The Community Voice, Go Nagambie | Wednesday February 14th 2023, Issue 541

INTRODUCING NAGAMBIE GOLD

The

Nagambie Rowing

Club is gearing up to host an exhilarating two-day rowing extravaganza on the 16th and 17th of February.

At the heart of the regatta lies the newly introduced event, Nagambie Gold, an electrifying showcase of athletic prowess and competitive spirit. Set against the backdrop of the tranquil Nagambie Lakes, this event promises to captivate audiences and athletes alike.

Scheduled to unfold around lunchtime on Saturday, February 17th, this premier competition comprises four riveting races, each offering substantial prize money and prestige across five distinct categories. Nagambie Gold races on offer are the Women's Singles, where the victor will claim a handsome $5000 prize, with $1250 reserved for the runner-up. Similarly, the Women's Pair event promises fierce competition, with $5000 per seat for the winners and $1250 per seat for the second-place duo. The Men's Singles and Men's Pair races mirror these prize structures, ensuring equitable rewards for outstanding performances across genders.

In a thrilling twist, the overall event winner, determined by time across all classes, will be awarded a staggering $10,000 per seat, cementing their status as the ultimate champion of champions. The allure of the Nagambie Gold extends far beyond its lucrative prize pool. Elite rowers hailing from every corner of Australia are set to converge upon Nagambie, lured by the opportunity to compete for

glory leading onto the prestigious Australian Championships. In fact, this event stands as the crown jewel of rowing competitions, boasting the highest prize money of any rowing race worldwide for the year.

Among the roster of formidable contestants vying for victory, a staggering 15 are esteemed members of the Australian Paris Olympic team, with an additional 7 proudly donning gold medals from the recent Tokyo Olympics. Notably, one dynamic duo stands as the current world record holders, underscoring the caliber of talent poised to grace the event with their presence.

Athlete selection for Nagambie Gold event hinges on recent performances in the fiercely contested New South Wales Championships, with only the most exceptional rowers earning coveted invitations. For many Victorians, this event represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Olympic-caliber athletes in action, serving as a poignant prelude to the forthcoming Paris Olympics.

Beyond the flagship Nagambie Gold Event, the two-day regatta promises a plethora of exhilarating races and categories to enthrall spectators and athletes alike. From the adrenaline-fueled 2000m Olympic distance race to the precision of club and school singles, doubles, quads, and eights, the weekend is set to showcase the full spectrum of rowing prowess.

As anticipation builds and excitement reaches fever pitch, the Nagambie Regatta Centre stands ready to welcome athletes, spectators, and enthusiasts alike to bask in the thrill of elite rowing competition. In the heart and soul of Nagambie, history will be made,

records will be shattered, and champions will be crowned amidst the serene beauty of the lakeshores.

Pictured: Olympic Gold Medalist, Lucy Stephan

Nagambie RSL Sub Branch

Nagambie RSL Sub Branch

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

To be held on

To be held on

Tuesday, 5th March 2024 at 2:00pm

Tuesday, 5th March 2024 at 2:00pm

After the monthly luncheon at the Nagambie RSL Sub Branch Clubroom High Street Nagambie

After the monthly luncheon at the Nagambie RSL Sub Branch Clubroom High Street Nagambie

Election of Office Bearers and Committee

Election of Office Bearers and Committee

Nomination Forms will be available from the February 6th at RSL Clubroom High Street Nagambie

Nomination Forms will be available from the February 6th at RSL Clubroom High Street Nagambie

For more information Contact Beverley Benson on 0467 000 875

For more information Contact Beverley Benson on 0467 000 875

The Nagambie Good Friday Appeal invites you to get a team together and come along to our Trivia Night Fund Raising Event

Friday 22nd March 2024 @ 7.00pm

Nagambie Mechanics Institute Hall, 286 High Street

All funds raised are donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Auction items - Raffles BYO Glasses, drinks and snacks. Tea, Coffee and Water provided. Tickets $15.00pp

Please see Pat Moroney for tickets and enquiries phone - 0407 811572 or Traci on 0418 414504

Investing in Northern Victorian women to change the game

The Allan Labor Government is backing more women and girls in northern Victoria from all backgrounds to get involved in the sport they love.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced applications for the 2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program have opened.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support community sport and recreation clubs or organisations to increase participation, build capability, promote gender equity and support the professional development of women volunteering and working in community sport.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program is a fantastic opportunity for our community sport and active recreation clubs to showcase the important roles women and girls play and deserve. I encourage all eligible organisations to consider applying.”

In this round of the program there’s also a strong focus on supporting club or organisation initiatives that encourage the equitable inclusion of women and girls from all backgrounds and experiences.

The program is part of the Government’s Change Our Game initiative, working to make sport more accessible, increasing local participation and providing opportunities for all Victorians to be leaders in their local sporting community.

Now in its seventh year, the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants program has provided more than $2.2 million towards 461 grants that have benefitted community sport and active recreation clubs and organisations across the state.

Together with the Fair Access Policy, launched by the Labor Government in August 2022, Change Our Game Community Activation Grants provides a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to extend equitable access to, and use of, community sports infrastructure, and build participants’ skills and knowledge.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said, “This program is a fantastic opportunity for community sport and recreation clubs to take a positive steps towards making community sport more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

These grants are part of the Government’s $18.8 million investment in the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game initiative since 2016.

Applications for this program close at 5pm AEDT, Monday 4 March 2024.

For more information about Change Our Game programs visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.

Checking in at Nagambie

The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation takes their mission to save lives from skin cancer, to the next level.

On Wednesday February 7th, the National Skin Check Truck rolled into Nagambie. Many locals lined up and saw the opportunity as service too convenient not to partake in. The truck is set to help communities around Australia stay on top of their skin health with free skin checks, educational content and more.

With the launch of Australia’s first mobile National Skin Check Truck. This groundbreaking initiative is proudly supported by MoleMap to provide free Skin Checks and full body checks to communities who otherwise may not be able to access a similar service, while further educating them on skin cancer and how

to take preventative measures.

An article on the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Facebook page, states that deadly skin cancer diagnoses are expected to rise by up to 69 per cent in Victoria over the next decade, with experts urging the community to stop underestimating the sun’s deadly UV rays.

Nearly all melanomas are preventable, but the latest Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) report shows diagnoses were expected to rise by 24 to 69 per cent over 10 years as our ageing population grows.

Many Victorians remain unaware of their body’s ticking time bomb – and their shot at earlier treatment – with the VCR report also revealing there were 1311 fewer melanoma diagnoses in 2020 to 2022 – a 13 per cent drop, than expected during the pandemic.

More free tafe courses on offer for 2024

Four new courses in hospitality, youth work and tourism are now available through the Allan Labor Government’s Free TAFE initiative giving Victorians more opportunities to learn new skills and grow their careers.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes is encouraging prospective students to look at courses on offer through the Free TAFE initiative, providing Victorians with more access to vocational training.

Since the program was introduced in 2019 it has grown to include more than 80 TAFE qualifications and short courses.

This has helped more than 156,000 students who have saved almost $423 million in tuition fees since the program began, including more than 90,000 women who have gained new skills to benefit their careers.

Free TAFE is benefiting all Victorians, with a quarter of all Free TAFE students based in regional Victoria and more than 44,500 come from multicultural backgrounds.

With enrolments now open, students can kick start their careers or upskill to gain new experience or qualifications, across a range of sectors like nursing, building and construction, community services and cyber security.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “We know that TAFE is an equal choice to uniand if you enrol in a Free TAFE course, you can get started in your career without debt.”

The Free TAFE program is helping Victorians get the skills they need for the job they want, including in growth areas like clean energy, building the state’s future workforce as we transition to net-zero.

The Victorian Government is also backing the

development of new clean energy skills and courses through the $50 million Clean Energy Fund, including projects at Federation TAFE in Ballarat, TAFE Gippsland in Morwell and South West TAFE in Warrnambool.

Free TAFE courses are available to all Victorians, regardless of their existing qualification level, and it’s also possible to do more than one Free TAFE course provided it’s within the same priority pathway.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $543 million in TAFE to help more Victorians get the skills they need with more subsidised courses and improved facilities, including funding for new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury so more students can study closer to home.

Victoria’s TAFE network is a vital part of our state’s education system, helping students become jobready faster and providing the skills we need to grow our economy.

For the full list of Free TAFE courses visit: vic.gov. au/free-tafe

More than 2880 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, making it the fifth most common cancer.

Victorian Cancer Registry director Professor Sue Evans said the “sharp” decline in diagnoses meant there were more “people living in the community” with undiagnosed cancer.

“It’s a trend happening … across all cancers over the last three years, so that’s a little concerning,” she said. This trend has also made it difficult to predict future melanoma diagnoses, and was why the predicted increase ranged from 24 to 69 per cent.

The lower number does not factor in the impact of the pandemic on cancer figures, while the higher number was from a projection that “took into account that ‘missed diagnoses’” from the pandemic will show up later.

More than 2880 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022.

“It’s crucial all Australians know that there is no safe way to tan, and get a skin check at least once a year.”

“Early detection is key and a check up could save your life.” Says CEO Jay Allen OAM.

#getaskincheck

Pam & Merv Shepherd celebrate their diamond anniversary

Sixty years of marriage is certainly something to celebrate and Nagambie’s Pam and Mervyn Shepherd plan to do that on their Diamond Anniversary on Thursday, 15 February at the Nagambie Rowing club.

Like many other couples around 1962 they met at a social local dance in the YMCA hall in Bendigo where Merv lived. They enjoyed having the last dance with each other.

Pam came from Eaglehawk and the couple paired up for two years of courtship and finally became man and wife on 15 February, 1964 at the West Methodist Church in Eaglehawk.

Merv worked for the Victorian Railways before and after he was married around the Goonong – Melbourne district line.

In 1978 the family moved to their Railway house near the Nagambie station. Merv worked at the Nagambie railway station before it suffered a fire and was demolished in 1990.

The devoted couple have a close knit family and have always supported each other through good and bad times and have worked things out together when they needed to be sorted.

The couple’s two children, Michelle and Dean and their partners have honoured the couple with eleven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren over the years sharing much joy, sadness and happiness on many special occasions. Pam and Merv enjoy being grandparents but spoke about the changes of raising a family nowadays to back in the time.

Locals know that Pam is a one eyed Carlton supporter while Merv follows Collingwood. Local will also remember that the Nagambie Community Voice started as an A4 photocopied newsletter and the Shepherds worked with the team that compiled it fortnightly and helped it to be delivered to every house and business in town.

89 year old Merv years ago worked as a volunteer driver for the shire council taking folk to hospitals and appointments in Melbourne and by a small bus to swimming sessions and other requirements to Shepparton. He also served in the Nagambie and Wirrate fire brigades for many years.

The Community congratulates Pam and Merv on their special day and wish them many more years together.

Happy Diamond anniversary Pam and Merv Shepherd from our family and friends

Rates on Hold

In early December there was a view that we were in for at least one more rate rise. In mid December however, a sharp drop in US inflation, followed by the suggestion by the US Federal Reserve that rates could be cut three times in 2024 led to a change in sentiment in Australia. By the end of December, markets were pricing in two rate cuts for Australia in 2024.

A further driver of downward pressure on rates is December inflation which came in at four per cent for the year, a significant decline from the September quarter result of 5.4 per cent.

The quarterly decline was the lowest it has been since March 2021.

The big difference between Australia and the US however is the state of the rental market.

Australian rental increases have settled down a bit but there remains a shortage of rental properties. High construction costs are preventing more properties being built and high interest rates is leading to relatively lacklustre investor activity. These rental increases are feeding into Australian inflation, further contributing to the lack of rental properties. In the US, construction activity is strong and there is a surplus of rental properties.

More positively for Australian rental increases is that there have been some major changes to rent assistance and in the December quarter inflation numbers, rental increases were significantly reduced compared to where they would otherwise have been.

For mortgage holders, today’s announcement will be welcome but still does not provide much relief. A decline in rates, the first of which is expected sometime in the first half of the year, can’t come soon enough.

Good times, great vibes at Tastes of the Goulburn

Tastes of the Goulburn is thrilled to announce that one of Australia’s most popular duos Sam and Sam will headline the Entertainment Stage in 2024.

Sam Ludeman and Sam Russell began releasing original music as Sam and Sam in 2020.

Quickly achieving remarkable success and attracting a loyal crowd of fans, their vibrant shows, which have seen them sharing the stage with notable acts like Birds of Tokyo, Jon Stevens, The Veronicas and Olivia Newton-John to energise crowds and inspire dancing with their Pop/Rock and Modern Country sound –and last year, the duo had the privilege of performing Australia’s National anthem in front of 96,000 fans at the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.

Joining Sam and Sam on the line-up for Tastes of the Goulburn 2024 is Liam Blunts Funky Rhythm Train, a local 5 piece featuring Aussie rock classics, funky soul and blues, pop, top 40 and everything in between.

To get the party started, The Beekeepers, a tight-knit trio of childhood friends will cover classic rock and grunge hits. Their performances breathe new life into timeless favourites, so get ready to rock.

Also joining Tastes this year as our official MC is talented ABC Breakfast presenter Nic Healey. Nic who originally hails from Deniliquin in the Riverina area of NSW, now calls Shepparton home.

“Right around the Goulburn Valley we don’t just have some of the best food and wine on offer, we also have some of the best musical performers in the country,” Nic said.

“I’m excited to be able to help showcase just a little of what’s available in the region.”

The event will showcase winemakers, brewers, restauranteurs, producers, distillers, growers, chefs, musicians and entertainers from the Mitchell Shire, Goulburn Valley, Upper Goulburn, Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie regions.

Entry price is $35 and includes an official event tasting glass.

The first 1000 tickets purchased will also receive a Tastes of the Goulburn tote bag.

Tastes of the Goulburn—

Saturday 27 April 2024

10am to 4pm

Over $100,000 returned to the Heathcote and Nagambie Communities

Community Bank Heathcote & District and Bendigo Bank Nagambie awarded over $100,000 in Community Enterprise Foundation Grants and Community Sponsorships in October 2023.

Local groups including Hilldene CFA, Heathcote Dementia Alliance, Epilepsy Action Australia, Mia Mia Cricket Club and Nagambie Soccer Club all benefited from the grant and sponsorship programs.

Nagambie Lakes Community House was awarded $3,000 to install a wheelchair and pram accessible path at the rear of the Community House, a welcome addition to the facilities that will widen the usage of the rear garden and gazebo areas to

people of all abilities.

Nagambie Lakes Sailing Club welcomed a grant of $12,500 to purchase a safety motorboat, emergency rescue equipment and communication equipment allowing the club to provide life saving services at various events on Lake Nagambie.

Heathcote International Film Festival were also winners with a grant of $10,500 to purchase portable AV equipment of their own, reducing hire costs for future events.

Community Bank Chair Natalie SheridanSmith said “the Board at Heathcote & District Financial Services Limited (the franchisee owner of Community Bank Heathcote & District and Bendigo Bank Nagambie) were overwhelmed by

the volume and quality of applications from our October 2023 grant round. We are so pleased we were able to award so many grants and sponsorships.”

Branch Manager, Joseph Mayes said “I cannot wait to meet with all our recipients and see the fabulous ways they are putting the Community Banks profits to good use. Community Bank Heathcote & District and Bendigo Bank Nagambie return up to 80% of their profits to the local community through the Community Grant program, Scholarships and Sponsorships. This is only possible while people in these communities continue to bank with us and we have our loyal customers to thank for staying with us and making this Grant round possible.”

In the past, the Community Grants Program

has supported a broad range of projects in the Heathcote and Nagambie districts including over $17,000 to the Heathcote Playspace, $160,000 to the Barrack Reserve Stadium upgrades, $20,000 for solar heating upgrades at Heathcote Pool, $10,000 for OH&S upgrades at Nagambie Recreation Reserve and $13,500 for netball court lighting installations at Longwood Football Netball Club, just to name a few. Other regular grants are made to local groups such as various CFA branches, SES branches, tourism initiatives, schools, halls, clubs and health services.

If you would like more information about upcoming Community Grants, Sponsorship or Scholarship opportunities, contact marketing@ heathcotenagambie.community

February Council Meeting

The next meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council is scheduled be held on Tuesday 20 February 2024, commencing at 6.00 pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre –1b Bury Street, Euroa.

The gallery will be open to the public.

The meeting will be livestreamed at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au and we encourage community members to watch the meeting via this option.

The agenda for this meeting will be available on Council's website by close of business the Friday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of the Agenda will no longer be available, however, a limited number of iPads with the Agenda uploaded will be on hand for public use at the meeting.

Talk to the Administrator sessions

Council is running a series of sessions throughout the municipality giving residents the chance to book in a timeslot to meet with the Administrator Peter Stephenson.

Bookings for these sessions are essential to ensure you secure your one-on-one 15-minute timeslot.

Bookings for each session can be made via the following links:

• Euroa and Longwood residents, Tuesday 27 Feb, 4.30-6.30pm at Euroa Community Conference Centre: https:// events.humanitix.com/euroa-andlongwood-talk-to-the-administrator

• Nagambie and Graytown residents, Tuesday 12 March, 4.30-6.30pm at Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre: https://events.humanitix.com/nagambieand-graytown-talk-to-the-administrator

• Strathbogie residents, Tuesday 26 March, 4.30-6.30pm at Strathbogie Memorial Hall: https://events. humanitix.com/strathbogie-talk-to-theadministrator

• Ruffy residents, Tuesday April 9, 4.30-6.30pm at Tablelands Community Centre: https://events.humanitix.com/ ruffy-talk-to-the-administrator

• Violet Town residents, Tuesday 23 April, 4.30-6.30pm at Violet Town Community Complex: https://events.humanitix.com/ violet-town-talk-to-the-administrator

Pitch My Project 2024/25 Now Open!

Strathbogie Shire residents – it’s time to pitch your idea! Strathbogie Shire Council’s annual Pitch my Project initiative is now open for ideas to include in the 2024/25 Budget.

Pitch ideas must be Council-led and delivered with no direct allocation of funds given to community groups, clubs, organisations or commercial business.

Council has proposed an allocation of $300,000 for Pitch My Project as part of the 2024/25 annual budget. Each of the six Strategic Focus Areas within the Council Plan will be allocated $50,000. This year we’ve also include the opportunity to pitch infrastructure projects.

Head to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov. au to read the guidelines, find inspiration

of past successful pitches and get pitching. You’ll first be asked to contact a Council officer who will advise you about your pitch. The pitch period will close at 5pm on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Customer Satisfaction Survey currently taking place

From 29 January through to mid-March Shire residents may receive a phone call from an independent market research agency called National Field Services.

We have commissioned them to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council — these surveys are being undertaken across Victorian councils.

The survey is designed to assess our performance and to identify ways to improve our service delivery. Around 400 interviews will be conducted among a representative sample of Strathbogie Shire residents.

We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. Please be assured your details and individual responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Council.

If you have any questions, contact the Customer Service team on 1800 065 993.

Road Closures for Road Rehabilitation Works

Creek Junction and Spring Creek roads in Strathbogie are closing for road rehabilitation works starting this week. The works will take place until mid-February, weather permitting. The work will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm. There will be some changed traffic conditions including road closures during work hours. We request all road users to be aware of the changed conditions and follow the signs in place for detours. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works.

Tenders now open

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie Shire Council:

• Euroa Railway Precinct Master Plan. Lump Sum Contract (contract number 22/23-68). Strathbogie Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced consultants for the development of a Euroa Railway Precinct Masterplan to be developed with significant community engagement and consultation. Tenders received until 4pm Thursday 15 February, 2024.

• Municipal Stormwater Strategy (contract number 23/24-45). Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced consultants for the development of a Municipal Stormwater Strategy. Quotations received until 4pm Wednesday 28 February, 2024.

Tenders may only be viewed and lodged online through the Tendersearch portal accessible via our website www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au. Please note Strathbogie Shire no longer accepts hardcopy tenders or RFQs and will not accept tenders by fax or email.

Nagambie Seniors Update

Nagambie Seniors have resumed all activities now, and we have welcomed back all our members and many new ones. Thanks for your support. We hope to continue to grow and have more of our community join us.

The February newsletter has been sent out with lots of news of the events coming up, one being the annual games and get together BBQ at Goulburn Weir. This will be held for all members on Friday, 16th February at 4.00pm. The Club will supply all the meat, and we ask you to bring a salad to share. The day is always enjoyed, and with a few fun games, like petanque, ladder hockey, bean bag goals, we are sure there will be something to have a go at. Or just sit under the lovely trees in the park and watch the events!!

The other important notice of trip coming up, is the bus trip to The International Flower and Garden Show. We are heading there on Thursday, 21st March. The cost will be $40 for members, subsidized by the club, but we are hoping friends and other interested to come on the trip, as we need to fill the bus to ensure this pricing. If you are not a member and would like to come with your friends or group, the joining fee is only $5 for the year.

The newsletter is sent to all members via email (for those who don’t have email, we have a pick up point at the Post Office, Info Centre and NLCH.

Movie Day is the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 1pm. The next screening is Tuesday 13th February, “The Painted Veil”, and Tuesday, 27th February will be “So B. It”. Hope to see you there for the show and an ice cream at interval.

Line Dancing continues to be popular, and the twice a week times are Wednesday and Friday at 9.30am. Friday features a Beginners section for half an hour for a great introduction to this fantastic activity, that is good for brain and physical exercises. Come and try and you will get hooked.

The Tai Chi and Get Moving exercise group is always a great way to get some exercise as well, all abilities are catered for, so come along and see what you are able to do. Move it or lose it!! Monday and Friday at 9.30 for Tai Chi and 10.00 for Get Moving. Just come for the music and the cuppa afterwards if you don’t want to exercise!! All Welcome.

Table Tennis is also held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, open to the public, catering for all ages and skill abilities. Small group size at present, but able to put up more tables if required.

I am happy to email any interested people who would like to receive the newsletter monthly. We also have collection points around town, at the Post Office, the Info Centre, and NLCH. Pick up a copy or email nagambieseniors@gmail.com to go on the list. Or phone Jill on 0419 567 580

We also wish to thank Go Nagambie for including our Club details on their website, check it out.

https://www.gonagambie.com.au/live/ community-groups-and-clubs/nagambieseniors

Join Terri MacDonald for A Brush with Nature in ARTBOX

ARTBOX will host regional Victorian artist Terri MacDonald and her exhibition ‘A Brush with Nature’ which celebrates the natural world through the depiction of some of the most colourful subjects.

Focusing on Australian birdlife and botanical subjects, the exhibition is a collection of original watercolour and hand tinted etchings.

Since moving to her country property in central Victoria nearly a decade ago, Terri has been inspired by the abundance of wildlife in her semi ‘off the grid’ lifestyle.

Connecting with the rural landscape and the natural environment, Terri is seeking to show its character and beauty through the depiction of her subjects – be it noisy and colourful parrots and other birdlife, or the plants and insects that are foundational components of the rural Environment. Her work draws from both traditional zoological and botanical illustration through to more expressive styles.

Consistent in her approach though, is an eye for detail and appreciation of colour as a compositional element.

Her influences are broad, drawing inspiration from natural history artists of the 17-19th century, including Ferdinand Bauer, and Marianne North and Elizabeth Gould’s, to fine art masters such as Durer, Turner, Cassat and Freud.

She also has worked on Kelmscott vellum, an old and traditional illustration surface derived from animal hide, with a number of pieces in the exhibition on vellum.

While difficult to source, Kelmscott vellum is unique in its properties, allowing for incredibly fine detail while also providing an intensity in the watercolour pigments not possible with other painting supports.

Terri has also experimented with printing, with a preference for lithography and copper plate etching. She has several print works in the exhibition, both hand tinted and as original Prints.

Trained in fine art and as an illustrator, Terri has a PhD in creative arts, with a focus on natural history, and has taught fine art and illustration at university level.

Her work is held in both private and institutional collections, and she has won numerous awards for her work. Terri is involved with the local arts community and is a strong advocate for promoting regional art and artists.

All works in the exhibition are for sale through the artist.

February 2 – 27

A Brush with Nature

By Terri MacDonald

Meet the artist: visit ARTBOX on Saturday 17 Feb, 11am – 2pm or Saturday 24 Feb at the Nagambie on Water Festival

Annual Seymour Show ‘n’ Shine

Join us for a day of excitement and community spirit at the Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn and the Seymour and District Car Club Annual Seymour Show 'n' Shine, taking place on Labour Day, March 11th, at Kings Park Seymour.

This event marks the pinnacle of fundraising efforts for the Lions Club and holds a special place on the calendar for the Seymour and District Car Club.

With approximately 500 vehicles on display, ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels, along with 70+ Swap Meet stalls and a bustling market, there's something for every automotive enthusiast. Plus, don't miss out on the lively auction featuring items generously donated by local businesses.

For families, there's plenty to enjoy, including kids' rides and amusements, a delectable food court, aromatic coffee vans, and live music to keep the atmosphere buzzing. And with a raffle boasting over $2,500 in prizes, there's excitement around every corner.

Local clubs and services will also be present, offering displays and demonstrations to engage and entertain visitors of all ages.

Gates open to the public at 8:00 am with a gold coin entry, while show car enthusiasts can get an early start with entry from 7:00 am.

For inquiries about show car entries, please contact Judi at 0407562003. For all other inquiries, reach out to Reggie at 0417329981.

Don't miss out on this fantastic community event – mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, fundraising, and automotive admiration at the Seymour Show 'n' Shine!

Goulburn Valley Water recruiting for new customer panel

Goulburn Valley Water is calling for customers to provide feedback and help shape future projects and priorities by registering an expression of interest for a new customer panel.

The Customer Accountability Panel will provide a key customer voice to reflect annually on progress across the 2023-28 Price Plan, which sets out GVW’s key priorities and projects for the next five years.

GVW Managing Director Steve Capewell said the new panel would be a continuation of the work achieved by customers as part of the previous 2018-23 Price Plan and during consultation and development of the current plan.

“Our customer panels have provided some really important insights and valuable feedback, and we’re committed to continuing to have a customer voice as we progress through our current five- year plan,” Dr Capewell said.

“We are keen to work with another group of customers who will help us review progress on our commitments, and also contribute their views on future projects over the next couple of years.

“We genuinely want to engage broadly and deeply and so we encourage any customers with an interest in our water future to register their interest in selection on the panel.”

The new panel will be drawn from GVW’s 54 towns and will include representation from homeowners, tenants, businesses and future customers. It will also include members of the 2018-23 Annual Performance Forum and Customer Carbon Advisory Group to create a balance of fresh insights and prior experience.

The 2023-28 Price Plan is centred on four promises:

• provide reliable water and wastewater services customers can trust

• lead action and partner with communities to

grow the region

• care for the environment and adapt to a future impacted by climate variability

• deliver respectful and responsive customer service, balancing affordability, value for

• money and fairness.

Investment in renewable energy, supporting customers experiencing financial hardship and renewing existing assets and infrastructure to ensure reliable service into the future are three of the major commitments.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest, visit

https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/customeraccountability-panel

The expression of interest deadline is Friday 8 March 2024.

Church News

ANGLCIAN: Normal Sunday Communion services will be held at Christ Church

Seymour at 9am and St John’s Nagambie at 11 am. Everyone is welcome to join us for a traditional Anglican Communion service. POC. Rev. Richard Pennington 0477 921 111 Ash Wednesday. February 14. Lenten season begins

CATHOLIC. Ash Wednesday. February 14. Lenten season begins. Rosary at Nagambie St Malachy’s. Mondays 10.30am & Wednesday noon. 1st and 3rd Sundays 9.00am Mass. 2nd, 4 th & 5th Sundays 9am. Word & Communion. W.Keenan. 0459 595 908. Avenel St Mary’s. Sundays 10.30am Rosary. 1st & 3rd Sundays 11am Mass 2nd & 4th & 5th Sundays 11.00am Word and Communion. G.Kenworthy. 0405 125 963.

UNITING: Seymour & Avenel Uniting Church. Sunday Combined service at 10am Avenel. POC Rev. J. Payne. 0408 176 754.

PRESBYTERIAN: St Andrew’s Nagambie Church services. Sundays 11am. B.Georges POC on 0423 886 692 or W.Day. 0429 933 116. St. Andrew’s Seymour. 9am service. POC Bert Zandt 0403 029 910.

NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH

COMMUNITY NEWS: (Uniting Church) 2nd & 4th Sundays, 9.30am, Nagambie Senior Citizens' Clubrooms. R.Close. 0402 286 277

ECUMENICAL SERVICES WORSHIP AND PRAYER.

At the home of Anna and Phil Close. At 229 High Street, Nagambie. 7.00pm8.00pm, every third Sunday of the month. Open to everyone. POC Anna Close, 0437 347 203.

INTERNATIONAL WORLD DAY OF PRAYER. Friday March 1, 2024. 11am. The World Day of Prayer (WDP) will be held at St John’s Anglican Church Nagambie with a bring and share lunch to follow.

Theme: I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love. 2024 Program written by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Palestine. Friday, March 1, 2024. Seymour WDP service will be at the Christian Fellowship’s 2pm service at the VRI Hall near the station. All welcome.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER TO BE OBSERVED AT NAGAMBIE

The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative.

It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. The service is carried out with millions of people attending them on the same day.

The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

On Friday, March 1, the Nagambie World Day of Prayer group will join the worldwide celebration of the international "World Day of Prayer" (WDP) observance alongside 250 churches just within Victoria alone.

This year the women of the Palestine World Day of Prayer committee have compiled the service. The Theme is “I beg you … bear with one another in love.” The local service is open to members of the local churches and interested folk.

Friday, March 1. St John’s Anglican Church Nagambie will host the WDP service from 11am. The service will consist of readings, prayers, hymns, a Bible readings and words of inspiration compiled by representatives from the WDP service committee by the women of Palestine.

An offering is usually taken up and proceeds sent off to the WDP committee in Melbourne for use to support their annual cause.

At the conclusion of the service, there will be a bring and share lunch in St John’s hall.

Community Invited to International Women's Day Celebration at Tahbilk

Strathbogie Shire are calling Come join us for an uplifting event recognizing remarkable local women as we celebrate International Women's Day on Friday, March 8, 2024.

International Women's Day stands as a global tribute to the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, sparking worldwide activities aimed at celebrating women's accomplishments and advocating for their rights.

Peter Stephenson, Administrator of Strathbogie Shire Council, emphasized that this year's theme for International Women's Day is #InspireInclusion.

The goal of the IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign is to collectively build a more inclusive world for women.

“We are celebrating IWD and this year’s theme with a special morning tea event at Tahbilk’s Homestead Private Gardens,” Mr Stephenson said.

“The event will feature local guest speakers Hayley Purbrick and Emily Quattrocchi.

“Hayley has a background in environmental sustainability and marketing, working with the agriculture, food and beverage sector and the communities who support them.”

As a fifth-generation member of one of Australia's oldest winemaking families at Tahbilk Estate and Brand, Hayley has led the charge in transforming Tahbilk into one of the world's first and only net-zero wineries.

“In 2021 she was recognised for her progressive environmental work by the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival as "Sustainability Legend,’ Mr Stephenson said.

“Emily is a short film director, having directed two short films in 2023 and an award-winning documentary in 2019 which follows the journey of her hospital experience after becoming Paralysed.”

Driven by her passion for aiding the disabled community, Emily generously volunteers her time providing peer support to those recently injured, while leveraging her YouTube platform to raise awareness and offer valuable insights to the disabled community.

Mr. Stephenson expressed Council's enthusiasm in extending the invitation to the Strathbogie Shire community to come and be inspired by these two exceptional women as we celebrate International Women's Day.

The event will take place from 10:30 am to noon on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Bookings are required for this event via http://tinyurl. com/SS-IWD

Tahbilk Winery is also offering the option for guests to continue their experience at the estate after the event:

• Book in for a two-course lunch and glass of wine at Tahbilk’s Restaurant

• $60/person.

• Book in for a complimentary wine tasting at Tahbilk’s historic Cellar Door Tahbilk

• Cellar Door | Tahbilk Winery

19 Racecourse Road, Nagambie

This 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom house is the perfect property for those seeking space and tranquility. Situated on a sprawling 2.9-acre land, this property offers a unique opportunity to live in a peaceful rural setting while still being conveniently located near all amenities. As you enter the property, you'll be greeted by a charming wrap-around verandah, adding character and providing the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the country surroundings. The spacious bedrooms offer ample room for the whole family with the main bedroom featuring a walk-in robe and ensuite. The u-shaped kitchen features timber cabinetry and ample storage space. The combined dining and living room are perfect for entertaining guests with a second central living room and a cosy wood fire. The property also boasts an open double garage, providing parking for your vehicles and additional storage space. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your dream home. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and start your journey towards owning this magnificent property. The property is currently rented until October 2024.

5 2 2

Sale: $930,000

Mark Boyer

0418 941 628

Nagambie, Vic

10 Barwon Street, Nagambie

Welcome to 10 Barwon Street Nagambie, a charming home that offers comfort, style, and a peaceful lifestyle. This property boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious 2-car garage, making it perfect for families or those seeking extra space.Situated on a generous land area of 881 sqm, this house offers ample room for outdoor activities and relaxation. The fully fenced backyard provides a safe space for children and pets to play, while the garden and large shed offers opportunities for gardening enthusiasts or extra storage. Step inside and be greeted by the beautiful stone benchtops, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. The house features two bedrooms with built-in robes, master bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite and split system air conditioning, and heating to each bedroom, ensuring year-round comfort for all occupants. Located in a desirable street of Nagambie, this home is a true gem. The neighborhood is peaceful and friendly, providing a safe and welcoming environment for residents. Don't miss the opportunity to make this house your home. With its attractive features, spacious layout, and convenient location, 10 Barwon Street Nagambie is a property worth considering.

3 2 2

Sale: $690,000

Mark Boyer

0418 941 628

Nagambie, Vic

Pioneer tales from our files

James and Sarah Adams were among the first settlers at Wahring. He selected a square-mile of heavily timbered land there, while living at Lancefield, and with his son, cleared it and stacked the huge logs. Two years later they returned to build a home for the family from those logs, using clay ‘mortar’. The house was called Woodleigh and annotations to a photograph of the shingle-roofed cottage with a picket verandah fence, say it was at the corner of the Kirwans Bridge-Longwood Road and the Goulburn Valley Highway. The bypass interchange is now right on the spot and some of the unused Adams land was sold as that construction occurred

\James had married a second time in 1861, after his first wife, Rachel, died of fever at Collingwood, three weeks after they arrived in Melbourne in 1854. They came from Cambridgeshire with three children. James brought up the youngest, a son Josiah born c1846, but there seems to be no record of what happened to the two older girl siblings.

He met his second wife Sarah Shannon at Lancefield, after trying his luck on the Ballarat goldfields. The Shannons had arrived in Sydney from Ayrshire, Scotland, around 1856, later moving to Lancefield. James was 38 and Sarah 24 when they married in St Paul’s church Melbourne, now St Paul’s Cathedral.

In 1866 James and Sarah set off with their two daughters, from Lancefield to their new home, having to take rough tracks to Kilmore and then north to Wahring. It took around four weeks travelling in a covered fourwheeled wagon. A family member writes: Everything the family owned was stowed into this wagon. Tied under the wagon hung a crate which held some laying fowls, the eggs gathered daily. Drinking water was also hung underneath. A heifer was tied by a rope to the side of the wagon ensuring a plentiful supply of fresh milk…Twice a week a halt was made for a day. The camp oven would be heated, bread prepared and baked and the animals rested. Meat was whatever could be bought or caught as they journeyed along.

Their first nights in the house were spent under the stars, as the house was not yet roofed. The log walls were soon hessian lined, as was common at the time. and covered with paper. Work continued on the house and outbuildings using huge logs from the property. A dairy and further sheds were built. The dairy described as “wonderfully cool with its sunken floor. Three steps down to it. Wide wooden benches on two sides held large flat dishes for milk to set, before cream was skimmed and made into butter.”

As the railway was not yet constructed, in the first years all mail and supplies were obtained from Avenel, a trip of some 20 miles.

By 1869 a store and post office had been added to the building. The mail delivery was three days a week, on horseback, between Seymour and Adams’ Store by way of Mangalore and Tabilk. By January, 1873, Frank May advertises that his Royal Mail line of coaches will leave Seymour daily for Nagambie and Wahring. Sarah ran the post office for almost 30 years.

Also in 1869, the Goulburn Valley Road Board was established, holding the first meetings at Adams’ Wahring store. This body changed its name to Goulburn Shire Council in 1871 and by then had shire offices, or the ‘town hall’ in Nagambie.

The family grew, with Sarah having nine children. The eldest helped with housework and bringing up the infants. Sarah’s obituary says she was instrumental in the erection of the first building in the district for the celebration of Divine service.

James died in 1897 and Sarah in 1916. Their family married into other pioneer families such as Vickers and Penrose. After their son George died, Woodleigh fell into disrepair and was unfortunately demolished.

[Extracted by Judy Macdonald from Nagambie Historical Society files]

The ethical dilemmas of preventing the next pandemic

Could protecting one group of people from disease, and exposing another to it, be the best way to prevent as many deaths as possible and reduce the impact of a future pandemic?

A study led by some La Trobe academics says yes, but the ethical dilemmas it raises might not be worth it. Disease Modellers have determined an effective way to reduce the impact of infectious diseases like COVID-19 – but the results are likely to pose an ethical dilemma for decision and policy makers.

The study, led by Dr Joel Miller, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at La Trobe University, found that locking down the most at-risk group of people for a significant period, while simultaneously promoting infection in other groups in order to reach herd immunity, could be the best way to protect the high-risk groups.

However, increasing the exposure of one group to a disease would create an ethical dilemma and potentially result in the most disadvantaged groups in the community – usually with the least political power – becoming the highly-infected group.

“With COVID-19, the elderly were at high risk, so if we were to isolate them for a period of time, during which we enact policies that would cause younger age groups to interact more (not less), then the disease likely would not spread well once the isolations were lifted and interactions returned to normal,” Dr Miller said.

“If we set aside the question of whether such a strategy is logistically feasible, in a sense this is an optimal intervention. However, there are major ethical challenges that result – the intervention makes younger age groups worse off from an infection point

of view.

“Our goal in this paper is not to advocate for such a policy, but rather to highlight some ethical dilemmas that emerge from intervention strategies. It is important that policy makers recognise the trade-offs that an ‘optimal’ strategy might require.”

The paper, Ethical dilemma arises from optimising interventions for epidemics in heterogeneous populations, has been published in Royal Society Interface and includes co-authors from La Trobe University, University of Melbourne and Northeastern University London.

The researchers used “SIR and SIR-like models” which assume individuals in the population are Susceptible, Infected, or Recovered (with immunity) to study the optimal intervention, such as lockdowns and isolation, required in a community to reduce and delay the peak of an epidemic, and ensure there is no further risk of a future epidemic or second wave of infections. They explored what would happen if different groups within the population, such as different age groups, have different risk factors for severe infection.

Using data from a Netherlands survey that determined how often people in different age groups came into contact with each other, the researchers simulated different scenarios to determine the best outcome for an entire population, assuming that an intervention altering the contacts would be in place for a limited time.

It found that if the intervention did not reduce contacts sufficiently then a large epidemic would occur. However, if the intervention reduced contacts too much there would be a modest epidemic and once the intervention was lifted, many individuals would still be susceptible, and a second wave would occur.

The optimal intervention occurs where contacts are reduced so that the initial epidemic is as small as possible while still infecting enough people to prevent

a second wave.

If there are multiple groups with varying risk, the same general principles apply, but sometimes the optimal intervention increased the number of infections in the lower-risk groups to reduce the risk of a second wave once the intervention would end.

“This calls for a discussion around the ethics of subjecting certain groups to a higher rate of disease incidence, and the feasibility of this policy,” the study says.

Dr Miller said this was the first study to consider the ethical implications of an increase in infections as a strategy for optimal outcomes, without the use of vaccines.

However, Dr Miller says choosing which groups to lockdown, and those in which to actively promote infection, was an ethical dilemma for governments and the community.

“Mathematical models of epidemics can throw light on possible choices of policy and may even help us pick the ones that lead to optimal outcomes. But the decisions made by policymakers are intertwined with political will, their popularity, and social attitudes,” the study says.

“These eventually determine whether a particular intervention is favoured by a decision-making body.

“Disadvantaged groups, across the world, do not exercise sufficient political power to represent their interests in decision-making bodies. In such a case, a decision-making body may find it convenient to subject a disadvantaged group to a higher final size in order to decrease the net final size for the whole population and achieve herd immunity.

“The intervention strategy presented here, always carries such risks with it; and representation of disadvantaged groups thus becomes essential, especially for a policy such as this one.”

Welcome Foundation Students

We had an amazing start our school year with our new Foundation students confidently entering the school gates on their very first day. They enjoyed getting to know each other, hands-on reading activities, an art lesson where they drew a self portrait and a sports session. At the end of the day they were full of smiles & very happily greeted their parents. We would like to welcome all of our new students and nd families to the St. Joseph’s community.

Opening School Mass

On Thursday 8th February, we had our opening school Mass. Students began the ceremony by bringing symbolic items to the altar. These included our school message stick to remind us of the traditional owners of the land our school is situated on, a singing bowl, representing the prayer life of our school, a book representing our learning and knowledge and a soccer ball representing the games that we play. We also had students from 4/5/6

Nagambie

St Joseph's Primary

conduct our Readings and Prayers of the Faithful. Miss Maree introduced our new staff, students and families to the school & church communities, and presented our grade 6’s with their leadership badges. It was a lovely way to begin the 2024 school year.

Swimming Sports

We held our swimming carnival on Friday, February 9th at the Nagambie Swimming Pool. Students came dressed in their house colours; red for Malachy and green for MacKillop. The students enthusiastically competed in swimming races, as well as competitions such as how many laps they could walk across the width of the pool in 3 minutes and collecting the most balls or corks - we even had our students' younger siblings involved. There was a lot of encouragement from the sidelines and the winning team on the day was MacKillop by only 7 points! We wish Hunter, Sebastian, Morgan, Jackson and Liam well as they progress to the District Swimming Sports.

Nagambie Primary

Goulburn wins the House swimming carnival

We had a wonderful day at our House swimming carnival recently. We certainly achieved our goals of having fun, being active, enjoying each other’s company and competing with a positive spirit. The Nagambie pool was in the best condition I can ever remember – very clean, green grass and great lifeguards.

Congratulations to Goulburn House for taking out the shield, in a close competition with Mitchell.

Congratulations to our ‘Age Group Champions’ Esmae & George (8/9 years), Elke & Jack B (10), Poppy & Darby (11) and Amelia & Henry (12).

It was lovely to see so many parents and grandparents there cheering the children on, and I congratulate their team for winning the student / staff / parent relay.

Congratulations to our Nagambie PS team chosen to represent us at the Euroa District swimming.

Mitchell and Goulburn House Leaders all had a great day at our House swimming carnival.

Mens Golf - Nagambie

February 5th

The hottest day of the summer so far just happened to fall on the Sunday golf competition, but an earlier than usual hit off meant that play was completed before the extreme heat arrived. A monthly medal was on offer for the winner, hotter than the days forecast was Lindsay Hall's chipping and putting with the short game maestro putting together his best round for sometime 80-13-67, this was good enough to claim the monthly medal and go down as the best net score of the year so far, it also provides Hall with some much needed confidence leading into his own event the Lindsay Hall sponsored WaterBoy Cup on Sunday 25th February. Runner up continuing his run of good form of late was Jeff Lodding firing a very credible 92-24-68. rounding out the top three was Peter Lawrence producing a better than handicap 96-25-71.

The nearest the pin prizes went to Jeremy Ezard with a strong iron onto the 3rd, the 'Bullet' Wayne Le Cerf targeting the 8th, Tim Baldwin carving his way up to the 13th and Jim Doyle ecstatic in reaching the 16th. Next week's golf will be a stableford event with J. Ezard on office duty and B. Leviston in the bar.

February 12th

Scoring was good as was the course at the Nagambie golf club on Sunday, hot summer conditions continued with a southerly breeze gusting up throughout the round making the day quite comfortable. Two top grade scores of 43 points were returned on the day with Murchison golfer Bob McAdam getting the nod on countback ahead of longtime Nagambie member the notorious Alby Seenan. McAdam started his day well with 20 points to open his account on the front nine but a closing back nine of 23 sealed the deal for him to take home The Seymour Club winning matchday voucher. It was great to see Alby Seenan back atop the leaderboard, a player you can always count on producing incredible scores across the season, third place went to a resurgent Phil Neville finding form with a 40 point result.

The nearest the pin prizes went to Michael Roberts flighting a crisp iron up to the 8th, Harold Rayner showing some game from the 13th and our days winner Bob McAdam puting the cherry on top on the 16th. Next week's golf will require golfers to organise a partner with the Gary Bow sponsored Foursomes being played, tee off will be the usual 8.00 to 8.30 am with G.Bow on office duty and D. Phelan in the bar.

Womens GolfNagambie

Wednesday 31st January

There were 12 players. The winner of A Grade and the overall winner of the day and the Seymour Voucher was Monica Hurley with 41pts. Monica also won the 9 hole competition with 24pts.

The winner of B & C Grades was Maureen King with 29pts. N/P on the 8th was Moz Fowler.

Balls down the line for 18 holes went to Monica 41pts, Moz 35pts and Maureen 29pts on a C/B from Annette Mills. 9 hole balls went to Monica 24pts, Moz 21pts and Kylie Carmichael 19pts.

RESULTS WEDNESDAY 7TH FEBRUARY

There were 13 players. The winner of A & B Grade, the Monthly Medal and the Seymour Voucher was Moz Fowler with 41pts.

C Grade winner was Jane Bow with 31 pts.

The 9 hole winner was Jill Rankin with 19pts. N/P on the 3 rd with the second shot was Helen Clevadon-Jones and on the 16th Irene Keogh

Balls down the line for 18 holes went to Moz 41pts, Jill 37pts and Irene 34pts.

Balls down the line for 9 holes went to Jill 19pts, Jane 18pts and Moz 17pts.

RESULTS THURSDAY 8TH 9 HOLE MIXED

COMPETITION

There were 17 players and the winner was Jane Bow with 20pts

N/P on the 13th was Glen Evans and on the 16th Lindsay Hall

Nagambie Cricket Club News

Feb 11th

The highlight of the past fortnight was the second McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day. $13,000 was raised for the charity thanks to the generosity of the many sponsors and the 120 in attendance. Sharay Slivarich was the driving force behind the event and thanks to her team for organising the guest speakers, entertainment, auctions and refreshments.

The A grade team are in seventh place and need to win their remaining two matches to gain a finals berth. At the halfway stage of the current match the Lakers have

defeated Shepparton United with an interesting second day in prospect. United were dismissed for 100 with Mark Nolan 5 wickets, Nathan Fothergill 3 and Luke Nolan 6 catches behind the stumps. In reply Nagambie are 5 for 139.

The B grade side played in front of the Pink Stumps crowd and almost gained an upset win against Central Park. Nagambie scored 141 with Matty Martin 33 and Darby O'Brien 31 the main scorers. Central Park won in a thriller 9 wickets down. Blake Ezard and James Brook snagged 3 wickets each. In the current match Old Students were dismissed for 150 with Will O'Brien claiming five wickets. In reply Nagambie are 6 for 50.

Over the last two rounds the E grade defeated Murchison by nine wickets and then were defeated in a high scoring match versus Kyabram. Nagambie scored a competitive 4 for 241 with Bo Harrison 98 and Ryan Ezard 74 not out. Kyabram only lost two wickets in the run chase, winning with four overs to spare. A clash versus Katandra next week will determine top position on the ladder.

The Nagambie/Old Students under 16 team are in second place after defeating Tatura in a competitive match. The combine scored 7 for 195 with Flynn Bush 38 and Archie Harrison 31 continuing their good form.Tatura scored 7 for 188 with Ryan Ezard snaring four wickets to go with his wicket keeping duties.

The under 14 Nagambie/Tatura team have been promoted to the A section and have had a win and a loss in their last two matches. Billy Harrison top scored with 25 not out in the win versus Old Students.

The Nagambie under 12 team have also been promoted to the A section after dominating the B section. They have been victorious in their two A section matches with Cooper Boddington 47, Henry Lloyd 33 and Jack Molyneaux 27 scoring freely against the Pine Lodge attack.

Nagambie Petanque Club

We have been actively trying to increase our membership, which is our key focus at the moment, and we are continuing to have more people attending our regular sessions. Also four new members joining up. Thanks to our members for spreading the word, and our efforts are showing success.

We had a share of the BBQ sales at the Tahbilk Farmers Market last month, and thanks to their generosity of providing capital to the community groups to go towards the food purchases, we were able to make over $600 toward our fundraising efforts. Thanks again to Tahbilk for the opportunity.

We also hosted a morning tea, “Come & Try” session for 40 of the TrakMaster Caravan Club, while they were visiting the Caravan Park. The activity was organised for their group well in advance, and we were able to show off our game to them and watch they learn and pick up the basics of this very enjoyable sport. Thanks also to all our members who helped provide the food and the manpower for the set up and pack up. Thanks also to our resident coach, John Berry for his expert tuition. We would also like to give a special mention to Harry’s for providing a great deal on the sandwiches, as always supporting the community.

It is such an easy sport to participate in and now the weather is improving, it is very pleasant in the shade down at our piste. Even hot days we seem to enjoy a pleasant breeze.

We encourage and welcome visitors to have to have a try and hopefully enjoy this great game. A French game with a funny name, pronounced “petonk”. Able to played by all ages and abilities.

If you are unfamiliar with this game, it is similar to bocce, using steel boules and a jack ball that you are aiming to get close to for scoring points (like bowls as well). Check out some YouTube videos that give you a better idea.

We have regular catch up playing days, Thursday’s at 3pm and Sunday’s at 3pm (or arranged to suit the majority.) This is a very causal catch up, we have days that no one can come, and days we have quite a few. We use a What’s App group to check who is coming. One of the best things about the club is the casual nature, you don’t commit to a team that relies on you being in attendance if you can’t make it. This casual relaxed atmosphere is what we promote. If you want to become an expert and compete at other club completions around the area, this is all available once you become a member of our club, the VPCI (Vic Petanque Clubs Inc.) covers you for this as well as our insurance etc.

I hope I have inspired some of you to come along and have a try, all ages and abilities can play, and our piste (fancy name for playing area) is behind the Nagambie Pool at the Recreation Reserve. Or give me a call and we will welcome you at a time that suits you. Jill 0419 567580

Nagambie Sailing Club News

Save-the-dates:

* Please contact Bev or a committee member, if you are able to assist in any way at any of these events, thanks heaps.

FEB:

Sat 24th - "EZY-Sailing" at the Nagambie On Water (NOW) Festival.

12 noon to 3pm. Four small sailing dinghies and skippers from Shepparton Sailability.

(reminder: no sailing Sun 18th Feb, lake closed for rowing)

MARCH:

Sundays 4pm - 7pm at Sailing Club, Lake Nagambie boatshed - off the beach sailing, with Club skippers. Weekdays to be announced - "EZY-Sailing" in the Bowl of the Lake.

Annual General Meeting Tue 19th, 7pm-9pm, guest speaker & supper, at Community House, RSVP for catering please call Bernie 0402-821-559

APRIL:

Sat 6th & Sun 7th - "Start Sailing - Training Course", conducted by "Smooth Sailing School", in Pacer yachts, starting from Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre.

* Please register your interest in the sailing training course, planned for April, as places will be limited. Reply to this email or phone Bev 0492-289-831

Avenel Bowls Club

7 February 2024

Midweek Pennant Division 6, Round 13

Avenel 1 - 37 were defeated by Colbinabbin 13 - 44 Ron Harrison, Robyn Hyland, Donna Rowley, Howard Geldard (s) had a solid lead mid game after boosting the score with a six. Colbinabbin won the lead back winning five consecutive ends. Avenel clawed back a couple of

shots, however Colbinabbin won the last end which resulted in the game being drawn at 18 apiece.

Marg Harrison, Graeme Toy, Marion Gittus, Glen Bell (s) let a good lead at the break for lunch slip away, winning only one end in the second half with Colbinabbin powering home with a 26 – 19 win.

The next game for Avenel is at home against Mooroopna Blue.

Midweek Pennant Division 3, Round 12

Avenel 2 – 54 were defeated by Nagambie 14 - 77. Despite winning only ten ends Pam Pedder, Graham Lewis, Noel Slater, Geoff Hateley (s) won its game 22 –18. Being as many as ten up late in the game, they held off a fast-finishing Nagambie team to claim the only Avenel rink win.

Rusty Schwab, James Wall, Dennis McGregor, Spud Furletti (s) in a see-sawing game, had a three-shot lead on the 15th end when Nagambie scored nine shots over the next four ends. Avenel replied winning the next three ends but not enough shots up to haul in the scoreline. A win for Nagambie 26 – 19.

Fay Hatley, Jenny Furletti, Kate Donovan, Grace Kenworthy (s) although behind, hung on in till the break for lunch. Nagambie were too good and too accurate and ran away with the game in the second half 33 – 13. Avenel play away against Shepparton Park the next round.

Weekend Pennant Division 3 Round 11

Avenel 14 - 92 defeated Shepparton Park 4 – 84. Howard Geldard, Kate Donovan, Josh McDonald, Brett McDonald (s) were three shots up at the break for lunch. In the second half they won ten of the remaining twelve ends including two fives for a comprehensive win 34 – 13.

After a closely contested 18 ends Rusty Schwab, Graham Lewis, Dennis McGregor, Spud Furletti (s) finally won the lead on the 19th end. Winning five of the remaining seven ends saw them come away with a hard fought and well deserved 28 – 20 win.

Winning only three ends before the break, Pam Pedder, Donna Rowley, Noel Slater, Jake Wall (s) were down eleven shots. They chipped away at the scoreline winning eight of the twelve ends after lunch to reduce the deficit to only four, losing 17 – 21.

Fay Hateley, James Wall, Geoff Hateley, Grace Kenworthy (s) just couldn’t get enough runs on the board and were well beaten by an in-form Shepparton Park rink, 30 – 13.

The next game for Avenel is against Seymour VRI.

Weekend Pennant Division 7 Round 12

Avenel 7 – 45 drew with Eildon 7 – 45. After a closely contested game, the scores were 18 apiece on the 19th end for Kyle Pedder, Nyoli Bell, Jenny Furletti, Marion Gittus (s) They won the 20th end with three shots up only to see Eildon win the last end with a three. After 21 ends the result was a draw at 21 apiece.

Mark Morse, Ross Sinclair, Graeme Toy, Glen Bell (s) also had a draw with Eildon, 24 all. Avenel held a small lead for most of the game, before Eildon won the lead on the second last end with a three. Avenel won the last end, one shot up which drew the game and the match.

Avenel have a bye next Saturday.

Photo attached – Winners of the Mens Pairs Club championship Dennis McGregor and David (Spud) Furletti.

Dennis and Spud combined well and played with accuracy and consistency to win the championship final beating Josh and Brett McDonald.

THE I GET IT , I THINK BIT

Lose yourself at one of Victoria’s renowned galleries or artist workshops. You’ll find plenty to your taste – or not. And that’s the fun of it.

Get curious at cultural institutions like Bendigo Art Gallery.

VISITVICTORIA.COM