MAWSON’S, you’ve done it again. The local bakery took home five prizes, including three for first place, at the the Baking Association of Australia’s 2024 Victorian Baking Show. Pictured are Seth Kilroy, Trevor Joyce and Phil Kennedy. Turn to page 5 to find out more.
PHOTO: Darren Chaitman
Thoughts shared on council’s focus areas, his role and upcoming elections
Th gh h d il’ f , hi l d p i g l i
PETER Stephenson has been reappointed as Strathbogie Shire Council’s administrator, with his tenure extended until the October council elections.
Mr Stephenson had been appointed as Strathbogie Shire Council’s interim administrator in December 2023 for an initial three-
BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au
month period, after a tumultuous council term saw the State Government suspend all Strathbogie Shire councillors.
Last week, Mr Stephenson
spoke to this masthead about his three months so far as administrator and his priorities in the months ahead.
“I think you’ve got an organisation that’s working well, that’s encouraged, that’s looking forward with optimism,” he said.
want to make sure during my tenure is that we close the loop; we talk to people.
“If someone asks us something, we get back to them; even if it isn’t the answer they want, at least they know where they are.
for them.
“And the staff are totally on board with those things.
“They love their jobs, they love the municipality and they just want the best for it.
“One of the things that I
Born
“I’m keen to make sure that people have confidence that the council is working
“It’s a real positive place to be, I think, at the moment.”
■ Continued page 2
If your looking to buy or sell a lifestyle or specialized farming property, colin will help you achieve your Real Estate goals.
As a fifth generation local & farmer his knowledge of the area is second to none.
THANKS to Darren Chaitman for the article in The Euroa Gazette on Wednesday, March 6 concerning the proposed internal door to separate the accessible toilet from the other club toilets.
On the above date a meeting was held at the Third Age Club with council CEO Julie Salomon, director of sustainable infrastructure John Harvey, John Mason, and Helen Brook and Michael Stubbe representing Euroa Farmers Market.
All was resolved in about 10 minutes after the council staff were informed of who uses the toilets and how impractical it would be to have an extra set of doors to pass through.
The club will be holding a Sunday by the Sevens with both Greg and Rod on April 14, followed by a Mother’s Day concert on May 12 with Jimmy Davidson.
Put these dates in your diary.
More information to come.
Membership is due now for the year, forms available at the club.
THE State Government announced the reappointment of administrator Peter Stephenson at the very last minute last week, after his term had already expired.
Mr Stephenson’s term as interim administrator expired on Wednesday, March 6.
But on Thursday, March 7 at 9.30am, Strathbogie Shire Council told this masthead the State Government still had not informed the organisation of any new arrangements.
At 9.50am, shortly after The Euroa Gazette published an update to Facebook and sent a screenshot to the office of Local Government Minister Melissa Horne, the State Government published a media release announcing Mr Stephenson’s reappointment.
Local government lawyer Tony
Raunic, who is managing principal of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, told this masthead it cannot have been ideal for the organisation to have been informed so late.
“It can’t be ideal for the organisation to have had to work in an environment where right up to the very day of the interim appointment expiring, they were unaware of who would be the administrator they were working with moving forward,” he said.
But Mr Stephenson himself told his masthead he considered the late announcement “a nonissue, to be honest”.
“At the end of the day, we made appointments in the diary, we set things up, and if it wasn’t to be me, then someone else would have been there,” he said.
“The fact that I was here one day and still here the next means that there’s been no lack of continuity and no issue.”
A recent State Government
advertisement suggests there is a shortage of qualified individuals in Victoria available to meet an increased demand for municipal monitors and administrators.
“In terms of the decision to reappoint Peter Stephenson, it’s likely in a context of there’s clearly a limited number of individuals available or willing to undertake these administrator roles, and that’s reflected by the fact that Local Government Victoria has recently advertised for expressions of interest for suitably qualified people for the roles of municipal monitor, administrator or commissioner,” Mr Raunic said.
The application period closed late last month.
Mr Stephenson acknowledged the government faced constraints in finding suitable people to act as administrators and municipal monitors.
“You couldn’t be currently
working or currently in a role that takes much of your time,” he said.
“So, they’re looking for people that are semi-retired or retired and have the kind of governance skills that are needed.”
Asked why he was initially only appointed as administrator on an interim basis, he said this was not uncommon.
“It gives the minister some breathing space to think about what might happen next,” he said.
“I will say that the role is not for everyone and I think they give you a little bit of an opportunity to have a think about whether you want to stay, too.
“I’m just pleased that I have the confidence of the minister to continue and I look forward to doing the best I can for the shire.”
The office of Minister Horne did not respond to a request for comment.
Administrator shares thoughts on council’s focus areas, his role and upcoming elections
■ From page 1 He said he wants to make sure people have moved beyond “the circumstances which saw me appointed in the past”.
Before his appointment as administrator, Mr Stephenson had been appointed as a municipal monitor from May to August 2023 in response to “governance and conduct concerns” reportedly raised with the State Government by former mayor Laura Binks and others, including council’s audit and risk committee.
The council was suspended in December 2023 after Mr Stephenson delivered a scathing report which documented a divided councillor team plagued by governance failures including not preparing for meetings, and failing to recognise the distinction between councillor and CEO responsibilities.
As administrator, Mr Stephenson said last week that council’s focus areas include continuing to deliver the 2021-2025 council plan and addressing longstanding infrastructure issues.
“I’m very pleased to be in a position that I can say the assets and infrastructure team, supported by the CEO and the [executive leadership team], are doing a great job catching up, particularly in terms of being behind after floods, and that team is really getting in and understanding what the issues are, and getting a plan in place to get on top of those infrastructure issues,” he said.
“That’s one of the key things that I’m hearing every time I talk to people out in the community.
“That’s coming through really loud and clear, that assets and infrastructure are important, particularly roads and bridges, and I believe the team have a way forward there.
“I guess, as the council for the current period, I’ve just got to try and find the money in the budget to support those activities.”
Difficult infrastructure challenges faced by council include the condition of the municipality’s large network of roads, and the reported deterioration of assets including council’s Euroa office, Kirwans Bridge and Chinaman’s Bridge.
Asked to name highlights and challenges in his first three months, Mr Stephenson
said highlights were attending citizenship ceremonies and getting to know the region better, including residents and council staff
As for challenges, he said:
“Certainly there have been a couple of issues where they’ve tested my thinking”.
“There have been challenges, but challenges are there to be worked through,” he said.
“I won’t name any particular challenges, but they will always come up, and they will always be handled head on.”
The Euroa Gazette asked Mr Stephenson to address the perception that as an administrator, his role is only to “rubber stamp” the organisation’s activities and proposals.
“Council meetings aren’t held in a vacuum; the reports aren’t written in a vacuum,” he said.
“We have briefings and we have conversations and we look at options.
“Given I am the council, I’m the only decision maker at that table; while you might not see too many things that I change or vote down at a meeting, don’t let that mislead you into thinking that I don’t have input in the development of things.
“The officers don’t put a budget up in a vacuum.
“A draft budget is being worked on currently, and I’m part of that development of the budget.
“So, the fact that I might agree with a [recommendation] at the end is because I’ve looked at it, if not from the embryonic stage, from the point that it’s been presented to me as an option.
“And often there’s more than one option presented and a council will give indications of the kind of direction that it wants to go.”
Asked what kind of people he would like to see run for council ahead of the October elections, he said he would encourage the greatest possible diversity of candidates.
But in comments that recalled the failings of the previous councillor group detailed in his report as municipal monitor, he said: “So long as they have the time, they can assure themselves that they’ve got the skills and capacity to do the role, and that they’re prepared to continually learn about what they’re doing, because it isn’t a simple role.”
“It is complex and it requires attention and time,” he said.
JORDAN Kipping has packed up all their belongings and headed down to Melbourne to join the newbies at the University of Melbourne who are settling into Janet Clarke Hall campus accommodation, and then tackling tertiary education.
It is not just the start of a new study regime, but it is also a move away from family and friends and all things familiar.
With their great 2023 year 12 ATAR score, Jordan, dux of Euroa Secondary College 2023, has entered their course of choice, science.
At the annual Euroa Secondary College High Achievers Assembly held in February, Jordan was one of the former students speaking on the importance of education to the current years seven to 12 students.
Jordan emphasised the importance of understanding how knowledge works and know how to learn.
“It’s all about understanding how you learn and what the VCE focuses on,” they said.
“Maths and English are the
most important subjects during the early years of high school.”
The subjects Jordan took in year 12 included chemistry, physics and maths.
Jordan’s first thoughts were to study in the fields of chemistry or possibly engineering.
As Jordan thought further, fine arts or Japanese or even another language were added to the list.
Happily, any uncertainty Jordan had about what course to select was dispelled when they realised as a scientist, there were opportunities all over the world.
The “Curious Minds” Women in STEM program as well as various teachers at ESC over the years, helped steer Jordan towards a path in science.
In the sciences at the University of Melbourne, Jordan sees an exciting future.
“I am doing a Bachelor of Science with a pathway into a new area of the sciences, nuclear submarines,” they said.
“I’m not sure if I am involved with the Australian military, but I guess I will find out.
“I don’t know what new field
in science will exist when I finish uni, but I am very excited to find out.
“Once you are at uni, courses are more flexible.”
Music is an interest and love that Jordan will not be leaving behind while studying.
“I intend to keep playing my music with one of the Year 12 ESC rock bands with Tyler, my brother [also at Euroa Secondary College],” they said.
“There were five of us in the band and we will try to keep going even through two of us will be Melbourne.”
Apart from music, Jordan is also excited to find out what other activities are available at the uni, that don’t involve study.
Being optimistic, Jordan has decided to embrace the changes happening in 2024, especially the move.
“I am trying not to take too much with me and a bonus is that at the uni accommodation I don’t have to cook,” they said.
“The bed is provided but I am taking my favourite linen and pillow.”
Jordan is fully aware of the contrast to living in Euroa and
Melbourne.
“In some ways I will miss that everyone knows everyone, but it will also be a good thing to be where no one knows you,” they said.
“Friends and family are what I will really miss, but some friends are moving to the suburbs of Melbourne, so they will be close.
“With no car, I will be using public transport which will take a bit of getting used to, especially coming back to work in Euroa every weekend.
“Meeting new and different people is what I am looking forward to the most, no one knows me and I can reinvent myself if I want.”
Mum and dad’s advice to Jordan: “Take it as it comes”.
As far as laundry goes, Jordan plans “to do my own washing and not take it home to mum”.
The parting gift from Jordan’s parents was a big cuddle, and loads of love goes without saying.
Jordan’s final words of wisdom: “Change is everywhere whatever way you look at it, so go with it, enjoy.”
(3, 4 or 5hr shifts)
5am-8am, 4am-9am or 1am-4am. Full training provided, supportive workplace with motivated team. Whether it’s helping with the early morning bake to mid-morning production, finishing cakes, biscuits and pastries or even a mixture of production and cleaning at the end of the shift. With a minimum of three hours these positions could suit a mum before the school drop off or a second job for someone looking for extra income. You don’t need to have a qualification in baking or pastry, we will teach you.
The next meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council is scheduled be held on Tuesday 19 March 2024, commencing at 6.00 pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre – 1b Bury Street, Euroa. The gallery will be open to the public.
The meeting will be livestreamed at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au and we encourage community members to watch the meeting via this option.
The agenda for this meeting will be available on Council’s website by close of business the Friday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of the Agenda will no longer be available, however, a limited number of iPads with the Agenda uploaded will be on hand for public use at the meeting.
Have your say on Euroa’s Bicentennial Park Play Space upgrades
Euroa’s Bicentennial Park is getting an upgrade and Council is calling on the community to have their say on a preferred play structure. The park upgrade also includes a bike track where children can safely learn to ride their bikes and scooters. The park’s upgrade will ensure the area meets current regulations. There are two structures to choose from – all you need to do is select your preferred option at: https://share.strathbogie. vic.gov.au/euroa-bicentennial-park
Nagambie-Locksley Road closure Council advises works will commence on road reconstruction at Charles Creek, Locksley from Monday 25 March. This road will be closed to through traffic with detours established on sealed roads during the construction period. Local traffic will have access to Nagambie-Locksley Road from each end. Visit www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au for more information.
EOI for Goulburn Region Tourism board members
Applications are now open for the Goulburn Region Tourism chair and board positions. Find out more about these roles and how to apply by going to Council’s online engagement platform Share Strathbogie at https://share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/ goulburn-region-tourism-partnership
Construction work on Weir Road/ Reedy Lake Road
Please be advised construction work on Weir Road/Reedy Lake Road has commenced. During this time traffic flow will be managed by traffic controllers and appropriate signage as applicable. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and anticipates works will be completed by end of June 2024, weather permitting.
If you have any questions, please contact Council’s Project Team on 1800 065 993. Talk to the Administrator sessions
Council is running a series of sessions throughout the municipality giving residents the chance to book in a timeslot to meet with the Administrator Peter Stephenson. Bookings for these sessions are essential to ensure you secure your one-on-one 15-minute timeslot.
Sessions have already been held in Avenel Euroa and Nagambie.
Bookings for next sessions can be made via the following links:
- BOOKED OUT: Violet Town residents, Tuesday 23 April, 4.30-6.30pm at Violet Town Community Complex: https://events.humanitix.com/violet-
town-talk-to-the-administrator
- Ruffy residents, Tuesday April 9, 4.306.30pm at Tablelands Community Centre: https://events.humanitix.com/ ruffy-talk-to-the-administrator
- NEW DATE: Strathbogie residents, Tuesday 7 May, 4.30-6.30pm at Strathbogie Memorial Hall: https://events.humanitix. com/strathbogie-talk-to-the-administrator Customer Satisfaction Survey currently taking place
From 29 January through to mid-March
Shire residents may receive a phone call from an independent market research agency called National Field Services. We have commissioned them to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of Council — these surveys are being undertaken across Victorian councils. The survey is designed to assess our performance and to identify ways to improve our service delivery. Around 400 interviews will be conducted among a representative sample of Strathbogie Shire residents.
We appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback. Please be assured your details and individual responses are confidential. Only the overall results are shared with the Council.
If you have any questions, please contact the Customer Service team on 1800 065 993.
Tenders now open
The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie
Shire Council:
Nagambie-Locksley Road intersection rehabilitation (contract number 23/24-48). Council seeks tender submission from suitably experienced and qualified contractors to undertake Nagambie Locksley Road intersection Rehabilitation. Tenders received until 4pm ADST Thursday 28 March 2024.
Strathbogie Streetscape Township Signage (contract number 23/24-47). Council seeks tender submission from suitably experienced and qualified contractors to undertake Construction of Strathbogie Shire Streetscape. Tenders received until 4pm ADST Monday 25 March 2024.
Construction of Avenel Entry Signage (contract number 23/24-46). Council is seeking suitably experience Contractor to construct Avenel Entry sign. Quotations received until 4pm ADST Thursday 14 March 2024.
Construction of Truck Wash, including Kerb & Channel and Associated Works at Boundary Road North, Euroa (contract number 23/24-50). Council seeks tender submission from suitably experienced and qualified contractors to undertake Construction of Truck Wash, including Kerb & Channel and Associated Works at Boundary Road North, Euroa. Tenders received until 4pm ADST Thursday 21 March 2024.
Drysdale Road Bridge Abutment Replacement (contract number 23/24-56) Lump Sum with lump sum breakdown Contract. Council seeks tender submission from suitably experienced and qualified contractors to undertake Drysdale Road Bridge Abutment Replacement. Tenders received until 4pm ADST Friday 5 April 2024
Tenders may only be viewed and lodged online through the Tendersearch portal accessible via our website www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au. Please note Strathbogie Shire no longer accepts hardcopy tenders or RFQs and will not accept tenders by fax or email.
1800 065 993 www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire
ELECTRIC vehicle owners are excited about an upgrade coming to the Chargefox electric vehicle chargers at the Euroa Service Station.
The first generation Tritium ultra-rapid units, which are considered unreliable, will be replaced by RACV with more modern Kempower units.
According to Chargefox, Euroa is one of seven locations that will benefit from the upgrade, along with Airport West, Ballarat, Barnawartha North, Horsham, Moe and Torquay.
RACV general manager energy, Greg Edye, said it was a significant upgrade.
“Electric vehicle charging hardware has developed significantly since the first generation of units was rolled out across Victoria and as such, we believe replacing existing units with newer technology will deliver a better charging experience,” he said.
“The program to update the charging sites will run over the next 18 months.”
ANYONE leaving the Shire of Strathbogie to the northwest arrives immediately at Whroo, in the middle of the Rushworth forest.
Visitors with an interest in history have the opportunity to explore the abandoned sites of the gold days, including a view from the rim of the famous Balaclava open-cut mine. The Whroo cemetery is another must-see feature.
Former Kirwans Bridge resident Alan McLean has just published a new book, named “Rushing to Whroo, 1853 -1880”.
It is a 230-page review of the once-thriving township of about 4,000 people, which had all but disappeared within another 70 years.
“I have written a book about Whroo’s people, the men who worked on the surface and those who went deep underground, looking for veins of quartz to bring up for crushing in the search for what was once the world’s most valuable metal,” Alan said last week.
“Some descendants of those diggers remain in the district, but other descendants now further away may also find interest in the book’s reference to their ancestors.”
“The book has gathered up newspaper reports of the day, revealing the dangers in the mines, the loss of life and the injuries, and the hazards of horse travel on the rough tracks.”
He said he also included information about the school, the churches, the concerts and the dancing as people made their own entertainment, often to raise
funds for a worthy cause, such as a bereft family.
“[There is more about] the picnics and the sports, the role of the Chinese, and the impact of illness sweeping the township regularly taking the lives of small children, the crimes and the punishment are key features of the early years, and strange to say, there was serious talk of a railway line being constructed to Whroo,” Alan said.
Goldfields like Ballarat, Beechworth and Bendigo
RUSHING TO WHROO: Former Kirwans Bridge resident Alan McLean has just published a new book, named “Rushing to Whroo, 1853 -1880”.
prospered and later thrived, and many books have been written about their success.
Fields which faded away have had little coverage.
This book gathers up eyewitness accounts of the hectic early years, when diggers rushed to Whroo seeking the fortune in gold which the first reports suggested was there for the taking.
Copies are for sale at the Nagambie Visitor Information Centre.
Enquiries may be made directly to Alan on 0412 143660.
EUROA Farmers Market is on this Saturday, March 16 in Rotary Park and along Kirkland Ave from 9am to 1pm.
If you like to shop, buying fresh locally produced products and locally made crafts or locally grown plants, then Euroa Farmers Market is for you.
From fruit to honey to jams, flowers, plants, soaps, toys, hats, belts, jewellery, granola and greeting cards, there is so much. There is takeaway food and coffee, cupcakes and bread, cheese, olive oil, pottery and paintings.
Treats for your dog and gifts for the grandchildren.
Euroa Secondary College will be hosting the community barbecue, so have a chat to them about secondary education.
Euroa Community Learning will have a stall with information about adult education.
Live music is back with Neale Williams playing a few tunes.
It’s all at the Euroa Farmers Market this Saturday.
See you there.
For more information about the market call me on 0447 360 059.
RESEARCHERS from Federation University are surveying Victoria’s koala population to better understand their conservation status.
Part of the research is a study of the genetic composition of key koala populations.
Recently, Strathbogie Ranges Conservation was contacted to see if they could help collect DNA material from koala droppings in the Strathbogie Ranges region. With plenty of interested landholders and a good coverage of Landcare groups and members, “yes” was the obvious answer.
Victoria’s koala population crashed in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to overhunting and habitat loss.
Later, translocations of koalas from a single population on French Island, Westernport Bay, flooded the State with this limited gene pool.
It’s known that Australia’s koala population has five
distinct genetic groups, but that analysis didn’t include samples from the Strathbogies.
Some gaps in the research need filling.
Collecting DNA from koala poo is a little involved, though not difficult. It requires a little care as the DNA on the surface of fresh droppings is easily
damaged.
Collecting materials per sample include six toothpicks, a piece of polystyrene foam to fit into plastic takeaway container (or similar) and a felt pen or indelible marker.
It is important to include the exact location of the collection site with the sample.
Strathbogie Ranges Conservation will be sending samples to Federation University in bulk towards the end of March, so if you are able to collect samples of fresh koala droppings from your property or elsewhere in the Strathbogies and surrounds, please text me on 0409 433 276.
MAWSON’S Bakery and Café has done it again, winning five awards including three first place prizes at the Baking Association of Australia’s 2024 Victorian Baking Show.
The bakery won gold ribbons (first place) for their white Vienna, three-strand plait and iced donuts.
They nabbed a silver ribbon for their white high-top half-married and a bronze ribbon for their fruit flan.
The baking competition was held late last month in Bendigo, with results announced early this month.
Mawson’s Bakery and Café head baker Phil Kennedy, who baked the gold-winning Vienna, said he was “pretty proud about it”.
Asked the secret to making a great Vienna, he said: “Right amount of hydration for your dough, and rest time; fermenting your dough so it’s got lots of flavour.”
“And then baking well, so you’ve got nice crust, light and thin, not heavy and dark,” he added.
As for the gold-winning threestrand plait, it was baked on competition day by apprentice Seth Kilroy, after Mr Kennedy taught him how to do so earlier that morning.
“Pretty good for his first attempt,” Mr Kennedy said.
Pastry cook Allan Iskandar was the man responsible for producing the gold-winning iced donuts.
“It’s quite a surprise for me, I didn’t really expect it because last year we saw how great the other competitors were, but I just tried my best of what I know and how I wanted it to be presented,” he said.
Mr Iskandar also shared the secret to making great iced donuts.
“For me it’s how you get the good rise, fluffiness and softness of the donut, it’s all that matters,” he said.
for much of the town, while Kilmore’s unit had already responded to 191 requests for assistance in the year so far.
Ensuring these volunteers are properly supported through government funding is essential and I will continue to call on the treasurer to provide financial security to all of our regional emergency service units.
Hot weather calls for extended pool hours
WHY would the shire close shire pools on one of the hottest days of the year?
March is one of the hottest months of the year.
So often, with accidents in small towns the first responders are neighbours, family, friends, and loved ones – making this an incredibly tough role for these volunteers to have.
In January, the Euroa SES diligently responded to over 50 callouts in a single night after heavy storms wiped out power
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa Administrator’s
reappointment welcome
PETER Stephenson reappointed as administrator is good news.
Congratulations Peter, at least Minister Horne thinks you are doing a good job.
Yes, we value local councillor representation.
Robin Weatherald, Euroa
Why can’t the shire/contractors extend the opening period till March 31?
Nola Caines, Euroa
Local volunteers are amazing people
WHAT amazing people are the volunteers who give up their time to keep places like the Euroa Op Shop and the information centre operating at full capacity.
And I have no doubt many other venues, like delivering meals to not only the elderly but the sick and housebound folk.Ted More, Euroa
General Page 6 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 euroagazette.com.au
5795 3041 Ext 3
www.euroagazette.com.au www.nemedia.com.au
General news - 12 noon Friday
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45-47 Dale Mann PHOTOGRAPHER Nick McCabe SPORT EDITORIAL
ON SALE AT:
Euroa: Euroa Newsagency
Violet Town: Violet Town Corner Store
Avenel: Avenel Newsagency
Benalla: Benalla Newsagency
Strathbogie: Strathbogie Store
Nagambie: Nagambie Newsagency
Longwood: Longwood Newsagency
Merton: Merton General Store
Seymour: Seymour Newsagency
Shepparton: Lovell’s Newsagency
Charlie
detective
The TV host is appealing for help to find missing Scottish Terrier ppgpg
CHARLIE Pickering, comedian and host of ABC TV’s The Weekly, has hired a pet detective after Kennedy, his 15-year-old Scottish Terrier, disappeared in Locksley last week.
“She is a friendly little girl and she’s been my companion for 15 years.”A friend of Mr Pickering had been looking after Kennedy at Locksley Stud Farm on Starling Road, where she was house-sitting, when the dog went missing on Sunday, March 3.
The TV host said the last sighting of Kennedy, who is deaf, was on CCTV footage at 5.30pm.
He said Kennedy had just been bathed and was not wearing her collar.
“I was up there last Monday in the afternoon searching everywhere on the farm, and she’s nowhere there,” Mr Pickering said.
“We think she’s probably just wandered out the gate and had trouble finding a way back.”
Mr Pickering said he started off appealing for help by posting on local community noticeboard Facebook pages, as well as a lost pets Facebook page for Shepparton and surrounding areas.
“I’ve sort of come to know how many local community noticeboards there are through doing this,” he said.
“I’ve been posting there and on my own social media, and then someone recommended on one of those Facebook posts to speak to a pet detective, which I didn’t really know existed until now.
“So, I have been working with a pet detective agency called Arthur and Co.”
He said the “extremely helpful” pet detectives have helped
him create ads targeting locals, and to make a plan that includes door-knocking and distributing posters and flyers.
“It’s obviously a challenge because it’s almost two hours away from where I am; the distance has been difficult, because I haven’t been able to be up there as much as I’d like to keep looking and knocking on doors,” Mr Pickering said.
“But I am getting some help with that.”
He said a week after the disappearance, and with recent hot weather, he is realistic about the prospect of finding Kennedy.
But Mr Pickering said there is still a good chance Kennedy is out there.
“She could be on someone’s
property or could be near someone’s farm and they don’t realise it,” he said.
“Or someone might even have seen her and not thought anything of it.
“It could be something simple like someone has a farm near there and normally their dogs sleep through the night, but recently they’ve been barking in the middle of the night.
“And that could be because there’s another little dog in the area.”
He said the local community has so far been “absolutely lovely and helping as much as they can”.
A Facebook post made by Mr Pickering on the Euroa Community Noticeboard has been
shared 141 times.
He described Kennedy as a “lovely, friendly little dog”.
“I would even sneak her into the ABC so she could sit in my office with me while I was at work, and she would often be in my dressing room when I’m recording The Weekly,” he said.
“She’s even been on the show a couple of times.”
He said his relationship with Kennedy precedes that with his wife, non-fiction author Sarah Krasnostein.
Mr Pickering said Kennedy is microchipped, so if she is taken to a vet, a scan will bring up his contact details.
He is asking anyone with information to call Arthur and Co Pet Detectives on 0406 834 001.
VOLUNTEERS are being sought for a new Nagambie parkrun, which will take runners on a scenic route along the Lake Nagambie boardwalk.
Avenel Active treasurer Julie Dobbie said she hoped the run will start in late April, but it will depend on finding enough volunteers.
“I’ve been doing parkruns since 2010… and when I moved up here from Melbourne, there was something lacking,” she said.
“There was no parkrun event up here at all.
“Then Euroa started up, and since then, I’ve been investigating and trying to get one up here.”
In early February, Avenel Active was successful in its application for a $5000 event grant from Strathbogie Shire Council to purchase a parkrun Australia license and equipment.
Nagambie’s chamber of commerce, GoNagambie, contributed $2500 towards the same purchase.
Ms Dobbie said the event would be well-suited to Nagambie given the town’s
popularity with tourists.
“When tourists go on holidays, they also like to keep fit, or they like to take the family out for a walk with the dog and that type of thing,” she said.
But she said it could also attract more visitors outside of
tourist periods, judging by the number of travelling runners she has met at other parkruns.
Ms Dobbie, who will be the event director, needs to assemble a team of 13 volunteers. She said the volunteer schedule will be flexible, with
volunteers not required to attend every week. Some of the roles available include timekeeper, barcode scanner and “tail walker”. A tail walker walks at the back of the group at every parkrun.
THERE is no better way to celebrate Easter Sunday here in the Strathbogie Shire than to join with others and stand on Mt Wombat in the early hours of the morning at dawn, and watch the sun come up.
There will be a short ecumenical service and an opportunity to sing some wonderful Easter hymns as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
The service will be led by Pastor Bob Bruce (retired) and music accompaniment will be provided by Di Mackrell with her harp and piano accordion.
Please meet at Mt Wombat at 7.30am (daylight saving finishes on April 7).
Bring a chair if you wish.
There will be car parking in several places below the summit, some involving a short walk and others a bit longer, depending on your level of fitness.
Should the weather be inclement we will adjourn to the Kelvin View fire shed on the Euroa-Strathbogie Road.
A hot drink and hot cross bun will be provided after the service.
You are also most welcome to bring your own thermos, mug and hot cross bun if you prefer.
Come and be part of this wonderful celebration this Easter on Sunday, April 9.
Hope to see you there at 7.15am.
For enquiries, please contact Joan Wood on 5795 1175 (Strathbogie Uniting Church), or Bob Bruce from Euroa Baptist Church.
THE Euroa Rotary Farmer’s Market is probably the most visible and popular component of what Rotary contributes to Euroa.
The monthly sausage sizzle is shared with other community groups and helps fund their activities.
These groups include: Euroa Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Euroa Secondary College, St Paul’s Anglican Parish and supporters of Diabetes Victoria.
We encourage more locals to come and support the market, on the third Saturday of every month.
Another community Rotary activity for 2024 is the Ride the Ranges bicycle event on April 21.
Participants have a choice of three routes of varying levels of endurance.
If you are a keen rider and interested in participating, register online at www. ridetherangeseuroa.org.au.
The Euroa Friendlies Oval has also drawn the attention of Rotary, and a team of members are working to raise funds and manage a project that would see an even and safe walking
track around this oval.
Currently it is somewhat hazardous, uneven, and does not help with drainage during periods of high rainfall.
In addition to local programs, Rotary Club of Euroa also has a strong international focus.
The Cambodian sanitation project involves funding the provision of running water and toilets to disadvantaged communities in that country.
At a local level, Euroa Rotary will continue in 2024 to work with Euroa Primary School and Euroa Secondary College with the provision of scholarships and support for the music program.
To help fund these activities, the deposit container scheme can now be accessed at the Euroa Timber Company on 14 De Boos Street.
A payment of 10 cents is made for each eligible container received at this refund point.
You can receive a payment or donate the proceeds to a registered charity or community organisation, of which Euroa Rotary is one.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 1 April 2024.
15 artists, live music, talk panels, workshops & more
full program and tickets @ benallastreetartfestival.com.au
EUROA Bowls Club is on a mission to find Euroa’s champion junior lawn bowler.
“I’ve always said it’s a young person’s game that old people can still play,” club member Bill Sargood said.
“This year, the Kyabram Bowls Club champion was 16 years of age.”
On Wednesday last week, the club held the first of three coaching and competition sessions for players under 18.
Mr Sargood said the idea came after he was impressed by the participation of young people at the Business House Bowls tournament earlier this year, in which teams of amateur players competed on behalf of local businesses.
“I thought to continue on with that, we had a chance to run a competition to perhaps encourage them to get a bit more serious about it,” he said.
“There are more and more young kids playing [lawn bowls] now.”
Imogen Baker, a 13-year-old Euroa Secondary College student, joined the junior bowls session last week.
“I quite liked doing six weeks with all the adults [in the Business House Bowls tournament],” she said.
“As I’ve started to learn, it’s gotten easier and more enjoyable.”
She said lawn bowls is “100 percent” a sport young people can play.
“It’s not just for old people –it’s quite fun for young people,” she said.
ON Thursday last week, Euroa Arboretum volunteer and education coordinator Charlotte Langman was the first presenter in a new series of talks to be held monthly at the Euroa Library.
The series, coordinated by Friends of the Euroa Library (FOEL), will bring an interesting speaker to the library on the first Thursday of each month.
It is named “First Thursday Conversations”.
The theme of Ms Langman’s talk, which took place the day before International Women’s Day, was “Inspiring women I know”.
She shared stories of inspiring women including her friends, family, colleagues and past colleagues.
Her mum was the first to get a mention.
“She taught me to stick up for myself and not only was a great mum, she built sheds, fish ponds, chicken coups, made clothes for us and reup-
holstered chairs,” Ms Langman said.
“She took us down to the local creek to catch tadpoles, hiking and camping, looked after loved ones and was kind and caring to all people and animals.”
Another inspiring lady to be featured was Euroa Arboretum CEO Cath Olive.
“She is ultimately the force of nature who makes work at the Euroa Arboretum so rewarding,” Ms Langman said.
“She has an incredible physical and mental capacity.
“When she is not out doing consultations and advising people on how to regenerate their land with native plants, she can be seen whizzing around the Arb on a tractor, wielding chainsaws, shovels, secateurs and whipper snippers, writing grants, educating, hosting events, bushwalking, sailing, skiing, swimming, feeding everyone, welding, weaving, creating.”
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Sunday 17th March
Holy Eucharist
8am St Andrew’s Longwood
9.15am St Paul’s Euroa
Wednesday 20th March
Holy Eucharist 10am St Paul’s Euroa
Enq: 5704 0330
www.anglicaneuroa.org.au
All welcome
BAPTIST CHURCH
31 Kennedy Street, Euroa
Sunday March 17th, 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 March 17th
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
with Di Grant
P: 5794 1720
E: stardust2011@bigpond.com
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: Plant “flowers” not “weed” thoughts in your mind.
PERSONALS: Happy 70th birthday to Stephen “Emu” Crockett from family and friends.
Birthday greetings go this week to Diane Proud, Ian Griffiths, Michael Verhardt, Bruce Neville, Carol Harrop, Bobby Hutton, Vivienne Shelton, Sean O’Brien, Sharon Berry, Joy Lewis, John Burns Jnr, Aileen Gillard, John Miller, Madeline Miller, Linda Halsall and Geoff Halpin.
61st anniversary wishes go to Coral and Wally Cubbin and happy 50th anniversary wishes go to Noel and Aileen Gillard.
Sympathy goes to the family and friends of Martin Coffey who passed away recently.
LETTER TO MINISTER REGARDING KING CHARLES III’S VISIT: I have sent off a letter of request to Sonya Kilkenny, Victorian Planning Minister.
I saw on the television that she was the one to lead the King Charles III visit plans for later this year.
So, I have asked her to include Nagambie in this visit, as we have had royal links for the past three years, including two condolence books and replies from the Royal family and our queen’s memorial rose garden made in Her Majesty’s honour.
I included some pics of town and winery attractions and some newspaper clippings of our activities of the past year.
Let’s hope they consider it.
I invited King Charles in my letter with garden records I sent in December 2023.
One can only try, can’t one?
ART & CRAFT SHOW - KELVIN GROVE VILLAGE HALL: Saturday, April 6, 127 High Street, Nagambie. from 1pm- 4.30pm.
Entry $2 gold coin donation.
Includes small afternoon tea.
Kelvin Grove Village residents are hosting their second art and craft fair on this day.
The fair is also open to members of the Community House craft groups, the senior citizens club folk, local artists, sewers, school artwork, quilters or general public and anyone who might have something they would like to display.
Set up day is the day before, Friday, April 6, at Kelvin Grove Hall from 11am–4pm.
Please let me know or Glenis Hageman know what you would like to display beforehand, by April 2 at the latest.
Label them with a name, and what it is, and whose it is, please.
Any offers of help would be most appreciated to collect, display the items or cook some scones for the afternoon tea would be great.
Contact Di Grant on 5794 1720 or on email at stardust2011@bigpond.com.
Contact Glenis Hageman on 0425 737 177 or on email at glenishageman@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY HOUSE NEWS: The Community House will be facilitating a new support group for carers.
This will be organised by Gateway Health.
The meetings will provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experience in caring.
Gateway Health will provide service navigation and support to any carers or supporters/ kin/family that need a little extra help in their caring roles.
This group is primarily targeting those who are carers of people experiencing mental health challenges, or substance challenges, but all carers are welcome.
Date: fourth Tuesday of the month commencing on March 26, from 10.30am12.30pm.
Location: Nagambie Lakes Community House.
For details, call 5794 1487 on weekdays.
FUNDRAISER FOR ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: Friday, March 22, trivia night fundraiser, hosted by the Nagambie Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal committee. Mechanics Hall, start at 7pm, tickets $15 per person.
For tickets contact P Moroney on 0407 811 572.
The pool party at the Violet Town swimming pool on March 11 went off swimmingly.
Perfect place to be on a hot afternoon.
Community House’s ART GROUP started last Thursday, March 7.
Join this casual group in the hART works room behind Violet Town Community House at 12.30 pm.
Some materials available and tea, coffee and biscuits on hand, all for a gold coin donation.
If you missed the first week, chat to Lisa about what direction the group is taking.
Good to see the market advertising new vendors attending last weekend.
There were fresh berries from the Yarra Valley, freeze-dried fruit, and a gluten free baker.
Phong’s new premises (the old hardware store) is looking sparkling with their blue and white paint job.
No date yet for the move.
And rumour says that the old Health and Beauty shop together with the hairdressers has been sold to a business who plans to do renovations.
If anyone would like to write the VT column for three months, please contact Kirsty on 0422 208 779.
The Violet Town Community Awards breakfast and presentation is on from 8am on Saturday March 16 on the community lawns.
Breakfast is free, and all are welcome.
To celebrate another year of growth and good competition the Violet Town Bowls
Club Presentation night is on Saturday March 16, from 7pm.
Cost is $10 per head and payment in advance is required.
Supper provided and drinks at bar prices.
Contact Margaret Crawford on 0402 299 504 to book.
Diary date: on March 28, join the Community House folk on the community lawns for a cuppa and hot cross bun and watch the kinder kids have their easter egg hunt. Gold coin donation.
All welcome, 10am start.
A group of locals have started a darts team that plays in the Benalla competition on Monday nights, and practice at the footy club where a new darts set up has been installed.
If you are interested in being part of the team or learning how to play, contact Justin Turnbull.
ON Saturday, March 9, I was able to attend the Nagambie Lakes Community House’s NLCH, International Women’s Breakfast at the Nagambie Rowing Club and was very pleased to hear the Victorian Police’s Senior Sergeant Rachel Walsh, Family Violence Training Officer from the Seymour Police Station speak on the role of the police in support of those undergoing relationship breakdowns and family violence, which is happening to women and men, and especially affects children.
Senior Sergeant Walsh spoke of her personal background and police history that has culminated with her being a Family Violence Training Officer; one of 21 now in 24-hour manned police stations across Victoria.
Some of her talk focused on different types of family violence, i.e., elder abuse, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, coercive control, financial deprivation, child exposure, gas lighting, pet abuse, threat of suicide, humiliation, being put down, use of children, blame games, isolation issues, mental health, alcoholism and drug abuse.
She talked about where those affected can go to for help and what community members can do to assist some family undergoing crisis times due to fam-
FOR A CAUSE: Family violence was the topic of Nagambie Lakes Community House’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. Pictured are NLCH Coordinator Anna Close, Senior Sgt. Rachel Walsh (Family Violence Training Officer) and NLCH president Edna James.
ily violence or other forms of abuse.
Questions were asked on intervention orders after she spoke of them briefly in her talk.
In Strathbogie Shire in 202223, there were 145 reports of family violence.
Some 41 percent of incidents had children present in the home and 90pc occurred in the home.
Some 115 involved female victims, 30 male victims, and 46 victims received homelessness services because of family violence.
WHY DO I CARE?
In November 2022, the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta Mother’s Union Bishop of Wangaratta Clarence Bester request-
ed that the MU support the 2023 gender-based and domestic violence mission.
That day I joined a committee of women to plan a 2023 conference and workshops about this problem not only within the church folk but in the wider community.
I had experienced the abuse and violence and coercive control during my life and knew that I could show support, advice and show empathy to others in their hour of need.
I wanted to support many women who had undergone domestic violence and relationship problems like I had in my own family with my own grandfather, father, stepfather and my first husband.
When I needed a refuge place there were none around here.
I needed financial support but no single mother support was available as my children were over 16.
I was given a loan for bond money by a dear Avenel friend to move to Seymour and had police help me with an intervention situation while fleeing my home.
It was a tough nine years on my own adapting to a single life again and trying to start a new life for me and my children.
But we survived with support from church folk within this district, family and new friends that I made.
Plus training at night for 18 months to get my administration skills up to date while doing shire home help and surgery cleaning jobs by day.
Then I was able to get a better permanent job at Puckapunyal and a Seymour newspaper part time.
Now it is good to know there is assistance, advice and counselling provided by the Orange Door organisation in Shepparton, Wallan, Albury and 1800 RESPECT and Victoria Police Family Violence Training Officers.
Thanks goes to the Nagambie Lakes Community House for hosting the breakfast and for those who show support to those in crisis while suffering family violence (often in silence).
EUROA Red Cross members and friends have commenced collecting funds for the “Red Cross Calling” appeal.
At present you will find us in Binney Street, but Friday and Saturday we will be out back of Burtons.
The need for funds to support Red Cross workers both here in Australia and many overseas countries has never been greater.
We are always grateful for the generous support we received from the Euroa community.
COLLECTING FUNDS: Heather Bamford and Margaret Grogan collecting funds for Red Cross.
FRESH from a first place win last year, Euroa’s junior teams are hoping to prevail again at the CFA Rural State Firefighting Championships next weekend.
Teagan Kubeil is the coach of Euroa’s under 17s team, two under 14s teams and seniors team.
“There’s a few new members this year, a few will be making their debut at the state, but I have full faith in them that they’ll do really well,” she said.
“Euroa’s one of the top teams that everyone looks out for – we do have a few tough competitors, but we’re up there with the best.”
Euroa’s biggest rival?
“Definitely Melton,” Ms Kubeil said.
“Everyone looks out for Melton – they’ve got big numbers because of where they’re located, but Euroa’s not too far behind.”
She is encouraging locals to support Euroa by attending the junior finals in Mooroopna on Saturday and Sunday.
Attendees can also enjoy food and beverage vans, CFA department displays and firefighting equipment displays, according to a CFA advertisement.
The aim of the sport is to
complete a firefighting drill as fast as possible.
Euroa CFA First Lieutenant Tyson Thomson said the sport is a good option for kids.
“You don’t have be the quickest kid – you can be the slowest kid and be the neatest on the gear, and still win your race,” he said.
He said it also supports the CFA, as junior competitors often move up the ranks to become firefighters in later years.
Mr Thomson is a member of the senior team, and his son, Bayley Thomson, is the team captain for all three junior teams.
The senior finals will be held the weekend following the junior finals.
Senior team member Aaron Rotherham, who started as a junior in 2011, said the seniors still had work to do.
“We have a bit more practice, but in a few events, we might be able to pick up a couple of firsts hopefully,” he said last week.
MOLLY: Molly Vandershoor was one of several junior team members to be interviewed by WIN News last week.
BAYLEY: Team captain Bayley Thomson was one of several junior team members to be interviewed by WIN News last week.
CULLEN, John.
The Assistant Chief family and all
DUNN (nee Sykes), Peggy Eileen.
6/3/1937 – 4/3/2024
Passed away peacefully at Granite Hill Nursing Home.
Beloved wife of Kelly.
Beloved mother of Belinda (dec), Marcus, Jeanette.
Beloved sister of Kathleen (dec), Ronnie and David.
Adored Nan of Darren and Jacob.
kindness and care of Peggy. Loved by all. Rest in peace.
DUNN, Peggy Eileen.
To a beautiful lady, thank you for all our great laughs.
Never forgotten.
~ James.
MACKRELL, Joy.
Loved sister of June and Graeme (both dec).
Fond Aunty of Susan, Wayne, Jillian, Andrew and families. Remembered always.
Joyce Wendy.
Passed away peacefully at G V Health, Shepparton on the March 3, 2024. Aged 85 years.
Loved and loving wife of George (dec).
Loved and adored mother and mother-in-law of Stephen (dec) and Diane, Shelley and Stuart (Lancaster), Trudy and Alan (Dowell).
Treasured Granma of Elizabeth (dec), Sean, William, Patrick, Tim, Erin and Great-Granma of Harrison and Maddilyn.
‘Reunited with Dad, Stephen and Elizabeth’ ‘A gracious lady now at rest’
The funeral service was held on March 7, 2024 at the Euroa Lawn Cemetery.
Member AFDA
EUROA 1800 352 425
BENALLA (03) 5762 2461
MACKRELL, Joyce Wendy.
Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Ruth and Jim (dec).
Loved Aunty Joy of the extended Cummins Family.
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace you’ve earned your sleep.
Member AFDA
Servicing Euroa & District since 1937
Damien Feehan
Justin Feehan
Garage Sale
41 Sutherland Street, Euroa March 16, 8am start
Clothes, shoes, household items, linen, garden items
POSITIONS VACANT
Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre HOME CARE PACKAGE –ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Up to 15 hours per week
We are looking for an experienced Administration Assistant with exceptional computing skills and accounts payable knowledge with attention to detail and accuracy. Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people and groups to ensure delivery of a high level of customer service. Previous experience in Health/Aged Care an advantage. For further information or to obtain a Position Description, please contact Lyn or Debbie: 5736 6333 or 0498 464 434. Please send cover letter and resume to: hcp@hsrh.com.au
Applications close on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 5pm
Personal Care Assistant Traineeship
Opportunities at Euroa Health
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced, dynamic and highly motivated Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) to join the clinical leadership team in a permanent ongoing position.
The NUM is an integral member of the leadership team, working with the Associate Nurse Unit Managers to ensure efficient operation of the clinical environment and is responsible for the delivery of quality care within the Acute Ward and Urgent Care, ensuring that patients are encouraged to be partners in care planning, goal setting and decision making. You will have advanced clinical skills with experience in leadership and people management, acute nursing, including palliative care, emergency nursing and medical/surgical nursing. You will demonstrate the skills essential with commitment to own personal and professional development. Demonstration of negotiation and conflict resolution skills, decision making, efficient time management and communication skills with the ability to manage change are essential. In collaboration with the Director of Clinical Services, you will be required to lead, direct and co-ordinate patient care in our Acute Ward, and our Urgent Care.
Applications close Sunday, Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Come and join our passionate, supportive and caring community. Euroa Health, in conjunction with Partners in Training Australia is looking to build our team of carers to meet the growing needs of our aged care services at Granitehill. You will obtain skills as you work and learn locally.
If you would like to choose a career with a purpose and bring meaning to the ageing journey, please contact Euroa Health now. Full time and Part time positions available.
Please call:
Megan Reid
People and Culture Manager
Ph: 5795 0292
Email: recruitment@euroahealth.com.au
KOKODA caravan
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ADH can offer assistance with accommodation options.
For queries please contact Claire Palmer, Director of Clinical Services (03) 5772 0900
colour, cruise control, always serviced at Mazda, rwc, new tyres, excellent condition, 1 owner, 287,000km, $6500 ono, (X0C012). Ph 0456 236 310.
IT was a day of high expectation as our division four and six Weekend Pennant sides played off in the grand finals at Shepparton Park on Saturday.
The early start helped beat the worst of the heat but unfortunately, we were unable to beat the opposition who were simply too good on the day and thoroughly deserved to be premiers.
It is no excuse, but we need to remember that our teams were up against their oppositions number one sides both of whom finished well clear on top of the ladders at the end of the home and away season – Eildon by 34 points and Yea by 45 points.
Yes, we were disappointed with the result but it was a great achievement to be part of the grand final action.
Division four:
Euroa v Eildon – 65-94.
Jim Perry, Max Griffiths, Greg Blatchford and Margaretha Cerini 18-22.
Barry Hatchman, Doug Maconachie, Richard Noble and Brian Bamford 14-26.
Kev Milner, Don Steers, Brian Diffey and Kerrie Steers 14-22.
Peter Naughton, Lindsay Cocking, Libby Byrne and David Cerini 19-24.
Division six:
Euroa V Yea – 52-61.
Ken Byrne, Neville Harris, Doug Morgan and Gordon Grant 23-16.
Tim Scarlett, Ken Drysdale, Ian South and James Dunn 15-22.
Marg Goode, Ross Withers, Ray Day and Chris Asquith 14-23.
On behalf of the participating players, I would like to thank our fellow bowlers, families and friends for coming along and supporting us on the day - it was greatly appreciated. Also, thanks to the club for the fellowship after the game as we dissected what “might have been”.
Another word of thanks to the people who work so hard throughout the year to ensure the club runs smoothly – often in difficult circumstances.
In no order (and I hope I don’t leave anyone out) the board, the selectors, catering staff, bar staff, cleaners, grounds and garden staff, maintenance staff, team managers and bus drivers.
And leaving the best to last – our green keepers.
Every time we bowl away,
we are reminded how lucky we are to be part of a club with the best greens in the competition.
Well done to all who assist.
Congratulations to Kerrie Steers on winning her second club Championship following a great clash with Libby Byrne last Friday – 25 to 24.
The result says it all.
The Burton Green is being cored on Wednesday but it is my understanding that the Delahey Green will be available for Social Bowls starting this Saturday so check the board for further information.
There are also a number of tournaments coming up and Winter Bowls will be held at several venues again this year, so the opportunity exists to work on our skills in preparation for the 24/25 season.
To this end our AGM is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 7pm.
The Goulburn Valley Bowls Division have alluded to a few changes regarding next season’s Pennant Competitions, and it is important that we all take an active role in ensuring the future of our club.
THE Euroa Clay Target Club conducted their annual Memorial Shooting Championships on Sunday under hot conditions.
Despite the trying conditions, a very good field of competitors entered the events including a visiting Tasmanian couple Fiona and Tim Atkins who were passing by on their way to the national championships.
The first event, the Barrie Pyke Memorial Championship was sponsored by the Alexandra Gun Club in memory of their very good friend and former long serving secretary. It was Wangaratta’s Keith Willett, a regular visitor who braved the conditions to shoot 38/38 to take out that title from Mark Spencer.
The second event on the program was the club Point Score Championship and it was our Tasmanian visitor Tim Atkins who scored a very creditable 87/90 to win this event outright.
The Craig Asquith Memorial Deauville Doubles Championship was the final event for the day, and it was great to see his family members along having a shot in Memory of Craig who at the time of his passing was the club’s vice president.
Deauville Double is a pairs event with the two shooters shooting at a pair of targets
and this was one of Craig’s favourite events, pairing with his great mate Geoff McClure with much success.
Three pairs of competitors made the final including the Tasmanians, but it was visiting Zac Felmingham and Cameron Ford who won the event from Geoff McCure and Tony Rohrlach.
Full results
25t “Barrie Pyke Memorial” Championship.
1st AA grade and O/A K.Willett (Wangarat ta) 38/38.
2nd AA grade C.Ford (Yarrawonga) 34/35.
1st A grade G.McClure (Alexandra) 28/29.
2nd A grade D.Clark (Mansfield) 26/27.
1st B grade M.Spencer (Alexandra) 35/36.
2nd B grade P.McKendrick (Euroa) 31/32.
1st C grade I.Larner (Alexandra) 21/25.
2nd C grade L.Tonks (Euroa) 23/28/
30t Euroa P/S Championship.
1st AA grade & O/A T.Atkins (Mersey) 87/90.
2nd AA grade C.Comensoli (Cohuna) 104/108.
1st A grade G.McClure (Alexandra) 80/90.
2nd A grade D.Clark (Mansfield 79/90.
1st B grade P.McKendrick (Euroa) 85/90.
2nd B grade J.Winters (Mansfield) 80/90.
1st C grade C.Petersen (Al-
exandra) 74/90.
2nd C grade B,Makin (Euroa) 71/90.
20pr “Craig Asquith Memorial” D/D’s Championship.
1st Z, Felmingham and C. Ford 32/33.
2nd G.McClure and A,Rohrlach 31/33.
Zac and Cameron proudly display their victory as Asquith Memorial Doubles Champions alongside Chris and Cameron Asquith.
THE Euroa junior Under 14s and 17s CFA team left Euroa at 6.30am to compete at Echuca, showcasing their skills and teamwork in the highly anticipated event.
In the first event for the under 17s, Tyler, Molly, Coby and Bailey participated in the 4Y competition.
With determination and skill, they finished 6th overall, displaying an impressive performance.
On the main track, the Rieusset sisters competed in the under 14s Hydrant race.
Charlee from Euroa “A” team faced Melton and emerged victorious with a great run.
Mia from Euroa “B” team competed against Swan Hill and although she lost by a few seconds, both sisters achieved their best times for the season.
Macy Kubeil showcased her talent in the one-man marshall event.
With swift movements and precision, Macy completed the run in an impressive time of 42.22 seconds.
The Under 14s B team, led by Mia and newcomers Will Britten and Riley Cunningham, participated in the “Wet Hose second Disk” event.
With Mia handling the first branch, Will on the Hy-
drant, and Riley controlling the water, the team exceeded expectations, finishing in the top 10.
In the mid-morning, the Under 17s showcased their skills in the “Wet Hose first and second Disk” event.
With Molly on the Hydrant and Bailey and Tyler handling the branches, the team secured a commendable fifth place finish.
The under 14s A team, consisting of Will, Charlotte, Macy and Charlee, also participated in the same event.
With exceptional teamwork and coordination, the team completed all tasks efficiently, finishing with an impressive time of 35.87.
Overall, both the Under 14s A and B and under 17s A team from Euroa displayed outstanding performances at the Echuca competition.
Their success sets a promising tone for their upcoming participation in the Junior State and Mooroopna event in two weeks.
Good luck to all the kids.
ON Monday, March 4 our Goulburn Valley team of 60 players travelled to Heathcote to contest the fifteenth annual challenge with Central District for the Tom Downie Shield.
Tom was a member of both associations at different times and helped promote the game for veteran golfers before his passing in 2012.
GV was represented by members from a wide geographical area with a great effort from the Deniliquin area that contributed eight players.
We were also encouraged by the participation of president Bill Chilcott to whom we extend our deepest sympathy on the recent loss of his wife Jo.
Our hosts presented the course in excellent condition and the catering from the ladies was superb.
The weather cannot be blamed for the low scores posted by many players as it was ideal for golf ranging from 15 to 22oC with a good breeze from 24 to 37 kph.
Leading the field for Goulburn Valley were Peter Jeffery, Cosgrove, 38 Stableford points; Phillip Mitchell, Murray Downs, 36; Jack Dell, Numurkah, 35; and a ball rundown from 33 to 28 pts including Jim Dean, Hill Top; Dennis Hardie, Rushworth; Mick McAuliffe, Valley View; Neil Boswell, Deniliquin; Gary Bow, Nagambie; Michael Keely, Euroa; Graeme North, Shepparton; David Fullager, Avenal; Peter Demay, Mooroopna; John King, Rich River; Bill Murphy, Mooroopna; Peter O’Brien, Deniliquin; Rolf Weber, Mooroopna; Bruce Whebell, Mooroopna, john Fuller, Merrigum; Geoff Hamill, Shepparton; Max Newman, Mooroopna; Greg Reynoldson, Bamawn; Keith Seeber, Euroa.
Central District’s leading scores were recorded by Vin Walsh, Castlemaine, 37; Phil Cummings, Heathcote, 34; Peter McCoombe, Castlemaine, 34 and a ball rundown which also ended at 28 pts including Rodney Spence, Neangar Park; Greg Long, Heathcote; Geoff Cook, Belvoir Park; Danny Curran, Axedale; Michael Hockley, Neangar Park; David Holmes, Belvoir Park;
Peter Mazur, Bendigo; Leslie Pocock, Heathcote; Dennis Anthony, Neangar Park; Ian Barry, Belvoir Park; Tony Olsson, Castlemaine; Gary Edwards, Quarry Hill; Ian Fernaux, Heathcote; Amanda Long, Heathcote; Carol Stuart, Heathcote; Dot Trott, Heathcote; William Burgess, Castlemaine; Alister Campbell, Castlemaine; Ian Fraser; Castlemaine; Brian Gunn, Bendigo.
Although GV posted a better score over the full 60 players, the championship is decided on the aggregate of the best 40 stableford scores from each team and Central compiled 1146 points, just ahead of the GV total of 1140.
This means that Central District retains the shield and now leads the competition eight wins to six, and with one drawn contest.
Nearest the pin was contested on four holes with David Fullager (GV-Avenal) successful on the 123m eighth; Geoff Hamill (GV-Shepparton) on the 145m 13th; Rob Sutton (CD-Neangar Park) on the 148m 16th; and Greg Austin (GV-Mooroopna) on the 150m 18th.
Our next regular event is at Nagambie Golf Club on Monday, March 25 2024, 9.30 am assembly for 10 am tee off.
EUROA LADIES GOLF
By DEBRA COXWEDNESDAY, March 6.
Ladies Opening Day was a 12-hole Stableford Gala event generously sponsored by Erica Mercer.
This novelty round was played in teams of three and it was wonderful to see some of our 9-hole golfers participating.
Winners were Freda Edwards, Bev Jungwirth and Pam Sprunt. Runners up were Kae Lummas, Olga Hill and Deb Cox.
Nearest the pins went to Judy McLean and May Hamilton.
Pam Sprunt had the straightest drive and Robin Lied was closest on the 17th with her third shot. Next week will see a full report of our three-day Autumn Tournament.
EUROA GOLF CLUB
By RICHARD JOHNSONLOCAL golfer Ed Carracher and Kate little visiting from The National course both had amazing rounds with
both shooting course record scores to win the scratch events at the Euroa Autumn Tournament.
Carracher shot an incredible eight under par 64 in a round that included nine birdies to steal the course record away from Paul Robinson who only three months ago had knocked off a long-standing record.
Now playing off a plus two handicap, Carracher round took off after his only bogey for the day was on the fourth.
Then followed an amazing five birdies over the next seven holes between the seventh and the 13th holes.
He finished his round with his ninth birdie of the day, it was no surprise to see the course record fall again as both Ed and Paul Robinson have been consistently under par over recent weeks.
Eight under par is a once in a lifetime round.
Not to be outdone the ladies record fell to Kate Little who had an incredible 71 off the stick in her first competition
round at Euroa’s course.
Kate was in town for the annual Labour Day Tennis tournaments and rounded out her weekend with the local course record score.
Kate is no stranger to elite level golf having competed on the European tour for a couple of years before retiring from professional golf to raise her young family.
Kate said she founds the greens tricky but enjoyed the feel of the country course.
She grew up travelling to, and playing lots of country courses and she holds a couple of other course records.
She has also said she will be back next year.
Kates husband Troy Little who is Paul Robinson’s cousin also shot 71 to win the handicap.
For a few brief hours on Saturday the Robinson family held both men’s and ladies course records which must surely be a record in itself.
Health Save Pharmacy were the event sponsors.
Neil Healy took out the
B Grade scratch event and William Peers won the handicap Division two event with a net 73.
Sundays four ball Stableford event sponsored by Ausure was also played in hot conditions with visitors from nine different clubs taking part.
The Men’s event was won by Keith Seeber and Dick Farmer with 46 points while Tim Burton partnered by his young nephew Alex Burton were runners up on 45 Points.
It looks like the next generation of Burton golfers are also destined for great things.
Josh and Mathew Bell had 43 points ahead of Brendan Redfern and John Moore.
Matt Collett and Paul Whelan also had 42.
The course played beautifully over the weekend and many visitors enjoyed the greens.
The Mixed Pineshurst event sponsored by George Andrews rounded out the weekend.
THE Summer heat continued into the Labour Day long weekend where Autumn is supposed to provide temperate conditions for players, extreme temperatures confronted golfers for the Sunday par round but a well-prepared course which is holding up beautifully considering no rain has fallen for seven weeks provided plenty for the players. Greg Whiteman was the surprise winner with a plus two result, all good rounds of golf have some element of luck involved but Whiteman took it to a new level using plenty of it to snatch the win, a competent short game was on display for most of the round with luck doing the rest.
Runner up for the second week in succession was David Love losing on count back with plus two, Love needs to find his way into the winner’s circle before his flashy form fades, third place went to Graham Cusack also on plus two around that could have been best of the year with enough plus results except for a loose lot of finishing holes.
Only two of four nearest the pin prizes went off with Don Hughes jamming one in close on the 13th and Barry Cryer utilising the tail wind to go
from ‘Bageye’ to dead eye on the 16th.
Next week’s golf will be a Stableford event with D. Love on office duty and J. Lodding in the bar,
RESULTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28.
We had 11 players brave enough to front the heat.
The winner of A Grade was the very in form Monica Hurley with 39pts.
The winner of B and C Grade was Kylie Carmichael with 31 pts.
The nine-hole winner was also Monica with 22 pts.
Monica was also the winner of the Seymour Club Voucher.
There was only one nearest to the pin winner on the 13th and that was Bev Brown.
18-hole balls down the line went to Monica 39 pts, Kylie 31 pts and Annette Mills also 31 pts on a closest to the pin from Moz Fowler and Irene Keogh.
9-hole balls down the line went to Monica 22 pts Kylie 21 pts and Annette with 19 pts.
RESULTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6.
We only had nine players but there were some good scores once again.
The winner of A Grade was Monica Hurley with 37 pts and she also won the 9-ball competition with 21 pts.
The winner of A and B Grades and the Seymour Club Voucher was Kylie Carmichael with 39 pts.
18-hole balls down the line went to Kylie 39 pts and Monica 37 pts.
9-hole balls down the line went to Monica 21 pts and Bev Brown 20 pts.
Nearest to the pin on the third was Kylie and on the 16th Irene Keogh.
RESULTS THURSDAY NINE HOLE MIXED COMPETITION.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29.
There were 25 players for a Stableford round and the winner was Rhys Shepherd with 25 pts and the runners up was Lindsay Hall with 20 pts.
Rhys also managed nearest to the pin on the third.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7.
There were 24 players for a round of Stroke.
The winner was Shaun Bryant with 39/5/34net.
The runners up was Irene Keogh with 45/8.5/36.5net.
Wayne LeCerf managed nearest to the pin on the 13th.
Last
TOTAL: 0
75
Last
TOTAL: 0
Carlton Collingwood
Geelong
TIPSTER: Tony Rogers
Last
TOTAL: 0
Geelong
TIPSTER: Damien Murphy Murphy’s
1
Last week: 0
Carlton Collingwood
TOTAL: 0
TOTAL: 0
TOTAL:
EUROA Lawn Tennis Club hosted its highly anticipated 94th Labour Day Tournament over the scorching weekend, with temperatures hitting a sweltering 37 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday, and 36C on Monday.
Despite the challenging weather, the tournament saw a remarkable turnout of players and tennis enthusiasts eager to compete and spectate.
The action-packed weekend commenced with the
BY DAN GODSMARK dgodsmark@ nemedia.com.au
open men’s and women’s singles events, featuring a knockout-style format.
With a substantial prize pool of $1000 for the winners and $250 for the runners-up, the competition was fierce and the stakes were high.
Saturday also saw the commencement of the men’s and women’s graded singles matches, with three matches played under a best-of-
six-games or tie-breaker format at five games.
Players from A grade to junior tennis showcased their skills, captivating the audience with thrilling matches.
The smooth operation of such a large-scale event owes much to the dedicated volunteers and organisers of the Euroa Lawn Tennis Club.
With hundreds of players and tennis fans in attendance, the club ensured everyone remained comfortable despite the scorching
conditions, providing mist fans and cooling stations throughout the venue.
Sunday and Monday welcomed a fresh batch of tennis players for the men’s and women’s doubles events.
As the competition intensified, the canteens and coffee van worked tirelessly to cater to the influx of attendees, ensuring everyone stayed refreshed and energised.
Sunday night’s festivities included additional events to entertain players and
supporters, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament.
However, for some, Monday’s mixed doubles event posed a challenge, particularly for those who may have indulged a little too much the night before.
The mixed event’s scramble play format provided an exciting finale to what could potentially be the club’s largest tournament yet.
While not all the results have been finalised, the Euroa Lawn Tennis Club looks
forward to reporting on the weekend’s outcomes in the coming week.
The tournament not only serves as a significant fundraiser for the club but also brings invaluable business and exposure to the township of Euroa.
As the tournament draws to a close, the Euroa community extends its gratitude to all those involved in making the event a success and looks forward to another exciting Labour Day Tournament next year.
