednesday, October22,7pm, RiverlinksEastbank,
Shepparton Afree eveningwithspeakers LouiseCostaandCathy Oliverexploringhowwe canbuildsustainable communitiesthrough smarterwateruse TicketsviatheGVWater website,withlivestream available.
WaterNight–Thursday, October23,5pm–10pm Anationalinitiative askinghouseholdsto turnoffnon-essential tapsandreflecton wateruse.Registerat waternight.com.au. SchoolCompetition–studentshavecreated toiletpaperwrapswith colourful,water-themed designs,nowentering thejudgingphase.
Findoutmore:gvwater. vic.gov.au/community/ national-water-week
NextDancewillbeheldon Saturday, September27 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
OCT 05 OCT 12
Free Seniors Expo 10am to 1pm @ Tongala Town Hall
Stanhope Food & Wine Festival 11-30am to 4pm @ Birdwood Ave
Eats & Beats 12pm to 3pm @ Tongala Sound Shell
Amber Lawrence 8pm @ OTP Mangan St, Tongala
Commemoration of the Fallen service 1.15, starts @ OTP
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 PhonePsLynHopeon 0408821760.
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am. PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938 Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday.
94ManganStreet, Tongala,3621 OPEN:MondaytoFriday, 9amto2pm
Octoberdeadline
Copydeadline: 07/10/25
Issuedate: 14/10/25
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
1stTuesdaymonthly,5pm
1st&3rdThursday,7pm
2ndTuesdayeverymonth 4thMonday,monthly 4thTuesday,monthly,1pm 4thWednesdday,6pm 3rdTuesday,Monthly,10am EveryWednesday
CHARACTERSCOMETOLIFE
Whatanamazingparadeitwas fullofcolour,creativity,andcharacters leapingoffthepage!
SOCCER STARS SOCCERSTARS
OnAugust19,someofourGrade5/6girlstravelledtoSwanHilltocompeteinthenextlevelofsoccer.The competitionwastough,withourfirstmatchagainstthetopteamfromBendigo.Thegirlsrosetothe challenge,goingdown3–0butholdingthemscorelessinthesecondhalf.Anarrow1–0losstoCastlemaine followedbeforetheteamfinishedstronglywitha5–0winoverSwanHill.AbigthankyoutoBraydenandJohn fortheirfantasticcoaching,andtoMrHoganforthewell-earnedicecreams!
STREETART
OnAugust28,our EmpoweredGirlsgroup enjoyedacreativeart sessionwithMurrayRoss fromTongalaStreetArt. Thegirlswereengaged, focused,andrespectful throughout somuchso thatRossypraisedtheir attitudeandefforts.
F–2SCIENCEEXCURSION
OnAugust29ourF–2studentsvisitedTwistedScienceinEchucaaspartof theirScienceWeeklearning Itwasadayfullofhands-onfun,discovery, andplentyoflaughter!
HOUSEATHLETICS
OnSeptember3weheldourHouseAthletics,andwhata fantasticdayitwas!Thesportsmanship,encouragement, andsupportshownbyallstudentswasoutstanding Well donetoeveryonefortheireffortandparticipation
DAD’SDAYARVO
OnSeptember5wecelebratedthespecialpeop inourliveswithaFather’sDaygatheringfullof snagsandactivities.
BOOKWEEK2025
TocelebrateBookWeek,studentstookpartinmultiageactivitiesbasedonthisyear’sshort-listedbooks withplentyoffunalongtheway!Everyone’s colourfulandcreativecostumesmadethedayextra special.
MENSBREAKFAST
OurMarvellousMen’sbreakfastwasahugesuccess.It waslovelytocelebrateallthemeninourlives!
COMMUNITYPARTNERSHIPS
WeareveryluckyatStPatrick’stobeworkingwiththreeamazingcommunityprograms theTongala CommunityActivityCentre,theTongalaMen’sShed,andtheTongalaShineBrightKindergarten
SPECIAL PEOPLE MASS SPECIALPEOPLEMASS
OnAugust21wecelebratedourGrandparents andSpecialPeopleMass andwhata beautifulafternoonitwas!FrNoviledajoyful serviceinachurchfilledtothebrim,followed byclassroomvisitsandaBBQlunchinthe sunshine.Thankyoutoeveryonewhojoinedus andhelpedmakethedaysospecial.
SLEEPOVERFUN
OurGrade2senjoyedasleepoverlastmonth withmovies,popcornandice-cream.
Awinningtradition
Finalstimehasarrivedin ourlocalnetballand footballcompetitions, withteamsstrivingfortop resultstocloseoutthe season
Whileourfootballsides haven’tpusheddeepinto finalsthisyear,our netballersareflyingthe flagproudly many gradesarealready throughtothegrandfinal, withotherssettobattleit outinthepreliminary finalsnextweekend It’satraditionofsuccess
�� Getpreparednow Aswinterdrawstoaclose, nowisthebesttimeto prepareyourpropertyfor thefireseason Whetherit’s: cleaningyourgutters mowingyourlawn
orclearingbranches fromaroundyourhouse thesmallstepsyoutake nowcanmakeabig differenceshouldafire occurnearyou �� Findoutmore:CFA–HowtoPrepare
thatgoesbackdecades Intheearlytomid-1970s, theKyabramMarried Women’sNetball Competitionwasplayed everyThursdayatthe NorthernOvalinKyabram Tongalaladieswerea forcebackthentoo,as shownbythe1976teams pictured.Theycompeted inrain,hail,orshine and celebratedwithgreat excitementwhensuccess cametheirway –Itemprovidedby TongalaHistoryGroupInc.
Brush,read,recycle!
ThismonthatCountryKidz,we hadfuncelebratingBookWeek andDentalHealthWeek
Thechildrenenjoyedpractising howtobrushtheirteethusing theirowntoothbrushesand toothpaste,aswellasdressing upinfuncostumes
We’realsoexcitedtotakepart intheDryToothbrushProgram
Eachchildwhojoinsreceives theirowntoothbrushand toothpaste,whichstayhereat thecentre
Aspartofourfundedkinder program,wewelcomedAlice fromCampaspeShire,who showedthechildrenthethree typesofbinsweuseforwaste andexplainedwhathappens toourrubbishafteritis collected
ShineBrightKindergarten
Signs,safety,sharedlearning
KeyWordSign
Thismonthoureducators undertookprofessional developmentinKeyWord Sign
KeyWordSignuses manualsigns,facial expressions,andnatural gesturesalongsidespoken wordstosupport communication development
Itisrecognisedasan augmentativeand alternativecommunication tool(Reference:Sunshine SignandSing)
Throughthistraining,our educatorslearnedmore than100everydaysignsto incorporateintoour kindergartenprogram. Wewillbeginby introducingtwonewsigns eachweek,teachingthem tothechildrenand encouragingthemtoshare theirlearningwiththeir families.
Aspartoftheprogram, familiesarealsogiven accesstoanonline resourcetohelpensure continuityoflearning betweenkindergarten andhome
RoadSafetyInquiry
Project
OurRoadSafetyInquiry Projectcontinues!
OnWednesday,August27, HollyandMelissaattended anotherRoadSafety MeetinginMelbourneat theMuseum. TheyworkedwithLouise Dorrat,apassionate
advocateforEarly Childhood,exploringrisk assessmentsandrisk managementfor excursionswithinourlocal community
Duringthevisit,theytoured theRoadtoZerodisplay afreepartoftheMuseum thatfamiliescanexplore
whenvisitingMelbourne, andonewehighly recommend!
RoadtoZeroistheworld’s firstroadsafetyeducation complex,developedbythe TransportAccident Commissioninpartnership withMelbourneMuseum.
TheRoadtoZero
ExperienceSpaceisan immersive,exploratory galleryfeaturingthelatest multi-sensoryinteractive technologies,alongwith curriculum-linked programsdeliveredin purpose-builtLearning Studios(Reference: MuseumsVictoria).
Here’stheproblem...
TheLaborgovernment’s toutedproductivity roundtableseemedlikea stunttocreatean impressionthatoneofthe criticalchallengesfacedby Australia–ourfalling productivity–wasinfact beingaddressed Manyofusgaveitthe benefitofthedoubt, becauseyouhaveto discusstheseissues,and havingbusinessleadersina dialoguewithourleaders ItwasgoodthatShadow TreasurerTedO’Brienwas thereandabletointervene inaJimChalmers’boutof self-congratulationsonthe economythatborelittle resemblancetoreality
Buthereistheproblem–LaborunderAlbaneseand Chalmersisfundamentally ananti-productivity government
Itisobsessedwithwealth redistribution,crony capitalismandthewelfare state Itisdictatedtobyunions, andthesedictationshave foundtheirwayinto legislationthatmakesus
Advertise in our trade guide:
Email: tongalatimes@tongala.vic.au
Phone: Tongala Community Activities Centre on (03) 5859 1268
lesscompetitiveandless productive Energypolicy wasbarelydiscussedatthe roundtable,asthough everyoneacceptsthatthe transitionisgoing swimmingly,andthat cheapandaffordable powerwilljustcontinueas wemovefromthe24/7 generationofcoalandgas totheintermittentnatureof renewables.
Anyoneseriouslylookingat thegridandassessingthe successesandfailuresof othernationsintheirenergy transitionwouldseethe flawsinthis
Thisparticularenergy transitionisoneofthe biggesteconomicgambles Australiahasever embarkedon,andthe probabilityand consequenceofgettingit wrongistoohorrificto contemplate. Governmentministersseem toputtheviabilityand competitivenessofbusiness (particularlysmallbusiness) lastontheirlistofpriorities whendraftinglegislation. Thisisevidentinthe regrettablechangestothe Murray-DarlingBasinPlan andinthenewindustrial relationslaws,whichhave hitsmallbusinesseshard withamountainof regulation.
Inaddition,Laborisona spendingspree,with diminishingeconomic activitytopaybackthe debtinthefuture Accordingtoresearch publishedbytheCentrefor IndependentStudies(CIS) inJuly2025,morethanhalf ofAustralianvotersrelyon
thegovernmentfortheir mainincome,through public-sectorwages, welfarepayments,or subsidies.
TheInstituteofPublic Affairsfoundthatbetween August2022andAugust 2024,821percentofnew personsemployedwerein thepublicsector. It’snottosaythatpeople whoworkinthepublic service(inmanycases) don’tprovideavaluable service,butaneconomy basedontaxpayer-funded jobsisahouseofcards. Taxwasdiscussed,but thereseemstobelittle appetiteforrealreform–andeffortsbytheprevious coalitiongovernmentto addresstheproductivitykillingphenomenonof bracketcreepwere reversedbyLabor TheyhavenoplansthatI canseetoreformtaxina meaningfulway–justcrazy grabsformoneylikethe unrealisedsuperannuation capitalgainfiasco Whatdoesitallmean? Well,onthispathwayweare inmanageddeclineasa nation,andthatmeansa declineinourliving standardsand opportunitiesforournext generations Aboldgovernmentwith visionandunderstandingof whatdrivesthe economyneedstocomein andfixthistrajectory,and AlbaneseandChalmers’ incarnationofLaboris clearly,byitsownrhetoric andactions,notthat –SamBirrellMP,Federal MemberforNicholls
Frommiraclegoalsto
effortagainstMulwala. Underpressure,under bodies,andsomehow undergravity,Sam producedagoalthat wouldmakeEddieBetts tiphishat.
Aground-ballget,apack
bang aleft footsnap overhisheadfrom25 metres Puremagic MarkoftheYear–Jack Hammond IfKyleMuellerisyour opponent,mostdefenders
word BestFirst-YearPlayer–MaxTeigwell AgapyearfromAdelaide Uniturnedintoa breakthroughseasonat Tonny. MaxTeigwellgrewintoa
genuineseniorfootballer, handlingtheheatwith maturitybeyondhisyears Betweenstudyandfooty, he’salreadyjuggling briefslikeafuturelawyer. CoachoftheYear–BaileyCox
ThethirdswereBailey Cox’sproject–andwhata jobhedid
Againsttheodds,witha youngside(Eleven bottom-agers!),Bailey coached,ran,cajoled,and squeezedeveryounceout ofhisteam
He’llbeabusymanwith fatherhoodlooming,but theFitziesreckonhe’llbe changingnappieswiththe samedisciplinehe demandedonTuesday nights MostImproved–Robbie Arms
WhenRobbiefirstrolled intoTonny,fewknewhis name Byseason’send, everyoneknewhisgame Hisskillssharpened,his handsgotstickier,andhis effortneverwaned Fromrawrecruitto reliablereserves performer,Robbie’s improvementhasbeen oneofthebeststoriesof 2025
BestCaptain–Sienna (A-GradeNetball) Sometimesleadershipis aboutselflessness LikethedaySienna benchedherselftogive othersago Shesetthetoneforthe netballersallseason–strong,calm,team-first. Askipperwholeadsby example
MadMonday
ClubMVP–JeddTurpin
IsthereanythingJeddcan’t do?
He’splayedseniors, reserves,thirds,and possiblycouldhavefilled waterbottlesifasked. Hybridforward,midfield menace,andall-round ripperbloke
Anotherpre-seasonand he’llbeapermanent midfieldgun.
TheFitziessaluteyou,Jedd. CommunityAward–DanielCox
Clubsrunonthesweatof peoplelikeDanielCox
He’sbeeneverywhere–president,organiser,dad, worker,younameit. Hisbusinesskeepsthe lightson,hispassionkeeps theclubhumming,andhis recordaskingofthefooty tripsisstilluntouched. AtrueTonnytreasure.
Souterreturnsas coach
JordanSouterisbackatthe helmin2026
Afterabreather,he’sready toreload,rebuild,andtake theBluesintotheir20th MurrayLeagueseason Don’texpectreckless spendingsprees–thisis aboutsmartrecruiting, buildingaroundsevenor eighttopkids,andhavinga realred-hotcrackatfinals. He’stalkingtoassistants, he’ssignedacouple already(watchforElle McDonald’sinvolvement), andhe’spromisinggritover glamour.
Grandfinals connections
Tongalaexportsare poppingupeverywherein
September:
CobyMcCarthy–starredforKyabram againstMansfield,a finalswarrior.
AngusScoble–hadhis bestgameoftheyear onthewing
ArchieWatt–Dom’s brother,andagenuine starinthemaking JaydenFitzgerald–dominantintheruck. (Goodtobeableto watchmybrother!)
BillyMcLay–afavourite oftheTonnyfaithful MitchGugliotti–nursing ahamstring;fingers crossedhe’sbackfor thebigdance.
AdamLovison–lining upinLancaster’sgrand final Whotofollowover summer
Thefooty’sdone,the netball’salmostwrapped, butTonnyfolkneversitstill I’llbebackonthecricket pitch,havingalready dustedoffthepads.
AlexWilliamsis undergoingasecond kneereconstruction(no cricketforhimthisyear) –ahardroadto recoverybegins,but expecthimbacklate nextyear.
CoreyNexhipisreadyto swapinternational travelforTongalatennis courts
Otherswillbeskiing, fishing,anddoingtheir besttoavoidrunning laps Clubnewsandseason
Junior Football & Netball Presentation Night snaps
Fairest:TheThursday beforetheAFLGrand Final Expecttightcounts andmaybeasurpriseor two
MadMondayPlans: Classified.(Butsafeto saythecostumeswillbe moreoutrageousthan theFitzies’dresscode) GrandFinalDay (Netball):Abig contingentwillbe cheeringon,regardless ofcolours.
Sothereyouhaveit–the Fitzies2025andthefinalFitz Bitzfortheseason FromCipriani’smiracle
snaptoSouter’sreturn, fromnetballstars shootingthelightsoutto ourjuniorsmixingitwith thebest,it’sbeenayearto remember.
Tongalamaynothaveits nameontheMurray Leagueflagyet,butwith thefoundationlaid,the kidscomingthrough,and thepassionofthepeople, yougetthefeelingit’sonly amatteroftime. Untilnextyear–polishthe cricketbats,resttheknees, andremember:inTonny, theFitziesmattermore thantheOscarseverwill
BluesU
TheTongalaBluesUnder16scanholdtheirheads highafteracompetitive 2025seasoninthe
GoulburnMurrayJunior LeagueDivision2 competition.
Theboysfinishedthirdon theladderwitha4–6win–lossrecordbefore embarkingonaspirited finalscampaign
Intheeliminationfinal, Tongalaproducedtheir bestfootballoftheyear, dismantlingAlexandra Rebels69(45) ( ) Thevictorywa teameffort,hig relentlesspres accuratekickin
Unfortunately, endedthefollo withalosstoM buttheBluess ofheartandn forwardwithc 2026. Theseasonbe roughgrading theyoungBlue foundtheirfee
IntheirfirstDivision2clash againsteventualtopside Seymour,theyralliedfrom 39pointsdownathalf-time tocutthemargintojust17, showingglimpsesoftheir potential
A42-pointwinoverMoama followed,drivenbythree goalsfromCruzKreymborg andabest-on-ground performancefromJoshua Morrison
Thehighlightcameintheir clashwithMooroopna,the second-rankedteam, whereTongalaledalldayto winby10points.
HugoMonnich-Vostarred withtwogoalsinabest-
afielddisplay,supportedby LachlanNevillandJordan Reid
Otherstrongvictories includeda16-pointtriumph overWandongandtwo convincingwinsagainst Alexandra,by25and42 points
However,atoughstretch sawtheBluesdropsixof theirlasteightgames, underliningthechallengeof maintainingconsistencyat thislevel Individualperformances stoodoutacrossthe season ArcherWoodswasa
with21goalsin11games, namedamongthebeston sevenoccasions CruzKreymborgalso impressed,kicking14goals in12matchesandregularly featuringinthebest Nevillmadeabigimpactin justfiveappearances, bootingeightgoalsand beingnamedbestthree times.
CooperHedges,Harley Falconer,andCooper Rodriguezwerepillarsof consistency,eachmaking thebestplayersonmultiple occasions,whileJett
Pangrazio,HunterO’Hara, andRiverTownsendall contributedsteadily Others, includingTyroneReidelland BayleeLetizia,alsomade importantcontributions, showingthedepthoftalent inthesquad
Althoughtheseasonended soonerthanhoped,the TongalaBluesUnder16s havebuiltastrong foundation.Withablendof emergingtalentand experiencedjuniors,the teamiswellpositionedfor growthandgreatersuccess in2026.
EdwardArms CruzKreymborg
Cooper Rodriguez
RiverTownsend
What’shappeningontherinks
BOOKEDOUT
TONGALAGIRLGUIDES
Marking100years
The2025–26bowlsseason isextraspecialforTongala BowlsClubaswecelebrate ourCentenaryYear! We’llbekickingthingsoffin stylewiththeCentenary LadiesSpringFourslaterthis month.
Theeventhasalready bookedout,showingjust howmuchenthusiasm thereistobepartofthis milestoneyear Aheartfeltthankyougoes toourgeneroussponsors, whosesupporthasmade thiscelebrationpossible. Theseasonalsofeaturesa packedcalendarofbowls action,including: PracticeMatch& OpeningDay–Tongala
vsTatura,Sunday21 September(withBBQ lunch).
PracticeMatch–TongalavsKyabram, Sunday28September TongalaCommunity BankOpenFours–Sunday16November, with$1500inprize moneyupforgrabs, proudlysupportedby BendigoBank It’sshapinguptobeayear ofcamaraderie, competition,and communitypride. Wewarmlyinvitemembers, families,andsupportersto joinusthroughoutthe seasonaswecelebrate100 yearsofbowlsinTongala.
As property values across Victoria continue to shift, now is the perfect time to get a current market opinion on your home.
TONNY TIMES
Kurt(left) inatypical scenario,running alongsidesupporters ofhiscause.
21 DAYS. 420KM.
justcompletedaremarkablefeatof endurance,communityspirit,and personalresolve running20 kilometreseverydayfor21 consecutivedays,raisingnearly $15,000forCancerCouncilVictoria andEchucaRegionalHealth’s CancerWellnessCentre
Whatbeganasa20-daychallenge quicklybecame21,thankstoa cheekytextfromafriend
“AboutthreeweeksafterIlaunched mycampaign,mylovelyfriendAndy Rogerstextedmeandsaid,‘Youdo knowit’s21days,yeah?’
“Thiswasnewstome,butwhat’s another20kminthegrandscheme ofthings?”
ForKurt,thiswasn’tjustabout kilometresorfundraisingtargets it wasdeeplypersonal.
$15,000 RAISED.
“I’velosttoomanypeopleinmylifeto cancer family,friends,workmates I wassickoffeelingliketherewas nothingIcoulddotohelp.Idon’thave themoneytofundresearchor supportpeoplethroughtheirjourney, butIcanrun Icanendureabitof pain SoIcameupwith20kmfor20 days,”hesaid
Thatpainwasreal.Beforethe challengeevenbegan,Kurtwas nursingasmalltearinhisrightquad Bydayseven,hisAchillestendonhad swollenpainfully
“Iwaslimping,butnothingabitof tapecouldn’tfix,”hesaidwithagrin Kurt’srunstookhimacrosstheregion. Weekdaysbeganat4:30amin
Tongala,oftensolointhedark “ApologiestomyneighboursifIwoke youupsomemornings,”hejoked. Weekendssawhimrunningin Shepparton,Kyabram,Murchisonto Rushworthontherailtrail,Girgarreto Stanhope,andfinallyEchuca Heonlyranalonethreetimes “AndyRogers,ScottyAnderson, ConnorTrewren,andquiteafew othershelpedmegetthrougha massivechunkoftheruns,”hesaid “Havingsomeonetotalktowhile runningisthebestthingwhenyougo intothedarknessofyourown thoughts” Tworunsstoodout.
ContinuedonPage2ofTTE
One man’s 420km mission
ContinuedFromPage1
“AndthefinalruninEchuca 30peoplerunningand ridingwithmetothefinish lineatERH’sCancer WellnessCentre,followed byabarbecue Icouldn’t haveaskedforabetter finish”
Kurt’sconnectionto Tongalarunsdeep.
“MyTongala-famousNan, NancyPerkins,knownforher deliciousspongecake,has livedhereforaround40 years,”hesaysproudly.
Thoughnowaseasoned runner hislongestrunto dateisastaggering109km itwasn’talwaysthatway “I’vebeenrunningforabout fouryears Beforethat,I didn’tgetit.Iremember saying,‘Idon’tunderstand whypeoplerun.’Igetit now”
Kurtcreditsmuchofhis successtothepeople aroundhim
“Mywifeisthemost supportivepersonin everythingIdo.WhenIpitch theseideas,shedoesn’tsay, ‘Whatifyoucan’tdoit?’or ‘Whatifyougethurt?’She’s justonboard Icouldn’t
havedoneanyofthis withouther”
Healsoacknowledgesthe behind-the-scenesheroes.
“TomandRachelfromRIOT Gymwereamassivehelp withorganising,andAndy Rogerswasinstrumental
Withoutthem,I’mnotsure thiswould’vegoneaswell asitdid.”
Kurt’sworkplace,Kagome, alsoplayedakeyrole.
“Theywereincredible lettingmestartlateand beingsupportive
throughoutthewhole journey”
Sofar,Kurthasraised $14,800,whichhe’llsplit equallybetweenCancer CouncilVictoriaandERH’s CancerWellnessCentre “Toraisesomuchforthese twoincrediblecharitiesis somethingI’mveryproud of,”hesays.“Thefeedback fromthecommunityhas beenoverwhelming I’ve neverfeltwhatit’sliketo havesomanypeopleget behindme.That’swhat communityisallabout.”
Thiswon’tbethelasttime Kurtlacesupforacause “I candefinitelysaythiswon’t bethelastendurance challengeorfundraising event.I’vegotmoreinme.” Hisadviceforothers consideringaphysical challengeforacause?
“Alwaysremember these thingsaren’tmeanttobe easy Itwillgethard Youwill beinpain.You’llquestion whyyou’redoingit.But rememberwhatmadeyou start thatwillgetyou acrossthefinishline”
AndforKurt,thatfinishlineis justthebeginning
Kurtsurroundedbythose whotookpartinhisfinalrun, whichendedattheERH.
Kurt(left)withhissupportteamandthecrewfromBurnt ButterinKyabram.
Kurtandclosefriend,TomJenkinsfromRIOTgym inKyabram,whowasamongthemanypeople whosupportedhimontherun.
Helping you and your loved ones live tably at home for longer etoprovidethesupportyouneed soyoucan ivingindependently,whereyoufeelmostat ecalltoWarramundaCommunityCarecan verything!
StayatHomeLongerwithtailoredIn-HomeSupport OurservicesaredesignedtomakeWarramunda communitycarepackagesmoreaccessible,withsimple solutions,reliableservice,andflexibledeliverytailoredto yourneeds Don’tstressaboutwheretobegin,JUSTCALL!
Win a Cup Day Experience
Flemingtonisn’ttheonly placetobeonMelbourne CupDay theEchuca RacingClubwillbe celebratinginstyle,andone luckyTonnyTimesreader canjointheactionforfree We’regivingawaya10personumbrellapackage valuedat$450
Theprizeincludesentryto theMoamaBowlingClub MelbourneCupDay meetingonTuesday, November4,plusan umbrellawithtableand chairsonthelawn the perfecttracksidebasefor youandyourfriends. Toenter,simplyemailyour nameandcontactnumber totongala@tongalatimes comauwiththewords MelbourneCupDay
Ifyoumissout,don’tworry ticketsarestillavailable Generaladmissionis$25,or youcanstepuptothe Rhythm&ReinsMarquee, whichincludesadmission, lunchanda4½-hour beveragepackage,withlive musicfromJadeCamden Arangeofumbrella packagesarealso available.
Freeshuttlebuseswillrun from1030am,withpick-ups inEchuca(oppositethe EchucaHotelandatthe CaledonianHotel)and Moama(BorderInnand MoamaBowlingClub).
Formoreinformation call54822487orvisit country.racing.com/ echuca
MONDAY20 OCT MONDAYRACING TH
Good luck Tonny Blues
ThreeTongalanetball teamsheadintothis weekend’sMurrayLeague grandfinalswithunbeaten records
TheB-grade,C-gradeand C-Reservesideshavewon all54oftheirmatchesthis seasonandcruised throughtheiropening finals.
C-gradeposteda30-goal winoverCongupna,BgradeovercameEchuca Unitedby11,andC-Reserve advancedwitha23-goal victoryagainstRumbalara. Thejuniorsalsoimpressed TheUnder-13sprogressed fromfourthspotwitha27–18winoverCobramand laterheldtheirnervetowin athrillerbyonegoal, reachingthepreliminary final TheUnder-15s claimedathree-goal victoryagainstEchuca Unitedbeforebowingout toRumbalara,whilethe
Under-17sdefeated Cobramby10andthen DeniliquinRamsbytwoto stayalive.
A-gradehasbeenthestory ofthefinals Afterfinishing fifthwitha10–8record, Tongalaupsethigherrankedopponentsin consecutiveweeks,edging Moama54–52andthen defeatingMulwalabyfour toearnapreliminaryfinal berth
Grandfinaldayschedule: 10:45am–C-grade 12:00pm–B-gradeand C-Reserve TeamHighlights
C-grade:Four80+goal gamesthisyear;closest marginconcededwas11 goals.
C-Reserve:Onlyone opponentfinishedwithin 10goals;threewinsby 49goals;back-to-back 60-goalperformances mid-season
B-grade:Twicescored 70+;59-goalwinin Round2;onlyEchuca United(Round1)and Mulwala(Round18)got within10goals
Agrade:Began3–6but finishedwithsevenwins innine;eliminatedthe 3rdand4thplaced teamsinfinals.
It’salreadybeenaseason torememberforTongala netball,withachanceto crownitingrandfinalglory thisweekend.
TEAMSINTOBIGDANCE: Withfinalsinfullswing,our B-grade,C-GradeandCResgirlsarecharginginto thebigdancewithgrit, unity,andbelief. Thesegrouphavebattled hard,liftedeachother,and nevertakenabackward step
Astheygearupforthe grandfinal,here’salookat
Back on air: 1260 AM revived
ManyTongalapeoplewill remembertheglorydaysofthe 12603SRradiostation.
Thefrequencywasoncethehome oflocalsport,withfamiliarnames likeHussey,Casey,Esson,Cranage, McCarthyandLudlowbringing listenersallthedetailsofTongala football’sback-to-back premiershipsuccessintheearly 1980s.
Whilethosevoicesarenolongeron air,there’sanewplayeronthe block theSENSportNetwork,now broadcastingontheformer1260 3SRfrequency Well-knownsportspodcasterand footballcallerJackBrophyistaking thelead,joinedbyanumberof contributors
JackishostingTheRunHomeand describedhisappointmentas“a privilegetohighlighttheamazing peopleandorganisationsthatmake ourcommunitysovibrantand engaged”
TheRunHomewithJackBrophycan beheardon-air(AM1260)andvia theSENapp
Besuretotuneinat4pmon
WednesdaysfortheRunHome Rewindsegment,whichtakesalook backatsportinghighlightsofthe past includingTongala’sback-tobackpremiershipsof1983–84
Ifyouhavetroubletuningin,enlist someonetodownloadtheSENapp onyourphoneortablet thenyou canlistenanytime,orcatchthelive feed
Still working hard
Aftermore thantwo decades ofservice toregional Victoria, PeterWalsh hasannounced hewillstepdown asleaderofTheNationalsand deputyleaderoftheCoalition Hehasalsoconfirmedhewillnot contesthisseatatthe2026 election
MrWalshfirstenteredParliament in2002,winningtheseatofSwan Hillbeforemovingtothenewseat ofMurrayPlainsfollowinga redistributionin2014. Beforepolitics,heranoneofthe state’slargesttomato-growing operationsaspartofasuccessful horticultureandcropping enterprise,andalsoheld leadershiprolesaspresidentof theVFF,adirectoroftheNational Farmers’Federation,anda directorofSPCLimited BornandraisedinBoort,Mr Walsh’sfarmingbackground
shapedhislong-standingfocuson agriculturalandwaterpolicy
HewentontoserveasVictoria’s MinisterforAgricultureandMinister forWater,andbecameleaderof theVictorianNationalsin2014. Oneofhismostsignificant challengeswasthedevelopment oftheMurray-DarlingBasinPlan Hesaidhefoughthardtoensure Victorianirrigators’rightswere fairlybalancedwithenvironmental needs,buthassincevoiced“grave concerns”aboutthedirectionof theplanundercurrent governments
Reflectingonhiscareer,MrWalsh said:“Ithasbeenmyprivilegeto servethepeopleoftwoelectorates inregionalVictoria,andthestate morebroadly TohaveledThe Nationalsfor10yearsandhelped returnthepartytoprominenceis somethingIlookonwithprideand satisfaction”
Healsothankedthecommunities ofSwanHillandMurrayPlainsfor theirongoingsupport,and pledgedtocontinueworkinghard forthemuntilthe2026election
Regional Round UP
Rushworth
3RWRadioisthenewcommunityradio stationforRushworth,broadcastingon 87.6FM.
Itfeaturesamixofclassichitsfromthe ’50s,’60sand’70s,alongwithlocal news,events,andcommunity updates
Thestationaimstoconnectwiththe Rushworthcommunityandprovide vitalinformationwithouttheneedfora smartphoneorinternetconnection Youcanalsolistento3RWonlineat 3rwcomauorviatheTuneInapp(3RW FM,876FM)
Stanhope
Stanhope’sjuniorsfoughthardinthe finals,withthe13s,15sand17sall bowingoutinclosegames,whiletheC gradenetballsidealsofellshort. Thereservesweretheonlyfootball teamtoqualify,featuringJackand AlecYoung,alongwithRyanCooper, sonofformerBluesstarPhil Keepan eyeoutfortheROARhistory publication,celebrating20+ premiershipssince1995.
Girgarre
Girgarre’sA-gradenetballersareback inthegrandfinal,defendinglastyear’s titleagainstSheppartonEast
TheKangaroosalsoreachedtheCgrade,B-grade,13&Underand17& Underfinals,highlightinganother strongseason
FamiliarRushworthnamesinthe prelimincludedLillyWaasdorp, MikaelaHansonandcoachSheree Starling
Kyabram
Kyabramwillfeatureinboththesenior andreservesGVLfootballgrandfinals onSeptember21,withbothteams takingthedirectpathtothebigstage Tongalafanswillfindplentyoflocal interestinthematch-ups,coveredin thisedition’sFitzBitzcolumn.
Echuca
EchucahoststheTwoTypesFestival (CountryandWestern)onSeptember 26atthescenicCapeHornVineyard Withplentyofcountrymusicfansin Tongala,expectstronglocalsupport forthisriversideevent
Home town memories
Bullingham,Slade, ElboroughandMcGowan areallveryfamiliarnames tolong-timeTongala residents
Whilethesefamilieshave movedawayfromthetown, theyhaven’tgonetoofar andnowformwhatthe managementat WarramundaVillage affectionatelycall“Little Tongala” BronTomsandMegSlad liveintheWarramunda IndependentLivingUnits andhaverecentlyfeatu intheResidentialAgedC newsletter,Waggles RuthMcGowanandNan Elboroughareresidents havealsobeenpromine intheWarramunda community.
ThenthereisLeoConna areveredTongala communitymember, farmer,footballer,and fatherofsuccessful businessmen(and sportsmen)Gavinand Dave.
BorninEchucaandraisedin Tongala,BronToms(née Bullingham)wastheeldest ofsixinoneofTongala’s “royalfamilies,”aslocals fondlydescribethelongestablisheddairyclan. Herfatherfarmeddairy cowsonHendersonRd,just pastGrahamRd,onland purchasedfromBron’s grandfather,Jack Bullingham.
Hersiblingsinclude Margaret(Moama),Deryl (whosadlypassedawayin 2019afterlivingin Townsville),andRobert, Denise,andNerida,allnow basedinBendigo.
Bron’sconnectionto
Tongalarunsnotonly throughfamilybutalso throughhistory her Sundayschoolteacher, JuneStewart,oncelivedin theveryunitBronnowcalls home.
MegSlade’smoveto Tongala,afterhermarriage toPeterSlade,wasaculture shockforthecitygirl,but sheembracedcountrylife eventuallybeingcalleda localforthefirsttime22 yearslater PeterworkedatSlade BrothersGarage,thecurved buildingonthecornerof ManganStandHenderson Rd,builtbyhisfatherKeith anduncle.
Helaterbecamewellknown forhisschoolbusruns, drivingfor45yearswithhis firstbusnamedMiss MargaretafterMeg. Theyarenottheonly
Tongalaconnectionsat Warramunda Chief ExecutiveOfficerJohnClark, a1980sTongala premiershipplayer,has oftenjokedthatheis “movingTongalato Kyabramonepersonata time”
Asifthepresenceofthese fourwonderfulladieswasn’t enough,agroupknownas theWarramundaFirstXVIII gathersmonthlyatThe SwitchCafé,Warramunda’s owncoffeeshop Facesaroundtheoutdoor tablesincludeMickLovison, DesCampbell,MickSouter, BarryNexhip,Garry McConnell,GaryReidell, PeterRyan,SteveVickand others ThereisalsoStuart Burt,CapitalProjects ManageratWarramunda, whoisleadingamajor developmenttoexpandthe
villagefrom82bedsto130 throughextensive renovations
CelebratedTongalaartist andlong-timecommunity leaderMurrayRosshas becomearegularat Warramunda,conducting monthlyartsessionswith residents
Hehasevenbeen commissionedtocreate specialartworkstoadorn thewalls,includinga movingtributetoCEOJohn Clark’smother,Judy AwidelyadmiredTongala figure,JudyClarkhelped bringcountlesslocalsinto theworldduringheryears asamidwifeatKyabram Hospital
Sherecentlycelebratedher 90thbirthday andMurray capturedherinhisown inimitablestyleinthe portraitabove.
Judy Clark
Bron Toms
Meg Slade
WarramundaFirstXVIII
