The Euroa Gazette 050723

Groups share share in $220,000 in

Budget and and gover nance governance

Building to to September

BALMATTUM BIKERS

Firefighters honoured

MORE than 70 members of CFA brigades in the Strathbogie Shire have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their efforts during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis.

Over the course of two ceremonies at the Euroa Community Cinema, medals were presented to members of the following brigades: Avenel, Balmattum, Nagambie, Ruffy, Violet Town, Wahring, Wirrate,

CFAbrigadesintheStrathbogieShirereceiveNationalEmergencyMedals gggy

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

Creightons Creek, Euroa, Gooram, Kelvin View, Locksley, Longwood, Marraweeny, Riggs Creek, Sheans Creek, Strathbogie and Thornton.

The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s

honours and awards system and recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.

The medals were given to members who had been deployed for a minimum of five days to respond to the 2019-2010 bushfires.

CFA acting CEO Jason Heffernan and Dawn Hartog AFSM spoke at

the ceremonies.

“From that crisis arose the most remarkable human spirit of generosity and ‘lending a hand’,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Our medal recipients have exemplified that spirit, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

Ruffy brigade member and District 22 community liaison officer Felicity

Sloman, who was one of the medal recipients, told The Euroa Gazette the ceremony brought back memories of a difficult time for local communities.

“It reminded me of being on the back of a firetruck with my fellow brigade members, the smoke as thick as anything and tears streaming down our cheeks, but at the same

time holding a hose to stop the fire jumping across the road,” Ms Sloman said.

“That was on New Year’s Eve 2019-20, and I guess we had our own fireworks, if you like, instead of New Year’s Eve fireworks – real fire in the sky.

“But it’s communities that are still struggling to recover that I feel for.”

■ Continued page 2

SOME 23 mountain bikers rode from Seven Creeks Park to Balmattum Hill on Saturday to raise awareness about a project to construct mountain bike trails for Balmattum Hill. Local riders want to turn the Balmattum Hill Bushland Reserve into a mountain bike park for all ages and abilities, giving local mountain bikers a track of their own and boosting tourism by bringing in riders from further afield. Full story and more photos on page 11.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

July

1 The RuffArtz Committee are pleased to present an Indigenous Australian pop duo The Merindas, Ruffy Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Free coffee and cake will be available on the night. Tickets ($25) available at the door or via email: ruffartztickets@gmail.com.

24 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities.

Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

August

11-13

Euroa Little Theatre presents ‘Seaside Rendezvous’ at The School House, Clifton Street, Euroa on Friday and Saturday August 11 and 12 at 7pm and Sunday, August 13 at 2pm. Tickets $10 cash at the door. Enq. Mary 5795 2545.

28 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities.

Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

September

25 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities.

Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

October

20-22

Euroa Golf Club are hosting the Power Industry association (PIA) Golf State Championships for 150 golfers. This event was washed out last year. The golf course will be closed to members and green fee players on these days.

23 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities.

Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

28-29

Euroa Agricultural Society Inc will hold the 131st Euroa Agricultural Show.

Shire pitches in $220k for six local projects

By DARREN CHAITMAN

SIX community projects will be funded through Strathbogie Shire Council’s Pitch My Project initiative following a vote at last week’s extraordinary council meeting.

The initiative, which in 2023 ran for its third year, allowed community members to vote for their favourite projects submitted by community groups.

Projects to successfully secure funding this year were: Strathbogie Memorial Hall stage upgrade ($50,000); Longwood Nature Play Space ($50,000); Euroa Branding Project ($50,000); shade sail at the Graytown Community Centre ($15,000); shelters and seating at the Longwood Football and Netball Club ($35,000); and the Euroa Memorial Oval septic tank decommissioning ($20,000).

Some $220,000 has been allocated in council’s 2023/2024 budget to fund these projects, $80,000 shy of the $300,000 allocated to Pitch My Project in the draft budget.

The unallocated funds “will be used to cover unexpected expenses”, the meeting agenda states.

Council executive manager of communications and engagement, Kristin Favarolo, explained these funds have been left unallocated because no eligible project was pitched relating to the slogan “Protect, Enhance, Adapt”, which is one of council’s six strategic focus areas.

The Pitch My Project initiative was set up to fund one project for each of council’s six strategic focus areas.

As a result, certain projects were guaranteed to receive funding due to being the only project submitted relating to one of the

strategic focus areas.

Three projects were guaranteed success for this reason: the Euroa Branding Project, the only eligible project related to the slogan “Inclusive, Productive, Balanced”; the Longwood Nature Playspace, the only eligible project related to the slogan “Live, Access, Connect”; and the Euroa Memorial Oval septic tank decommissioning, the only eligible project related to the slogan “Accountable, Transparent, Responsible”.

In contrast, six eligible projects related to the slogan “Strong, Healthy, Safe”, demonstrating strong community engagement in sport and physical activity.

An engagement report attached to the meeting agenda shows the project that received the highest number of votes was shelters and seating at Longwood FNC, while the lowest number of votes was received for the Euroa Branding Project.

The meeting agenda stated that results were considered as a percentage of the township’s population where applicable, so that projects pitched from smaller townships would not be disadvantaged.

For this reason, the shade sail at the Graytown Community Centre was successful despite receiving fewer votes than projects in

the same category, as the result was adjusted to reflect Graytown’s population of just 58 people.

The highest percentage of voters were from Euroa (119 votes), followed by Longwood (88 votes) and Strathbogie (78 votes), while townships with the fewest votes recorded included Graytown (20), Avenel (15) and Ruffy (9).

Considered by age group, community members aged 65 or over represented the highest percentage of voters with 87 votes, while only three voters were aged 17 and below, and 10 voters were aged 18-24.

■ Councillors divided on unspent funding - story page 4

CFA brigades in the Strathbogie Shire receive National Emergency Medals

■ From page 1

Ms Sloman also remembered a time she arrived at a farm in Cudgewa to find a haystack on fire and dead cattle in the paddocks.

“That was one of the most devastating sights to see,” she recalled.

“The family were frozen in shock inside and they just didn’t know what to do, so they were very pleased to see a firetruck.

“Unfortunately they lost a lot of their livelihood though –their cattle, their hay and so on.

“But fortunately we’ve been trained to assist and support people in these difficult times, so it’s very satisfying to be able to help people.”

FIRIE:

Ms Sloman said she was humbled to receive a National Emergency Medal, noting “so many other people were involved in supporting the community” and not everybody got the chance to be recognised in this way.

She worked as a nurse for

many years before retraining to become a volunteer firefighter and CFA community liaison officer, which is a paid role.

“It’s never too late to retrain – I mean, I’m a 67 year old female, and in our particular brigade it’s very supportive,” she said.

“I’ve learnt so much about pumps and generators and how fire trucks work, so I find it very interesting to change careers.”

Her message to the community is to consider getting involved with the CFA – especially if you are a young person.

“I wish more young people would get involved,” Ms Sloman said.

“The CFA teach you a great deal about how to protect yourselves and your community when there is a fire.

“One of the most satisfying, rewarding things to do is to volunteer in any part of the community is to volunteer, and being part of the CFA, they really support you.”

SUCCESS: Scott Embling (left) and Shane Thomson are members of the Euroa Memorial Oval committee of management, who received $20,000 to put towards decommissioning the existing septic tank system at the oval’s female change rooms. They say it’s part of a much needed upgrade to the female change facilities.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

RECOGNISED FOR SERVICE: Dawn Hartog AFSM (left), Felicity Sloman and CFA Acting CEO Jason Heffernan at one of two National Emergency Medals ceremonies the Euroa Community Cinema late last month.

Felicity Sloman, a Ruffy brigade member and District 22 community liaison officer, was one of over 70 members of CFA brigades in the Strathbogie Shire to be honoured with National Emergency Medals for efforts during the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis.

PHOTOS: CFA

Euroa Gazette cover charge increased

FROM today, The Euroa Gazette’s cover price has increased from $1.50 to $2 including GST.

In the last few years there has been a significant increase in the costs associated with producing The Euroa Gazette, especially steep increases in newsprint and freight.

North East Media CEO Edward Higgins said the $2 cover charge brings the Gazette’s cost in line with or below other local newspapers in the region.

“We take this opportunity to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers for their ongoing support,” Mr Higgins said.

Digital subscriptions start from just $1 a week and can be purchased by visiting https://www.euroagazette.com.au/.

Rainfall (Euroa Township)

RAINFALL for Euroa in the week until 9am Monday this week included 8.4mm on June 26, 0.6mm on June 27, 2.2mm on June 29, 0.6mm on July 1 and 0.2mm on July 3, totaling 12mm.

“Worst nightmare”: teenage girl dies after Locksley collision

By DARREN CHAITMAN

A 15-YEAR-OLD female died after an allegedly stolen car she was in, driven by a 14-year-old female, collided with a truck in Locksley at about 8.20am on Wednesday, May 28.

The front passenger of the vehicle, Montana Russell from Wodonga, died on impact at the scene, while the driver and another passenger, a 12-year-old male, were taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said it is believed the 14-year-old female driver was travelling north in a grey Holden Captiva wagon along the Hume Freeway near Alexandersons Rd when she collided with the back of a truck travelling in the same direction.

The 14-year-old Benalla girl has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and bailed to face a children’s court at a later date.

The 45-year-old truck driver from Tabilk was not injured and assisted police with their enquiries.

Acting Superintendent Michael Layton said the wagon was taken from a driveway near Wangaratta before midnight the previous evening.

“What we’ve been able to ascertain is that the three youths were known to each other, from the North East of Victoria,” Acting Superintendent Layton told reporters at the scene.

He said police believed the youths were friends, but further

details, including where they had travelled and what were they doing, were not yet known and would form part of an ongoing investigation.

“[It is] a life-changing event, unfortunately, for the family of the deceased 15-year-old girl, and also for the families of the other two youths in this incident, where they’re coming to terms with the injuries and the consequences of what’s occurred,” Acting Superintendent Layton said.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, who might be dealing with rebellious teens and young people.

“This is just a terribly tragic and confronting thing to have occurred.”

Police units had been dispatched to find the vehicle after it was reported as driving er-

ratically earlier in the morning, Acting Superindendent Layton said, but tragically the collision occurred before police were able to intervene.

“It was a difficult and confronting scene for [the truck driver], as it was for all of our emergency services and first responders, and those commuters who stopped to try and do what they could,” he said.

Euroa SES unit commander Georgie Broussard said Euroa SES attended the scene.

A CFA spokesperson said three CFA units were in attendance.

The 14-year-old driver was airlifted to Royal Children’s Hospital with upper body pain, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said, while the 12-year-old male passenger was driven to the same hospital with minor injuries.

Off Grid Systems

Solar Pumps

All types supplied locally www.commodoreaustralia.com.au

(03) 5821 0783

MOVED TO SHEPPARTON

Euroa Community Cinema

$12

Tickets

Preschool free

Location: 1B Bury St, Euroa View program & buy tickets online: www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Telephone: 1800 065 993

Children under 13yrs must be with an adult

JOHN FARNHAM: FINDING THE VOICE

Saturday 8 July, 7:30pm

Sunday 9 July, 4pm

The untold story of an Australian icon, this authorised biopic covers the highs and lows of Farnham’s career, culminating in the recording of the album Whispering Jack.

BANK OF DAVE

Saturday 15 July, 7:30pm

Sunday 16 July, 4pm

Based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick; ‘Bank of Dave’ tells the story of how a working class Burnley man and self-made millionaire fought to set up a community bank.

Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Jo Hartley, Phoebe Dynevor, Joel Fry

Documentary 95 mins

Comedy, Drama 108 mins

ROAD CLOSED: A stretch of the Hume Freeway from Avenel to further north past Locksley was closed for much of the day following the incident.

TRAGIC: The collision occured on the Hume Freeway near Alexandersons Rd, as the vehicles were travelling north. Police said the car was taken from a driveway near Wangaratta before midnight the previous evening.

ON THE SCENE: Acting Superintendent Michael Layton told reporters at the scene the incident was “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

Community Information

2023/24 Budget adopted, recommended Pitch My Projects successful

At the Extraordinary Council Meeting on June 26, 2023, Councillors endorsed the 2023/24 Budget and recommended Pitch My Project applications.

An engagement report on the process can be found on Council’s website, detailing the ways our community engaged with Council and how this was captured in the 2023/24 Budget. You can also find a list of the successful projects recommended for funding in the report.

To view the report visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au or scan the QR code.

Binney Street Streetscape Works (Stage 2) beginning soon

Please be advised that Stage 2 of our streetscape works in Binney St, Euroa, is expected to commence within the next two weeks. The works will be in the vicinity of Mawson’s Bakery and crossing over Binney Street to the Euroa Pharmacy.

The contractor has advised there will be some disruption to traffic conditions during the construction period. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience as we undertake these works.

You will notice the trees and rocks provided by DesignEuroa will be removed before works start. We know you have loved this great use of space this is why DesignEuroa are planning another popup installation ‘on Binney’ in the future. There’s an opportunity to meet with the Project Officer and contractor on site on Friday 7 July between 8-9am.

The project is expected to be completed by October, weather permitting.

Should you require further information, please check out the Euroa Streetscape Stage 2 plans on www.share.strathbogie. vic.gov.au or by scanning the QR code.

New Events Policy and Tool Kit adopted

Council has adopted a new Events Policy and Events Tool Kit.

We encourage those applying to hold events in the Strathbogie Shire to visit the Council website and view these documents ahead of making an event application. To view the documents, visit https://www.strathbogie.vic. gov.au/things-to-do/events/holdan-event/ or scan the QR code.

Cowslip St, Violet Town footpath upgrade

A contractor will commence work on concreting the south side of Cowslip Street this week.

The area that will be restricted is from the railway line to High Street and it is expected the works will take three weeks to compete – weather permitting.

Should you have any queries please contact our Customer Service team on 1800 065 993.

1800 065 993

Have your say: Awesome playgrounds and open spaces

We’re calling on our community to inspire us with their ideas!

Council is now working on a Playground and Open Space Strategy and we want to know what you think makes a playground awesome? Have you seen a playground you love? Share it with us and tell us what you love about it?

The strategy will provide strategic direction on the future provision and upgrade of playgrounds and open spaces across Strathbogie Shire over the next 10 years. There will be more opportunities for feedback when the draft strategy is released. To share your ideas go to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au, or drop a picture in a survey station.

Work with us

We’re looking for talented people to join our team:

Community Development Officer. Part Time, 16 hours/week until December 2023. Band 6 - $39.93 per hour.

Applications close 9am, 17 July 2023

Team Member - Operations. Full Time contract until December 2023. Band 3 + Industry allowance - $59,673 annually.

Applications close 9am, 17 July 2023.

Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Part Time (up to 22 hours/week)permanent. Casual opportunities also available. $49.09 to $52.75 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Applications close 9am, 17 July 2023. Visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for further details and instructions on how to apply.

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will consider flexible working arrangements.

Tenders

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie Shire Council:

Community Engagement Consultancy (contract number 22/23-83 – panel of suppliers). We’re seeking the services of a qualified and experienced engagement consultant for various projects throughout our shire. Tenders will be received until 4pm on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Provision of Internal Auditor (contract Number 22/23-73). Council is seeking to engage suitably qualified service providers for the delivery of internal audit services for a term of three years (with the option of x two single year extensions at discretion of Council). Tenders received until 4pm AEST Wednesday 19 July 2023.

Provision of Consultancy for the Delivery of Nagambie Employment Precinct Economic Analysis (contract number 23/24-03). Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced consultants for the development of a Master Plan for the Employment Investigation area identified within the Nagambie Growth Management Strategy 2020 (NGMS). Tenders received until 4pm AEST Wednesday 26 July 2023.

Supply and Install Solar Upgrade, Euroa Depot Facility (contract number 22/23-72). Strathbogie Shire Council invites suitably qualified professionals to tender for CN 22/23-72 - Supply and Install Solar System Upgrade to Euroa Depot Facility, 48 Sutherland Street Euroa, to be completed within three months of commencement. Tenders received until 4pm AEST Wednesday 26 July 2023.

Strathbogie Shire works within Procurement Best Practice guidelines. All questions MUST be directed in writing through the online portal. Tenders can only be lodged online through the Tendersearch portal.

www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire

Council adopts budget after debate over unused funds

By DARREN CHAITMAN

AT last week’s extraordinary Strathbogie Shire Council meeting, councillors adopted the 2023/2024 budget, but not without some debate regarding how to use unallocated funds left over from the Pitch My Project initiative.

As expected, the bulk of the budget passed without debate, including an increase of rates by three percent, as had been proposed in the draft budget.

The 3pc increase is 0.5pc below the State Government’s 3.5pc rate cap.

But councillors Sally HayesBurke and Chris Raeburn both put forth ideas to their fellow councillors for how to use the $80,000 of funds which had originally been allocated to the Pitch My Project initiative, but was not used.

Some $50,000 was not used due to there being no eligible pitches relating to one of council’s strategic focus areas, while a further $30,000 was not used as only one pitch for a $20,000 project was received relating to another of council’s strategic focus areas.

Council officers recommended the unallocated funds be used to cover unexpected expenses listed as minor adjustments to the budget.

These unexpected expenses, as listed in the meeting agenda, included $65,000 to cover the cost of the municipal monitor, $26,000 for intensive councillor training (prompted by the appointment of the municipal monitor), $15,000 to cover the cost of the VEC countback following Cr Dave Andrews’ resignation and $32,000 for the employment of a governance advisor who is providing governance expertise to council in the shortterm while a replacement is sought for people and governance director Dawn Bray, who recently resigned.

A further expense listed

was a $64,000 increase in insurance premiums following the October 2022 flood event.

Cr Hayes-Burke, whose ward covers the Euroa area, put forward a motion to make an amendment to “allocate the residual $80,000 Pitch My Project budget allocation of $40,000 towards construction drawings for the upgrade of female change facilities at the netball precinct at Euroa Memorial Oval, and the remaining $40,000 for detailed costed plans for the Euroa Friendlies Reserve upgrade project”.

These projects were put forth by community members as submissions to the draft budget.

Mayor Laura Binks seconded the motion “for purposes of debate”, she said, but later voted against the proposed amendment.

“I’d like to put this amendment up tonight in relation to supporting Friendlies’ committee of management and the memorial oval committee of management to help them to prepare construction drawings for new facilities to bring these community assets basically in line with the current day,” Cr Hayes-Burke said.

“To be inclusive of gender diversity, just even to be inclusive of females, which they currently aren’t, and inclusive of people with disabilities.

“Council has been responsible for these groups to get to this point, with master plans being drawn and developed.

“They are now completed, but the next steps involve having construction drawings undertaken, so these groups are in a position that they can apply for funding.

“I think that the impact of this $80,000 being put into these facilities would have a large benefit to a large proportion of people in the shire – there are hundreds of people that visit these facilities each week.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Murray spoke against the motion.

“I’m really concerned about that,” Cr Murray said.

“I am concerned we are allocating money to a group that has a need, obviously… but it is not possible for us to meet all the needs across our community at any one time.

“There are many needs we have foreseeable, not only in bridges – not to name Kirwans Bridge, Chinaman’s Bridge and many others – and also with buildings that we have a need to make some allowance for.

“I would argue that we need to keep that money aside – we have some recognisable contingencies that are going to occur in the not-too-distant future and we need to make sure we’ve got a capacity to meet those needs which are in my view, more important.”

In response, Cr HayesBurke said if she is not successful now, she would follow this up at the mid-year budget.

No councillors voted in support of Cr Hayes-Burke’s amendment.

Cr Raeburn, whose ward covers the Violet Town area, then put forth his own motion to amend the budget.

His amendment was for $50,000 to be given to the Southern Aurora memorial gardens in Violet Town to complete ongoing works.

This project was also put forth by the community as a submission to the draft budget.

“The Southern Aurora memorial garden has become a real tourist attraction for Strathbogie Shire and especially Violet Town,” Cr Raeburn said.

“Once it’s completed I believe it will be a great asset to our shire and our communities.”

Cr Murray spoke against the amendment, making similar arguments as those he made against Cr Hayes-Burke’s proposed amendments.

No councillors voted in support of Cr Raeburn’s amendment.

Strathbogie Shire

UP FOR DEBATE: Councillors Sally Hayes-Burke (left) and Chris Raeburn both put forth ideas to their fellow councillors for how to use the $80,000 of funds.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Council hits back at “misleading information” on Kirwans Bridge

By DARREN CHAITMAN

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has hit back at what it calls “misleading information” circulating in the community regarding Kirwans Bridge.

Last week, Nagambie’s Community Voice newspaper published on its front page an article contributed by the Open Kirwans Bridge Committee, a community group advocating for the reopening of Kirwans Bridge, which has been closed to traffic since the October 2022 flood event.

The article made reference to preliminary engineering reports obtained from council, which the Open Kirwans Bridge Committee gained through a freedom of information (FOI) request.

The preliminary reports authored by GMR Engineering Services in December 2022 - which have been seen by The Euroa Gazette - state the bridge was safe to open for traffic, despite a separate report also authored in December 2022 by another company, FMG Engineering, stating the bridge was un-

safe to open for traffic.

The report by FMG was published on council’s website in March, but the preliminary reports by GMR, which gave a contrary recommendation, were not made available to the public.

Council CEO Julie Salomon has now issued a statement seeking to clarify the differences between these reports and “correct the inaccuracies circulating in the community about Kirwans Bridge”.

Ms Salomon said the GMR report was not commissioned to assess whether the bridge could reopen for traffic, but was rather commissioned for the purpose of reopening the waterway.

“Council officers sought to remove the inaccuracies in this document, which included commentary on the bridge’s structural integrity for the purpose of traffic,” she said.

“The report was not commissioned for this purpose, and it was not a comprehensive inspection.

“This report has not been made public.

“It has no bearing on the decision to reopen the

bridge to traffic.”

The final version of the GMR report, authored in January, no longer contains a recommendation to reopen the bridge to traffic and states it “takes into account council’s feedback on our previous reports”.

Ms Salomon said the FMG report, in contrast, was commissioned by council’s insurers for the purpose of reopening the bridge for traffic.

The FMG report found the “bridge structure is structurally compromised and is not safe for use by vehicular traffic”.

“The decision on whether

to reopen the bridge had to be made on the FMG report, commissioned by our insurance company,” Ms Salomon said.

“We cannot reopen the bridge without insurance.”

Strathbogie Shire Council did not respond to a query from The Euroa Gazette asking for an update on the status of the related insurance claim.

The council has now also published a third report on its website, authored in May by engineering firm JJ Ryan Consulting, which offers another opinion on Kirwans Bridge.

Ms Salomon said the third report was commissioned by council for the purpose of understanding the works needed to cost and design two options that will ensure the bridge’s long-term future.

These two options are a new replica bridge (with pedestrian and cycling access), or extensive structural repairs and strengthening works to the current bridge.

The JJ Ryan report found Kirwans Bridge is not safe to reopen for traffic.

“As the bridge capacity has been diminished to a serviceable level, motor vehicles cannot be allowed until further investigations have been undertaken,” the report reads.

The report found it is safe to apply 1.5 tonne loading to the bridge, but not necessarily safe to apply three tonne loading, as “some steel girders, headstocks, cross beams, and piles … fail to satisfy the three tonne live loading assessment.”

“This is now two reports, one commissioned for the purpose of reopening the bridge and one to understand its structural integrity,

that have found the bridge is not safe,” Ms Salomon said.

“Despite this, council remains committed to finding a solution to reopen the bridge.

“We know, as a small rural shire with financial challenges, we will need to advocate strongly for Victorian and Australian government funding to complete the works.

“We have constantly asked for the community support, to help us advocate for funding to upgrade Kirwans Bridge.

“We know we will have greater chance of success working together.

“Despite our efforts, despite our continued explanation of the reports and their findings, there continues to be misleading information circulating.

“We feel let down by this.

“We have continually acted in good faith.

“Once again, we implore the community, to work with us, not against us.

“We are all seeking the best outcomes for our community – and together we will have far greater success.”

Vale John Purbrick

JOHN Purbrick, former managing director of Tahbilk winery, has died aged 93.

Last week, his family issued a statement paying tribute to Mr Purbrick and recounting his varied life experience.

The son of winery founder Reginald Purbrick, he managed the Tahbilk estate farm for 15 years and served as managing director for a further five years until 1980.

At different times in his life he also worked as a jackeroo, manager of his own rice farm, sommelier, deliveryman, jack of all

Pets count: take part in the Victorian Pet Census

THE State Government has launched the nation’s first pet census.

The pet census, which opened on Monday, asks Victorians questions to gather information on pet ownership and the attitudes and experiences of owners.

Pet owners can complete the 15-minute survey at animalwelfare. vic.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture

Gayle Tierney said the census will gather vital information which will help shape the next

generation of pet and animal welfare reforms.

Australian Animal Protection Society CEO Megan Seccull said her organisation would find data collected on Victorian pet ownership helpful.

“As an organisation that cares for a variety of animal species, as well as cats and dogs, we are looking forward to the Victorian Pet Census closing the current knowledge gap on pet ownership experiences and attitudes,” Ms Seccull said.

trades and founder of Stone Wine Company, which distributed Tahbilk and other wine brands in NSW until 1982.

He returned to Tahbilk as marketing director from 1989 to 1995 before being appointed chairman of the board.

“There is no denying that John has led a fascinating, happy and, for most part, healthy life and his family and friends celebrate a life well lived for over 93 years … a record for a Purbrick male,” his family’s statement read.

“John loved change, he pursued and embraced

change and he was no stranger to controversy.

“We will miss this unique man, miss his strengths, and miss his flaws and quirks, because this was what made John Purbrick the man he was.

“John is survived by his former wife Bonnie, their three children, Alister, Debbie and Mark, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

“A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Tahbilk Wetlands View Restaurant on Tuesday, August 15 beginning at 1.30pm AEST.”

WINE LEGEND: Reginald John Stevens Purbrick, former managing director of Tahbilk winery, has died aged 93.

PHOTO: Winetitles Media

NOT JUST WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: Strathbogie Shire Council CEO Julie Salomon (pictured inset) has responded to what what she calls “misleading information” circulating in the community regarding Kirwans Bridge.

PETS COUNT: The State Government has launched the nation’s first pet census.

PHOTO: Jasmine Rose (Jasmine’s Pet Sitting), Facebook

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

Post Euroa Gazette AP Gardner Building

45 - 47 Railway Street Euroa, VIC, 3666

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cost of living continues to get out of hand

VICTORIANS cannot afford life under this Labor Government and it is only set to get worse as the new financial year begins.

The cost of living will rise further, with expenses such as rent, council rates, power bills, groceries, public transport, and car registration all set for another round of huge increases.

Rents have swollen by 30 per cent since 2020,

and Labor’s decision to again impose higher taxes and charges on property owners is putting more renters under more financial stress.

At the supermarket, the impact is obvious.

Families, on average, are being forced to spend $1565 more on groceries this year than last.

While your power bills continue to skyrocket, Labor’s leaders locked up gas reserves and prematurely shut down coal power generation.

Public transport expenses will be growing by 8.7 per cent, with Labor slyly increasing a day pass to $10 – with another

rise scheduled for six months’ time.

It’s a sad time for drivers, too, with car registrations increasing another $12.50 and licence renewals increasing by $3.40 a year.

Labor continues to push more responsibility and shift more costs onto local councils to prop up a broken state budget, leading to increased council rates of up to 3.5 per cent. With taxes and charges continuing to soar, it is obvious why Victorians can no longer afford life under Labor.

Annabelle Cleeland, state MP for Euroa

Shire councillors recommit to good governance as monitor watches on

By DARREN CHAITMAN

AT last week’s extraordinary Starthbogie Shire Council meeting, councillors voted to recommit to good governance in response to the appointment of municipal monitor Peter Stephenson in May.

Mr Stephenson (pictured ), who can often be seen reading notes during meetings, sat up and watched attentively as councillors voted to recommit to past municipal monitor Janet Dore’s 10-point plan, the councillor code of conduct and the Strathbogie Shire Council charter of mutual respect.

The 10-point plan is as follows: understand the role of a councillor; understand the role

of the CEO; understand governance rules; read agendas and briefing materials; respect each other and staff; avoid last minute input; maintain strategic outlook; understand Council policies; keep out of operational issues; and work together.

Councillors also voted to “work collaboratively to build a renewed culture based on respect, trust, and open communication,” to “respectfully call out poor and/or inappropriate behaviour” and to work together to deliver the council plan, representing the views of the whole community when making decisions.

Councillors will also endorse a signed statement of intent following their training with Andrew Douglas of FCW Lawyers.

Finally, a draft letter to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne from Mayor Laura Binks, which responded to the minister’s letter to Cr Binks in May informing her of the new monitor’s appointment, was

noted and endorsed.

In the letter, which was attached to the meeting agenda, Cr Binks wrote that she recently asked councillors to reflect on their roles and identify training to seek out, and that councillors discussed “what better looks like” council’s culture and how councillors would provide a safe workplace in the future.

“Additionally, I have been speaking with councillors about developing our own set of KPIs and a Professional Development Plan to ensure we are meeting our requirements and fulfilling our duties,” Cr Binks wrote.

In commending the letter and speaking in favour of the motion, Deputy Mayor Paul Murray said he had seen improvements at council recently.

“I think we need to work collaboratively and develop that culture there of respect, trust and open communication, and I think we’re well on the way of doing that– I think I’ve seen that

over the last month or two or three,” Cr Murray said.

“I think you can see that in the council chamber and in the way we relate to each other and there’s a certainly a big improvement in that area.

“And I think working together and focusing on our council plan is something we’ve been pretty focused on um over the last few months.”

Cr Sally Hayes-Burke thanked the mayor for “taking the initiative on this”.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity that’s been given to me by the community to be a councillor and to be on council, and I would like to continue,” Cr Hayes-Burke said.

Councillors are scheduled to formally endorse a signed statement of intent, which will be sent to Minister Horne, at a council meeting on July 25.

Mr Stephenson’s term as municipal monitor ends on August 15.

Burtons weigh in on Metcash growth

By DARREN CHAITMAN

BURTON’S IGA and Liquor owners Tim and Glen Burton have weighed in after IGA’s parent company Metcash released record financial results for the last financial year.

Metcash saw its revenue increase 6.2 per cent to $15.8 billion in FY23, a record for its group, with a solid growth in sales.

In response to a query from The Euroa Gazette, the Burton brothers shared a joint statement in which they wrote they were “extremely proud of the success of Metcash over the last financial year”.

“We have three businesses under the same roof which operate under Metcash banners (IGA, IGA Liquor and Home Hardware),” the brothers said.

“Metcash supports us in many ways, particularly through marketing the IGA brand(s) and our

PROUD OWNER: After IGA’s parent company Metcash reported strong growth in FY23, Burton’s IGA and Liquor coowner Tim Burton (pictured) said he and his brother Glen are proud of Metcash’s success.

ongoing promotional campaigns (such as Major Savers, Big Deal, Gigantic Sale and monthly Market Days).

“Through our IGA Community Chest program, we are able to make valuable donations to com-

munity organisations as part of Metcash’s commitment to support thriving communities.

“Metcash played a major role in servicing local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and thankfully we have seen a large customer base stay loyal to the independent retail sector.

“When the supply chains of the big three supermarket chains failed during the pandemic, Metcash was there to pick up the pieces and showed just how robust and far reaching their supply chain is.

“Prior to the pandemic, Metcash had commenced a transformation journey to strengthen the IGA brand.

“The recent news of Metcash’s success over the last financial year is testament to their investment and ongoing dedication to grow the independent retails sector.”

In Metcash’s annual report for the last financial year, group chair-

man Robert Murray referred to the role the pandemic played in their growth.

“It is now well over two years since we first saw the shift in consumer behaviour with more shoppers re-discovering the convenience and value of their local neighbourhood stores,” Mr Murray wrote.

He wrote that while COVID accelerated this shift, Metcash programs prior to the pandemic helped lay its foundation.

Metcash saw a particularly strong sales increase of 10.6 per cent in hardware, while liquor sales increased 8.3 per cent and food sales increased 2.8 per cent.

The smaller increase in food sales reflects the inclusion of tobacco in the category of “food”, which declined 6.8 per cent in sales.

Excluding tobacco, total food sales increased seven per cent.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Locals celebrated 125 years of independence for the Phillipines

By MAYETTE MARTIN

LATE last month, the Filipino Australian and Friends Association (FAFA) organised a remarkable event at Pepper Mill Inn in Shepparton to commemorate the 125th Philippines Independence Day.

The celebration was led by Delma Broughton, FAFA president from Euroa, who along with her dedicated committees ensured a well-planned and successful event.

The celebration was filled with incredible performances, including an emcee, singers, a variety of group dancers showcasing both modern and folk dances in stunning custom costumes, and a talented ukulele group.

We were honoured to have esteemed guests Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keefe and Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell in attendance, along with generous donors, Miss FAFA 125th Philippines Independence Day participants, dedicated committees, judges, and enthusiastic attendees.

The night was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and memorable moments.

We had a fantastic live music experience, exciting raffles with generous donations, a beautifully customised cake adorned with the flag, captivating decorations, delicious food, and exceptional customer service from the Pepper Mill Inn staff

Every aspect of the event contributed to an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

I had the privilege to attend this celebration.

I am an Australian resident originally from the Philippines.

I arrived in Australia on October 19, 1999 and initially settled in Wallan before moving to Euroa in June 2003.

My journey towards Australian citizenship took place at Strathbogie Shire Council, under the guidance of Mayor Robyn Steers.

Living in Euroa has been an incredible experience, as I am surrounded by a community filled with passion, dedication, and unwavering support for various fundraising activities.

I am proud to be part of a community that exemplifies the spirit of giving and compassion.

A FUN NIGHT: Enjoying the 125th Phillipines Independence Day

flag.

Goulburn Valley Water

Notice of fees and charges: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Water service fees (daily)$

Wastewater fees and charges$

NEW FACILITY: A render of the the new campus at the former ANZ building on Bridge Street, Benalla, which will be a relocation of the former Samaria Road campus. PHOTO: GoTAFE

Works underway on new Benalla GOTAFE campus

RESIDENTS of Strathbogie Shire and North East Victoria will soon have the option of attending an upgraded GOTAFE campus in Benalla,

Works are underway on the new campus at the former ANZ building on Bridge Street, which will be a relocation of the former Samaria Road campus.

The $1.6 million refurbishment is funded by $950,000 from Regional Development Victoria, with the remaining $650,000

funded by GOTAFE.

As well as a more central location, the re-fitted building will include sound-proof meeting spaces, video conferencing facilities and modern classrooms, according to a GOTAFE spokesperson.

The new campus will also house a skills and jobs centre, where community members will have access to career advice, training and job-readiness support.

GOTAFE expects the new campus be complete before the end of the year.

Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing visited the site of the new campus last week.

“GOTAFE’s new campus is delivering jobs for local workers now and will also ensure that students and job-seekers can get the skills they need for the career they deserve for years to come,” Ms Shing said.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has called the upgrade a “major investment in TAFE across the North East”.

Water usage fees (per kilolitre, based on meter readings) $

Trade waste (daily)$

For a full list of all other fees and charges for 2023-24, please visit our website or call 1300 360 007.

gvwater.vic.gov.au

PROUD HERITAGE: Flag bearers Lorna Council and Rebecca Reid.

GOLDEN PERFORMANCE: Dancing in golden costumes are Lorna Council, Nora McCarthy, Dolly Victorino, Rebecca Reid and Jessica Carminati (obscured, behind Rebecca).

BOOGIE AT THE INN: More dancing with Emma Nacion Prasad, Liezel Marshall, Welda Bunny, Bernie Weugood and Marissa Wyatt.

DANCING AWAY: Dancing at the celebration at the Pepper Mill Inn are Emmie Stenhouse (left), Dhaya Hackworthy, Vangie Lennie, Rosie Read (behind Emmie), and Guilly Jones.

celebration are Vangie Lennie (left), Mayette Martin, Rosie Read, Linda Nisbet, Olivia Bermudez and Guilly Jones.

CREATIVE CAKE: Attendees enjoyed a customised cake adorned with the Phillipines

New road safety cameras coming to Hume Freeway

NEW road safety cameras are coming to the Hume Freeway as the State Government steps up efforts to curb dangerous driving.

A government spokesperson said the upgrading of road safety camera sites along the Hume Freeway is underway, including works at 10 existing road safety camera sites and installing additional road safety cameras at four new sites.

Third Age Club shares July update

By EUROA THIRD AGE CLUB

EUROA Third Age Club would like to pass on condolences to family and friends of Betty Siede.

Betty was a very supportive club member whose intelligence and humour was appreciated by many.

Betty has been missed.

The club has a bus trip to Murchison on Wednesday, September 13 to explore many of their historic areas and learn about where the prisoners of war were held.

July lunch will be held at the Euroa Hotel on Thursday, July 13.

For further information concerning the bus trip and took book for the lunch, please contact Pam Vaughan on 0400 593 773.

Due to the flooding last October, a number of club rooms in Euroa are unable to be used as we are all waiting for repairs to be started.

We are hoping the Third Age Club will be open and running again before Christmas.

The works will extend the existing Hume Freeway point-topoint network from Broadford to Euroa.

The upgrades come as drivers are being put on notice that new high-tech road safety cameras trialed by the State Government are now enforcing fines.

The mobile device and seatbelt detection cameras began operation in April this year, using AI technology to capture high-reso-

lution images of vehicles and detect offences.

In effect since Saturday, drivers face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt.

During April and May this year, the cameras detected 7160 offences, including 3523 drivers

Professional & Consultant Services Guide

ACCOUNTANTS

NOEL G O'MEARA ASSOCIATES

2 Binney Street, Euroa 3666

Ph: (03) 5795 2783 Fax: (03) 5795 1051

Email: euroanoel@bigpond.com

Financial Planning available by appointment

NEIL TOLSHER OF QUADRANT

FINANCIAL PLANNING AFSL NO. 223135

ACCOUNTANTS

ABF PARTNERS PTY LTD

Accountants, Tax Agent, Small Business Specialist

43 Railway Street, Euroa

Ph (03) 5795 1885

SOLICITORS

TEHAN, GEORGE & CO

35 Binney Street, Euroa 3666

P O Box 176, Euroa 3666

Ph: (03) 5795 2101

E: euroa@tehangeorge.com.au

10A Tallarook Street, Seymour 3660

P O Box 154, Seymour 3660

Ph: (03) 5792 2244

E: seymour@tehangeorge.com.au

SURVEYORS

TOMKINSON GROUP

Surveyors - Engineers

Planners - Project Managers

33E Reid Street, Wangaratta 3677

Ph: (03) 5718 0151

Email: wangaratta@tomkinson.com

and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts and 2870 drivers using mobile phones.

Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said driver distraction is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions.

“The time for complacency is over,” Mr Carbines said.

“These cameras will be deployed all over the state and they will catch those drivers not buckled up or distracted by phones.”

District News

Longwood lookout

By LONGWOOD ACTION GROUP

CONGRATULATIONS Longwood on being awarded recommended funding from the Shire of Strathbogie for a Nature Play Space $50,000 and Longwood Netball Shelters $35,000.

Go Longwood Redlegs - Longwood Football Netball Club goes from strength to strength.

Congratulations on the weekend’s success.

Longwood Community Centre and Recreation Reserve: are you interested in this very important part of Longwood?

Residents of Longwood are welcome to attend the next meeting of the management committee on Tuesday, July 25 at 8pm.

Jean’s yummy cake and a cuppa are on offer to enjoy after the meeting.

DRIVE

in 2024, and both children will be attending our school at the same time, your child is prioritised for a place at our school as per the department’s placement policy.

For more information, please read about when and how to enrol your child in Foundation at vic.gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep.

If you are seeking to enrol your child into Foundation next year, please contact the school office on 57 98 5386 or e-mail longwood.ps@ education.vic.gov.au to request an enrolment application form or an enrolment form.

The Longwood Primary School are again participating in the Wonder recycling bread bag rewards program.

Please save your bread bags (any kind) and place them in the box in the passageway at school.

The more bags we collect the more play equipment we get for the school, so ask your friends/neighbours to save them as well.

Playgroup is on Tuesdays at 9:30am at the Longwood Primary School.

ACCOUNTANTS & TAX ADVISERS

MMK ACCOUNTING

55 Railway Street, Euroa 3666

Email: tax@abfpartners.com.au Call

VETERINARY CLINICS

P: (03) 5795 3073

E: Pamela.Kiessling@mmkaccounting.com.au

ACE VET HOSPITAL EUROA

4 Bury Street, Euroa

Ph: (03)5795 2888

Email: hello@acevet.com.au

WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE?

The Longwood Primary School need helpers to sell raffle tickets for the meat tray at the Whitehart Hotel on the following dates – July 27, September 22 and November 17. Proceeds from these raffles go towards educational programs that benefit all students during the year.

If you can help on any of these dates, please contact Rose or Travis.

If you have a child starting primary school in 2024, it’s time to enrol.

Make sure to submit your enrolment application by Friday, July 28.

If you are enrolling the sibling of a student at Longwood Primary School for Foundation

Songs, play and morning tea are provided. We are so looking forward to seeing how much everyone has grown and welcoming our new members.

In the meantime, you can like our Facebook page linked here for all further updates: https://www.facebook.com/.../permalink/1331121897405615/.

The next meeting of the Longwood Action Group will be held Wednesday, July 12 at 7pm at the community centre meeting room.

Please forward any information you would like included to longwoodlookout@gmail.com.

Inclusions are at the editor’s discretion.

CAREFULLY: Upgrading of road safety camera sites along the Hume Freeway is underway, including works at ten existing road safety camera sites and installing additional road safety cameras at four new sites.

NEW CITIZENS: Last month, Strathbogie Shire Council conducted a citizenship ceremony, where five conferees and their dependents became Australian citizens. Pictured are some of the conferees, their partners and dependents. Ken Harrison (left), Teresita Viola, Mayor Cr Laura Binks, Cr Reg Dickinson, Justin Henson, Freyja Henson (front), Pablo Zambrano Rivadeneira, Kai Henson, Cr Paul Murray, Ethan Henson and Daniela Diaz Nolivos.

Speeding police officer says actions saved other drivers

A BENALLA Highway Patrol officer who drove at more than 200kph to respond to a crash involving another police officer has said his actions saved at least 77 other motorists from being involved in a serious crash.

The 55-year-old Leading Senior Constable has fought back against allegations his driving was dangerous, after prosecuting lawyers were forced to withdraw speeding allegations having been unable to prove the accused had driven at an alleged speed of 230kph.

During a four-day hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates Court last week, Magistrate Victoria Campbell was tasked with deciding whether the accused, a Victoria Police gold-licence holder, had acted dangerously when he undertook urgent duties driving between Violet Town and Euroa on March 21, 2021.

The accused’s licence entitled him to drive at unlimited speeds

when completing police duties.

In-car bodycam footage, as well as a record of interview undertaken by the accused later in 2021, were also broadcast to the court.

During the in-car footage, the accused was alleged to have overtaken some 77 vehicles along the Hume Freeway in a 20km span, following a call from a police unit which had been rear-ended on the freeway near Euroa.

While driving past a stationary traffic camera, in-car footage showed the accused point to the camera while driving at more than 200kph, and state “I don’t care about the speed”.

The accused fought back tears as he explained his thought process from the witness stand on Thursday, noting he had immediately considered a worst-case scenario as he drove to be the first responding officer at the scene of the collision.

He said through the limited information he had been relayed, he thought he may have been attending a fatal or serious injury crash.

“(We) came as soon as a colleague came up on the radio saying he’d been hit,” he said.

He noted the Hume Freeway’s use of wire rope barriers acted “like having the bumpers up in ten-pin bowling” and said it was vital he arrive at the crash scene as soon as possible to secure the site.

He said he had not been considering the exact speed he was travelling at, but had adjusted regularly to ensure he was passing vehicles safely.

“I didn’t care about the specific number,” he said.

“I was doing, in my opinion, everything I’ve been trained to do.

“(It’s) 77 people I’ve at least assisted with not crashing into the same pile-up as the

NAGAMBIE NOTES

with Di Grant

P: 5794 1720

E: stardust2011@bigpond.com

cars that were already there.”

Crown prosecutor Marcel White said the accused had shown a “conscious lack of intellectual curiosity towards his own speed”, and said it was an obligation of all drivers to be aware of their speed at all times.

He said the accused had failed to accurately assess the risk his driving posed to other motorists on the freeway, a statement opposed by defence counsel Colin Mandy SC.

“This man has been driving this car 500km a day – he knows how fast is safe, because he has perfect control of the car and his abilities,” he said.

“The uncertainties made it necessary for him to get there as quickly as possible.

“All he was doing was his job, and doing it as he was trained to do.”

Ms Campbell adjourned the matter to return for decision this week.

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: A faithful friend is a sure shelter.

Whoever has found one had found a rare treasure.

PERSONALS: Happy 86th birthday wishes go to Malcolm Little from his family and friends.

Birthday greetings this week go to Monica Moran, David McCullough, Alan Crawford, Abbie Mitchell, Ruby Fry, Susan McCullough, Anne Calcutt, Cassie O’Brien, Chris Tingay, Dan Donovan, Elizabeth and Bernadette Leahy, Edwina Knights and Gary Jones.

Happy 44th anniversary wishes to Antonia and Stephen D’Andrea.

Happy 20th anniversary wishes go to Patrick and Zhenya O’Connor, and happy 10th anniversary wishes to David and Susan McCullough.

ACTIVITIES COMING UP: The Nagambie Lakes Community House are conducting a school holidays kids program on July 5-7.

As part of that holiday program on Thursday I am taking along my parachute to play some games with the children from 9am at the Nagambie Primary School yard.

The Avenel Make it, Bake it or Grow it market is on the 2nd Sunday of each month.

The Nagambie Farmers’ Market is on July 23 from 10am-2pm at Tahbilk Winery.

Thursday night meals are being served once again with the Nagambie Football Netball Club committee on cooking duty.

ST MALACHY’S - 150 YEARS: St Malachy’s Catholic Church in Nagambie is to celebrate its 150th anniversary around November 19.

Bishop, Most Reverend, Shane Mackinlay of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst in Bendigo will say mass at 10am.

This 10am mass will replace the normal Sunday masses for Nagambie and Avenel.

To commemorate this anniversary Rhonda Robinson and Mel Arnold are writing the history of St Malachy’s church and parish.

They would love to hear from anyone who has information, photos and memorabilia they are willing to share.

As the parish included St Mary’s Avenel and St Patrick’s Moorilim, they would love to hear from parishioners in Avenel who have knowledge of the original wooden church and its location in Avenel.

To give details about the history of the above churches contact Rhonda Robinson 0400 546 560 or Mel Arnold 0400 610 455.

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS: On Thursday, July 13 at Rowing Club, Christmas in July Morning Melodies will be held from 12pm–2.30pm - call 5794 2747 to book.

Euroa’s Show and Shine shaping up nicely for October

WITH just three months to the Australian National Show and Shine at Euroa on Sunday, October 1, things are progressing nicely on several fronts.

Euroa Show and Shine president Ian Langlands said with a renewed committee and new members it looks like the 2023 show will be better than ever.

This year, the show and shine will be screening the film ‘Wide Open Road’ - the story of cars in Australia, on Sunday, October 1 at the Euroa Community Cinema, with a gold coin donation as the price of entry.

“The director Paul Clarke is a certified car nut and offered the film to use at our event,” Mr Langlands said.

“Paul Clark is the co-writer of the new John Farnham film, ‘Finding the Voice’.”

Major attractions will again include some of the most

popular from last year, with the Euroa SES display looking to be re-located to a more visible location.

Negotiations are progressing well with the enormously popular Australian Defence Force display which included the Hawkei and Bushmaster Armoured Protected Vehicles together with a group of ADF officers and personnel to answer questions and explain the vehicles.

The Bushmaster continues to receive accolades from the troops in Ukraine after Australia donated a large number of vehicles to the war effort.

Car clubs will once again be back in force with Central Victorian Corvettes who were 2022’s “best club display” winners, this year facing a serious challenge from the Mercedes Benz Club of Victoria.

Commitments from many regular clubs and individual owners are starting to pile in, especially in the 1960s category, with that decade being the featured era for this year’s event.

Something special this year will come from MOVE – the Shepparton-based Museum of Vehicle Evolution.

This will be a first for the Euroa Show and Shine, and details are still under wraps, with more details to be revealed closer to the event date.

Confirmation of sponsors for 2023 continues, with GMCU once again confirming its involvement together with Triple M Goulburn Valley, one of the Euroa Show and Shine’s media partners.

Euroa businesses BD North East Electrics, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Burtons Supa IGA are also confirmed.

Shepparton Volkswagen will be featured this year, with Darryl Twitt Motors again bringing several top-of-the-range brandnew cars to Area 4.

In addition to the VWs, those attending can expect to see Range Rover and Ford, hopefully a new Mustang due for release shortly.

Don’t forget to dig out those old flares or a very short skirt, and shine up the EH Holden or XR Falcon, for a chance at the Just Cuts Shepparton 1960s fashion parade trophy, and the “best 60s car” or “best 60s motorcycle” trophies.

Full details of how to book online will be available from early July on the website: https:// www.australiannational showandshine.com.au/.

The same details will be on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ EuroaShowandShine/.

On Saturday, July 15, Nagambie Lakers Football Netball Club’s annual ball will be held at Nagambie Brewery and Distillery (18+) from 7pm til late, with finger food to be served during the evening.

The band is “Jam on It” and tickets can be purchased through the NFNC Facebook event page.

On Friday, July 21, there will be an Avenel winter concert at Avenel Memorial Hall, with a 6pm dinner and the concert starting at 7pm.

The Flinders Quartet – Chamber ensemble will performing the concert with guest violinist Natsuko Yoshimoto and the Piccolo String Quartet.

Purchase tickets via Trybooking or email avenelactiveinc@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the concert will support local Avenel community projects.

On Saturday, August 12 will be the LakersNagambie’s Got Talent night.

Those brave folk who feel they can entertain their fellow locals are invited to take part.

Dress up, oil the vocal cords and give it a go!

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE: The Nagambie Visitor Information Centre needs some more volunteers to help out in their centre.

If you are interested and could contribute your local knowledge in this way and would like to inform visitors on the great tourist attractions, wineries, or places in our region they could visit, then contact 1800 065 993 or call into 293 High Street, Nagambie and speak to the team.

THE ZIMMER: A Zimmer automobile at the 2022 Euroa Show and Shine.

PHOTO: Nikko Blue Photography

Church Services

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Saturday 8th July

11am St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday 9th July 9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

Wednesday 12th July

10am Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa

Enq: 5704 0330

www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday July 9th, 10am

Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.

Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Services at Kelvin View Hall

Sunday July 9th

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

Friday 12.30pm Mass

Saturday 6pm Vigil Mass in St. John’s Church

St Malachy’s, Nagambie

Monday 10.30am Rosary

Wednesday 12.30pm Mass

Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th

Sunday of the month at 9am

St Attracta’s, Violet Town

Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am

Mass on the 5th Sunday at 10am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am

St Mary’s, Avenel

Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th

Sunday of the month at11am.

St Patrick’s, Longwood Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 9am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 1st, 3rd and 5th

Sunday of the month at 9am

Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048

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 5790 5297

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

Weather adds to potential road hazards these school holidays, warns the TAC

MOTORISTS are being urged to prioritise road safety and remain cautious of changing conditions this winter holiday period.

Following a tragic beginning to school holidays on Victorian roads, the Transport Accident Commission is reminding motorists to remain vigilant as the winter months can bring unpredictable road conditions, with potential hazards like black ice, fog, rain, and landslides.

TAC acting CEO, Tony Dud-

ley, warned of the challenging driving conditions that winter weather can bring and urged road users to keep safety front of mind at all times.

“These school holidays and beyond, we encourage motorists to stay alert, and plan their journeys ahead of time – in bad weather or unfamiliar surroundings, sticking to main roads and highways can be a safe option,” he said.

“It’s always best to try and avoid driving in severe weather

but, if we find ourselves in difficult conditions, it is safest to slow down, be patient, be visible and look out for others on the roads,.” With shor ter days and darker conditions, it’s also critical that motorists use their headlights in low light and be vigilant of other road users – while cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to be visible through safe road positioning, wearing bright or reflective clothing when riding, and always cross-

ing at the safest point.

Drivers are also encouraged to regularly inspect tyres, breaks, lights, and wipers, and consider snow tyres or chains for enhanced grip on slippery surfaces.

Victoria Police will continue to have a strong presence on the roads these school holidays, with a particular focus on risktaking behaviours like speed, drink and drug driving, distractions, seatbelt non-compliance and fatigue.

Strathbogie Aerial Navaid labelled “quirky”

By DARREN CHAITMAN

THE Strathbogie Aerial Navaid got a mention in The Sunday Age last week in an article listing the quirkiest things in Victoria’s Heritage Register.

Located in Strathbogie, the 87-yearold navigational aid is visible from far above and spells “STRATHBOGIE” in large letters.

Former Euroa Gazette journalist Gus Ridder wrote in January that the navigational aid sign had recently been restored and re–painted.

“Visual aids were an important part of early aviation history, with most airplanes not being equipped with radios and navigational equipment,” he wrote.

Other Victorian heritage listed items considered quirky by The Age include cast iron toilets in the Melbourne CBD, a water tower at Moorabbin Railway Station and a McDonald’s restaurant housed in an old Clifton Hill pub.

RIPPER RAINBOW: After a week of miserable weather, those in Euroa were pleased to be greeted by blue skies and a rainbow over the town on Saturday morning. This photo was taken at the corner of Railway and Binney streets.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

SIGN OF PAST TIMES: The Strathbogie Aerial Navaid got a mention in The Sunday Age this week in article listing the quirkiest things in Victoria’s Heritage Register.

More momentum is building for the Balmattum Hill mountain bike trails

By DARREN CHAITMAN

SOME 23 mountain bikers rode from Seven Creeks Park to Balmattum Hill on Saturday to raise awareness about a project to construct mountain bike trails for Balmattum Hill.

Seniors, young children and everyone in between braved the cold to climb the Balmattum Hill Walking Track on their bikes, where they gathered to hear community members talk about the project.

Glenn Withers, Neil Tubb and Brent Moore told the gathered riders about benefits the project will bring to Euroa.

Mr Withers explained it would turn the Balmattum Hill Bushland Reserve into a mountain bike park for all ages and abilities, giving local mountain bikers a track of their own and boosting tourism by bringing in riders from further afield.

Mr Tubb said it was a “nobrainer” for the town.

“It’s gonna be fantastic for people to put their kids on trains in Melbourne and come up for the day and spend a day on the trails and head back again,” he said.

“And for people that are enthusiasts, we’re midway between Melbourne and Bright [where there are] a lot of the really good tracks, so we’ll have a lot of drop offs.”

The local riders will soon begin working with Stantec, a global design consultancy, who have been contracted by Strathbogie Shire Council to conduct a feasibility study for the mountain bike park.

The employment of Stantec was made possible by the awarding of a State Government grant of $241,600 to council in October 2022, which followed a submission outlining the project made to council in late 2021 by the Euroa Mountain Bike Club.

Stantec’s work will establish “a shovel-ready project that we can look to apply for external funding to deliver in the future”, council’s community and planning director Amanda Tingay said at a council meeting last month.

Mr Tubb said even before the idea was brought to council, it had been “floating around” for several years.

“It’s taken a while to get to here,” Mr Withers said.

Mr Moore said as far as the difficulty level of trails is concerned, “nothing’s off the table” – everything from blue to black double diamond is being considered.

He said another benefit of the project is that it could result in the reserve being better managed from an environmental perspective.

“The whole hill’s been let go – the vandalism, the weeds, and everything’s out of control, so just having people up here, [we’re]

hoping that it’ll be looked after,” Mr Moore said.

“So, that’s the other win-win – people that use the walking tracks, they’ll benefit.”

The mountain bike park is proposed to be built at the Balmattum Hill Bushland Reserve on the side of the hill near the service station, as opposed to the walking track side entered from EuroaStrathbogie Road, where the riders gathered on Saturday.

Before the Euroa Mountain Bike Club’s submission to council in 2021, the group invited Joe

Penaluna from Trailscapes, a trail-building company, to see the Balmattum Hill Bushland Reserve.

Mr Moore said the trail builder could not believe no one had turned it into a mountain bike park before and saw “so much potential” in the idea.

“The site offers amazing views from much of the reserve and is littered with large granite boulders which can be used to offer unique trail features,” Mr Penaluna wrote in a letter following his visit.

Offering a glimpse of

the kind of tourism the trails could bring in, Cara Williamson said she and her 16-year-old son Riley travelled for six hours, all the way from Portland, to attend the ride on Saturday.

Ms Williamson said she and her son were going biking in Bright and stopped in Euroa on the way.

“If you guys had something here, you’re going to definitely bring in families, encourage their fitness, encourage the tourism in your small town, and it’s just a boom for it,” she said.

RIDING DOWN: Some 23 riders descended the Balmattum Hill Walking Track following the talks at the rotunda. What comes up, must go down.

BIKER BRENT’S A BELIEVER: Brent Moore talked about the project. “People that use the walking tracks, they’ll benefit,” he said.

TUBB TALKS THE TALK: Neil Tubb talked about the project. “It’s a no brainer,” he said.

GIVE IT UP FOR GLENN: Glenn Withers talked about the project. “It’s taken a while to get to here,” he said.

HERE TO LEARN: At the rotunda, riders gathered to hear about the Balmattum Hill mountain bike trail project.

RIDING UP: Riders braved the cold to climb the Balmattum Hill Walking Track, where they gathered to hear community members talk about the Balmattum Hill mountain bike trail project. PHOTOS: Dale Mann

It’s gonna be fantastic for people to put their kids on trains in Melbourne and come up for the day and spend a day on the trails and head back again.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Which tradesperson makes barrels, etc (6)

7 Name the capital of the United Arab Emirates (3,5)

8 What was an earlier term for silver (6)

9 Which electrodes emit negative ions (8)

10 Name a clasp or ornament for pinning on a dress, or the like (6)

11 To convert plain language into cipher, one does what to it (8)

14 Which term describes persons of learning (8)

18 To carve a figure, one does what (6)

19 Name a highly explosive nitroglycerine mixture (8)

21 Which other term describes a cashier (6)

22 What might we call a person forsaken or abandoned by society (8)

23 What describes an aggregate of nations (6)

DOWN

1 Name another term for bedrooms (8)

2 Name the small rubberheaded hammer used by doctors (6)

3 What are the toothed bars with which pawls engage (8)

4 Which circular tent is made of felt or skins (4)

5 What describes an idea that has not yet been proved (6)

6 What is a visible or tangible thing (6)

12 Name a particular type of tape recorder (8)

13 Which rich sweet white table wine may be produced near Bordeaux, France (8)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

SUDOKU

PDIESI RITSCO EALINN YSCEET YLPEED

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

15 Name a colourless, odourless, gaseous element (6)

16 What is paradise also known as (6)

17 Name an alternative term for hessian or gunny (6)

20 Who is the Egyptian goddess of fertility and nature (4)

WHICH WORDS

TRILBY

BIYWORD

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:

Core (3)

Cover up (7)

Darling (coll) (5)

Dirties (5)

Fourth note (3)

More juicy (7)

Nevertheless (3)

Past participle: bless

Posed

Theft

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

State’s new child employment laws increase protections and penalties

NEW child employment laws are now in effect in Victoria, with a modernised and simpler licensing system and stronger penalties to help ensure kids under 15 are kept as safe as possible in the workplace.

The state’s child employment watchdog, Wage Inspectorate Victoria, is urging employers to take time to understand the laws, as

research exposes common misconceptions about child employment.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle, said research shows that 33 per cent of Victorians mistakenly believe 14 and nine months is the age kids can start working and a further 25 per cent believe they have to be 15 to get a job, but provided the employer has

IN the previous week 20 years ago, there was news of controversy at Strathbogie Shire Council as Cr Robin Weatherald “moved and responded to a series of controversial motions” at a council meeting.

An article in the June 24, 2003

Euroa Gazette stated Cr Weatherald proposed the following motions: that the name of the shire be changed to “Strathbogie Ranges”; that all registered shire vehicles carry the shire logo; that the shire refuse to grant a planning permit to Goulburn Valley Water for works relating to the decommissioning of the Honeysuckle Creek Reservoir; that Telstra be required to remove its disused building in Brock St, Euroa; that tax should be regularly deducted from councillor allowances to avoid an

a licence, children can do delivery work from 11 and other types of work from 13.

Mr Hortle said 14 and nine months used to be the age kids could leave school and enter the workforce, which is where this myth has come from, but Victoria’s child employment laws say nothing about being 14 and nine months and they haven’t for a very long time.

He said the new laws, designed in consultation with stakeholders and the community, see a licensing system replace a permit system and enables businesses to employ multiple kids under one licence, instead of needing a permit for each child they employ.

The system includes a ‘fit and proper person’ test which considers, among

other things, an employer’s compliance with child employment and other relevant workplace laws.

The changes also give the Wage Inspectorate stronger powers, while the maximum penalty for employing a child without a licence has also increased from $18,500 to more than $200,000.

In addition to obtaining a

licence, Mr Hortle said there are other important rules employers must follow, like making sure kids are getting adequate rest breaks, finishing work by 9pm and not working during school hours.

More information about child employment and the upcoming changes can be found at wageinspectorate. vic.gov.au.

Valley Water’s ‘political agenda’.”

Also this week, there was news of St John’s Primary School’s recent visit to Parliament House in Canberra, a burglary from the Euroa Secondary College canteen in which chips and confectionary were stolen, and a notice congratulating local Jacinta Kubeil for graduating from Charles Sturt University in Albury.

It was also reported an upcoming Strathbogie FReeZA youth event at the Old Flour Mill in Euroa would feature a Shepparton DJ and a Bendigo band - reminiscent of news in the Euroa Gazette two weeks ago (in 2023) that local youths danced the night away at St Paul’s Hall in Euroa to music played by Melbourne DJs.

end of year bill; and that three Binney St parking spaces be reserved for the Euroa doctors.

“Of the motions proposed by Cr Weatherald, three were withdrawn, three lapsed for want of a seconded, and the one about parking outside the doctors’ surgery was passed subject to time limits of 8am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays,” the Gazette printed.

“Withdrawn were the motions regarding the council’s change of name (on the grounds that this matter needs further consideration), the Honeysuckle Creek Reservoir (no explanation) and Goulburn-Murray Water (dealt with ‘in less inflammatory ways’).

“No support was received for the motions pertaining to shire vehicles, the Telstra building (the mayor commented

that ‘we can’t tell Telstra what to do with its property’) and taxation for councillors.

“Cr Weatherald spoke passionately and at length (despite an attempt to impose a time limit upon him) on the matter of the Honeysuckle Creek Reservoir, saying that council has refused to debate the issue at its non-public meetings and that the shire should not be supporting Goulburn

Change in the wind for small businesses

NEW instant asset write-off thresholds, updated tax rules, increased superannuation payments and a rise in the minimum wage are among changes which came into effect on July 1.

Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, said it’s essential that small business owners and managers understand the changes.

“They should check their payroll and accounting systems have been updated and they should talk to trusted advisers like accountants and bookkeepers,” he said.

“With so many pressures on busy small business leaders as we near the end of the financial year it can be easy to overlook new and changing rules.

“However, there are significant changes that cannot be put aside.”

Some of the changes are:

Instant asset write-off:

Threshold will be $20,000 on a per asset basis for 12 months from July 1 for eligible small businesses with a turnover up to $10 million.

From July 1, assets valued at more than $20,000 (which cannot be immediately deducted) can be placed into the small business simplified depreciation pool and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each income year thereafter.

Small businesses have until June 30 to use the 20% tax deduction for investing in digital operations such as new equipment like technology, cloud-computing, eInvoicing or cyber security.

The technology investment boost will apply to investments

made between March 29, 2022 and June 30, 2023 but to be eligible the item must be first used or installed ready for use by June 30.

For more information; https:// www.ato.gov.au/Business/Incomeand-deductions-for-business/ Deductions/Small-businesstechnology-

Small Business Energy Incentive

A tax incentive worth up to $20,000 will provide an additional 20 per cent depreciation for eligible assets that support electrification and more efficient use of energy by small businesses.

The bonus will be provided to businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million and is aimed at helping them save on energy bills by making investments like electrifying their heating and cooling systems, upgrading to more efficient fridges and induction cooktops, and installing batteries and heat pumps.

Super Guarantee

The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase from 10.5% to 11% for all employees eligible to receive superannuation.

Small business owners will need to use the new rate to calculate super on payments made to employees on or after July 1, even if some or all of the pay period is for work done before July 1.

The SG rate is legislated to increase to 12% by 2025.

For more information: https:// www.ato.gov.au/business/superfor-employers/paying-supercontributions/how-much-superto-pay/

National Minimum Wage and Award Rate

The National Minimum Wage will increase to $882.80 per week, or $23.23 per hour.

Award rates of pay will increase by 5.75%.

Both changes are effective from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1 and more information is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ newsroom/news/awr-2023

PAYG & GST uplift rate

The Australian Government will reduce the PAYG and GST uplift on quarterly payments from what would have been 12% to 6% for the 2023-24 income year in a move that should help assist cash flow for small businesses.

Single Touch Payroll

Employers are required to finalise employees’ Single Touch Payroll data by July 14.

The Australian Tax Office advises small business owners to double check they are finalising STP data for the 2022-23 financial year.

It also says employers are required to report pay as you go (PAYG) withholding information every time they pay employees through Single Touch Payroll.

From July 1 these amounts reported through STP will be used to pre-fill labels W1 and W2 in activity statements in ATO online services.

More information: https://www. ato.gov.au/Business/Single-TouchPayroll/ATO-PAYG-withholdingpre-fill-for-activity-statements/

Paid Parental Leave scheme

The entitlement of 18 weeks’ paid parental leave pay will be combined with the Dad and

Partner Pay entitlement of two weeks’ pay.

This means partnered couples will be able to claim up to 20 weeks’ paid parental leave between them.

Parents who are single at the time of their claim can access the full 20 weeks.

These changes affect employees whose baby is born or placed in their care on or after July 1.

For more information: https:// www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/ news/changes-to-the-paidparental-leave-scheme 2023

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $53,900 to $70,000.

This applies to employers who wish to nominate workers for subclass 482, 186 and 187 visas and they must meet certain salary and employment condition requirements to ensure overseas workers are paid no less than an Australian worker doing the same work in the same location, known as the annual market salary rate (AMSR).

Other resources

A useful end of financial year checklist for small business is available at: https://business.gov. au/finance/yearly-financial-tasks/ end-of-financial-year-checklist

The Tax Office provides a Tax Time Tool Kit to assist small business to prepare their tax returns, which includes a directory of links to find information, tools, calculators and other support and resources.

It will be available in early July at www.ato.gov.au

In the paper’s colour centre spread, there are pictures from market day at Burton’s supermarket, featuring Chris Asquith, Susan Sleigh, Julieanne Kubeil, Mavis Bruce and others.

Susan Sleigh still appears in the Euroa Gazette of present times as an occasional contributor in her capacity as Longwood Plains Conservation Management Network facilitator.

JESUS REVOLUTION

“People were bringing children to Jesus to be touched but the misguided disciples were moving them away. Jesus indignantly said, “Let the little children come to Me; do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:13-14). The Master reveals His heart toward them, who is ‘no respecter of persons’, meaning no-one is more worthy than any other person to God. (Rom.2:11). Keeping precious children from Jesus, hindering or hurting them, provokes His righteous anger. Children are most vulnerable, and the exact representation of those Christ came to save! Denying any adult access to hearing the wisdom of God is also wrong. Jesus invites everyone to eat at His table, despite how unfairly society judges people. Churches that open their hearts and doors in love and compassion are faithful to Christ. Hospitals are for the sick while churches are for those who seek refuge, and emotional, spiritual healing. (Matt.9:12) This is shown in the hit Hollywood release, “Jesus Revolution”, the incredible true story of the Jesus Movement, an extraordinary time of mass revival, renewal and reconciliation. God has always been passionate about turning unlikely outcasts into fervent followers, to demonstrate His power, might and mercy. Set in America in late 60’s, early 70’s, during the Vietnam Wars’ tumultuous times, when youth were rejecting current culture and rebellious hippies, flower people, dropped out and practiced free love and drug highs, in search of meaning and purpose; setting the stage for the greatest spiritual awakening of the C20th. There are parallels with our current times of spiritual apathy and overt hostility; there’s a deep need for vision, hope and another revival!. The movie tells the story of 17 year old Greg Laurie, a wounded, lost soul, who crosses paths with a hippy preacher Lonnie Frisbee and open minded Pastor Chuck Smith, who together enabled an invasion of searching hippies to find the Beautiful Truth of Jesus, leading hundreds to the beach to be baptised. Fifty years on, Pastor Greg Laurie and his wife Cathe, lead Harvest Ministries in Southern California where many hundreds again are accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and being baptised at the very same beach at Pirates Cove. Children are simple, honest, guileless and awestruck by the world around them. Wide-eyed, expectant and trusting; not jaded or judgemental, willing to climb onto the Saviours lap, to be led and loved. Jesus implores us to be like-wise. Three important dates define us. We’ve no say regarding our birth and death; but the third date, we may choose: that’s when we decide to surrender our lives to Christ Jesus. (Rom.10:13, John 3:6). You can be certain about where you’ll be after death. Two days matter; this day and THAT DAY_when Jesus returns. (Titus 2:13, Heb.3:12)

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:15-16)

Provided By Euroa Baptist Church

(Watch the Jesus Revolution movie now on DVD:2023 Harvest Crusades occurred last weekend; check it out onharvest.org/live)

Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 50 years ago this week.

Vale BUSH, Maurie. Euroa FNC extend condolences to family and friends on the recent passing of Maurie Bush.

Maurie was a wonderful contributor to our club – coaching the under 18 football team in 1985/86 being one example.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. May he rest in peace.

BY EMAIL BY PHONE 5723 0101

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666

EMPLOYMENT

Community Learning Euroa is in recess for the school holidays. Sessions will start again on Wednesday, July 12, for Learn Local and Thursday, July 13, for BeConnected.

QUALITY AND RISK COORDINATOR PERMANENT

PART TIME 24 HOURS PER WEEK

Alexandra District Health is seeking an experienced office administrator to join our team as Quality and Risk Coordinator. The Quality and Risk Coordinator is responsible for:

Promoting customer service excellence

Acting as a quality champion across ADH, supporting managers, and staff to strengthen capacity of Quality Improvement within their teams Maintaining the ADH incident reporting software, quality reporting systems, preparation and documentation of policies and procedures and governance documents

Assisting in the facilitation, coordination and education of all accreditation processes.

The successful applicant will demonstrate exemplary communication skills, will be focused on the provision of excellent customer service and patient safety, maintaining confidentiality and will exhibit an attention to detail whilst being able to juggle multiple tasks at once and have advanced computer skills. The successful applicant will have access to an extensive handover process.

Please contact Juliana McCashney, Manager People and Culture if you have any queries regarding the role (03) 5772 0997 For further information, position description and application details visit: https://adh.org.au/careers/current-vacancies.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023, CLOSE OF BUSINESS.

VOLKSWAGON Polo

2019, comfortline auto, service history, seven speed, professionally detailed, REG (BCE513), under w arranty, one owner, $19,900, 62,346km. Ph 0458 585 349.

IN MEMORIAM

RYAN, Patrick.

2/3/1984 - 6/7/2008

N J Todd Funeral Directors

Member AFDA

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

468.

VW TOUAREG

4x4, 2007 model, V6

2011 Subaru Forester, AWD manual, 343,258kms, moto r rebuilt by Subaru at 186,047kms 2/5/2017, (YJF 550), Rego June 2024, $9,000, Ph 0407 844 527.

2016 Nissan Navara R X D23 4WD Twin Cab, steel tray, bull bar, 124,600kms, RWC, R EG (1UW9XF) to F eb 2024, $35,000. Phone Tav 0438 217

Page 16 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Euroa Golf

GOLF vealed to the players the t rophy being competed for in the Castle Creek Teams Challenge.

The elegant long necked goose will be a much-coveted trophy.

players get the job done even though the holes were played t wice, young fi rebrand Rhys Shepherd attacked the 3rd and visiting gol fer John Gale played a ripper into the 8th.

It was also the first round of the Castle Creek Teams Event, postponed due to the wet from the previous week.

Deb Cox took out the Ladies Medal with a Net 79 while Gail Allen won Division One with Net 81.

Balls down the Line went to Mandy Edwards, Erica Mercer and Sarah Bullen.

Marion McMartin won the Ladies Putting Event.

Some 29 men saw mixed results recorded.

Captain Ross Wishart had a very good round of 80 – 10 Net 70 for the medal, while John Gilliland was the best in Division 2 with a Net 75.

Paul Robinson had the round of the day, shooting 71 + 1 Net 72, other good scores in tricky conditions were Chris Burke Net 73, Glen McMartin 75, Matt Mills 76, Rick Langlands and David Baker both Net 77.

Matt Mill’s score included two Drive & Pitch and a Nearest the Pin claimed in the last few holes.

Donald McNuer had an amazing day with the putter with just 23 putts.

After Golf President Gail Allen re-

ROUND 11

The winners of the first round were the Golfaholics team comprising Rick Langlands, Lish Boadle, Keith Seeber and David Baker.

Next week is the second round of the Teams event also played as a par event.

Nagambie Golf Men

THE July monthly medal saw 32 players tackle the front nine twice due to new irrigation works being installed on five holes of the back nine.

The works are near completion, but the ground is soft and muddy from trenching and constant showers throughout the week.

Phil Hageman continued his good form by claiming the monthly medal by one shot the ever-competitive Hageman went round in 88-17-71 one better than handicap, surprisingly enough Hageman’s win is only his second medal in 11 years.

Runner up showing some of his vintage form and letting everyone know he has still got it and is going nowhere was Greg Whiteman with a finely crafted 9220-72, third place was winter and heavy ground specialist Tim Baldwin with a very comfortable but could have been anything 83-10-73.

The nearest the pins only had two

Next week’s golf is a mixed event with all women members invited to come along and join in the day’s play on office duty is J. Ezard and in the bar G. Whiteman.

Nagambie Golf Women

Results Wednesday, June 28

We only had seven players for a round of Stableford.

There was only one grade, and the winner was Irene Keogh with 27pts.

The 9-hole winner was also Irene with 15pts.

Ronda Richards managed the only one N/P on the 3rd.

Balls down the line for 18 went to Irene 27pts and Moz Fowler 26pts.

Balls down the line for 9 went to Irene 15pts and Moz 14pts.

Results Thursday Mixed 9 Hole Competition 22nd June

There were 15 players, and the winner was Shaun Bryant.

There were no N/P.

Results Thursday Mixed 9 Hole Competition 29th June.

There were 19 players for a round of Par and the winner was John Bond.

There was only 1 N/P winner and that was Chris Roberts on the 8th.

IN THE SWING: Winter weather has put a dampener on golfers

NETBALL SCORES

A Grade

Shepp Utd 36 def by Seymour 45

Kyabram 45 def Benalla 29

Euroa 57 def Shepparton 38

Mooroopna 39 def Tatura 37

Echuca 60 def Mansfield 23

Rochester 58 def Shepp Swans 53

B Grade

Shepp Utd 29 def by Seymour 36

Kyabram 40 def Benalla 19

Euroa 64 def Shepp 41

Mooroopna 60 def Tatura 30

Echuca 74 def Mansfield 27

Rochester 38 def Shepp Swans

B Reserve

Shepp Utd 35 def by Seymour 45

Kyabram 45 def Benalla 33

GOULBURN VALLEY SENIORS LADDER ROUND 12

Euroa 41 def by Shepp Bears 48

Mooroopna 45 def Tatura 24

Echuca 60 def Mansfield 42

Rochester 38 def by Shepp Swans 49 17 & Under

Shepp Utd 40 def Seymour 33

Kyabram 70 def Benalla 21

Euroa 0 def by Shepparton 20

Mooroopna 70 def Tatura 18

Echuca 49 def Mansfield 34

Rochester 35 def by Shepp Swans 54 15 & Under

Shepp United 30 def Seymour 28

Kyabram 20 def Benalla 0

Euroa 23 def by Shepparton 60

Mooroopna 30 def by Tatura 23

Echuca 45 def Mansfield 24

Rochester 27 def by Shepparton Swans

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Benalla vs Euroa Shepparton vs Mooroopna

Kyabram vs Rochester

Mansfield vs Seymour Shepp Swans vs Shepp United

SENIORS SCOREBOARD

RESERVES RESULTS

ROUND - SATURDAY,

SHEPP UNITED 3.1 6.3 8.4 8.4.52

SEYMOUR 5.3 9.6 11.14 14.17.101

GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Jayden Magro 4, Jordan Loverso 1, Liam Serra 1, Jordan Wiggins 1, Jake Zerbato 1. SEYMOUR: Nathan Fowler 5, Riley Mason 3, Lachlan Waite 2, Thomas Davey 1, Jack O’Sullivan 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Kyle Clarke, Jayden Magro, Sheldon Bogdan, Marcus Wattie, Michael Barlow. SEYMOUR: Riley Mason, Jack O’Sullivan, Jack Murphy, Nathan Fowler, Ben Cooney.

KYABRAM

24.20.164

0.2 3.4 3.4 5.6.36

Echuca 21.6.132 def

Mansfield

6 5 41

BEST: ECHUCA: Leo

O’Brien, Nicholas Sheldon, Luke Edwards, Seb Monahan, Kobyn James. MANSFIELD: Jacob Howes, Fergus Schier, Jack Nation, Mac Greene, Flynn Harding.

GOALS: ECHUCA: Luke Edwards 4, Fraser Brooks 3, Kobyn James 3, Seb Monahan 3, Nicholas Sheldon 3, Samuel Edgar 2, Trent Campbell 1, Leo O’Brien 1, Lachie Watson 1 MANSFIELD: No goal scorers elected.

EUROA 5.1 7.3 12.6 14.9.93

SHEPPARTON 2.2 2.7 4.7 7.8.50

JUNE 24 SPLIT ROUND -

JULY 1

ROCHESTER 3.3 3.3 8.10 12.11.83

SHEPP SWANS 2.5 3.6 9.11 10.12.72

GOALS: ROCHESTER: Sean Williams 4, Mitch Cricelli 3, Nicholas O’Connor 2, Joseph Atley 1, Wil Hamilton 1, Bailey Wileman 1. SHEPPARTON SWANS: Zac Clohesy 2, Zac Banch 1, Will Dwyer 1, Ben Gilberto 1, Nathan Rachele 1. BEST: ROCHESTER: Dylan Gordon, Joseph Atley, Reid Gordon, Sean Williams, Grant Fuller. SHEPPARTON SWANS: Bowen Calogero, Quade Johnstone, Zac Banch, Will Dwyer, Isaiah Jones.

MOOROOPNA 4.5 10.12 12.13 13.14.92

TATURA 1.1 4.5 7.7 7.8.50

GOALS: MOOROOPNA: Christopher Nield 4, Jackson Trengove 3, Ben Hicks 2, Darcy Russell 2, Campbell McElhinney 1, Toby Williams 1. TATURA Andrew Ciavarella 4, Sean McAllister 1, Brodie Meyers 1. BEST: MOOROOPNA: Bryce Rutherford, Isaac Dowling, Liam Betson, Ben Woods, Christopher Nield TATURA: Comanche Walls, Mitchell Elliott, Andrew Ciavarella, Mathew Cornwall, Chris Ryan.

ECHUCA 6.2 7.3 11.5 17.6.108

1.2 3.8

5.10

UNDER 18s RESULTS

Echuca 16.9.105 def Mansfield 1 3 9

BEST: ECHUCA: William Rohde, James Head, Darchi Clarke, Will Poulton, Noah Langborne. MANSFIELD: No best players have been selected.

LADDER: 1 Echuca 326.84 44 2 Kyabram 187.25 36 3 Shepp Swans 180.55 36 4 Shepparton 176.59 32 5 Mansfield 119.59 28 6 Mooroopna 124.95 20 7 Shepp Utd 88.12 20 8 Rochester 73a.57 16 9 Benalla 65.49 16 10 Seymour 46.70 8 11 Euroa 16.15 4 12 Tatura 0 0

EUROA golfers were pleased that the course re-opened for the July Monthly Medal sponsored by Drummond Golf. Heavy conditions and preferred lies were played.

Towners’ U18s dominate Stanhope

Under 18 Football TRAVELLING to Stanhope for a Sunday game Violet Town U18 footballers had high hopes to continue their reign of dominance and cement their spot at the top of the table.

With almost perfect conditions and an oval in pristine shape the boys were keen.

The VT boys’ dominance was made obvious early in the game with Stanhope struggling against the rocksolid defence with the likes of Darcy Pastuska winning the ground balls and Jye Dunn with a few strong intercept marks.

Through the middle the Towners were even stronger with Sam Cox seeming untouchable on the wing, Sam ‘the bull’ Leigh playing his bull like brand of footy collecting almost every tap from Flynn Weeks, Charlie Thompson and Will Smith who were all destroying it in the ruck.

Wil Smyth was also another utility on the other wing with numerous intercepts rebounding the ball forward.

The Towners’ forward line was winning the ball non stop although the conversion rate on goal was somewhat disappointing.

However, Zack Monahan and Tyler Green were both able to kick straight on goal, leading the way in Violet Town’s thumping 132 point win over Stanhope.

FINAL SCORE: Violet Town 18.24.132 defeated Stanhope 0.0.0

VT best: Jack Reed, Harry O’Meara, Jye Dunn, Charlie Hall, Darcy Pastuszka, Koby Ross

VT goals: Tyler Green 4, Zachariah Monahan 3, Charles Thompson 3, Talleigh McCabe 2, Sam Cox 2 Koby Ross, Jye Dunn, James

Hansen, Sam Leigh, Montell Macfarlane

Under 14 football VIOLET Town’s U14 footballers played second placed Dookie on the weekend.

The kids started off really slow, almost like they had all just got out of bed.

Apart from Larry and Braidon who were switched on from the first siren the kids let Dookie kick the first five goals of the game.

The second quarter was a lot more competitive with forward chances but no score on the board yet.

The third quarter brought about some changes: Koby going back to help out every reliable Braidon, Seth going into the ruck and the two young bucks in Basil and Billy getting their hands dirty in the middle.

The kids seem to work better this quarter and would take it into the last.

The last quarter seems to the best for the young kids and with some help from the Dookie players who topped our numbers up we managed to kick a few goals for the quarter.

Kailee, one of new recruits, worked hard up and down the wings while Jai, the Coopers and Mason put on the forward pressure to help result in some good play for the young Towners.

Plenty of more work to do for the last half of the year but so much improvement has been made already.

FINAL SCORE: Violet Town 3.2.20 lost to Dookie Utd 16.11.107

VT Awards: Cooper P, Seth Sheils and Larry Ball

VT Best: Cooper Pummeroy, Braiden Jones, JyeLoki Webb, Larry Ball, Sethan Shiels, Jason Hokianga

VT: Goals: Dex Mawson, Jason Hokianga, Sethen Shiels.

Seniors

Violet Town 3.4.22 lost to Stanhope 28.11.179

VT Best: Conor Daley, Sam Cox, Riley Dowell, Cameron Burden, Ryan Sutherland, James Herring

VT Goals: Tyler Green, Riley Kego, Gregre Hutton.

Reserves

Violet Town 5.1.31 lost to Stanhope 18.6.114

VT Best: Jacob Hogg, Rory Muldoon, Jay Fuller, Shannon Atkinson, Gregre Hut-

ton, Jesse Butterworth

VT Goals: Ross Cuthbert 2, Allan McCole, Jacob Hogg, Nathan Robinson,

VIOLET TOWN NETBALL

A Grade Stanhope 61 defeated Violet Town 42

VT Awards: Best – Kolby Wild, 2nd Best – Steph Hayes.

B Grade Violet Town 38 defeated

Stanhope 24

VT Awards: Best – Kayla Gracie, 2nd Best – Emma Warnock.

C Grade

Stanhope 70 defeated Violet Town 9

VT Awards: Best – Rachel Brown, 2nd Best – Maya Howe.

Under 15’s VIOLET Town’s U15 netballers didn’t start the way they would have liked to, finding it hard to get the ball into their attacking third.

This allowed Stanhope to have a good lead by quarter time.

In the next three quarters Violet Town picked up the defensive pressure and worked hard in attack to work the ball down to the shooters.

Violet Town was able to gain some momentum and was able to finish off the game with a strong second half, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.

VT Awards: Best – Issy Jones, 2nd Best – Scarlett Trotter.

Under 13’s

IN the first quarter Violet Town’s defence worked well and had strong pressure with hands over the ball, getting intercepts and one-onone pressure.

Aggy and Penny worked well on the ring to pass the ball into the goalers.

Macey had great space, bringing the ball down the court.

In the second quarter Abi pulled in some great rebounds, creating turnovers.

There were hands over each ball down the court putting pressure on Stanhope.

Maddi had some great intercepts and getting in front of her player.

In the third quarter Macey

moved well in WA to create space and great passes into the ring.

The whole team chased down loose balls to gain more possession, with great rebounding from attackers and defenders.

In the fourth quarter Towners began to make silly passes, rushing the ball and shooters struggled to move.

Defenders continued to keep pressure on the ball and get rebounds and intercepts.

Defensive pressure down the court was good and strong!

FINAL SCORE: Violet Town 8 defeated Stanhope 6 VT Awards: Best – Macey Kubeil, 2nd Best – Maddi Mace.

Under 11’s

IN the first quarter the Violet Town girls were thankful that Stanhope were able to offer a spare player for the first few minutes of the quarter.

There were a few great intercepts.

Defense worked hard and were focused and there were some strong goal leads.

Maddi had good strong passes.

The second quarter saw Stanhope start strong.

Sophie had great defensive pressure and Riley lead strongly for the centre passes.

In the third quarter Summer was chasing up every ball.

Valentine had great defensive pressure through the centre third.

In the final quarter the girls showed strong teamwork and great resilience also a great goal by Riley.

FINAL SCORE: Stanhope 22 defeated Violet Town 1 VT Awards: Best – Summer-Rose Shiels, 2nd Best –Riley Bamford.

NORTH East

Bushrangers

Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria. North East Bushrangers proudly supported

the

an

Basketball Victoria’s Mental Health Round in June.  As well as players donning Basketball Victoria’s orange socks,

club raised

addition $1,508  by selling Bushies Lifeline shirts and donating $5 per 3 point shot made for the round.

BATTLING IT OUT: Violet Town reserves continue to fight hard each week.

PHOTO: Dale MANN

Magpies down competitive Bears

EUROA FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB SENIOR FOOTBALL

By SCOTT WATSON

A COOL day of winter greeted all at Memorial Oval as the Magpies played host to the Shepparton Bears for their round 11 clash.

Some wonderful inclusions since the round ten win against Mooroopna by a solitary point gave the Euroa supporters much confidence.

Craig Bamford has been his ever-consistent self in the Reserves again this year and was rewarded with a senior berth – his first since 2019 and as the club senior games record holder he soon felt at home and slotted in very well throughout the afternoon – kicking a goal early on which was very well celebrated.

Young gun Will Creevey also came into the team with the unavailability of another young star in Darby Wilson.

Ryan Hill popped back to the under 18 team for the day with ruckman Andrew Smith and key swingman Jack McKernan both returning.

The midfield dominance for the afternoon was flagged right from the first bounce as Will Hayes and Jacob Gleeson set about moving the ball with great speed and accuracy – allowing forwards like Jett Trotter and Adam Giobbi the opportunity to lead up and take well contested marks.

Lachie Hill’s work-rate was exceptional as was Jack McKernan’s as both players moved up the ground providing options for their team-mates in the process.

Cohen Paul again showed all present what an exciting prospect he is as he capitalised brilliantly on the way in which the ball was being delivered into the forward line.

With the game well in hand for the Magpies in the latter part of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, this allowed greater flexibility by the coaching team as they looked to give a few players an opportunity to

play in various roles for the team.

Max Gleeson was reveling in another opportunity to play in the midfield while the experience of Jayden Gleeson on the wing allowed those learning the ‘trade’ – like Keily Jager and Will Creevey – to settle into their roles and execute them with increasing levels of confidence.

In the end the Magpies ran away the victors by seven goals as they now head into the split-round bye next weekend.

Their next challenge will be the Benalla Saints in Benalla on July 8 for round 12.

Euroa 14.9.93 defeated Bears 7.8.50

Best players: Will Hayes, Jacob Gleeson, Andrew Smith, Ryan Pendlebury, Jett Trotter, Max Gleeson

Goal kickers: Will Hayes (4), Jett Trotter (3), Cohen Paul (2), Andrew Smith (1), Keily Jager (1), Jacob Gleeson (1), Craig Bamford (1), Adam Giobbi (1).

RESERVE XVIII REPORT

By TONY BRODIE

THE Euroa reserves team

received an eye opener on Saturday.

Although we had a number of players unavailable, the thinking was that we could hold our own against the Shepp Bears reserves team.

This was not to be the case with the opposition team being quickly out of the blocks with a four-goal opening quarter, luckily we were able to crawl back two goals late in the first quarter to keep in touch.

The team was unable to control the opposition midfield who slowly continued to break away, winning at the centre bounce and at the stoppages around the ground.

This allowed the visitors to come away with a significant win at the final siren.

The Shepparton Bears team were led by a number of senior experienced players who controlled the game for their team.

This was a good learning curve for our Euroa side.

Although we had a number of players missing, the playing group for the day

were seemingly lacking in work ethic - not prepared to help each other which has been a strong point during the year.

The team was best served by Isaiah Trotter who worked hard in defence, Zac Gleeson who gave all his all while in his midfield role and when endeavoring to push forward into our forward line as always.

Heath Downie gave a solid contest in the ruck against the Shepparton ruck division.

We should take notice from the loss knowing we must give hundred percent effort.

With a bye coming up this week and hopefully a number of players coming back into the team we will be able to regroup going forward.

Euroa 4.5.29 were defeated by Bears 14.8.92.

Goal Kickers Euroa: Declan Redfern (1), James Ivill (1), Nic Burke (1), Nick McCabe (1)

Best Players: Zac Gleeson, Isaiah Trotter, James Ivill, Mitch Penman, Peter Cairns, Declan Redfern

Third XVIII report

By Angela Wolfenden

THE Magpies started with a depleted team due to injuries and some of their best players being called up for the seniors.

The Bears bench filled the gaps in the Euroa team.

Credit to the Bears fill in players, they never went easy on their own teammates.

First quarter ended Euroa 0.2.2 Bears 3.2.20.

Some weak sunshine appeared for the second quarter.

The Bears scored first, and the ball seemed to stay down that end for a time.

Magpies rallied towards the end of the quarter with Mitchell Walters giving it a real crack.

The quarter ended with a ripper goal from Blake Hepworth.

Euroa 1.2.8 Bears 8.4.52.

In the third quarter the Euroa boys lifted momentarily with a goal from Walter Jackson.

Ryan Hill and Mitchell Walters gave it a real crack, but the ball would not stay

down Euroa’s end.

Caid Miller played bravely for Euroa amid Shepparton’s tall forwards.

Euroa 4.5.29 Bears 11.5.71.

Final quarter, the Bears were like a well-oiled machine.

They moved the ball smoothly and confidently down the ground and got away from the Magpies on the scoreboard.

The Magpies put up a fight but failed to score.

Euroa4.5.29 Bears 16.10.106

Well done the Euroa boys Under 18s this week. Having a bit of a rough season but they all go hard and show some grit week after week. Thanks to all the people who contributed their time to make these days possible.

Euroa 4.5.29 defeated by Bears 16.10.106

Best players: Mitchell Walters, Ryan Hill, Ned Ivill, Walter Jackson, Kusuma Wolfenden, Dublin Anderson

Goal kickers: Tynan Cummins (1), Walter Jackson (1), Blake Hepworth (1), Mitchell Walters (1)

IN THE HUDDLE: The senior team receives their final instructions ahead of the final quarter.

CLOSING TACKLE: Ryan Hill shuts down his Shepparton opponent.

BUSY AFTERNOON: Lachie Hill played an important role in the Magpies win.

TAKE OFF: Andrew Smith launches at the football while teammates Marcus Varley, Ryan Pendlbury support at ground level.

PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

SeniorgamesrecordholderCraigBamfordawelcomeinclusionfortheEuroaMagpies gggp

Longwood hold off gallant Merrigum

By IAN SHINER

THE story of the day for the Redleg faithful was the breakthrough win of Longwood’s U15 netballers.

Not just a win, but by a comfortable margin with all girls contributing to the victory over a team five places higher on the ladder.

This is just a start to what will be a strong finish to the season.

The U17’s worked hard as a team in their game against a

top six opponent with the super competitive mid Holly Bender and determined defender Kady Francis-Smith leading the way.

No success for any of the adult netball sides although all players represented their club to their very best.

The consistent defender Reggie Davies was one to catch the eye with her efforts for the C grade team.

In the A grade netball two to stand out were Kristy Bennett in defence and mid

court star Ally Hendren.

All at the Longwood club wish a speedy recovery to Meg Pellegrino after her recent spell in hospital.

We will see you back at Redlegs stadium very soon.

The Redleg U14 footballers ventured to Murchison for their game against top of the ladder Murch green and acquitted themselves very well in a seven goals to four goal game.

Billy Wilson, Riley Nicholson, Coby McKiernan and

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION

17

Bogie Physio .................89

Murphy’s Motors ..........88

The Euroa Gazette .......87

Burtons ..........................85

Noel O’Meara ................85

Hunter Rural .................82

Thursday, July 6

Richmond vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) (N)

Friday, July 7

Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, July 8

Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles (G)

GWS GIANTS vs. Hawthorn (GS) (T)

St Kilda vs. Melbourne (MRVL) (N)

Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast SUNS (AO) (N)

Sunday, July 9

Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne (GMHBA)

Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows (MRVL)

Fremantle vs. Carlton (OS) (T)

TIPSTER: Noel O’Meara

Sydney

Collingwood

Brisbane

GWS

Melbourne

Port Adelaide

Geelong

Essendon

Carlton

Cooper Goodall each kicked a goal for the Reglegs.

Among the standouts for the Redlegs were Blake Carson, Jaz Wilson in defence on a much bigger opponent and one to make his voice heard was chief urger Ned Birrell.

The U18 footballers, bolstered by the inclusion of Riley Myers (2 goals) and the mobile Max Bicknell (1 goal), were extremely competitive against Murchison.

With Nathan Groom the dom-

inant big man on the ground and co-captain Harry Shiner working hard to give the forwards a supply of the ball the Leggers were up and about.

The reserve footballers were also super competitive in their match against the Merrigum Bulldogs booting seven goals for the day with co-captain Joel Gilder contributing two of them.

The ever consistent Zade Macleod (1 goal) Josh Ferguson and the other cocaptain Ben Grayham were

others to play well.

The senior fooballers withstood everything the Bulldogs had to offer in a fiercely contested game to finish strongly and prevail over Merrigum.

The three J. Formosa’s forward Dakota Pellegrino, George Chamouras and the big-hearted James Tunchon were the leading lights in a strong team effort.

This weekend, in round 11, will see the 18’s at Nagambie against the Lakers and the remainder of the club at Dookie.

NOEL G. O’MEARA & ASSOCIATES PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

2 Binney Street, Euroa Phone (03) 5795 2783

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 85

TIPSTER: Damien Murphy

Sydney

Collingwood

Brisbane

GWS

Melbourne

Port Adelaide

Geelong

Adelaide

Fremantle

Murphy’s Motors and Tyres

1 Tarcombe Street, Euroa

Ph: 5795 2702

www.murphymotors.repcoservice.net

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 88

SPORTS INJURY MANAGEMENT

Local footy clubs’ mixed fortunes in the KDFL

By NICK MCCABE

IT has been mixed results thus far for the four local football clubs competing in the Kyabram and District Football League this season.

Violet Town has had its challenges, and the fact the club has managed to field three teams on the park each week, despite the loss of a large number of players after last season, is a credit to all involved.

The undoubted highlight for the club’s year to date is the success of the Under 18’s team, which remains undefeated and a game clear a-top of the table, firming as premiership favourites.

The reserve side has failed to register a win, however, continue to battle each week.

In the seniors the ‘Towner’s’ have only registered the one victory which came against Gigarre, with the takeaway from the season being the kids who each week are gaining valuable senior experience.

At Redleg stadium, the tide has turned.

Prior to season 2023 Longwood’s senior football team went without winning for 1407 days which all changed in round three when the team triumphed against Undera.

Since this clash the ‘Leggers’ have gone on to win on a further three occasions whilst falling agonisingly short in a number of other matches.

With all this said, Longwood is positioned eighth on the ladder and whilst the possibility remains slight, there is still belief that it will feature in September.

In the other grades, the reserve team has registered the two victories whilst the Under 18’s albeit very competitive, remain winless.

Over at Avenel, after losing a preliminary final in 2022 the Swans’ senior side has fallen down the ladder to currently be in 10th position.

A highlight of Avenel’s three victories this season was a seven-point win against arch-rivals Longwood in round four.

The reserve team remains a competitive force in 2023 sitting fourth on the ladder with a record of seven wins, three losses.

At Nagambie some things never seem to change with the club yet again remaining a powerhouse of the competition.

In the Under 18’s the Lakers are second on the ladder having only lost to Violet Town, the reserves are sitting steady in fifth position, and the seniors once again are a top two team of the league holding second position behind Shepparton East by just percentage.

Their only loss was a surprise upset against Lancaster.

‘Pies build towards something special

By NICK MCCABE

COMING off a season where Euroa senior footballers fell just 12 points short of their first premiership since 1990, the goal for all involved, and the hope of all who support is that in 2023 the team can go one win better.

At the three-quarter point of the season, the Magpies are positioned fourth on the ladder with a record of eight wins and three losses.

The year couldn’t have started any better for Euroa with a six-point victory over Mansfield commencing proceedings followed then by an 89-point dismantling of Benalla in round two.

In round three Seymour held Euroa off and went away 36-point winners, bouncing back the

following week Euroa responded beating Shepparton United by 71 points and continuing their ascent up the ladder beating Shepparton Swans by 20-points in round five.

In similar fashion to Seymour in Round three, Kyabram came out 35-point winners when meeting Euroa in round six; again bouncing back the team travelled to Tatura winning by an even five goals.

The grand final rematch against Echuca took place in round eight and was arguably a clash the Magpies should have won, surrendering multiple chances and losing by just seven points.

However, this most recent loss has been described as a turning point in the side’s season.

Instantly post-match coach Scott Rowan

described the way in which the team played on this occasion as the best they had “connected as a group” this season, despite the loss.

This evaluation from Rowan has proven to be correct, with the team since winning three games in a row against Rochester, a finals-like encounter with Mooroopna where the team hit a season high tackle count number of 104, and most recently in round 11 downing the Shepparton Bears by 43-points.

Euroa has unveiled a number of young guns this season with five debutants (Ryan Hill, Jack Christie, Keily Jager, Darby Wilson and Cohen Paul) all forcing their way into the side at various points.

The recruitment of former AFL talent Will Hayes to the nest in 2023

has further strengthened the team’s midfield brigade being judged as a top-three player on the ground in all of his matches thus far and proving to be a bonafide star of the league who is right in contention of taking out the Morrison Medal.

The return of captain Jacob Gleeson who missed the back half of 2022 through injury has also bolstered the midfield stocks for Euroa, his innate ability to organise the team and lead from the front on display each week.

Ryan Pendlebury has stabilised the defensive 50 for the Magpies - his footy smarts and composure unparalleled.

Andrew Smith is enjoying another stellar season in the ruck, strengthening his credentials as the premier

ruckman in the Goulburn Valley.

In the last half of the season Euroa will find out where they sit in the league’s pecking order when they again come up against Seymour, Kyabram, Echuca and Mansfield before reaching finals.

With key personnel returning for these clashes through the likes of JD Hayes, Jack Hellier, Ben Giobbi, Jack Mckernan, Tristian Davies and Erish Uthayakumar, coach Rowan hopes his team can “hit September with some good form and momentum”.

But first the side must turn its attention to this weekend’s clash with Benalla where Rowan says the team will aim to “win the ball from the middle as their tall forwards will be very hard to stop”.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Jacob Gleeson kicks a goal in the Round 11 clash with Shepparton.

PHOTO: Raelee Jagger