The Community Voice, Go Nagambie | Wednesday February 8th 2023, Issue 517

Australia Day Celebrated In Avenel & Nagambie

Since 1994, Australia

Some Australians have traditionally enjoyed a day off, with some hosting barbecues in the heart of the summer, while many also become Australian citizens at ceremonies held across the country. But for many the 26th of January is a day of mourning and is referred to as Invasion Day or Survival Day. As controversy around the date continues, the volunteer committees of our townships that host Australia Day breakfasts and award ceremonies continue to create inclusive occasions for all.

In recent years, the National Australia Day Committee has also broadened the focus of the day to be more inclusive of Indigenous people and new migrants, calling on Australians to "gather with friends, family and their community to reflect, respect and celebrate".

This year in Nagambie, Go Nagambie were fortunate to receive a grant from the National Australia Day Council to create a day that offered an opportunity for all of our community and visitors to the township to come together to gather as one. The day included breakfast, an inspiring presentation from a visual storyteller, Australia Day Award presentations, free water activities on the lake, an outdoor cinema, music and free popcorn. Twenty minutes away in Avenel, the community gathered at Jubilee Park for the official proceedings of the day. Local identity Jock Lawrence was this year’s ambassador and the Avenel Primary School choir and guest musicians entertained the attendees with a set of beautiful songs. A community feast was enjoyed by all.

Full story on Australia Day in Avenel and Nagambie on page 2 & 3

Day has been marked on the 26th January as a national public holiday.

Australia Day in Avenel

Held at Jubilee Park, the Avenel Australia Day Celebrations saw a large gathering of community members come together for the occasion.

AVENEL Primary School 2023 leaders Camilla & Kody did a fabulous job as MCs for the AVENEL Australia Day celebrations.

An Acknowledgement of country by Camilla Bull was followed by the raising of the flag and singing of Advance Australia Fair with Tiffany Nicholas and the school choir.

Avenel’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2023 was local man Jock Lawrence, the young farmer on a mission to simplify farm-management.

Jock grew up on the family farm in Avenel Victoria,and went to school at Avenel Primary School, playing many years of seasonal sport with the Tahbilk football club and Avenel Tennis club. Jock finished his VCE at Ballarat Grammar School. From there Jock went on to study engineering at the University of Melbourne before founding Mobble, the ultimate job that to him, “doesn’t feel like work at all”.

Mobble is a cloud-based software connecting multiple users and properties to simplify the farm management system, with the aim of replacing the notebook that often ends up in the washing machine.

In 2020 and 2021, Griffin Boote dedicated his mullet hairdo towards doing good for the community. He had noticed how lockdowns, remote learning and isolation had affected lots of people, especially his friends. He approached the mental health group, Black Dog Ride to have his mullet cut off for the charity. In April 2022, setting a goal of $1,500 he had it cut off at school assembly. He also set up a fundraising page, spoke at the Avenel market to raise awareness of mental health and ran a competition for students to guess the length of his mullet. Griffin ended up raising nearly three thousand dollars for the Black Dog Ride, twice as much as planned. Griffin is continuing his involvement with The Black Dog Ride and is clearly committed to helping others with mental health problems.

Well done Griffin and Lilli - congratulations!

The Avenel Citizens of the year was awarded to Anne Douglas and John Thomson.

Most people in Avenel know that John is Avenel’s go-to person. If you need something repaired, if there is a problem with the pool or your roses need pruning, John is your man. His ute can be seen most days of the week outside Avenel facilities and you know John is in there doing something for the community. He is a longtime member of the CFA and has been involved in nearly every Avenel community event that has been held in the last 20 years. With Anne Douglas, he ran Avenel Australia Day for 19 years and has been assisting Avenel Market with setting up for many years. His feats of helpfulness in the community go way above and beyond what would be expected. Like Anne, he was front and centre in assisting those affected by the recent floods, by clearing out debris and finding alternative accommodation for those affaected. He has been deeply involved with our local pool management and is the second driver and assistant of the “Get Me to the Shops” bus which takes Avenel citizens to Seymour for shopping on Thursday mornings. It is hard to know how Avenel would exist without his numerous good works.

means that Anne is perceived as the citizen of the shire that has contributed more than any other person to her community. This is a very prestigious award of which not only Anne, but all the Avenel community can be proud. Congratulations Anne on a great achievement.

Congratulations to both John and Anne for being the recipient of the Avenel Citizen of the Year award in 2023.

The Avenel Senior Citizens of the Year was awarded to the late Jim and Winifred Peart.

As Jim sadly passed away last year, the award will be presented to Winifred. Please come forward Winifred.

Jim and Winifred have left an extraordinary legacy for the town of Avenel. Their project to provide a community park and small estate in Belmont St, Belmont Park, will be a monument to their foresight and generosity for generations and is unique in its design and planning. In addition, Jim and Winifred have been instrumental in assisting the provision of solar panels and batteries to eleven Avenel families, another example of their farsighted vision for the town. Jim and Winifred are worthy winners of the Senior Citizens of the year.

The Avenel Organization Award was presented to the Avenel Cemetery Trust

The award will be received by Michael Kefford, Chairman of the Cemetery Trust. Other members of the Trust are Craig Reece, Yvonne Sloper, Grace Kenworthy, Les Hemphill, Amanda Tingay and John Peacock. Please come to the stage, ladies and gentlemen.

The Avenel Cemetery Trust consists of seven individuals who donate their time to ensure that the cemetery looks loved and cared for. These people spent many hours after the recent rains shoveling sand into sunken plots to maintain the cemetery’s neat appearance. Compared to many country cemeteries, Avenel Cemetery is one of neatness and order, thanks to the work of these selfless volunteers. The Avenel Cemetery Trust is a worthy winner of the Avenel Community Organisation of the Year.

the crowd with a Seekers song, “A World of our Own” and were accompanied by Fleur Smith on keyboard. Tiffany Nicholas, a Benalla girl and accomplished singer and musician, ended the ceremony singing “I am Australian”, followed by “Nine to Five” the Dolly Parton hit song. Tiffany has performed in Australia and overseas and has written many of her own songs. Tiffany was accompanied by Fleur Smith on piano. Tiffany and Fleur were presented with flowers. Joint Junior citizen of the year

Griffin Boote and Lilli Fowles.

AVENEL 2023 school leaders Camilla & Cody did a fabulous job as MCs for the AVENEL Australia Day celebrations.

Today, Jock is 30 years old and CEO of AgTech company Mobble. Starting from humble beginnings, the start-up has now expanded to every state of Australia, across New Zealand and as far as the Faulkland Islands. With no sign of slowing down, Mobble is making an impact around the world helping around 2,000 farmers make their lives easier and more successful through farm management software.

Taking home a few business awards including Small Business Young Achiever Award, 2021 and The Lambition Awards’ Industry Innovator, 2022, Jock is making waves in the AgTech space. He also donates time to the Melbourne Accelerator Program to help other entrepreneurs reach their goals/dreams.

Jock believes he still has a long way to go to achieve his goals in creating a lasting impact and is excited to see what’s next.

Councillor Paul Murray assisted Camilla and Koby to present the Australia Day Awards to the recipients.

This year Avenel presented two Junior Citizen of the Year Awards, to two really worthy recipients, Lilli Fowles and Griffin Boote.

Lilli Fowles is a leader at Avenel Primary School, a member of school council, House Captain, and School Captain in 2022. Lilli has led fundraisers and written many speeches. Her love of music has seen her perform in the school choir and as a soloist. Lilli was a lead part in Avenel PS production of Peter Pan. Lilli is kind, considerate, shows empathy for others and is a great role model.

Anne Douglas is a long time resident of Avenel, she and husband Peter raising two daughters in our lovely community. She has been a tireless worker for the community, illustrated by co-organizing, with John Thomson, the Avenel Australia Day Awards for 19 years. More recently she has been the co-convenor of the Avenel Market, Chairperson of Jubilee Park Committee and the driving force behind rejuvenation of the old Police Residence, with the development of a Community Hub and siting of a branch of Goulburn Valley Library. During the recent flood emergency, Anne was one of the first to volunteer her time and assistance to those affected, by helping find alternative accommodation, filling sandbags and removing debris from flood-damaged homes. Anne is tireless in her efforts and gives her help with cheerfulness and generosity. She has achieved all this while working full time as a teacher and assistant Principal.

But that’s not all! Anne also won the Shire of Strathbogie Citizen of the Year Award. This

The Avenel Community Event of the Year was awarded to the two Granite Bushwalks.

The Avenel Community Event of the Year was awarded to the two Granite Bushwalks, organised by Kevin Whithear and Dr Neil Phillips, a geologist who is an expert on the Strathbogie plateau where Avenel is situated. The walks were made possible by the generosity of Jane Starey of the Avenel Maze and Booroola Pastoral Company, in allowing the bushwalkers access to their properties. The award was accepted by Dr Phillips.

Dr Neil Phillips graduated as a geologist at Melbourne University and then completed a PhD at Monash University. His career has spanned working as a geologist both in Australia and overseas in the mining industry and in university research and teaching.

Neil’s love affair with the Strathbogie Ranges began with geological mapping around Mt Strathbogie as an undergraduate student and has continued to the present-day, including regular bushwalking and rogaining in the hills behind Avenel. He enthusiastically imparts his deep knowledge and understanding of the Strathbogie granite formations to various community groups either as seminars or on field trips. Avenel was fortunate to have Dr Phillips as a guide on Mt Bernard and Callen Range treks.

Dr Phillips was presented with the Avenel Community Event of the Year award

A Special Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Avenel citizen Mark Roper who has contributed assistance to the community over a number of years. Mark has been instrumental in assembling and maintaining the sound systems that are used for almost every public event in Avenel. He has done this willingly and is always available for help and advice. Without his input, Avenel would not have the excellent sound system now installed in the Avenel Community Hall. Congratulations Mark and well deserved.

‘Several musical treats’ followed the official formalities of the ceremony. First up was the Avenel Primary School Choir singing “I Still Call Australia Home”, followed by “Cover me in Sunshine”. The choir master was Mr Davis, Avenel Primary School principal.

Abigail and Audrey Ranken, then delighted

Locals recognised across Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie Shire residents and community groups have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Awards.

Awards were presented across Strathbogie Shire – with ceremonies being held in Violet Town, Avenel, Nagambie, Euroa and Longwood.

This year’s Shire-wide awards were also presented for the following categories:

• Junior Citizen of the Year

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Citizen of the Year

• Senior Citizen of the Year

• Event of the Year, and

• Community Organisation of the Year

The winners of the Shire-wide awards - and local awards - are outlined below.

Organisation of the Year

Avenel – Avenel Cemetery Trust

Euroa – SES Euroa Unit

Nagambie – Nagambie Cemetery Trust

Violet Town – VAMP

Junior Citizen of the Year

Avenel – Lilli Fowles

Avenel – Griffin Boote

Longwood – Jasmyn Wilson

Nagambie – Brodie Miller

Young Citizen of the Year

Euroa – Jasmine Raleigh

Citizen of the Year

Avenel – Anne Douglas

Avenel – John Thomson

Longwood – Ricki Shiner

Violet Town – Nardia Holmes

Event of the Year

Avenel – Granite Hills Walks

Longwood – Anzac Day 2022

Nagambie – Nagambie Carols

Violet Town – Jack Attack

Senior Citizen of the Year

Avenel – Jim & Winifred Peart

Euroa – Bob & Judy Holloway

Longwood – Maurie Brodie

Nagambie – Helen Heathcote

Violet Town – Judy Willis

Shire-wide Winners

- Citizen of the Year – Anne Douglas,

- Event of the Year – Jack Attack

- Junior Citizen of the Year – Brodie Miller,

- Young Citizen of the Year – Jasmine

Raleigh

- Organisation of the Year – SES Euroa Unit

- Senior Citizen of the Year – Judy Willis

Australia Day in Nagambie

Like many country towns and cities, Nagambie celebrated Australia Day with pride in its town, its people and its community but also with some good Aussie fun.

A good crowd gathered at the Nagambie Rowing Club garden setting that looked out over Lake Nagambie on the sunny morning.

For many years the hard working but small Nagambie Australia Day Committee have organised the annual celebration with the Strathbogie Shire Council, and this year Go Nagambie members, the National Australia Day Council, the Nagambie Rowing Club, the Go Adventure Nagambie, the Nagambie Primary School, the Australia Day Ambassador Alice Mabin and the Lakeside Larks choir got on board and made it a special start to our National Day from 8am on 26 January.

Local artist Russell Turner entertained the crowd while they partook of an Aussie sausage sizzle breakfast on the lawns of the Rowing Club and enjoyed the early morning sunshine and views of Lake Nagambie and chatted amongst one another.

Go Nagambie President Lee Rowland gave the Welcome to Country then welcomed the members of the community and visitors young and old to Nagambie’s Australia Day ceremony. Noting that this year’s theme is “We’re all part of the Story.”

Mr Rowland went onto say “Australia Day provides a great opportunity for us to give thanks for this wonderful sunburnt country which we are so lucky to call home and to acknowledge and celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups who contribute so much to our community.

Nagambie has so many great people who put in endless amounts of their time and effort to bring fantastic things to their communities and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributes to making Nagambie the amazing place that it is.

Russell Turner led the singing of the National Anthem followed by acknowledgement to Country by Strathbogie Shire Councillor for Lake Nagambie Ward, Cr Reg Dickinson.

Go Nagambie’s Lee Rowland surprised Australia Day committee person Ronda Richards by acknowledging her June 2022 Order of Australia honour by presenting her with a certificate.

Cr Dickinson was partnered by fellow Councillor Dave Andrews and Cr Reg acknowledged and thanked the Nagambie Australia Day Planning

Committee, especially Sissy Hoskin whose work delivered a marvellous ceremony and activities for today, and Alice Mabin the guest speaker and everyone for their support and interest in the meaning of Australia Day in Nagambie.

Cr Dickinson gave this message. “Australia Day is a time to reflect, respect and celebrate the spirit of Community. Today we celebrate all the things we love about Australia and the place we call home. The land, a sense of fair go, lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy and especially, the people in our community.” He also thanked many local groups and Chamber of Commerce groups for their contribution and in kind support which cannot just be achieved through government and the private sector support. This is the Australian way.

He went onto say “We are all part of the story of Australia. From those whose ancestors walked on country for tens of thousands of years, to those who came across the waves of through migration that followed onto our newest citizens."

We are all part of this proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values the contribution of each and every citizen with a focus on being united, not divided.”

Cr Dickinson concluded by saying “It is important we reflect on our nation’s history and learn from it, celebrate our ancient history and be optimistic about our future.

Cr Dave Andrews invited locals over 16 to visit the shire’s website and sign up for the Strathbogie Shire Council Community Panel to have a say. This will strengthen the Council’s decisionmaking for the community’s benefit.

He spoke about how “Each year the Council invites the community to nominate individuals, couples, groups or events for Australia Day awards. Whether formally or informally established, volunteer groups, clubs and organisations provide the social support, structure, access and inclusion that unite and helps to strengthen the community.”

Cr Andrews spoke of what the Victorian Premier said this late last year and quoted thus “I think we can respectfully acknowledge our past but also come together and celebrate what modern Australia is all about. We can be embracing and accepting and show proper respect to our oldest culture in human history and at the same time celebrate the values that unite us today.” end of quote.

Nagambie’s Australia Day Ambassador, New Zealand born Alice Mabin, kept the audience captivated with her talk on all her experiences capturing and sharing the stories of regional Australia over the past ten years when she chose to photograph and write down many of her lifestyle changes she was to undertake and

from that humble beginning has become a well known Australian photographer and author, entrepreneur, business woman.

Her theme for the day was “We are all part of the story – We all have a story to share.” She spoke on her promotion of Australian Agriculture through her vision for improving the narrative of Australian agriculture, through the power of visual storytelling. A television power point presentation was shown on the decking to compliment her story telling.

Ms Mabin had the crowd spellbound with her stories she has gathered like that of her cattle droving exploit down the Long Paddock from Queensland to NSW; visiting free range and caged chicken operations; about a Cambodian migrant who learnt to grow tomatoes for marketing, her time spent with a bush truckie, and airline caterer driver, back packers vital to our fruit and vegetable industry.

Ms Mabin spoke about how Australian farms produce around 93 percent of the total food consumed in Australia we are all part of the story of Australian Agriculture.

Alice spoke briefly on her photo illustrated books and Agrishot –an image and video based library. She also said “Being a good Kiwi, I encourage everyone to eat Lamb or place a prawn on the barbecue.”

Her books were on display and for sale after the ceremony.

Strathbogie Shire Councillors Dickinson and Andrews and Alice Mabin then undertook the important part of the ceremony by presenting the 2023 Australia Day awards to worthy groups and individuals. Each group and individual received a framed certificate and basket of summer flowers.

The first award was presented to Robyn Smith and Paul Harvey of the Cemetery Trust for the Community group of the Year award for their wonderful efforts. This was followed by the award to the Christmas Carols Planning Group

for 2022 for the Community Event of the Year for a successful program on the Lake Boardwalk just before Christmas.

Helen Heathcote long time Nagambie Primary School worker and Football Club and community volunteer who goes above and beyond her duty was awarded the Senior Citizens of the Year award and young Brodie Miller also of the Nagambie Primary School received the Junior Citizen of the Year award. He also was presented with the Strathbogie Shire wide Australia Day plaque and book. Brodie was recognised for his marvellous results in school athletics in 2022 in Victoria and interstate. The Lakeside Larks completed the Australia Day ceremony by singing some poignant songs pertaining to our country.

Lee Rowland thanked everyone who the groups, individuals and businesses who supported the Nagambie Australia Day in so many ways. From around noon up til 4pm, families could be seen enjoying the free water activities sponsored by Go Adventure Nagambie water craft group.

From 6pm locals starting rolling up to Nagambie Primary School for a jumping castle ride, to play hit and miss sports games in the yard, listen to the musical entertainment, enjoy a snag, a drink and icy pole provided by the school community. Then over 60 stayed and watched the Australian Movie based in Warrnambool “Oddball” from dusk to dark on the school oval thanks to Movies on the Move productions.

All in all, it was a great day for those who celebrated Australia Day in Nagambie. Families got together, the community got together to show their patriotism for the national day. Congratulations to Go Nagambie and the Australia Day committee and their supporters for making the day memorable.

- Article by Di Grant

Nagambie Splash Park opening

It’s time to splash around in Nagambie! Council’s new free Splash Park opened on Saturday February 4, 2023, for all to enjoy.

Keep an eye out on our social media accounts for opening hours and details. Thank you to the community for their patience during recent delays in obtaining a risk assessment for the facility prior to opening.

Harry’s Creek Road Closure

A section of Harry’s Creek Road has been closed from Tuesday 7 February, 2023 until 5pm Friday 17 February. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Council started construction of the realignment of the Harry’s Creek Rd and Bonnie Doon Rd intersection in December last year, however, we have come across a significant amount of soft ground that requires treatment.

Join our Community Panel

We’re super excited to have opened applications to our community panel, which will provide input into Council’s important plans, projects and strategies.

The Share Strathbogie Community Panel is being established to continue Council’s goal to deliver best practice community engagement. Membership will not be capped – meaning everyone who points up their hand will join – with at least half the panel being renewed every two years.

Most importantly – participation is up to you. You can do as much or as little as you like and you can participate any way you like (online, face-to-face etc)

To learn more, read the guidelines and apply, Scan the QR code or go to www.share. strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Pitch my Project – calls for ideas now open

Strathbogie Shire residents – it’s time to pitch your idea!

We’ve launched our annual Pitch my Project –which gives our community the chance to pitch ideas to include in the 2023/34 Budget.

This year we’re extending the ‘pitch’ timeframe and there will be more than three months to pitch ideas. We’ve also released guidelines which include a clear assessment process, and the successful applications will be put to the community to decide which make it into the 2023/24 Budget.

To pitch your idea head to www.share. strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Share your ideas on activities to support flood recovery

Our Mobile Flood Recovery Hub has now visited Euroa, Avenel, Kirwans Bridge and Nagambie. We’ll be heading out for more faceto-face sessions in the new year, however you can share you ideas online.

We’re asking our community for ideas on the potential projects and activities that will

support our region’s recovery.

Head to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to share your thoughts or scan the QR code.

Free RAT tests

Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are now available for all community members through our Customer Service Centres in Euroa (109a Binney St) and Nagambie (293 High St).

Kirwans Bridge closure

Kirwans Bridge remains closed until the insurer’s report has been given to Council. We apologise for this ongoing delay and the inconvenience associated with the closure but the bridge and the community’s safety remain our top concern.

Electoral structure review

Strathbogie Shire Council is one of 12 Councils being included in the first round of Victorian local council electoral structure reviews.

The reviews will be conducted by independent electoral representation advisory panels. Visit vec.vic.gov.au/strathbogie to find out how to attend an online public information session.

Preliminary submissions for the electoral structure review of Strathbogie Shire Council open at 9 am on Wednesday 1 February 2023 and close at 5 pm on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

ARTC calling for feedback on proposed Anderson St underpass

A draft proposal for an underpass design at the Anderson Street rail crossing in Euroa has been released for comment by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

ARTC are calling on Strathbogie Shire, and in particular Euroa, residents to give their feedback throughout February and Council is encouraging the community to take this opportunity to have its say on the crossing, which is being upgraded as a result of the Inland Rail Project.

Drop into the ARTC shopfront at 46-50 Binney Street, Euroa during:

• Tuesdays: 14, 21, 28 February 10am3pm

• Wednesdays: 8, 15 February 2pm-6pm

• Thursdays: 9, 16 February 10am-3pm

Visit ARTC at the Euroa Farmer’s Market on 18 February, 9am-1pm, Rotary Park, Kirkland Avenue, Euroa.

Work with us

• Recovery Coordinator. Full Time (12-month contract). Band 6 - $78,902 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 13 February 2023.

• Flood Recovery Customer Liaison Officer. Full Time (12-month contract). Band 6 - $78,902 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 13 February 2023.

For more information and position descriptions visit our website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Milestone marked for Shire pool/spa registrations

Council is congratulating the community on its efforts to register pools and spas after a change to legislation in late 2019.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said a whopping 500 pools and spas had now been registered with Council.

“Under legislation introduced by the Victorian Government in December 2019, all permanent pools and spas must be registered with Council,” Cr Binks explained.

“In addition, you may not be aware that any relocatable pools or spas erected for three days or more are also required to be registered and fenced in accordance with the current pool barrier standard.”

The top five locations for pool/spa ownership in Strathbogie Shire include:

5. Longwood (15)

4. Violet Town (36)

3. Avenel (48)

2. Nagambie (96)

1. Euroa (130)

Cr Binks reminded the community that it was incredibly important to follow legislation which had been introduce to combat the rate of children drowning.

“Consistently, each year, the single most common location for children aged 0 to 4 years to drown is backyard pools.

“Keep the little ones safe, pool and spa barrier compliance is essential, especially at this time of the year.”

For more information on registering your pool/spa, visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/services/buildingand-planning/pools-and-spas/

Mural depicting life in Nagambie to be unveiled at the library

A Mural by local Nagambie artist Trudy Oldaker will be unveiled at the Nagambie Library on Tuesday 14th February at 10.30am. Titled “Nagambie Library is for everyone” the mural is a collaboration between Trudy, Wendy Cook and Joan Loughnane, with support from Nagambie Lakes Community House and the Lions Club. It reflects life in Nagambie, and will be situated at the entrance to the library, easily viewable to community members and visitors.

The painting depicts a panoramic view of Nagambie featuring recognisable buildings in the community, beginning with the football oval at one end of town, the lake and shops in the centre of town and the library at the other end. It also depicts people participating in the various activities for which Nagambie is known, all while reading.

Nagambie Librarian Catherine Langdon said “I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition. It has been several years in the making, and has been a terrific collaboration. I hope the mural will become a focal point for locals and visitors alike.”

If you would like to join us for the unveiling on Tuesday 14th February at 10.30am please contact the Nagambie Library on 1300 374 765 or by email nagambie@gvlibraries.com.au.

Everyone is welcome at the unveiling but if you can’t make it, take the time to drop by and check out the mural.

Mitchelton Reopens doors to the new look provedore cafe

Following a seven month closure and now with a new look, Mitchelton has reopened doors to The Provedore, offering guests a secondary dining option at the expansive Mitchelton estate.

Offering cafe style meals for both the peckish and the famished, The Provedore is led by Mitchelton’s Executive Chef, Dan Hawkins. As an alternative dining option to the estate’s hero restaurant, The Muse, Hawkins wanted to create an inviting menu, offering options for both foodies and families.

In keeping with Hawkins’ cooking ethos, the menu celebrates the hyper-local produce available throughout regional Victoria, including smoked Murray Cod paired with chilli scrambled eggs, fresh Dalhousie eggs and wild flowers sourced from the region.

“The Provedore’s menu is relaxed and inviting, bringing together cuisine and community in a way that celebrates local produce and familiar menu favourites,” said Executive Chef, Dan Hawkins.

The new look Provedore has grown two fold, now offering seats for up to 146 diners with a focus

on communal dining, conceptualised by Cera Stribley architects.

“Mitchelton’s focus is always on offering authentic experiences. From the hotel and cellar door, to the gallery and the dining options, we welcome guests in to experience the very best of regional Victoria and The Provedore reflects this. Both the space and the menu are inviting and enticing, we are very much looking forward to seeing our locals and visitors make the space their own,” said Mitchelton Head of Hospitality, Martin Garrett.

The Provedore is open seven days a week from 8.00am, offering breakfast and lunch. Tables can be booked via the Mitchelton website: https:// mitchelton.com.au/mitchelton-provedore/.

Adventures await at Nagambie Splash Park

It’s time to splash around in Nagambie!

The Nagambie Splash Park opened on Saturday February 4, 2023, for all to enjoy.

The $1 million splash park – situated in Buckley Park - includes a variety of fun play equipment which was selected after an engagement process with the community.

The splash park provides a fantastic water play space for children, with something for children of all ages to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to have so much input from Nagambie parents and children who will be the major users of the new splash park,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Laura Binks said.

“The voting for the equipment for the splash pad design showed that we have a very engaged group of residents both big and small who were delighted to choose the equipment for this new facility which is now ready for the community to enjoy.

Cr Binks thanked the community for their patience during recent delays as Council worked to ensure the facility operates safely, meeting the communities’ expectations.

“After recent floods, getting the necessary risk

and safety assessments completed proved to be challenging – insurance assessors were seriously hard to access,” she said.

“Council worked as hard possible to ensure the facility could be opened as soon as possible and we are very excited that the community can now enjoy it.”

The facility is free to use and open to the public from 9am to noon and 2pm to 6pm, daily, until April 30. Any changes to these hours will be published via the Wacky Splash and Play Nagambie’s social media.

Cr Binks reminded the community that there were some conditions of use and rules to remember when using the Splash Park.

“It is an unsupervised facility so children must be actively supervised by an adult at all times,” Cr Binks said.

“Be sure to read our conditions of use before using the Splash Park as there are some important things; we want our community to have fun but to also look after themselves and others while using this shared facility.”

To report faults, hazards or unsafe behaviour at the Nagambie Splash Park, contact Strathbogie Shire Council on 1800 065 993

Backing Northern Victoria's creative innovators

Local creative professionals with big ideas to transform their practice and build their skills and careers are invited to apply for the latest round of the Victorian Government’s creative R & D program, the Creators Fund.

The fund, which aligns with grants in the medical, science and technology fields, supports creative professionals to undertake the kind of intensive research, development or experimentation that leads to career defining, groundbreaking creative work.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes encouraged artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers, writers and other creative professionals from across northern Victoria to apply.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “In any industry, innovation requires dedicated time for research, experimentation and development. Devoting time to this vital work can be a challenge for many northern Victorian independent creatives.”

“The Creators Fund is an important pillar of the Victorian Government’s investment in the creative industries, backing our creative innovators to break new ground and level up their careers,” said Ms Symes.

Applications are open to Victorian individuals and collectives working in any creative field including digital games, literature, craft, theatre, music, screen, dance, visual art, fashion and design. Grants of between $20,000 and $50,000 are available to support activities for up to six months.

Since its launch in 2018, the Creators Fund has supported almost 160 Victorian creatives statewide, working in all creative fields.

Previous recipients include industrial designer Nyein Aung whose grant supported the design of a new bed for palliative care use, and screenwriter Alexander Swords who developed a method for narrative design in games that is now used by developers across the globe.

Writer Maxine Beneba Clarke recently landed a new book deal for a children’s poetry collection she researched and developed with Creators Fund support.

Creators Fund applications are open to professional creatives at all career stages, including creative collectives, and there are dedicated streams for First Peoples creatives, and Deaf and Disabled creatives.

Applications for the 2023 Creators Fund close 3pm Wednesday 22 February, with the Deaf and Disabled stream closing 3pm Wednesday 1 March 2023. For more information, visit https://creative. vic.gov.au/funding-opportunities/find-a-fundingopportunity/creators-fund

Apply now for Country Footy and Netball Grants

The Country Football and Netball Program has delivered more than $35 million to country clubs since 2005.

“This funding stream is specifically designed for country clubs. We’ve got lots of clubs looking to do things like play footy under lights and upgrade female facilities which would benefit from this funding.

any support.”

Pictured: Football Netball clubs can now apply for new grant funding to upgrade facilities

Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver projects such as new sports lighting, developing, and upgrading change rooms/pavilions and projects that build capacity through new or upgraded playing surfaces.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has encouraged local clubs to put forward applications for funding.

“Plenty of football netball clubs across our region have identified projects that would make compelling cases for funding under this grant stream,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Often our local sporting infrastructure doesn’t match the skills of our country athletes or the dedication of the tireless volunteers that keep clubs running.

“Better facilities mean more participation, more spectators and a boost for local economies.”

“It would be great to see some much needed funding injected into community sport. These clubs really are the lifeblood of our communities and deserve great facilities.”

Ms Cleeland said several clubs had raised their funding needs with her over the past six months.

“The Longwood Redlegs are pushing for new female change facilities and Violet Town’s netball courts could definitely do with some investment,” Ms Cleeland said.

“The Nationals made commitments to fund these upgrades if elected to government as well as new clubrooms for the Seymour Lions and Murchison-Toolamba FNC. It would be great to see these come to fruition for the community.

“Football netball clubs contribute so much to the community. Applications close on March 27 so get in quick and please get in touch if you require

‘Discover Sailing Day’ at the GoNagambie On Water (NOW)

The Australian Sailing association and Strathbogie Shire Council are presenting a ‘Discover Sailing Day’ at the GoNagambie On Water (NOW) Festival on Saturday 25th February.

ay to experience our beautiful Lake Nagambie from the water. Participants will be able to go out for a short sail with an experienced sailor. There is something for the whole family, primary school age children can sail, when accompanied by a parent or guardian, pairs of teens or adults can go together.

Discover Sailing provide the sailboats, skippers, safety boat and equipment. Participants need to wear comfortable sun-smart clothes and shoes that they don’t mind getting wet, sun screen, a hat and bring drinking water. Flat shoes with non-marking soles are preferred. A change of clothes is also suggested. It is recommended participants allow an hour, for registration, having a life jacket fitted and to get out on the water.

The Australian Sailing instructors look forward to showing the Nagambie community just how fun, safe and accessible sailing is. Tickets are purchased as part of the NOW Festival “Stay & Play” try sailing activity. The sailing departs and returns at the boardwalk jetty, Jacobsons Outlook, High Street, Nagambie.

The Nagambie Lakes Sailing Club Inc. members

will be volunteer ground crew to welcome, register and assist Discover Sailing participants. The newly formed Nagambie sailing club also thanks their other sponsors and supporters: Nagambie Lakes Community House, Bendigo Bank, Nagambie Outdoors, Rebecca Baker Pharmacy.

For more details contact Beverley Guest-Smith, mobile: 0492-289-831 web: https://www.gonagambie.com.au/sailing club

The annual Country Football and Netball Program has officially open for funding applications to upgrade sporting facilities across regional Victoria.

Independent electoral representation advisory panel to conduct review into council electoral structure

Strathbogie Shire Council is one of 12 Councils being included in the first round of Victorian local council electoral structure reviews.

Throughout 2023–24, 39 Victorian local councils will undergo electoral structure reviews.

The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) introduced several changes, including that all rural shire councils must now be either:

• unsubdivided

• subdivided with single-councillor wards

• multi-councillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward.

The reviews will be conducted by independent electoral representation advisory panels.

Under the Act, the Electoral Commissioner (or delegate) must be a member of a panel.

“The panels will consider if councils have an appropriate number of councillors and whether they should be one large unsubdivided area or subdivided into wards,' Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said.

“If the council will be subdivided, the panel will look at how many wards the council should have, the number of councillors in each ward, ward boundaries and ward names.”

The review of Strathbogie Shire Council is in Group 2 along with the reviews of three other Councils.

Online public information sessions to announce the start of the reviews, explain the processes, and open the submissions period will be held for this group of councils at 12 noon on Monday 30 January and 6 pm on Tuesday 31 January 2023.

Visit vec.vic.gov.au/strathbogie to find out how to attend an online public information Session.

Preliminary submissions for the electoral structure review of Strathbogie Shire Council open at 9 am on Wednesday 1 February 2023 and close at 5 pm on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said Council had hoped the community would have longer to understand the process and provide feedback.

“We understand our community are being asked to provide feedback at short notice and this is why we requested an extension to the review,” Cr Binks said.

The panel encourages all Victorians in the councils under review to contribute to the review process and have their say.

People interested in making a submission can map their proposed electoral structure online using the public submission tool available on the VEC website.

Euroa Basketball Association

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 7th March 2023 at 7pm, Euroa Secondary College Sports StadiumMultipurpose Room

All positions have been declared vacant.

Enquires euroabasketballassociation@gmail.com

Hazel Edwards OAM attending “Juvenilia” exhibition

“Juvenilia “ is on its way to Euroa, following a very successful exhibition at Shepparton Library, and what a celebration opening day will be! We are very pleased to welcome the much-loved Hazel Edwards OAM, author of the “Hippopotamus” books, to the launch on 24th February.

Juvenilia displays works created by notable Australian children’s authors and illustrators when they were young. Could Graeme Base always draw like that? What did Andy Griffiths write when he was a kid? Did that hippopotamus eat anything else on the roof except cake? These questions and more will be answered when you visit the exhibition at the Euroa Library from 24th February to 15th March. The exhibition also includes works by noted Australian authors such as Hazel Edwards, Danny Katz, Alison Lester, Trent Roberts and many more.

Curated by Aimee Chan, this exhibition showcases the juvenilia of Australian children’s authors and illustrators and their early attempts at storytelling. Even the most prominent creators of children’s books started as children, dreaming about telling their story through word or art and maybe one day publishing them to share with the world. The works in this collection have kindly been lent for display by their makers, who all want this generation of dreamers to know that everyone has to start somewhere.

Bronwyn Cole, Program Co-ordinator for Goulburn Valley Libraries said, “I was amazed when I first saw the range of items contributed. It’s very obvious who contributed some of the pieces. Graeme Base appears to have been drawing complicated, detailed artworks since he was a child. I also thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious, highly imaginative stories some of them told”.

To celebrate the exhibition’s opening at the Euroa Library, a launch event is planned for 4.30pm on Friday 24th February. Curator and author Aimee Chan will be present to speak about the exhibition and answer questions. Aimee has authored a range of picture books, and is herself one of the contributors to the exhibition, so don’t

Tahbilk Winery - Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener to join our dedicated team at one of Australia’s most iconic wineries.

Our position is a Full-Time Permanent role which includes managing a small committed team. We are looking for someone to bring their passion and knowledge to care for the current environment but also a vision for the potential our landscape can be in future years. The role is hands on with some administration function.

ABOUT YOU

Your skills and knowledge to perform, manage and preserve well established garden styles including the care and maintenance of citrus orchard, hedges and native gardens located within the Estate, plus an additional site in Nagambie.

• Minimum Cert III in Horticulture

• 3 years’ experience Ground and Garden Horticulture

• High attention to detail skills and pride in your work

• Excellent time, communication and people management skills

• Ability to work independently and within a team

• High level of Safe work practices

• Experience in use of manual and powered garden machinery

• Able to use chemical substances in accordance with OHS and industry standards

• Good level of fitness

• Beginner to intermediate knowledge of Word, Outlook and Excel Prospective candidates are required to undergo psychometric testing.

THE PERKS

• A wonderful and supportive team to work with

• Paid training

• Uniform

• Great access to staff wine discounts

• Work at a historic and Carbon Natural winery

To apply please send letter of application and resume to Pauline Psaila, ppsaila@tahbilk.com.au

The Tahbilk Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with all federal and state laws.

miss the opportunity to grab her signature. Hazel Edwards OAM will speak at the launch and will be available to sign books afterwards. Generations of Australians have grown up reading about the adventures of a cake eating hippopotamus that likes to hang out on a particular roof. Now is the time to dig through the bookshelf and find that copy you read as a child, and bring it along for Hazel to sign. There will also be a selection of Hazel’s books available for purchase at the event.

Everyone is welcome at the launch but if you can’t make it, take the time to drop in and browse the exhibition before it moves to its next location on 15th March. Entry to Juvenilia is free for viewing during regular library open hours.

For more information:

Bronwyn Cole

Program Co-ordinator, Goulburn Valley Libraries

Tel: 1300 374 765

Email: bronwync@gvlibraries.com.au

Tahbilk Winery - Gardener

Tahbilk Estate, a five generational family operation has a vacancy for a Full Time Gardener.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our position is Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.30pm. You will be working with a small and dedicated team to maintain our unique estate grounds and garden. Duties you will be required to perform are, mowing, irrigation, weeding, spraying, pruning, hedging and chainsaw.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking someone who has recently obtained a Horticulture qualification and or experience in the industry. Has a passion for gardening and a keen eye for detail. If you have the following skills we would like to hear from you;

• Cert III in Horticulture desirable not essential

• Ground and Garden Horticulture experience highly desirable

• Good communication skills

• Good time management skills

• High level of Safe work practices

• Experience in use of manual and powered garden machinery

• Able to use chemical substances in accordance with OHS and industry standards

• Good level of fitness to undertake the duties

• Ability to work in a team as well as autonomously.

• Willing to undertake training if required

THE PERKS

• A wonderful and supportive team to work with

• A culture that puts people first

• Great access to staff wine discounts

• Paid training

• Uniform Prospective candidates are required to undergo psychometric testing To apply please send letter of application and resume to Pauline Psaila, ppsaila@tahbilk.com.au

The Tahbilk Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with all federal and state laws.

Unveiling of historical sign - Albert Tome Memorial Pool - By Jill Branagan

and she recalled that the pool opened in 1982 (or late 1981).

David Saunders was the local shire engineer at the time and he also had a big involvement. All his diaries and records were kept by the old shire when he left and have since been lost in the changeover to the Shire of Strathbogie. So much of our factual construction evidence and photos are no longer available.

The estimate is that around 1978 interest was shown in building a pool for Nagambie, other than the lake side pool being used. There was a vote to choose one of the two suggested locations, the other being Buckley Park and this was defeated by one vote. Very easy for us to say now in hindsight that it would have been a far more popular and visible site if it was built there!

At the time the football club needed change rooms and better facilities. Netball was originally played at Glass Square and they combined their needs for the project incorporating the pool requirements for change facilities as well. The pool had a grant of $150,000 and change rooms were added with the combined project.

Volunteers and local tradespeople rallied and did digging, concreting, plumbing and structural work on the pool. I have heard stories of the pool being dug by one operator and many contributions from local tradies. The story is that concrete was mixed on site and only one load of ready mix was used to finish the final requirements.

I was asking about the pool, when the daughter of Les Howell, Robyn Smith overheard me and told me further details. Her father did the digging of the pool. I appreciated hearing this

Names from the past, the “locals” born and bred in Nagambie came up in my discussions. There were many people instrumental in planning and construction stages, as well as some of them providing swimming lessons and life guard duties for many years at the pool.

Albert Tome was the Foreman of the outdoor staff with the Shire of Goulburn for over forty years. He and his wife Dot and their son Ian lived on the corner of Vine St and Boyd St. They were both from local families. He had a large input into the planning and delivery of the pool. He was also a very active volunteer using his equipment at the site during his own time. Unfortunately, he died suddenly in February 1981 at the age of 64 and the Council decided to honour his devotion to the Shire by naming the pool the Albert Tome Memorial Pool. These details were told to me by Michael Nolan, who is his nephew and Faye Hannam who was also a council employee at the time.

But over the years the sign was removed and stored in the old pump shed, to be brought to light during a clean up one day. The sign was repaired and rejuvenated by Burgess Signs in Seymour, maintaining the old-style artwork to ensure authenticity. The process of finding more about the history brought me to uncover some of these details. I know there are many others that have had involvement and I would love to get further information to be able to verify my rough

findings.

The Pool Party held on Saturday, 4th February gave the opportunity to have a grand reveal of the old sign and perhaps raise the profile and awareness of our hidden gem. Cr Dave Andrews officiated with the unveiling of the old sign, and Mike Nolan represented the Tome family. It was pleasing to see this old name reinstated after so many years.

The event was organized by the Shire Youth Group, HOPE. Due to the weather we did not have a big crowd, but the Youth Group bands and games provided entertainment to all of us that came along. We thank them and Annette from the Shire for her time and input into organizing them. Our small contribution to cook a few sausages was appreciated and we are hoping that this article may help make a few more locals aware that we have a pool and we are seeking support.

If we were able to guarantee more consistent opening hours, less negativity would prevail around town for those who are regular or occasional users. Many negative comments fly around on social media, and we would love to change the pool’s perception in the public eye.

If the pool’s surrounds were improved with better shade areas, tables and seating, the grass kept green with a better watering system, a few attractive bushes and garden maintenance, we are sure the patronage would increase. We have also been awarded a grant for the BBQ facility but this is still conditional to where it will be placed. We feel it needs to be within the pool grounds to ensure parents can access the facility while children are fully supervised. We are awaiting the decision from the Shire for this adjustment to our grant submission.

The Nagambie Friends of the Pool have a current

official signed up membership ($5 annual fee) of only 10 people, but around 20 who are interested to know more about what we try to achieve are on our email list. If you are interested in being a paid up member, please advise. Being a paid-up member entitles you to be fully informed of what is happening at the pool with email updates and enables you to be on the committee. It allows us to fulfill our Incorporated requirements as well. Ideas and suggestions always welcomed, please contact me if you want any further information on our email: friendsofnagambiepool@gmail. com or messages on our facebook page, Friends of Nagambie Pool.

Jill Branagan Secretary, Friends

of Nagambie Pool Inc

Mob: 0419567580

jill.branagan@bigpond.com

On commencing to investigate the history of the Nagambie Pool, I found some names and information about the early days of the pool and some of those who had involvement in the original construction and running of the pool.

Pictured: Cr Andrews,Jill Branegan(Secretary), Cheryl Mensfeld (President) and Mike Nolan (nephew to Albert)

Avenel Active Update

In case you are not already aware, Avenel Active is a volunteer association representing the community of Avenel. We support community development by collaborating with residents, community organisations, businesses and government authorities relating to identified community needs in Avenel.

We have a current membership of over 70 residents. Our 2022-2026 Community Plan covers a broad range of interests, and we work together with all the above people towards achieving the goals and objectives set out in our plan available at www.strathbogie.vic.gov. au/2022/08/Item-9.2.1_Attachment-1_AvenelCommunity-Plan-2022-2026.pdf

Activities Snapshot 2021-22

Some of the things our Special Interest Groups have worked with organisations to deliver Include:

· Native tree plantations

· Renewable Energy Strategic Plan

· Clean Up Australia activities

· Roaming Rhythms music festival

· Eddie Perfect concert

· Peaceful Piano concerts

· NAIDOC Week movie night

· Mt Bernard guided geology treks

· Swimming Pool cleaning equipment

· Memorial Hall emergency heat refuge

· Memorial Hall projector and screen

· Get Me to the Shops weekly bus

· Hume Freeway speed restrictions

· History Collective digital scanner

· Be Connected digital literacy group

· Community Voice delivery to households

Funds raised from the concerts have been donated to local causes, Including the CFA.

Going forward…

And… There are many exciting new projects in the pipeline. We also believe it’s important to help other local groups raise funds to meet community needs and are familiar with doing this with groups who require auspicing for grant applications.

We welcome new Avenel members; membership is free! Meetings are held at the Avenel Memorial Hall every second Wednesday of the month at 7.30PM.

Please send any requests or queries you would like to discuss with us by email to: avenelactiveinc@gmail.com

Vic Police, Vic Ambulance and CFA promote CPR and Goodsam

Representatives from Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and Nagambie Country Fire Authority gathered at Jacobson’s Outlook on Saturday, January 7th, to promote a new GoodSam app for responders and volunteers willing to assist a person in need of aid if there is an accident, need of CPR at home, a club, workplace, school, local business, in the street or anywhere.

Trish Myers of Ambulance Victoria said “The three services would like their members all to learn CPR in case of emergencies and the general public to be aware that they can support this program by helping a person in need if they are willing too and by becoming a responder and have the new GoodSam App on their phone for such an emergency.”

She also reiterated that “Together we can save lives and be summer smart” said Trish Myers Senior team Manager of Ambulance Victoria.”

Ambulance Victoria have launched a new phone App that has settings with an alert that volunteer GoodSam responders can use. in an emergency.

An experienced Ambulance Victoria Paramedic will contact the responder after they accept any GoodSam alert.

They will talk to the responder about their GoodSam experience and answer any questions they may have. For more details look at Ambulance Victoria’s website. www.ambulance.vic.gov.au

Church Updates

Ecumenical

Shrove Tuesday. February 21.

Ash Wednesday, February 22.

24 February Friday, start of six weeks Lenten Bible Studies. St Malachy’s. 11am. Details, Wendy Keenan. World Day of Prayer service will be hosted by the Nagambie Connect Faith Community (UC Church) in the Nagambie tennis clubrooms. Friday, 3 March.

Anglican Church

Thursday, 23 February. Mothers’ Union fellowship meeting. Christ Church Seymour. 1.30pm. March 19. Mothering Sunday. Posies and Simnel cake to be blessed in services.

March 25. Saturday, Lady Day at Wangaratta Cathedral. Domestic Violence workshop. Service and lunch. Details D.Grant.

Christ Church Seymour services Sunday 9am. St John’s Nagambie Sunday services. 11am. St Paul’s Avenel. 1st Saturday at 5pm and the 5th Sunday of the month 10am. POC Rev. R.Pennington. 0477 921 111.

Catholic Church

Nagambie St Malachy’s. Rosary Mondays 10.30am and Wednesday noon.

1st and 3rd Sundays 9.00am Mass. 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays 11.00am Word and Communion Avenel St Mary’s. Sundays 10.30am Rosary. 1st and 3rd Sundays 11am Mass 2nd and 4th and 5th Sundays 11.00am Word and Communion.

Nagambie W.Keenan. 0459 595 908. Avenel G.Kenworthy. 0405 125 963. Fr A.Hill 0439 033 029.

Presbyterian Church

Nagambie St Andrew’s. 9am service 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. W.Day. 0429 933 116.

Uniting Church

Seymour and Avenel Uniting Church. 9am in Avenel, Rev. J. Payne. 0408 176 754.

WITH 5 YEARS TOYOTA WARRANTY ADVANTAGE* CONFIDENCE COMES STANDARD

Seymour Toyota

21 Emily Street, Seymour T: 03 5735 3000 seymourtoyota.com.au

*The standard Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5yrs, with unlimited kms, from delivery. Excludes vehicles used for a commercial purpose, such as taxis, hire vehicles transporting people or goods for payment including ride share. The commercial vehicle Toyota Warranty Advantage period is 5 years from delivery or 160,000kms (whichever occurs first). See toyota.com.au/owners/warranty or your vehicle’s Warranty and Service Book for T&Cs. This warranty does not limit and may not necessarily exceed your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Seymour takes first step towards zero emissions bus fleet

Seymour will welcome its first of three electric buses this week as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s push towards a cleaner and more sustainable regional bus fleet.

Operated by Seymour Passenger Services, the three electric buses will be introduced to routes in and around Seymour by mid-2023, making the town the first in Victoria to have its public bus network fully serviced by zero emission buses.

The transition to zero emissions is supported by the installation of a new charging station by Victorian-based infrastructure company Mondo at the Seymour depot where the new electric buses will be based.

Seymour Passenger Services is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the three-year ZEB Trial which will see 52 zero emission buses – 50 electric and two hydrogen – rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.

The $20 million trial will inform the transition of around 4,000 diesel buses in the state’s public fleet, including around 2,200 in regional Victoria, to zero emissions, with all new buses on Victoria’s public transport routes to be zero emissions from 2025.

Data collected will provide practical information

such as how zero emission buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of routes.

Creating a greener fleet is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers, with the new, greener buses critical to the Labor Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.

The trial is also fostering vital local industry partnerships that will be needed to achieve the transition across the state – almost all of the electric bus bodies in the trial will be built in Victoria, supporting the local supply chain, jobs and the economy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“Victoria has a commitment of net zero emissions by 2045 and tackling emissions on the bus network is a critical part of that as we drive down pollution and remove noisy diesel buses from our public network for good.”

“Our ZEB trial is contributing countless benefits to our state, including providing job opportunities and supporting the local economy with almost all the bus bodies made in Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Taking the title of the first town with a fully electric bus fleet is a huge win for Seymour with cleaner, greener and quieter buses.”

Jim Winch

Hello, My name is Jim Winch and I’d like to share with you my life saving story. Five years ago, my doctor told me if I didn’t lose weight, I’d be dead in a year. I weighed 121 kg and have serious breathing issues. For the first year, I managed to lose over 6 kg and was very proud of myself. In August 2018, my doctor told me I had to lose another 20 kg.

Our wonderful Pharmacist, Rebecca Baker told me about T.O.W.N. Club Nagambie. T.O.W.N. stands for Take Off Weight Naturally, so I rang the Leader and she told me how the club works and how the members had made progress over the years. Okay, that’s for me. In October 2018 I joined Nagambie T.O.W.N. Club and weighed in at 114 kg.

I liked the idea of members getting together each week to discuss ways of achieving not only their weight loss goals, but lifestyle goals, which includes exercise; something I find difficult to do with my breathing issues. I was making really good progress and had lost a further 11 kg but then COVID hit, and without T.O.W.N. Club help I went back to my starting weight.

Time to Dig In – I managed to get down to 100 kg by July 2021 and then set a new target of 95 kg. I got to my new goal weigh after a bit of a struggle by November 2021. Well Done Jim!!!

My exercise includes playing indoor bowls which I really enjoy and I go to the gym a couple of times per week where I am under the guidance of the Personal Trainers.

Foundation students St Joseph's

I now weigh 81 kg and am aiming for 80 kg by April 2023.

I am very proud of myself for getting down to my current weight and have proved to myself that I can do it when I get fair dinkum!!!!

One affirmation I use, that I learned from another club member is to say “No”. This has helped me tremendously to stay true to my goal and myself and I now say “No” to many of my bad habits. My own mantra is I CAN DO IT, YES I CAN!!!

My journey since October 2018 has been a happy, enjoyable, frustrating, eye-opening one that would not have been possible with the help of this club. Total loss so far is 40 kgs!!

Like me, if you are wanting to lose weight or enjoy a better lifestyle I highly recommend joining Nagambie T.O.W.N. Club. It’s inexpensive and we meet once a week to share our thoughts, ideas, recipes, suggestions and many other topics of conversation. There is no pressure, just a

group of like-minded people who provide positive encouragement and motivation to stay on track.

Come along for a look at what we do (first visit is free) and if you would like to continue, you’ll be put in the hands of one of our wonderful Sunshine People, who will help you start your journey. We meet each Wednesday at 1.00pm at the RSL Club Rooms, 360 High St Nagambie. For further information, please ring Yvonne on 0412 025 845. You won’t be sorry.

Jimbo

You can get in touch with TOWN: Yvonne Dacey Leader TOWN Club Nagambie 0412 025 845

Nagambie

NPS House Leaders

NPS Student Leaders

Pictured: Ebony Anderson, Bridgette Haysom, Gabriella Mercuri and principal Miss Maree

Pictured: L to R back Finley, Delilah, Frankie, Maison L to R front Scout, Grace, Lucas, Adam, Ruby, Jane

Pictured: Our 2023 Mitchell & Goulburn House Leaders (LtoR): Kade, Billy, Layla, Nash, Iylah, Lori, Isla, Mia & Beau.

Pictured: Nagambie Primary School Student Leaders (LtoR): Tom, Flynn, Ruby & Olivia.

Jim Winch with his daughter Jodie, in 2017 weighing 120 kgs

A very happy and light version of myself in Feb 2023

TRIVVIA BUFFS ENJOY

NAGAMBIE MECHANICS INSTITUTE FUNDDRAISER

$100K

Trivia buffs came from across the district to enjoy a night of trivia fun and friendly competition at the first of four events to be run by the Nagambie Mechanics Institute (NMI) volunteer committee to raise funds for a new kitchen It is the 150th year since the NMI was established in Nagambie

Cathy Lawrence of the Institute’s Trivia night committee said “Celebrating 150 years is an opportunity to organise fund raising events and to share the history of the NM,I and its impact in the Nagambie community over the years ”

Trivia quizzing by Trivia Quiz Master Ian Moore was kept on his feet all night running the trivia games, auctions, raffles, and the extra fun of individual fun games and sharing his humour

Thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors and partners there were plenty of great items for the silent auctions, individual auctions, raffles, dances, to trivia music, specialty games and of course the trivia

One team that came was the Seymour Goulburn Rivers team and they won the trivia games competition scoring 84 points The Nagambie Table 9 Team took out the booby prizes

$100,0OO

NMI president Hugh Lawrence and Cathy Lawrence thanked everyone who had generously supported the night in anyway The committee will continue their quest to raise $100,000 to renovate the kitchen and improve the facility The Community Voice will update the funds raised in the next edition

The Winners - Seymour Goulburn River's

The NMI thank the following Sponsors:

Mitchelton Wines

Andrew Facey

Hugh Lawrence

Go Nagambie

Kev Phelan

Godolphin Stud, Hide and Seek,

Joe & Pina Gattuso

Bendigo Bank - Nagambie

Tahbilk Winery

Tar & Roses

Box Grove Wines

Ian Barford

Julia Russell

Puppa & Gaehl

Brett Irvine

Rambling Wine Tours

Go Adventure Nagambie

Sanderson Machinery

John Price

Wacky Splash & Play

La Galerie de Nagambie, Waterfront Motel

Rejuvenate

Neville Brothers

Jim Tattersall

Nagambie Rowing Club

SPC

Tassie Polly Ballos

Helen Perry Office Works

Bernie & Geoff

Gliding Club of Victoria

Barbeques Galore

Avenel Pub

Ozpac

GV Carpet Care

Bank St Pizza

Thai by the Lake

Avonlea

Debbie Ringin

Lindsay's Jewels & Gifts

Nagambie Outdoors

Royal Mail Hotel

Hair on High

Nagambie Newsagency

Active Spines

Nagambie Bakery

Dried Blooms

Central & North Vic Pest Control

Margaret & Henry Moss

Avenel Meats

The Daily Dose - Avenel

The Botanic House

Nagambie Equine & Rural

Harvest Home - Avenel

Murchison Pharmacy

Murchison Bakery

Murchison East Hotel

Wayne Petty

David Fiinigan

The Corner Nook

Zephrys

Harry's

Nagambie Post office

Bunnings

Anderson Garden Supplies

Jaci & Paul Drayton

Costa Group

Webby's Contracting

Table 9 place last in the trivia competition

St Joseph's Primary

Welcome Back

We have had an amazing start to the 2023 school year! Our students have all come back from their break with enthusiasm and have settled into their new classrooms with ease. Some of our Foundation and Grade 1 students shared their thoughts of their first week back:

‘I like being in class. I really like when we have the iPads. I like playing with the wooden treehouse too’ - Finley - Foundation

‘I liked being in the garden and playing in the pond. I like reading in the circus tent’ - GraceFoundation

‘I enjoyed writing about crayons. I liked reading the Excuse Me Santa book and doing rotations in class’ - Delilah - Grade 1

‘I liked making new friends and playing in the sandpit’ - Maison - Grade 1

Nagambie Primary Nagambie

‘My favourite thing about school is reading activities. I like all the books in my classroom and playing outside’ - Jane - Grade 1

New Staff

We are fortunate to have new staff members joining our school this year. We welcome Gabriella Mecuri as our 2/3 teacher, along with former St. Joseph’s student, Ebony Anderson who will be our Religious Education Leader, Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader and part time in the 4/5/6 class. We also welcome back Bridgette Haysom who will be in the F/1 classroom part time each week. We hope they all enjoy being part of the St. Joseph’s community.

Kinder On Site

We are very excited to welcome Nagambie Kinder on site in our MacKillop Hall for 2023! We hope they enjoy their new learning space and we look forward to doing lots of fun activities together throughout the year.

Avenel Primary

Prep students at Avenel Primary School were very excited to kick off their first day of school for 2023 on Tuesday the 31st January. APS is very proud to have two Prep classes this year with teachers Mrs Nicky Greenaway, Mrs Danielle Pearce and Mrs Melanie Kecskes. Students settled in beautifully after completing four transition sessions in Term 4 last year. Beginning the year with an introduction to school life through getting to know you activities; an introduction to our school values: Be a Mate, Be a Learner and Give Something

Back; and getting used to school routines makes for an exhausting first few days for our little learners. We can’t wait to see our new wave of Preps thrive and grow throughout the year. It is great to see both siblings from current APS families and new families starting their primary school journey with us. We welcome all our school community back for a new year, especially our Preps, and look forward to another year full of exciting learning and extra curricular experiences.

A great start to the new school year

What a fabulous start we have had to the new school year! A highlight for me was spending time in every classroom and seeing so many happy, friendly, engaged and productive students who are enjoying learning and being back together. Recess and lunchtime saw everyone enjoying playing together.

Mrs Elson’s wonderful Prep students had a great first week and are a very happy, friendly, clever and fun group. We’ve already had our first PE class and it was lots of fun! The Preps and Gr 6 students enjoyed their Buddies program.

Our new weekly P-6 Creative Arts Drama & Music classes have started with teachers Miss Georgia and Phil. How good will this year’s concert be!

4th generation of family at Nagambie Primary School

Sometimes you hear of some local families who have lived in the area for decades and who were married locally, had children locally and who brought up their family here even up to three or four generations.

Not many families can boast four generations of their family attending the same school.

Well proud grandparents Anne and Warwick Hutton of Nagambie can and recently they saw eight of their 15 grandchildren off to start a new school year at Nagambie Primary School on Monday 30 January.

The eldest of the grandchildren attending the local school is Lori who is in Grade 6, while the youngest is her brother Lenny and cousin Hannah who started their school journey in the 2023 Prep class.

Warwick Hutton’s father Kenneth Hutton attended Nagambie Primary School (NPS) in the 1930”s, and was also heavily involved in the school council when Warwick attended the school from 1963 when Warwick attended NPS after the closure of the Tahbilk Primary School earlier that year.

Anne Hutton was also a relief teacher for many years at the school.

The next chapter in the school and Hutton’s family relationship recommenced when Warwick and Anne's four children, Sharni, Benjamin, Caylee and Jackson all attended between 19872000.

They were the third generation of "Hutton’s” to be educated through the local primary school and the ongoing relationship is now well established with Sharni, Caylee and Jackson's children now attending the school in healthy numbers.

Grade 6 student Lori Perry is one of the House Captains for Goulburn House this year. Therefore the eight grandchildren at the school in 2023 are actually the fourth generation of the family at the school.

Four generations at one time like the eight cousins who started school this year makes a wonderful historic connection between the family and school and the family’s heritage looks like it will continue to grow for many years to come in our community.

Pictured below: Back Row – 4th Generations of the Hutton family started at Nagambie Primary School on Monday 30 January. The cousins are: Back row. Lachlan Hutton, Henry Lloyd, Lani Perry, Lori Perry and George Lloyd

Front Row - Isabelle Lloyd, Hannah Hutton and Lenny Perry

GVR Quarry &

Ring

Local Sport

Nagambie Womens Golf

Wednesday 25th January

There were 10 players for a round of Par and the Monthly Medal.

The winner was Ronda Richards with -2 and also the winner of the Monthly Medal.

The 9 hole winner was Jane Bow -1 on a C/B from Annette Mills

18 hole balls down the line were won by Ronda -2 and Sue Verge -3 9 hole balls down the line were won by Jane -1 and Annette . There were no N/P winners

Chicken Run Thursday 26th January

There were 16players for a round of Par and the winner was Michael Kleinig with []. There were no N/P winners.

Wednesday 1st February

There were 13 players for a fun round of 4BBB Stroke , with partner selection from a draw. The winners were Bev Brown and Carol Wallis with 69 net.

The R/U’s were Irene Keogh and Marg Harrison with 70 net on a C/B from Moz Fowler and Karyn Thompson. They 9 hole winners were Bev and Carol with 34 net on a C/B from Moz and Karyn with 35 net on a C/B from Irene and Marg. Balls down the line for 18 went to Bev and Carol and Irene and Marg.

9 hole balls went to Bev and Carol and Moz and Karyn

N/P on the 3rd was Moz and on the 16th Karyn.

Chicken Run 2nd February

There were 26 players playing a round of Stableford on the back 9.

The winner with 22 pts was Joe Labas and R/U was Irene Keogh with 20 pts.

Shaun Bryant took out both N/P’s on the 13th and 16th.

Nagambie Mens Golf

Regular summertime weather returned just in time for Sunday's February monthly medal; a good sized field of 28 took to the course a great number considering 10 Nagambie golfers are away on representative duties. David Sudhloz was the recipient of the medal with a 92-23-69, Sudholz has been there abouts since joining the Nagambie golf club with many top four finishes but Sunday's win his best result by far. Runner up was the evergreen Joe Labas proving his game has what it takes to get things done Labas carded a 94-24-70 rounding out the top three was the irrepressive Glen Evans with 87-17-70 good to Evans back on the leaderboard.

The nearest the pin prizes were all hotly contested with Des Phelan tickling the hole on the narrow 3rd, Gary Bow blasting it up to the long 8th, Joe Labas showing some class and touch on the 13th and Greg Baldwin always likes to go home with a prize when he visits. Next week's golf will move to Saturday to make way for the Nagambie golf club to host a Summer pennant round normal tee with continue 8.00 to 8.30 a par event is scheduled with G. Bow on office duty and D. Phelan in the bar.

Avenel Bowls Club

MIDWEEK PENNANT – Division 5

Avenel played at home against Colbinabbin in round 11. The visitors took the honours 12 – 41 to 2 – 32 to nudge Avenel into fourth place on the ladder just one point behind the third placed Colbinabbin. After a seesawing game, the scores were 17 all with one end to be played for Marion Gittus, Rob Kemp, Charlie Kemp, Graeme Toy (s) One shot was needed, two was achieved for Avenel to claim the win 19 – 17. Robyn Hyland, Ruth Underwood, Glen Bell, Graham Lewis (s) were on the wrong side of the score card recording a 24 – 13 loss.

The next game for Avenel is away against Shepparton Park.

MIDWEEK PENNANT – Division 3

Avenel had an exciting one shot win away against East Shepparton 14 – 77 to 2 – 76.

Winning fifteen ends, Nyoli Bell, Jenny Furletti, Pam Pedder, Geoff Hateley (s) never lost the lead and kept scoreboard pressure on their opponents for the entire game to record a solid win 30 – 16.

Fay Hateley, Kate Donovan, Grace Kenworthy, Noel Slater (s) had a brilliant first half and led 28 – 6 at the break for lunch. In the second half East Shepparton

found some form to win six ends straight. However, Avenel had put enough the runs on the board early to win 30 – 17.

Already holding a healthy lead, two sixes by East Shepparton late in the game sealed the fate for Ruth King, Rusty Schwab, Dennis McGregor (s) East Shepparton combined accuracy and consistency to record a big win 43 – 17.

The next game for Avenel is at home against Numurkah.

WEEKEND PENNANT - Division 7

Avenel hosted Alexandra last Saturday and the visitors took full points back home 12 – 43 to 0 – 35.

Mike Dibben, Ruth Underwood, Marion Gittus, Graham Lewis (s) led by four shots on end seventeen. However, Alexandra won the last four ends and the game 21 – 18.

Kyle Pedder, Ron Harrison, Ross Sinclair, Glen Bell (s) won only two ends before the lunch break to be sixteen down. They refocused in the second half to win five of the last seven ends to bring the deficit down to just five shots, losing the game 22 – 17.

The next game for Avenel is away against Violet Town.

WEEKEND PENNANT - Division 3

The top team played the bottom team and the result made it clear why Seymour are the top team. A dominant win by Seymour 16 – 117 to 2 – 71 with three rinks recording big wins.

In the closest game of the day Fay Hateley, Kate Donovan, Grace Kenworthy, Noel Slater (s) won by the merest margin 22 – 21. Avenel were three down on the 18th end and won the next five ends to be ahead by six shots. Seymour needed three on the last end but fell short by one in a tense finish to the game.

Pam Pedder, Jenny Furletti, Spud Furletti, Geoff Hateley (s) lost the first six ends to be down eleven shots. As the game progressed, they managed to get within six shots of the lead but were unable to catch a determined Seymour team that eventually won by 13 shots, 32 – 19.

James Wall, Rusty Schwab, Josh McDonald, Brett McDonald (s) were involved in a close game up until the 19th end with Seymour leading by two shots. From there it was one way traffic as Seymour surged ahead scoring fourteen shots to one over the remaining six ends to win the game 31 - 16.

Donna Rowley, Nyoli Bell, Dennis Mc Gregor, Jake Wall (s) despite being only eight shots down at the lunch break, did not have the answers for a focused Seymour team who stormed ahead over the remaining ends to win 33 – 14.

The next game for division 3 is at home against Shepparton Park.

Best wishes to two of the clubs stalwarts, Ruth King and Graeme Toy who are recovering from illness.

Nagambie Petanque

Our Club was successful in getting a Strathbogie Shire Grant for $5000, we are very appreciative to the Shire for this recognition of our sport, and the encouragement to raise the profile of our Club. We have now had the resurfacing done at our piste thanks to Sanderson Landscaping and also Chris Anderson for further supply of stones. We will be levelling and watering to create our new playing surface and this work will be completed by the time we have our Nagambie Cup Mixed Doubles Competition on Sunday, 2nd April, 2023. This will be attended by up to 50 people from local and surrounding areas, and brings in visitors to the area.

Thanks again to the Shire for enabling this improvement, we are very grateful and hope that we can encourage other players to come and join us in this sport.

Our Club is always looking for more members, it is a great social game, and caters for all abilities and ages. We are a very friendly, welcoming club and would ensure you enjoy the great game if you come for a try, we meet at our piste area behind the Recreation Reserve on Thursday and Sunday at 3pm.

Call Jill for further information, 0419 567 580

Nagambie Cricket

The focus this week is off the field. The second Nagambie Pink Stumps Day is being held this Saturday at the Recreation Reserve from 2.00 pm to 5.30pm. Drink on arrival, afternoon tea, guest speakers, entertainment, photo booth and silent auctions with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation. Remember to pink up, over 80 tickets have been sold with more available from Sharay 0447841455.

The under 16 team is in the middle of a semi final versus Waaia. Waaia were well positioned at 3 for 133 but enter Bryce Shepherd who delivered a well flighted googly to dismiss the dominating Waaia gun bat for 58. A late order collapse followed with Waaia dismissed for a competitive total of 139.

With one match before the finals commence the under 14 are undefeated and atop the ladder. No results this edition after a general bye and a wash out in the last fortnight. The upcoming match versus Shepparton Youth Club should have the team primed for finals action.

After a dominating win against Euroa the A Grade team were positioned to make a late season rally for finals. Euroa were dismissed for 102 with the evergreen Brock Boddington collecting four wickets. Nagambie lost two wickets in reply with Zac WinerIrving setting up the victory with a rapid fire 36. Luke Nolan remained 32 not out and Brayden Biggs 29 not out after some signature strokes. Now the bad news. With 21 of 24 matches played last week, Nagambie was unfortunate to have their match abandoned against last placed Tatura at Tatura due to a wet pitch. They need to win the final three matches and have other results fall their way.

The B Grade side are now in fifth place after wins over the last two weeks. Northerners registered a competitive total of 8 for 155 with James Brook the best of the trundlers with three wickets. Nagambie were in dire straits at 4 for 49 but a 67 run partnership between batting allrounder Will O'Brien 36 and Ryan Matthews 46 not out led the team to victory for the loss of 6 wickets. The match versus second placed Mooroopna was dominated by the ball except for a authoritative innings by new recruit Jeewan DeSilva. After a hat trick by a Mooroopna opening bowler Nagambie were in something worse than dire straits at 4 for 19. A 41 run stand by Jeewan 62 and Darby O'Brien 10 rescued the side to a total of 119 on a sporting pitch. Opening bowlers Will O'Brien and Jesse Rule bowled a fiery opening spell claiming 5 early wickets to have Mooroopna reeling at 5 for 14. They were dismissed for 82 with Will O'Brien 4 for 28 Jesse Rule 3 for 16 and Jeewan Desilva 3 for 18 claiming the ten scalps.

The E grade side remain in third position after a win and a loss over the last two weeks. Top side Old Students amassed 5 for 207 with Trent Gladwin taking 4 wickets. Nagambie were dismissed for 111 with youngsters Archie Harrison 40 off 39 balls and Hugh Mckeown 22 the major contributors. A wet pitch and a slow outfield made scoring difficult in the match versus Waaia. Nagambie were restricted to 4 for 124 with Jeremy Ezard 31, Archie Harrison 23 and Keenan Shepherd 21 the chief scorers. A consistent bowling effort with Ryan Ezard taking three early wickets gave the Lakers a hard earned 29 run victory. It is pleasing to note that the junior players are making valuable contribution in the B and E grade sides which augers well for the future.