Private Keith Ross with his art piece Heavy is the head that wears the 381 crown, exhibited during the Defending The Arts Festival in Canberra.
■ Story page 13
INDEPENDENT INCUMBENT HELEN HAINES TAKES
NUMBER ONE SPOT AFTER AEC BARREL DRAW
INDEPENDENT incumbent
federal MP Helen Haines has taken out the much sought a er number one spot on the Indi electorate ballot paper following a bingo style barrel draw on Friday.
Staged at The Centre on Wangaratta’s Chisholm Street, about 30 people showed up, with many wearing orange, to witness the o cial draw.
A number was drawn by a blindfolded woman, Belinda, and allocated to each of the nine candidates appearing on a list in order of their nomination.
Under the Act, the
BY STEVE KELLY skelly@
nemedia.com.au
blindfolded person to draw out the balls has to be an employee of the Commonwealth, or a state, or an authority of the Commonwealth or a state.
Then the balls were returned to the barrel and the rst number drawn was lucky number 7 which was
previously assigned to Helen Haines (Ind).
The rest of the ballot order was: 2. Mitch Bridges (Labor), 3. James Trenery (Liberal), 4. Athol Thomas (One Nation), 5. Alysia Regan (The Greens), 6. Tim Quilty (Libertarian), 7. Michael White (Family First), 8. Ben Howman (Legalise Cannabis), 9. Mark McFarlane (Independent).
Dr Haines said a er the draw that she was very grateful to the AEC and the work they do to make it a public event with lots of people coming down and seeing how democracy operates.
■ Continued page 3
PHOTO: Michael Rogers
The Already Read Book Shop
Open Good Friday 9am - 3pm
All proceeds donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
78
THIRD AGE CLUB
INDOOR bowls will not be going ahead on Friday, 25 April as the club will be in use by the RSL for ANZAC Day services.
Next club meeting is on Thursday, 24 April at 2pm.
Also, a polite reminder that club memberships for 2025 are now due and are $15. All are welcome.
Family values number one for Michael White
By STEVE KELLY
FAMILY First candidate for Indi and Beechworth resident Michael White is not new to politics, having campaigned for the party at a state level for Northern Victoria.
It is the rst time Mr White has contested Indi and he nominated because he wanted to stand up for Family First’s values.
“What Family First talks about correlates with my own personal values,” he said.
“People who vote for Family First are those looking for an alternative on the conservative side of politics.
“Our society has Christian values and we’re prepared to take those and put them in public policy.
“We look at the basic unit of our society, the family, and make
sure we have public policy which supports that.
“It’s like stepping back and looking at what are the fundamentals of our society and what should we defend rather be engrossed in promoting a particular interest or idea, for example workers rights or the environment, which other parties tend to do.
“This is not a bad thing, but we tend to take a bigger picture view which is why I wanted to run as a candidate.”
Mr White said Family First’s focus at this election is for sensible policies on energy to ensure prices don’t rise for struggling Australian families.
“We have concerns about government going too fast down the renewables track,” he said.
“We’re interested in making sure we have a reliable and
The Euroa RSL Dawn Service will be held at 05.45am followed by the GunFire Breakfast at the RSL Kirkland Ave Euroa. The march and morning commemorative service will be at 10.00am, also at the RSL.
Sund’y By The Seven’s Concert with Greg Dudley and Rod Grant. (Grant n’ Dudley).
‘Give Mum a unique Mother’s Day Treat’. Commences 1.30pm Sunday 11th May (Mother’s Day) in the Third Age Clubrooms Kirkland Ave Euroa. Admission Free.
OCTOBER
25-26
The Euroa Agricultural Society Inc will hold the 133rd Euroa Agricultural Show at the Euroa Showgrounds Sat 25 & Sun 26.
a ordable power system rather than the current ideology which says we have to go 100 per cent renewables.”
Given the chance he would convert the money spent on “bloated bureaucracy” into faster road repairs, shorter casualty wait times, and more frequent trains on the North East line.
Mr White said he also wants better care for children who aren’t born with the bene t of a stable family.
He has experienced rst hand how kids can thrive when they have a permanent home and the damage done when they don’t get that soon enough.
VALUE DRIVEN: Family First candidate for Indi Michael White.
Filling up the week at the Third Age Club
Line dancing – Monday & Tuesday 9.30am-12pm
Yoga – Monday 3pm and Saturday 9:30am
Games – Wednesday 12:30pm
Exercise class – Wednesday 3:30pm
Tai Chi – Thursday 9:30am
Indoor Bowls – Friday 1pm
Libertarians plan to reform tax system, drive energy price down
By STEVE KELLY
CUTTING taxes is a key policy
Libertarian candidate for Indi Tim Quilty is pushing as he nominates for his second time in the electorate.
Politics and numbers are a familiar space for the Wodonga accountant as he served over four years in the state upper house for Northern Victoria under the party’s former name, Liberal Democrats.
“We want to make Australia better and it has been pretty obvious we’ve been on a downward slide, something has gone wrong and both of our major parties are completely out of touch,” he said.
“Our Independents aren’t doing much better so I want to stand to make a di erence and I want Australia to be a place for our kids to have better jobs in, and I think the Libertarian party has the answer for that.
“I have a track record in parliament.
“People know I will ght for their freedoms and oppose tax grabs, wasteful spending and bad government regulation.
“Libertarians think Australia needs a radical program of tax and spending cuts, economic reform, regulation removal and protection of individual rights.”
Mr Quilty detailed a few of the party’s policies including cutting taxes - $50K tax free threshold, 20 per cent tax, combined family incomes (so $100K TFT for couples), and only taxing company pro ts when distributed, not when earned.
People know I will fight for their freedoms and oppose tax grabs, wasteful spending and bad government regulation.
“We’re also proposing reforms to company taxes and we’re only going to tax company pro ts when they’re distributed rather than when they’re earned.
“This would be a major change for small business in the way they nance.
“Instead of relying on debt they would be able to nance their business out of their own earnings and they’ll only pay tax when when they start taking pro ts.”
Cheaper electricity – no bans, no subsidies and protecting the environment from wind, solar and powerline destruction are key policies.
“As a party we have long proposed legalising nuclear power and the Liberal party took our policy, which was great,” Mr Quilty said.
“We don’t want to subsidise or
the government to pay for it, we just want to make it legal then let businesses do whatever is cheapest and drive energy prices down.
“What we’re doing with solar panels and wind farms and the connecting infrastructure which has been le out of the equation, is driving up energy costs.”
The Libertarians want to abolish the Federal Department of Education, encourage new education models and fund children, not schools, including home education co-ops.
Other goals include protecting women-only spaces and sports; reforming immigration to reduce the economic strains; enshrining rights in the constitution; defending freedom of speech; promoting rights to privacy; and ending Australian involvement in overseas con icts.
New Independent on the scene
By STEVE KELLY
MARK McFarlane wants to keep it real as a candidate for Indi as he believes there are too many groomed politicians following the party line.
Glenrowan is close to Mr McFarlane’s heart as he lived there for more than a decade and the now Benalla resident describes himself as a conservative Independent who is out to serve the people.
He took aim at incumbent Helen Haines because as he said farmers feel like they’re not getting any support from her around the construction of solar facilities on agricultural land.
“I am not for this renewable push and I’m representing the people who just want good base load power and I want to continue to support the coal and gas industry,” he said.
As a carpenter and home designer, he feels their needs to be a greater focus on building houses rather than the government just throwing money at schemes and nothing happens.
Mr McFarlane was an Australian Army apprentice carpenter when he was younger and he wants to see this reinstated as it will help bolster military as well as the building industry as more people become qualified.
“I am a real choice for the independence of Indi, and not an advocate for Climate200, World Economic Forum, World Health Organisation or the United Nations,” he said.
“These are all unelected infiltrators on our free way of life.”
Other topics Mr McFarlane is interested in include a push for better health care around untested vaccines, carcinogenic EMF microwaves from 5G towers and transmitters, aeroplane pollution and weather manipulation of the skies.
He also wants to lessen the income tax burdens on the average Australian, keep coal and gas in the power generation mix, and see an end to parental right impediments around schooling and medical aspects of people’s own children.
“I also want to stop the roll-out of toxic wind/solar and battery factories on our country, as well as lowering migrant stress on our housing and public facilities,” he said.
LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE FOR INDI TIM QUILTY
MARK MCFARLANE
Give that they may grow
Royal Children’s Hospital – Good Friday Appeal 2025 at Euroa
By NEVILLE MAWSON
THE Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal in 2024 was another highly successful yearnancially of new record totals set, with the Euroa area no exception. Planning and fund raising for the RCH Good Friday appeal nishes on every Good Friday, and restarts on that same day for the following year.
One year reaches its culmination and the next one commences.
This year in Euroa, as in past years, we will see members of the local Fire brigade along with volunteers from within the community gather at the re station from 8.30am on Good Friday
in preparedness for the start of the door-to-door collections in the Euroa township, which commence at 9.30am.
Prior to Good Friday, we have had the members of the Euroa Junior re brigade selling ra e tickets for the Easter egg ra e, and most businesses in Euroa boast a collection tin for the Royal Children’s Hospital sitting on their counter, these are collected prior to Good Friday in readiness for counting.
Varying community groups also hold special functions throughout the year, such as the Euroa Bowling Club who hold a special bowls day on Good Friday with all proceeds being
contributed to the appeal.
So if you’re a bowler, be there on Friday and you will be assisting the kids at the hospital.
Our local hotels conduct a hamper ra e prior to Easter with all funds raised going towards the Euroa total.
How can you help?
You can meet our collectors in the street with your donation when you hear the re truck in your street.
Should you miss the re truck, donations can be le with members of the re brigade who will be at the re station from 9am through to 5pm on Good Friday.
Earlier donations may be le with Neville Mawson or you can
phone your pledge through on 0418 525 384 and pay this to Neville a er the event.
A receipt will be issued upon request. Please be aware that something new this year is that the re brigade members will be issued with a special swipe facility on their phones with all monies being paid directly to the Appeal. If a member o ers their phone for you to swipe, this is not a fraudulent practice, but is a genuine way of saving on the cost of EFTPOS machines.
We look forward to your continued support in 2025, remembering we wish the community to “Give that they may grow”.
Independent incumbent Helen Haines takes number one spot after AEC barrel draw
■ From front page
“It is literally the luck of the draw of where you go on the ballot paper, so number one, I wouldn’t have any complaints about that,” she quipped.
“The independent movement in Indi has been run on volunteers and there were lots of them turning up today.
“It was terri c to meet the other candidates in this important race and their families and friends who were supporting them.
“We’ve got some important candidate forums coming up which is a real opportunity to have questions and answers with the general public.
“Then pre-poll starts and a lot of people in Indi do their voting in the two weeks leading up to election day.”
Liberal candidate James Trenery attended the draw and said he was happy with number three, but noted there will be a percentage of people who vote from 1 to 9 down the ballot, but others who vote from 9 to 1.
“The latter is something I might be promoting,” he said with a chuckle.
“It’s going to come down to a lot more than the ballot draw and there are quite a few issues starting to rear their head now, which is good.”
The only other candidate to attend the draw was Independent Mark McFarlane, who nominated rst, however was assigned number nine on the ballot.
Now candidates will be busy nalising their preference deals with fellow candidates ahead of the
printing of the how to vote cards.
The elections has certainly had an injection of energy and this will continue on Monday night with the Victorian Farmers Federation Wangaratta and district branch election candidates forum. The event will have VFF state president Brett Hocking as the convenor and no relevant questions will be barred.
All candidates have been in-
vited to attend the forum.
Early voting polling places open on Tuesday, 22 April with Wareena Park Hall the local venue.
Opening hours will include 22-24 April (8.30am-5.30pm), 26 April (9am-4pm), 28 April to 1 May (8.30-5.30pm), and 2 May (8.30am-6pm).
Polling places on Election Day voting, 3 May, will be open from 8am to 6pm.
THE FACE OF THE 2025 APPEAL: Jack Stevens had surgery at 15 months old to remove a brain tumour. Now 6, Jack still attends regular appointments at RCH to help support his recovery. The Good Friday Appeal makes journey’s such as Jack’s all the more easier for kids and their families.
ORANGE ARMY: Liberal member Tony Schneider and candidate James Trenery enjoy a laugh at the ballot draw event that was strongly attended by Helen Haines supporters.
Strathbogie Shire Community Information
Council Services – Easter and ANZAC Day Hours
Heading away or staying local over the Easter long weekend? Here’s what you need to know about Council services:
Rubbish Collection
There will be no kerbside collections on Good Friday, 18 April, and all transfer stations will be closed.
Saturday 19 April: Friday collections (Areas A & B) will be picked up. All other services will run as normal.
Customer
Service Centres
The Council’s Euroa Customer Service Centre will close at 5 pm, while the Nagambie Customer Service Centre will close at 4 pm on Thursday, April 17. Both locations will reopen at 9 am on Tuesday, April 22.
For after-hours support, call 1800 065 993 and follow the prompts.
Nagambie Visitor Information Centre
• Closed Good Friday
• Open 10am – 4pm all other Easter days
• Closed until 1 pm on ANZAC Day
Euroa Community Hub
Closed on Good Friday and ANZAC Day. Open 10 am – 2 pm daily.
We wish everyone safe and restful long weekends.
Nagambie Splash Park Season Ends Soon
As the school holidays wrap up, so does the season for Nagambie Splash Park. The final day to enjoy the park is Monday, April 21, 2025. Operating hours are 9 am to 8 pm daily, though the park will be closed if temperatures are forecast below 22°C or during extreme weather conditions. Located at Buckley Park on Blayney Lane, the Splash Park o ers a variety of fun water play equipment for all ages. Take advantage of these last days to splash and play!
For more details, visit: www.strahbogie.vic.gov,au
Artists Wanted: Bring Euroa’s Public Art Trail to Life!
Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on artists to help shape the next chapter of Euroa’s creative story, with Expressions of Interest now open for the Euroa Public Art Trail Project 2025. Building on the success of the beloved Swoop the Big Barrwarrang magpie sculpture, this next stage—funded with $50,000 from the 2024–25 Pitch My Project initiative—will see at least two new sculptures installed in key locations like Binney Street and Seven Creeks Park.
The project, developed in partnership with the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce and Euroa Action Group Inc., aims to link new and existing artworks in a vibrant, walkable trail that reflects Euroa’s identity, culture, and natural beauty.
EOIs close at 5pm on May 7, 2025, with installations planned by the end of July. Download the brief and apply via Council’s website or contact info@strathbogie. vic.gov.au for more info.
The Euroa Three: A Celebration of Local Artistry
We’re proud to present The Euroa Three, an exciting new exhibition showcasing the work of three talented local artists: Deb Cavanagh (acrylic), Anna Mackrell (oil), and Bruce Hargrave (watercolour). Hosted at the Artbox in Euroa from April 2 to 28, the exhibition o ers a unique opportunity to experience three distinct artistic styles, each capturing the beauty of our region in their own way. Visitors will also have the chance to meet the artists and gain insight into their creative process. Entry is free, so don’t miss this fantastic celebration of local talent!
Careers at Strathbogie
Manager - Planning & Investment
• Full time, permanent opportunity
• SEO Contract
• Applications close 5pm, Monday April 21, 2025
Customer Service Coordinator
• Full time, permanent opportunity
• Band 7 - $93,274 per annum
• Applications close 5pm, Monday, April 21, 2025
Visit www.strathbogie.vic. gov.au/careers to find out more and apply today.
Ordinary Council Meeting
The May Ordinary Council Meeting will commence at 4pm on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The community are invited to attend the Euroa Community Conference Centre or to view the meeting online via the livestream link on the Council website at https://www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au/meetings/
Extraordinary Council Meeting
An Extraordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2025, at 4:00pm at the Euroa Community Conference Room. This meeting will consider the Draft Community Vision 2035, Draft Council Plan 2025-2029, Draft Asset Plan 2025-2035, Draft Long Term Financial Plan 20252035, Draft Budget 2025-2026 and draft Revenue and Rating Plan.
THE Allan Labor Government has created a free new online service for Victorian parents and carers to support them through every stage of parenting - from planning a family to early childhood.
Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins launched the Parents Portal on the Service Victoria platform and app on Tuesday and announced that a digital birth certi cate will be piloted later this year.
The portal is a one-stop shop for parents and carers seeking information and resources when planning to have a child.
It includes resources on maternal and child health services, early childhood education, playgroups, kindergarten, and critical information on emergency services.
Ms Hutchins said families
resources as their families navigate di erent stages of life,” Ms Hutchins said.
“We know parents are juggling multiple priorities at once, that’s why we’re making it easier for parents to access the information they need when they need it.”
The service is shaped by feedback from Victorian families and carers and includes important information for parents who have a child with a disability and for LGBTQI+ parents.
Building on information in the ‘green book’ – a book supplied to parents to track their children’s health and development progress – the portal aims to provide parents with more resources for early childhood and beyond, particularly around key life events and accessing essential healthcare services.
This is the first phase of rollout for the Parents Portal, and it will be expanded over time to incorporate new functions and features to respond to the changing needs of Victorian families.
Future features being considered include a personalised navigator to enable new and soon-to-be parents to access personalised content about their child’s current development stage.
A new digital birth certi cate will be piloted on the Service Victoria app to make it easier for parents to securely store and show proof of their child’s birth when they need to, such as enrolling their child in 3-year-old kinder.
More than 130 government services are available online and from the Service Victoria app which can be downloaded at the Apple or Google
Victorians can also visit the portal at https://service. vic.gov.au/ nd-services/fam-
HARPIST IN THE GALLERY
By ANDY WILSON
IF a warm autumn a ernoon in Binney Street was not relaxing enough, passers-by of the ARTBOX were turning their heads on Thursday to catch a glimpse of a self-taught harpist in action inside the makeshi , ‘itinerant’ art gallery.
Di Mackrell has been playing the harp for over a decade and decided to bring the smaller of her two instruments - made with all the right curves by Malmsbury musician Andy Rigby out of hoop pine, blackwood, and jarrah - and
delight rstly herself with her tunes and then those in the street.
Artist Bruce Hargrave worked meticulously on a commissioned water colour in the ARTBOX’s corner.
Ms Mackrell - a North Dakotan native but now from Kelvin View - has had enough years in Australia to almost cover her midwest twang when she stopped a er a mesmerising rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge over Troubled Waters
“If you have played the piano, then there is a lot of transfer which I discovered
because I was rst a piano player.
“I always wanted to play a harp but I had other instruments and thought maybe I don’t need a harp and then I went to a music camp and they had one and I asked if I could try it.
“And because I played piano and could play by ear, I could play a tune straight away.
“So I just had to have one.”
She then plucked a few strings and her revere for the harp returned as the lulling opening to Sting’s Fields of Barley drew the lazy afternoon mood back again.
PHOTO: Andy Wilson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Outage outrage
AS I sit here on Sunday, 6th April, my power has been o three times and this a er I had no electricity for an entire day last week due to planned maintenance.
which use no water in cooling.
Smaller modular reactors, such as the Hitachi-GE 330MW, and micro-reactors use little or no water.
All base load power stations use steam to turn a turbine connected to a generator, this is where large amounts of cooling water are used.
A prosecco, by any other name, would not taste as sweet
Ducking the issue
I’VE been a member of a political party for over 20 years so I reckon I’m well placed to recognise other political party members and operatives.
Rainfall (Euroa Township)
The has been no rainfall in Euroa in the past week.
I went to the Outages website to nd out how long this situation was likely to last, but - surprise surprise - the website showed no outages.
You have the option of reporting the outage via their website or by phone, except that the online reporting facility was undergoing “critical updates” so was not available.
Reporting by phone meant being on hold for at least half an hour, but I ran out of patience with that.
So my question is “would Ausnet get away with frequent power outages in our large towns and cities”?
Clearly they wouldn’t.
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Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, 3666. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.
Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.
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Member
But we are country folk so we are expected to put up with it.
Lynda Gri ths,
Balmattum
Question over water quality
I HAVE a question for people living in northeastern Victoria. Do you support Australian farmers and do you want our farmers to grow clean, green food in a sustainable way?
If you answer ‘yes’ to that question, you must also support the best possible water policy, as water is the key ingredient for growing this food.
Perhaps you would then like to ask your local Independent Member, Helen Haines, why she does not support your region’s farmers, and those in other parts of the nation.
I suspect Ms Haines will tell you, “yes, I support farming”, but does she?
If she supports farming, why did she vote for Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s legislation which has allowed water buybacks on a massive scale, yet without the original social and economic protections for regional communities that were promised from the start of the 2012 Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s implementation?
Has Ms Haines supported the buyback legislation, and other anti-farming policies of the Albanese Government, because that is what her Teal colleagues and their nancial supporter Simon Holmes à Court have requested (or demanded)?
Published data shows Ms Haines has voted with the Greens in 76 per cent of divisions during the current parliamentary term.
That means the Member for Indi is backing the Greens more than three-quarters of the time.
That’s not what I would call ‘independent’ and I am sure it does not align with the views of many in her electorate.
And there’s only one way to change it.
Jan Beer, Yea
Nuclear the sensible option
I REFER to the egregious article by Natalie Collard (The Euroa Gazette, 26 February) claiming too much water use is a reason that nuclear power should not be used.
Most large-scale reactors are MSR (Molten Salt Reactor) types
The only di erence is the energy source such as nuclear, coal, or gas.
So nuclear is a very good option for power generation.
I have worked in both the power generation industry and uranium extraction industry.
Mark Tame, Strathbogie
Regions under siege
REGIONAL Victorians are under siege as the Allan Labor Government continues to gouge those who live outside Melbourne with more new taxes, making regional Victorians pay the price for Labor’s failure to manage money.
As a Bendigo-based MP, Premier Jacinta Allan has attempted to market herself as a champion for regional Victorians.
The sad reality is the only attention regional Victorians get from the government is ripping more money away in taxes and using it to ll budget black holes for Melbourne-based projects.
The callous Emergency Services Volunteers Tax, looming on July 1, is set to sting farmers 189 per cent more than the re services levy it is replacing.
But it will a ect us all, ripping out an extra $140 million annually from regional communities to be funneled into Melbourne, mostly to prop up well-paid backroom o ce sta .
We won a reprieve in Parliament last week with a vote on the latest tax grab deferred.
We will keep up the ght.
But this tax is just the beginning, with the Allan Labor Government also about to slug Victoria’s food producers with another new biosecurity tax.
This new tax will impact anyone who engages with the agricultural supply chain –farmers, transporters, and even local governments and will be the 61st new or increased Labor tax – and it is again aimed squarely at regional Victorians.
All this, while the dark cloud that is the long-awaited new animal welfare laws, which hover over producers in regional Victoria.
There so much uncertainty as we await imminent details of how it will impact hardworking producers, not just now, but particularly as deals are done with vegan micro-parties and independent MPs in the lead up to the next election.
There is a very real and justified fear that these changes will make it harder and more expensive for producers to grow food, which will only further push up the cost of groceries for every single Victorian.
This government is out of control - we live with potholes, a hospital system falling apart, and schools that desperately need upgrades, while cash is drained from our regions to top up Melbourne pet-projects.
Enough is enough.
Emma Kealy, Deputy Leader of The Nationals
I NOTE the news that the Australian Government is reopening discussions with the European Union regarding a Free Trade Agreement.
While this news will be welcome in many corners due to the uncertainty created by the tari s imposed by the United States, it is vital that any deal does not sell out the interests of Australia’s farmers, winemakers, grape growers, and other agricultural industries.
Indi produces some 60 per cent of Australia’s prosecco, in an industry which was under threat in the proposal put forward by the European Union in the last round of negotiations.
I fought tooth and nail together with our local winemakers for them to retain the ability to use the name prosecco and the government was right to walk away from the deal at that time.
What was on the table in 2023 did not represent a good deal or fair trade for Australian winemakers.
With this renewed opportunity, I encourage the Trade Minister Don Farrell to negotiate in the best interest of our prosecco growers and winemakers.
It is better to have no deal than a deal that sells out prosecco - a bad deal for Australia.
Dr Helen Haines, Independent member for Indi
Way out west
WHY is Helen Haines Campaigning in Western Victoria?
Helen Haines is supporting a fellow “country independent” to try and defeat Dan Tehan in the seat of Wannon.
Why? Do the people of Indi stand to bene t if another Liberal is defeated?
Haines is constantly pushing agendas that are not in the interest of the people of north east Victoria.
She voted to support more water buybacks.
She voted to end live-sheep exports.
Whatever her personal opinions, both of these issues are critical to the agricultural communities of Victoria.
Less irrigation water means lower and more expensive agricultural production.
Stopping live sheep exports out of WA a ects all sheep producers in Victoria with lower prices.
Rural communities are doing it hard enough without more self-in icted damage from a politician acting against the interests of her constituents.
As for the voters of Wannon, I do hope they’re not stupid enough to vote out a member who’s quite likely about to become a minister in government.
We did that here in Indi a few elections ago, and not only did we not get a seat at the big table, now we have an MP who votes with Labor on policies which harm our agricultural communities.
Bill Stanton, Euroa
Helen Haines has all of the hallmarks of being a member of the undeclared “Climate 200 Party”.
Political Party candidates and MPs receive the bulk of their funding from the party or its surrogates (in this case Climate 200), they campaign with and for other party-aligned candidates (e.g., anti-Liberal candidates), they caucus on policy with other party-aligned MPs (Climate 200-funded Teals & Greens), they support each other’s political activities, and overwhelmingly vote as a bloc in Parliament.
The most concerning thing for voters in Indi is that Helen Haines prosecutes the Climate 200 agenda to the letter.
That agenda may have some relevance in Melbourne but is totally wrong for Indi.
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... Tony Schneider (Liberal Party member), Benalla
Time for our fair share
I RECENTLY asked the Treasurer if regional Victoria would nally receive its fair share in the upcoming state budget.
Last year, we got just 13 per cent of the state’s infrastructure spend, despite making up a quarter of the population. We’re being short-changed. I have shared a comprehensive list with both the Premier and the Treasurer, but here is a brief outline of a few things we need.
Euroa, Nagambie, and Heathcote need uoridated water. Seymour, Avenel, and Swanpool are still desperate for more childcare.
And housing? Pick a town.
A lack of new builds has seen waitlists reach over two years for social housing.
Want some more?
Try our crumbling roads or CFA brigades like Strathbogie stuck with 30-year-old trucks and unusable sheds.
Our health services are being stripped back before our eyes; we have 11,500 square kilometres and you can’t safely deliver a baby.
Funding is about to run out for Royal Flying Doctor Service volunteer patient transport, and family violence and homelessness services have been cut in Benalla.
It’s time this government realised Victoria is more than just Melbourne, and that infrastructure projects can go beyond CFMEU favours.
Labor has to stop gaslighting regional Victorians and govern for the whole state.
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
Up in Smoke
AS say the ATO folk: “Illegal tobacco’s no joke; we’ll send out our spies, so don’t act with surprise if your assets all go up in smoke.”
Craig Penny, Terip Terip
Working 17 continuous hours causes impairment equivalent to .05 blood alcohol concentration level.
Working long, multiple days in a row by yourself can be part of the job but consider the cost to you and your family.
Check in with yourself and others around you.
Know the signs of fatigue, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/farmfatigue
It’s never you, until it is.
Trenery backs Liberals’ plan
By ANDY WILSON
THE furthest things from James Trenery’s mind on the campaign trail are the topics being discussed on the national stage and he has no hint of concern about a party-based candidate taking the seat of Indi from independent Helen Haines.
Mr Trenery spoke with The Euroa Gazette on Saturday on his third campaign trip to Binney Street.
He said criticism over the Liberals’ plans for gas and media-reports of about-faces on issues such as working from home and how 41,000 public servants will be shed from government departments, has little bearing on what the people of Indi want to talk about.
“I am on the streets every day, and not one single person has asked me about it,” Mr Trenery said.
“No one has come up to me and asked: ‘who’s working from home and who’s not?”
“A lot of people talk about campaigns from a political point of view, but around regional areas people don’t care about it, they (ask) ‘what are the results, what are you going to do?’”
Mr Trenery said there was one thing on everyone’s mind.
“When I was doorknocking, everyone was talking about their electricity bill.
“They were saying ‘bring the electricity bills down’.
“It’s really hurting these families.”
REGIONAL REPS IN PARTY ROOM
‘ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL’
He said he had not seen ‘even one’ energy plan where renewables reached the 2050 target of zero emissions.
“They are not going to get us
On renewable energy, Mr Trenery agrees with his party and said that a combination of gas, renewables, and nuclear energy was the way forward.
there – they are not – it has to be a mix of the whole lot,” he said.
“If we get there, (then) we get there, so how that looks if that’s the main aim won’t matter as much, as long as we are looking from the point of view of a lower cost.
“And the supply needs to be secure.”
Mr Trenery said he was ‘well connected’ in his community and has a strong CV which includes his role as Mayor of Indigo Shire.
“Parties…form government – it’s as simple as that – so being in that room, making those decisions is very important and more regional people in those governments is absolutely essential.”
He said any notion of his party telling him how to vote was overshadowed by the critical role of regional MPs inside the party room.
THIRD TRIP: John Mason, Bill Stanton, and Jimmy Davidson (right) talk local issues with James Trenery.
PHOTO: Dale Mann
Markets bloom again at Euroa
By HELEN BROOK
THE Euroa Farmers Market
is on this Saturday, 19 April in Rotary Park and along Kirkland Ave from 9am to 1pm.
It will be Easter Saturday and there will be lots to see and do with a big crowd expected.
As always, Rotary Park will be full of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegies to honey, olive oils, wine, greeting cards and pottery, jewellery, soaps, and other beauty products.
Fresh bread, Italian biscuits and cakes, garlic, dried flower arrangements, original paintings, plants, lots of plants, and more plants, icecream, and coffee.
There will be dog coats and kid’s toys, handmade signs for all locations, candles, lavender products, and cheese.
And socks and hats, of course.
Young Neveah will be painting faces all morning for free.
The Filipino Australian & Friends Association group will be everywhere at the market.
They will be hosting the community BBQ and will perform some traditional and modern Filipino dances throughout the morning.
Local musician Neale Williams will be performing on the stage, singing all his popular originals and other blues songs fresh from his gig
at the Barooga BluesFest.
Euroa Kindergarten will have a table full of fun activities to keep every child entertained.
There will be egg and spoon races and lots of Easter themed props for great photo opportunities...and that’s all free as well.
If you like to shop, buying fresh locally produced products and locally made crafts or grown fruit and vegetables, then it’s all at the Euroa Farmers Market this Saturday.
See you there.
For more information call Helen on 0447 360 059.
PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND GIFT IDEAS: the Euroa Farmers Market has it all.
$1 billion pledge for mental health services
By STEVE KELLY
FREE mental health care under Medicare announced by federal Labor as part of a $1 billion plan to bolster access if re-elected has been welcomed by Labor candidate for Indi and social worker Mitch Bridges.
The plan includes:
* $225 million for 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres;
* More than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services;
* $500 million for 20 youth specialist care centres for young people with complex needs; and
* $90 million for more than 1200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
Mr Bridges said this announcement and funding shows that the government is taking early intervention seriously.
He said that for too long governments have focused too much on the pointy end of the crisis when it comes to mental health support.
“I’ve seen the value that early intervention to our young people, not only in terms of the cost ben-
e t when you consider the savings that the approach makes in terms of intensive services that can be avoided, but also the impact that we can make as professionals on the trajectory of their lives,” Mr Bridges said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new network of 20 youth specialist care centres will close another critical service gap in the mental health system, ensuring young people in what mental health experts call “the missing middle”, get the specialist help they need.
He said these will aim to ll “the missing middle” service gap which means young people with complex
FORSALE
services backed by Medicare, the Medicare Mental Health phone line (1800 595 212) and website (medicarementalhealth.gov.au) will help Australians nd the free service that is right for them,” Mr Albanese said.
The prime minister said providing more free, public mental health services for Australians with di erent levels of need will help to relieve pressure on the subsidised services provided by private psychologists.
He said it will take pressure o
the Better Access program, support psychologists to work to their full scope of practice and spend more time treating people with moderate
The Coalition has promised to invest an additional $400 million in youth mental health services, including regional mental health services and a National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 8.5 million or 43 per cent of the population aged 16-85 years old have experienced a mental illness. Some 4.3 million or 22pc have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months.
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Expressions of interest are open for community members to join our inaugural Euroa Community Reference Committee.
The Community Reference Committee is your platform to:
✓ Strengthen the connection between GV Health and the Euroa and surrounding communities
✓ Provide advice and feedback to GV Health regarding Euroa Hospital and the provision of health services and related issues in the Strathbogie region
✓ Help improve health and wellbeing outcomes and experiences for people and communities in your region
The Euroa Community Reference Committee will meet six times a year.
All member positions are voluntary.
For more information, contact the Director of Nursing at Euroa Hospital on 5795 4010 (during business hours).
To express your interest, please send a one-page letter indicating why you wish to join the Euroa Community Reference Committee and the skills you will bring, to ConsumerPartners@gvhealth.org.au
38 Weir Street, Euroa, 3666
2025 federal election Indi Candidates
Q1
Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, and if elected, what principles would govern your representation as Indi’s federal MP?
Ben
A1A fair go for Indi and regional Australia: As Indi’s federal independent MP, we set our priorities here in Indi and my record fighting for our communities and for regional Australia is strong. I have local impact and national influence, with a track record working across party lines and with both the Coalition and Labor in government. I develop solutions in consultation with our community and with the experts. It’s how we do politics differently in Indi and what sets us apart from the major parties. My decision making is based on common sense, accountability, transparency, and fighting for a fair go for Indi and regional Australia.
A1
I’ve put myself up as a candidate for Indi because the government has built momentum in heath, housing, cost-ofliving measures, education, climate and energy, as well as moved the scales and giving the hard workers in Indi better pay and conditions, and made sure that people are keeping more of what they earn. Indi deserves representation that will back in working families. In terms of values; as a social worker, everything that I do is in the interest of fairness, collaboration, action on systemic change, and putting people first.
A1
I’m running for parliament because it’s time for change to get Australia back on track. My wife Amanda and I own and operate a small business, run a farm, and like so many people across Indi, pay a mortgage and support our family. Just like you, we’re feeling the cost-of-living pinch. Everything is so much more expensive now than it was three years ago, when Albanese and Labor took over, and sadly, our current member has done nothing about it. I value individual freedoms, free enterprise that supports small business, and listening to our community, like I am on opposing solar factories.
A1 The lack of genuine, grass roots common sense in parliament has impacted most of us across Indi. Rather than get angry, I am pushing for change to bring those values back.Broadly, cost of living stress is obvious but the needs of communities throughout Indi’s many regions are quite different and cannot be adequately addressed without first being heard. Being truly accessible and actively listening to each area’s needs, I want to provide practical solutions supporting individuals, communities, businesses and our kid’s futures with fairness and equity based on my core belief that Australians should come first.
A1 In a wealthy country like Australia, we should have world-class public health, education, and affordable housing. We have the resources to make it happen — but only if we choose to act. Under both major parties, you’re paying too much, while 1 in 3 big corporations pay no tax. Our plan takes on the big corporations and makes them pay their fair share. We’d use it to fund world-class public health and education and genuinely tackle the housing, climate and environment crisis. Our plan is ambitious and achievable – it’s fully costed by the Independent Parliamentary Budget Office. This election, you have a once in a generation opportunity to make it happen. Change starts with your vote.
A1
Australia has a Cost of Government crisis. Australia is headed in the wrong direction. Both major parties have failed us. We are thrashing around to find the new direction.
Libertarians believe too much government is the problem, and individual freedom of choice is the solution.
I’m not promising more spending on someone’s pet projects. No subsidies paid for by higher taxes. The Libertarian Party will cut taxes and spending, leaving you with your own money to spend as you choose.
As I have in the past, I will never vote to increase your taxes or decrease your freedom.
A1 I’m running for Family First in Indi because I am passionate about defending the Judeo-Christian and liberal democratic principles that have built our nation. Family First stands for the values I hold - the sanctity of human life, opposition to radical gender ideology, and for the freedom to practise a faith and to educate your children in it. Our family-centric approach makes us a party of both principle and practicality. We need a common sense approach to energy to end high prices. We support family friendly taxation and housing policy. Less government waste means we can fund the services families actually need.
Q2 What are your three key issues in Indi and what action/policy/ plan do you have to make a di erence?
A2
Housing, health & accountability: People want leadership that is focused on helping our community instead of themselves, and I am laser-focused on achieving a better deal for regional Australia. My solutions to the housing crisis are focused on delivering funding for water, sewerage and power connections to unlock new housing – policy that has been adopted by both major parties and shows my influence on the national agenda. Regional Australians get sicker and die sooner and I am fighting for a dedicated Building Rural Hospital Fund to give regional health services access to funding to improve our local hospitals, keep care close to home and provide more regional training opportunities for healthcare workers. I will continue to hold the government to account, so that taxpayer spending stacks up, we stamp out corruption and ensure public money is spent for public good, not political self-interest.
A2
The three issues I’m most passionate about are education, housing, and energy. Labor is committed to fully funding every public school, giving every child the best start and breaking the cycle of inequality early. Fee-free TAFE means school leavers can train for good jobs in key sectors like health and construction. We’re tackling the housing crisis from every angle - Build to Rent, the biggest rent assistance increase in 30 years, 1.2 million new homes, 100,000 homes for first home buyers, and training more tradies to get it done. In energy, we’re investing in household batteries and renewable projects across the country - well on our way to 82% renewable energy by 2030. Labor is doing the work now to make life better for working people—and I’m ready to fight for Indi to be part of it.
A2
Cost of living is the biggest issue impacting all of us right now. We can’t afford to continue on our current path. Interest rates, power bills, fuel, food, insurance, are all more expensive. Helen Haines has done nothing about it. Only the Liberals will deliver a cost-of-living Tax Offset, cutting your tax by $1,200. Cut the fuel tax in half, saving you 25 cents-per-litre, which is $14 per tank, or $700 a year, percar. We will also build more homes by investing $5 billion in essential infrastructure, unlocking 500,000 homes, we’ll ban foreign investors and temporary residents from purchasing existing Australian homes, and we’ll allow first home buyers to access up to $50,000 of their super for a deposit. We will also deliver cheaper and reliable power by unlocking gas and zero-emission nuclear technology, unlike Helen Haines’ plan for solar factories on our farms.
A2 As your One Nation candidate for Indi, I’m focused on immediate cost-of-living relief. By cracking down on government spending, I’ll fight to put money back in your pockets by halving the fuel excise, pushing for family income tax sharing, and cutting electricity bills by 20%. Housing affordability and availability is another priority - I support One Nation’s plan to make homes affordable again by reforming immigration, banning foreign property purchases, and allowing you to use your superannuation for your own home. Lastly, I am also committed to advocating for measures that will end the utilisation of this region’s prime agricultural land for alternative energy solutions that are against the local communities wishes.
A2 Strong Sustainable Local Economy: • Financial incentives and advisory services for primary producers and regional processors to form cooperatives. • The direct economic benefits of the conversion of rural land to renewable energy generation are fairly shared with farmers and regional communities. • Increased support for new locally developed, owned and operated industries that are socially useful, support a healthy environment and provide fulfilling work. • The development and implementation of strategies to attract new residents and retain existing residents, through the provision of appropriate financial incentives, housing, community services, and cultural engagement. • Increased support for rural and regional arts, festivals and sporting fixtures.
A2
We will unchain the economy to return prosperity to us all, set people free to live as they choose and defend our civil liberties from the ongoing attack by government. We will have a flat rate of tax of 20% on income over $50K, reform business taxation to only tax profits when distributed and reduce government participation in the economy. We will abolish the federal department of education empower parents by handing them control and funding, including home schooling co-operatives. We will protect women’s sport and spaces and restrict gender transition medical intervention to adults. We will enshrine a Bill of Rights in the constitution, abolish Sect 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, and oppose misinformation and disinformation laws and government censorship of online platforms – there is no democracy or free society without freedom of speech and freedom of association.
A2 Front line service delivery is how government can help Indi residents. Three major issues are ambulance and casualty wait times, more trains on the NE line and faster road repairs. Sometimes road repairs take so long that I suspect more is being paid to hire the warning signage for two years, than what the repair actually costs. It’s too easy just to call for more services. They can only be responsibly delivered if we prioritise spending on what we actually need. When you have spent hours waiting for an ambulance to take your daughter from the local health service to hospital, it’s simple to understand that waste such as Ambulance Victoria hiring diversity officers has to go. Front line service delivery must take priority over woke, virtue signalling expenditure.
A1 A2
We were unable to contact this candidate, nor get a response from his party prior to going to press. The following is taken from the party’s website.
REDUCE HARM: The criminlisation of cannabis use is a decades old, failed policy that disproportinately harms young and Indigenous people and leads to massive upheaval in the lives of otherwise law abiding citizens. CREATE JOBS: Legalising and regulating cannabis will bring one of the nation’s leading cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market. SAVE MONEY: Scare law enforcement resrouces will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. Governments would acquire significant new sources of revenue for regulating cannabis sales. PROMOTE CONSUMER SAFETY: Cannabis product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalised cannabis markets. This means consumers are better informed about the cannabis they use.
A1 I have thrown my hat in the ring due to the bad name for independents that has been brought to bare on INDI, by the current sitting member.
It is important that we have a representative that won’t bow to pressure outside of INDI, and concentrates more fully on the needs of our region. Currently we don’t have a true independent representative that cares enough for farmers, nor for the vulnerable in our electorate. INDI needs true independence that’s what I believe I am providing.
A2 The first issue for INDI is the great renewable rollout that is ripping us all off at the power meter box. These solar factories are a cancer on our prime agricultural land, of toxic proportions. We need reliable base load power, but ratcheting up power costs is all this renewable pipe dream is doing. Housing is also in crisis mode, due to immigration sending homelessness rates off the charts. Immigration must be paused for at least two years while we recalibrate, and take care of our own peoples’ accomodation needs.
Finally, we need more funding for long term accomodation for the mentally ill. Drop in centres and headspace centres are not getting the results we need for so many who really need help. This would also create good outcomes for crimes committed by those who simply need long term help.
Howman Legalise Cannabis
Alysia Regan Greens
Athol Thomas One Nation
Helen Haines Independent
Mark McFalane Independent
Michael White Family First
Mitch BridgesLabor
Tim QuiltyLibertarian
James Trenery Liberal Party
Australian Carriage Driving Championships 2025
Longwood
Longwood Recreation Reserve Victoria 15th and 16th November 2008
Celebrating 30 years of Carriage Driving in Longwood all the elegance and precision of Driven Dressage
Recreation Reserve, Victoria Easter - 19th, 20th, 21st April
Saturday, 19 April starts 9 am
Easter Sunday, 20 April starts 9 am
The excitement, thrills and spills of the Marathon Obstacles
Easter Monday 21 April starts 9 am
Obstacle (Cones)
Driving - Grand Finale Main Arena Hosted by Longwood Carriage Driving Club
Lock it or lose it
By ANDY WILSON
LOCALS are being asked to keep their vehicles locked, as a recent increase in car crime has seen numerous offences and one arrest.
Delicious Catering all Easter courtesy of Longwood Community Centre for the entire event Enquiries: 0439 985 562 Email: jenny@australiancarriages.com.au
Euroa Police have noted a local increase in the from motor vehicles and the of motor vehicles where victims have le their vehicles unlocked and/or with keys in them.
Police will be educating locals on the ‘Remove it, Lock it or Lose it’ strategy, which will include iers around town with information on how to prevent vehicle the s and property the from vehicles.
Sergeant Dempsey Willis said car owners needed to show precautions.
car,” Sgt Willis said.
“Lock your car, secure your keys, and never leave either them or spares in the car.
“Park in well-lit or secure areas and secure your number plates with anti-the screws.”
A suspect in Avenel was arrested on Monday, 7 April and taken into custody for the the of a motor vehicle. The vehicle was towed for forensic investigation. Euroa Police urge locals to be car security smart
“Our take-home message for our community is to remove valuables from your
SPATE OF VEHICLE CRIME: A suspect was arrested in Avenel last week for motor vehicle the .
By ANDY WILSON
SUNDAY saw the inaugural
Explore Euroa Day kick o with the re-opening of Euroa’s miniature railway before over 500 guests from a diverse range of ages ooded Seven Creeks Park to look at more than 22 displays and enjoy the entertainment from performers and musicians.
The miniature railway had been closed since the 2022 floods and drew passengers galore for driver Charlie Zameth to chuff around the refurbished tracks, proving it a hit with the grownups as much as the children.
Displays included those from the Men’s Shed, Cricket Club, Chamber of Commerce, Euroa Arboretum, and other services all geared to show Euroans that engagement with the local community was always at hand.
Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the day showcased the connections that locals can make.
“I felt as Mayor today so humbled and honoured to be part of
such a grass roots event,” Cr Ewart Kennedy said.
“This was about connecting people who might not have have that connection with each other.
“What it reinforced for me was the diversity and the access.
“If you want to be a part of your community, it’s all easy to access.”
Cr Ewart-Kennedy said she had met a family from Nagambie who were having a family reunion as well as an excited little girl who said she could not de-
cide what she enjoyed the most.
“She said ‘they were all so good’.
“It was the loveliest thing.”
The gentlemen from the Men’s shed had a range of furniture for sale that they make during the week, at quite a ordable prices
and there were food vans to keep everyone fuelled up.
The free event was part of Strathbogie Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community resilience following the 2022 oods and was aimed also to support local groups and encourage volunteer participation.
Cr Ewart-Kennedy lauded a new initiative on display called ‘72 Hours’ which is designed for people to prepare their homes for disasters.
“It makes you think what do you need ready to go, when the time comes,” she said.
“And it made even me think about it so I am going to go home and plan for any future disaster event.”
“I think those kinds of things make us think about community, about helping each other.”
The day was funded by the Community Recovery Hub, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary at Army art fest
By CORPORAL MICHAEL ROGERS
Growing up on a farm in Euroa, Private Keith Ross never took notice of the magpie’s warble, part of the background symphony of his every day.
But a er moving to Melbourne he realised how much he missed the mundane, how extraordinary the ordinary can be.
As an artist working in paints, pastels, and lino print, the emergency services worker and Army Reserve driver now captures moments of ‘everyday specialness’ as a way to de-stress from his jobs.
“I really do it for me and if anyone else likes it, that’s great,” Pvt Ross said.
“It just puts a little coin into the mental sanity piggy bank.
“I’m always a coin or two short from having a break-
down from the work that I do, but it’s worked so far.”
One of Pvt Ross’ pieces was exhibited during the 2025 Defending the Arts Festival, an annual event held by the ADF Creative Arts Association to showcase Defence personnel’s work.
The pastel artwork Heavy is the head that wears the 381 crown is a tribute to one of his fellow drivers at the Melbourne University Regiment who relishes his role.
“He’s one of those people who just gets things done.
“When he saw it, he stared and said ‘Oh yeah, you’ve really captured me’.”
Pvt Ross describes his art as a stylised, abstracted realism.
“I try and distort things in brighter, more vivacious, or out-of-life colours so that it’s like ‘this is something that’s ordinary, but wow, colours’.
“It’s just jumping out and
makes you think maybe it’s not so ordinary.”
The festival, held from March 10-14, comprised an exhibition and workshops and nished with a performance night.
The exhibit featured 39 pieces by 20 ADF artists and included paintings, sculptures, writing, and interactive art.
The theme of this year’s
festival was storytelling, and artists participated in workshops covering painting, writing, music, and tours of the NGA and the Australian War Memorial, to inspire and expand participants’ understanding.
Festival director and curator Major Anne-Maree Hunt said the performance night was the perfect way to nish.
“The performance was a
mixture of vocalists, dance, poetry, and musical instruments,” Maj Hunt said.
“It had a nice representation of all of them.
“Each of those artists that stood on stage put themselves out there, made themselves vulnerable, and represented their stories using that theme of storytelling.”
Maj Hunt’s children’s book Mateship was also featured in the exhibit, which she wrote and illustrated last year for the Army Storytelling Competition and which is about the di erent phases of mateship over the years, with instances out of every major con ict since the First World War.
She said the aim of the festival was not only to display art produced by ADF personnel, but as a way for artists to connect at what is the equivalent of the annual ADF Sport carnival for the ADF Creative Arts Association (ADFCAA).
“A lot of the time we’re siloed and work in isolation,” she said.
“There’s not a lot of creative license to chat with your peers and get feedback.
“This one week means we can get together and talk about each other’s art, pat each other on the back and congratulate people for what they’ve achieved over the year.”
ADFCAA president Brigadier Isaac Seidl praised the artists.
“Creativity is capability,” Brig Seidl said.
“Sometimes performing as a leader requires you to lead the performance, and that is exactly what we’ve seen this week from some outstanding artists.”
Army personnel interested in exploring their creative sides should contact ADF. creative@defence.gov.au to join the association.
Keith Ross painting a piece with watercolour markers.
PHOTO: Michael Rogers
ON THE RAILS: Euroa Miniature Railway driver Charlie Zameth delighted both kids and ‘bigger’ kids around the tracks.
get in on the act at the Explore Euroa Day. PHOTOS: Dale Mann
AGRICULTURAL NEWS
April
favourable for beef, wool
TUESDAY’S release of Bendigo Bank Agribusiness’ Monthly Commodity Update found that US tari s should have less impact on agriculture than initially expected, however dry conditions across key cropping regions still have grain producers on edge.
Lamb markets are stable with wool a bright spot, while supply chain issues for fruit and vegetables have seen a li in wholesale prices on the east coast and a struggle to get new crops in the ground due to soggy conditions.
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness senior manager of industry a airs Neil Burgess said the 10 per cent US tari was expected to translate into a ‘minimal reduction’ of Australian beef export volume to that market, with it expected to continue at high levels.
“At this stage, the only limiting factor to exports is the processing capacity of local centres due to supply chain issues,” Mr Burgess said.
“Barley and canola exports are running well ahead of pace, helped by strong early-season shipments, but wheat is lagging.
“China (is) mostly absent from the market and the appetite for wheat imports remaining so , held back by large domestic supplies and so quota limits.”
Mr Burgess said the weather would remain in focus as farmers headed into sowing, particularly across southern cropping regions where conditions remain critically dry.
Australian wool was welcomed by the report as a ‘bright spot’ with the market gaining ground over the past month and the AWEX eastern market indicator (EMI) nishing higher in ve out of the last six weeks to now sit at 1249c/kg, a 54c increase since the last selling week in February and up 9.4 per cent from this time last year.
Major dewatering works to improve irrigation network
GOULBURN-Murray Water (GMW) is looking to enhance the performance of its delivery network with its most comprehensive dewatering campaign in more than a decade.
In the three months between irrigation seasons each year, GMW dewaters parts of its channel network to undertake crucial maintenance works on assets that are usually beneath the waterline.
GMW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said
dewatering channels also enabled GMW to inspect its network and combat aquatic weeds.
“Dewatering channels during the winter is one of the most e ective means we have of treating aquatic weeds,” Mr Blyth said.
“Exposing weeds to frost helps us kill o large amounts without having to manually treat them with herbicide, making it a very e cient and cost-e ective method.
“Dewatering also allows us to inspect more of our channel network,
which helps us prioritise future maintenance works.”
The 2024-25 irrigation season ends on Thursday 15 May, with Saturday 10 May the last day for placing orders.
The 2025-26 irrigation season then begins on Friday 15 August 2025.
Mr Blyth said irrigators needed to prepare now for the period between seasons when they would not have access to water.
“Customers will not be able to or-
der water during the irrigation oseason, so it is important they have plans in place for if they need water during this time, such as lling their tanks and dams in advance,” he said.
“I strongly encourage anyone with questions about securing water for the irrigation o -season to get in touch with us to discuss their options as soon as possible.”
For more information phone 1800 013 357 or visit www.g-mwater. com.au/end-of-season
New home for Euroa paramedics
THE new, multi-million-dollar Euroa Ambulance Victoria branch is now open, providing crews with updated facilities in a boost to Euroa’s emergency and health services.
Ambulance Victoria interim CEO Andrew Crisp joined Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes on Thursday to o cially open the state-of-theart branch.
Paramedics had already moved into the building last month, which is home to eight advanced life support paramedics and an ambulance community o cer.
Located on Weir Street, the branch features a three-bay garage, two rest and recline areas, longer term accommodation facilities, training areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and improved security and car parking.
Mr Crisp said the opening was an exciting milestone for the community and local crews.
“This branch has cutting edge facilities that help our paramedics do their job and respond to life-threatening cases in the community,” Mr Crisp said.
“The former branch – built
Violet Town usual fare of unusual mix
By KIRSTY HARRIS
A PERFECT autumn day for the market and great to see new offerings. If only it would rain…
We say farewell to Abbey Ferguson who is stepping down as the Village Voice editor after five years and handing over to Andrew ‘AB’ Bullen.
AB has been in town a couple of years and looks forward to receiving your submissions at villagevoice@violettown. org.au
60 years ago – served the team and community well but wasn’t big enough to accommodate the number of sta now based at Euroa.
“This new building provides crews with the space needed to continue their training requirements, while also being conveniently adjacent to Euroa Health and other local emergency services.”
Ms Symes said the new branch was one of 46 new or upgraded ambulance stations
WELCOMING PARTY: Dignitaries, paramedics, sta , and supporters welcomed the new building.
delivered through a $279 million investment by the state Government.
The number of on-road paramedic workforce has increased by more than 50 per cent – equal to almost 2,200 more paramedics.
“The new ambulance branch is a game changer for Euroa locals,” Ms Symes said.
“It provides 24/7 emergency healthcare for the community.
“Thank you to the paramedics, for all you do in taking
care of the community.”
The branch was funded by the Victorian Government’s Ambulance Victoria Development Program and delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Ambulance Victoria, and builder Crow Constructions. The Euroa team responds to communities including Violet Town, Avenel, Longwood, and Nagambie, and can be extended to surrounding towns such as Seymour and Benalla.
Loved seeing the video on the Violet Town community noticeboard of cockies enjoying using the swing rope over the pond on Shadforth Reserve.
Early risers can see them in person!
Violet Town Football Netball Club presents the NetSetGo weekly program starting Thursday, 24 April from 4.305.30pm during Term 2 at the Rec Reserve.
NetSetGO provides children from 5 to 10 years with a positive introduction to netball, incorporating skill activities, minor games, music, dance, and modified matches. Register at https://registration.netballconnect.com/userRegistration or email queries to violettownfnc@gmail.com
Tickets are now on sale for the VTFNC Country Western Night on Saturday, 26 April 26 from 7pm.
It’s country music so wear your best country outfit.
Buy your tickets at http://thq.fyi/se/G4IWKUU or visit the club’s Facebook page.
Local artist Helena Gibson has a retrospective exhibition on at backARTS Gallery behind the museum in Cowslip St until Sunday, 27 April 27 with opening hours of Wednesdays-Sundays 10am-3pm.
The organisers of the Violet Town Music Festival are looking for volunteers to help. Contact Nett on 0417 166 824.
Over Easter, the VT Op Shop (aka our new Boutique) will be closed on Good Friday, but will be open Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
A recent discussion on the community noticeboard about vehicles and horses on roads made me check the Victorian Road Rules which state that if you ride an animal on the road (e.g., a horse), the animal is considered a vehicle.
Riders must obey the same road rules as other drivers.
If you are riding beside another rider, you cannot ride more than 1.5 metres apart.
Nevertheless, it is prudent to give way to horses on the road as they are less predictable in their behaviour.
Services
UPDATED DIGS: AMBULANCE VICTORIA EUROA TEAM MANAGER KATHRYN HART WITH JACLYN SYMES AT THE OPENING.
By ELLEN DOYLE
CURRIE Park held a modelling session of the winter collection of Veducci clothes on Thursday, 27 March, with 16 ladies attending, mostly from Euroa with a few from Currie Park Village.
The a ernoon was enjoyed by all, with hostess Ellen arranging a beautiful a ernoon tea and Mary Wallace bringing her homemade lovely pavlova and coconut biscuits.
A special thank you to all who attended and helped in any way, making it a happy occasion.
It will possibly be the last Veducci a ernoon at Currie Park until later in the year.
HOW’S THIS FOR SIZE: Veducci consultant
Chrysanne Brown and our Veducci model Susanne Wright showed o a selection from the winter range.
The swoop returns to GraniteHill
By CATIE HILL
JUST in time for Round 1 of the Goulburn Valley Football League’s 2025 season, residents at GraniteHill were just delighted to have Neale Poole, senior football assistant coach of Euroa Football Netball Club return for his newly named program “The Friday Swoop”.
Divine Mercy Sunday
Now in its third wonderful year, Neale Poole continues this fantastic work bringing the local footy and netball to GraniteHill residents and last week introduced senior coach David Gleeson to residents.
Neale’s dedication to volunteering on Friday nights and keeping everyone in the loop shows his passion for
the sport and the community by the way he incorporates achievements and highlights family connections from GraniteHill to the Euroa Football Netball Club, which really adds a personal touch that makes it even more special for the residents.
GraniteHill resident, and father of David, Peter Gleeson said that he really looks forward to hearing from Neale on a Friday night and is so appreciative of him giving up his own time a er work to get to GraniteHill for the session.
“It’s not just about the footy scores or stats; it’s Neale’s efforts to go beyond just sharing sports news,” Mr Gleeson said.
Not one for the spotlight, Neale said he was looking forward to bringing some special guests.
“I am excited to return in 2025 to continue building on the strong connection we have built up over the years between the residents and the club,” Neale said.
“I’ll be swooping in every Friday from 4pm.”
A presentation was made to Neale and the club of a framed certi cate on behalf of the residents committing to being the No 1 supporter of the Euroa Football Netball Club as they continue to cheer loudly for the footballers and netballers and wish the club every success as always.
“He’s truly invested in the community, and that makes the sessions all the more meaningful to us.”
PHOTO: Ellen Doyle
David Gleeson and Neale Pool (back) with parents Peter Gleeson, Beth Poole, and Richard Poole, following the second week of ‘The Friday Swoop’ where David was a guest of Neale’s.
PHOTO: Catie Hill
We’re from Euroa and surrounds and we’re voting 1 for Helen Haines.
Helen is our Independent Federal Member for Indi. She works for us and with us. While the major parties play politics, she’s always fighting for Indi. We can rely on her to put Indi first, 100% of the time. We know being Independent works for Indi. We trust her and that’s why we’ve put our names in this advertisement, paid for by community donations.
Elizabeth Long
David Baker
Judith Durston
Libby Woodhouse
Melanie Ball
Sarah Treloar
Greg Rowe
Dinah Edwards
Mary Dean
Richard Byrnes
Ann Byrnes
Stuart Bridgman
John Pittard
Shirley Saywell
Jack Frewin
Francis Pierce
Ruth Fluhr
Christine Tancredi
Pip Carew
Michael Cavanagh
Margaret Cavanagh
Vikki Lane
Tess Noonan Egan
Ann Shovelton
Jim Shovelton
Michael Smith
Andrew Townsend
Russell Treloar
Julian Trescowthick
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Thursday 17th April (Maundy Thursday)
5pm St Paul’s Euroa
Friday 18th April (Good Friday)
9.15am St Paul’s Euroa
Saturday 19th April (Easter Saturday)
11am St Dunstan’s Violet Town
Sunday 20th April (Easter Day)
8am St Andrew’s Longwood
9.15am St Paul’s Euroa
Enq: 0405 879 554
Rev Richard Pennington www.anglicaneuroa.org.au
All Welcome
BAPTIST CHURCH
31 Kennedy Street, Euroa
Sunday April 20th, 10am
Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.
Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM
Enq: Pastor Rob Archer 0408 513 566
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
Services at Kelvin View Hall
Sunday April 20th
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
Holy Thursday 17th April
7pm Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by “the watch” until 9.30pm Good Friday 18th April
10.30am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at St Patrick’s Longwood
3pm Solemn Celebration of the Passion at St John’s Euroa 6pm Stations of the Cross at St Attracta’s Violet Town
Holy Saturday 19th April
7.30pm The Easter Vigil at St. John’s Church Euroa Easter Sunday 20th April Masses
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 17th April 5.00pmMaundy Thursday Service 18th April 9.30am - Good Friday Service 20th April 9.30am
- Easter Sunday Service
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: Josh 0402 427 95
Open Day welcomes Euroa to history of St Andrews
Were you a debutante, or the partner of a debutante at the Caledonian Debutante Ball?
Did you sit for your VCE exams in St Andrew’s Hall?
If so, you are part of the 160year history of St Andrew’s Uniting Church.
Acknowledging that St Andrew’s U.C. continues to play a role as part of the Euroa community, the church members have planned an Open Day for Sunday, 27 April.
The general public will have the opportunity to view the commemorative stained glass windows and plaques inside both the church and the hall.
There are still descendants of the people named there who are living in the district which provides a tangible link between the past and the present.
In keeping with its reputation for its welcoming hospitality, refreshments will be part of its service.
The church building is on the heritage trail which links Euroa’s historic buildings.
Major upgrades over the years have included joining the church to the hall, upgrading the hall to have toilets and a modern kitchen, and installing an audio-visual system.
Part
of the community for 160 years
The facilities continue to provide a valuable venue for community use.
From its rst service in 1865 which was held in the old Euroa
schoolhouse (situated where the current Anglican vicarage now stands), to its current ‘home’ in Kirkland Avenue, St Andrew’s U.C. continues to play an active
role in the life of the Euroa community.
Open Day: Sunday, 27 April, 9:30am3:30pm
Spirit Matters
A RISEN SAVIOUR!
Jesus last words on the cross were,” It is Finished!” (John 19:30); the Greek translation is ‘Paid In Full’. Past, present, and future sin were all dealt with at Calvary, so everyone may have life eternal for the genuinely asking. There’s nothing we can do, to add to what Jesus has purchased once and for all. (1 Tim.2:6)
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:1). ‘The Law of Double Jeopardy’ means you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. Applying this principle to Salvation, Jesus has already been tried and punished for our guilt, is irrevocably removed as far “as East is from the West”. (Psalm 103:12) His mercy and grace are beyond comprehension if we only know.
The word ‘justified’, means we’re declared ‘righteous’ in the sight of God. When you personally place your trust in Jesus as your Saviour, you begin a relationship as a restored you. “It was the Fathers’ good pleasure...to reconcile all things to Himself...through the blood of His Cross.”. (Col 119-20) This world offers promises full of emptiness. Easter offers emptiness full of His Promises_empty cross, empty tomb and grave-clothes, for lives of joy and freedom.
Upon receiving Christ personally, in gratitude for His Amazing Grace, we become His children and kingdom co-heirs with Him. Heb. 11:6 says, “Without Faith is impossible to please God, because those who come to Him, must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Without Good Fridays’ grief, there’d have been no Sundays’ rejoicing! Our own resurrection someday, is now assured as foretold. His earliest followers spent Passover Saturday, devastated because they hadn’t really understood when Jesus had said that He must die but would return in three days. (Mark 9: 30-32) However, we celebrate Easter in full knowledge that Jesus is today seated at the right hand of His Father in Heaven (1 Peter 3:22), waiting for whom-so-ever will draw near and experience His vast love and blessings here and now ‘on earth as it is in heaven: So why not seek Him this Easter?
Euroa Baptist Church
(Youtube songs: “Completely Known, Completely Loved” by Matt Boswell: “Scarlet Thread” by K Getty & Zac Williams; “Look At What Grace Can Do” by Branan Murphy)
Easter Sunday celebration for all
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 and watch the sun come up.
This year 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 provided by Di Mackrell with her harp and piano accordion.
Please meet at Mt Wombat at 6.30am and
bring a chair if you wish.
There will be car parking in several places including just below the summit.
Should the weather be inclement we will adjourn to the Kelvin View Fire Station on the Euroa-Strathbogie Road (TBC).
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 on Easter Sunday, 20 April from 6.30am.
For enquiries, please contact Joan Wood 0427 905 297.
HISTORY INSIDE: St Andrew’s Uniting Church will open its doors on Sunday, 27 April for a luncheon and opportunity to see the historical plaques and stained glass windows. PHOTO: Andy Wilson
RCD Foundation raises
$70,000 In epic NZ Adventure
By DAN GODSMARK
A GROUP of 14 determined individuals set out on a weeklong challenge across New Zealand’s spectacular South Island, all in support of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation (RCD Foundation).
Their goal was to raise vital funds for paediatric brain cancer research and the development of new treatments.
The journey was months in the planning, led by Euroa local and passionate RCD Foundation supporter, Dusty Perry.
Having previously helped raise about $150,000 through the well-known Connor’s Erg Challenge in Euroa, Dusty sought a new and physically demanding way to rally support for the cause.
Working closely with RCD Foundation chief executive Liz Dawes, the idea for a coast-to-coast endurance fundraiser was born - a cross-discipline challenge designed to push participants physically and mentally, while raising funds and awareness for an important cause.
The group was made up of people from all walks of life including myself, each carving out time from their busy schedules to be part of something greater than themselves. Despite di ering backgrounds, they were
united by one goal - to raise money to help end paediatric brain cancer.
Day one started in Christchurch with an early morning brie ng before transferring to Hokitika on the ever-wet West Coast.
A er checking bikes and warming up with a short ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail in cold and wet conditions, the group gathered for a welcome dinner at a local guide’s home.
The real challenge began at Cameron’s Beach, where the group cycled 50km through stunning scenery, passing Mitchells and Lake Brunner.
The rain only began to ease as the team approached Stanley Gooseman Bridge.
It was a physically demanding day that set the tone for the week ahead.
Everyone was relieved to be o the bikes and warming up again.
On day three, the group took on a 12km alpine crossing, starting at Arthur’s Pass and climbing to Temple Basin ski eld before descending to Bealey Chasm.
Reaching an elevation of 1,400 metres, the hike tested every participant’s endurance, but rewarded all with panoramic views and a deep
sense of achievement.
The surrounding landscapes were unforgettable, and it was impossible to take your eyes o Mt Rolleston.
The ra ing day was one of the most enjoyable.
With the guide’s dog, Hunter, entertaining the group with his boat-hopping abilities, spirits were high.
The team ra ed 40km through the Waimakariri Gorge, navigating scenic highlights such as Hamilton Rapids and Horseshoe Bends.
The day was lled with adventure and required total teamwork.
The nal leg featured a 70km bike ride from the Waimakariri River to New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.
With rural countryside and farmland as the backdrop, the route posed one nal test of stamina before reaching the New Brighton Pier - the symbolic end of the coast-tocoast challenge.
By the end of the trip, the group had raised almost $70,000 for the RCD Foundation.
These funds will go directly towards research, clinical trials, and wellness programs that support children
and families impacted by rapid crossed contributed to a cause that a ects hundreds
and families impacted by paediatric brain cancer.
Every kilometre ridden, every hill climbed, and every rapid crossed contributed to a cause that a ects hundreds of children each year.
Though the adventurers have since returned to their everyday lives, the memories - and the purpose behind the journey - remain.
When asked what my favourite part of the adventure was, I initially found it dicult to answer.
But on re ection, I now know.
On the third night, while waiting for our evening meal, RCD Foundation chief executive Liz Dawes presented each of us with a personal letter from a child - mine was Hugh.
This letter thanked me for the fundraising e orts and wished all of us well on our trip.
That moment stood out the most - a powerful reminder that there are children and families who need this research to ensure better outcomes.
The impact of this journey will ripple far beyond the shores of New Zealand, helping to fuel the RCD Foundation’s mission to change the odds for kids with brain cancer.
To learn more or support the cause, visit www.rcdfoundation.org
FUN ON THE WATER: Hunter leads the boat as the group enjoys a moment on the beautiful Waimakariri River. 70km
60 th
Wedding Anniversary
Congratulations to Bernie and Margaret Walker on celebrating 60 wonderful years of love and togetherness!
Married on April 20, 1965
They have been an inspiration to family and friends, sharing a lifetime of happiness, commitment and cherished memories. With love from David, John, Helen, Cath and their families.
GIOVANNINI (neé Donovan), Margaret Ann.
11/12/1931 – 7/4/2025
Aged 93 years.
Devoted and loving wife of Pat (dec) for 68 years.
Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Anne and Greg, Peter and Lee, Kevin and Kim, and Neale (dec).
Proud Granny of Daniel and Hayley, Dylan and Paris, Bianca and James, Klay and Jas, Cassie and Jake. Great Granny of Harper, River, Finn, Rudy, Scout and Romy.
‘Forever in our hearts, we will miss you’ Private cremation.
N.J. TODD
Member AFDA
EUROA 1800 352 425 BENALLA (03) 5762 2461
McMARTIN, Robert John “Mocka”. Passed away peacefully at Granite Hill Aged Care, Euroa on Friday, April 11, 2025. Aged 81 years.
Loved and loving husband of Marion.
Loved and adored father and father-in-law of Jason and Allison, Laurie and Dee, Glen and Belinda.
Treasured Poppy of Mitchell, Evie, Kai, Eddie and Brock.
Cherished brother of Gaye. ‘A life well lived’
McMARTIN, Robert John.
Dearly loved cousin of Sandra and Ross (dec).
So many wonderful memories of our younger days, in particular holidays with you at Gooram.
, Robert.
Our club is deeply saddened at the passing of Robert McMartin. Rob thoroughly enjoyed croquet until illness prevented him from playing.
A kind and well-respected gentleman, Rob will be missed.
The members of Euroa Croquet Club extend their condolences to the McMartin Family.
N J Todd Funeral Directors
Member AFDA
Servicing Euroa & District since 1937
Damien Feehan
Justin Feehan
QUINTREX
BayHunter runabout, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, 90s model, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $11,000 ono. Ph 0419 870 472.
Edition after Easter
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
Classified cut off: 4pm, Thursday, April 17
Wishing all our advertisers and readers a safe Easter Break
PROPERTY WATCHER
McMARTIN, Robert John.
Loving and loved brother of Gaye. Much loved Uncle to Michelle, Terry, Andrea and their families. Forever in our hearts.
WEINBERG, Val.
The members of the Euroa Bowls Club send their deepest condolences to the family of former member Val Weinberg.
Val was president of the lady’s section for 3 years and was a ne contributor to the club.
Concerned about stock the ? Experienced person will keep watch on your property and stock. No wage or board required, just an area for fully self-contained van. Approx. 20 years local experience. References available. Phone Rick 0408 135 354
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Robert John ‘Mocka’ McMartin will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Kirkland Avenue, Euroa on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 commencing at 11am.
The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for burial at the Euroa Lawn Cemetery.
A video recording of the service will be available from 2pm, please go to the N J Todd website and follow the livestream link.
N.J. TODD
Member AFDA EUROA 1800 352 425 BENALLA (03) 5762 2461
WATER DIVINER
Eric will be working in the Euroa area for approximately 1 week
Depth, volume, good water vs salt water Ph 0477 567 084
STACER 3.62m
aluminium boat, fully carpeted, all safety gear, bucket seats, nav. lights, large esky, electric bilge pump, Lowrance sh finder, Mercury 15 hp, EFI electic start outboard motor on electric trim and tilt, easy ow boat trailer, $6500 rm. Ph 0418 872 389.
SELL
Retreat Fraser 210C caravan, 21 ft van with semi offroad suspension, has travelled approximately 40,000kms and only been bitumen, many extras and extremely clean van, $72,000 negotiable. Call 0427 597 618 for more details.
$25,000
2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF). Ph 0434 590 566
CARAVAN BOX/STORAGE
Heavy duty aluminum checker plate W:1200, D:500, H:700, Slide suits 2KVA generator Storage box side 500x600x700.LED tail, brake and indicator lights. $200. Ph. 0417 551 904.
GALAXY Odyssey Special Edition 2011 16ft 6 poptop, a beautiful van packed with features, including: fold-up a-frame chassis, single axle, queen size pillow top island bed, slim line venetians, colour TV with Wynguard aerial, rear camera with audio, water lter, $27,500. Ph 0407 053 349. URGENT sale 2018
JAYCO Journey 19 pop
McMARTIN
McMARTIN
LOST
Weather and form align for Euroa’s autumn golf season
EUROA LADIES GOLF
By DEBRA COX
Wednesday, 2 April saw fifteen women play 18 holes in the weekly competition under fabulous autumn skies.
We were also pleased to welcome back four of our nine-hole players.
This week, the scores reflected the ideal playing conditions with some impressive results.
Erica Mercer won the day with 37 points, closely followed by Levenia Redfern on 36.
There was a five-way tie for line balls between Lorraine Ellis, Mandy Edwards, Gail Allen, Robin Lied, and Freda Edwards, all finishing on 32 points.
We are all making the most of the good run on the fairways, although it certainly helps if you can hit straight.
Nearest the pin: 8th to Erica Mercer, 12th to Levenia Redfern, and 18th to our newest member, Faye Mollison.
A great result for Faye, and no doubt the first of many.
Drive and Pitch: 5th to Gail Allen, 15th to Lorraine Ellis.
Saturday, 5 April – Stroke and Monthly Medal.
Saturday’s competition featured Stroke and the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Drummond Golf. B Scratch was also up for grabs.
Once again, fifteen women took to the course and the scores were even better than Wednesday’s.
Annette Smith claimed the Monthly Medal with an exceptional net 68 - a brilliant result, particularly given that she has only recently returned to the course after six months off.
Jean Duff was runner-up with a net 70. Gail Allen and Jenny Thompson also had podium finishes with net 71.
Michelle Grady won B Scratch.
Least putts went to Grace Eddy with 28. Drive and Pitch: 8th to Sarah Bullen, 12th to Annette Smith, and 18th to Grace Eddy.
5th to Freda Edwards and 15th to Jenny Thompson.
Wednesday, 9 April – Par Round.
Next Wednesday and Saturday will both be Par rounds - the gods of golf clearly have a sense of humour scheduling two in a row.
We all wish Judy McLean a speedy recovery following her mishap on Wednesday.
Judy, if anyone can wear a moon boot with style, it’s definitely you.
Eleven players turned out for 18 holes of the dreaded Par format.
The nine-hole competition was also well supported with seven players contesting Stableford.
It was a tight finish in the Par round, with three players finishing on plus one.
One of our newest members, Faye Mollison, won on a countback from Annette Smith and Erica Mercer.
A fantastic start to Faye’s golfing journey.
Kae Lummas was the best of the 9-hole players, returning a solid 18 points.
Nearest the Pin: 8th to Deb Cox, 12th to Annette Smith, and 18th to Kae Lummas.
Drive and Pitch: 5th to Michelle Thomson, 15th to Gail Allen.
Saturday, 12 April – Stableford Switch.
Saturday was originally scheduled as another Par round, but in a stroke of wisdom (and absolutely no selfinterest), our captain Sarah Bullen changed the format to Stableford.
Mary Dewis led the field with an excellent 38 points. Gail Allen and
Sarah Bullen both returned 37 points, with Annette Smith rounding out the winners with 36.
Nearest the Pin: 8th and 18th to Jenny Thompson, and 12th to Erica Mercer.
Drive and Pitch: 5th to Annette Smith, 15th to Gail Allen.
Next Wednesday, the Easter Bunny is coming to the Club for a fun 12-hole round.
May Hamilton will be providing hot cross buns, and Freda Edwards will be distributing chocolates to the winners.
STRATHBOGIE GOLF CLUB
By KRISTEN MOORE
LAST Saturday we had a good field despite many regulars being unavailable.
A stroke round was played for the April Monthly Medal.
There was a tie for the Monthly Medal, with Greg Roberts and Anthony Newham both finishing with a net 68.
After a lengthy countback, Anthony Newham was declared the winner.
The ladies’ winner was Bec Newham with a net 75.
Lineball prizes went to Greg Roberts (68), Rick Brodie (71), Phil Raftery (76), Victoria Fry (76) and Wally Dunn (76).
Nearest the pin winners: 4th hole –Victoria Fry. 8th hole – no winner. 15th hole – Chris Bennett. 17th hole – Ria Pearce.
Drive-and-pitch winners were Anthony Newham (men’s) and Victoria Fry (ladies’).
The least number of putts was recorded by Anthony Newham with 26.
The straightest drive was won by David Kennett.
Our pennant team of Aaron, Nathan, Mick, Phil and Barney lost to Alexandra at Yea, 3–2, with Aaron and Phil claiming wins.
Next week will be a Stableford round and the first round of the Wally Dunn Trophy.
What a cracker of a day Saturday was – the weather was absolutely gorgeous, and the scores were red-hot once again.
Peter Smith clearly enjoys returning to play at Strathbogie whenever he can, finishing with an impressive 40 points to win the men’s competition.
Kerry Hewlett took out the ladies’ competition with a solid score of 34 points.
Lineball prizes were awarded to:
David Kennett – 40 points. Greg Roberts – 39 points. Mick Dixey – 37 points. Kevin Chenhall – 35 points. John Moore – 35 points.
Nearest the pin winners: 4th and 8th holes – John Moore. 15th hole – Greg Roberts. 17th hole – Visitor Christian Treloar.
Drive-and-pitch winners were John Moore (men’s) and Victoria Fry (ladies’).
The straightest drive was claimed by Grant Pearce.
Next week, the men will be teeing
off from the red markers. Phil Fry is on duty.
Also, a reminder that our monthly dinner will be held on Saturday, 27 April.
Please get your bookings in early, as last month we reached capacity and had to close bookings.
Our pennant team recorded its first win of the season, defeating Yea at home, 3–2.
Congratulations to Nathan Macauley, Phil Fry, and David Kennett on their match wins.
EUROA GOLF CLUB
By RICHARD JOHNSON
DALE McIntosh’s net 71 saw him crowned the April monthly medal winner, finishing one shot ahead of Neal Healey on 72.
Cam Roper followed on 73, with Paddy McCarthy and Jackson Walker equal on 74.
Another junior member, Walt Pedder, claimed Division two with a fine net 75, which could have been much better if his putter had behaved.
Laurie McMartin had no such issues, using the flat stick only 22 times to win the putting prize on the much firmer and faster greens.
These challenging conditions tested many Division two players, with a dozen of them returning cards with Bradman scores.
Better scores were recorded during the Wednesday competition, with Keith Seebers winning on 38 points.
Matt Mills finished on par for the round, returning 37 points off a plus one handicap.
The scratch pennant team returned to the winner’s circle with a 3/2 win over Woodend at Alexandra.
The restricted handicap team were less fortunate, going down to Broadford on their home course.
The Birdies and Eagles draws begin next week, with a couple of tickets still available.
A week of par events was held at Euroa Golf Club. On Wednesday, 21 players took on the course in lovely autumn conditions. Jackson Walker continues to impress, recording another Division one win with a score of plus two from his handicap of 10.
Paddy McCarthy finished square.
In Division two, Walter Pedder continued his winning run with a plus six, ahead of fellow junior Alex Burton on plus three.
Charlie Walker was the best of the more seasoned players, finishing on plus one.
Saturday featured the qualifying round of the Murphy Motors four-ball event.
The winning pair was Charlie Walker and Ian Sutherland, who combined perfectly to return plus nine-one better than Paul Jones and Paddy McCarthy.
Ian Horwood had a strong day, taking
home two nearest the pins as well as qualifying for the playoffs.
The matches to be played before Monday, 13 May are: Walker and Sutherland vs Roper and Flavel. Seeber and Rosenbrook vs Farmer and Bubeck. McCarthy and Jones vs Healey and McMahon. McNair and Gilbert vs Horwood and Johnson.
The first prize in the Eagles and Birdies competition went to Nicholas Watson.
Next week’s event will be Stableford.
NAGAMBIE
GOLF CLUB
By DAVID LOVE
IT was a near-perfect summer’s day at the Nagambie Golf Club in mid-April, with the daytime temperature reaching 30 degrees.
Local players enjoyed the unseasonably hot conditions, with 30 teeing it up for a Stableford event.
Just as hot as the temperature was winning golfer Ryan Ezard, firing three birdies in his round to record a score of 41 points and take home the Seymour Club matchday voucher.
Ezard was long from the tee and precise with his wedges, enabling him to shoot his first sub-80 total in golf.
Runner-up was Ben Cassar, also on 41 points, with a round inside 80 shots.
Cassar’s recent form has been good, but Sunday was exceptional.
Third place went to the dashing Doug Neville-more of a four-ball specialist than an individual event contenderwho turned out a rock-solid 38 points.
Nearest-the-pin prizes were awarded to Dean Brown with a well-weighted high iron onto the 3rd; ‘Ravishing’ Rhys Shepherd, who blasted away at the 8th; and Rod Wilson, displaying high-quality iron play to claim both the 13th and 16th.
Next week’s golf will be held on Easter Sunday, with a Par event scheduled.
B. Leviston will be on office duty and J. Mills in the bar.
AVENEL GOLF CLUB
By LYN CARRACHER
IT has been a hive of activity at Avenel Golf Club in recent weeks, with preparations in full swing for the official opening of the golfing season.
Members and friends have dedicated many hours around the course, which is now in excellent condition and expected to improve further with some decent rainfall.
The Friday twilight series concluded recently, following a successful run over summer.
Participation numbers were strong, with several new members joining the ranks.
Rachel Smith and Samantha Hannigan have both taken to the game with enthusiasm and have shown significant improvement since picking up their clubs.
Both have claimed multiple wins during twilight and are expected to continue their good form into the main season.
The final round of twilight was Stableford, played off the front nine short course.
The winner was Sam Hannigan, who had a standout performance with 22 points.
Word is she had a lesson from Sam at Mooroopna, and it appears to be paying dividends.
Runner-up was Campbell Smith, who also played an impressive round to finish with 21 points.
Nearest the pin on the 5th went to Campbell, while Captain Jed Smith
claimed the drive and pitch on the 7th.
The opening day for the 2025 winter season took place on Saturday, marked by a two-person Ambrose.
The field was welcomed by Vice President Bill Eddy, who invited Marlene Hull to officially open the course.
Marlene reflected on more than 40 years of playing golf at Avenel, a sport she was introduced to by chance but which has become close to her heart.
After formally declaring the season open, she continued tradition by making the first putt of the year.
Many thanks, Marlene.
Visitors from Shepparton and Euroa joined the competition. It was the Shepparton pair of Ymer Memhet and Colin Basham who took out the scratch with an impressive score of 69.
Runners-up were Scoota Donovan and Dennis “the menace” Neville with 70, followed by Emily and Craig Flavel on 74.
Handicap winners were Jed and Rachel Smith, with a score of 70 net 60.25.
Runners-up were Shane Myers and Corey Pilcher with 73 net 65.
The trio of Dave Fullager, Dee Wright and Marlene Hull finished with 78 net 65.67 and also claimed a ball prize.
Nearest the pins went to Marlene Hull on the 5th (she also made the putt), Colin Basham on the 8th, Corey Pilcher on the 14th, and Rachel Smith on the 18th.
The Avenel Imperial Hotel $50 voucher was won by Marcus Steers.
The men’s pennant team travelled to Broadford on Sunday to take on Woodend.
Unfortunately, the Broadford course is currently in poor condition and play was tee-up throughout-something unfamiliar for most players.
The team went down 4–1, with Mark Hannigan the sole winner.
Campbell Smith was unlucky, narrowly losing on the 20th hole.
Saturday’s game will be Par off the short course, followed by pennant hosting duties on Sunday, starting at 11am.
All members are kindly asked to bring a plate to share for afternoon tea.
NAGAMBIE LADIES GOLF
By KARYN THOMPSON
THERE were nine players for the beginning of our Winter Competition.
It was a Stableford round, and the winner of the 18-hole competition, the Monthly Medal and the Seymour Club Voucher was Karyn Thompson on a countback from Jane Bow with 33 points.
The nine-hole winner was Jane with 18 points.
There were no nearest the pin winners.
Balls down the line for 18 holes went to Karyn and Jane, both with 33 points. Balls down the line for nine holes went to Jane with 18 points and Moz Fowler with 16 points.
Results – Wednesday, 9 April.
It was a round of stroke with eight players.
The winner of the 18-hole competition was Monica Hurley on a countback from Karyn Thompson, both with 77 net.
The nine-hole winner was Karyn with 39 net.
Nearest the pin on the 3rd was Karyn. Balls down the line for 18 holes went to Monica and Karyn, both with 77 net. Balls down the line for nine holes went to Karyn with 39 net and Monica with 39.5 net.
Golf Club.
Swans fall short after brave A Grade fightback in the heat
By DAN GODSMARK A GRADE NETBALL
THE Avenel Swans had a slow start against a new-look Rushworth side, trailing by six goals at quarter-time, with noticeable absences from Maddie Albers and Ebony Heers.
A tough ghtback followed over the next two quarters in the heat, with rolling-sub contributions from B grade players Lou Jones and Alyssa Quigg leaving Swans just one goal down heading into the nal term.
A-grade debutant Briodie Robinson goaled well, while defensive pressure from Maddie Richards and Adi Thornberry created key opportunities for the Swans late in the game. However, it was not enough to secure the win, with Rushworth holding on to claim victory by one.
TWO
SENIOR FOOTBALL
AVENEL approached the match against Rushworth
with con dence, knowing the opposition would come with a determined e ort.
The Swans executed their
pre-season structures well in the rst half, showcasing the potential of their game style. Despite several players
managing illness during the week, the team showed resilience and made a strong start in hot conditions.
Rushworth responded in the third quarter, controlling much of the play and putting Avenel under pressure.
At the nal change, the Swans refocused and regained momentum by sticking to their game plan and winning more of the football in the nal term.
Physical pressure across all four quarters was a highlight, particularly given the 30-plus degree heat.
Leaders stood up when needed, including Tim Dundon, Chayse Thomson, Jack Myers, and Braydon Hardsta , helping steer the group through crucial stages of the contest.
A standout feature of the match was the even spread of goal-kickers, with all tall forwards hitting the scoreboard multiple times - a promising sign of versatility in attack.
SCOREBOARD �
TEAM
SENIORS LADDER
SENIORS SCOREBOARD
5.1 9.6 12.7 14.10.94
NETBALL SCORES
A Grade Rushworth 39 def Avenel 38 Longwood 27 def by Nagambie 52 Voilet Town 35 def by Undera 55 Shepp East 59 def Tallygaroopna 16 Girgarre 63 def Merrigum 18 Stanhope 41 def Murchison-Toolamba 33
B Grade Rushworth 23 def by Avenel 39; Longwood 20 def by Nagambie 49; Voilet Town 40 def Undera 26; Shepp East 45 def Tallygaroopna 43; Girgarre 46 def Merrigum 37; Stanhope 29 def by Murchison-Toolamba 32.
C Grade Rushworth 26 def by Avenel 46; Longwood 30 def by Nagambie 32; Voilet Town 37 def by Undera 40; Shepp East 50 def Tallygaroopna 34; Girgarre 51 def Merrigum 18; Stanhope 41 def by Murchison-Toolamba 42.
C Reserve Rushworth 28 def by Avenel 56; Longwood 10 def by Nagambie 50; Voilet Town 23 def by Undera 43; Shepp East 45 def by Tallygaroopna 58; Girgarre 34 def Merrigum 32; Stanhope 30 def by Murchison-Toolamba 33. 17&U Rushworth 32 def Avenel 13; Longwood 36 def by Nagambie 47; Voilet Town 44 def Undera 5; Shepp East 35 def Tallygaroopna 18; Girgarre 28 def by Merrigum 43; Stanhope 49 def Murchison-Toolamba 22. 15&U Longwood 20 def by Nagambie 45; Voilet Town 4 def by Undera 59; Shepp East 33 def Tallygaroopna 28; Girgarre 70 def Merrigum 14; Shtanhope 40 def Murchison-Toolamba 23. 13&U Rushworth 35 def Avenel 11; Longwood 13 def by Nagambie 45; Voilet Town 8 def by Undera 27; Shepp East 26 def Tallygaroopna 13; Girgarre 35 def Merrigum 8; Stanhope 13 drew with Murchison-Toolamba 13. 11&U Rushworth 7 def Avenel 6; Longwood 1 def by Nagambie 25; Voilet Town 25 def Undera 3; Shepp East 8 def by Tallygaroopna 26; Stanhope 5 def Murchison-Toolamba 2.
ROUND �
SATURDAY, APRIL ��
Nagambie vs Rushworth
Undera vs Longwood
Tallygaroopna vs Voilet Town
Murchison-Toolamba vs Shepparton East
Merrigum vs Stanhope
Lancaster vs Girgarre
Avenel - Bye
GOALS: RUSHWORTH: L. Oakley 2, L. Adlington 2, R. Edwards 2, L. Francis 1, N. Oaten 1, I. Griffin 1. AVENEL: A. Crnko 3, T. Stretch 2, J. Webster 2, C. Salmon 2, J. Stretch 2, J. Ryan 1, C. Thomson 1, J. Inzillo 1.
BEST: RUSHWORTH: C. Horsfall, R. Beale, I. Griffin, L. Francis, L. Adlington, S. Young. AVENEL: H. Ashworth, C. Thomson, J. Stretch, B. Hardstaff, A. Crnko, J. Carrafa.
GOALS: LONGWOOD: L. Edwards 2, A. Smith 2, D. Francis 2, H. Shiner 1, W. Pointer 1, J. Duncan 1, L. Smith 1, B. Burfitt 1. NAGAMBIE: L. Mckinnon 3, B. Laverie 3, D. Obrien 2, B. McKinnon 2, L. Hockley 2, M. Nolan 1, T. Barnes 1, J. Walker 1, T. Laverie 1, T. Mason 1, W. Dalton 1, M. Lusted 1. BEST: LONGWOOD: B. Klemke, J. Duncan, N. Watson, G. Chamouras, B. Burfitt, L. Smith. NAGAMBIE: T. Laverie, M. Sanderson, B. McKinnon, D. Comi, B. Laverie, T. Chapman.
SHEPP EAST 8.7 18.11 27.17 32.22.214
TALLYGAROOPNA
GOALS: SHEPPARTON EAST: J. Sutherland 10, D. Webster mill 5, R. Pfieffer 3, L. Keady 3, Z. Groombridge 2, M. Rendina 2, J. Dhosi 2, M. Heggart 1, J. Gattuso 1, S. Campbell 1, J. Kerambrun 1, d. Mundi 1. TALLYGAROOPNA: B. Larkins 1.
BEST: SHEPPARTON EAST: M. Pottenger, J. Sutherland, D. Webster Mill, R. Pfieffer, L. Keady, J. Gattuso, TALLYGAROOPNA: K. Montgomery, Z. Langley, J. Sidebottom, A. Oldfield, J. Clee, B. Larkins. RUSHWORTH 1.3 1.6 7.10 9.15.69
GOALS: GIRGARRE: R. Butler
Cashion 6, J. Lloyd 6, A. Lloyd 4, A. Lloyd 3, L. Devine 2, L. Wellington 2, L. Jones 1, A. Ralph 1, N. Turner 1, K. Sanders 1, J. Utiger 1, S. Mackrill 1.
BEST: STANHOPE: D. Flynn, M. Ludbrook, P. Heenan, R. Dryden, B. Wol, S. Trevena. MURCHISONTOOLAMBA: A. Cashion, S. Mackrill, J. Utiger, K. Sanders, A. Lloyd, L. Wellington.
OUTNUMBERED: Avenel’s Tim Dundon breaks away from the Rushworth followers. PHOTOS: Andy Wilson
NEWBIES: Sophie Reynolds and A-grade debutant Briodie Robinson head into attack for the Swans against Rushworth.
Ken Sutcliffe takes out the Men’s Club Championship
By GREG BLATCHFORD
THE bowling season appears to be far from over, with things rolling along at a frenetic pace.
On Wednesday, 16 participated in social bowls, including four visitors – Murray and Theresa from Port Fairy and Kaz and Kaz from Bendigo – who all fitted in as though they had been life-long members.
There were multiple two-game winners, with the pairing of Cro-
quet Kev and Dot Lomer prevailing on shots-up. Three matches were also completed in Club Championship events.
The winners of the Blue Ribbon Club events:
Mens singles Champion: Ken Sutcli e.
Ladies singles Champion: Margaretha Cerini.
Mens pairs Champions: Tony Kingma and Marc Stevens.
Ladies pairs Champions: Marga-
retha Cerini and Charmaine Reid.
David Clarke won the 21-up nal with a 21-13 victory over Lindsay Cocking.
It was a tight tussle for most of the game, until David secured a late 4 and 3 to seal the win.
The semi- nals of the mixed pairs also took place, and two close and high-quality contests went down to the wire.
Don and Kerry Steers defeated Tony Kingma and Peta Webster 16-14, while Shane and Charmaine
came from behind to defeat Jeremy and Margaretha 12-11. The nal is scheduled for 10am Saturday.
The nal of the B grade championship will be held Wednesday a ernoon (16 April) at 2pm, with the 100up nal taking place at 5pm on Friday.
A farewell for Richard will also be held from 5.30pm to 7pm.
But there is more...
Social bowls continues on Saturday a ernoon, and President’s Day will take place on Sunday.
Bowls will commence at 1pm, fol-
lowed by a ernoon tea at 4pm (provided by the Club), and then presentations to the winners of the Club events. Please place names on the board. Ken Sutcli e is currently in Bendigo competing in the State Champion of Champions events. We wish him all the best and know he will perform admirably. Finally, the annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 June, with nominations for board positions closing on Monday, 5 May. All the best and bowl well.
MATCH REVIEWS
B Grade Towners triumph in first win of the season
A GRADE
It was a tough and disappointing loss for the Towners a er the high of defeating Nagambie last weekend in the opening round.
Despite the scoreboard, the team’s e ort and determination were nothing short of inspiring.
From start to nish, every player gave their all, showing real heart and commitment across the court, despite the heat a ecting several players. The Towners’ e ort in defence was exceptional-constantly applying pressure, taking clean intercepts, and making it hard for the opposition to settle into their rhythm.
It was a standout of the game and kept the Towners in the contest.
Plenty of positives to take forward-heads high and onwards to the next game.
SCOREBOARD: Violet Town 35 defeated by Undera 55. Awards went to Emma Warnock and Prue Holmes.
B GRADE
AN excellent e ort was seen by each and every player as the Towners coped with summer-type heat and recorded their rst win of the season. It was a strong team game, with players rotating on and o the court to provide frequent breaks, sometimes playing in unfamiliar positions but always giving their best.
Macey Ross played a very strong game in goals, and Makaila Gilbee stepped up to B Grade with great prowess this season.
A special thank you to Tilly for providing the ice that helped both players and
Despite the challenges, the players never gave up. Their resilience, support for one another and refusal to back down made for a strong team performance that deserved more points on the scoreboard.
coaches make it through.
SCOREBOARD: Violet
Town 40 defeated Undera 26. Awards went to Macey Ross and Makaila Gilbee.
C GRADE
On an extremely hot day for netball, the Towners struggled with the conditions and were thankful for the ability to rotate players using rolling subs.
Violet Town led at times and had opportunities to win
but did not capitalise.
In the end, Undera emerged victorious.
SCOREBOARD: Violet
Town 37 defeated by Undera 40.
Awards went to Ashleigh Bertoli and Courtney Pilcher.
C RESERVE
SCOREBOARD: Violet
Town 23 defeated by Undera 43.
Awards went to Mikaela Dunn and Georgie Bale.
UNDER 17s
SCOREBOARD: Violet
Town 44 defeated Undera 5. Awards went to Matila Kubeil, Lilliana Williams and Ella Bast.
UNDER 15
SCOREBOARD: Violet
Town 4 defeated by Undera 59.
Awards went to Georgia Mackrell and Addison Pastuszka.
UNDER 13
SCOREBOARD: Violet Town 8 defeated by Undera 27.
Awards went to Lilly Coridas and Gypsy Campbell.
UNDER 11
What a game.
The Towners delivered a standout performance lled with energy, precision and unity.
Right from the rst whistle, the players came out strong, making great leads and creating space across the court.
The attacking end was sharp and relentless, working the ball with con dence and air.
The chase for the ball was impressive-every loose ball was contested with determination, showing just how hungry the team was for possession.
Defensively, the pressure was on point.
Strong, structured defence kept the opposition on their toes, with intercepts and turnovers that swung momentum Towners’ way.
Above all, the teamwork was impressive. Every pass, drive and defensive play re ected the hard work they have put in at training.
It was a great game from start to nish-a brilliant example of what happens when a team comes together and plays with heart.
SCOREBOARD: Violet Town 25 defeated Undera 3. Awards went to Lucy Coridas and Lillian Pommeroy.
ALL THE WINNERS: Shane Drysdale, Marc Stevens, Jeremy Boruch. Front row: Charmaine Reid, Margaretha Cerini, Ken Sutcli e and Tony Kingma. Group photograph of all winners.
PHOTOS: Dale Mann Club Championship title.
ALL LINED UP: Beryl Harris looks focused as she prepares to roll.
MATCH REVIEWS
Tough start to Euroa Reserves’ season persists
RESERVES XVIII
By TONY BRODIE
IT was always going to be a tough day for the reserves as Echuca’s second side is a strong out t. With several players unavailable due to various circumstances, the team was again depleted and relied on others to step in and assist.
From the opening bounce, Echuca quickly gained control, moving the ball into their forward line and applying scoreboard pressure.
Andrew Bell, unable to play in the senior game due to other commitments, gave much-needed support to the reserves, winning the ball at stoppages and contests and providing run across the ground.
Although this wasn’t re ected on the scoreboard, it was felt that the team showed improvement from the previous game against Kyabram.
The team was led again by an experienced group including Mitch Penman, Nicholas Thomson, Jye Bjorksten, and Nicholas Hill – returning for his rst game of the season.
He contested well and will be a valuable addition moving forward.
It has been a di cult start to the season with two strong opponents in as many weeks, and the team now looks ahead to facing Rochester – another side known for a
GOULBURN VALLEY SENIORS LADDER
NETBALL SCORES
A Grade: Mooroopna 45 def by Rochester 56 Seymour 56 def Shepparton Swans 48 Euroa 67 def Echuca 49 Benalla 42 def by Shepparton 62 Shepp Utd 46 def Mansfield 25 Tatura 51 def Kyabram 20
B Grade: Mooroopna 42 def by Rochester 45; Seymour 43 def Shepparton Swans 40; Euroa 46 def Echuca 37; Benalla 33 def by Shepparton 47; Shepp Utd 37 def Mansfield 29; Tatura 51 def Kyabram 42.
GOALS: MOOROOPNA: L. Campbell 2, J. Johnston 2, K. Issell 1, N. Drummond 1, R. Evans 1, W. Wood 1, J. Formica 1. ROCHESTER: M. Cricelli 3, W. Hamilton 2, H. Hamilton 2, S. Williams 2, N. Ramage 1, T. Woodfine 1. BEST: MOOROOPNA: J. Johnston, R. Huggard, E. Hunt, K. Madgwick, M. Calleja. ROCHESTER: A. Henderson, C. Hamilton, M. Cricelli, W. Hamilton, D. Williams.
SEYMOUR 2.1 4.2 9.5 11.5.71
SHEPP SWANS 2.2 6.6 12.8 16.13.109
GOALS: SEYMOUR: N. Fowler 3, L. Lubeck 2, L. Waite 1, N. Quigg 1, C. Powell 1, L. Cavigan 1, N. Beattie 1, D. Scopel 1. SHEPPARTON SWANS: A. Riordan 3, N. Rachele 3, M. Kovacevic 2, J. Cooper 2, L. Rachele 1, T. Collison 1, O. Warburton 1, A. Fichera 1. BEST: SEYMOUR: N. Quigg, D. Cook, S. Feery, J. Murphy, N. Beattie. SHEPPARTON SWANS: N. Hrovat, A. Fichera, J. Cooper, Z. Alderton, N. Rachele.
EUROA 2.2 5.6 5.7 7.8.50
ECHUCA 4.4 5.10 10.15 12.18.90
GOALS: EUROA: J. Trotter 3, C. Paul 1, M. Varley 1, Z. Gleeson 1, W. Creevey 1. ECHUCA: C. Barber 5, W. Monahan 2, R. Smith 1, S. Reid 1, H. Byrne 1, J. Evans 1, J. Stewart 1. BEST: BEST: EUROA: K. Jager, C. Paul, J. Gleeson, J. Penman, M. Varley. ECHUCA: J. Evans, C. Barber, S. Reid, M. Wales, C. Townrow.
GOALS: BENALLA: N. Wright 4, J. Wolff 2, N. Mellington 2, T. Riley 1, T. McGregor 1. SHEPPARTON: L. McShane 6, L. Smith 5, R. Lau 3, X. Stevenson 2, J. Watts 1, O. Lambourn 1, A. Holland 1, T. Madigan 1, L. Rumbiolo 1, L. Duguid 1, A. Decicco 1, D. Meek 1. BEST: BENALLA: N. Mellington, C. Welsh, M.
UNITED
GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: L. Serra 3, S. Mcinneny 2, H. Hurley 1, J. Loverso 1, M. Trevaskis 1, M. Serra 1, k. clarke 1, J. Serra 1, K. Gibson 1. MANSFIELD: J. Hutchins 3, N. Buchanan 1, J. Howes 1, W. Foster 1, M. King 1, M. Mahoney 1, J. Herridge 1, H. Mahoney 1, B. Les 1, B. Reardon 1, M. Lewis 1.
BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: L. Serra, S. Mcinneny, J. Serra, C. Phillips, K. Clarke. MANSFIELD: B. Les, G. van der Heyden, D. Koenen, M. King, N. Gray.
TATURA 1.0 3.0 3.1 5.2.32
KYABRAM 4.6 8.16 15.24 22.28.160
GOALS: TATURA: C. Ryan 2, M. Elliott 1, C. Ryan 1, S. McAllister 1. KYABRAM: A. Depasquale 5, C. Barnett 4, K. Herbert 3, R. Ironside 2, M. Mattingly 2, E. Ogden 2, T. Holman 2, A. Watt 1, A. Robinson 1.
BEST: TATURA: X. Hutchison, A. Ciavarella, C. Ryan, A. Enever, C. Murdoch. KYABRAM: E. Ogden, M. Mattingly, J. Parkinson, K. Herbert, A. Robinson.
MAGIC TRICK: Euora’s Grace Hill shows her skill as she attempts to keep the ball in play.
Unfurling of flag a good omen
A GRADE
IN what was an unfamiliar – but very pleasant – task, the match on Saturday against Echuca allowed the 2024 A grade premiership ag to be o cially unveiled, as the Euroa side, again led by coach Ellie Warnock, celebrated their success from 2024.
Fortuitously, the win in the grand nal last year was against Echuca –as was the game on Saturday.
Olivia Morris continued to dominate in the goal-ring, claiming beston-court honours as the home team won the match convincingly.
Mia Sudomirski was again lively in the front two-thirds of the court, shooting goals alongside her dominant goal-shooter.
Mid-courters Eliza Hoare, Sophie Owen, and Hollie Reid (until injured) were winning the ball well and feeding it forward to their team’s bene t.
Wonderful defensive e orts from Ellie Warnock and Kellie Davidson meant the Euroa team were in control for the majority of the match.
FINAL SCORES: Euroa 67 defeated Echuca 49.
Best players: Olivia Morris, Mia Sudomirski, Eliza Hoare.
B GRADE
By MOLLY REDFERN
ROSES are red, violets are blue, Echuca wanted the win, the Magpies did too.
Jumping and leaping, intercepts galore, So much so, our defenders will be sore.
Attacking the ball and making plays, Always thinking about second phase.
Rolling, screening – they rarely miss – our shooters were on; thank God for practice.
They dodge, they feed and they pass,
Watching our mid-court is like taking a masterclass.
Magpies’ mid-court – so connected they are –
Each of them resembling a superstar.
Continue to watch on Good Friday, O to Rochester for a game far away.
The Rochester Tigers are sure to put up a ght –
A game likely to be closely contested – quite a sight.
FINAL SCORES: Euroa 48 defeated Echuca 37.
Best players: Bree Sudomirski, Sami Kreitzhelm, Kelly Hill.
B RESERVE
ON Saturday, Euroa’s B Reserve team opened their rst home game with a hard-fought 39–35 win over Echuca at Memorial Oval courts.
The autumn sun lit up the courts as a vocal home crowd supported the team in a match full of determination and strong teamwork.
Captain Sienna Trotter, leading from goal attack, set the tone with solid drives and pinpoint accuracy, scoring 19 of her team’s goals.
Centre Megan O’Bree was the engine room, her tireless running cutting through Echuca’s mid-court.
Annika Sutherland proved reliable at goal shooter, adding 13 goals with composure and focus.
Wing attack Abbie Ellis impressed with clever positioning, consistently creating space for the shooters.
In defence, Demi Walker at goalkeeper and Tejuan Sutherland at goal defence were formidable, forcing turnovers that transitioned into attack.
Tejuan, who will celebrate her 50th game at Rochester on Friday, was her usual vocal self.
Echuca’s goalers kept the contest close, with only one goal separating the teams at half-time.
Scores were tied at 25-all at the three-quarter time break.
In the nal quarter, Euroa li ed. Megan O’Bree and Ruby Watson delivered slick passes into Abbie Ellis, who had moved into goals, allowing the Magpies to gain the edge. Echuca launched a late challenge, but Euroa’s composure held strong to seal the four-goal win.
Coaches Sophie and Grace praised the team’s e ort and were particularly proud of the composure shown in the nal minutes.
Best wishes to Jayde Evans for a speedy recovery a er leaving the court with an ankle injury.
The win brings optimism for Euroa’s B Reserve side, who aim to
at wing attack, with Bethan Burton shi ing into goal attack.
The pairing of Marnie and Ruby Fowler in centre proved e ective, strengthening Euroa’s play through the centre third.
Despite facing much taller opponents, Bethan displayed impressive grit, holding her position well and making a strong impact in the attacking circle.
The third quarter was Euroa’s most competitive of the game.
They outscored Echuca 14–13 and gained valuable momentum.
The nal quarter continued in the same competitive fashion.
Echuca’s experience and precision saw them extend their lead, but Euroa refused to back down.
Although Echuca edged the nal term 13–11, Euroa’s spirit and e ort never wavered.
It was a strong showing from Euroa’s 17 and under side, who demonstrated great resilience and composure throughout the match.
build on last season’s preliminary nal appearance.
Supporters le Memorial Oval hopeful for more strong performances across the season.
FINAL SCORES: Euroa 39 defeated Echuca 35.
Best players: Abbie Ellis, Demi Walker, Tejuan Sutherland.
17 and UNDER By GEORGIA
CORNISH
IT was a beautiful day for netball as Euroa faced o against a strong Echuca side.
The rst quarter began with a tight, goal-for-goal contest, both teams matching each other with intensity and sharp play.
Echuca began to edge ahead through their height advantage and some well-timed intercepts, using strong, accurate passing to build momentum.
Lily Asquith made an immediate impact when she entered at goal attack, combining seamlessly with goal shooter Avie Hill, both players backing up for their second game of the day. Their well-established on-court connection helped keep Euroa in the contest.
By the end of the rst quarter, Echuca had pulled slightly ahead, 16–11.
The second quarter delivered more high-pressure netball.
Euroa’s defenders, Charli Pittock (GK) and Macey Watson (GD), were kept busy against Echuca’s relentless attack, working hard to disrupt play and regain possession.
In the mid-court, Evie O’Dwyer stepped up at wing defence, executing strong passes and making a number of crucial intercepts.
Bethan Burton came on for Marnie Salter at wing attack, bringing fresh energy to the front line.
While Avie and Lily continued to shoot accurately, Echuca’s dominance grew.
They controlled the quarter and extended their lead.
The quarter ended with Echuca outscoring Euroa 17–8.
Euroa returned from the break with renewed energy.
Defensive adjustments saw Macey Watson move to goalkeeper and Charli Pittock to goal defence.
The duo worked e ectively to interrupt Echuca’s attacking rhythm, securing several key intercepts and even turning over centre passes.
In attack, Marnie Salter returned
FINAL SCORES: Euroa 44 defeated by Echuca 59.
Best players: Ruby Fowler, Avie Hill, Macey Watson.
15 AND UNDER
FOLLOWING a strong win against Kyabram in round one, Euroa entered the court with con dence. However, a di cult rst quarter allowed Echuca to take early control.
With tall, accurate shooters, Echuca capitalised on their opportunities and opened up a 20–6 lead by the rst break.
Euroa found their rhythm in the second quarter, tightening their defensive structure and transitioning the ball with greater purpose.
Belle Ford moved into centre, injecting fresh energy through the mid-court.
The team’s determination showed, reducing the de cit by half-time to 28–16.
The third quarter was Euroa’s most consistent.
Improved ball movement and pressure across the court saw the team challenge Echuca’s attack.
Zahara Johns came on at goalkeeper, combining well with Ellie Robinson at goal defence to limit scoring opportunities.
In attack, Lily Asquith at goal shooter and Avie Hill at goal attack worked tirelessly, with accurate shooting and clever positioning.
Wing attack Bethan Burton supported well, delivering strong, wellplaced passes into the circle.
The scoreboard read 40–29 at the nal change.
In the last quarter, Euroa’s midcourt li ed again, led by Maisy Wilson at centre and Grace McKellar at wing defence.
Defenders Ellie Robinson and Grace Hill continued to apply pressure, competing for every rebound and following up on any missed shots.
Although the final score of 47–37 did not reflect the effort shown, Euroa’s performance across the final three quarters was full of promise.
The team demonstrated strong teamwork, resilience, and improvement, providing a solid foundation for their upcoming match against Rochester.
Best players: Maisy Wilson, Lily Asquith, Grace Hill.
CATCHING GAME: Samantha Kreltszheim pulls in a strong grab and quickly looks to drive the play up
PRESSURE UP: Bree Sudomirski fights through the heat to deliver the ball to her teammate. PHOTOS: Dale Mann
UNFURLING OF FLAG A GOOD OMEN
Pairs competition wraps up with strong community spirit
By LEANNE RUSSELL-JONES
THE second semi- nal between Dennis and Bec, and Ken and Mick, was a great game.
Bec, as a social bowler, put down some great bowls, as did Dennis.
Spectators were treated to an exciting competition, with Ken and Mick only taking the lead on the 16th end to claim victory 18-15.
The grand nal of Ken and Mick against Leanne and Jamie was one-sided for the rst ve ends, with both Ken and Mick producing terri c bowls to reach 10-0.
Jamie then helped us re-set, and we clawed our way back before going down 17-13.
Congratulations to all, and a special mention to those new bowlers who participated in this competition.
Please feel free to box up 10-cent refundable bottles and cans – unscrunched – and drop them o at the club.
Thanks go to Fee at the Ellen Frances Hotel for allowing us to collect their recyclables as well.
Social bowlers are welcome to come along on Sundays at 2pm.
Where enough bowlers arrive, we will hold a competitive round of six games at a cost of $5.
Please like and follow our Facebook page to stay in the loop about when we are open for social bowls, right through to the end of May.
ON
Keily
continues his strong start to the season with another standout performance.
battle hard against last year’s premiers.
Determined Magpies take fight to premiers
SENIORS XVIII
IN their rst home game of season 2025, the Euroa Magpies senior side took to the ground at Memorial Oval on Saturday with high anticipation for their clash against the 2024 reigning senior football premiers, Echuca.
A good crowd was in attendance.
The Euroa side again featured several debutants – Henry Thomas and James Henry.
These two – as well as Bryce Frost – came in for Jayden Gleeson (injury), Jack McKernan (illness), and Andrew Bell (wedding).
The trio slotted well into the team as the game opened in rapid fashion.
Both Echuca and Euroa moved the ball quickly and with precision. In a tight tussle throughout the first two quarters, pressure from Mitch Walters, Tom and Nic Burke, and Jacob Gleeson meant the Euroa team remained competitive against their more experienced opposition.
Cohen Paul was marking the ball well in the back half of the ground, continuing his ne form from the opening game of 2025.
A er half time, Echuca began strongly and immediately applied scoreboard pressure on the Magpies.
Captain Jett Trotter (three goals)
underlined his class with excellent mid eld and forward play.
Bryce Frost, Jake Penman and Lachie Hill were involved in everything, working hard to further the team’s cause.
Keily Jager was having a standout game – marking and tackling exceptionally well.
Linc McKernan and James Henry shouldered most of the ruck duties throughout the match.
Mid eld ball use from the likes of Will Creevey meant the forward supply was consistent.
Nic Asquith and Declan Redfern were again lively up forward.
The side now looks forward to taking to the ground on Good Friday at
5pm under lights in Rochester – the players will again be up for the challenge.
On a sad note, club players and o cials wore black armbands last weekend in memory of Mrs Marg Giovannini and Mr Rob McMartin. May they both rest in peace.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 7.8.50 defeated by Echuca 12.18.90.
Best players: Keily Jager, Cohen Paul, Jacob Gleeson, Jake Penman, Marcus Varley.
Goal
■ Reserves and Thirds reports
STANDING TALL: Jack McHale takes
HOT
THE TROT:
Jager
PHOTOS: Dale Mann
kickers: Jett Trotter (three), Will Creevey (one), Marcus Varley (one), Zac Gleeson (one), Cohen Paul (one).
GRAND FINAL WINNERS: Ken and Mick, winners of the Violet Town Bowls Club Pairs competition.
