Treatsforall Treatsforall
KJ,Karli,Sarah,andVanessa—joinedby theiradorablesidekicksVanandSydie— werejustafewofthefabulousvolunteers attheTPSPNFBakeSale,servingupa delightfulspreadofhomemadetreatsat theEasterEggHuntonApril3. �� MorepicturesonPages4&5
We’rethrilledtowelcomethecaptainoftheTongala BluesasaregularcolumnistforTonnyTimes!Inthis exclusivemonthlycolumn,he’lltakeusbehindthe scenesoftheclub,highlightlocaltalent,share matchreflections,andgivereadersafewlaughs alongtheway
MoreonPages36&37
MONDAY MONDAY MAY12 MAY12 TUESDAY TUESDAY MAY13 MAY13 WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY MAY14 MAY14
Newhubforourtown
TheTongalaDevelopment Group(TDG)isproudto launchVisitTongala a vibrantnewwebsitethat bringstogethereverything thatmakesourtownso special.
Whetheryou’reaproud localoracuriousvisitor,Visit Tongalaisyourgo-to destinationfordiscovering what’shappeninginand aroundouramazing community.
Whywebuiltit
Tongalaisburstingwith charm fromitsfriendly facesandrichhistorytoits eye-catchingstreetartand buzzinglocalevents
WecreatedVisitTongalato serveasacentralhub wherelocalsandvisitors alikecaneasilyfindup-todateinformationonevents, attractions,local businesses,andcommunity groups
It’sallaboutcelebratingour town,strengthening communityconnections, andencouragingvisitorsto explore,enjoy,andsupport allthatTongalahastooffer Whatyou’llfind
�� EventsCalendar–Stay intheloopwithcommunity events,festivals,andgettogethers
�� StreetArt&Attractions–Discoverourworld-class muralsandhiddengems.
�� WarMemorials&Local History–DiveintoTongala’s proudmilitaryheritage
�� BusinessDirectory–Shoplocalwithease find cafés,services,stores,and more.
�� CommunityNews–Catchuponthelatest
updatesandstoriesfrom aroundtown.
�� LocalSports&Clubs–Getinvolvedorshowyour supportforfooty,netball, bowls,andmore
�� VisitorInfo–Planyour tripwithhandydetailson wheretostay,eat,and explore
StartExploring!
Checkitoutnowat visittongala.com.auand startexploringallthe wonderfulthingshappening inourtown.
Whetheryou’velivedhere foreveroryou’rejust stoppingby,VisitTongalais yournewgo-toguidefor discoveringtheheartand soulofTonny.
Forsuggestionsor contributions,emailusat tongaladevelopmentgroup @gmailcomorsendusa messageviaourFacebook page.
Let’skeepmakingTongalaa fantasticplacetolive,work, andvisit
BUNNY LOVE
��
��
Tongalawasburstingwith EastercheeronApril3,as nearly100excitedchildren joinedinthemuchanticipatedEasterEggHunt! Laughterandhappychatter filledtheairasfamilies cametogetherforan afternoonoffunand celebration. TheEasterBunnymadea surpriseappearance, delightingchildren(anda fewgrown-ups!)who snappedphotoswiththe much-lovedguest Withbasketsinhand manydecoratedwith stickersandcolourful stamps kidsdashedoffin searchofhiddenchocolate treasures HostedbytheTongala
DevelopmentGroupand proudlysupportedby CommunityBankTongala Mathoura,theeventwasa joyfulsuccess.
Thefestivemoodwaslifted evenhigherwithlivemusic fromTimRichards,setting thetoneforafun-filled afternoon.
Buttheegghuntwasjust thebeginning!
TongalaPrimarySchool ranacakestall;and StPatrick’sPrimary SchoolhostedanEaster biscuitdecorating station.
Thankyoutoeveryonewho helpedbringthedaytolife We’realreadycounting downtonextyear’seggcellentadventure
6.30am:Dawnserviceatthe parkbesidetheRSLroomsin ManganSt Thisyearduringthe Dawnservicewewillbehaving aVolleyfiresalute.(Thisisa gunfiresalute,whichwillbe quiteloud).Alightbreakfastwill beavailableafterthe ceremony 9.30am:Musterinreadinessfor ourmarchtotheTongalaShire Hall. 9.45am:Marchbegins 10.00amCommemorative ServiceintheTongalaShire Hall Alightluncheonisavailablein theRSLRoomsaftertheservice GoldCoindonation.
NationalRide2SchoolDay 2025washeldonFriday, March21,andTongala PrimarySchoolstudents gatheredatthepolice stationtowalk,ride,scoot,or skatetoschool,allintheaim ofpromotingactive transportandhealthyhabits
MeetMoses
MynameisMosesLamanu Iam21yearsold.Myhobbies arelisteningtomusicand goingtotown.
Ilikedrivingaroundthe countryside,sightseeing, andIloveseeingmountains andrivers
Iworkedinacafeteria
MondaytoFriday,andon weekendsIworkedatabar asawaiter Ourcustomers reallylikedmebecauseI usedtoservethemand entertainthembydancing around.
BackhomeIlovedplaying sports,andoneofthemwas volleyball Itwasreally enjoyablebecauseweused toplayvolleyballalongthe longblackbeachonthe coastline.
Ilivedinasmallvillagefar fromtown,andtherewere roughlyabout10families, whichmadeupourvillage Wedependedonthe garden,whichwecalled “slashandburn,”wherewe grewrootcropsfor consumption Wefishedin theseaforfoodaswell Ilovedgoingtothegarden withmyparentsandeven wentoutfishingwithmy dad.Lifeinthevillagewasso peacefulandsimple.We usedtolightalampatnight, andwewouldusefirewood tocookourfood Wedidn’t havetoworryabout electricityorwaterbills,as weusedournaturalrivers andwatertobatheand washourclothes
Iusuallywalkedtoschool everyday,throughthick junglesandacrossrivers. Sometimes,whenitwould rain,Iusedleavestoprotect mefromgettingwet The trackwasmuddy,andifI slippedorfell,Iwouldhave togobackbecausemy clotheswerewetand muddy Itwas5kmformeto walktoschool Schoolwould startat8:30am,andIwould havetoleavehomeat about6amtogettoschool ontime.Mumwould preparefoodat4am. IcametoAustraliatowork andearnmoneytohelpmy familybuildaniron-roofed houseandtopayschool feesformysiblingsback home.Furthermore,Iwantt saveuptoownabusiness whenmycontractfinishes IwassurprisedwhenIcame toAustralia Therearelotso thingscomparedtomy country
Therearelargecitieswith tallbuildings,trains,andbig buses Thefoodhereis cheap Therearelarge farmswithlotsofanimals Myfutureplanistoworkand savemoneytohavemy ownbusinessinmycountry. Iwanttoownacafeteria andasalon Itwouldbevery cheapandthebest businessintown very friendlyandaffordable Iwill recruitmyfriendsandfamily memberstoworkinmy business,sotheycanhelp themselvestoo
OPEN: Mon-Wed 7.30am-8pm Thur-Sat 7 30am-8pm Sun: 8am-2 30pm
Craving fresh, tasty, and classic takeaway? Tonny Takeaway has all your favourites – from hearty burgers to crispy fried chicken, wraps made fresh to order, and all the fried classics you love! Visit us today and taste the best in town!
Whatawonderful communitywe belongto
Ourrecentfundraiserwas, onceagain,wrappedinthe generoussupportofthis amazingcommunity and forthat,wearetruly grateful.
OurEasterrafflewillbe drawnonApril16,andwe’re excitedtodeliverabasket ofchocolateyjoytothree luckywinners!
Thankyoutoeveryonewho gotinvolved.
SittingoutsidetheTonny Bakeryhasbecomeasocial eventinitself tdoesn’tmatterwhether
weknowyouornot there’salwaysafriendly chat,alaugh,orashared story
Imaginethathappeningin aMelbournesuburb?
It’sareminderofhow specialandsupportiveour communityreallyis,and somethingwecanallbe thankfulfor OurTongalaPrimarySchool studentshavealsobeen
busytendingtotheirlittle marketgardenouttheback andtheresultsarereally startingtoshow Welldonetoallthegreen thumbs
Withschoolholidaysnow uponus,wewishstudents andteachersarestfuland enjoyablebreak.We’llbe gladtoseeallthosebright youngfaceswhenschool resumes
Andforanyoneoutthere lookingforcompanyanda warmmeal,don’tforget you’realwayswelcomeat theSenior’sRoomsat14 CavellSt,everyWednesday from11am Comeforlunch, stayforBingo,andenjoythe companyofalovelybunch oflocals.HappyEasterfrom allofusat14CavellSt –JoyChalmers, TonnySeniors
Formerpostmasterreturns
Tongalahasahabitof drawingpeoplewhoonce livedherebackforavisit, andthatwasmostdefinitely thecasewithMalcolm Studd NoelLloyd,awell-known andlong-timeTongala resident,renewed acquaintanceswiththe93year-oldwhenhewashere withagrouptoviewthe muralsaroundtown
NoelfirstmetMalcolm,who wasonthetowntour,when hecamefromKyabram PostOfficetorelieveas postmasterin1967–68 Theyreconnectedonlya weekorsoagowhile Malcolmwasbackonhis oldstompingground. Malcolmplayedalotof tennisinKyabramandwas
keentohaveaphotoin frontofthemuralatthe tenniscourtshehadplayed onmanytimes SomeTongalaresidentswill rememberhim in particular,PhilDenham. Thesprightlygentleman
CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE
enjoyedhistripbackto Tongala,whichhesaid remindedhimofhis youngerdays Hewaspartofagroupfrom TourLocal,oneofthe companiesthatregularly visitsTongalaandwason
itsthirdvisittothetown.In all,therewere24peopleon thearttourthroughoutour region
Anothergreatrecent interactioninthetownwas betweenstreetartistsand Lionsmembers,whomet overameal,hadanart demonstration,andshared abarbecueinwhatturned outtobeatightschedule Afewoftheseartists checkedoutourfamousop shopandwerevery impressedwithourtown andcommunity Anarttouroperatorfrom Scotland,whowaspartof thegroupwithhisAussie son,wasespecially impressedwithourart. TourLocalissettoreturnto Tongalainmid-May TONGALA&DISTRICTCOMMUNITY EMERGENCYRESPONSETEAMINC
We’vemovedourmeetings toWednesdaynightsand areexcitedtohave welcomedsomenew members
It’swonderfultoseethegirls enjoyingtheirtimeat Guides.
Duringthisterm,we’ve madepancakesfor PancakeTuesday,painted pots,andevenmadeice creaminabag!
We’vealsostarted practicingflagcarryingand marchinginpreparationfor AnzacDay,aswellas supportingournewest memberasshegetsready tomakeherPromise Wehopeyouallhavea wonderfulEasterbreak,and we’llbebackon Wednesday,April23rd
ValeFaye Wild
WeknewFayeabout40 yearsasafriend,a teacherandawonderful lady Fayewasalwaysthere foranyonewhoneeded achatoralittlebitof help.
Guidingisforyou,come alongtoameeting
Wednesdaynightsfrom 5:30pmto7pm We’dloveto seeyouthere!
Herkindnesswas renowned.Shewas thereforeveryoneand youfeltbetteraftera nicechatwithFaye Thankyoutoourlovely friend,restinpeace Faye.
—PerkinFamily
TheTongalaLionsClub collectsused prescriptionglasses, whichvolunteers clean,sort,and prepareforvision screenings
Theseglassesarethen providedfreeof chargetochildrenand adultsinneed. One-hundredpercent ofdonationssupport charitablecauses Dropoffyourglasses atTongalaPharmacy
Ifyou’dliketofindoutif
Foranyqueries,phoneMel on0409804091orvisitthe GirlGuidesVictoriawebsite toJoinNow—GirlGuides Victoria.
Turntopages18-20 forourspecial tributetoFayeWild. B E F O R E A F T E R
Formore information,phone JudyJoneson0418 173087.
TCACisofferingaplaceforcommunity memberstocatchup,haveachat,meetnew people,andenjoymorningtea.
Thursday,April17,&Thursday,May1, 10am-11.30am
Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast
Thursday, April19@ 8am
Let’s catch up Let’s catch up
2pm-4pmWednesdays
Thisisanopportunitytorelaxandhaveachat withpeoplewhoarewillingtolisten Freerefreshmentsprovided
gala 268 585 c.au
Monday9am-3pm Tuesday9am-3pm Wednesday9am-3pm Thursday9am-3pm Friday9am–12pm OpeningHours OpeningHours
Tuesdays
9.30amto10.30am $10persession
TONGALA COMMUNITYCAR
Thecommunitycarisavailableto anyonelivingintheTongalaarea whoneedstransporttoattend medicalappointments WetransporttoKyabram,Echuca, BendigoandShepparton BOOKINGSINADVANCEPLEASE Asthisserviceisrunbyvolunteers Phone(03)58591268
ROOM& OFFICEHIRE
Needaspaceforyournextmeeting? Wehavespacestosuitgroups, meetings,training,classesandmore. PLEASEcallreceptionandmakea bookingon(03)58591268
Getreadyforanightof laughter,nostalgia,and localprideasacclaimed comedianDamianCallinan bringshishitshowHall StoriestoTongala. OnFriday,May30,at 6.30pm,theTongalaShire Hallwillbebuzzingwith energyasCallinan’ssharp wit,heartfeltstorytelling, anduncannycharacter portrayalstakecentre stage Frombakesalestoschool concerts,townhallshave longbeentheheartof countrylife.
HallStoriescelebratesthese belovedspaces along withthetraditions, charactersandquirksthat makethemunique More thanjustaperformance,
Callinanimmerseshimself ineachcommunityto createashowthat’stailormadeforthetownitvisits makingTongala’snight extraspecial.
Callinanhastoured extensivelyacrossregional Australia,capturingitsspirit withhumourandheart His abilitytotransformlocal storiesintolaugh-out-loud momentsleavesaudiences institches andoftena littlemisty-eyed
Ticketsare available online-scan theQRcode now-oryou canpurchase ticketsattheTongalaPost Office.
Renting storage with 20-feet shipping containers that are Grade B water tight, vermin proof and lockable. I have a full security fence surrounding the perimeter, lock-up gates with 12/7 access (light depending) with key lock box system entry and security cameras running 24/7.
Caravan, Car and Boat storage inside the shed is $30 a week - but is FULL at present.
Caravan, Car and Boat storage outside is $20 a week with many spots available.
Container hire/storage is $30 a week I am also doing 20-feet container storage outside the shed that a personally owned at $20 a week.
CONTACT: Mitchell Kelsey on (03) 5859 0939 (home), 0439 367 381 (mobile) or email mjkelsey@tpg.com.au
1 GREINER COURT, TONGALA, 3621
Lifeofheart,humour,
ValeElizabethFayeWild August18,1954–February24,2025
Faye,thefirstchildofChris andJeanEllis(née McCracken),wasbornin Nathaliain1954.Shewas theoldersisterofHelen, BarbaraandNeil,andis survivedbyherfamily membersSherryn,Corey, Christopher,and grandchildrenRubiand Ollie.
“Asateenager,Faye excelledatsport,especially swimming,athleticsand hockey,andhadanatural earformusicandthepiano Shelovedfolkmusicand taughtherselftheguitar. Fayecompletedhighschool andaprimaryteaching diplomaatToorak,andafter afewyearsteachingin Melbourne,sheappliedfor positionsintheTongala area.
“WhileinTongala,Fayemet andmarriedMervynWild Themarriagedidnotlast, butFayestilltreasuredan amiablerelationshipwith Mervandalastingbond withthechildren Sherryn, CoreyandChris whom sheadored”–Helen
fromnextdoor?!’
“CoreyandImetFayewhen shestartedatTongala ConsolidatedSchool(asit wasknownbackthen).I wasinGrade2andCorey wasinPrep Fayelived acrosstheroadandone day,leftanoteattheback doorsayingwhoshewas, andthatshe’dtakenthe ladderleaningagainstthe shed,promisingtobringit backlater Wewerethinking, ‘Whoisthiscrazyteacher
“Manyyearslater,Faye coachedCorey’sunder-12s footballteamtoaGrand Final sounheardofback thenforafemalecoach butshetookitinherstride andwasanabsolutegem!
“Shealsocoachedmy hockeyteaminKyabram. Fayelovedbeingpartofthe communityand volunteeredinvariousroles Whetheritwasalongside DadatApex,SES,Fire Brigade,orTonnyLittle Theatre writing,directing andproducingtheshows alongsideothervery talentedmenandwomen inTongala”–Sherryn
“Fayewasareallybright starwithuniqueideas.A verytalentedscriptwriter whoalsohadanexcellent stagepresence Sheworked hardbehindthescenesto keepTonnyLittleTheatre goingthroughallofits transitions.Fayewasa mentortomanyandwas knowntobeacalming influence,especiallywhen mustering‘tweenagers’in theirtimesofangst As wardrobemistressand stageartist,Fayeexcelledat creatingmasterpiecesfrom herunlimitedimagination andsharingthevisionso otherscouldalsoshine “Revue-styleshowswere
Faye’sforte ‘TheWar Years’,‘150YearsofVictoria’, ‘DeakinShire’sInaugural CouncilMeeting’werejust someoftheprojectsFaye helpedcreate,alongwith DarrylBrookes.Darrylwould havethesparkof inspiration,andFayewould fleshitouttobringanentire themetolife!
“Weneverunderestimated Faye stillwatersrundeep, especiallyduringthe creativeprocess”–Marg
“Wewereperformingin‘A KnighttoRemember’asthe ‘ThreeNonnys’andFaye wasalsodoublingupasa coupleofothercharacters, whichledtosome extremelyquickcostume changesbackstageand entrancesfromvarious pointsinthewings. Weweretoglidegracefully onstagesinging‘Hey! Nonny!Nonny!’several timesduringtheshow, whenononeoccasion,we realisedthethreehad becometwo Fayewason theoppositeside,andher entrancewouldberather spectacularinatotally unscriptedway “MargandIwerebeside ourselveswithlaughter Thankgoodnesstheshow wasaninteractivecomedy, asFayestolenotonlythe scenebutmostoftheshow asshetransformedher characterintoaserenely smiling,somewhatvague, singingminstrel andthe showwenton!Fayewas neverwithoutasmileand fabulouscreativeideas She wasarealcharacter!” –LindaandMichelle
FayeintheTongalaPrimarySchoolopshopchic fashionparade.
andhumanity
“PortandPianonightswere amazingatFaye’s, especiallyafterOpeningor ClosingNightofourTonny LittleTheatreevents Many’s thetimewewouldgather aroundthepianoandsing everysongweknew and thensome onlytobe amazedbythespectacular sunrisewhenitwastimeto depart!
“TimeflewinFaye’s presence;reallybadjokes wouldbelaudedwithgales oflaughter,andyetanother songbookwouldbe regardedasachallenge worthconquering “Faye’sstageanticswere legendary onceshewas castasawizardandhadto makeasurpriseentrance Fayefooledallthecastby gettingustocarryheron stageinawickerbasketfor themarketscene(the basketwassupposedtobe utilisedbythesnake charmerandonlycontaina rubbersnake!)
“HowFayemanagedto contortherselfintosucha tinyspaceandextract herselfatthecorrect momentisafeatof stagecraftsupremacy.We willmissherdeeply.”–Neil andStuart
“IfirstmetFayeatTongala LittleTheatre,andwe clickedalmostinstantly Bothofusalsohadsonsat TongalaKindergartenand astheygrew,sodidour friendship
“Ourquirkysenseofhumour andsharedtheatrical interests includingwriting andbrainstormingideas meantFayebecamemy soundingboardforthe manyCriesIwrotewhenI becameTownCrierin1994 “PeterandIknewourthree childrenwereinverysafe handswhenFayebecame aFamilyDayCarer.Notonly didtheythoroughlyenjoy theirtimeatFaye’s,butthey alsolearntmanyamazing
skillswhilstwewereatwork “Itwasnotunusualtobe regaledwithstoriesofhow theyhadtosetupshop, takelunchorders,prepare dishesand‘sell’themto eachotherusingmonopoly money ortoseephotosof theirperformingartsacts, alongwithrequestsof ‘whencanwegobackto Faye’s?’attheendofthe day.
“FayelovedTheGoonShow, TheTwoRonnies,PeterCook andDudleyMoore,Spike Milligan andshe introducedmetothemustwatchNewYear’sEve annualpresentationof “DinnerforOne” “Manywerethehourswe’d spenddiscussingthe world’swoes onlytoend upinlaughter,emulating charactersfrom‘Allo!‘Allo!’ “Faye’screativityreally shonewhenagrantwas obtainedaspartof Victoria’s150Years celebrations
FayeandChris,busyinthe garden.
“Shehadanideafora lanternparadefeaturing thecreaturesoftheMurray River,andsheengaged everystudentandfamily friendsheknewtobringthe ideatolife.Itwas spectacular “Theparadeoccurredon onlytwooccasions once inthePortofEchuca,and againinTongalain2005 duringtheWorldInvitational TownCrierTournament. Internationalvisitorsstill talkabouthowspecialit was andhowtalented Fayewastomakeit happen,entirelywith volunteerstudentsand friends.”–Judy
ContinuedonPage20
Manyhavesharedhow Faye’sinfluencechanged thedirectiontheirliveswere takingwhentheywere younger Ifitweren’tforFaye,they don’tknowwherethey wouldbenow.Her approachtolifewasa beaconofhopeand understandingformany BeingawardedTongala CitizenoftheYearduring AustraliaDaycelebrations wasawell-deserved honour.
Faye’scommunity involvementwasexemplary, andshededicatedmany hourstoensuringevents ransmoothly.
Therewasnodenyingthe factsataFayeTriviaNight herresearchwasalways spoton Asateacher,Fayetaughtat manyschoolsacrossthe district Tongala,Girgarre,
Dhurringile,Undera,Echuca 208,EchucaSouthPrimary, HaslemStreet,Kyabram,St Patrick’s,StAugustine’s,and StJoseph’s tonamejusta few.
“Irememberourhouse alwaysbeingfulloffun,with loadsofkidstocreate adventures
“Thecartripstofooty,where Mumwouldpackhertrusty
thermosfullofhotblack coffee,packetsofcurried eggsangas,smokes,picnic rug,chair,andshe’dwear herleggings,fingerless glovesandlongblack trenchcoat towatchme andmymatesplayfor Girgarreinallsortsof weather.
“Ononememorable occasion,Iwas(inMum’s
opinion)unfairlytackledby ablokethreetimesmysize.
Mum’svoicewasheard acrosstheoval ‘Don’tyou breakmyboy!’ “Itwassoveryfunny but thatwasmyMUM.Shewill alwaysbelovedand missedbyusall,and especiallybyhergrandchildrenRubiandOllie
“Thankyou,everyone,for yoursinceremessagesand condolencesonthepassing ofourbelovedFaye.Wewill letyouknowwhenthetime isrightfortheCelebrationof Faye,becauseeventhough shewantedtoleavewithout fussorfanfare,thereare hundredsofstoriestoshare andFayeleftherindelible touchonusall” –ChrisWildandfamily
CompiledbyJudy CampbellCelebrant, OfficiatingLifeJourneys
FayewithSherryn,CoreyandChristopher.
HonouringourWWIIheroes
WithAnzacDayfast approaching,wereflecton asignificantpieceoflocal history,asreportedinthe KyabramFreePresson Wednesday,24March1948
Tongala’sWWIIPlaque AttheMarch1948meeting oftheTongalaMemorial HospitalCommittee, PresidentMr L Slade presidedoverawellattendedgathering Oneof thekeyitemsdiscussedwas theerectionofatabletat thehospitalto commemoratethosewho paidthesupremesacrifice duringtheSecondWorld War
Theannouncementofa £500governmentgrantto thehospitalwasmetwith appreciationand enthusiasmbythe committeemembers
Representativesappointed tothecommitteeincluded: MesdamesJohnsonand Gallop(TongalaRed Cross)
MessrsA RaggattandG Hoatson(TongalaRSL) Themeetingalso acknowledgedseveral
generousdonationstothe hospital,including:
Mrs Sheepway–Vegetables
Mr Nurse–Fruit
Mrs Purdey–Tomatoes
Mr.Carr–Fruit PresbyterianChurch HarvestThanksgiving–Fruit&Vegetables ChurchofEngland, Stanhope
Mrs Charlton–Flowers
W.H.Miller–Ducks
TheWWIIplaquewaslater installedatthefrontofthe TongalaMemorialHospital, placedbesidetheexisting WWImemorialplaque
The Tongala Lions Club
Collection of failed vehicle batteries to raise funds for the local community. Can be dropped off at GTS.
Today,theplaquesproudly resideonthefrontwallof theTongalaRSL building,a lastingtributetothosewho servedandsacrificed
Aclippingoftheoriginal newspaperarticleisshown above
Storyanditemkindly providedbyBevWilliams
For any help required, please contact Ken Chapman on 5859 0324.
Blues Ball 2025
CHURCH SERVICES
StJamesAnglicanChurch Services:EveryTuesdayat 5pm.
Tuesday Movie “Ladies in Black” @ Tongala Library, 1.30pm
Tongala Bowls Club Presentation Dinner & 99th AGM @ bowls club, 6pm onwards
Neighbourhood House Week @ TCAC See Page 2 for details
“Once in a Blue Moon” @ Tongala Shire Hall 7pm Scan the QR CODE to access the full-colour, extended digital version of Tonny Times
HollycommunionwithRev: SimonRobinson(from Mooroopna) AllWelcome. Forinformationonservice times,phoneDonSlade (Warden)on0428503844 orDianeManganon 0427590282
StPatrick’sCatholicChurch PhonetheParishOfficeon (03)58521026
EmbraceChurch 80ManganSt,Tongala Morningservice:10am Servicesarealsolivestreamed. PhoneLynHopeon 0408821760
NorthernRiversUniting ChurchClusterTongala Service10am PhoneRayWakefieldon 0419933938. Servicesareavailableon ZoomeachSunday
Copydeadline: 7/05/25 Issuedate: 14/05/25
Email:tongalatimes@ tongala.vic.au
DIDWEMISSYOUR ADVERTTHISMONTH?
PleasecontactTCACon (03)58591268oremail tongalatimes@tongalavicau
DOYOUHAVEASTORYTO SHARE? Pleaseemail tongalatimes@tongalavicau
HIGHTEA
ASpecialEventtosharewithyourmum, family,friendsorjusttospoilyourself!
Friday,May9
10:30am
KyvalleyHall
Admission:$30 includesdelicious highteaandLuckyDoorTicket Afriendly,socialmorning.Goodfun.
Displays Raffles Luckydoorprizes Doorsopen10am AllWelcome Bookings,essentialforcatering purposes,arearebeingtakennow PHONE:0417303408tobookaseat,ora tableforyourgroup
ProudlyPresentedby:KyvalleySwimmingClubInc &CampaspeShireCouncil
NextDancewillbeheldon
Saturday,April26
7.30pm–11:30pm
Anyonelookingtotakeupdancing,asa newinterest,ismostwelcome,alongwith ourregulardancers Youarealsoinvited tocomealongforafriendlysocial evening,andsimplyenjoylisteningto populartunes,thatyouwillrecognise fromovertheyears Itwillbeatop eveningout,withyourfriends,ora chancetomeetnewones! GreatmusicfromKeithStockdale; delicioussupper,rafflesandluckydoor prizes.AllWelcome Enquiries:PhoneBevon 58521853/0417360687
Hall:534ScobieRdKyvalley HALLISAIR-CONDITIONED
Natshaveclearplan
Thefederalelectionhasbeen calledforSaturday,May3
Thisisacriticalelectionfor Australia’sfuture,wecan’tafford threemoreyearsoftheAlbanese government.
Groceries,energybills,rent,and mortgagerepaymentsare throughtheroof
Regionalcommunitieshavebeen leftbehindwithcutstofunding andinfrastructurespending. Laborhasthewrongprioritieswith wastefulandrecklessspending keepinginflationandinterest rateshigherforlonger It’stimetochangecourse TheNationalshaveaclearplanto fixthebasicsandgetAustralia BackonTrack:
Lowerinflationbycuttingred tapeandstoppingwasteful spending
ImmediateCost-Of-Living Reliefbyhalvingfuelexcisetax immediatelydeliveringa25c savingoneverylitreoffuel CheaperEnergythrough reliableandbalanced solutions includinggetting moregasintoourenergy systemquicklytobringdown prices
AffordableHomesbyinvesting ininfrastructuretoaccelerate landreleasesandstopping foreignbuyers
SaferCommunitieswithmore CCTVtosupportpoliceefforts andaplantobring communityleadersand stakeholderstogethertotackle localcrime
QualityHealthcareby investing$9billioninMedicare, reducingthecostofmedicines and$580Mforwomen’shealth StrongerRegionsbyrestoring ourfairshareoffunding StrongerEconomygivingsmall businessesa$30,000instant assetwrite-off,fundingmore apprenticesintrainingand clearingredtape Ihavebeenhonouredtobegiven theopportunitytorepresentthis amazingcommunityandoverthe comingweeksIwillbehumbly seekingyoursupporttocontinue thatwork,thereismuchmorewe canachieve
Iwillalsobelayingouthowthe Nationalswilldeliverforthe peopleofNicholls.
Fixingthefundamentalsisthe priority,butyoudon’tget anywherebystandingstillandI’ve beenfightinghardfor commitmentstopriorityprojects incommunitiesacrossmy electorate.
–SamBirrell, MemberforNicholls
EASTERBONNETPARADE
Therewasplentyoffunandsunshineforourlastdayofterm Welldoneto ouramazingYoungLeadersfororganisingthe yummynacholunch Wewisheveryonea
AGEDCAREVISIT
TongalaPrimarySchoolGrade2studentshadtheir firstvisittoRespectTongalaMemoriallastmonth.It wasgreattoseesomanysmilingfaces!Weare lookingforwardtomanymorevisits.
EarlierthismonthourGrade 5/6sputonashowcaseto celebratetheirinquiryunit andoneofthehighlights wasmakingtheirveryown t-shirt!Studentshadto thinkofallthethingsthat wereimportanttothemand madeuptheiridentity
LANDFILL PROBE
TheGrade1/2studentshave beenlearningaboutthe processoflandfillandthe impactithasonour environmentifnotmanaged properly Eachclasshavemade theirownminiaturelandfillsites andwilldigthemupatvarious timesovertheyearand observethebreakdown processandseehowaccurate theirpredictionshavebeen.
SomeofourGrade5/6sattended TeamTennisinEchucalastmonth. Afewwins,lossesanddraws,but attheendofthedaylotsoffun washad!
EASTERMAGIC
StPatrick’sPrimarySchoolstudentshadlotsoffun finishingoffprojectsandcreatingsomeEastermagic forourlastweekofterminart.
MINITREEHOUSES
OurGrade5/6studentshavedesignedandconstructedthese incredible“minitreehouses”fromrecycledobjectsandthings fromnature.They’vebeenworkinghardontheseformanyweeks withlotsofchallengesalongthewaybuttheyturnedout fantasticandstudentsshowedgreatpersistencewiththeproject.
OurMen’sShedgroupworkedontheirNailArt projectwithMrsGeeonApril1.
SUPERSEEDS
Earlierthismonth,studentshada greattimecelebratingalloftheir learningfromInquirythisterm. Studentsdesignedtheirownpot, decoratingitwithalltheirlearning fromthisterm.Theythenplanted flowerseedstotakehometoplantin theirowngardens.
Strumalong withTheJukes
Lookingforsomething fun,social,andalittle bitmusicaltobrighten upyourweek?
MeetTheJukes–a welcominggroupof ukuleleenthusiastswho provethatretirementisthe perfecttimetopickupa newhobbyandhavea wholelotoffundoingit!
Formedin2014andstill goingstrongafter celebratingtheir10-year anniversary,TheJukesare adiversecrewofplayers whogatherevery Wednesdayafternoon from1:30to4pmatthe SupperRoominthe GirgarreHall(thesecond hall)
fourthSaturdayofeach month,aswellasatthe legendaryGirgarreMoosic MustereveryJanuary. Somemembersalsojoin thewalk-upsattheFalcon HotelonthefirstSundayof themonth lookoutfor theirsignatureHawaiian shirts!
Forjust$3,youcanjointhe strumming,singing,and socialising
Beginnersaremorethan welcome justdon’t expectKumbayaon repeat
Thisgroupisallabout learning,growing,and havingablastwithsongs thatarebothchallenging andfun.Ifyou’rekeento expandyourmusical horizonsingoodcompany, thisistheplacetobe
TheJukesbeganaspartof Girgarre’sJigarreJammin’, andmanymembersstill enjoytakingpartonthe
Ourmemberscomefrom farandwide Gunbower toSeymourand everywhereinbetween sowhileperformances aren’tfrequent,they’re alwaysspecial. Lastyear,TheJukeswere proudtobepartofthe Junkestraperformanceat theGirgarreSoundshell, andwe’vegotthephototo proveit(above)
Whetheryou’rean experiencedplayerorhave neverheldaukulelebefore, weallstartedsomewhere andwe’dlovetohave youalong Sowhynotcomefora strum,alaugh,anda cuppa?Wepromiseyou’ll leavewithasmile.
Tongala quickto severti players wouldb takinga ourform theyha season
Blues
MitchG Scoble theKya beatEu theirse
The“oth (brothe disposa goals,p 50on12 laidfou nightin
Jack’s JackSin firstgam aftersp summe
Norther League
Hefinis disposa andha
Itwasaone-sidedaffair though,asTaturalostto Sheppartonby100-odd points
Lovolandsat
Lancaster
AdamLovisonwasbeston thegroundinLancaster’s openingroundwin a57pointresultagainsta Merrigumsidethatalso hadacoupleofformer Blues.
Lovoissettinganearly toneinhisnewroleasthe Wombats’assistantcoach, whileJamesRossdidwell forMerrigumandTom Cooperwasalsobackwith hisoldclub.
Flyin’Ryandoeshis thingoverseas
Forthosewhohaven’tbeen following,MakenzieRyan (pictured)hasspentthe last12monthsintheUnited Statesasapunterforthe UniversityofLouisiana Monroe
HehasgonefromaBlueto aWarhawkandfinished theseasonwithavery impressive58puntsfrom his12games. TheWarhawksstartedthe seasonwithfivewinsfrom theirfirstsixgamesbutlost thenextsixtomissouton theplayoffs.
Makenzie’sbiggestpuntof
theyearwasa59-yard effort,andhekickedfora totalof2276yardsforthe seasonasafreshman. Someoftheothers AnthonyDennisisatCalivil Unitedagain,Nick Jamiesonissuitingupwith Sorrentoforanother season,RileyBaconis lookingforanotherfinals campaignwithBrightin theOvensandKing League,whileRileyClarkeis playingwithWestPrestonLakesideintheNorthern FootballLeague Hudsonplayingat Echuca HudsonKellettkickedfour
goalsandwasamongthe bestplayersontheground forEchucainitsUnder-18 winontheweekend.
Unbeatenstart
JessieJohnstonehasbeen animportantpartofthe BendigoPioneers’ successfulstarttothenew CoatesTalentLeague season ThePioneerswon by10pointsagainstthe TasmaniaDevilsinround oneandbackedthatup withasix-pointroundtwo winagainsttheMurray Bushrangers Jessiewas amongthebestplayerson thegroundinthatround twogame
Onepointshort,but
Everykidhasthatdream aboutkickingthewinning goalafterthesiren,soyou havetofeelabitforMacca Cowleyafterhejustmissed hisshottogiveusan opening-roundwinagainst EchucaUnited.
InMacca’sdefence,hehad beenfantastic andless thanaminuteearlier,our bestandfairestfromlast year,AlexWilliams,alsojust missedashotthatwould havegivenusthelead. WhileI’lladmitit’snotthe bestwaytostarttheseason withaheart-wrenching one-pointloss therewere enoughpositivesignsto havemeexcitedabout what’sahead.
I’llbeusingthiscolumnto bringabitofbehind-thescenesinfotoTonnyTimes readers,butalsoto recognisesomeofour outstandingcontributors bothonandoffthefield. Ican’tresist,however,taking aquickswipeatavery seniorplayerinourteam MattDaniel HearrivedforSaturday’s gamewiththewrongshorts andthewrongsocks,somy brotherMitchandIhadto cometotherescue
bodyofformerbestand fairestwinnerJimmy Cullumbackintheteam AngusHarrington,who’s playedseniorfootysincehe wasateenager(including withSheppSwans),spent timeswappingwithmein theruck Hemovesreally well
BrockMcLeanwasback withustoo.He’slivingonthe GoldCoastandtravelling downforgames.He’salot fitterthisyear,andnext weekhewon’tbetheoldest playerintheteamforlong, withCamIlletonhisway backfromsuspension. Onlyaweekorsoago,it wassixyearssinceCam playedhisfirstgamefor Tongala
Mattisnowtheproudowner ofanewpairofsocksanda newpairofshorts
Andhe’snowfullyaware thatweonlywearwhite shortsagainstNumurkah andFinley.
Backtothefooty
Wehad11newplayerson Saturday,andinmymind, oneofthemwasastandout BaileyWaasdorp. Whiledefinitelynotnewto theclub,wehadn’tseen himinourcolourssince 2018,whenheplayedmore
fortheBendigoPioneers thanforourseniorside He wasastarforusasajustturned17-year-oldtheyear beforethat. BaileytaggedMattLiasand didarippingjob.He’svery fit,andtherolesuitedhim LiasisbackatUnitedaftera goodstintatEchucainthe GVL JackGrintellhasn’tplayed muchfootyinfiveyearsbut wasclearlyatalentedjunior andwillonlygetbetter Itwasgreathavingthebig
MitchHeywoodplayed17 seniorgamesatTaturalast yearandwillbeagreat addition.Itwasalsoniceto haveDanielMaherbackin hisoldcolours
SamCiprianihadanewrole atcentrehalf-back,andI likethewayourbacklineis shapingup withAlex WilliamsalongsideSamat half-backandMattDaniel atfull-back
Ican’tgowithout mentioningtheCat(Jordan Souter),whowasgreat beforecoppingacalfinjury andmovingforward. Evenononeleg,hekicked twoofthebestgoalsI’ve everseen evenifone wasn’tallowedinthethird term
JackHammond,another formerBluesbestand fairest,isbackwithusthis year Heplayedthroughthe midfieldafterstartingat
plentytosmileabout
half-backandwillbegreat forus Helastplayedin 2022
Ithinkitwilltakeusalittle whiletoreallyknittogether, butourupsideishuge.
EchucaUnitedhavepicked upsomegoodplayersand willbepushingforthetop six
Theywerejustthatlittlebit fasterandfittertostartthe year butwatchoutwhen weplaythemagain.
I’mconfidentwecandoa numberonthemnexttime Credittothem,though theygotusthistime
Marley’sfirstgame
MarleyGordonmadehis seniordebutonthe weekend,startingasthe subandcomingonafter half-time.
He’squick,hasgreatskills, andplayedonthewing I expecthimtobepushingto cementaspot
Hewasalsobestonground fortheUnder17teamintheir nine-pointwinearlierinthe day
Sonofagun
Clubscometogether inonecolour–blue
KeepaneyeonJeddTurpin anexcitingyoungplayer
Hekickedfourgoalsforthe Under-17sandlookslikehe’s goingtobeagun
He’sthesonofJeffTurpin, whohasabucketloadof leagueandclubbestand faireststohisname
Itwasgoodtoseethethirds boysgetawin
LachlanNevill,Joshua Morrison,andHunterO’Hara werealsoexcellent all threehavebeenwiththe thirdssince2023
ArcherWoodsisanother onerisingthroughtheranks
ItmighttaketheUnder-14 teamalittlewhiletogel,as they’reacombinationof playersfromtheKyabram Bombers,theoldSt Augustine’sclub,and Moama
BraxtonEdmunds-Tinning stoodout,whileHarveyVan Haaster,ArchieSheppard, andRhysParsonswerealso good I’msurethisgroupwill continuetoimprove Men’sHealthDay
Duringhalf-timeofourfirst homegame,theOver-45s Men’sSprintandKick
Competitionlefteveryone withasmileontheirface. Ashasbecometradition, theVickfamilyawardedthe MostDeterminedReserve andSeniorPlayerintribute toJayden“Fanta”Vick. WithANZACDaycomingup, ourlocalRSLvolunteers werealsoatthegame, offeringcommemorative badgesandtokensfor purchase Howtheothersare looking
TheBaroogagamewasa bigone theyalsolost Round1,toDeniliquin Myprediction?Cobramwill
bestrong They’vegotWill Irwin,ablokeIplayed againstinDarwin,liningup alongsideDeMaioand Trengove. Congupnahavekepttheir listtogetherandadded TomMcCluskey,oneofthe bestruckmeninthe KyabramLeague Happysnapsevery month
Theaimofthiscolumnisto makepeoplesmileand keeptheminformed I’veincludedaphotofroma littlewhileagowiththis week’scolumn it’smeafter ImetWarnie,manymoons ago.
Ifyouhaveaphotoyou wanttostitchsomeoneup with,slipitintomybagat trainingwithanote
ROUND ACTION 1
BluesrallytosupportMilly
LastFridaynight,wehelda fundraiserforMillyandEllie twolocalgirlswhoare goingthroughatoughtime rightnow
Fiveyearsago,Millyfaced oneofthetoughestbattles ofherlife encephalitis,a rareandseriouscondition thatturnedherworldupside down Withresilienceandthe supportoflovedones,she madeanincredible recovery,regainingher strengthandembracinglife withdetermination.
Butnow,theunthinkable hashappened Encephalitishasreturned Millyisonceagainin hospital,bravelyfighting throughthechallengesof thiscondition.
Shefacesalongroadto recovery onethat requiresextensivemedical care,therapy,and unwaveringsupport.
Millyisstrong,butshecan't dothisalone.
Herfriendsandfamilyare rallyingaroundher,butthe financialburdenofmedical expenses,treatments,and recoverysupportis immense.
Everydonation,bigorsmall, willhelpeasethestrainand allowMillytofocusonwhat mattersmost:healingand reclaimingherlife
Pleaseconsidercontributing toMilly'sjourney.Your kindness,love,and generositywillmakeaworld ofdifference
Let’shelpMillyfightonce againandcomeout strongerthanever.
Wewanttosayahuge thankyoutoeveryonewho
Hereiswhereyoucandonate:https://www.gofundme.com/f/millys-fight-helpfund-millys-recovery-from-ecephalitis
gotbehindthenight: whetheryoudonatedfood, cookedthebarbecue, helpedoutinthekitchen, ranthebar,orsimplyturned upfordinner yoursupport meantsomuch
WehopeMillyandEllie couldfeeltheloveallthe waydowninMelbourne fromeveryonebackhereat theclubrooms.
Theyaredoingittough,and wehopeourcontributionof $4000cangosomeway towardshelpingwithliving costs,medicalexpenses orevenjustbringingalittle bitofcomfortduringthis hardtime
Millyhasbeenamuchlovedandhighlydecorated netballerwithourcluband iswellknownthroughout thestateforherskilful, determinedandfairplay.
GraceHammondwithourbelovedMilly.
