Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am this Sunday, October 6, when clocks are put forward one hour.
By STEVE KELLY
STAFF across GOTAFE campuses are reeling with an estimated 70 jobs to potentially go, as part of 90 non-teaching positions impacted under a major restructure of the tertiary education provider. Following enquiries from North East Media, a Victorian Government spokesperson confirmed that GOTAFE staff were told about the restructure on Thursday and it was the result of a careful consultation process that began in July and it was a
decision of the GOTAFE board and management.
The government confirmed that GOTAFE is currently exploring if impacted staff can take on new roles within the new structure.
If not, they said staff will be offered transition packages and support to explore other opportunities across the TAFE network.
“GOTAFE’s board and
management is implementing a new structure to better align with the needs of students, industry and the wider labour market,” the government spokesperson said.
“The new structure will bring it closer to how other regional TAFEs operate – which is using a TAFE network approach.
“Our thoughts are with all impacted workers and their families.
“Transition packages, support services and opportunities for redeployment – within GOTAFE and across the TAFE network – will be offered.”
However, the government’s description of “a careful consultation process” differs to what the National Tertiary Education Union and a GOTAFE staff member have described.
■ Contined page 8
EUROA Golf Club hosted a fun games and activities day on the AFL Grand Final public holiday (Friday). Golf carts and participants were dressed in their favourite footy colours. Pictured in Demons and Kangaroos colours are Annette Smith, Robyn Anthony and Phil Squires. More photos on page 5.
PHOTO: Dale Mann
“My commitment to [a better council] is evidenced by our suspension”: Binks
By DARREN CHAITMAN
LAURA Binks, who was mayor when she and her four Strathbogie Shire councillor colleagues were suspended in December 2023, faces a challenge as she seeks reelection.
She is seen as “the suspended mayor”, but she hopes enough voters will accept the idea that her suspension – which she supported – is evidence of her unwavering commitment to a better council.
Ms Binks said in a statement: “People should vote for me because I stand for a respectful, collaborative and civil council.”
“My commitment to this is evidenced by our suspension last year.
“I would not allow the disrespectful and uncivil behaviours that led to poor governance to go ignored.
“At the time the only option available in the Local Government Act was the suspension of the full council.
“I am aware this is a huge price to pay, but it was a price I was willing to pay.”
Before council’s suspension, Ms Binks received a letter from Local Government Minister Melissa Horne asking the council to “show cause” as to why council should not be suspended.
According to suspended councillor Robin Weatherald, Ms Binks responded requesting council be suspended, in apparent agreement with the council’s second government-appointed monitor, Peter
Stephenson, who wrote in his final report that the “council does not have the ability to address the issues raised in this report and to function effectively”.
Those issues included councillors demonstrating a lack of respect for each other and the CEO, and not preparing for meetings.
The monitor’s report also said two loose groupings of councillors had failed to work together.
While no councillors were named in the report, several sources have confirmed to this masthead that Ms Binks, Chris Raeburn and Sally Hayes-Burke formed one loose group, while the other councillors, including Robin Weather-
2024 EUROA & DISTRICT
ald – who has said he faces up to 50 charges of breaching the Local Government Act – formed another loose group.
Councillors in the former group have implied in public comments they “did the right thing” in the face of some of their colleagues’ allegedly poor behaviour.
Speaking to this masthead in December, Mr Stephenson said one group pursued good governance, while the other group failed to do so.
However, he did not fully exonerate either group when asked if some or all councillors were to blame, saying: “You can’t dance without a partner.”
“There is little or no trust between those groups,” he wrote in his final report.
Does Ms Binks believe she would work together with a new group?
“Yes,” she told this masthead.
“I can accept Peter’s interpretation and comments.
“I know firsthand the cost of not working together – it’s huge.
“And there’s no way that’s what I set out to do, and that’s certainly not where I’m coming from.
“I have every intention of playing by the rules and being a team player.”
Before her suspension, Ms Binks was also deputy chair of Rural Councils Victoria (RCV).
After the suspension, RCV chair Mary-Ann Brown said of Ms Binks: “At all times her commitment to good governance and strong successful local government has been evident.”
Ms Binks remains passionate about governance.
She has undergone more education in governance since the suspension, and she has taken on consulting work regarding governance and culture in boardrooms.
She has also been working on her farm near Violet Town, working in building and design, and “catching my breath”, she said.
Why return to council?
“I really love the Strathbogie Shire, and I think that there’s so much opportunity and potential that we’ve got here, and I would really like to contribute to the future of the shire in the role of a councillor,” she said.
She said her priorities would include good governance, supporting the region’s growth while protecting its farming land and natural beauty, and advocating to support council’s financial sustainability.
Ms Binks nominated several highlights of her term on council, including council’s response to the October 2022 floods, council’s work on the Taungaurang Memorandum of Understanding, advocating to Inland Rail on a road-under-rail solution for Euroa, supporting Euroa’s successful Tidy Town Awards submission in 2023, and council’s commitment to fly the rainbow flag outside its offices once a year.
Local government veteran Steve Mahon runs for council
By DARREN CHAITMAN
BOHO’S Steve Mahon is one of 15 candidates running for Strathbogie Shire Council in this October’s election.
Mr Mahon and his wife purchased and relocated to their Boho sheep farm in 2022 after living in Woodend, part of the Macedon Ranges Shire, for over 20 years.
The recent retiree volunteers as a firefighter for Boho CFA and a patient transport driver for the Red Cross in Mansfield.
Before his retirement in 2022, he spent his career steeped in local government as a council officer – but never a councillor.
The longest stretch of his career was as governance manager at Macedon Ranges Shire Council from 2000 to 2018, he said.
Mr Mahon said he has worked in multiple Victorian councils, including Darebin City Council up until 2022, and even for one year at Devon County Council in the United Kingdom, which was represented by 40 councillors.
“When I moved here two and a half years ago, [running for council] wasn’t particularly on my radar,” he said.
“Only in the last six months I started to think, ‘well, I am going to have the time’, and a real motivator was the fact that this council has had some challenges over the last 18 months.
“I put my hand up because over the course of a four-year term, I’d like to think that I could contribute to the elected council, to stabilise the operations… and the decision making, and get it back to what everyone expects.
“I believe in the system, and I believe it’s an important part of our levels of government.”
Mr Mahon said his first priority as councillor would be to restore stability and functionality.
“It’s a serious thing when a council is removed, and the minister doesn’t do it lightly.
A member of Warrenbayne Landcare, one of his interests is sustainable farming.
He is also interested in what he calls “positive aging”.
“We’re an aging population across the country and rural shires are no different,” he said.
“Councils can play a significant role along with other levels of government in that space.
“Aging people have a lot more expectations about what their life may look like from sort of 65 onto 90 plus.”
But Mr Mahon admits his low
profile presents a challenge in getting elected.
“In Euroa and Nagambie, the population centres, no one know me from a bar of soap,” he said.
He hopes to reach voters by advertising in The Euroa Gazette and attending candidate forums, but he is looking for more ideas.
“Whether I go to those towns and host a sausage sizzle or say g’day to a few punters, who knows,” he said.
“We’ll see how that plays out.”
BOHO MAHON: Boho man Steve Mahon is one of 15 candidates running for Strathbogie Shire Council.
PHOTO: Darren Chaitman
BACK ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Laura Binks, the mayor when she and her four Strathbogie Shire councillor colleagues were suspended in December 2023, is standing for council again. PHOTO: Darren Chaitman
Full schedule for council candidates with back-to-back forums
By DARREN CHAITMAN
FIVE events to hear from council candidates have been scheduled across the shire, with one taking place yesterday, after this newspaper was printed, and four to take place in the coming days.
Candidates faced questions up in the hills of Strathbogie at the Strathbogie
Memorial Hall at 1pm yesterday, in a forum held by the Strathbogie Tablelands Action Group (STAG).
The grilling will continue tonight (Wednesday, October 2) in Nagambie, with Nagambie’s chamber of commerce, GoNagambie, holding a forum at the Nagambie Mechanics Institute from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Each candidate will be asked to talk, then take questions from the audience.
The candidates better enjoy each other’s company, because they will reunite for another forum the fol-
lowing afternoon in Ruffy, at 2.30pm on Thursday, October 3 at Ruffy Hall. They will get no rest, with the Euroa Chamber of Commerce holding a “meet the candidates” event the same night (Thursday, October 3) at the Euroa Memorial Oval Function Room from 6pm to 8pm.
Organisers said each can-
didate will speak about their experiences, goals and aspirations, followed by an informal “meet and mingle” in the final half hour, for attendees to speak directly with candidates. Candidates are set for a couple of days off before a “meet the candidates” event in Avenel on Sunday, October 6 from 3pm to 4.30pm at
Euroa KFC to open in three weeks
Avenel Memorial Hall. Organisers said each candidate will have three minutes to present their key ideas, followed by an informal Q&A session over a cuppa, for residents to ask candidates questions directly. Confirm your attendance via email by Friday, October 4 to avenelmemorialhall@ gmail.com.
Double-bay drive-through restaurant to open between October 21 and 23
BDARRENCHAITMAN bthitflkith
By DARREN CHAITMAN
bibilt ThDtt f ygp
EUROA’S new KFC is set to open its doors to customers in three weeks.
Retzos Group project manager Deobrah Adams told The Euroa Gazette the doublebay drive-through restaurant will open between October 21 and October 23, with the exact date still to be locked in.
Ms Adams and her team had envisioned a grand opening attended by the shire’s mayor,
but she is out of luck, with council’s administration to continue until election results are announced on November 15.
Restaurant manager Emily Hunt said about 30 local young people have already been tapped as employees, while more will be imported from Seymour and Benalla to work during the early operation period.
She expects about 50 workers to be employed.
Some 50-60 new parking
spaces are being built, paving the way for the Euroa Service Station to host more customers.
Euroa Service Station owner Michael Roth, who is building the KFC with Retzos Group, said: “I believe it’s going to become a more holistic place for people to come and visit.”
“I’m hoping that the other retailers in the area… will have some incremental increase by the extra traffic that’s coming,” he said.
The Department of Transport has been asked to update four road signs to advertise the new KFC.
Building commenced shortly after Strathbogie Shire Council granted a planning permit to Retzos Group in March, with works costed at $3 million.
Retzos Group, a Sheppartonbased company, owns over 60 KFCs.
The franchise is being built adjacent to Euroa’s McDonalds.
More schools need Smile Squad: Cleeland
MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland wants government dental health initiatives rolled out to low-fee non-government schools sooner rather than later.
The Smile Squad initiative, available to public and specialist schools, will be brought to lowfee non-government schools from 2026, according to a State Government website.
But Ms Cleeland said while the government was right to ex-
pand the service, they had “decided to withhold it from communities that need it until an election year”.
Student background data collected by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) shows the majority of students at St John’s Primary Euroa and St Joseph’s Nagambie are in the bottom two quartiles of socioeducational advantage (SEA),
Ms Cleeland’s office said.
A media release distributed by Ms Cleeland said 60 percent of students at St Joseph’s Nagambie, and 51 percent at St John’s Primary Euroa, are in the bottom two SEA quartiles.
This masthead was unable to obtain the data.
“Many of the region’s nongovernment schools are not privileged private schools like those in Melbourne, with the
majority of students recorded as being disadvantaged by criteria used by our own education department,” Ms Cleeland said.
“For the sake of children in the region, addressing the dental health of all students in our region is something that must be looked at immediately by this government.”
The State Government did not respond by deadline to a request for comment.
Rainfall (Euroa Township)
SOME 7.8mm of rain fell at Euroa (Castle Creek at Telford Bridge) in the week ending 10am Monday, September 30, including 0.8mm on Wednesday, September 25 and 7mm on Monday, September 30.
CHICKEN CREW: At the construction site earlier this month were restaurant manager Emily Hunt, Retzos Group project manager Deborah Adams, Euroa Service Station owner Michael Roth and NewScope Services director John Speziale. PHOTO: Darren Chaitman
CANDIDATES FOR STRATHBOGIE SHIRE
2024 council election
QUESTION:
Why are you standing for council and what do you hope to achieve?
Scott JEFFERY
I believe there are many challenges in the shire that have not been sufficiently understood or addressed, including costly infrastructure projects such as the Shire offices, Binney St precinct and both Kirwans and Chinaman’s Bridge. Council appears to have had a short-term focus, whereas the longer-term requirements of our shire need to be properly developed. We must therefore elect a council with financially proficient, business-capable individuals. I am committed to utilising my unique skills and experience to ensure effective decision-making in council on behalf of residents, ratepayers and businesses.
Stephen Peter MAHON
I want to see the standing of Strathbogie Shire being returned to that of a trusted, respected and functional local government. Councils don’t get suspended lightly, and the implications on the community, staff and the organisation’s reputation are significant. I believe I have the experience and skills to contribute to an elected council which, through a shared commitment to work together, can achieve this goal. As they say, words are cheap, but I will approach the task genuinely, without preconceptions and with respect for all involved.
Brad SMITH
I am standing for council to provide our community a greater variety of choices in this election. I offer a blend of local lived experience, having lived in Nagambie for seven years, paired with an extensive university education and substantial professional employment experience. I want to establish a professional and respectful council that is effective and rebuilds the community’s trust. Following this I want to see the council make well-informed, considered and prudent decisions that enable both the prompt resolutions of current issues and effective long-term strategic planning.
Amanda McCLAREN
I am standing for Strathbogie Shire Council in 2024 because I am passionate about our Strathbogie Shire. Like most residents and ratepayers, I was deeply disappointed in the previous council. Having been the mayor from 2016-2020, I know what is required of a local government councillor and I believe our community deserves a council that operates under good governance focused on continuous improvement and efficiency. Our councillors must understand their roles and responsibilities, proactively and productively working for our shire community. Our community expects and deserves better from their councillors.
Robin WEATHERALD
Stability and community confidence in a new fresh team, confidence in voters’ mandate to rehabilitate our reputation. If the last mayor had allowed the election of a new mayor at the end of her term, the council could have been saved. It is crucial to halt the administration process and send administrator Peter Stephenson back to Melbourne immediately. The imposed monitoring by the government for two more years is unacceptable. Strathbogie Shire has experienced a disastrous period and now the future is in voters’ hands.
Vicki HALSALL
To provide the community with a representative that is connected to the area, pragmatic and realistic. I hope to instil community confidence and start to bridge the gap between community expectation and council service delivery. I have observed a disconnect between reasonable, good value, practical and the Shire outcomes delivered. Strathbogie residents deserve public spending that actually improves their day-to-day life.
Jimmy DAVIDSON
Promote sustainable development, enhance local services, foster transparency and collaboration for a brighter future.
Fiona STEVENS
The catalyst for standing for council eight years ago was because I had witnessed increasingly poor decisions by council that showed a disregard for the legitimate concerns of the community. I felt it was time to “step up”. It seemed a natural progression to move into local government with a passion to try to do better. It’s easy to criticise but takes more effort to commit to being a part of “solutions”. I am keen to continue to contribute alongside community, to make improvements for those in Strathbogie Shire.
I am standing for council as I am passionate about our region. We have so much to offer – Strathbogie Shire should be open for business, encouraging events, and attracting economic and community stimulus for all. I do not want a repeat of the last council and am confident with the right councillors, surely we can all get on to deliver for good of our community.
Jim BILLINGS
The people of Strathbogie deserve a council that delivers the best and most appropriate services and programs. For the 14 years I have lived in our Shire, I have been actively involved in many community initiatives. I was honoured to be elected Avenel Citizen of the Year in 2020. I am passionate about delivering high quality programs for our shire. Residents are entitled to a high functioning council.
Christopher RAEBURN
My main aim for running is to help ensure that there are enough funds in the budget for essential infrastructure and social services to meet community needs. This must be achieved through good budgetary management, which is vital for Strathbogie’s viability as one of Victoria’s smallest councils demographically and financially. I will advocate for an immediate audit of council’s building assets so that we have a complete understanding of our real costs and financial burden. I am independent with no donations funding my candidacy, nor group promoting or influencing me.
I’m standing for council because I love our region and community. I’m excited to support economic growth and development whilst protecting our fertile farming land and stunning natural environments. I am committed to restoring good governance and trust in the council through respectful and civil collaboration with my colleagues, the CEO, council staff, and the community. I understand the diverse financial challenges Strathbogie Shire faces and I am committed to working to secure our financial sustainability to ensure we can continue to prosper and thrive for our future generations.
Frank YORK
I have lived in the shire for nearly four years and over this time, I became aware of the shortcomings in the performance of our councillors. I am passionate about our amazing Victorian country community and want to contribute to the advancement of our shire. I want to be a member of the new council team that brings a range of business acumen and skills to the council chamber for the benefit of everyone within the shire.
Clark HOLLOWAY
I wish to build a shire that delivers value to its core customers – the shire’s residents, ratepayers and businesses. Currently, very little of what the Shire does appears to be tested against whether it truly is of benefit to these stakeholders, rather than just haphazard spending. There are three ways I would achieve this return to a value proposition: one, ensuring transparency in the Shire’s dealings with its customers; two, applying cost-benefit analyses to all expenditures; and three, ensuring strategy is approached holistically and only in relation to community benefit.
Gregory CARLSON
I am standing for council because I believe it is going in the wrong direction. I believe a fundamental change in the attitude that councillors bring to the council chamber is required. I realise there are some circumstances when a council has to refuse a request from the community, but I have always held the view that councillors are there to assist individuals, community organisations and businesses achieve their goals.
Our Q&A series continues with all candidates in next week’s edition. They will answer the following question: What experience and credentials will you bring to the improve council’s performance?
Laura BINKS
Claire EWART-KENNEDY
Participants at “Fun
wore the colours and attire of their football teams.
ABOVE: CARTS: Golf carts at the Euroa Golf Club were decorated in footy colours for “Fun Footy Friday”.
LEFT: GEELONG’S O’KAE: Kae Lummas.
AB CA ca Eu Cl de fo fo Fr LE GE O Lu RI R
RIGHT: SAINTS RULE: Dot and Brian Rule.
COLOURS:
Footy Firday”
PHOTOS: Dale Mann
COLLINGWOOD SUPPORTER: Deb Cox.HAWKERS: Craig Flavel and Gail Allen.
BOMBERS CART: Freda Edwards and grandson Codi Bett.
LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper. Email editor@euroa-gazette.com.au
We deserve better than the last lot
IT is often said that we get the politicians we deserve.
I disagree.
The ratepayers of the Shire of Strathbogie certainly did not deserve what was delivered after the 2020 elections.
We must all seize the opportunity to turn the page by reviewing the candidates and voting with purpose in the forthcoming ballot.
We can’t afford more dysfunction
RATEPAYERS deserve seven new councillors who can work together and achieve the best outcomes for the Shire.
Ratepayers are aware of the dysfunctional and broken council from the elected councillors of the last four years.
The financial burden on the shire is large.
This included the owner planning to make the associated restaurant, pool and tennis courts in the facility also available to residents of the wider community.
He was also willing to work with the community to get his plans finalised to ensure they were in line with community expectations.
45-47 Railway Street, Euroa VIC 3666
Classifieds: 5723 0101 Ext 1 or classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s
YOUR GAZETTE TEAM
ON SALE AT:
Euroa: Euroa Newsagency
Violet Town: Violet Town Corner Store
Avenel: Avenel Newsagency
Benalla: Benalla Newsagency
Strathbogie: Strathbogie Store
Nagambie: Nagambie Newsagency
Longwood: Longwood Newsagency
Merton: Merton General Store
Seymour: Seymour Newsagency
Shepparton: Lovell’s Newsagency
Wangaratta: Edgar’s Newsagency
Gazette itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.
Editorial: 5795 3041 Ext 2 or editor@euroa-gazette.com.au www.euroagazette.com.au www.nemedia.com.au Member Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, 3666. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.
Looking back for the benefit of district newcomers, we have had to endure a council so dysfunctional as to oblige the Minister for Local Government to dismiss them all in December 2023.
This action followed two phases of a monitor to guide the council in how to behave, customised training to achieve the same end (all unsuccessful), councillor resignations citing intimidation, and declines to replace them from some of those lower down in the poll from 2020.
The unrevealed financial cost of all of this abysmal failure of governance must be truly shocking.
But the real cost must include the bad decision-making, with the start-again road project on Weir Road after locals were initially ignored when pointing out flaws in the original concept, just one example.
The half-baked bid for funding from the Commonwealth “Growing Regions Grant Program” to restore Kirwans Bridge was binned in Canberra, to the non-surprise of those who read the woeful document which councillors apparently entrusted to Shire staff
There is clearly nervousness in the Minister’s office about the outcome of this month’s election, the soon-to-be-elected councillors apparently needing a licenced driver in the form of yet another expensive monitor beside them for the first 12 months of their term.
Perhaps Minister Horne has seen that three of those dismissed last December have decided that they were blameless.
She put them out the door; now they are trying to come back in through the window.
There is an old saying about “once bitten”.
Surely voters will be very shy, in terms of those candidates.
The candidate statements and vision for the Shire are readily available on the VEC website.
But the website only shows the candidates’ opinions about their strengths and experiences.
To get a better grip on reality, attend one of the Strathbogie Shire candidate forums being held around the Shire, ask friends and neighbours whether they know the candidates, and weigh up any comments from people whose judgement you trust.
Elle Miller, Nagambie
A large amount of ratepayer funds has been wasted since they were elected in October 2020 and suspended (at their own request, in some cases) in December 2023.
Consider the money spent on multiple induction programs, replacing councillors who resigned, expert consultant training programs attempting to get this elected council to function and work together (which failed), and municipal monitors.
Think about this before you vote.
We cannot let this happen again.
As a result of this four year dysfunction and lack of trust, the Minister for Local Government will appoint yet another administrator “to guide newly elected councillors in their first year following the local government elections” – so, more costs to the ratepayers.
There a numerous Strathbogie Shire candidate forums being held around the Shire – attend one of these sessions and hear what plan each candidate has for this shire.
We have one opportunity to get Strathbogie Shire functional and stable.
We cannot afford to get it wrong.
Consider your valuable vote carefully.
Jacquie
Anton, Goulburn Weir
Glamping site must go ahead
I AM writing as a former resident of Nagambie (I still own property in the town) but also as someone who still feels a real affinity and love for the area and the people who I met there.
During my time as President of Go Nagambie one of the property owners near Nagambie proposed building a caravan park on farming land and a former restaurant site near Kirwans Bridge.
It was ultimately rejected by council after a group vehemently opposed the development.
During my term with Go Nagambie I got to know the property owner well and understood that what he was proposing was intended primarily to be a positive contribution the Nagambie and Kirwans Bridge community by providing a well planned and environmentally positive place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
With the rejection of the caravan park proposal, and despite the sometimes personal attacks on his integrity by various people, the property owner remained committed to doing something positive with the site.
He subsequently rejigged the proposal by trying to address each and every concern to one based around an environmentally focused glamping ground concept.
This new proposal was recently approved by council.
I am now concerned to learn that the same small group of objectors has appealed the council decision at VCAT.
I ask that if the wider community of Nagambie and Kirwans Bridge is in support of the current glamping ground concept that residents make their views known and challenge the objectors to state why they have a problem with what is proposed.
Please stand up and let your views be known to Go Nagambie, the council and the property owner to ensure the current objectors do not stop this development.
Doing nothing will mean nothing happens.
Tim Goodacre, Bowral, NSW
“LWT” group’s questionable ethics
ON September 18 this paper quoted two of the main movers behind the election group “Let’s Work Together”.
Tahbilk director Alister Purbrick is one.
Council’s website lists Purbrick as a current independent member of their Audit and Risk Committee.
The second is John Beresford, who is general manager of Nagambie Development Enterprises according to the website of his company, Ironstone Advisory Services.
He is also a committee member of Go Nagambie.
Purbrick said there “must not be a repeat of the inappropriate behaviour, poor governance and poor decision-making that some councillors exhibited”, but did not name the “some”.
1. Isn’t there an ethical problem with Purbrick being an appointee on the Risk and Audit Committee while at the same time helping form the group?
2. Beresford made accusations, which I believe are unfair. The councillors deserve an opportunity to put their cases.
3. Isn’t the formation of “Let’s Work Together” an example of the big end of the shire creating a power bloc to sway voters?
Sue
Watson, Violet Town
I’ll be voting for Jim B
JIM Billings is a selfless man with wonderful priorities.
He has the best interests of the community and marginalised people at heart, as well as regular community initiatives, such as “Get Me To The Shops”.
He is also a regular visitor to GraniteHill Aged Care Facility, where he brightens the lives of several residents with positivity and delight.
Beresford referred to three former councillors he didn’t want to involve because “they weren’t aligned to the principles which the group wants to abide by . . . They didn’t abide by it in the last council, why would they abide by it this time? They didn’t work together as a team, they were dysfunctional, and they were suspended.”
As a former employee of the facility, I was always thrilled to receive his infectious energy. Most importantly, he is present and reliable and has my total support for his run for council.
I choose to live in Longwood because I am connected to surrounding communities, such as Euroa, Avenel and Nagambie, which Jim is keenly involved with. Jim has spoken to me about these values that are important to me.
I was disappointed to hear that Jim wasn’t invited to be a part of the group of candidates who signed up to the Go Nagambie principles, but he very clearly has the principles we all prize in local government representatives.
More than that, Jim has a real understanding that roads, rubbish and rates can only be well managed if we link future development to strong housing, employment and energy solutions.
Janna
Scott, Longwood Migration must be eased
COME on you migration ministers.
Isn’t it about time you ceased bringing new settlers into an already over-populated country? With no work prospects, where do they live?
Perhaps they would be happy bedding down with outhers on the streets of Melbourne or other Australian cities.
I have worked in the past with people from other countries, all decent men and women who deserve better.
And so do we, the longsuffering Australian residents of a country I was once proud to live in.
Ted More, Euroa
Dale Mann PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Godsmark SPORT EDITORIAL
Euroa CWA back in full swing
By BARB WATTERS
IT’S been a busy time for the Euroa Forlonge branch of the Country Womens Association (CWA) of Victoria.
Re-forming in May 2024, it has been an exciting time getting the branch operating again and working out what we want to achieve as a group of women in our community.
The answer came in a message from the Euroa Little Theatre asking if we could cater for their production of “The Case of the Howling Hall” in August.
As a branch it was decided to take the opportunity to use the profits to assist a local community group.
The decision was made to make toiletry bags from recycled materials filled with the self-care products for women needing a hand up, to be distributed through Euroa Foodshare, operated by St Paul’s Anglican Church.
When the bags were donated to Euroa Foodshare we were told that gifts are purchased or donated for Christmas so children do not miss out so we offered to make Santa sacks with some goodies suitable for young children.
Another working bee soon made 15 Santa Sacks which had
FORLONGE CWA BRANCH IS BACK UP AND RUNNING AFTER REVIVAL IN MAY 2024
HANDMADE TOILETRY BAGS: Euroa’s Forlonge CWA branch made toiletry bags for Euroa Foodshare. On the left side of the table are Elena Gregson (CWA), Sue Faulkner and Carol Appelt (Euroa Foodshare). On the right hand side are Ian Webster-Gregson, Barb Watters (CWA), Roger Bell and David Porteus (Euroa Foodshare). PHOTO: Dale Mann
colouring books, paint sets, pavement chalk and stickers to start the Christmas gifts.
We are now busy planning our stall for the Euroa Farmers Market on December 21, where we will also be running the Rotary BBQ to once again raise
funds for a community g roup.
Euroa Forlonge branch of CWA Victoria meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Euroa Library and the third Tuesday of the month at the Ralston Pavilion (Euroa Showgrounds) at 10am.
If you would like to see what
Strathbogie Shire Council postal election
An election will be held for Strathbogie Shire Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by please visit to complete the online replacement form, or call to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number and only use each number once.
Pavilion entries open for Euroa Show
By EUROA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
THE 132nd Euroa Show is just a few weeks away, taking place on October 25, 26 (the main show day), and 27.
Entries are now open for all pavilion and outdoor sections.
Each year, this event showcases the incredible talent and produce of our local community, and now is your chance to be part of it.
The Pavilion offers the largest number of sections to enter, including art and craft, wood and metalwork, needlework, knitting/crocheting, photography, pot plants, cut flowers and floral art, homegrown produce, and cookery including jams and preserves and more.
These sections are open to all community members, from primary-aged children to individuals with disabilities, as well as entries from local community groups.
There are also several Victorian Agricultural Society (VAS) classes, allowing competitors to advance to regional and state levels.
Competition schedules are available now at Burton’s IGA, the Euroa Newsagency, and the Euroa Gazette office, as well as online at www.euroashow.org. au. Please note that all entries must be submitted online by Saturday, October 19, at 11:59 pm, unless otherwise specified in the show schedule.
For those who need assistance with online submissions, Agricultural Society members will be available to help at the Euroa Library on Wednesday October 9, Friday October 11, Tuesday October 15, Thursday October 17, and Friday October 18, from 12 midday to 4pm.
Pavilion entry fees are $1 per entry, but if you purchase an early bird ticket (available online or from the GMCU, Binney St, Euroa), entry is free.
Classes for children 12 years and under are also free of charge.
being part of the CWA is all about or you are looking for friendship and support of women in the Euroa area, please feel free to come along and say hello. You can find us Facebook or email us at Euroacwaforlonge@ gmail.com.
How to return your ballot pack
If you’ve been busy over the past year working on some projects, there’s sure to be a section where you can showcase your creation and help make this year’s exhibition bigger and better in 2024.
Whether you’re interested in participating in pavilion displays, outdoor sections, Kids’ Got Talent, or entering our Junior or Rural Ambassador Award, pick up a schedule or visit our website for more information.
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver
109A Binney Street (enter via Bury Street) Euroa
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and council-enrolled voters.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at
Mass job cuts at GOTAFE
■ From front page
The union met with members earlier this week to discuss what has been “a lack of transparency and communication” from GOTAFE management to employees over the job cuts and restructure.
It’s believed that 70 equivalent full-time (EFT) positions could go across GOTAFE’s multiple campuses.
NTEU industrial officer, Janet Bourke, said there are more jobs lost than GOTAFE originally foreshadowed which is causing staff extreme concern.
“It appears management are trying to rush through these new position descriptions (changes) at a time staff are on leave during school holidays without giving us enough time to scrutinise the new roles,” Ms Bourke said on Tuesday last week.
“We really want to make sure the current employees’ experience and service is recognised and they have every opportunity to be placed into these new roles.”
Ms Bourke said several staff are concerned about the workloads and already there are roles over the past 12 months that have not been filled.
“We just can’t see how GOTAFE, with multi-campuses, can operate with so few professional staff compared to other TAFEs in Victoria,” she said.
Ms Bourke is the industrial officer for most of the other standalone TAFEs in Victoria and she said the percentage of staffing
ON CHOPPING BLOCK: 90 GOTAFE jobs impacted by restructure. Staff, union speak about how staff have been kept in the dark about plans causing uncertainty about their future.
cuts has not been of this magnitude in the past and she has never seen cuts as drastic as what’s being proposed.
She said the VAGO report details financial issues with GOTAFE, but management are not using this as the reason but rather saying it’s due to an uplift of skills.
In a statement to this North East Media on Thursday, a GO-
TAFE spokesperson said they are streamlining and simplifying their structure to create new foundations for growth.
“We are developing new ways of working, aligning capabilities and processes that focus on student outcomes,” the spokesperson said.
“GOTAFE’s transformation will ensure our staffing and structure
Residents of GraniteHill are thrilled to welcome the revitalized library, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, residents, and their families. Over one weekend, the dedicated team worked tirelessly to dismantle the existing library, which housed over 1,000 books. With the expertise of book-savvy volunteers from the Already Read Bookshop (Friends of the Library), the library has been thoughtfully reconfigured. The new layout and signage adhere to Dementia Australia guidelines, ensuring a more userfriendly and engaging space for all residents.
Residents and visitors enjoying the library
A special thank you goes to the Euroa Library for their generous donation of large print books. Many books have been donated back to the Already Read Bookshop, fostering a new partnership that will keep the GraniteHill library fresh and stocked with books that cater to the interests of its residents.
We sincerely thank everyone involved in this transformation and look forward to enjoyable reading experiences in our updated library, now offering “something for everyone.”
matches our operational requirements to serve our students and stakeholders and set our teams and their leaders up for success.
“While our ways of working will change, what will not change is GOTAFE’s vision of being the training provider of choice for our local community and delivering the skills needed in our region’s industries.”
VISIT the Euroa Library on Thursday, October 3 at 2pm to learn about the internee and prisoner of War camps that were situated in the local area during World War II.
John Gribben (pictured) has lived in the Goulburn Valley all of his life and has a passionate interest in local history, especially the history related to the internment and prisoner of war (POW) camps in the area during WWII.
There were seven prisoner of war and internee camps in the local area during WWII, with nearly 10,000 prisoners and internees.
The camps were for both
‘Shocked and stunned’ says
staff member
A GOTAFE staff member, who spoke to North East Media on the proviso of anonymity, explained the predicament for many employees.
“Staff are still shocked and stunned about what’s going on, they’re worked up and emotional about the fact for some of them their job is ending and they have to look for employment in a market that is extremely challenging,” they said.
“There are other government departments that are cutting jobs and it’s generally looking pretty grim.
“Staff are doing the best they can to put on a brave face, but they are hurting.”
The staff member said GOTAFE is cutting a selection of jobs mainly across student admin, enrolment and attraction and they’re putting those responsibilities onto other people.
“They’ve got this idea of smarter ways of working and what that’s going to mean is that after this restructure is bedded down, everything will just get heaped on fewer staff members,” they said.
“They’re talking about upskilling and there are a lot of higher-level positions, but they are not providing training and support for the staff who are currently employed to be able to apply for the positions.
“It’s an uplift, but in the sense it’s get rid of the old and in with the new.
“The job cuts are probably much more because people will leave, the experience goes out and they’ll recruit others back in.
“Chances are GOTAFE will struggle to find the talent in the regions, so they’ll just be working remotely from Melbourne like half the executive do.”
civilian and military purposes.
John’s mother was in the WAAAF during the war and could see the glow of the lights from the camps at her home in Colbinabbin.
John’s father was in the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corp) during the war and spent a lot of time
near the Murchison and Tatura POW and Internment Camps during the war.
Over the years, John has done many talks and tours of the camps, as well as written newspaper articles and spoken on podcasts about the subject.
While John has been described as a local amateur historian he feels more comfortable being described as a story teller, because there are lots of local stories about the camps.
If you would like to hear John speak on Thursday, please contact the Euroa Library on 1300 374 765 or email euroa@ gvlibraries.com.au to book.
Suited to all industries, this course is ideal for new managers, supervisors and team leaders in, or anyone looking to move into these positions. The program delivers two units of competency: BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness BSBLD411 Demonstrate leadership in the workplace
The program also includes Disc Advance profiling and a session on how to read and understand your own profile.
Program Dates: 2 Options, Face to Face or Online: Face to Face Program in Euroa, Victoria: 2 days - 22 & 23 October 2024, 9am – 4pm OR Online Program – Real time webinars: 4 sessions, 24 & 31 October, 7 & 14 November, 1pm – 5pm
Birdlove book launched at Euroa’s Northern Republic
A BOOK written by the late local author Lance Williams, featuring illustrations of 42 birds by Euroa’s Janet Fogarty, was launched at Northern Republic in Euroa on Sunday, October 22.
Violet Town’s Kate Stothers was the author’s partner.
She saw the unfinished book completed after her
husband’s passing, and spoke at the book launch. Mr Williams was a passionate bird watcher, and the book describes birds he had encountered.
Locals Shirley Saywell and Bert Lobert also spoke at the event to launch the book.
Illustrations by Ms Fogarty were exhibited.
AUTHOR’S PARTNER: Kate Stothers spoke at the event. PHOTOS: Bill Harris
ILLUSTRATOR AND FRIENDS: Janet Fogarty, Libby Woodhouse and Kathi Orsanic at the book launch.
BIRDS ILLUSTRATED: Book launch attendees admiring Janet Fogarty’s bird illustrations.
• Hear & learn more about all local candidates
• Meet & Mingle after the formalities
• Everyone Welcome
• Light Refreshments offered [tea, coffee etc)
Authorised by: C. Hutton, 3 Goulburn Street, Nagambie 3608
BIRDWATCHERS: Book launch attendees admiring Janet Fogarty’s bird illustrations.
EVENT TO FEATURE NEW JUDGED SECTIONS INCLUDING DRIFT CARDS, TRACTORS, PLUS EXPANDED KIDS’ ZONE
Show & Shine this weekend could be biggest, best yet
By AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SHOW & SHINE EUROA COMMITTEE
AFTER an uncertain start due to the declining number of committee members and volunteers available to support the Australian National Show & Shine Euroa, a few days out from Sunday’s event it looks like it could be the biggest and best show yet.
New sections include the elec-
tric vehicles, and two new judged sections: drift cars, and the ever popular tractors have finally got their chance at a trophy.
There’s even a rumour that a restored, 1964 CFA Firetruck with a long history around the area, will be on display.
Highlights this year include an expanded and exciting Kids Zone, with Cobb and Co rides, the miniature railway back and better
than before, show bags, and kidfriendly food stalls, along with the petting zoo.
A great day out for all the family, and enough vehicles to delight the heart of any revhead.
The theme this year is Revved Up Retro Glam, with prizes for the best costume and best vehicle fitting the theme.
A really wonderful level of support from our sponsors this
year, with a number of new, local businesses supporting the show –our thanks to everyone who has contributed so generously with prizes and sponsorships – you can find them all listed on the Australian National Show & Shine Euroa website.
■ More coverage of this weekend’s Show & Shine can be found in the special liftout in this week’s edition of The Euroa Gazette.
Gilbert
and Sullivan
to hit Violet Town
By VIOLET TOWN ST DUNSTAN’S HALL COMMITTEE
ENJOY a delightful afternoon concert celebrating the genius of Gilbert and Sullivan in the fully airconditioned St Dunstan’s Parish Hall in Violet Town on October 26. In their operas Gilbert and Sulllivan made many references to nature, flowers, trees and the hope of merry sunshine.
From “Comes the broken flower” (Trial By Jury) through “There grew a little flower” (Ruddigore) to selections from Utopia Limited or the Flowers of Progress, this will be a delightful concert performed by GSOV’s Concert Party, filled with your favourite Gilbert and Sullivan pieces.
Bookings are essential.
To book, contact Stuart on 0425 738 359 or Jenni on 0412 244 349.
The concert will begin at 2pm on Saturday, October 26 at 226 High Street, Violet Town, followed by afternoon tea.
RSVP to Third Age Club’s 60th celebration
By JOAN OSBOURNE
THE Euroa Third Age Club’s October lunch will be held at the Euroa Hotel on Thursday, October 10 at 12pm.
The cost will be $18.50 for a two course meal and all members and seniors are welcome to attend. Please book your place by calling Pam Vaughan on 0400 953 773 by Monday 8th October.
The October meeting of the club will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 2pm.
All welcome.
On Saturday, November 16 the club will be celebrating 60 years since the club was opened and at present there is a group preparing for this event. Those who are intending to come to the lunch on November 16 at 12pm need to let Pam Vaughan know as soon as possible.
COMING THIS WEEKEND: Don’t miss the Show & Shine this weekend at Euroa’s Seven Creeks Park. Pictured are committee president Donna Carroll (left) and vice president Ian Langlands. PHOTO: Darren Chaitman
Corolla Cross goes hybrid only Corolla Cross goes hybrid
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring
LAUNCHED here in 2022
the Toyota Corolla Cross is an SUV crossover version of the everlasting Corolla sedan/ hatchback.
It’s the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR.
The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s recent decision to discontinue petrol-only variants where a hybrid alternative is available, the petrol versions are now being phased out.
There are five Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $36,480, 2WD GXL ($40,230), GXL AWD ($43,230), 2WD Atmos ($47,030 and Atmos AWD ($50,030). On-road costs need to be added.
STYLING
Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different body as befitting an SUV.
The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla with a snubnosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre indicating its electric component.
GXL and Atmos add front foglights, enhanced LED
headlights and roof rails.
The Atmos also gets a twopiece panoramic moonroof.
GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch alloys.
INTERIOR
Anyone stepping up from the latest Corolla hatch or sedan will have no problem adapting to the dashboard layout of the Cross because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but identical.
The SUV conversion over the Corolla with more headroom throughout and plenty of leg and foot room in the rear seats for all but the tallest of occupants.
On the downside – literally – we found the bolstering on the front seats much too high and rigid to the extent that we needed a soft cushion to rise above the bolsters.
Only the Atmos comes with a folding centre armrest complete with twin cupholders.
Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in the Atmos AWD hybrid up to 425 litres in the 2WD GX and GXL. Atmos comes with a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.
POWERTRAIN
Power for the Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD comes from a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 190Nm.
It’s teamed to an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE:
GX HYBRID 2WD: $36,480
GXL HYBRID 2WD: $40,230
GXL HYBRID AWD: $43,230
ATMOS HYBRID 2WD: $47,030
ATMOS HYBRID AWD: $50,030
NOTE: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for drive-away prices.
Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive motor.
The GXL and Atmos Hybrids add a second electric drive motor on the rear axle.
Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
SAFETY
Corolla Cross was tested by ANCAP in October 2022 and received the maximum five-point rating.
Standard safety features include eight airbags, advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofix child seat anchors.
Also standard across the range is the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package which adds a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency driving stop sys-
tem, active cruise control, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist with deceleration assist, intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.
In addition, GSX and Atmos get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor.
Atmos adds pedestrian detection to the parking support brake feature as well as advanced park assist.
DRIVING
The extra height when compared to the Corolla provides easier access although the aforementioned aggressive seat bolsters could cause discomfort to some occupants.
External vision is excellent with a higher driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors together with a relatively narrow Apillar all contributing.
On the negative side the rear window is quite narrow.
There’s a solid feel to the
FUNCTION OVER FASHION: The styling of the Toyota Corolla Cross quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban environment which is most likely to be its home territory.
Steering which is relatively light but direct and intuitive.
Apart from the batteryonly start and silent running the GX Hybrid that we tested had that sharp acceleration that we enjoy in all vehicles with an electric component.
Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when maneuvering through a badlycratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding.
Fuel consumption on the combined urban/rural cycle is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres from the 2WD variants and 4.4 with the AWDs.
We averaged 5.1 L/100 km during our week-long test of the GX 2WD.
SUMMING UP
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota.
Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 25 years, add a badge that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.5-million sales.
Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest in fuel-saving hybrid technology.
All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
This can be extended to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on
the hybrid battery, subject to all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.
RATINGS: Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2.0-litre petrol / electric hybrid five-door wagon
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES: Length: 4460 mm
OCTOBER 6th.
All Metal Polishing, BD North East Electrics, Cafe 56, Euroa H Hardware, Euroa Hotel, Euroa Motor Inn, Ford McKernan Engineering, Kilmore Ford, Ray White Euroa, RBA Financial Services, Savs Hire & Pumps, Seymour Toyota, Shannon’s, Shepparton BMW, Shepparton Mini Garage, Shepparton Renault, Strathbogie Physio, TK Salon, Trotters Mitre 10.
Gail Kubeil Trophies sub-committee, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
What does your role in the committee involve?
Organising trophies with Kerry Cooper.
What car do you own?
Dmax and a 1978 Daimler.
What car do you wish you owned?
1960 Mustang.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
The glorious line up of cars, motorcycles and tractors. They are beautifully presented and a joy to behold.
Why?
The setting makes this event special when held in the park with the Sevens Creek as a backdrop.
What does the Show & Shine means to Euroa?
A cheap, enjoyable day out, brings visitors from far and wide which helps put Euroa on the map.
TEST DRIVE A TESLA
TESLA is excited to welcome you at this year’s Australian National Show & Shine in Euroa, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience Model 3 and Model Y from behind the wheel. Explore the many comfort and convenience features that come standard with every Tesla and learn about charging at home or on the road. The Tesla team will be on-site to answer any questions you may have.
Pre-schedule your drive at this link: https://australiannationalshowandshine.com.au/tesla-experience/.
What does your role in the committee involve?
My role as a gates manager is to find, organise and support volunteers to help on the entry gates for exhibitors and spectators.
What car do you own?
GWM Cannon X Ute – a practical vehicle in my line of work.
What car do you wish you owned?
There is no specific vehicle that I would like to own, but if I could, a 1957 Chevrolet two-door Bel Air.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
As it’s my first show, probably all of it.
What does the Show & Shine mean to Euroa?
To me the show means a lot to the local community. It brings in a diverse mix of people, and puts Euroa firmly on the map for great future events.
Graham Kyle Gates manager, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
Euroa Miniature Railway makes its post-flood debut
By WENDY McDONALD
THE official opening of Euroa Miniature Railway was held on Sunday, October 25 1994 – this was our first public running day.
Councillor and shire president of the day, Esme Stringer, led the formalities.
Our initial track was a dual gauge track (7 ¼ “& 5”) built in an oval with a bypass road around the station (known as our Central Loop) – this was added to with the Northern Loop opened in August 1999.
The track as it stands today in 2024 is approximately 600 metres long.
The Euroa Mini-Railway is one of only about 100 around Australia
With our original station building (clubroom and workroom), a round house was then built to enable Loco’s to be easily transported from our clubrooms as well as members cars down to the track.
The fenced area enables safe observation by children and adults.
A toilet block and a kiosk were also added over the years.
Together with the beauty of our location comes the inevitable flooding of the Sevens Creek –many times water may spill over the track with little impact however we have experienced flood-
ing through our buildings on three separate occasions.
October 2022 was the biggest flood event we have experienced, and major track damage did occur after this.
The level inside the main clubroom was at least 30cm of water all the way through and this was much higher than past events.
Unfortunately the Show and Shine event of 2022 was the last time we held a public running day, so our club is very excited to be able to run this October 2024, two years after the flood event.
We will be using our original centre track as the Northern Loop
is not quite ready for use as it undergoes repair work.
Rides may be a bit shorter than normal but we encourage everyone to come and support us as we get back to running and using the track.
It is located in Area 5 of the show.
During the 2024 Show and Shine event, the mini railway will be a great feature for those attending the show and will run virtually non-stop, providing rides for kids.
In excess of 700 children rode the rail back in 2022.
While the children are in Area 5, don’t miss the tractors, SES, CFA, petting zoo, show bags and of course the Cobb and Co horse and carriage rides.
Donna Carroll President, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
What does your role as president involve? I like to think of it as being the “Fat Controller”… Well, maybe not so fat. My role is to make sure the committee members looking after an area have everything they need to be successful and that I am not getting in the way and asking annoying questions. These are amazingly talented and dedicated volunteers, they know exactly what they’re doing and they are doing it fabulously.
On top of that it is promoting the event, helping out with media and marketing, and solving problems when they come up – and doing anything at all that anyone asks me to.
What car do you own?
I have a Holden Captiva wagon.
Living on a farm up a long and corrugated driveway means I really can’t drive anything delicate.
What car do you wish you owned?
I’d absolutely adore a Triumph Spitfire Mk III, though I’d have to garage it somewhere else.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to a favourable weather forecast, lots of volunteers, and a smooth run on the day.
Why?
Well, without our awesome volunteers and fine weather, it would be a lot less successful than I know this one is going to be.
What does the Show & Shine means to Euroa?
Given the wonderful community response from so many local businesses as sponsors, and so many local people prepared to give up their time to make sure the show is a success, I’d say it’s something everyone is very proud of.
Vic 3666
• Diagnostics – Scan Tool
BACK IN ACTION: Don’t miss the return of the Euroa Miniature Railway at this year’s Show & Shine.
Show and Shine goes electric
By IAN LANGLANDS
THIS year we are having our first electric vehicle display at the 2024 Show and Shine.
Life member, past president Rob Asquith OAM, is always thinking on how to make the event better.
Having started the Euroa Show and Shine back in 2002 and now in his 80s, Rob instigated having an EV display and is always a guiding light and innovator for the event and members.
Shepparton BMW dealer principal Aaron Brain is supporting the event with EV vehicles from BMW, Mini Garage and Renault.
Mr Brain said his dealership is proud to be a supporter of the Australian National Show and Shine Euroa and its electric vehicle display.
Kia EVs will be on show, and the Victorian branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association will be on site to answer any questions you may have about electric vehicles.
Kilmore Ford are showing the latest Ford Mach E and Seymour Toyota will have the latest Toyota BZ4X on display.
Liliana Cevallos, regional marketing specialist for Tesla, is bringing the Tesla M3 and MY, which we hope will be available for test drives during the day.
Jeep are bringing their latest EV, which is still to be released.
The Jeep Avenger will be there – a great coup of the show.
President Donna Carroll said we look forward to a great show on the banks of the beautiful Sevens Creek Parklands, so don’t miss a great family day
WHATAFEELINGTheToyotaBZ4Xwill
KIASCOMINGKiaelectricvehicleswill
KIAS COMING: Kia electric vehicles will be up for perusal. Pictured is the Kia EV3. PHOTO: Kia Australia, Facebook
MUSK-SCENTED: The Tesla M3 will be at the show. PHOTO: Tesla Australia
WHAT A FEELING: The Toyota BZ4X will be on display. PHOTO: Toyota Australia, Facebook
THE AVENGER: The Jeep Avenger is coming to Euroa. PHOTO: Jeep Australia, Facebook
Vivienne’s Mustang: a small project that grew huge
By VIVIENNE ERICKSON
Vivienne Erickson was the 2023 winner of the inaugural “Terry Steele Perpetual Trophy for Mustangs”.
MY Late partner David Heritage and I already had an AC 427 cobra replica, but I wanted a car with a roof and a boot and something a few girls could cruise around in.
That began the journey of what car and then once that was decided, how to get a 67 fastback, as not so easy to find.
Dave wanted a project (I thought a small one) so he hunted the USA for one and eventually found this one, still registered in California with original owners but had not had $1 spent on it and she was rough – over 80 large safety pins holding up the roof lining, and so on.
The day she arrived, Dave said “Okay we now need to decide if we can leave her left hand,” so off we went up the road to see if I could drive her.
Five minutes later I dropped Dave back home and took off in town and came home hours later – I loved her.
So, first decision made: stays left hand drive.
Then Dave started stripping every bolt and so on, and as he hadn’t ever done this before he was constantly asking his friend Greg Maskell of Maskells Customs and Classics questions.
Greg ended up saying I will pick her up and she stayed at Maskell’s workshop with Dave going there after work every day, every weekend, every holiday including long service leave working on The Stang.
The small project grew into a massive one – I should have known this would happen as both Dave and Greg are perfectionists.
They worked to the brief of it had to be power, reliability and drivability and they sure delivered. It was completed in late 2010.
Chris Pritchard
Secretary, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
What does your role in the committee involve? Basically taking notes from our meetings, turning them into minutes and then distributing them to our members.
Also booking the venue for meetings and other admin activities as asked.
What car do you own? Hyundai ix35.
What car do you wish you owned? Shelby Cobra.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
I’m really just looking forward to the whole event.
Why?
After nearly being dropped due to not enough people to run the event, it’s just great to see it going ahead.
Due to a great team, with a mix of those with knowledge and experience running the event, alongside people (like me) completely new to such an event.
What does the Show & Shine mean to Euroa? It’s a massive event for the region, one that brings many visitors along with vital economic benefits to the region.
WINNER AND SPONSOR: Vivienne Erickson (left), the winner of the award, and Betty Steele the sponsor of the award, were both married to car enthusiasts who loved Mustangs and they still continue their love of cars and car shows.
First method of road transport hits Show & Shine
By MATHEW JONES
THE Australian National Show and Shine is bringing the first mode of
For the owners of “Cobb and Co Carriages Victoria” Mathew & Sarah Jones, it is an honour to protect and continue the proud Australian image and goodwill associated with its namesake which should not be forgotten.
The original founder
being Ben Hall, the grandson of the great infamous bushranger Ben Hall, this takes you back to the yesteryear of the name “Cobb & Co.”
It is a name synonymous with quality coach transport in Australia.
The original “Cobb & Co Coaches” venture is still a highly regarded Australian icon, and the romance of coach travel is still used to promote tourism to Australia today – long after the last coach finished its route.
What car do you own? 1968 XT Falcon, 1962 Falcon Ute, 1959 F600 Truck.
What car do you wish you owned?
What does your role in the committee involve?
Assistant to our president Donna.
As the 2023 president, I try and give her the other new members my experiences on the event.
I’m hoping that with the commitment of our all our volunteers, committee and sponsors in 2024, that the show continues to be a bigger and better event in the coming years.
Always loved the 1959 Ford Fairlane or 1961 Lincoln Convertible.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
Just seeing as many cars and bikes, and all things mechanical on the day.
Also talking with fellow enthusiasts, sponsors and the public about what they enjoyed best about the show, and how to make it better.
Why?
The community of Euroa, Strathbogie Shire and surrounding towns really stepped up this year once hearing that the committee was postponing the show to 2025 due to lack of response to get involved in 2024.
The feedback was overwhelming and social media went viral from all over Australia.
So, I am hoping that all 60 persons that signed up for the Australian National Show and Shine in Euroa in 2024, stay with us in 2025.
Our event sponsors have also really stepped up this year and I can only say that without your support, there is NO SHOW.
Ian Langlands Vice president, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
OLD SCHOOL: Cobb and Co
Carriages Victoria will be at the Show and Shine.
Colours of the rainbow on show in Euroa
By RAY READ
WHEN the Chordettes, a female quartet, recorded “Mr Sandman (bring me a dream)”, their number one hit song in 1954, they would never have dreamed that more than 25 years later, Holden would invent an iconic panel van of the same name.
GMH launched the “Sandman” Panel Van and Ute range with their HQ model, and then followed through the 1970s with their HJ, HX and HZ ranges.
Inevitably, the good old Aussie rhyming slang had soon generated its own nicknames of “Sin Bin” and “Shaggin’ Wagon”.
And so, when the Australian National Show and Shine Euroa decided on the 1970s theme at the 2019 show, it was not surprising that the panel vans would become the four-wheeled symbol of that era.
Bret and Julie Kirwan of “Majestic Vanners Victoria“ came on board with the theme with their 1977 Sandman Van “JUICY” and a matching caravan “JUICY 2”.
Bret has also stirred up some interest for anyone with any sort of panel van to join us once again for the 2024 show.
A great turnout by the group was rewarded when they took out the Best Club Display trophy for 2019.
This year, Bret contacted the
Australian National Show and Shine once again, expressing an interest in the Vanners returning.
The committee got pretty excited about that, and we are pleased to announce that they will be on display, once again in area four.
The club has a neat and spectacular trick called “building a rainbow.”
Because the Sandman Vans came in a variety of bright and spectacular colours, as was the craze in the seventies, it is possible to park a group of vans together, “colour matched” so that from a side view, they create a rainbow effect.
Bret said: “I have always loved things with wheels, ever since my first Corgi toy that my grandmother bought me while I was still in a pram.”
“Funny, as I still have the passion,” he said.
“I progressed from pedal cars to billy karts to go karts.
“Then onto my first motor car, and to having more cars over the years, more than I can possibly remember.
“One car that I certainly do remember and one I had the most fun whilst in my 20s was my Holden panel van.
“It meant trips away to the surf and the country with all my mates, with vans giving us lots of freedom and no hotel fees.
Pam Bannister
Car club coordinator, Australian National Show & Shine Euroa
What does your role in the committee involve?
Communicating with the car clubs to encourage participation, and organising all their locations on the day so they all enjoy the experience.
What car do you own? Mazda MX5.
What car do you wish you owned?
Mercedes Gullwing.
What part of this year’s Show & Shine are you most looking forward to?
“For a long time, my wife wasn’t keen on me getting another van, but finally the day came about 10 years ago.
“Enter ‘JUICY’ the Valencia Sandman panel van.
“It’s been a passion ever since.
“We also purchased an original Sandman HJ ute that fits in well with its Papaya paint.”
“We decided to do the match-
Seeing the range of old cars that will arrive and discovering the new electric range that will be on show this year.
Why?
Having such a wide variety of motor vehicles in one place is really a viewer’s dream, you can reminisce or look to the future all at the same time
What does the Show & Shine mean to Euroa?
I’ve been a local for quite a few years and have always thought the Show & Shine has been one of the best events for the town, not only bringing in visitors, but for the townsfolk to show everyone how proud they are of their town.
ing Caravan ‘JUICY 2’.
“It’s been fun finding all the matching colors and 70s memorabilia.
“We started doing this before hearing that the Euroa Show and Shine was featuring a 1970s theme.
“After winning the Best Club Display in 2019, we will be excited to see what everyone thinks of our display once again.”
VANS LINE-UP: A panel van fan’s dream.
CLASSIC COLOURS: Showing off classic Sandman colours in Mt Gambier.
KIRWANS’ CAR: One of the Sandmans from Bret and Julie Kirwan.
PARK MY PANEL VAN: Iconic Holden panel vans.
On Kelly in the Summer
By CHARMIAN CLIFT
CHARMIAN Clift was one of Australia’s foremost essayists of the 1960s, publishing over 200 pieces in the Melbourne Herald and The Sydney Morning Herald.
She also published two travel memoirs, two novels and co-authored many others with husband George Johnston.
In 1964 Charmian returned to Australia with her family, after ten years living and writing on the Greek islands of Hydra and Kalymnos.
On several occasions in 1965 she visited Kelly country.
In her biography of Charmian, Nadia Wheatley explains that these trips were to visit Charmian’s younger son, who was staying with his Russo cousins at Longwood, near Euroa.
This essay was inspired by those visits.
It was published in The Sydney Morning Herald on 16 December 1965.
THE Kelly country - that is to say Euroa, Benalla, Glenrowan, and surrounding villages and townships - is terribly parched just now. The first time I saw it, back in August, when I took my smallest child down to stay for a bit with his cousins, everything was lush-green, pastoralidyllic. Now it is harsh and brown. Sunburnt country (and I understand that bit for the first time). Felix, my cousin by marriage, has been helping to burn firebreaks, so that last year’s tragedy, when a young neighbour was incinerated with her children, won’t be likely to be repeated. This is very exciting for the children, who fill water bottles for the workers and generally get in the way.
The other exciting thing happening down in the Kelly country has been the Kelly Festival at Euroa, and I have been trying to get hold of my favourite journalists for days now, hoping like mad that somebody would get down there to cover the festivities. (I didn’t get hold of any of my favourite journalists and I can only assume that Christmas is keeping them busy). The only newspaper coverage I have seen is a report that the young man impersonating Our Ned couldn’t fit into the armour, which was brought up from Melbourne for the occasion. He (the impersonator) had to wear cardboard.
Last time I was down there I saw the beards, which the pro-Kelly faction have been growing for months, and I was stirred,
Charmian Clift was one of Australia’s foremost essayists in the 1960s. In 1965, she wrote this essay on Euroa’s Kelly Festival ,yy
in passing, by the passions that still boil at the very name of Kelly. To some he is a hero, but there are others who say and believe that it would be more decent to let Ned lie, and if anybody is giving out honours and awards (even metaphorically speaking) there are many worthy councillors who deserve them more than a bank robber.
Being of a romantic (even nefarious) turn of thought, I am with the pro-Kelly faction (it is interesting that you can’t really be neutral on this issue), and I have in front of me at this moment a reproduction of Sidney Nolan’s painting called Kelly in the Spring, with a drift of pink blossom, and Kelly’s dreaming face most poignantly locked within the clumsy helmet. It is one of my very favourite Nolans and I wish desperately that I could own it. (The Arts
Council of Great Britain does, so I don’t expect there is much hope for me.)
Well, then, that is Kelly in the Spring. And Kelly in the Summer is a small town pageant, to commemorate a bank robbery, and a great party that the Kelly gang gave after it. One thinks immediately of Margaret Rutherford playing Britannia, or of David Martin’s lovely book The Hero of Too, where the hero - a bushranger, and strangely akin to Our Ned - turns out to have been notquite-so-heroic after all.
The question, I think, is whether Edward Kelly is a genuine hero-figure or only a country hood, retrospectively fraudulent. Consider. He was born the year after the passionate episode of the Eureka Stockade, of an ex-convict father called ‘Red’ Kelly, transported from Tipperary for stealing two pigs, and a
free-born immigrant, Nelly Quinn. Now if ‘Red’ Kelly and Nelly Quinn had been left alone - or perhaps if the Eureka Stockade affair had never taken place - or perhaps if Harry Power hadn’t been riding the roads when Ned was a boy - he might have grown up to be an ordinary lout (although I doubt it: I think his was the dark star and the fateful rose). But the police were on to ‘Red’ and Nelly, and on to their brood too- Ned, Dan, Jim, and glamorous Maggie, who turned up to the Glenrowan affair in a Gainsborough hat, which proves her to have been a girl of some style.
Ned’s first police charge, at the age of fifteen, was that he had aided and abetted the bushranger Harry Power (and nobody has ever proved whether he did or he didn’t, but my bet is that he did: I know I would have at the age of
freedom that equalled that of her famous son, and, therefore, gaol couldn’t hurt her).
What I like about that Kelly lot is that when they took to banditry they did it grand. That’s what Euroa has been celebrating. When the Kelly gang robbed the Euroa bank they took £2,000 and afterwards they entertained thirty hostages at an evening picnic, which must have been quite an affair. But they didn’t rob individuals and they didn’t stick up coaches or prey on homesteads. They seem to have been singularly free of meanness and real malice. Their home-made armour was outrageous, and their bombast was outrageous too, but at least they entered into their contest with the law in the spirit of gladiators (and I am reminded of the Roman Bassus, who paraded the arena with a golden chamber-pot, with which he defended himself against all comers).
fifteen; even now if it comes to that). A little later he was convicted for assault, and three weeks after his release, for horse-stealing. When it was proved that he was in gaol at the time of the disappearance of the horse, the charge was altered to ‘receiving’, for which he copped three years’ hard labour. When he came out he was all of nineteen years old, and, one imagines, bitter.
Still, he didn’t start to range the bush and rob banks until poor Nelly Quinn had been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, obviously unjustly, and Ned and Dan had gone into hiding (although they offered to surrender if their mother was set free: she wasn’t, and the boys became outlaws. I would feel very sorry for Nelly Quinn except that I have a notion she had a passion for justice and
Well, I suppose it’s all over now. The Festival, I mean. And I didn’t find one of my favourite journalists to go down and write it up, and I didn’t go down myself because I couldn’t, and I just have to imagine what it must have been like, with the beards and the cardboard armour and the opposing factions and everyone acting it out again in that bare brown country with the firebreaks burned and the kids getting excited about filling the water bottles and I have this picture of Kelly in the Spring and I think it’s valid and I don’t believe him to have been an up-jumped country lout, but a gallant sort of gent and worth staging a pageant for.
I admitted my prejudice, and I reaffirm it. I am proKelly, whatever the worthy councillors say. And I think that it is interesting that the prize offered for the best design for a Kelly Memorial (or Monument, I’m not quite sure) was five pounds. (I am dying to see it.)
And another thing occurs to me, thinking about the Kelly gang and all their doings. If someone could make virtue as gallant and gay and interesting as vice we would all be good overnight.
Copyright Charmian Clift Estate.
Republished with permission.
Clift’s final unfinished novel, The End of the Morning, has recently been published by NewSouth Press https://unsw.press/books/theend-of-the-morning/.
CHARMING: Author Charmian Clift
PHOTO: Classic Cinema Elsternwick, Facebook
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 What are vagabonds known as (6)
8 Which fabric is often used for wall hangings (8)
9 Who is responsible for the content of a newspaper (6)
10 What are wages known as (8)
11 Which golf scores are one over par (6)
13 Name a writ process for the summoning of witnesses (8)
16 What are apothecaries (8)
19 Which term describes a wise and trusted counsellor (6)
22 Name a disease of the eye, characterised by progressive loss of vision (8)
24 To help people in need is to give what (6)
25 To feel unnaturally elated, one feels what (8)
26 Topeka is the capital of which US State (6)
DOWN
2 What does the first letter in the word radar stand for (5)
3 What is a basic unit of measurement (5)
4 When one emphasises something, one does what (8)
5 Which pointed device is attached to a rider’s boot heel to goad a horse onwards (4)
6 Name a dog breed of the spitz family (6)
7 Which mythical monster is said to spout fire (6)
12 Which Arnhem Land peninsula is a site of bauxite mining (4)
14 Name the German chancellor (1862-1871), Otto von … (8)
15 What is the Orient known as (4)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
17 Which gas is used to inflate balloons (6)
18 Through which openings do we take food (6)
20 Name a particular synthetic polyamide (5)
21 Which is the last letter of the Greek alphabet (5)
23 What is a monster, commonly represented as a hideous giant (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 ESTOVER
(a) An excuse for not appearing in court
(b) An ornamental stand of shelves for bric-a-brac etc
(c) A right to necessaries allowed by law
2 FINAGLE
(a) To obtain by guile or swindling
(b) To manage financially
(c) To punish by fine
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Additional benefit (5)
Breaks suddenly (5)
Bristol airport code (abb) (3)
December (abb) (3)
General Learning Area (3) Pen friends (7)
Performing (5)
State Emergency Service (3)
Stumbled (7)
Tea or coffee (coll) (5)
Solve
FAFA celebrates spectacular 42nd anniversary
By MAYETTE MARTIN
THE Filipino Australian and Friends Association (FAFA) once again hosted a successful and vibrant celebration.
On Saturday, September 21, over 100 guests gathered at St Paul’s African House, 54 Poplar Avenue, Shepparton, to celebrate FAFA’s 42nd anniversary and witness two special oathtaking ceremonies.
The induction was conducted by our honourable Philippine Consul General in Victoria, Maria Lourdes Salcedo.
The evening was filled with excitement from start to finish, leaving attendees delighted with a night full of entertainment
and memorable moments.
Guests were treated to a diverse array of performances, including captivating dance presentations, soulful singing, an engaging ukulele rendition, and a fun-filled raffle draw.
The event’s highlights included the formal oath-taking of FAFA’s new committee members most of them wearing Filipiniana dress, a dual citizenship oath-taking ceremony, and the prestigious Award for Athletic Achievement.
Ryan Thomas, a humble pre-
vious student from Notre Dame College Shepparton, who won 7 medals at Vancouver and Kelowna, has made us all proud.
The beautifully crafted decorations and welcoming table setups added to the event’s festive atmosphere, making it a truly special occasion.
The night would not have been complete without delicious food and desserts, generously provided by the committees and for bringing a plate of food to share from the attendees – showcasing their specialties
and generous donors of two lechons – roast whole pig on a spit (charcoal).
Many guests went home with take-aways, and the dance floor was alive with energy as everyone celebrated together.
FAFA’s 42nd anniversary was a testament to the strength and unity of our community, showcasing our culture, talent, and spirit.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, performers, donors, and special guests for making this event unforgettable.
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Saturday 5th October
Labyrinth Walk with Guided Meditation
10am St Paul’s Euroa
Sunday 6th October
Holy Eucharist
8am St Andrew’s Longwood
9.15am St Paul’s Euroa
Wednesday 9th October
Holy Eucharist
10am St Paul’s Euroa
Enq: 5704 0330
www.anglicaneuroa.org.au All welcome
BAPTIST CHURCH
31 Kennedy Street, Euroa
Sunday October 6th, 10am
Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.
Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM
Enq: Pastor Rob Archer 0408 513 566
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
Services at Kelvin View Hall
Sunday October 6th
10.30am Morning Worship
Everyone welcome
Pastor: Murray Broughton 5795 1950
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Balmattum
Every Sunday 3pm Worship
Enq: Rev. Stephen McDonald 5762 6275
Yea Presbyterian Church, 9am
St Andrew’s Seymour, 11.15am Nagambie inquiries to: Bonnie Purbrick 5794 2544 or Bill Day 5794 2070
CATHOLIC CHURCH
St John’s, Euroa Wednesday 8am Mass Friday 12.30pm Mass Saturday Vigil Mass 6pm St. John’s Church Euroa Sunday Mass 8.30am St Patrick’s Longwood 10.30am St Attracta’s Violet Town Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048 For Baptisms and weddings please contact Fr Tony or the Parish Office
UNITING CHURCH
St Andrew’s, Euroa
Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am
Everyone Welcome
Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103 Judi Ward 0437 686 072 St Andrew’s, Strathbogie Service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am All Welcome
Enq: Joan Wood 5795 1175
St Andrew’s Violet Town
Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am All welcome
Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866
EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Old School House, Clifton St Euroa Every Sunday Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests. 10am service
Enquiries: Aaron 0493 101 663
DUAL CITIZEN OATH-TAKING: Mayette Martin (left), Maria Benita Connelly, Cathy Javier, Welda Bunny, Inducting Officer General Consul Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Emma Nacion Prasad, Emily Venn, Tita Weatherall, Olivia Bermudez, Frecy Jhane Stevens, Gemma Esteban McIntosh and Vivian Rivera.
PILIN MO ANG PILIPINAS (CHOOSE THE PHILLIPINES): Bernie Mojica Capili, Gennie Ewert, Emma Nacion Prasad, Tricia Perez, Emily Venn, Marissa Wyatt, Welda Bunny.
BULAKLAKAN (FLOWER DANCE): Guilly Jones, Olivia Bermudez, Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Viv’s Natale, Emmie Stenhouse and Rosie Read.
SAYAW SA PAYONG (UMBRELLA DANCERS): Tricia Perez, Genie Ewert, Marissa Wyatt, Emma Nacion Prasad, Emily Venn, Bernie Mojica Capili and Welda Bunny
ONE WAY TICKET DANCERS: Mayette Martin (left), Janet Pilal, Olivia Bermudez, Dithche Lopez, Bibiana Sto Domingo, Viv’s Natale, Frecy Jhane Stevens and the Emcee: Cecilia Babano Cash (left) and Entertainer/Singer: Romy Samuel (right).
ISEM ISEM (SMILE SMILE) DANCERS: Mayette Martin (left), Rosie Read, Cathy Javier, with guest Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Rebecca Reid, Jessica Carminati
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDED: Cathy Javier (left), Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, Thomas Ryan, Edith Ryan and Mick Ryan.
Victory for North East farmers as dingo control measures
By EMMA OLIVER
LIVESTOCK producers across the shire now have greater certainty when it comes to wild dog control methods with the state government confirming the dingo unprotection order will be renewed until 2028.
The order which allows the control of dingoes on private land and along the boundaries of public land within a three kilometre buffer had been subject to review due to claims it threatened dingo populations.
The announcement made last Tuesday night marked the end of the government’s 12-month review into wild dog management in the state, alleviating farmers’ concerns there would be a roll-back of critical control measures.
“Renewing the unprotection order gives stability and certainty to livestock producers in north east and eastern Victoria, enabling them to continue to protect their livestock from dingo predation,” said Minister for Agriculture Rose Spence.
“We as producers have battled hard to protect our livestock and finally Spring Street has listened to the voices most impacted,” he said.
“Decisions need to be influenced by those that live and breathe the daily scenarios rather than people that live in cities and don’t actually understand the circumstances.
“Given the mental toll of the past year it’s great to hear that the government is willing to support farmers rather than work against them.”
Over the last ten months, Mr Diamond has experienced his largest loss of sheep to dingo predation since going into sheep seven years ago.
“I feel for my livestock effected, others impacted and my children thinking what is now normal every weekend dragging dead animals to pits,” he said.
And though he acknowledges it will continue to be an uphill battle, “this result gives us a chance to continue to fight and have support from the department”.
The Victorian Farmers Federation touted the deci-
Paul Diamond of Pinnaroo Pastoral in Goughs Bay commended the state government on reaching what he believes is the right decision.
both traditional and social media to explain the situation from a place of knowledge and experience.
However environmentalists have expressed their disappointment in the ruling, stressing the ecological importance of dingoes along with their cultural significance to First Nations communities.
Australian Dingo Foundation director Mel Browning said the government’s decision is gut-wrenching.
sion as a “common sense move”, ensuring farmers have the necessary tools to protect their livestock in the face of wild dog attacks.
“Farmers are breathing a huge sigh of relief and I would like to thank Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos for listening to us,” said VFF president Emma Germano.
“It has been an enormous effort by farmers, industry and everyone involved to
have their say and make a difference.”
Ms Germano is now calling on the government to reinstate the Wild Dogs Advisory Committee to provide a place for all stakeholders to come together and determine solutions for balancing ongoing management with conservation.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said the announcement was a massive win for community voices.
“More than 12 months
ago (when) the threat to the order became apparent a group of seasoned, experienced landholders came together to lobby effectively,” he said.
Mr Tilley said this was achieved through multiple channels - delivering speeches to parliament; holding formal and informal meetings with the ministers; taking a stand at a farming expo in Tallangatta and getting those signatures on petitions; as well as harnessing
“This decision has been made with little transparency, and that is going to lead to the mass killing of a native species on public land (and more) concerningly deep within National Parks where they are causing no harm to livestock,” she said.
Groups like the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) have condemned the “killing of a vital ecosystem engineer within three kilometres of national parks and protected areas via baiting, trapping and shooting at taxpayers’ expense”.
VNPA Parks and Nature Campaigner Jordan Crook has called on the government to trial and embed alternative solutions to culling.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 2pm day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0101
Booking deadline: 3pm Monday day prior to print.
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Phone for quarterly booking deadline
Phone: (03) 5723 0100
Booking deadline: Second Friday of month
> CAR ADVERTISERS
Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement
• Cash price of motor car
• If car is registered, registration number
• If unregistered, the engine number
> PHOTOGRAPHS
All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints.
> FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS
All found advertisements are published free. for publication.
> PERSONAL ADVERTISERS
• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.
• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.
• Birth notices require signatures
> ADDITIONS
• Bold heading
• A various selection of logos are available.
> INTERNET
In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.
BY EMAIL BY PHONE 5723 0101
45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666
Strathbogie Golf Club
Centenary raffle
winners are:
1st - Ross Stryker
2nd - Jenny Schwieger
3rd – Ben Munro
MCKAY, Dianne Maree. 28/9/1947 – 15/9/2002
Happy heavenly birthday Dianne. Not a day goes by that we don’t love and think of you.
~ Love Gavin, Annette, Nicole, Mark, Kylie, Harrison and Ethan.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
N J Todd Funeral Directors
Member AFDA
Servicing Euroa & District since 1937
Damien Feehan
Justin Feehan
Road Closures For the “Australian National Show and Shine” Saturday, October 5 from 5pm until 4pm Sunday, October 6 2024
CLOSED Kirkland Ave between Brock and Clifton Street from 5pm on Sat 5th Oct 2024 to 4pm Sun 6th Oct 2024 (Resident in Kirkland Ave can enter via Bury St)
CLOSED Bury Street between Binney Street and Kirkland Ave from 6.30am on Sun 6th Oct 2024 to 4pm Sun 6th Oct 2024
CLOSED Foy Street West from Tarcombe Street from 6.30am on Sun 6th Oct 2024 to 4pm Sun 6th Oct 2024
CLOSED Foy street East between Sevens Pub and Caravan Park from 6.30am on Sun 6th Oct 2024 to 4pm Sun 6th Oct 2024 For any information contact Tim on 0468 611 705
HVP Plantations (HVP) is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced contractors to provide services as follows:
Location: Gippsland & North East Victoria (Kinglake, Narbethong, Benalla, Ovens & Upper Murray)
Tasks: Construction, upgrades and maintenance of plantation roads Drill, blast and crush quarrying services
Multiple contracts available
Commencement: 1 July 2025
Term: Up to 3 years
For additional information, parties must register their interest by Friday 11 October 2024 via email to rory.hazeldine@hvp.com.au
Euroa young guns shine at V-Line Cup
By DAN GODSMARK
THE 2024 V-Line Cup, held on October 23-24 at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, brought together some of Victoria’s most talented young footballers.
Among them were Addison Godsmark, Ethan Saxon, and Ollie Wilson, representing Euroa in the premier under-15s competition.
The tournament provided the boys with the thrilling opportunity to play on an AFL ground, a dream for many aspiring players.
The Murray Bushrangers U15 Boys Division one team faced tough competition throughout the tournament.
Part of their campaign was playing against neighboring team, North-East Border (NEB) Bushrangers, where they unfortunately fell short by 61 points.
Day one proved even more challenging as they suffered a heavy defeat to the GWV Rebels, losing by 91 points.
In Boys Division Two, the Bushrangers encountered further difficulties, enduring considerable losses against both the GWV Rebels and NEB Bushrangers, with final scores of 63 to 38 and 99 to 17, respectively. Despite the disappointing results, Ethan Saxon managed best a field for the Murray Bushrangers, the boys gained valuable experience competing against some of the best country players in Victoria.
For Ethan Saxon, participating in the V-Line Cup felt like a reward for his hard work.
“It felt like the work was starting to pay off to have that recognition,” he shared.
Throughout the games, Ethan remained focused on pushing himself to the next contest.
“During the game, it was just about getting to the next contest and not giving up, no matter what the score was,” he explained.
Reflecting on his two years in the V-Line Cup, he appreciated the chance to meet new people and compete at a higher level.
“Playing in V-Line for two years has been great.
It’s helped me develop by playing against the best country players in Victoria,” he noted.
Addison Godsmark, representing the Division One V-Line Cup, described his experience as “surreal and grateful.”
He cherished the friendships he made throughout the competition, saying, “I don’t have a favorite player, but I’ve made lots of friends along the way.”
Despite the tough start in the tournament, where the
“The next step for me is trying out for the Under-16 Bushrangers and striving to be the best I can,” he stated.
Ollie Wilson, who was picked as a bottom-aged player and is eager to make an impact next year.
Ollie has been a standout for the Under-16s all season, contributing significantly to the team’s success in securing the 2024 Grand Final title.
Looking ahead, both Ethan, Addison, along with Ollie’s older brother Archie and Aaron Van Den Berghe, will be eager for the upcoming tryouts for the Under-16 and 18’s Murray Bushrangers program, scheduled for Thursday, October 3.
Their dedication and passion for the game are evident, and their experiences at the V-Line Cup will undoubtedly contribute to their development as players.
intensity of the first game posed a challenge, Addison is focused on his future.
He expressed gratitude towards his dad for early morning gym sessions and Simon Grumbly for his encouragement to improve.
Congratulations to all the Euroa representatives for their efforts and achievements in the V-Line Cup.
For more detailed match statistics and standings, visit the AFL Victoria website or PlayHQ.
The
FREE RUN: Ethan Saxon finds space on the field, showcasing his skills.
TEAMMATES: Ollie Wilson and Ethan Saxon celebrate an exciting week of football at the V-Line Cup
PLAYING IN FRONT: Ollie Wilson pushes the ball out in front.
Euroa Golfer Ed Carracher competes in World Sand Greens Tournament
EUROA GOLF CLUB
By RICHARD JOHNSON
EUROA Golf Club Spring Tournament opens on Friday October 4 with a mixed Pinehurst Event sponsored by Euroa Healthsave Pharmacy and continues Saturday with Men’s and women’s four ball par sponsored by Burton Stores.
Sunday is 27 holes stroke for men in all grades including the H J Holdsworthy Trophy.
McKernan’s Engineers are the sponsors for the stroke event and have put up $1000 should any golfer make a hole in one during the tournament.
Wednesday Men’s had a small field of just 13, but some very good golf was played.
Frank O’Connor continued his good form with 41 Points while Bill Wright and Neil Healey both came in on 37.
Saturday had 30 men compete in a Stableford round and 39 points was the score recorded by each of Craig Flavel to win the Division one and Paul Jones to claim the Division two prize.
Other good scores were Ash Pedder 38, Don Bubeck 37, Charlie Walker 36, Keith Seeber 36 with Paddy McCarthy, Cam Roper and Jason Miller 35.
Euroa’s Ed Carracher competed in the World Sand Greens event at Binalong New South Wales where he came up against some of the best professional and amateur golfers in Australia.
After two rounds Ed was amongst the best eight amateur players.
The course is in beautiful spring condition and the golfing will be as good as it gets for the Spring Tournament.
Entries can be arranged with Mandy Edwards on 0457 985 406 or Justine Collins on 0400 672 467
NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB
By DAVID LOVE
A two man Ambrose was played at Nagambie with a forecast of some rain to add a further element of intrigue to the day’s play, the rain came and set in quite solid for the second half of the round but had little or no effect on the leading scores.
The top scores for the day were all very impressive with the winning pair posting a one under par 71 Tim Baldwin and Ben Cassar were the duo taking home the Seymour Club matchday vouchers with a net 65.5 both players have the ability to hit long balls making Ambrose an ideal format.
Runner up were Gary Bow and Rhys Shepherd combining for a 74-7.75-66.25 net, the long bombing Shepherd
complimenting the smooth putting stroke of Bow.
Filling in third place were John Hurley and David Love with a 74-7.50-66.5 net with Hurley having the broomstick putter well in control for the entire round.
The nearest the pin prizes went to John Bell with a stunning shot up to the difficult third, Graeme Cusack knocking a long iron onto the eighth, regular visitor Jock Mundy bombing the 13th and Steve Donnison playing the sweetest of shots up the 16th.
Next week’s golf is the final monthly medal before the gold medal playoff in a fortnight’s time on office duty for B. Cryer and in the bar J. Mills.
EUROA LADIES GOLF
By DEBRA COX
Wednesday 25 September - Stableford.
Eleven women played 18 holes and four played nine holes.
In addition to the Stableford there was the preliminary final (Match Play) for the Dot Rule Trophy between four women.
The winner of Division 1/2 was Grace Eddy with 39 points.
Grace, being one of our youngest members, was on school holidays and
came out to the course and showed us “old girls” how to hit a ball.
Excellent score Grace and it’s wonderful to see a real emerging talent.
Balls down the line went to Annette Smith on 36 and Robin Lied on a countback from Freda Edwards both on 35.
The nine-hole winner was Carol Bredden with 17 points.
Two weeks in a row for Carol.
Good work.
Nearest the Pins. Eighth: Deb Cox, 12th: Robin Lied, 18th: Susan Harding. Drive and Pitch. Fifth and 15th: Deb Cox.
The Dot Rule Trophy preliminary was contested by Lorraine Ellis and Sarah Bullen and Judy McLean and Deb Cox.
The final will be played on Wednesday October 2 (weather permitting) between Sarah Bullen and Deb Cox.
Many thanks to Dot Rule for her generous sponsorship of the Trophy.
Saturday September 28 -Stableford.
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide full results from this day.
However, I do know that Grace Eddy was the overall winner with an extraordinary 44 points.
That is a brilliant score and one that most of us can only dream about.
We really hope that Grace is able to continue playing at the Club as she is a natural golfer, and we would love to see her continue her winning streak.
Next Wednesday October 2 will be Stableford and Dot Rule final.
Thursday October 3 is the Euroa Bowl.
Friday October 4 sees the commencement of our three-day Spring Tournament with a mixed Pinehurst.
Saturday October 5 will be a four ball and Sunday will see the men play an Open 27 holes.
Phew - That’s a lot of golf coming up and if you can’t hit them far, hit them straight.
GVVGA
By ROLF WEBER
CONGRATULATIONS to Goulburn Valley Vets Team number one, winners of the Victorian Veteran Golfers annual teams challenge which this year was contested by 38 teams and staged at Bendigo Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday September 16-17.
The team of Bruce Brown (Merrigum), Bill Murphy (Mooroopna) and Greg Hall
pionship sponsor is our long-time supporter, Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU).
Despite the tees being set at the common white markers there were very few golfers who bettered their handicap.
Please note that the championship is decided on Stroke scores, but the day winners are confirmed on Stableford scores.
The winner in A-grade was decided on countback with Vincent Chan, Shepparton, getting the nod over Graeme Willoughby, Deniliquin, each with 35 Stableford points.
B-Grade winner, and top score of the day, went to Greg Austin, Mooroopna, 41pts; from Jim Dean, Hill Top, 40pts.
C-Grade was also decided on a three-way countback with Bill Murphy, Mooroopna, tipping out Brian Reiners, Kialla and others on 35 pts relegated to the ball rundown.
Nearest the pin was contested on the ninth hole at 130 metres.
A-grade was claimed by Peter McMahon, Euroa; B-Grade went to Lindsay Kramer, Neangar Park; and C-Grade to Greg Hall, Merrigum.
(Merrigum) achieved the highest aggregate Stableford score (201) over the 36-hole event.
Bill Murphy excelled finishing equal second in the individual scores with Bernard O’Hare, Nathalia (GV team #2) also achieving a top 10 performance. Geoff Hamill, Shepparton (GV team #3) deserves a special mention in finishing in 44th position despite tearing a hamstring on the third hole on day one.
Ninety-two players participated in the first round of the GV Veteran Golfers championships at Hill Top Golf and Country Club on Monday September 23, including special guests Brian Smith and Lindsay Kramer, president and captain of Central District vets.
The greens had recently been cored so members and visitors to Tatura will experience a rejuvenated putting surface over the coming weeks and months.
The weather was perfect moving from 16 to 21oC throughout the day with a light W to NW wind fairly steady between 17-22km/hr.
Our luncheon was a sumptuous buffet of BBQ chicken, beef sausage, coleslaw, onion gravy, cake and fruit platter.
The Day sponsor was GV Young Vets and the cham-
Ball winners included for A-grade: John McHale, Valley View; Jimmy Mallis, Mooroopna; Geoff Corboy, Deniliquin; Barry Barlow, Denilquin; John Radeski, Deniliquin, Peter McMahon, Euroa.
B-grade winners: John Boruch, Seymour; Ray Falla, Parkland; Gary Bow, Nagambie; Bob Wildes, Hill Top; Garry Baker, Deliliquin; Rolf Weber, Mooroopna, Peter Leahy, Mooroopna, Alan Hausler, Valley View.
C-grade winners: Bruce Whebell, Mooroopna, Alby Seenan, Nagambie; John Phillips, Mooroopna; Joe Labas, Nagambie, Robert Frame, Mooroopna; Ray Gourlay, Kialla; Greg Hall, Merrigum; Willi C Mason, Numurkah; Lindsay Tatterson, Parkland.
Our next event, and the second round of the championship, is at Numurkah Golf Club on October 21, remember that the championship is decided on the aggregate of the best two rounds out of the three to be played – you can afford one bad round.
Friday September 27 was our Grand Final holiday competition with members wearing their footy colours and playing in mixed teams. This day is always great fun and thanks to Kae Lummas for her organisation and decoration of the Club Room.
Thanks goes to “Simply Helping” for their sponsorship and providing the wonderful prizes.
TEE OFF: Euroa Junior golfer Patrick Murphy teeing off in the Dalhousie Junior Tournament played at Euroa recently.
Euroa Lawn Tennis Club’s Junior Season set to serve up fun
By DAN GODSMARK
EUROA
Lawn Tennis
Club’s junior tennis program is set to kick off another exciting season, offering children a chance to develop their tennis skills while enjoying a fun and inclusive environment.
Junior Coordinator Kelly Hill emphasizes that the program is designed not only to introduce kids to the sport but also to help them build a solid foundation for future competitive play.
“Our junior program offers a range of foundational skill-building sessions,” says Hill.
“We aim to introduce children to tennis, help them develop essential skills, and prepare them for competitive play all while ensuring they’re having fun in a family-friendly atmosphere.”
Children participating in the program need to bring a drink bottle and a hat.
If they have their own racquet, they’re encouraged to bring it, but the club also has racquets available for beginners.
“We keep our fees very low to ensure that tennis is accessible to everyone,” adds Hill.
“Our goal is to make sure families can enjoy tennis without worrying about cost.”
The junior tennis competition (12 years and older) accommodates children and teens of varying skill levels.
Each child is placed in a team, and the competition draw is structured to match them against players of similar abilities.
To participate, children must have basic skills, including the ability to serve
and hit groundstrokes on both sides.
However, if players are still developing these skills, they will be placed in coaching groups to further refine their abilities.
“The first two weeks of
the season will be ‘grading weeks,’” explains Hill.
“During this time, our coaches will review the skill levels of all participants to ensure they are placed in the appropriate group or competition level.”
Families interested in joining the junior tennis program can visit the Euroa Lawn Tennis Club website or follow this link to register.
“New players are always welcome,” Hill encourages.
“Tennis is a fun, inclusive, and family-friendly sport that accommodates a wide range of skill sets.
Plus, it’s a great way to kick-start the weekend without interrupting weekend plans.”
Held on Friday evenings, the junior program provides a safe, friendly, and engaging atmosphere for children to enjoy sports and develop valuable skills.
With tennis offering a low-cost commitment, the club hopes to see many new faces this season.
For more details about the program or to explore Hot Shots Tennis, a fun pathway for junior players, parents can visit the Hot Shots website.
Whether you’re a returning player or new to the sport, Euroa Lawn Tennis Club’s junior program offers the perfect opportunity for children to enjoy tennis in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Join today and serve up some fun.
LOTS OF FUN: Coaches and participants are all smiles as they embrace the joy of the game.
LEARNING THE BASICS: Kids are mastering the fundamentals of tennis as they progress through the essential shots.
TENNIS FUN: Kids have a blast with the coaching sessions, and the sausage sizzle afterward was the perfect way to refuel.
JUNIOR COMETITION: Darby Hoare has been a standout in the Friday night competition.
Euroa Golf Croquet teams deliver exciting matches
By DAN GODSMARK
THE Euroa Rams embarked on a road trip north to face off against the formidable Deniliquin team, in what turned out to be another close and thrilling encounter.
Leading the charge for Deniliquin was the lad from Kent - Andy Davis, who proved unstoppable by winning all of his matches.
On the Euroa side, John Baker kept his cool under pressure, showcasing his skills to take victory in all of his singles matches.
After the singles portion of the contest, the score was as tight as ever - Deniliquin narrowly edging ahead with four games and 43 hoops to Euroa’s four games and 41 hoops. Another close match between these two wellmatched teams.
The tension only escalated as the doubles matches were split, with both teams claiming two wins each.
When the final scores were tallied, Deniliquin clinched the overall victory on hoops, winning six games all but with 67 hoops to Euroa’s 61.
A thrilling and hard-fought battle, decided by the slimmest of margins once again.
Meanwhile, back in town, the Euroa Wombats were ready to pounce as they hosted the Numurkah Blue team.
Led by Anne Murray, the Wombats quickly asserted their dominance, winning six out of the eight opening singles matches.
Impressive performances from Bernice McKinn, Judith Durston, and Chris Chittick left Numurkah struggling to catch up.
At the end of the singles, Euroa Wombats were comfortably ahead, with six games and 54 hoops, while Numurkah Blues lagged behind with twi games and 27 hoops.
There was no mercy in the doubles matches either, as the Wombats swept all four games, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The final score saw Euroa Wombats triumphing with 10 games and 82 hoops, to Numurkah’s two games and 49 hoops.
A truly dominant display by the Wombats, who are now a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
Congratulations to all teams, and special praise for the Wombats’ outstanding performance. Happy Hooping and good luck in the next round.
Euroa Veteran’s Cricket Club kicks off fourth season with milestone selections
■ From back page
Some players may choose to play only home games, while others based in Melbourne may elect to play closer to home.
There are no points allotted for wins or draws, and the competition does not feature finals, reinforcing the emphasis on enjoyment and camaraderie.
For those interested in playing, the Euroa Veteran’s Cricket Club is always on the lookout for new players—whether you’re a seasoned cricketer or just someone with a passion for the game.
With the affordable $50 season fee and equipment provided if necessary, it’s an ideal opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to dust off their whites and return to the pitch.
“We know there are a few cricket tragics out there who might want to show off their skills,” Morey jokes, “so why not come out and have a go?”
For more information, or if you’re interested in joining, contact Peter Morey at 0439 953 073 or Phil Thompson at 0435 145 276.
CROQUET FAMILY: Paul and Ann Murray join forces as a dynamic duo.
PHOTOS: Dale Mann
LIGHTHEARTED: Kevin Milner takes a moment to unwind between shots.
SHOCKING SHOT: Paul Murray can’t believe his eyes.
LINING UP: John Baker takes a moment to carefully assess his shot.
STRAIGHT SHOT: Dennis Taylor delivers a perfect strike on the croquet lawn.
FULL FOCUS: Chris Chittick carefully lines up her shot while Dennis Taylor keeps a keen eye on the action.
PHOTO: Dale Mann
Euroa FNC celebrates a stellar season with 2024 presentation night
■ From back page
Award winners in this grade were:
Best and Fairest – Craig Bamford (Donated by Life Members).
Runner Up Best and Fairest –Brad Gleeson.
Henry and Lorraine Billman Award – Craig Bamford (Donated by Life Members).
Best Team Man – James Henry.
Most Consistent – Josh Robertson.
Coaches Award – Nic Hill.
Milestone games were awarded throughout the night to netballers and footballers for 2024.
Further club awards for season 2024 were made with acknowledgements to the many volunteers (trainers, runners, timekeepers, team managers, football/netball managers, assistant coaches, water carriers, goal umpires, gate attendants, hot dog vendors, hill bar staff, main bar manager, BBQ staff, match report authors, etc).
This section of the evening also saw the coveted Best Club-Person award for season 2024 - this went to a very well-deserving longstanding player.
This person holds the club senior football games record (currently over 390 senior games) and earlier in the evening won another Reserve grade best and fairest – of course, the 2024 best club-person is Craig Bamford.
The Basil Bruce ‘Spirit of Magpie’ award for unwavering volunteerism was awarded to Lily Meehan, the Jager family and Neale Poole.
A significant section of the evening followed with the presentation of three life memberships.
Andrew Bell and Marcus Varley both received their life memberships having played 200 senior games of football throughout season 2024.
Up next was the club’s favorite daughter Megan O’Bree who this year notched up her 376th game of netball for Euroa FNC – a remarkable achievement spanning more than 28 years.
All those present were delighted to be able to congratulate these three on their life membership awards.
The senior XVIII football awards were next.
Ryan Pendlebury gave a short run down of the 2024 season and thanked all for the opportunity to coach at the club – indeed he outlined plans already in place for a successful 2025.
Winners this year:
Best and Fairest – Jett Trotter (Donated by Life Members).
Runners Up Best and Fairest –Will Hayes.
Mick Peel Award – Will Hayes (Donated by Life Members).
Most Consistent – Andrew Bell.
Best teammate – Lachie Hill (voted by the players).
Coaches Award – Lachie Hill.
Ryley Bjorksten Rising Star Award – Nic Burke (Donated by Lauren, Justin and Jye – Lauren again spoke to those present of her late son Ryley and his love of football and Euroa FNC).
Proceedings then moved on to the premiership winning teams of B grade and A grade netball.
The B Grade premiership flag, ball and cup were presented to the club by Co-Coach Kellie Davidson (Co-Coach Sarah Ternes was an apology for the evening).
Kellie then thanked her team for their efforts throughout the season, culminating in a win on the last day of the season.
With only one loss for the year this side was very dominant and certainly deserved the team success they experienced.
B Grade:
Best and Fairest – Kelly Hill (Donated by Life Members).
Runners Up Best and Fairest –Sarah Ternes. Coaches Award – Millie Watson.
A Grade were last to present their awards.
Coach Ellie Warnock re-capped a very successful season with the side finishing premiers – breaking a 41-year drought.
This team were runner-up in season 2023 yet added a fit Liv Morris (league leading goal-scorer) as well as dynamic mid-court player Hollie Reid to the squad for the 2024 season.
The rest, as they say, is history as Ellie and her side worked their way through 18 games in the regular season, followed up by four finals games, winning the grand final by 12 goals.
Best and Fairest – Hollie Reid (Donated by Life Members).
Runners Up Best and Fairest –Liv Morris.
Coaches Award – Mia Sudomirski.
A big thank-you to all who helped around the club in 2024 either on the committee, the oval or court or behind the scenes.
The Club doesn’t function without volunteers, and we are lucky to have some of the best in the GVL.
On that note, please mark in your calendars the AGM which is set for Monday November 25, 7pm at the Memorial Oval social rooms.
Nomination forms for the 2025 EFNC Committee are available from the office at Burton’s IGA in Euroa from October 21, 2024.
RESERVES: Coach Linc McKernan, Coaches Award Nic Hill, Best team man James Henry, Runners Up Best and Fairest Brad Gleeson.
A GRADE: Coaches Award Mia Sudomirski, Runners Up Best and Fairest Liv Morris, Best and Fairest Hollie Reid.
B GRADE: Coaches Award Millie Watson, Best and Fairest Kelly Hill and Co-coach Kellie Davidson.
B RESERVE: Assistant Coach Abbie Ellis stands proud alongside Best and Fairest Megan O’Bree, Runners Up Sienna Trotter, and Coaches award Keely Wright and coach Sophie Owen.
UNDER 17: Coach Demi Walker with, joint best and fairest winner Tess Walker, Coaches award Jess Perry, most improved Oakley Paul, and joint best and fairest winner Ruby Watson.
UNDER 15s: Runners Up Best and Fairest Ruby Fowler, alongside Coach Tayla Robinson, and Under 15 Best and Fairest winner Lily Asquith.
UNDER 18s: Mitchell Walters takes home both the Under 18 Best and Fairest (donated by Life Members) and the David Mills Award (donated by the Mills family), while William Creevey is honored as the Runner-Up Best and Fairest. PHOTOS: Raelee Jager
EUROA GOLF CROQUET TEAMS TEAMS DELIVER
EXCITING MATCHES
Euroa Veteran’s Cricket Club
kicks off fourth season with milestone selections
By DAN GODSMARK
THE Euroa Cricket Club’s Veteran’s team is entering its fourth season in the prestigious Victoria over 60s competition, and the excitement is palpable.
This year marks a special milestone with two Euroa players, Dav Gleeson and Rick O’Bree, earning selections to represent Victoria in their respective age groups—over 60s for Gleeson and over 65s for O’Bree.
These selections are a huge honor, not just for the players but also for the club, and it’s expected they will represent both Euroa and themselves with distinction.
Euroa’s Veteran’s cricket team, which plays in the highly respected Veteran’s Victoria over 60s Cricket Competition, offers a unique and enjoyable format for senior cricketers. The games are held on Sundays, providing a relaxed yet competitive environment for players 60 years and older.
The matches follow a special format designed for inclusivity, where each team can field up to 13 players.
Batting is restricted to 30 balls per player or a maximum of 25 runs, while bowlers are allowed to bowl up to eight overs.
“There’s something very special about playing Veteran’s cricket,” says Peter Morey, a key figure in the club’s Veteran’s program.
“It’s about bringing together players who still have a love for the game, no matter their age.
There’s no pressure—just good cricket and great fellowship.”
One of the highlights of the season will be Euroa’s home games, which are played at the picturesque Friendlies Oval.
In addition to home fixtures, the team will also play matches across Northern Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne.
A total of 13 games have been scheduled for the season, although players are not required to commit to all fixtures, making it flexible for those who cannot attend every week.
The club’s format is designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, regardless of where they live.
■ Continued page 22
22
SENIORS: Ryley Bjorksten Rising Star award went to Nic Burke, Senior Best and Fairest Jett
Lachie Hill.
Euroa celebrates a season of success
By SCOTT WATSON
ON Friday September 27 the Euroa Football Netball Club wrapped up their 2024 season with its Presentation night.
President Scott Watson welcomed all to the evening and outlined the format for the night.
A pause in proceedings at this point allowed the premiership winning A and B Grade teams and officials to be recognized by all present – A Grade breaking a 41-year drought with coach Ellie Warnock and her team saluting in fine fashion the previous Sunday.
B Grade’s premiership drought extended back to 2019 – Coaches
Sarah Ternes and Kellie Davidson recognized the players in their team and the wonderful season they had, culminating in a win the previous Sunday.
With over 130 people in
attendance the players, their families, supporters, members and sponsors enjoyed the evening and are already looking forward to the 2025 season. The club wishes to acknowledge the many sponsors and trophy donors that help support the individual honors across the three grades of football and five grades of netball throughout the night.
Thank you to all attended and supported the club through 2024.
The under 18 football team had their votes counted first with the results as follows: Best and Fairest – Mitchell Walters (Donated by Life Members).
Runner Best and Fairest – Will Creevey.
David Mills Award – Mitchell Walters (Donated by Mills Family).
Most Consistent – Dublin Anderson.
Best Team Man (David Currie
Memorial) – Caid Miller.
Most Improved – Walter Jackson.
Rising Star Award – Archie Wilson.
Coaches Award – Natha Hendricks.
Three of the netball grades were then counted – as mentioned previously, Euroa FNC had a very successful year on the netball court and it was great to see so many players attending the night.
The 15 and under trophies were presented by Coach Tayla Robinson (congratulations too to Tayla as she was a recipient of a nomination for Youth Coach of the Year): Best and Fairest – Lily Asquith (Donated by Life Members).
Runners Up Best and Fairest –Ruby Fowler.
Coaches Award – Mimi Ford.
Most Improved – Macey Watson.
Demi Walker (17 and under
coach) then spoke of this team’s season with awards as follows: Joint Best and Fairest – Tess Walker and Ruby Watson (Donated by Life Members). Runners Up Best and Fairest – Marnie Salter.
Coaches Award – Jess Perry.
Most Improved – Oakley Paul. B Reserve had a short run down of their very successful season (beaten in a preliminary final) by Sophie Owen (Coach) and Abbie Ellis (Assistant Coach) with trophies presented to the following players: Best and Fairest – Megan O’Bree (Donated by Life Members).
Runners Up Best and Fairest –Sienna Trotter. Coaches Award – Keely Wright. An excellent run-down of the Reserves football season was given by coach Linc McKernan with, as always, some entertaining comments. ■ Continued page 23
Trotter with Best team man and coaches award winner
