Euroa Gazette 080524

More groups slam council’s proposed event fee hikes

MORE community and not-for-profit groups have slammed the new event charges proposed by Strathbogie Shire Council in its 2024/25 draft budget, which is open for consultation until May 24.

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

Organisers of the Longwood Beer Wine and Cider Festival and the Euroa Music Festival, and nonprofit group GoNagambie, have expressed strong opposition to the proposed charges, echoing concerns already raised by the Australian National Show

and Shine Euroa 2024 committee and the Euroa Farmers Market committee.

Some 25 new charges have been proposed for events on council land or using council assets.

The Longwood Beer Wine and Cider Festival has run annually for seven years and has brought up to 1000 attendees to

Longwood (according to the organisers).

It could be subject to a proposed new charge of $1980 including GST for a major event with more than 1000 patrons, plus an event application fee of $200 including GST and a site inspection fee of $220 including GST “if applicable”.

Organiser Ricki Shiner

said the festival is already struggling financially and the new charges could threaten its future.

“Our festival alone brings a thousand people into the area that are booking accommodation in Euroa, Nagambie and Avenel, and buying food down the street, buying fuel at the service station, having meals at the

pub – so many different knock-on effects that this thing has,” he said.

“Now we’ve really got to reconsider what we’re doing, if we can afford to do it.”

Mr Shiner said the event had already suffered in 2024 after council did not provide financial support because the event promotes alcohol.

■ Continued page 2

AVENEL Golf Club is extremely proud of their men’s pennant team following their fantastic win against Kilmore, bringing home a second pennant shield in three years.

More golf results on page 17

Viability of community-organised events could be threatened by proposed new charges

■ From front page

“To not get any council backing really financially hurt us this year… financially, our festival was nowhere near as successful as what it should have been,” he said.

“They [council] toe the line of, ‘Oh, it’s promoting alcohol’.

“It’s actually promoting local producers and it’s kidfriendly, it’s not promoting 18 to 25-year-olds to come and get pissed.”

He said the event also raises money for community initiatives.

“It’s no different for any other community group –they’re generating money, not for themselves, for the community,” he said.

Euroa Music Festival organiser Adam Palmer said he was disappointed to hear of the proposed new charges.

“It’s disappointing given how much pressure festivals are under in general and how hard it is to actually host them and put on a show – the costs keep going up,” he said.

“So, [to add more charges] seems counter-productive given the amount of people we get to the area for these events; they should be making it easier and less expensive, more than laying more fees onto us.”

Mr Palmer said he was considering placing the main stage at the 2024 Euroa Music Festival on council land at the north end of the Euroa Memorial Oval, near the Seven Creeks.

The major event charge of $1980 including GST, and about $400 of possible additional charges, would likely apply to this location.

“There’s always other [places for the festival’s main stage], but typically they’re out of town, so it takes the festival away from the shopkeepers and so on, whereas if we have it close to town, I think it helps a lot with trade, with the main street, the parks.

“If I take it off-site to a property 10, 15, 20 minutes away, you don’t get that.

“I just think it’s a bit short sighted for them [council] to be doing that.

“A not-for-profit like ourselves, trying to create activity and events in the shire, they should be paying us, not charging us.”

Sissy Hoskin, an executive officer at Nagambie’s chamber of commerce, GoNagambie, said the proposed charges could threaten the future of the annual Nagambie on Water (NOW) Festival, among other events.

FESTIVAL UNDER THREAT: Organiser Ricki Shiner said the Longwood Beer Wine and Cider Festival might not survive if subjected to council’s proposed new charges.

“The NOW Festival, we’ll have to pay another $1800 plus GST just to hold that festival, and it already struggles to be honest, and probably doesn’t even break even,” she said.

“It’s all run by volunteer groups, so $1800 [plus GST] on top of every other cost that we have, it will make it pretty difficult to keep holding the event.”

The event could also be

Where you can nominate:

Online: www.visiteuroa.org.au/business-awards or https://www.gonagambie.com.au/ Email: business.euroa@gmail.com or hello.gonagambie@gmail.com

Post: Go Nagambie, P.O. Box 71, Nagambie, 3608

Post: EUROA CHAMBER, P.O. Box 322, Euroa, 3666

subject to about $400 of additional fees.

Ms Hoskin said Nagambie’s community market could also struggle with paying a market fee of $486 annually, and Nagambie’s free New Years’ Eve fireworks event could also be subject to charges.

Of all the community group representatives contacted by this masthead, only the eagle-eyed Ms

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Hoskin said she noticed the proposed charges herself while flicking through the draft budget.

The other groups in this story only became aware when informed by this masthead.

None were directly informed by council, who also did not call attention to the proposed charges in the draft budget’s written introduction or in a media

release calling for feedback on the draft budget.

“I think it’s penny pinching, to be honest, like, ‘let’s find some money that we can collect’, and that’s okay, but do it honestly and tell people that’s what you’re doing, instead of finding it mixed in on page 46 of a document,” Ms Hoskin said.

“It’s pretty well hidden.”

A Strathbogie Shire Council spokesperson said “council values events and the many volunteers and community groups involved in them”.

“The proposed changes to event and hire charges aim to cover the full cost to ratepayers such as waste collection, cleaning and event permit administration,” the spokesperson said.

“Most events may be eligible for event funding or in-kind support through council’s annual event funding program as well as other external funding opportunities.

“Council encourages those groups who believe they will be affected to have their say and to put forward alternative recommendations and suggestions via a budget submission on our engagement platform Share Strathbogie by 5pm on Friday 24 May 2024.”

PROPOSED NEW HIRE CHARGES

Event Application Fee (small to medium) Permit 66.00

Event Application Fee (Large >1000 attendants or late application) Permit 198.00

Market on Council owned or managed land fee, up to 45 stalls Annual 75.35

Market on Council owned or managed land fee, more than 45 stalls Annual 486.20

Event and Site Inspection Fee - if applicable Per inspection 220.00

Major Event- exclusive use, entry fees, 1000+ patrons Full day 1,980.00

Minor Event - exclusive use, entry fees charged, less than 1000 patrons Full day 990.00

Council Hall Casual Booking FeeCommercial/Private Hourly 55.00

Council Hall Casual Booking Fee - Not for Profit Hourly 22.00

Council Hall Casual Booking FeeCommercial/Private Half Day (4 hours) 198.00

Council Hall Casual Booking Fee - Not for Profit Half Day (4 hours) 79.20

Council Hall Casual Booking FeeCommercial/Private Full Day (8 hours) 330.00

Council Hall Casual Booking Fee - Not for Profit Full Day (8 hours) 132.00

Recreation Reserve Pavilion Booking Fee -

Should Binney Street’s speed limit be lowered?

By DARREN CHAITMAN

THE Euroa Chamber of Commerce and Mawson’s Bakery owner David Mawson are supporting a call to consider lowering Binney Street’s speed limit, after an 86-year-old Ruffy man said he was almost hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing.

The man, Henry Noye, said late last month that the 40kph speed limit should be lowered after he experienced a “near miss”.

“I was crossing from the butcher’s side to go back to the bakery side and just as I was about to step out, I saw this car coming and I thought, ‘she’s travelling a bit quick’,” he said.

“Anyway, she stopped right on the line.

“I went up and I spoke to her and she was terribly upset.

“She was very sorry.

“This four-wheel-drive had hidden her view of me until I stepped out.

“But that 40kph is going to get someone killed.

“They’ve got to slow them down.

“They’re death traps.”

Mr Noye said lowering the speed limit would protect Euroa’s significant population of elderly people.

“I’m 86, you know, and if anyone that’s my age steps out, well they’ve got no bloody hope,” he said.

Mawson’s Bakery owner David Mawson said he thought lowering the speed limit was a good idea.

“I think it’s a good idea, I really do,” he said.

“It’s predominantly an older person’s town, as we all know.

“We should all have a bit of consideration for the older people.

“I just think it would be a lot safer.”

Euroa Chamber of Commerce president Steph Swift said the idea “might be worth investigating”.

“The streetscape has changed slightly, so with those developments within the street, it could

HENRY NOYE, AN 86-YEAR-OLD RUFFY MAN, SAID 40KPH IS TOO FAST AFTER “NEAR MISS”

traps” and the speed limit should be lowered.

be something they [council] could look into that would be of benefit.”

The pedestrian crossings were recently added during council’s Binney Street streetscape upgrades.

Responding to the suggestion of a lower speed limit on Binney Street, Strathbogie Shire

Council provided a statement attributed to outgoing CEO Julie Salomon.

“Whilst the issue of the speed limit along Binney Street has not been previously raised with council, we are conscious of safety in this main thoroughfare,” the statement said.

“Council will consult with the

Chamber of Commerce and the traders along Binney Street to gain a better understanding of the matter.

“Decreasing the speed limit was not raised as a matter of concern during the extensive consultation and development of the two stage Binney Street Streetscape upgrade.”

Eric Tame receives CFA life member award for 55 years of service

By DAVID HAMILTON

ON Sunday, the Strathbogie Fire Brigade celebrated with by issuing service awards to its members.

Commander Peter Dedman handed out 775 years’ worth of service awards to over 40 members of the Strathbogie fire brigade, culminating in the awarding of Eric Tame the 55-year CFA Life Member Award.

Eric earned his life member service award with his active service in the protection of the Strathbogie community and communities across Victoria and interstate.

His years included 10 years as captain of the Strathbogie brigade and 14 years in Euroa group officer roles.

Eric’s life in the CFA started as a 14-year-old in the conventional way of the time “come with me and jump on the truck”, then an open-roofed Chevrolet truck.

From beaters and 44-gallon drums on the back of utes, to dual cab trucks and helicopters, Eric has been with the brigade from a local unit to the CFA brigade it is today.

Congratulations Eric on an award truly earned and deserved.

Rainfall

(Euroa Township)

No rainfall was measured by the Bureau of Meteorology in the week ending 10am Monday, May 6 at Euroa (Castle Creek at Telford Bridge).

DEATH TRAP?: Pedestrian crossings were recently added to Binney Street during council’s streetscape upgrades. Henry Noye (pictured inset) believes the crossings are “death

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

April Council meeting

The following three policies were adopted at the April Council meeting:

• Open Data Policy

• Fair Access Policy

• Community Funding Policy

To view Council’s Plans, Policies, Procedures, Strategies and Reports visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Have your say!

The draft Budget, updated Council Plan, Pitch My Project, and Governance rules are available for public comment.

To view the draft documents and provide feedback people can:

• visit www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

• email us at info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

• write to us at PO Box 177, Euroa Vic 3666

• drop in to a survey station in their area:

–Euroa Library

–Violet Town Library

–Avenel Library

–Tablelands Community Centre

–Strathbogie General Store

–Longwood General Store and PO

–Nagambie Visitor Information Centre

Are you considering standing for Council?

Councillors are a crucial part of our democratic society and have an important part to play in serving and representing the interests of their community.

To support community members considering standing for Council, the Strathbogie Shire Council is offering Candidate Information Sessions through May 2024. For more information and to register for a session go to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Strathbogie Shire Business Awards!

You can nominate great local businesses for an award in:

• Service excellence

• Tourism excellence

• Employee recognition

• Excellence in agriculture

• Youth recognition/apprenticeship

• Small business

• Large business

Go to www.visiteuroa.org.au/businessawards or www.gonagambie.com.au

to find out how to nominate your favourite business.

Nomination close 13 May 2024

Update Nagambie-Locksley Road closure

Construction has already started on the realignment of the road and works are continuing around the bridge area. The concrete abutments have been casted and in the coming weeks we expect partial delivery of concrete precast planks for the bridge structure.

Local traffic will have access to Nagambie-Locksley Road from each end. Visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for more information.

Update Harry’s Creek Road

Works are being undertaken on the sink hole and traffic management is essential for the area and the workers – please drive to the regulated speed while construction is underway.

Volunteer Thank You Event

Council is holding a Thank You event for Shire volunteers at the Euroa Butter Factory on Tuesday 21 May at 12 noon.

Community groups are encouraged to nominate volunteers to attend however bookings are essential and can be made online or by phoning our Customer Service team on 03 5795 0000.

Work with us

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

Communications & Engagement Senior Advisor

• Part Time (0.8) opportunity

• Band 7 - $76,258.93 per annum

Applications close 9am, Monday 13 May 2024

Administration Support Officer

• Part Time (0.4), Temporary opportunity

• Band 4 - $32.52842 per hour

Applications close 9am, Tuesday 21 May 2024

Transfer Station Operator

• Casual opportunity

• Band 2 Special + Industry

- $44.96488 per hour

Applications close 9am, Tuesday 21 May 2024

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.

Open for tender

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie Shire Council: • Major Patching Program

(Contract Number 23/24-49)

Strathbogie Shire is seeking tender submissions from suitably experienced and qualified contractors to undertake the Major Patching Program. The full Project Scope is available online at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/tenders. Tenders received until 4pm (AEST) Thursday 9 May April 2024.

1800 065 993 www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire

STAND FOR COUNCIL 2024

Register now for upcoming Candidate Information Sessions www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Amber’s trip of a lifetime funded with Kokoda Trek Scholarship

AFTER hearing from several strong applicants across the region, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has announced the recipients of her Kokoda Trek Scholarship.

Euroa Secondary College’s Amber McNally will receive the Jack Dawson Kokoda Memorial Scholarship, while St Mary’s College student Chloe Butterworth has been named as the Kilmore Racing May Semple Kokoda Scholarship recipient.

The two year 11 students will both receive a scholarship of $6300 that will go towards a Kokoda Trek with “Adventure Kokoda” in the July school holidays (July 3-13).

Ms Cleeland said she was proud to support an initiative that would provide local students with a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Through this scholarship, two outstanding local students will now have the opportunity to trek the Kokoda Trail this year and walk in the footsteps of our local veterans,” Ms Cleeland said.

“During the trek, they will learn of the immense sacrifice made by our local war heroes, teaching them about the impact these people had towards protecting the lives and freedoms we relish today.

“I want to congratulate Chloe and Amber on receiving this scholarship, they are incredibly deserving recipients and I’m sure they will have the trip of a lifetime.”

Ms Cleeland said there were several worthy applicants for the scholarship, and thanked all the sponsors and everyone involved in the interview process for assisting with the difficult decision.

“Ensuring that our younger generations continue to learn and understand about our incredible history is so important and it was incredible to see so many young people eager to participate,” Ms Cleeland said.

“It was incredibly difficult limiting this opportunity to just two students as the quality of applicants were so high.

“Representatives from our local RSLs including Frank York (Euroa), Matt McLaughlin (Seymour), and Paul Hartland (Benalla) were all so generous with their time and ensured the recipients understood the importance of our military history.

“The Kokoda Scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of Kilmore Racing Club and the Seymour Club - I’d like to thank them for their generous contribution and commitment to our nation’s history.”

Kilmore Racing Club CEO Ben Murphy said he was proud to support the scholarship.

“Being able to support an initiative like this scholarship is something our racing club and board is very proud of,” Mr Murphy said.

“These students will now have an opportunity to learn about our wartime history by embarking on a once in a lifetime journey on the Kokoda Trail.

“I can’t wait to hear about their incredible experience.”

Avenel’s shopping bus project receives $4200 grant

AVENEL Active is one of 129 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia to share in nearly $1.4 million in grants through the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s “Strengthening Rural Communities” program.

FRRR received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s place portfolio lead, said there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on

funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.

Avenel Active received a grant of $4200 for its “Get Me to the Shops” Community Transport Project.

“Get Me to the Shops” is Avenel Active’s weekly community bus service between Avenel and the Seymour shopping centre.

Passengers are collected and dropped off at their homes and volunteers assist passengers with shopping if needed.

The bus runs every Thursday morning, 50 weeks of the year.

The return fare is $5 per person.

It is open to all residents.

Avenel Active has run the community bus for the past four years with support from Seymour Coaches, Strathbogie Shire Council and the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants.

Avenel Active said the project aims to reduce social isolation by supporting weekly volunteer-assisted bus shopping trips for residents who have restricted mobility or cannot drive.

The grant will be used to reimburse volunteers for personal fuel expenses and to train an additional volunteer bus driver.

KOKODA GRANT RECIPIENT: Euroa RSL member Frank York, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa Secondary College student Amber McNally and Euroa RSL president Phil Munt.

Memorial window for Castle Creek man in the spotlight

By DARREN CHAITMAN

A STAINED-GLASS window dedicated to Private John Charlton of Castle Creek is one of five memorial windows showcased in a new documentary, “Let the Light Shine: memorials in glass for military service from the Boer War to Afghanistan”.

Mr Charlton died in 1901 during the Boer War.

The window made in his memory was once a major feature of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Euroa, but in 1929 it was removed to make way for new additions to the church, and was stored under the church’s floorboards, “all but forgotten” until many years later, according to a booklet on the window’s history.

In the 2010s, a group of memorial window enthusiasts, with the help of local historian Jeff Starkey, rescued and rehabilitated the piece.

It is now a major display beneath Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, where it has lived since 2016.

filming of a new documentary, Let the Light

Dr Bronwyn Hughes, a historian featured in “Let the Light Shine”, told this masthead it is one of few Boer War memorial windows in Australia.

“This is one of about a dozen that I found during my research into Australian war memorials,” she said.

“So, it’s a pretty important window.

“I think its importance in putting it into the shrine has meant that it now represents not just Euroa and this one young trooper, but it became something that represented

everybody who went to the Boer War.

“It represents all those Victorians who fought in South Africa.”

Dr Hughes said stained glass windows were a way to commemorate lost loved ones.

“In days gone by, visiting the cemetery was a big deal – obviously, it isn’t so much these days,” she said.

“But I think that these men died far from home, and their families wanted them to be remembered, their parishes wanted them to be remembered, and their communities wanted them to be remembered.

“This was one way to do it.

“The window in a church was … an intimate occasion for people.

“It was really a measure of saying, ‘hey, we want, we want our relative, our colleague, our friend, remembered for what he did’.”

Jeff Starkey said Mr Charlton died of illness during the Boer War and it was grief that led his parents, Walter and Mary Charlton, to have

the window made.

“This was simply grief –the loss of a son,” he said.

“The other thing to understand is that family also lost two more sons in World War I.

“And the great tragedy with that family is that they essentially disappeared after the loss of those two sons.

“We’ve had a lot of trouble trying to find out what happened to that family after they’d lost those three sons, and we haven’t been actually able to find out where they went, where they lived.

“It’s a very sad story.”

According to a historical booklet, when news of Mr Charlton’s death reached his home, businesses in the Euroa district closed their doors for half a day as a mark of respect.

“Let the Light Shine” will premiere at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on May 14.

The 30-minute documentary is available to eligible organisations to screen at no charge.

Euroa RSL is in discussions with the filmmakers to organise a screening.

LET THE LIGHT SHINE: Historian Dr Bronwyn Hughes with the Charlton window during the

Shine.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTERS

General Advertising: 5795 3041 Ext 3

Editorial: 5795 3041 Ext 2 or editor@euroa-gazette.com.au www.euroagazette.com.au www.nemedia.com.au

NEWSPAPER DEADLINES:

Display ads - 3pm Thursday Classifieds - 3pm Monday

Sports results - 10am Monday

General news - 12 noon Friday Letters - 10am Monday

I’ve been around, Euroa’s the best

I HAVE lived in several country towns in my life, and I have found the one that has accepted me without wanting to know anything about my past is the one I now live in, Euroa.

What a great place to settle down in.

As time passes and new friends are made, most problems of the past are not forgotten but become a lot easier to handle.

I cherish the friends I have here – thanks.

Ted More, Euroa

Baddaginnie art show a success

WE had a great day at the Baddaginnie Jubilee Hall on Saturday, April 27.

This art and bric-a-brac show would not have been successful without the help of Ulrike Currie, John Van DePaverd and Megan Rybinski to prepare the show.

We would like to thank the contributors.

Ray Croxford with his red gum tables, Lorraine Armstrong with her beautiful patchwork and cards, Kay Harris’ much admired pressed metalwork, so unique.

And a variety of work from the Benalla Broker River Painters: Carol Perry’s watercolours and cards, Mike

Euroa: Euroa Newsagency

Violet Town: Violet Town Corner Store

Avenel: Avenel Newsagency

Benalla: Benalla Newsagency

Strathbogie: Strathbogie Store

Nagambie: Nagambie Newsagency

Longwood: Longwood Newsagency

Merton: Merton General Store

Seymour: Seymour Newsagency

Shepparton: Lovell’s Newsagency Wangaratta: Edgar’s Newsagency

O’Connor’s palette knife work, Susan Thompson’s abstract work, Anne Hutchinson’s beautifully painted chairs and Marion Wroe’s lovely collectables.

As well as Leon Pappas’ paintings, painted pots, cards and notebooks, and Helen Pappas’ bead and embroidery work.

We had some good sales and raised some funds for the hall.

We would like to thank all the visitors, The Euroa Gazette, Wangaratta Chronicle, Benalla Ensign, Shepparton News and Baddaginnie Community Inc.

Remember: No matter what you do, the more practice, the luckier you will get.

Leon and Helen Pappas, Baddaginnie

Hands off our hospitals

SIGNIFICANT cuts will be made to Victoria’s health system in the upcoming State Budget, with regional healthcare providers being particularly vulnerable due to the Labor Government’s irresponsible spending.

For too long, this government has exploited our regional health services as a cash cow to bolster its financial mismanagement of Melbourne projects.

We’re already seeing hospitals merging, queues of ambulances ramping in our hospital carparks, and our

emergency departments are bursting at the seams.

With hospitals continuing to amalgamate across the region, it will only be a matter of time before we start seeing service and staffing cuts.

Recent footage posted on Facebook by the Victorian Ambulance Union from the emergency departments at Albury Base Hospital, Goulburn Valley Health, and Bendigo Hospital have highlighted the severity of issues our regional ambulances and hospitals are facing.

This is a real-world consequence of Labor’s mismanagement of our health system.

Years of waste, mismanagement, and underinvestment in our health services under Labor have meant too many Victorians suffer tragic health outcomes.

Our hospitals need help now more than ever, yet instead we are seeing them put at risk of closure, cuts, and resources being removed.

Labor must keep their hands off our hospitals.

Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa

Be safe this National Road Safety Week

LET’S imagine that during this week (May 5-12), which is National Road Safety Week, there will be no lives lost on our roads.

RoadSafe Goulburn Valley would like to remind all that we can as individuals take some measures to ensure that we and our loved ones are safer on regional roads.

Let’s make that pledge to drive in a safe manner, devoid of distractions such as mobile phones, and I certainly will not put others in danger because of my risky behavior by speeding, driving while tired, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Road statistics indicate that approximately 70% of collisions will be locals on local roads. Is that complacency, lack of attention?

Could be many things.

We know our roads, but we shouldn’t take our eyes and minds away from the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner.

The other 30% appear to be from outside our region and therefore at greater risk because of the “unknown” of road conditions, environment, infrastructure in and around poor to very poor roads and intersections.

Wishing everyone a safe National Road Safety Week and please let’s make this the start to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads and that our first responders also have a break.

I have made that pledge – will you?

Bill Winters, executive officer, RoadSafe Gouburn Valley

Regional Australians left waiting for much-needed funds: Haines

TWO weeks before the Labor government hands down its third budget, regional communities are still waiting on funding promises announced in the government’s first budget in 2022.

Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has questioned the Federal Government’s delay in delivering funding to regional Australia, saying regional communities deserve better.

“The Government announced $1 billion across the Growing Regions Program and Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program in October 2022, but now 18 months later no money has actually been delivered to our communities,” Dr Haines said.

“I welcome due diligence and careful, fair consideration in the assessment of applications, but this process is taking too long. These funds are vital to deliver housing, health precincts and other infrastructure for regional Australia and we can’t keep endlessly waiting.

“The Labor Government is preparing to deliver its third budget on May 14, yet they have not delivered much needed funding for regional communities that they committed to in their first budget.”

The Growing Regions Program was established to provide new opportunities for regional local councils and not-for-profit organisations through an annual competitive grants process, while the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program was a new

FUNDS STILL NOT RECEIVED 18 MONTHS AFTER $1B ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER GROWING REGIONS PROGRAM

funding scheme for larger-scale place making projects that benefit regional communities.

“When I meet with organisations across Indi, and I hear they need funding for upgrades and developments that will help our communities thrive, I advise them to apply for these programs,” Dr Haines said.

“Applicants spend much time preparing their submissions and then are left waiting for many months to find out whether they have been successful.

“This creates uncertainty and is a handbrake on regional planning.

“Communities are feeling the pinch of a cost-of-living crisis

and a housing crisis.

“Investments from grants programs boost local economies and accelerate much needed infrastructure projects.”

Another grant program that is yet to deliver promised funding is the Housing Support Program.

A spokeswoman for the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, told North East Media the Federal Government was committed to developing communities, including by funding projects that create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth.

“Round one of the Growing Regions Program has a two-stage application process to ensure program integrity and transparency,” the spokeswoman said.

“Second stage applications under round one are currently being assessed in accordance with the program guidelines and probity requirements.

“Applications for the regional Precincts and Partnership Program are also being assessed in accordance with the program guidelines and probity requirements.

“Details of successful grant recipients will be published in due course.”

ARTBOX offerings in Strathbogie continue with Deborah Cavanagh

THE POPULAR EUROA ARTIST REFERS TO HER WORK AS “DEB’S PAINTING OF RANDOM LOCAL STUFF”

STRATHBOGIE

Shire

Council’s ARTBOX will showcase the works of Euroa artist Deborah Cavanagh in May, featuring her watercolour and acrylic paintings.

Deborah’s art is a celebration of life after 60.

During a three-year journey through northern and central Australia, Deborah immersed herself in her lifelong passion for drawing and painting.

Her aim was to capture the vibrancy of colour and light in the ever-shifting landscapes.

The exhibition will be held from Thursday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 28 at ARTBOX’s current location on the grounds of Strathbogie Memorial Hall, Strathbogie (29 Main Street).

In 2018, Deborah settled in Euroa, where she began to capture the seasonal transitions of Taungurung Country in the Victorian Highlands and Melbourne.

Her time in Euroa is dedicated to depicting local landscapes, birds, botanicals, and, by popular demand, various

livestock, including pets.

Deborah often humorously refers to her work as “Deb’s painting of random local stuff.”

After residing in tropical Australia for 30 years, Deborah embraces the challenge of portraying the dramatic seasonal shifts of southern Australia.

“The greens down here

are a challenge,” she said.

“Tropical greens are vastly different, and it’s been enjoyable trying to convey the striking changes throughout the numerous seasons.

“There’s really no need to venture far; everything unfolds right on my doorstep.”

ARTBOX is being brought to Strathbogie Shire with Creative Victoria grant funding.

Maintaining your independence is important to you. Yet some things aren’t so easy to manage anymore.

Whether you need assistance with the basics, like household chores or getting out and about, or require a higher level of care and support through a Home Care Package, Uniting AgeWell’s friendly and experienced local team can help. We provide services across the south and north east Hume region.

Contact us today for more information on how we can support you to live well with choice and peace of mind at home.

RAM PORTRAIT: Malachie the Ram, acrylic on canvas.

KELVIN VIEW: Kelvin View, Taungurung Country. PAINTINGS: Deborah Cavanagh

LEST WE FORGET.

Recently we’ve observed Anzac Day and the many young soldiers, who fought a doomed battle. Tragically, they sacrificed their lives, for our peace and freedom. Let’s never allow ‘freedom’ to be whittled away or taken for granted; realizing that it is being eroded and our culture need to be awake, not ‘woke’. Christians are likewise reminded in Scripture, that we fight spiritual battles daily (Ephes.6:12) against evil. Wars continues to be fought world over, in attempts to conquer and dominate other peoples and nations. If only we understood, that the Ultimate Fight, has already been won by God against wars evil architect, Satan. “For we fight from Victory not for victory….”

(Ephes. 6: 10-18) We choose the side we’re on. If not for God, we’re against; because the Lord is not appeased by lukewarm attitudes where love and loyalty are concerned. (Matt.12:30, Rev. 3: 15-16) Jesus, God in human form, defeated death on the cross, earning eternal Victory, through His willing sacrifice. We only need to surrender hearts thankfully and receive His free gift of grace and mercy. Yet, many haven’t humbled themselves to receive full forgiveness and avail themselves of His great abundance. (John 10:10). “Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits’. (Psalm 103:1-5) Our reward is inner peace on earth, becoming our best selves while we live, with His promise of eternal life. (Phil. 1:21)

The Great Commission (Matt.28:19-20,) is the command Jesus gave followers to share with all people, even though mocked, as Jesus and His disciples were. (Rom 10:14-15) Tell them: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life; He came not to condemn but to save the world”. (John 3:16-17)

Trusting Christ means followers can be confidently courageous ‘solders’ even unto death, also as the first disciples did. Such was their faith, and ours should be, knowing Jesus defeated death through His own and His resurrection to life is promised to believers. Christ has gone to prepare our heavenly home, (John 14:2-3) leaving the expectation of glorious reunions someday. Although everyone is invited to this ‘wedding banquet’, many haven’t accepted and received Christs’ offer (Rom.10:9): Gods’ Grace isn’t cheap: believing without receiving doesn’t suffice, nor comes it by default. Not personally accepting, is rejecting Him. There’s no neutral attitude regarding God: ‘you’re either for or against Me’…as with any close relationships. (Matt.12:30) Scripture says, it’s foolish to trust in our own minds before Gods. (Prov.28:26) More than ever we observe, His moral laws are being discarded along with former faith and nations are suffering the consequences. We forfeit our best future; lest we forget who willingly laid down His life for His friends over 2000 years ago. We’re living in the latter days, as we recognize ‘the time of the signs’. (Matt.24) Thankfully the Lords’ Plan remains unchanged (Luke 19:10, Jer.29:11), ‘…. to seek and save the lost and provide blessed assurance today and always.. ‘.

Euroa Baptist Church

(you-tubes; ”Heaven Changes Everything” by Big Daddy Weave, “Gotta Serve Someone” by Bob Dylan, “Goodness of God” by Jenn Johnson, “Hymn_ “Onward Christian Soldier”)

Rope barriers on Hume neglected: Cleeland

MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised concerns over neglected wire rope safety barriers along the Hume Highway.

Ms Cleeland posed questions to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety during parliament, asking how regularly these barriers were being maintained after hearing concerns from several constituents.

“I’ve had constituents from Broadford to Benalla let me know about wire rope barriers left lying on the ground of the Hume for months on end,” Ms Cleeland said.

“These barriers are in place to keep motorists safe, yet they are being neglected at great risk to our communities.

“With the number of lives lost on regional roads seeing a sharp increase in the past year, it is imperative that this Government does not drop its standards when it comes to road maintenance and safety.

According to the VicRoads Road Management Plan, missing or broken safety barriers on major regional roads should be assessed within 30 days, to either repair them or set up a warning.

Ms Cleeland said the lack of care in replacing or repairing the barriers is symptomatic of the Labor Government’s neglect of the regional road network.

MP says collapsed freeway barriers left unfixed for months y p y

“The Allan Labor Government has diverted money away from our regional communities and are ignoring critical responsibilities like the condition of our roads,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Their sole focus seems to be on unnecessary Melbourne projects that continue to face out of control cost blowouts.

“Labor has cut the road maintenance budget by 45 per cent since 2020, including a 25 per cent cut in last year’s budget.

The Department of Transport previously has not responded to a query from this masthead regarding broken wire rope barriers.

“In addition to cuts to the road maintenance budget, PAEC evidence revealed that Labor also cut $230 million from road safety programs in the last year.”

LAPSED BARRIER: A collapsed wire barrier on the Hume Freeway near the Euroa Main Road exit.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

“Euroa Hospital” or “Euroa Community Hospital”?

GV HEALTH WILL TAKE OVER EUROA’S HOSPITAL SERVICES ON JULY

1 UNDER A NEW NAME L ME

GV HEALTH’S partial takeover of Euroa Health is set for July 1 and will see the creation of a yet-to-benamed GV Health Euroa campus.

GV Health is now calling on the public to vote on two options for the name of its Euroa campus:

• Euroa Hospital; or

• Euroa Community Hospital.

According to GV Health, a recently formed Euroa Interim Community Reference Group, comprising community representatives who are also members of Euroa Health, proposed the two options.

The options have been endorsed by the GV Health board.

the final step in a process to address declining revenues that threatened the viability of Euroa Health’s hospital services.

A steering committee convened in mid-2023 had arrived at the proposal after Euroa Health chair Linsey Siede and past CEO Cherree Hunter campaigned in 2022 for the hospital to receive government funding.

The committee was comprised of representatives from Euroa Health and GV Health, with further nonvoting representatives from the Department of Health, KPMG and communications agency Six O’Clock Advisory.

Community members are invited to nominate their preferred option and provide any other feedback through an online form or in person at the Euroa Health reception at Weir Street, Euroa.

with the community and the region, and in recognising the long history of the hospital here in Euroa,” GV Health CEO Matt Sharp said.

“We understand the significance of a name in retaining a strong connection

“Maintaining this identity is very important and we are seeking to ensure this continues into the future.

“As we continue to evolve and expand our services, we recognise the importance of involving the community in the decision-making processes.”

In March, the State Government approved a proposal to transition Euroa

Health’s hospital services to GV Health, a publicly funded healthcare provider.

The State Government also announced an investment of $5.5 million to upgrade the hospital and assist the implementation process.

Government approval was

NAMING FEEDBACK FOR GV HEALTH’S

Some 116 Euroa Health members unanimously voted in favour of the proposal in February, after it was endorsed by the boards of Euroa Health and GV Health. Euroa Health’s other services, including the GraniteHill aged care facility, will continue to be operated by Euroa Health, a communityowned entity.

To vote online for your preferred name for GV Health’s Euroa campus, visit: forms.office.com/r/ vEkvyXwdJ1

ACUTE CARE SERVICES CAMPUS AT EUROA

From 1 July 2024, Euroa Health’s acute care services, including hospital-based, urgent care and medical imaging, will transition to GV Health. The Granite Hill Aged Care facility and other community services will continue to be delivered by Euroa Health.

The Euroa Integration Community Reference Group has proposed two name options for the GV Health Euroa Acute Care Services Campus. Now we’re asking the community to nominate their preferred option and provide any other feedback before GV Health makes the final decision later in May 2024. The feedback period closes Wednesday 15 May. To provide your feedback online, please scan the QR code and complete the short survey.

For any feedback or questions about the transition, please contact GV Health gvhealth.org.au/about/feedback/

4. Your postcode:

NAME CHANGE: GV Health is calling on the public to vote on two options for the name of its Euroa campus: Euroa Hospital, or Euroa Community Hospital. PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Church Services

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Thursday 9th May

Holy Eucharist the Ascension of Our Lord

7pm St Paul’s Euroa

Saturday 11th May

Holy Eucharist

12.30pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday 12th May

Holy Eucharist

9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

Wednesday 15th May

Holy Eucharist

10am St Paul’s Euroa Enq: 5704 0330 www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday May 12th, 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 May 12th

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 Vigil Mass

6pm St. John’s Church Euroa

Sunday Mass

8.30am St Patrick’s Longwood

10.30am St Attracta’s Violet Town

Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048 For Baptisms and weddings please contact Fr Tony or the Parish Office

UNITING CHURCH

St Andrew’s, Euroa

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

Everyone Welcome

Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103

Judi Ward 0437 686 072

St Andrew’s, Strathbogie Service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am All Welcome

Enq: Joan Wood 5795 1175

St Andrew’s Violet Town

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am All welcome

Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866

EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Old School House, Clifton St Euroa

Every Sunday Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests.

10am service

Enquiries: Aaron 0493 101 663

 THE BAND: Euroa Secondary College Concert Band members were brilliant as always.

 YOUNG MUSICIAN: Year seven student Jethro Dolphin cleverly demonstrates timing in music.

 BATTLE MASTER: Ruby Gillies ably demonstrates the game of Battleships in maths.

Euroa Secondary College welcomes 140 guests for annual Discovery Night

By LYNNDA HEARD

EUROA Secondary College recently held its annual Discovery Night welcoming over 140 parents, guardians and their children for an evening of exploration and connection.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to experience what a day at the college feels like, to ask questions, and to meet current students and teachers.

The night started with a sausage sizzle, accompanied by the lively tunes of the Euroa Secondary College Concert Band.

After a warm welcome from acting principal Anna Eddy, as well as year seven students Ruby Gillies and Jethro Dolphin, groups or visitors were led by enthusiastic student guides through a series of activities and demonstrations, each designed to showcase the creativity and knowledge of Euroa’s Secondary College students.

The evening was a great success, filled with excitement and learning.

There was a noticeable sense of pride on the faces of the students, who had worked hard to make this night a memorable experience for everyone.

The visitors left feeling impressed and inspired by the school’s vibrant community and its commitment to education.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event, including the dedicated students and teachers.

An especially big thank you to the families and community members who joined us to discover more about Euroa Secondary College and the wealth of opportunities it offers to the young people in our region.

HOT DOG CREW: Teachers Anna Eddy, Ryan Trembath and Teagan Kohn made sure every guest had a sausage in bread.

ENGLISH CLASS: Ruby Parish (year seven) takes a lesson in English with her group of visitors.

THE ART OF CONSTRUCTION: Year seven students Lara Saxon, Lilly Brennan and Ruby-Rose Doolan demonstrate to their visitors the art of construction in technology. PHOTOS: Lynnda Heard

Euroa Health to purchase virtual reality program for training

FEDERAL Member for Indi

Helen Haines has announced 20 volunteer groups in Indi have been awarded a share of $66,225 in grants funding.

All applicants were assessed by a panel of community leaders and the successful applications were recommended to the government for funding.

Each successful group received a personal phone call from Dr Haines to

share the good news.

Euroa Health received $2,044 to support volunteers to undertake Dementia Australia training.

According to Dr Haines, Euroa Health will use the funding to purchase a training program named Enabling EDIE.

Dementia Australia describe the program as “an

immersive virtual-reality workshop that enables participants to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia”.

The federal Volunteer Grants program delivers grants of $1000 to $5000 to support grassroots community groups to increase participation and accessibility of volunteering.

“There are so many extraordinary volunteers across Indi who work tirelessly to make their communities safe, vibrant and fun places to live,” Dr Haines said.

“These grants will go a long way in assisting volunteers to continue their vital work in supporting our communities.”

Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare, Benalla Aviation

Museum and Men’s Shed, and Bonnie Doon Community Group will each use their funding to purchase first aid training for volunteers.

Beechworth Wildlife Shelter will purchase essential protective equipment to ensure volunteer safety, and fuel vouchers to support volunteer continuity where fuel costs would otherwise

hinder participation.

Cudgewa Football Netball Club will fund volunteers to undertake food handling training, while Wangaratta Woodworkers will purchase a new safety stop contractors saw that will prevent finger injuries.

Euroa Health was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.

NAGAMBIE NOTES

with Di Grant

P: 5794 1720

E: stardust2011@bigpond.com

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: Set your goals, aim high. No one can do it but you.

PERSONALS: Birthday greetings go this week to Emily Verhardt, Emily Luff, Charley Cubbin, Brad Bruce, Louis Perry, Katherine Bruce, Kevin Chittenden, Janice Betson, Chris Ball, Rebecca Sidebottom and Terry White.

Anniversary wishes go to Sharon and Michael Kleinig and Lyn and Len Tanner.

LAST TWO MONTHS: Two months to go until I retire after 40 years of writing for local rags. But who is counting?

I must say that I believe the success of a country newspaper is its local content.

I have been fortunate over many years to have got to know many people in the communities I have lived in and have always been thankful they allowed me to write about them or their family, school, group, church, sports club and so on.

A local paper representative like I have been requires you to be trusted, respected and interested in the person, group or subject you are planning to write about or photograph.

Showing a personal interest in my community has always been a major factor to my coverage of my local folk or events.

It has been a privilege and an honour to be able to be part of many people’s lives for four decades.

THANKS TO DONORS: Thanks is extended to Jill Branagan for making some metal donor tags for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose garden roses. They look good and will preserve the donors names for years to come.

Thanks also to Peter Branagan for the excellent chart of the Royalty of England and a frame for it.

I have had the chart laminated and hope to donate it to a local group soon.

NAGAMBIE MEN’S SHED NEWS: The Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed guys have been kept busy doing some maintenance tasks for locals and collecting aluminum cans to clean up the town.

They raise much needed funds from this can collection and also from their regular barbecues, like the one at the NOW Festival, and usually once a month in the warmer months at the local community market.

They are asking members of the public if anyone would like to help them out by removing the yucca plants in their small front garden border, so they can utilise the space in another way.

If anyone is interested they can contact the members on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8.30am at the Men’s Shed in Filson Street, and arrange the lifting and collection of the plants.

For information about the Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed contact president Don McKay on 5796 2250 or Larry King on 0477 485 109.

MOTHERS DAY MORNING MELODIES:

Tuesday, May 14. Kelvin Grove Village. “Morning Melodies” with singer Noel Pearson from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Dancing, singing, raffle, lucky door prizes and fun.

Please bring along a plate of morning tea to share.

Contact Di Grant on 5794 1720.

NAGAMBIE MECHANICS INSTITUTE TRIVIA NIGHT: The 2024 fundraiser for the hall’s ongoing renovations is the second edition of its trivia night to be held on May 25 at the Nagambie Mechanics Institute.

Book your table for eight.

If you would like to contribute, be a sponsor, donate some gifts for the silent auction, contact Cathy Lawrence on the trivia night organising committee on 0477 685 761 or gythac@icloud.com or Jacky 0459 545 486.

North-East man guilty of animal cruelty recorded in “disturbing” videos

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to a 12-month Community Correction Order and ordered to complete 160 hours of community work after admitting to animal cruelty offences he filmed involving his pet dogs mauling and killing animals at his property near Myrtleford on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2023.

At Wodonga Magistrates’ Court last week, the man pleaded guilty to six charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, including three of ag-

gravated cruelty, for deliberately allowing and encouraging his four dogs to fight with or fatally attack a wombat, a sambar deer, two kangaroos, and two cats.

He also admitted to a seventh charge related to the illegal possession of eastern grey kangaroo remains, an offence under the Wildlife Act 1975.

Presiding Magistrate Watkins described video evidence of the man’s offending as “confronting and disturbing” and stated that “a civilised society does not al-

low or tolerate” animal cruelty.

The man was also ordered to pay $686.57 in legal costs.

The result follows an investigation by the Conservation Regulator after receiving information and images from RSPCA Victoria relating to allegations of wildlife cruelty.

The footage showed different animals being attacked by up to four hunting dogs at a time and the man failing to intervene, and he can be heard in several videos actively encouraging the dogs

to fight, shouting phrases such as “get him” and “rough him up”. The recordings also showed one of the kangaroo attacks being committed in front of his young daughter, and the man is heard saying that they were “smashing roos” together.

Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said: “The Conservation Regulator takes all allegations of wildlife crime extremely seriously and we will continue to work with other authorities to investigate and prosecute these acts.”

By JOAN OSBOURNE

ON Thursday, May 2, many Third Age Club members and also other Euroa residents had a delightful coach trip with Alistair at the wheel for a very smooth trip to Yarrawonga to join the paddle steamer Cumberooma for a cruise of Lake Mulwala.

Some took advantage of a drink before a delicious lunch of chicken and salad which was enjoyed by all.

The weather was perfect and all enjoyed the cruise over to the

NSW side and admired some of the beautiful homes on the waterfront.

On returning to Yarrawonga a very happy group boarded the coach for a comfortable trip home.

A huge thank you to Pam, Lyn and Kaye for organising such a lovely day.

Also thanks to those who volunteered to sell raffle tickets for the Mothers Day Raffle at the back of Burtons.

The raffle will be drawn at

Jimmy Davidson’s free Mothers Day Concert on Sunday, May 12 at the Third Age Club. There will be raffle tickets on sale for the hampers and other prizes and Devonshire Tea will be available.

Change of date: the May lunch will be held at the Euroa Hotel on Thursday, May 16 at 12pm.

The cost will be $18.50 for a two course meal and all members and seniors are welcome to attend.

Please book your place by

calling Pam Vaughan on 0400 593773 by Tuesday, May 14.

On Thursday, June 20 there will be a soup, roll and movie afternoon at the club commencing at 12pm.

The cost will be $5 per head and will cover home-made soup, a bread roll with a movie to be chosen.

For further information on any of the above please contact the President Pam Vaughan on 0400 593 773.

THE MURPHYS: Barry and Maggie Murphy.

FRIENDS: Rosalie and Maurice Wrest, Anita Kubeil and Annie Sutcliffe.

WE’RE ON A BOAT: Murray and Delma Broughton with Beth Alston.

EXCURSION: Katherine Stevens, Kaye Todd, Pauline Naylor and Pam Case.

Mother’s

Nationwide survey reveals most popular Mother’s Day gifts

AUSTRALIANS are set to spend $995 million on Mother’s Day this year – up $70 million, or 7.5 percent from 2023 –with flowers, alcohol, or an experience topping the gifts, research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan reveals.

Despite the increased spend, 400,000 fewer people are set to buy Mother’s Day gifts this year – highlighting the impact of the cost-of-living crunch.

The higher overall spend is due to a higher spend per person of $102 (up from $92 in 2023), reflecting inflationary driven price increases and indicating those who are less affected

MOTHER’S DAY

POEM

Mother O’ Mine

By RUDYARD KIPLING (1865 –1936)

If I were hanged on the highest hill,

by cost-of-living pressures are spending more.

The most popular gifts are tipped to be:

*Flowers: mentioned by 41pc of respondents (up from 27pc in 2023).

*Alcohol/food: mentioned by 17pc of respondents (down from 29pc in 2023).

*An experience (trip away, dinner out): mentioned by 16pc of respondents (up from 5pc in 2023).

*Clothing/shoes/ sleepwear: mentioned by 10pc of respondents (broadly the same as 2023).

Continuing the trend in recent years, about a fifth (19pc) of people who purchase a present will be gifting somebody other than their birth mother.

Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

I know whose love would follow me still,

Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

If I were drowned in the deepest sea, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

I know whose tears would come down to me,

Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

If I were damned of body and soul,

I know whose prayers would make me whole,

Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

This includes their partner, friend, mother-inlaw, grandmother, sister and daughter.

About 20pc of Australians will celebrate the occasion with a meal at a café or restaurant, while 35pc percent of Aussies will spoil mum with a feast at home.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said retailer promotions have already begun, with florists set to be the biggest beneficiaries.

“With Mother’s Day just under four weeks away, most Australians are ready to generously spend to show appreciation for their mothers, despite ongoing financial pressures,” he said.

“Whilst the overall spend

MOTHER’S DAY MARKET IN AVENEL:

Avenel Community Market is on this Mothers Day. The market features fresh produce and great giftware made with love by local artisans. Wander around the park under the beautiful trees which are all in their autumn glory. Food vans will be serving delicious food. The market is at Jubilee Park, Avenel, from 9am to 1pm on Sunday, May 12.

Mother’s Day scam alert for shoppers

THE State Government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious when buying gifts this Mother’s Day, with data showing May is a peak month for scams.

Minister for Consumer

A

ffairs Gabrielle Williams urged Victorians to be on the lookout for scams when shopping in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day on May 12, particularly when purchasing gifts online.

Data from the Commonwealth Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre shows that May was the second-highest month for scams in 2023, with over 25,000 complaints nationally and $53.2 million reported lost to scammers.

Only January, with $53.3

million in reported losses, was worse.

Online shopping scams and fake websites designed to look legitimate are of particular concern for Mother’s Day, as scammed consumers pay for goods that never arrive.

Scammers posing as sellers often produce fake advertisements offering nonexistent products for low prices. These fake ads are then posted on genuine websites, online classifieds and online auction sites.

Other scammers hijack reputable sellers’ advertisements, business details, logos and seller feedback profiles to trick consumers.

Scammers often request that buyers transfer the money

through a money wiring service, and they may also use fake money payment services and escrow websites that look real.

Some scammers also pose as buyers, tricking sellers into sending goods even though no money is paid.

These scammers pretend to pay too much, then ask the seller to pay the difference back to them.

They use fake emails confirming overpayment from what appears to be a reputable company offering money transfer or payment services.

Consumers can find information and advice on how to avoid scams and what to do if they are scammed on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website at consumer.vic.gov.au.

is higher this year, less Australians will be buying gifts – which shows us how cost-of-living pressures and high interest rates are disproportionately affecting families.

“With flowers rising to the top of the gift list this year, it’s clear that celebrations will have a soft and sentimental theme, after what has been a tough year for many households.

“While the cost of living might deter personal indulgences, people remain eager to treat their loved ones.

“Champagne and chocolates remain a popular choice with family gatherings and dinners also popular, benefiting the food and hospitality sectors.”

FLOWERS, FOOD AND EXPERIENCES TIPPED AS TOP PREZZIES AHEAD OF MAY 12

Food and

be top gifts this Mother’s Day, even though the

less popular than it was in 2023.

expected

is

CHOCCIES STILL POPULAR:

alcohol are

to

option

12pc

PHOTO: Cottonbro, Pexels

COUNCIL SHARES PROPOSAL FOR 13.9KM LONG TRAIL NETWORK AT BALMATTUM RESERVE

Have your say on plan for Balmattum Hill mountain bike trails

STRATHBOGIE Shire Coun-

cil is embarking on a project to develop a mountain bike trail network in Euroa with a survey seeking input about potential use and facilities closing soon.

The survey is part of the development of a feasibility study, in collaboration with consulting and engineering company, Stantec.

The proposal is for a 13.9km

long trail network at Balmattum Reserve, that complements the natural landscape, caters to a variety of rider ages and abilities, and showcases our natural assets.

To ensure the trail network design aligns with preferences and interests of users, and accurately estimates the impact of the project on the community and economy, council is conducting an online survey.

The five to 10-minute survey aims to gauge interest and gather feedback from residents, avid mountain bikers, outdoor enthusiasts and others.

At the end of this survey, Stantec will prepare a comprehensive business case to support the funding plan for this project.

CounciI is encouraging all members of the community, visitors, and interested groups

to share their feedback to shape the future of mountain biking in our region.

To view the draft Mountain Bike Trail Network, supporting documents and complete the online survey visit: https://share. strathbogie.vic.gov.au/balmattum-hill-bike-trail.

The survey closes for feedback at 5pm on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

By EUROA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COUNCIL elections will take place across Victoria on October 26.

For the Strathbogie Local Government Area, this presents an opportunity to return from a council currently under administration to locally elected councillors representing the interests of our community.

Following recommendations from the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel and Ministerial approval, the system of ward representation will now be replaced by an undivided electoral structure.

The number of councillors representing the electorate will remain at seven.

For further information on the Electoral Structure Review and detailed information for potential council candidates, visit the Strathbogie Shire Council website: https:// www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/council/2024local-government-election/candidates.

Go Nagambie, Euroa Chamber of Commerce and Avenel Active are local community organisations that support the restoration of effective local government within the Strathbogie Shire and are collectively encouraging passionate and strategicallyminded community members to represent our LGA in the forthcoming council election.

The three community organisations are partnering in coordinating a facilitated discussion forum to explore the opportunities and challenges facing our region and how members of our community can contribute by representing the interests of our electorate over the next council term of four years.

Community members across the Strathbogie Shire are warmly invited to attend.

The evening will be facilitated by experienced public affairs communications manager Ian Coutts and current Greater Shepparton City Council mayor Shane Sali providing valuable insights on councillor roles and responsibilities.

There will also be an opportunity for community members to join the conversation.

TRAIL MAP: The total Mountain Bike Trail network proposed is 13.9km. The details of the network are presented on this map below. The map, and more details of the proposed trail, can be found on council’s online platform, Share Strathbogie.

HARRISON, Douglas William.

Passed away on April 30, 2024 at Euroa Hospital. Aged 91 years.

Dearly loved husband of Betty (dec) and partner to Shirley.

Much loved father of Jeanette and Maureen and father-in-law of Michael.

Adored Pa of Alex, Kate, Matthew, Jacinta and Patrick.

Loving Great-Pa to Hudson and Kelsey.

A caring and wonderful man, loved and remembered always. Rest in peace.

HARRISON, Doug.

Loving and caring partner of Shirley McKay.

Doug you were an amazing man, always loving, thoughtful and kind, what beautiful memories you leave behind. You will be missed by us all.

~ Shirley, Heather and Laury, Sue and Pat, Col and Cathy, Andrew and Jen, and families.

A true Gentleman.

SHALLARD, Joan.

Passed away peacefully at Granite Hill on April 18, 2024. Aged 89 years.

Loved step-mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to Bernie and his family.

Buried at a private ceremony at her request.

Thanks for the care shown since her illness by the doctors and all the staff at Granite Hill.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Douglas William Harrison will be held at the Euroa Lawn Cemetery, Faithfuls Creek Road, Euroa on Friday, May 10, 2024 commencing at 1pm. This will be followed by a memorial service at the Euroa Uniting Church, Kennedy Street, Euroa commencing at 2pm. Family and friends are respectively invited to attend.

N J Todd Funeral Directors

Member AFDA

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

Damien Feehan

Justin Feehan

EMAIL

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666

SWING DANCE CLASSES IN EUROA

First class is free!

You’ll be dancing before you know it...

When: Wed, May 22 7.30pm - 9pm for 6 weeks

Where: Euroa Uniting Church Hall

Enquiries:

Ray omas – 0467 951 559.

2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER, reg (UDQ911), auto, ST diesel, 7 seater, 180,000km, cruise control, 1 owner, VGC, extras rear park camera, $8000 ono. Call Robin 0412 485 113.

HONDA Accord Euro sedan 2005, red, auto, one owner, regularly serviced, runs well, reg (TNC309), no RWC, straight, 466,686km, Whitfield, $2200 ono. Ph 0447 526 403.

4.6 Fibre Glass boat/trailer, 70hp Yamaha, very little use, all safety gear, new seats, awning, paint and gel coat, t otally refur bished, new transom, GPS, Sounder, $10,500. Ph 0407 161 665.

HARRISON

Players soak up fine autumn weather

WINTER TENNIS COMPETITION

By RHONDA CARPENTER

PLAYERS enjoyed sunny mild conditions for their round 3 matches in Euroa, Benalla, Terip and Mansfield last Monday week.

Four teams gladly included players shared from other teams for their matches to go ahead.

In Mansfield Wappan and Delatite welcomed Deb Mims for her return after two years out from the

SCOREBOARD

By RICHARD JOHNSON

THE May monthly medals sponsored by Drummond Golf were contested by 47 players in beautiful autumn conditions.

Club president Gail Allen produced a sensational round with 8013 Net 67 to win the Ladies’ Monthly Medal, A grade scratch, lease puts and also collecting a nearest the pin along the way.

Surprisingly it is only Gail’s second ever monthly medal, which is remarkable given her consistently good scores.

The Men’s Monthly Medal was taken out by Mark “Plugger” Corridin shooting a one under 71 – 1 Net 70 to be a clear A grade medalist.

Judy McLean also had an exciting day which included an eagle 2 on the par 4, 4th hole when she knocked in her second shot from 150 metres out, Judy also had an excellent round to be in second place with a Net 70. In division two with the ladies event, Robyn Anthony was the winner, while Melissa Eddy also carded a 72.

In the men’s event, John Gilliland had his second consecutive win in division two with a net 73.

Other good scores balls down the line went to Mick Prorock on 74, Paul Jones, Don Bubeck, Frank O’Conner, Ash Pedder and Sam Mills on all 74.

Earlier in the week in the Men’s Wednesday Stableford competition the scoring was not so good, but Don Bubeck was the best of the field with 35 points, Ross Wishart 34, and Frank O’Conner 33.

All of the swindles rolled over to next week.

Thursday saw Euroa host the Ladies Tournament which was well patronised by 48 players from 11 different clubs throughout the district, the visitors enjoyed the local conditions taking out all of the trophies for the day.

In the Castle Creek teams event with seven rounds now played there is only one point separating the leading two teams of Diamonds in the Rough and the Smoking Tees who improved their position by picking up a bonus point on the weekend.

Wednesday this week will see the playing of the Greenkeeper’s Revenge event which will see some pins in pretty tricky places and there may even be a few unexpected

game and Deb McCormack for her first match of the season.

Delatite included Wappan’s Di Bergelin for the match allowing five players to enjoy the day Karyn Fraser and Lorettta Armitage fought hard in their opener, Karyn and Deb were determined in their final set, producing some fine ball striking, but ultimately going down 6-8.

Wappan’s Liza Karras, Jenny Bell, Rhonda Carpenter, and Jenny

obstacles strategically placed around the course.

Saturday, May 11 is a par event, the Lewis Family Knockout qualifying rounds.

The finals of the Dalhousie District Pennant events were played on the Strathbogie course on Sunday.

In the Men’s Scratch Event Euroa came up against Alexandra which had only lost one match throughout the season although Euroa were feeling confident given that they had beaten Alexandra, however, the Euroa team came away disappointed going down one and half to three and a half in close matches.

While the team was disappointed not to add another pennant to their collection, the club is proud of the results of this team who have represented the Euroa club with distinction for many years.

With beautiful autumn weather prevailing there was plenty of social golf played over the weekend in splendid autumn conditions.

NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB

By DAVID LOVE

THE amazing autumn weather just keeps coming with the Nagambie golfers treated to another day of superb conditions, the sun shone for the entire round while a solid south wind crossed the course making scoring challenging.

Daniel Hall stepped up to claim the May monthly medal with a near complete round of 89-22-67, a clear winner by three shots but it could have been more had there not been a couple of nervous closing holes but a great score from his current handicap.

Runner up was the resurgent Tiim Baldwin finding his game at the right time of year 82-12-70 - another good one to generate confidence with big events coming soon.

Third place went to the new steady golfer Shaun Bryant having put his wild days of up and down emotions behind him an 81-10-71 a good result for the calm one.

The nearest the pin prizes went to Andrew Biggs with a well flighted shot into the 8th, our days winner

Daniel Hall producing the goods on the 13th and Jim Doyle coming up with a belter into the stiff head wind on the 16th. Next week’s golf will be a stableford event with D. Love on office duty and J. Lodding in the bar, also the Finnigan four ball calcutta

Smith, in her first hit out for the season, all found their range together, finding better ball placement and strong baseline groundstrokes. Wappan won 6/48 to Delatite 0/18.

Over in Terip, Frances Lawrence, Bec Lyttle, Phoebe McDermid brought in Moglonemby’s Marlene Hanrahan for their match and put in a strong performance together against Creigton’s Creek. The visitors, Faye Mollison, Sue

will be held in the clubhouse after next week’s presentation from 2.30 pm please come along and enjoy the afternoon.

NAGAMBIE WOMEN’S GOLF

By KAREN THOMPSON

Thursday, May 2 - There were 16 players and the winner was Wayne Le Cerf in a 3 way C/B with 19pts. N/P on the 13th was Glen Evans and on the 16th Shaun Bryant. May 1 - There were 11 players for a Stableford round.

The winner of A and B grades and the winner of the Seymour Club voucher was a very happy Kylie Carmichael with an impressive 42pts.

The C grade winner was Marg Harrison with 30 pts. The 9-hole winner was Ronda Richards with 19pts on a C/B from Kylie and Annette Mills. 18-hole balls down the line went to Kylie 42pts and Annette 37pts. 9-hole balls down the line went to Ronda, Kylie and Annette all with 19pts.

N/P on the 3rd was Carol Wallis and on the 16th Marg Harrison.

April 24 - We only had 7 players for a round of Par. The Winner of A ,B & C Grades was Annette Mills with -2. Annette was Olson the winner of the Seymour Club voucher.

The 9-hole winner was Jane Bow with +2 on a C/B from Annette.

18-hole balls down the lane went to Annette -2 and Jane -3. 9-hole balls down the line went to Jane +2 and Annette +2.

Irene Keogh managed N/P on the 13th.

Thursday 9-hole on April 25There were only 10 players and the winner was Terry Lowis with + 1. There were no N/P winners.

STRATHBOGIE GOLF CLUB

By KRISTEN WEATHERALD

ON a lovely sunny autumn Saturday, May 4 afternoon we played stroke and the first round of the Gary Hewlett Medley Trophy.

Winner of the day was Ria Pearce she was on fire with a great score of net 68.

Going on holiday must have improved her golf.

Line balls were won by Nathan Macaulay with a net 70, Shae Van Der Schoor with a net 71, Kerry Hewlett with a net 72 and Graeme Carnegie with a net 73.

Vaughan, and Ros Doxey, brought in Moglonemby’s Robyn Johnson for the match and battled hard, losing a tiebreak set and a set 6-8 but Terip took every set to record their first win of the season. Terip 6/48 to Creighton’s Creek 0/20.

In Benalla Kate Campbell, Claire Sharp, Maureen Jewell, and Deb Siggers were convincing winners over Mansfield. Mansfield’s Michelle Pigdon, Sophie Yencken and Clare Beecham included Benalla’s

Nearest the pin winners are Grant Pearce on the 15th and Ria Pearce on the 17th.

Drive and pitch for the men was won by Phil Fry.

Drive and pitch for the ladies was won by Kristen Moore.

The straightest drive was won by Fran Kearney.

Putting was won by Mick Dixey with 11 putts on the first nine he played.

Next week will be playing stableford and the second round of the Gary Hewlett Medley and John Moore is on duty.

A great weekend of golf was held at the club we had 80 players on Sunday playing pennant finals.

It was great to see so many people at the course supporting their teams - congratulations to all the winners.

Thanks goes to the ladies in the kitchen, the ladies in the bar and all the helpers that mowed the course and cleaned it up over the last few weeks.

AVENEL GOLF CLUB

By LYN CARRACHER

AVENEL Golf Club is extremely proud of their Men’s Pennant team following their fantastic win against Kilmore, to bring home a second pennant shield in three years.

Proudly led by captain Jed Smith, the team of Dale Smith, Campbell Smith, Mark Hannigan and Tim Batten defeated Kilmore 3 games to 2, with 2 games going down the 19th hole.

Mark Hannigan was the first to get the score on the board, returning to the winner’s circle with a great 4 and 3 win.

Tim Batten was 2 down with 2 to play but rallied to win the last two holes to force his match down the 19th.

Unfortunately, his chipping, which had been great all day, abandoned him when he needed it most and he lost his match 1 down.

The Prez, Dale Smith, didn’t have the best day, and was dormie 4 down when he rolled in a great putt on the 15th to keep his match alive. He had to give a shot on the next hole which proved too much and he went down 4 & 2.

Young gun Campbell Smith, continued on his merry way with another outstanding 3 & 1 win against a much older opponent.

Wendy Maxwell in the team. Benalla won 6/48 to Mansfield 0/10. Euroa’s Lyndall Bigland, Julie Harrington, Di Ellis, Ruth Nolan, and Mary Dewis fought a tough

Seven Creeks 2/31.

Ladder: Benalla 27, Euroa 17, Wappan 16, Terip 15, Creighton’s Creek 15, Seven Creeks 13, Moglonemby 10, Mansfield 7, Delatite 0.

Campbell has proved himself to be a champion in the making and showed experience beyond his years not only in this match, but throughout the pennant season.

His only loss was last week when he lost 1 down.

Fantastic effort Campbell.

At 2 games all, it was up to captain Jed to secure the win.

He was 1 up heading up the 16th hole but an errant tee shot set up an awkward 2nd shot from the rough. He struck the ball well, but slightly offline and it hit a tree and got caught up in the bark about 10 feet off the ground, which meant he had to take a penalty and ultimately lost the hole.

Squares on the last two holes took the match down the 19th and from all accounts it wasn’t plain sailing.

Jed sprayed his drive onto the adjoining hole and had to play a punch shot through the trees.

He found the green and 2 putted for the win, giving Avenel the overall win.

Congratulations team Avenel and special mention to Lindsay Smith who also played for the team.

Last Saturday 13 Men played a stroke round off the white tees and some fantastic scores were recorded.

Dave Fullager and Campbell Smith had a day out, both players carding 67 nett but Dave was the winner by virtue of a countback.

Campbell was runner-up and line balls went to Mark Hannigan, Dale Smith and Matt Eddy.

NTP’s were won by Shane Black on the 5th, Dale Smith on the 14th and Jed won the 8th and 18th. Dale also won D & P to the 17th while Bill Eddy won a ball for the least putts. The birdie ball was unclaimed.

A big thank you to Avenel’s Imperial Hotel for providing this week’s raffle prize of a $50 voucher, which was won by Jed Smith.

Unfortunately, due to various reasons, we didn’t have any ladies playing on Saturday, however, congrats to Lyn Carracher who had a win at Euroa’s Ladies Tournament on Thursday.

A reminder to Members to return Mother’s Day Raffle tickets, money and something for the prize hamper to Marlene by this Saturday as it will be drawn after golf.

This Saturday will be a par round, so come along and enjoy the course.

Good golfing to everyone.

TERIP: (L to R) Phoebe McDermid, Marlene Hanrahan, Frances Lawrence and Bec Lyttle enjoyed the sunshine on the Strathbogie plateau. PHOTO: Sue Vaughan

DELATITE: (L to R) Deb Mims, Deb McCormack, Karyn Fraser, and Loretta Armitage: PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

TEAMS TOGETHER: (L to R) Rhonda Carpenter, Loretta Armitage, Liza Karras, Karyn Fraser, Di Bergelin, Deb McCormack, Jenny Bell, and Jenny Smith by Deb Mims.

match against Seven Creek’s Rosie Cameron, Rowena Ellis, Kerry Hewlett, and Jill Hayes. Euroa won 4/40 to

EUROA GOLF CLUB

Tom Breen’s 100-year-old premiership medal donated to LNFC

By LONGWOOD FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

THE Breen family recently gave Tom Breen’s 100-year-old 1924 premiership medal to the Longwood Football Netball Club.

We recently celebrated our centenary of the 1924 Premiership won in the Euroa & District Football Association.

On that day the Mighty Redlegs came up against the Euroa Imperials.

The scores read: Longwood 9.14.68 defeated Euroa 6.6.42.

Tom Breen’s grandson, John Breen, spoke at the recent celebration.

“Thomas and May Breen who lived their whole lives in Longwood,” he said.

“And we are here because it is 100 years since Thomas or Tom or Grandad was a member of the Longwood football team that won the 1924 premiership in the North East District Football Association.

“Here I have this Longwood premiership medal that was presented to Tom Breen in 1924.

“Now that it is 100 years old, I believe it should come back to the community where it originated.

“I am pleased to see the great work being done by Ricki and his team here at LFNC.

“Having the medal on show here will provide a historical reminder of a different time but also evidence of the longevity of sporting clubs and the benefits they bring to commu-

UNDER 16s

By KEVIN BOTT

ON a weather perfect afternoon, the Euroa Under 16s took to the Memorial oval for their last grading game of 2024 against the Yea Tigers. Unfortunately, due to a number of withdrawals the Yea team were down to only 12 and the young Magpies stood up and rotated four players per quarter to allow a 16 a side game to take place.

Right from the outset Euroa showed that they were keen for their first win of the season with Addy Godsmark breaking away from the first centre bounce to spot up Ollie Wilson for the first goal within the opening minute of the game.

With quick rotations through the midfield the order of the day, the ruck combination of Ollie Roberston and Aaron Van Den Berghe were able to provide good service to the midfield brigade of Campbell Baker, Ben Creevey, Darby Hoare, and Bryce Ashcroft

Having established field position dominance via the on-ball team, forwards Archie Wilson, Jack Walters and Jai McMillan were able to go to work and put a big break on the opposition by the end of the first quarter.

After swapping a few players to represent the Tigers at the first change the home team were able to maintain their efforts and continued to look composed all over the ground with Jackson Walker and Haimi Wolfenden showing they were up to the challenge of covering some of the better players who were now playing for the opposition. Across the backline Sam Mills, Jake Quinn and Cale Robertson were showing the team their commitment to the cause with some good defensive play.

In the final half, with the match very much in their keeping, the

THE GRANDSON: Tom Breen’s grandson, John Breen, spoke at a recent celebration of 100 years since the Redlegs’ 1924 premiership win. INSET: THE MEDALLION: The Breen family recently gave Tom Breen’s 100-year-old 1924 premiership medal to the Longwood Football Netball Club.

nities such as Longwood.

“But the Breen dynasty is not all about grandad, it is also important on this occasion to recognise May Breen our gran who was also an important member of the Longwood community.

“She had a long term involvement in the local school Mother’s Club where all five of her children attended.

“She was also a 50 year member of the local Red Cross.

“To help others remember Tom and May Breen we have made available a medal in their name to be awarded each year to the person at the club, who best personifies the ‘Essence of Longwood’, just as Tom and May did throughout their lives.

“I take great pleasure on behalf of the Breen family to hand over to Rick the 100-year-old old 1924 premiership medal and the brand new 2024 Breeny medal.”

Girgarre pips Redlegs netballers in close contest

By LONGWOOD FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

NETBALL

C RESERVES

THE Redlegs girls came out firing, the ladies played a great first half with their goals going in with ease.

The defensive end was also holding strong keeping Girgarre to 14 goals as half time approached.

The second half the team took the foot off the pedal to let themselves down by dropping their heads after some tough calls not going our way.

The team played a great game but unfortunately we didn’t come away with a the win, we went down by four goals, 34-38.

Best on: Kathy.

Coaches: Lee.

UNDER 10s FOOTBALL

THE under 10s lads took to the field on Saturday against a full Mooroopna side at Redlegs stadium and the turn out was exceptional once again.

We were able to keep Mooroopna to minimal scoring shots in the first quarter with the second being pretty similar.

Young Archie ripped it up in the middle showing us what he can do, taking some good marks and moving the ball quickly when under pressure.

The boys are starting to implement things we work on at training and we are starting to see results.

Great team effort but the three awards went to Archie, Charlie D and Jax.

Euroa’s under 16s comfortably tame the Yea Tigers

UNDER 10s: Euroa’s under 10s put on a great performance in front of the home crowd after hosting the Kyabram Bombers.

Magpies experimented with a few positional moves allowing players to experience different roles within the team.

Corey Cooper, Blade Johns and Joel Hamill displayed some good forward craft whilst under 14 players Ryder McLure and Blake Trotter along with second gamer Isaac King showed very promising signs of things to come in their young footballing careers.

In what was, in the end, a comfortable first victory for season 2024, the better players in an even team effort were Campbell Baker, Jake Quinn, Archie Wilson, Addy Godsmark, Jack Walters and Jai McMillan.

This week is a general bye before the competition splits into two divisions for the remainder of the season.

UNDER 10s

By JASON WILLIAMSON

THE Euroa under 10 Magpies hosted the Kyabram Bombers on Saturday in their first home game for the season at Memorial Oval.

Like last week the young Magpies were playing against a team that also had an under 9 side meaning

Kyabram consisted of majority of top age players.

Euroa had six top age players in their 18 players this week so they knew the competition would be tough.

The bigger sized opponents did not deter the young Mapgies with their willingness to get in and win the hardball ball impressing the large local contingent watching on the side lines.

The first quarter was a good battle with Kyabram starting well and having the upper hand by quarter time but the signs were there that Euroa were not going to roll over and would fight back.

Euroa continued to fight through the second and third quarters with Bailey Nunn getting a lot of the ball and playing his best game so far for Euroa.

Billy Harper and Ted Jacotine are another two players growing in confidence each week and both boys were getting amongst the packs to contest for the ball and looking to handball it out to teammates.

The game really ramped up in the third quarter and again Euroa’s players continued to not let the bigger opponents deter them from compet-

ing for the ball with some great tackling and strong attack on the ball.

Ollie Schwartzkopff, also having one of his best games, took down Kyabram’s biggest player with a great tackle and was rewarded with a free kick for holding the ball.

Unfortunately, the Kyabram player fell on Ollie and injured his leg with Ollie having to sit out the rest of the game.

Another player who was not worried about the much larger opponents was Euroa’s smallest player, Chayse Norman-Linke, who got in and under the larger opponent’s feet and at one stage left them all in his wake as he took off towards Euroa’s goal.

Unfortunately Chayse forgot to bounce the ball.

Chayse registered his most amount of touches in a game.

There were some great passages of play by the young Magpies who were linking up by hand and foot and looked very dangerous when moving the ball quickly.

Jasper Dunning, who looks at home in the forward line, was on the end of many of these passages of play and got a few opportunities on goal.

Euroa’s never give up attitude and willingness to chase and put pressure on the opposition was shown when Cody O’Bree ran about a third of the ground to tackle a Kyabram player and be awarded with a free kick for holding the ball.

Euroa fought back and evened the contest up during the last quarter with Logan Schwartzkopff, like his brother, having his best game and getting some valuable touches.

With the contest being tight it was imperative that Euroa’s backline held their nerve and stayed on their opponent with Angus Brown showing the way by staying on his opponent the whole quarter and minimising his opponent’s impact.

The game was a hard-fought affair and a very close contest that was played in great spirits by both teams.

The Euroa boys put on a great performance in front of the home crowd.

UNDER 12s

By CHRIS MACDERMID

EUROA under 12s played against Kyabram at memorial oval on Saturday.

Both sides fielded full sides which made for a great contest .

Isla Moore coming onto the ground and within 30 seconds had kicked Euroa’s first goal.

Other contributors were the Macdermid boys with Jock kicking two and Jim one.

With plenty of ball being shared around with Levi Berry, Jager Saxon and Shelby Bourke getting a lot of possessions.

Final score Euroa 4.6.30 Kyabram 0.4.4 .

This weekend all grades have a general bye for Mothers Day, so spoil your mum, rest up and look forward to seeing everyone the following weekend.

Shepp East no match for Violet Town’s ever-strong under 18s

SENIORS

VIOLET Town on home turf expected a fierce challenge from Merrigum but assumed they would match that.

However, the Bulldogs jumped the home side and never looked backed, smashing the towners by over 100 points.

No real highlights except for the inspirational game by the skipper Ryan Jennings.

Two goals by the captain and throw in a couple of speckies Jennings was simply outstanding.

Bo McCarthy was also great with 33 touches and a heap of tackles which gave him honours just behind the captain.

Ryan Lloyd Williams en-

joying his best year was also fantastic against a flood of forward entries, Mitch Saunders tried hard, but it was basically a bad day at the office.

My volunteer of the week goes to Annie Quaine, she sort of does everything in town, this week she volunteered to help out in the canteen, six hours later this brilliant lady was still there.

Take a bow Annie, the club loves you.

Merrigum 19.25.139 defeated Violet Town 5.6.36

Best: R Jennings, R LloydWilliams, B McCarthy, F Weekes, M Saunders, R Johnson

Goals: R.Jennings 2, K

Dunn 1, A Moleta 1, C Fallon 1 .

RESERVES

A SLOW start proved costly for the twos, with poor discipline in the first quarter hurting badly with Merrigum able to capitalise on having an extra man to take a 20-point lead into the first break.

After this the game was pretty even most of the day with the lead at most heading out to 28 points, but the Towners just couldn’t manage to peg back from the first quarter deficit.

Merrigum 9.9.63 defeated Violet Town 6.5.41

Best: T Thomson, A Symes-

Robinson, S Atkinson, I Handy, K Hudson, B keys

Goals: C Atkinson 2, W Smith 1, N Robinson 1, J Hynes 1, A McCole 1

UNDER 18S

Violet Town 15.16.106 defeated Shepparton East 7.2.44

UNDER 15s

PLAYING back at home, against the same opposition as last week with the focus on teamwork.

Within the first 30 seconds they had goaled, following a ruck tap from Angus Richardson directly into the path of Lincoln Woolley who

burst through the centre, kicking into attack for Koby Ross to score.

Defensive pressure was great, with Undera struggling to get the ball past the line centre with the limited opportunities they had.

The coaches messages were clear at each change, pick up your players when they are kicking out from goal, don’t stop after your first effort, ensure you also have second and third efforts, keep the talk up on the ground and most importantly, kick to the player in the best position and not just to the best player.

All of these resulted in the best team performance so

far this season, with a ‘team first’ mentality of respecting the opposition, respecting teammates and getting the whole team involved.

This was evidenced by 11 goal scorers on the day and a couple of big bags for Ryder Robertson and Koby Ross.

Violet Town 29.16.190 defeated Undera 0.0.0

Best Players: Ryder Robertson, Kai Dervish, Billy Dyer, Luke Welsh, Nate Nicholas and Koby Ross.

Goal kickers: Ryder Robertson 10, Koby Ross 7, Billy Dyer 3, Parker Jeffrey 2, Nate Nicolas, Angus Richardson, Luke Welsh, Mason Butterworth, Kobi Fruend, Kai Dervish, Lincoln Woolley 1.

THE FOX: Reserves player Jarrod Fox on the move.

FREE KICK: Seniors player Ryan Jennings in the spotlight.

BALL-KICKER: Seniors player Bowen McCarthy gets one past Merrigum.

FLOAT ON: Remarkably flexible seniors player Hayden Floate sent the ball floating high above.

PASTUSZKA FIGHTS ON: Under 18s player Darcy Pastuszka faced a determined tackler.

TOP OF THE PACK: Seniors player Riley Kego rises above his opponents.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

NIFTY KICK: Violet Town under 18s player Sam Leigh outfoxed a Shepp East struggler.

Towners’ A graders, under 15s hold fort against strong Merrigum sides

A GRADE

WHILE still having areas that need work, A Grade are improving week by week and continued their winning form on Saturday

All players stood tall and held their own against some fierce opposition.

Kolby Wild nailed many intercepts in the backline, earning herself a best on court, along with Jo Wild, who applied strong pressure through the centre.

Violet Town 49 defeated Merrigum 33

B GRADE

TAKING on second placed Merrigum was always going to be a challenge and it took our B Grade a while to settle in, but after a few changes at half time they really triumphed over Merrigum, even winning the last quarter.

The girls are growing in confidence every week and the close losses will soon be

turning into victories.

Teagan Kubeil and Ash Antonis played very strongly and received the awards.

Merrigum 42 defeated Violet Town 36

C GRADE

DON’T let the end score fool you, Violet Town fought hard in this game and showed their best performance to date, even leading the game by three goals at one stage.

The Towners had worked hard on their defensive pressure at training, and it showed with numerous turnovers allowing more scoring opportunities than they’ve had to date.

Unfortunately, the team tired in the second half and at time struggled with feeding into the ring and converting goals and Merrigum were able to storm away in the final quarter for a well deserved win.

There were some very pos-

ROUND RESULTS:

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 semiprofessional Big V competition.  Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

itive signs from the Towners and with more work on attacking combinations and improved fitness, the girls are on the right track.

Awards went to Rachel Brown and Makaila Gilbee who implemented every defensive technique they had worked on at training and had a huge impact on the game.

Merrigum 47 defeated Violet Town 26

C RESERVE GRADE

IT was a similar story in C Reserve with Violet Town applying strong pressure throughout the game and holding Merrigum to account, being just three goals down early in the third quarter before Merrigum got away from them.

Mikayla Cole and Nicole Butterworth are worked well in goals together, nearly doubling the team’s previous highest score.

The midcourt was led by

U14 Boys 1 27 def by Broadmeadows 1 59

(Top Scorers: S. Oguche 7, N. Atukorala 5, C. Hueston 4)

U14 Boys 2 46 def Craigieburn 2 35

(Top Scorers: C. Keatch 14, U, Saxton 11, J. Kynnersley 8)

U14 Girls 1 31 def   Broadmeadows 1 28

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 15, E. O’Neill 5, M. Hanley 4, 9)

U14 Girls 2 14 def by Melbourne 5 29

(Top Scorers: H.DeKoeyer 4, Q. Saltmarsh 3, L. Nedelkovski 3)

U16 Boys 1 59 def  Frankston 2 37

(Top Scorers: S. Kain 14, C. Clark 13, E. Ockenden 10)

U16 Boys 2 43 def Diamond Valley 5 30

(Top Scorers: H. Spierings 8, H. Kain 8, J. Kelly 8)

U16 Boys 3 43 def by Melton 2 44

(Top Scorers: A. Richardson 12, I. Lacey 12, C. Hart 11)

U16 Girls 1 21 def by Camberwell 2 32

(Top Scorers: E. Napier 8, L.Wright 4, L. Purss 3)

U16 Girls 2 45 def Westgate 1 35

(Top Scorers: E. Gray 21, M. Watson 9, P. Male 5)

U18 Boys  55 def Warrandyte 2 51

(Top Scorers: A. Button 15, R. Hamilton 13, J. Walker 10)

Bianca Robins and Mikaela Dunn who worked well together getting some strong passes down court and into the goalers.

There was good communication and leading the play from Bianca, and her and Erin Dawson were the loudest voices on court as usual.

Ellex Best, in her comeback game, gelled well with the rest of the team, coming straight in and playing strongly with a standout quarter in centre.

C Res are staring to form a strong team and showing some real promise that will have us be competitive in the weeks to come.

Awards went to Nicole Butterworth and Ellex Best.

Merrigum 51 defeated Violet Town 32

UNDER 17s

IT was a strong start from both sides going goal for goal.

Merrigum came out of the first quarter break the better of the two teams and started to gain some momentum and force Violet Town to make some errors in attack.

This forced Violet Town to make some changes at half time, but Violet Town couldn’t stop Merrigum’s pressure and Violet Town continued to make errors in attack which resulted in Merrigum pushing the margin out.

In the final quarter the Violet Town worked hard until the end but unfortunately the damage had been done.

Awards went to Emily Buitenhuis and Ash Antonis.

Merrigum 56 defeated Violet Town 19

UNDER 15s

SATURDAY brought Violet Town and Merrigum together to battle it out on the court in four impressive quarters from both sides.

The Towners started

strong, dominating with five quick goals.

Izzy, Abi, Lilliana and Elliotte applied great pressure in the centre throughout the game. Their ability to create space, lead and secure ball possessions was fantastic to watch.

Ella and Issy worked fluidly together in the ring, showing Merrigum’s defence they were in control.

Defensively, Matilda and Georgia stood tall and strong, working brilliantly as a team, ultimately hindering their opponents attempts at goal.

Violet Town really put into practice the skills they have been refining in their training sessions.

They fought hard and tirelessly to celebrate a muchdeserved win – amazing effort girls.

Awards went to Matilda, Ella and Lilliana.

Violet Town 49 defeated Merrigum 31

GOING FOR IT: B grade player Katrina Jung goes for a goal.

SURVEYING THE TERRITORY: C grade player Kellie McGill gets the lay of the land before a pass.

PASSING IT: C grade player Misty Bamblett left her opponents mistyeyed with this pass.

KLOOT CONCENTRATES: C grade player Alexis Kloot focuses as she takes aim.

AWARD-WINNING ASH: B grade player Ashlea Antonis played very strongly and received an award.

SHEPPARTON NETBALL ASSOCIATION

EUROA UNDER 15

By CAROLINE KEENAN

A STRONG first term saw the Euroa Black side keep within striking distance of the SCC Lions White outfit and trail by only one goal at the first break.

Immy Baker (C) worked hard in the middle to drive the ball forward to the reliable attacking duo of Zahara Johns (GA) and Grace McKellar (GS).

Heidi Taresch produced some impressive passages of play from the wing (WD) and produced a number of intercepts.

The wheels fell off in the second quarter when the Lions dominated play and capitalised on mistakes by Euroa players.

Euroa managed just four goals to the opposition’s 10.

Coach Bianca Wunsch fulfilled her pledge to try players at different positions and shifted Willow Timperley into the goals and Sophia Williams to (WA) from (GD).

“Until we consolidate as a team everyone will try their hand at different positions,” Wunsch said.

“It’s a good way to develop a thorough understanding of the game.”

She said a lack-lustre third term revealed the players needed to work on their fitness.

“We’re stepping up our training. The girls themselves recognise they’re running out of steam and need to improve their fitness,” she said.

Euroa finally found its momentum halfway through the fourth quarter and outscored its opposition by two goals but it was too late.

The final score was SCC Lion White 32 -Euroa Black 24. Best on court honours went to Grace McKellar.

EUROA WHITE UNDER 13

Euroa White vs GSCS Tigers

A little sprinkle of rain didn’t put the Euroa girls off at all.

GSCS Tigers started off with a centre pass and Abbey Frost in C put her skills to use with Charlotte Burden in WA.

Both worked their magic and intercepted the ball from the opposition and got the ball across the court in two easy passes to Grace Burden’s GS waiting hands for a perfectly placed goal.

Audrey Anderson WD didn’t let her player out of her sight.

Brianna Maher GK showed what she has been learning at training with great footwork and concentration on the play.

GSCS struggled to keep up with the Maggies, coming out of the first quarter six goals up.

Second quarter: Euroa started with the centre pass when Charlotte Burden C calculated the passes from Bridie Simpson WA to Mia Holmes GA.

Charlotte ran up with her players making herself available for Mia GA to pass back to Charlotte where a bounce

pass was performed to Abbey Frost GS.

Abbey took a breath and shot beautifully.

GSCS had the ball and threatened a goal a few times when Brianna tapped the ball out of the goal area on rebound and back to Charlotte C.

The great working duo of Abbey GS and Mia GA communicated well and with quick foot work they got the score up.

Audrey WD made it look easy intercepting and passing to Addy Downie GD.

With Addy’s defensive skills she passed the ball to Mia GA who scored.

Not long after the Magpies scored again, the opposition didn’t get a chance to get it back to their goals.

GK Brianna and Addy GD pushed themselves, as the GSCS started to put pressure on.

In the last five minutes it was goal for goal, the girls needed that quarterly break.

Third quarter: Bridie Simpson in C showed she is up with it, speeding all over the court.

The brilliant attacking tactics between WA Grace Burden and GA Mia delivered the ball into the goals to Abbey GS three times in a row.

As hard as GSCS tried to get a goal in the quick hands on rebound, it resulted in the ball getting thrown halfway up the court by GK Addy and GD Brianna, showing the strength behind their throws.

Audrey WD watched the play well and made herself available, and as the ball went back and forth between the teams, the Euroa girls protected the goals with skill.

Final quarter: The debrief between quarters brought the girls back on solid ground to think about their hand-eye coordination and team work.

Charlotte had centre pass and within seconds the ball went from Addy GK to Abbey GS and it went in.

The girls put their defence into action - Bridie, Brianna and Grace spread out and made sure the ball stayed out of their goal area.

With one injured player, the Euroa girls tempo gets knocked around a bit - Audrey now GK gets the ball to Grace WA as she yells for it and uses Mia GA to get the ball across the court with ease to WD Bridies quick hands to score again by Abbey GS.

Brianna GK uses her one arm throw to get it across the court.

To sit on the sideline and listen to the girls communicate to each other and pump themselves back up is great to watch.

Final score

Euroa 40 GSCS 16

EUROA BLACK UNDER 13

Euroa Black vs Tatura Lightning

On an overcast afternoon in the SNA, Euroa started strong and showed their opposition Tatura Lightning that they mean business, by scoring in the first half minute, shot by the ever accurate Ellie Robinson.

Tat retaliated with a quick goal and Euroa’s defence duo of captain Asha Embling and Grace Hill worked hard to keep the ball out of their end of the court.

Mid courters Daisy Cameron and Maisy Wilson moved the ball fluently down the court and on to Grace Eddy who fed beautifully into Lara Saxon, and after a quick and confident back and forth with well positioned Maisy, she manouvered closer to the post and shot with ease.

Molly Fowler joined the action in the second quarter and with her speed and agility around the court she helped to add to Euroa’s growing tally.

Tat shooters were accurate, but Asha and Grace were not giving them many opportunities.

Daisy intercepted their centre pass on several occasions and with the midcourt players all being reliable at finding space, the ball made it’s way smoothly and swiftly down to Euroa’s shooters time and time again, where the conver-

sions were accurate.

The third quarter had some further changes to positions by coach Sophie Hill and the girls to take a moment to settle before they picked up the pace and used their exceptional teamwork and communication to secure another brilliant quarter.

In the final quarter, Grace Hill showed she is useful at either end of the court and continued to add to the goal count.

This was Tat’s strongest quarter with a tally of 10 goals, but Euroa pushed ahead again and scored 14.

Best on ground was Asha Embling.

Final score: Euroa 56, Tatura 28.

EUROA PRIMARY UNDER 13

Euroa Under 13 Primary Black Vs St Brendan’s Round 3 saw Euroa Black playing St Brendan’s on what was the first morning of cold weather for the season.

Coaches Therese Thompson and Melinda Watson were keen to see the little magpies enjoy more success across the court and continue their winning streak.

1st Quarter: As a result of some great centre court teamwork Evie Buchanan and Ava Gordon were able to combine well in the goal ring getting Euroa off to a fantastic start. Isla Moore and Izzy Gordon combined well in defence keeping St Brendan’s to only two goals for the quarter.

Score Euroa- 8 St Brendan’s- 2

2nd Quarter: Lylah Hamill, Leila Thompson and Tully Watson working together to ensure the ball was delivered into the goal ring.

The St Brendan’s defence worked very hard in an attempt to slow Euroa’s scoring down.

This quarter saw another 10 goals added to the Euroa total.

Score Euroa- 18 St Brendan’s- 4

3rd Quarter: Euroa taller players Zara Hill and

BEST: Grace McKellar played GS at the weekend and came away with best on court in the under 15s netball.

Isla Moore combined well in defence. Izzy Gordon having moved into the centre having an immediate impact.

St Brendan’s defence working overtime against the combination of Evie Buchanon and Ava Gordon in the goal ring.

Score Euroa- 24 St Brendan’s- 5

4th Quarter: In a more evenly matched quarter St Brendan’s kept Euroa to only 3 goals, despite the best efforts up front of Tully Watson.

With a great display of teamwork from Lylah Hamill, Zara Hill and Leila Thompson, Euroa were well on their way to keeping their undefeated streak going.

Score Euroa-27 St Brendan’s-9 Award Winner- Evie Buchanan

EUROA MORNING UNDER 13

Euroa Morning vs Orrvale

Euroa White U13 Morning team took to the court with 7 girls, with Ella and Ayla away.

In quarter 1 Chloe and Jess did a fantastic job in defence.

Piper scored the first goal of the game and Mabel played great as goal shooter with a lot of rebounds and saves.

They were two goals up at the end of first quarter.

In quarter two Mabel went on to score more goals and Crystal was around the court playing centre and giving great support.

Third quarter defence was great by all the girls.

Piper played great around the court.

For the game Maddi and Zoey played in the wing positions and played a good fourth quarter.

Overall, the girls played as a team and all supported each other and had fun.

Final score was Orrvale 9 defeated Euroa 6.

Star of the week was Chloe.

EUROA WHITE UNDER 11

Euroa White vs St Brendan’s Magic

By JASMIN WILLIAMS

EUROA under 11s white had an even and fast paced game against St Brendan’s Magic this week.

St Brendan’s opened the scoring early before Euroa hit back with a point each from Lily Bodycoat and Matilda Eddy to level the scores.

Paige Enright kept our momentum in the second as well as some great defensive work from Amelia Sessions and Ella Kelly.

Eden Timperly and Scarlett Hamil shone in the third with some speedy transfers through the center to keep our defense strong.

Lily Bodycoat scored again in the last to close the game at 4 a piece.

It was great movement and determination from all the girls this week, with Matilda Eddy taking out star of the week.

EUROA BLACK UNDER 11

Euroa Black vs Mooroopna 1st quarter: The girls started well with their first game of the season in much cooler conditions.

Skye Cameron and Mackenzie Hamill created a dynamic duo in the attacking end for Euroa providing plenty of options early in the game while Olivia Kelly proved strong in GD with some impressive intercepts making for a competitive game. Euroa 0 Mooroopna 3. 2nd quarter: The second quarter saw Euroa claim their first goal followed quickly by a second with Harlow Cummins making light work of Mooroopna’s defence to bring back the deficit. Isla Healey provided some important passages of play in WA to set the goalers up very well, while Lilly Cakebread provided some much needed height in Euroa’s defensive end supported strongly by Harper Timperley taking some important possessions throughout the first half.

Euroa 4 Mooroopna 4. 3rd quarter: Coming into the second half the girls had fought hard to make a gallant comeback from Mooroopna’s good start.

Euroa weren’t going to let the opportunity slide, starting the quarter with a bang.

Chloe Harvey-Breddan showed pinpoint accuracy in GA as well as a strong defensive pressure when the ball was overturned while Clare Bickerton set Euroa’s defensive end on fire with some huge intercepts, ultimately swinging the momentum of the game.

Euroa 6 Mooroopna 4. 4th quarter: In to the last term, with Euroa leading by 2 goals, it was a tussle for the entire quarter resembling more of a tennis match with the ball moving back and forward without a score in sight. Both teams tried as hard as they could to break their attacking end and it was the Euroa girls who, at the final siren, relished in an impressive victory - their first win of the season. Well done Euroa Magpies. Euroa 6 Mooroopna 4.

SHOOTER: Zarah Johns in action during her under 15s match.

Euroa boys show strong fitness until the end

By CATHERINE COLLETT

IN the cloudy and brisk conditions of Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve, the under 18 Euroa team met with the Shepparton Bears who are top of the ladder.

Both teams came out firing from the centre, with teams hotly contesting all balls of play.

In the first eight minutes Shepparton were contained to five points, with Euroa working hard to move the ball up to their forward end.

Euroa’s first goal was superbly created by Will Creevey, executing a long run, dodging all opponents before an accurate goal kick.

Mitch Walters and Dublin

Anderson in the midfield worked tirelessly all around the ground as well as both putting goals on the scoreboard.

Euroa’s backline did not get a break and worked hard to change direction of play, slowing the momentum of Shepparton’s attack.

Throughout the game

Shepparton players found their space well, with kicking accurately to their teammates, solid marking, and efficient use of a full bench rotation.

The final score was 114 Shepparton to Euroa’s 30.

The score did not reflect the hard-fought contests by Euroa throughout the entire game to the last second.

Euroa’s boys once again demonstrated their excellent fitness in this game, with only two on the bench and being able to run out the game with both speed and endurance. Their tackling was spot on all around the ground, and particularly in the fourth quarter their intercepts were solid, resulting

in many turnovers towards Euroa’s end.

Euroa 4-6-30 defeated by Shepparton Bears 17-12-114 Best players: Mitchell Walters, Will Creevey, Callan Howell, Maxwell

Goal kickers:

The Magpies flex their might

By DEBBIE HOARE

EUROA and Shepparton was a clash the ‘Pies were keen to watch, both having had a good start to the season with an undefeated run.

But it was the Magpies who started strong with an intercept on the first centre pass by Sophie Owen and a few quick goals which appeared to have the Bears rattled.

By the end of the first, Euroa had a 10-goal lead, Shepp 9 to Euroa 19.

In the second quarter Shepp Bears were throwing everything at Euroa but the midcourt players were having no trouble finding Mia Sudomirski in goals while Olivia Morris was keeping the Bears’ defence busy under the ring.

It was a competitive quarter with Euroa still having a handy lead by quarter’s end, Shepp 23 to Euroa 34.

Euroa were working like a well-oiled machine, midcourt rotations were seamless, appearing only to make the team stronger with fast movement of the ball and Olivia and Mia rewarding their hardwork.

Tylah Marchbank’s second and third efforts were incredible, even coming off the ground to make an intercept.

Euroa extended their lead, Shepparton 33 to Euroa’s 56 at the final break.

The last quarter started with another intercept off the first centre by Sophie Owen.

Euroa were definitely working as a team with extraordinary efforts from all and when in possession of the ball having a flow that the Bears could not penetrate and appeared to be tiring from the constant pressure.

A strong finish by the Maggies with a 35-goal win.

Euroa 77-42

Best Players: Tylah Marchbank, Mia Sudomirski, Sophie Owen

B GRADE

By SALLY REDFERN

ON a day significantly below the forecasted 21 degrees, Euroa travelled to Deakin Reserve to battle last year’s premiers, Shepparton Bears.

In what was predicted to

was in the mix of things in Euroa’s brilliant win over the Bears in A grade.

be a tight tussle, the Bears came out firing on all cylinders, quickly putting five goals on the board before the Magpies responded. It wasn’t long, however, before the Magpies were swiftly gaining possession of the ball and orchestrating fluid passages of play all over the court.

Led by captain Grace Warnock at goal defence, the Magpies demonstrated exceptional coordination and communication, outmaneuvering the Bears to build a commanding lead.

Millie Watson played another solid game in the centre, displaying skill in both attack and defence, earning crucial turnovers and constantly converting opportunities for her team.

Bree Poole and Sarah Ternes had the measure of the Bears defenders, making movement in the ring look

effortless, and cleverly tapping rebounds to each other from the very occasional wayward shot.

Once Molly Redfern joined their merry little band in the goal ring, there was no stopping the Magpie attack.

Molly continued her trademark accurate goaling, dropping goals in from all angles and passing with speed and precision.

Bree Sudomirski and Brodie West on the wings, displayed remarkable agility and vision.

Supported by the unwavering defensive efforts of Grace Warnock and Kelly Hill, the team maintained a formidable presence, stifling the Bear’s persistent attempts to narrow the gap.

As the match progressed, the Magpies continued to maintain their dominance,

NO YOU DON’T: Bella Ogon in wind defence wasn’t going to let the Bears centre clear easily in B Reserve.

Salter and Maddi Murray into the ring continued with some great strength hitting the ring.

Not only were the attacking midcourters putting in a great effort, but so too were the defensive girls with both Bella Ogon and Laura Frewen forcing high balls with fantastic hands and tight defence.

Still proving quite strong, the Bears went into the last quarter up by three goals.

showcasing their depth of talent and versatility on the court.

As a very wise bystander was reported to have said “There really is no weak link in the entire Magpies B grade team”.

Ain’t that the truth.

Best players: Bree Sudomirski, Grace Warnock, Brodie West Euroa 46-36

B RESERVE By

LILY MEEHAN

IT was an early start for Euroa B Reserve girls as they travelled across to Shepparton for a 9:15am game on Saturday, and although it was quite a chilly and grey morning it didn’t stop the Magpies from playing some good netball.

The first quarter began with an early lead striking some confidence among the

team.

Marnie Burton demonstrated some great goaling accuracy, causing havoc in the ring, sinking shots from all over.

Combined with the strong involvement from Sienna Trotter, the Bears defenders had a difficult time trying to manage Euroa’s attack.

As the second quarter played out, the Bears became more competitive, drawing the scores closer and closer.

The defensive pressure from Demi Walker and Keely Wright helped the girls keep in the game, only down by two heading to the second half of the game.

The third quarter was certainly just as competitive, especially through the midcourt, as no ball was an easy one.

The feeds from Chloe

The last quarter saw Tejuan Sutherland paired once again with Demi Walker and Keely Wright in defence, and created some real pressure on the Bears goalers.

Unfortunately as the end of the game approached Bears were just too strong for the Euroa girls, extending their lead to nine as the final siren went.

Shepparton 48-39

Best players - Marnie Burton, Maddi Murray, Sienna Trotter

UNDER 15

By JONNO PITTOCK

IT was a tough day out for Euroa’s under 15 girls on Saturday morning, up against a solid opponent in the Shepp Bears.

It was an intense first quarter, with both teams trying desperately to gain control.

Euroa were trailing 7/10 at the first break after some great defending from Charli Pittock.

Charli was injured during the second quarter and had to come off, replaced well by Grace Hill.

Some accurate, longrange shooting by Lily Asquith and Avie Hil kept them in the game, however, Shepparton started pulling away in the third quarter.

Macey Watson and Belle Ford played great games, creating space in the midcourt, and supported by Mimi Ford in goal defence. With no Magpie bench to draw from after Charli’s injury, the Bears were able to finish the game off strongly, rotating fresh legs to ensure they finished the game just as convincingly as they started it.

Shepparton 44-26

Best players: Belle Ford, Ruby Fowler, Lily Asquith

Miller, Dublin Anderson

Will Creevey (2), Dublin Anderson (1), Mitchell Walters (1)

MY BALL: Bree Poole uses her body to keep the Bears player at bay in B grade.

LOOK UP: Ellie Warnock

PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

BLOCK: Tess Walker in under 17s was holding her position in guarding this shot at goal.

A GRADE A LADIES SHOOT FOR THE STARS THE

Euroa gets the job done by 26 points

By TONY BRODIE

AS the game opened there was a feeling that Euroa could be chasing their opponents as they were moving the ball well.

Through this movement Shepparton were first to hit the scoreboard.

Euroa’s midfield group, led by Brad Gleeson and JD Hayes, were taking the game up to their opponents which gave confidence to the players.

With goals through JD Hayes, Jake Penman and two goals through Brad Gleeson, Euroa were able to put four goals on the scoreboard, giving the Pies a twogoal lead.

It was becoming a good, even contest with both teams up for the challenge.

The team was also helped by Jack Broughton – it was great to see him playing for the black and white - he was giving good run, working hard at the contest to win the ball and helping the players to push the ball into the forward-line.

At the start of the second quarter Euroa were able to move the ball into the forward-line with some accuracy, which resulted in a goal through Jack Broughton.

Both sides were going hard for the ball, making strong contests to win possession.

Late in the quarter Euroa were able to hit the scoreboard again through a goal from Lachie Cook.

Linc McKernan was taking timely marks in defence to hold the opposition out and with Brad Gleeson and JD Hayes through the midfield and up forward Euroa were able to hold the lead at the half-time break.

The ‘Pies players were giving their all and the supporters were hoping that they could keep their run and effort at the contest.

The start of the third quarter was going to be very important as Euroa needed to keep up the intensity at the contest and match the run of the Shepparton Bears over the ground.

The third quarter turned out to be a very even one with Euroa scoring only one point to Shepparton’s one goal and five points.

Although there was not much scoring being done, there was many hard contests during the quarter which kept the game very even.

It was going to be important that Euroa kept up their run and work rate at the stoppages.

Euroa were able to hold a 15-point lead at the break.

Euroa supporters were all hoping that the team could hang on to the lead and they were able to do this by booting three goals - two from JD Hayes and one from Marcello Mercuri.

Euroa were able to hold on and come away with a 26-point victory.

This was a good game of reserves football with scoring shots showing it was a very even game.

This was a good win for the team with the experienced players leading the way, giving confidence to the younger group with a number of players putting the jumper on helping the team out.

We hope that Jack Broughton will keep on playing as his grandparents Nick and Louise Palmer were very happy to be at the footy to see Jack running around and enjoying having a kick.

Final scores

Euroa 9-5-59 def Bears

Goal

4.9.33

By SCOTT WATSON

ON a cold yet somewhat clear day at Deakin Reserve, the Magpies took on unbeaten Shepparton Bears who are displaying a resurgence in 2024 and were keen to send a message on their home deck.

Coach Pendlebury was back in the side as was Ryan Hill, Jett Trotter, Jack McKernan and for his first senior game in 2024, Josh Robertson came into the team.

The game began at a frenetic pace with excellent drive provided time and again from the half back line through Nic Burke.

This allowed the ball to enter the Magpie forward line with regularity – unfortunately this did

not result in the scoreboard pressure the team were chasing.

In the absence of Andrew Smith, Fletcher Paul took up the challenge of meeting the opposition ruck combination – he was supported throughout the afternoon by Matthew Ivill as they both gave their all for the team in this contest. Tristan Davies was superb as a key forward – his strength in the air and ability to take a contested mark is wonderful and was on display right throughout the afternoon.

The speed at which players hit the contest and delivered the ball did not dissipate throughout the match as both sides looked to gain some ascendancy.

With the match in the balance throughout each quarter, key

Magpies fall painfully short

decisions from the umpires were at times difficult for supporters from both sides to understand.

The number of lead changes were too numerous to count as the game see-sawed on the back of excellent defensive play from both teams.

Garside’s Dan and Tom were heading up the Euroa defence, as was Nate Trotter whose stellar season keeps on producing.

Midfield grunt was being provided by Michael Barnes – whose wonderful banana kick on the run for a goal was one of the highlights of the match – and Marcus Varley.

An injury to Max Gleeson meant the rotations were down one – this meant Jacob Gleeson and Andrew Bell had to cover

more minutes than normal – they responded well.

A couple of last quarter goals from Josh Robertson looked to have the ‘Pies in control of the contest only for the Bears to move the ball from end to end and score a much-needed major which meant the game had a twokick buffer…something the ‘Pies ultimately were not able to peg back before the final siren.

Euroa 10-11-71 defeated by Shepparton Bears 12-11-83

Best players: Tristan Davies, Marcus Varley, Michael Barnes, Lachie Hill, Zac Gleeson

Goal kickers: Tristan Davies (3), Josh Robertson (2), Silver Yousif (1), Max Gleeson (1), Fletcher Paul (1), Jett Trotter (1), Michael Barnes (1).

DELIVERY: Jake Penman threads a ball to a teammate on Saturday in Euroa’s match against the Bears at Deakin Reserve.

kickers: JD Hayes (3), Brad Gleeson (2), Marcello Mercuri (1), Jack Broughton (1), Lachie Cooke (1), Jake Penman (1) Best Players: Linc McKernan, JD Hayes, Brad Gleeson, Jake Penman, Caden Robinson, Jack Broughton

RIGHT POSITION: Tristan Davies takes a strong contested mark in front of this Shepparton opponent who attempts to spoil. PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

EFNC - SENIORS