The Euroa Gazette 170523

Incorporating the Nagambie Times and Violet Town Sentinel

AVENEL - EUROA - LONGWOOD -

SAVE OUR CROSSING SUPERVISOR

MESSAGES of support for school crossing supervisor Marc Stevens, like this one from Darcy, lined the fence of St John’s Primary School last week. Mr Stevens’ job is in jeopardy as Strathbogie Shire Council reported the State Government still refuses to properly fund the School Crossing Supervision Program, which will be exited in July by council.

Rail design progresses

THE ARTC has announced it will progress to the next phase of design with the proposed underpass solution to replace Euroa’s Anderson Street bridge.

The announcement follows the ARTC’s latest round of community consultation in February 2023, which sought feedback from Euroa community members regarding whether an underpass or overpass solution was preferred to allow safe clearance for double-stacked Inland Rail freight trains.

An ARTC spokesperson

Consultation informs movement with the underpassppplans

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

said the underpass solution has emerged as the clear community favourite.

“Feedback was captured from more than 400 conversations, with most still preferring the proposed underpass solution with flood and road safety mitigations included in the design,” the spokesperson said.

“The next steps we are now taking is to progress the Euroa Station precinct with the proposed underpass solution to reference design.

“The reference design phase offers another opportunity for community feedback on the overall look and feel of the station precinct and surrounding area.”

The spokesperson explained that after the reference design phase will come the detailed design phase, after which

Your Local Real Estate Specialists

construction will begin.

Although the ARTC has not formally committed to the underpass solution, the overpass solution now appears unlikely as it has not progressed to the next design phase.

“We are working together with the relevant agencies and asset owners to achieve the technical requirements and ensure the proposed underpass can be delivered safely for the community,” the ARTC spokesperson said.

“We continue to hear visual amenity and enhancing the station precinct is important and the key reason the proposed underpass is the community’s preferred solution in Euroa.”

The “underpass or overpass” debate has been ongoing in Euroa since at least June 2019, when the ARTC established a Euroa working group to facilitate community involvement in the Inland Rail project.

■ Continued page 2

Local MPs respond to budget

LOCAL MPs including Indi MP Helen Haines and Euroa state MP Annabelle Cleeland have issued their responses to Labor’s 2023/24 Federal Budget.

Dr Haines was critical of the budget but celebrated several wins, while Nationals colleagues Senator McKenzie and Ms Cleeland had few positive words for the occasion.

Dr Haines criticised the budget for its lack of action on housing and lack of funding for the regions, including minimal investment in regional roads.

“Roads across our region need significant investment, especially after last year’s floods,” Dr Haines said.

“There is some funding in this budget but it’s clear it won’t be enough to repair the issues we are facing.”

But Dr Haines welcomed measures on the cost of living, programs to help households access low-cost loans for energy-saving improvements and a program to support farmers as they act on climate change.

She said the government’s commitment of $1.3 billion to establish the Household Energy Upgrades Fund was a positive development, but more must be done to help households lower their

IN AGREEMENT: Nationals state MP for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines both agree the Federal Budget falls short for regional Australia, with minimal investment in regional roads.

energy bills and emissions into the future.

The fund will provide $1 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to partner with banks and other lenders to provide households with low-cost loans to upgrade homes through solar panels, modern appliances and other improvements such as double-glazing.

“I have been calling for measures similar to this for more than a year, meeting with the Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Assistant Minister Jenny McAllister and I am glad they have listened to me

and other industry leaders on this issue.

“This is a good start, but we need to know more detail about who will be eligible and how much they can save.”

Annabelle Cleeland said the lack of investment in regional areas, particularly in Victoria, will be devastating.

She pointed out that the Federal Labor Government failed to mention road, rail, dam, bridge, infrastructure or agriculture in their budget speech.

“They are out of touch with the pressing issues in regional communities,”

Consultation informs movement with the underpass plans

■ From page 1

Euroa’s Jim Shovelton is a member of Euroa Connect, a community group that has advocated for an underpass.

Mr Shovelton said now the underpass is progressing forward, the focus of Euroa Connect will turn to engaging the community on how to improve the area north of the railway line.

“At the moment we’ve got that real wasteland on the north side of the railway line, and what we see now as our major job is to really stimulate the community about the sort of things that should happen to that area to make it a real show place for the town,” he said.

life, said an underpass would be a “bloody disaster” for the town.

Mr Walker said an overpass offers 24/7 availability, functionality and safety, including safety from flooding, but he does not believe an underpass would meet these criteria.

“That overpass that’s been there since 1962, there’s been no real problems with it,” he said.

“It’s been available to emergency services, the general public, the transport industry, 24 hours a day for seven days a week - it’s never been closed.”

Ms Cleeland said.

“We already have serious concerns about investment in regional roads and infrastructure, and this budget announcement just adds to that.

“Our roads are severely deteriorated.

“Since the October floods we are still seeing several issues and a lack of effort to repair them.

“We have a rising road toll and it feels like the out-of-touch Labor Government is ignoring these high fatality rates in favour of city-centric investment with big-spending and bigtaxing.”

“The broader picture is how do we actually get input into what should happen within that whole railway precinct that actually benefits the town and creates a focal point for the town.”

He said he believes the ARTC’s work during the reference design phase to achieve the technical requirements for an underpass is unlikely to turn up any issues.

“Most of it’s an engineering exercise, and if they can build tunnels under the Yarra and an English Channel, I’m not sure why the engineering issue is likely to be a hold-up,” he said.

Bernie Walker, a retired fourth generation farmer who has lived in the area his whole

An online ARTC factsheet named “Flood management in Euroa” details flood mitigation measures for the underpass, which include drainage infrastructure beneath Anderson Street, raised earth mounds adjacent to the underpass, a road crest leading into the underpass on the southern side and pumps to divert water into a stormwater system.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks said council advocated strongly for the ARTC to listen to the community.

“The Euroa community is strong and passionate about this issue, and we congratulate them for ensuring their voices were heard loud and clear during ARTC’s engagement processes,” Cr Binks said.

Another monitor steps in to sort out council

Concerns

THE Victorian Government has appointed a municipal monitor to the Strathbogie Shire Council in response to concerns around governance and health and safety of councillors and staff Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced on Tuesday that Peter Stephenson has been appointed as municipal monitor until August 15, 2023, under the authority of the Local Government Act.

The monitor will examine why the council has been unable to resolve issues identified by the previous monitor, Janet Dore, over a 12-month appointment made at the request of the council.

Mr Stephenson will use his time over the next three months to assess the council’s ability to best serve the community and will report to the Minister for Local Government on any further action needed.

Mayor Laura Binks said, in appointing Mr Stephenson, the Minster was responding to seri-

ous concerns about governance and conduct raised with her by councillors, council staff and independent members of Council’s Audit and Risk Committee.

“She is concerned there are serious risks impacting the functioning of the council and the health and wellbeing of its members,” Cr Binks said.

“The Terms of Reference (ToR) to Mr Stephenson’s appointment make it clear he has been appointed to assess the council’s ability to function properly.

“I look forward to working with Mr Stephenson and council to ensure we can continue delivering great things for our community.”

Mr Stephenson brings extensive experience and expertise to the role, having previously been appointed municipal monitor for Wangaratta and South Gippsland and served as mayor and a councillor at Darebin City Council.

Ms Horne thanked Mr Stephenson for accepting this important role.

"I know he will bring great insight and expertise to his work with the Strathbogie Shire Council," she said.

“Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance that help them better serve their communities.”

Mr Stephenson’s appointment is the second monitor to work with council during this term.

The first, Janet Dore, finished her appointment in July 2022 and her report was provided to council in January 2023, and noted by council at its February meeting.

“Ms Dore provided council with invaluable learnings and support,” Mayor Binks said.

“She provided an extra layer of education for council in our pursuit of good governance.”

Terms of reference for the appointment include:

(a) The actions taken in response to, and the council’s ability to give effect to, the advice from the former municipal moni-

tor appointed to the council in 2022;

(b) Councillor understanding and performance of their statutory roles and responsibilities;

(c) The relationships between councillors and between councillors and council staff, including councillor behaviour with respect to the Councillor Code of Conduct and processes for resolving disputes between councillors;

(d) Council’s meeting procedures and decision-making processes, including council briefings and meetings;

(e) the council’s processes and practices in relation to health and safety including any matters that may be creating a serious risk to the health and safety of councillors, council staff or other persons; and

(f) any other matters that may be affecting the council’s ability to effectively perform its statutory role, including behaviour that may be preventing the council from performing its functions.

Government still silent on school crossings

By DARREN CHAITMAN

THE State Government is still refusing to meet calls for school crossing supervision funding following Strathbogie Shire Council’s announcement it will exit the School Crossing Supervision Program from July.

In September 2022, Strathbogie Shire Council joined with 27 other councils in a campaign to seek an increased funding commitment for the program from the State Government.

After that campaign failed to generate action from the State Government, council resolved to exit the program during its March 2023 ordinary council meeting.

Member for Northern Victoria Jacayln Symes has expressed her disappointment with Strathbogie Shire Council’s decision.

“The State Government is extremely disappointed with Strathbogie Shire Council’s decision to withdraw from the School Crossing Supervisor Program,” Ms Symes said.

The Department of Transport and Planning is currently considering next steps following Strathbogie Shire Council’s decision.

In the past, the School Crossing Supervisor Program has been a shared responsibility between local and state government, with around 70% of all school crossings located on local roads and 30% on arterial roads.

But Strathbogie Shire Council said of the five school crossing sites across the municipality, four of these are on Victorian Government managed roads.

Mayor Laura Binks said the existing funding arrangement for the School Crossing Supervision Program is not fair, with

priority.

council paying 62 per cent of the program costs.

“In Strathbogie Shire this means council - and our ratepayers - are spending about $50,000 a year to deliver a service that is not ours - it’s the responsibility of the Victorian Government,” Cr Binks said.

“It should come as no surprise to the State Government that council resolved to exit the program - it was the last resort in a considered campaign that resulted in no action from the Victorian Government.

“Council was forced to take this drastic action because we had nowhere else to turn.

“It is a last resort attempt to get the State Government to listen.”

Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, has backed council’s position, saying the school crossing program is “a good example of a State Government program where local

councils have been left to pick up the cost.”

The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said she was being contacted by concerned locals about the discontinuation of the service.

“The possibility of school crossing supervisors not being funded is really concerning local families whose children trust and build strong relationships with these supervisors,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Not only are there safety concerns, but supervisors across the region are also reaching out, worried about the future of their employment.”

One concerned school crossing supervisor is Marc Stevens, who supervises the crossing at St John’s Primary School in Euroa.

“If there’s no resolution, they will probably have to put it back on the teachers and the parents to draw up a roster to do the school crossing,”

Mr Stevens said.

“[This] isn’t ideal, because you’ve got different people supervising the kids, whereas I know all the kids and I know some of the vulnerable kids that are not so good with the road rules...

“I’ve already said that if I If I haven’t got a job, I’ll do it voluntary - so, it’s not ideal.”

Last week, St John’s Primary School decorated its gate with messages of support for Mr Stevens, along with a sign reading “Save our crossing supervisor”.

The messages were accompanied by drawings of Mr Stevens and included statements such as, “Marc is important at St John’s because he makes sure people don’t get squashed by cars” (Darcy), “Marc is important because he blows the whistle really well” (Charlotte), and “Marc is important at St John’s because he says hello to me in the mornings” (Ruby).

MARC MY WORDS: St John’s crossing supervisor Marc Stevens said the safety of kids should be a

PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

with governance, health and safety of staff, councillors g,y,

Community Information

Have your say: Pitch My Project and Draft Budget

It’s time to have your say on your favourite community projects!

Council has released its Draft 2023/24 Budget to public consultation and is now calling on the community to have its say on its favourite projects in the Pitch My Project initiative. This is the third year Council has run Pitch My Project – which aims to make sure Council is funding the projects and initiatives that matter to the community.

Head to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to share your views on your favourite projects or visit a survey station in Avenel, Euroa, Strathbogie, Ruffy, Nagambie, Violet Town, Longwood, and Graytown.

For more information scan the QR code, or go to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Have your say: Avenel 2030 Council is now working to update the Avenel 2030 strategy to ensure it meets the needs of the growing community. While the existing Avenel 2030 is a great document, the strategy requires updating to better direct the residential development Avenel is experiencing.

We want to hear from residents on important matters affecting their future in Avenel including the direction of residential growth while protecting the township’s unique historical character.

To learn more and have your say scan the QR code or go to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Artists encouraged to apply for ARTBOX

We’re calling for expressions of interest from artists, curators, arts groups and organisations to take part in ARTBOX. The exciting new arts space will launch this July with a series of rotating exhibitions, expected to last about four-five weeks each, in various locations throughout the Shire.

The aim of the travelling exhibition space is to promote professional and emerging artists and makers, providing opportunities for regional and remote communities in the Shire to create, experience and engage with arts and culture.

To express your interest, visit www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture and fill out the ARTBOX EOI application form.

L2P Learner Driver Program

Strathbogie Shire Council and Berry Street Shepparton are encouraging eligible young drivers to sign up for the VicRoads L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.

The program assists learner drivers aged under 21 years who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence.

For more information scan the QR code or visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/ youth/l2p-learner-driver-program/

1800 065 993

Extraordinary Council Meeting

An Extraordinary Meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council is scheduled be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, starting at 2pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre, 1b Bury Street, Euroa. Business is the Chief Executive Officer Performance Review.

The meeting will be livestreamed at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au and we encourage community members to watch the meeting via this option. The agenda for this meeting will be available on Council’s website by close of business the Friday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of the agenda will no longer be available, however, a limited number of iPads with the agenda uploaded will be on hand for public use at the meeting.

Promote your event, business or community group on our website

Did you know you can promote an upcoming event on our website? Or add your business or group to our community directory? It’s as easy as visiting the Council website and filling in our forms! Visit www.strathbogie.vic. gov.au and click on the shortcut titled ‘Find a Business Club or Group’ to register for our directory or visit https://www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au/strath-forms/promote-yourevent/ to register your upcoming event.

Work with us

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

permanent opportunity – up to 22 hours per week. Casual opportunities also available. $49.09 to $52.75 per hour based on qualifications and experience plus 10.5% superannuation. Applications close 9am, 22 May 2023

Band 5 + Industry allowance - $68,270 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 29 May 2023

6 month contract. Band 3 + Industry allowance - $59,673 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 29 May 2023

Visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for further details and instructions on how to apply.

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will consider flexible working arrangements. For more information and position descriptions visit our website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Tenders

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie Shire Council:

Nagambie Streetscape

(contract number 22/23-82). Tenders will be received until 4pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

(contract number 22/23-81). Tenders will be received until 4pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

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

www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire

PARKRUNNERS: Run director Ruth O’Bree (left), 8-year-old Hudson King and his dad Lachlan King at last weekend’s parkrun. Hudson celebrated his “junior 10 milestone”, was the event’s first finisher and achieved his personal best time of 22.29 minutes.

Euroa parkrun to celebrate fifth anniversary on Saturday

ON Saturday, May 20, Euroa parkrun will celebrate its fifth anniversary.

It will be the 178th iteration of the event, which happens in Seven Creeks Park at 8am every Saturday and averages 35 finishes per week.

Run director Ruth O’Bree said there will be a sausage sizzle and a celebration on the special occasion.

Ms O’Bree got hooked on parkrun after she and her husband Rick attended the first Euroa event five years ago, where there were about 130 participants.

“I think it’s fantastic - it’s

so accessible to anyone because you can jog or walk,” she said.

“It’s family friendly - you can bring your children along, you can bring your dog along.”

Ms O’Bree said the event brings people to Euroa, with many participants driving from Melbourne or elsewhere to join in.

Some parkrun enthusiasts even come to Euroa just to knock off the letter “E”having embarked on an “alphabet challenge”, they aim to complete parkruns in a city or town beginning with

every letter of the alphabet.

The event is run by volunteers, with 8-10 volunteers needed for each Euroa parkrun.

Ms O’Bree said she is keen for more people to help out - a larger pool allows volunteers to alternate each week between volunteering and participating in the parkrun.

To register for Saturday’s fifth anniversary parkrun or for more information on volunteering for Euroa parkrun, head to https:// www.parkrun.com.au/euroa/.

ROAD RESCUE: Euroa-Mansfield Road (pictured) was closed on Thursday evening due to a two-car collision at about 4.30pm that led to a police rescue operation.

Rescue operation on Euroa-Mansfield Rd

EUROA-MANSFIELD Road was closed on Thursday evening due to a two-car collision at about 4.30pm that led to a police rescue operation.

Police said the affected vehicles were a Toyota Vellfire driven by a 33-year-old Deer Park woman with one passenger and a Ford Ranger ute driven by a 56-year-old Seymour man.

The Toyota Vellfire struck a tree and fell partially down an embarkment near Gooram, requiring a rescue operation to secure the vehicle from sliding further down the embankment.

The Deer Park woman and her passenger both went to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the Seymour man was not injured.

The cause of the collision

is being investigated.

Earlier on Thursday, a community member had reported on the Euroa Community Noticeboard Facebook group that cattle were loose on Euroa-Mansfield Rd, but police confirmed the collision was not caused by cattle.

Police said they received a report of cattle on the road eight hours earlier.

Strathbogie Shire

Nagambie businesses unsettled by early morning burglaries

THE Nagambie community has been left unsettled by six burglaries that allegedly took place in the town on Sunday, May 7 between 3.30am and 5am.

A police spokesperson said two offenders allegedly forced entry into six businesses in the area and took cash from each premises.

Zephyrz chef Carol Wakelam, who is also the partner of owner Brett Knight, confirmed her restaurant had been one of the businesses targeted.

Ms Wakelam said a phone call early on Sunday morning informed her a nearby business had been robbed, so she rushed to her restaurant and found it had been broken into.

“It was quite shocking,” she said.

She said only a small amount of money in coins had been taken from Zephyrz, but other businesses had not been as fortunate.

To her knowledge, the

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

other businesses broken into were United Petroleum Nagambie, The Botanic House, Nagambie Fish & Chippery and Traffic Light BBQ Chicken, while the alleged thieves unsuccessfully attempted to break into Eighteen Sixty and Harry’s Café.

The Botanic House owner Krystie Hollie confirmed her business had been targeted.

Ms Hollie said the alleged thieves took a significant amount of cash and her CCTV security system, as well as damaging the doorframe and leaving a fridge open, which forced her to throw out food.

“We’re going to have a different type of security system put in and to be honest, it’s just an extra cost for a small business,” she said.

“We’ve already been through enough with COVID and the town being floodedwe really don’t need the added stress of having to worry about thieves and having to spend more money to outsmart them.

“That’s not really fair.

She said the owner of Traffic Light BBQ Chicken, Deloris, had been asleep upstairs at the chicken shop during the alleged theft and it is concerning to imagine what could have happened to Deloris if she had come face-to-face with the alleged offenders.

Making matters worse for Ms Hollie, the alleged theft occurred on her 38th birthday.

“It wasn’t a very nice birthday present, was it?” she said.

But she said at least the alleged thieves did not entirely ruin her day.

“Once I got home and spent some time with my kids, it turned my day around,” she said.

Parliamentary enquiry into local government announced

A LIBERAL Party motion to establish an inquiry into local government funding and service delivery has passed through the Senate.

The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, has welcomed the inquiry, which was also supported by the Australian Greens.

“I have met with many councils across the region, and between state and local government it’s not always clear who pays for what, and how much each should pay,” Ms Broad said.

“This inquiry will provide an important opportunity for feedback - to examine what is working well and what can be done better...

“Local councils often go cap in hand to the State Government seeking funding,

especially after the floods.

“Our regional roads were already in disrepair and the floods made them even worse.

“The same could be said for the repair of levee banks that exist to protect assets from flooding.

“This inquiry will also examine the disparity in funding models where inner-city councils benefit from high-density housing but regional councils have fewer properties that cover a much larger area.

“Parking revenue is another income stream that works for city councils, but not in many regional areas.”

Victorian Greens local government spokesperson Dr Sarah Mansfield said it is an important enquiry.

“We’ve been hearing from

councils across the state who want to see a proper investigation into things like cost-shifting, rate-capping, and funding for council services,” Dr Mansfield said.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks has also welcomed the inquiry.

“Council supports the Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and service delivery by The Economy and Infrastructure Committee of the Legislative Council as announced on May 10, 2023,” Cr Binks said.

“This will be a welcome opportunity to identify programs and services that are underfunded, to enact positive change for the future viability of Local Government and the communities whom we serve.”

BROKEN INTO: The Botanic House was one of six Nagambie businesses allegedly broken into and robbed on Sunday, May 7.

PHOTO: The Botanic House

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INQUIRY: Strathbogie Shire Council has welcomed the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and service delivery.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Priorities ahead of the Victorian State Budget

WITH the Victorian State Budget set to be announced on Tuesday, May 23, these are my priorities for the Strathbogie Shire region.

Rainfall (Euroa

Township)

There was zero rainfall recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology in Euroa last week.

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YOUR GAZETTE TEAM

The Greening Euroa project, an innovative community driven project involving the use of recycled water to irrigate public spaces in the town, has been searching for funding at both a Federal and State level.

For Euroa Health, the need for State Government funding is critical.

The Nationals have committed to provide the necessary funding for the hospital, but this funding has not been matched by the Labor Government, who have failed to respond to my questions in Parliament about the hospital.

Strathbogie remains the only local government area in Victoria that has no publicly funded hospital.

This crucial local health service does so much to take the strain off GV Health while serving the community with high standard aged and acute care services.

With our health system in such a dire state through bloated waitlists and a 000 system in crisis, it is crucial regional Victorians have local, accessible and high-quality health care - exactly what Euroa Health provides.

We need further investment in the region, in particular for sporting clubs who have been consistently advocating for upgraded facilities.

I’ve had several conversations with sporting clubs across the electorate about their desperate need for improved and fit for service facilities.

Longwood are pushing for female changerooms and rightfully so.

With close to 150 netballers using the courts during the season every home game

there is a serious need for change and toileting facilities.

You can see similar pushes from clubs in Violet Town and Euroa too.

We all know the benefits of being involved in community sport and this environment needs to be inclusive and support female participation.

In Avenel and Nagambie, community groups like Avenel Active are pushing to minimise the power outages they are plagued by.

There is also a need to improve access to childcare providers in these towns.

Avenel and Nagambie aren’t inaccessible backwaters, but they are placed at a disadvantage when childcare is so rare.

I’ve spoken to so many parents who are wanting to get back into the workforce but can’t because they are unable to get their kids into childcare.

This is a real handbrake for us and places a hurdle in front of young people who want to raise their family in the country.

We’ve got incredible local childcare providers, but in some places there’s up to six kids competing for each place.

It’s simply not sustainable.

I will continue to fight for these investments.

State MP for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland

Ease the burden for first home buyers

THE Victorian Liberals and Nationals are calling for stamp duty relief for Victorian first home buyers in the upcoming state budget.

Since 2014, Daniel Andrews has introduced more than 20 new or increased property taxes, with each hike making home ownership further and further out of reach for Victorians.

Last year alone, the Andrews

Government taxed $10.4 billion in stamp duty, up from $4.9 billion in 2014-15 - a more than 100 per cent increase in the tax take - contributing to a longer and more expensive road to home ownership.

The ongoing mismanagement of Victoria’s residential building sector is further restricting supply and adding to market uncertainty for first home buyers and home builders.

Victorian first home buyers are only fully exempt from paying stamp duty on properties sold for less than $600,000, with concessional stamp duty payable to $750,000.

The median price for a home in Melbourne is $956,000, meaning that many first home buyers miss out on any stamp duty relief.

Stamp duty on the median price for a home in Melbourne is currently $52,430.

Prior to the 2022 State Election, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals committed to removing stamp duty for first home buyers for properties valued up to $1 million for a period of 12 months.

The New South Wales Government is expected to introduce policy to fully exempt first home buyers from paying stamp duty on properties sold for up to $800,000, with concessional stamp duty payable up to $1 million.

Young Victorians who have saved and sacrificed for years deserved a fair shot at making their dreams of home ownership come true.

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals support giving every Victorian the best opportunity to own their own home and enjoy the financial and social benefits it brings.

Ever increasing stamp duty is one of the most significant barriers to home ownership - there must be relief in this budget.

Liberal Party leader, John Pesutto

Ambulance response times still poor in Hume region

PARAMEDICS are responding faster on average to callers in the Hume region, but Ambulance Victoria are still falling well short of their response time target of under 15 minutes.

The average ambulance response time in the Strathbogie Shire LGA between January and March this year was 23 minutes and 19 seconds, down from 24 minutes and 10 seconds between October and December 2022.

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Member

The data from the equivalent quarter last year (between January and March in 2022) shows the average response time in the Strathbogie Shire LGA was 24 minutes.

Similar improvements were seen across the Hume region.

Euroa state MP Annabelle Cleeland noted these improvements were minor and criticised the State Government for failing to significantly improve the triple zero system.

“I certainly don’t think people across Strathbogie should be waiting close to 25 minutes for an ambulance in an emergency,” Ms Cleeland said.

“It’s the same story in Mitchell, Bendigo and Benalla.

“These are densely populated regional areas and yet the triple zero system is failing regional Victorians.”

Ambulance Victoria data reveals ambulance response

times have been poor in the Strathbogie Shire for at least 10 years. In 2013, the average response time in the shire was was 21 minutes and 16 seconds.

The following year, in the period between July 2014 and July 2015, there was a significant worsening in the average time, with the average response time recorded as 34

minutes and 31 seconds. Average response times have fluctuated in the intervening years up until 2023, but have seldom reached the target time of under 15 minutes.

Edward Higgins DIRECTOR Darren Chaitman JOURNALIST Lorraine Millard ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Dale Mann PHOTOGRAPHER Nick McCabe SPORT EDITORIAL

POOR RESPONSE TIMES: Paramedics are responding faster on average to callers in the Hume region, but Ambulance Victoria are still falling well short of their response time target of under 15 minutes.

Mim vies at state level for Junior Show Ambassador

By DARREN CHAITMAN

MIRIAM “Mim” Droonan

will next month head to the state finals of the VAS Junior Show Ambassador Award in Geelong, after taking first place in the Goulburn Valley Riverina group final in Berrigan this April.

At the group final in Berrigan, the 17-year-old from a small farm near Nagambie impressed the judges with a speech responding to the question, “In today’s environment, how is an agricultural show relevant?”

In her speech she spoke about community, the quality of food and fibre that agricultural shows promote, and the importance of celebrating quality farm produce.

The VAS Junior Show Ambassador Award showcases talented rural and regional young people involved in their local shows.

Mim entered the contest through her involvement with the Euroa Show, where she has showed horses and ponies since she was very young and more recently exhibited her own sheep.

Over the last three years, Mim has established her own Corriedale sheep stud at her family’s farm.

Mim is also a year 12 stu-

dent and attends boarding school at Ballarat Grammar.

“I really wanted to give back to the Euroa community and help other young people in agriculture as well, because I think that’s just so important - we are the future of farming,” Mim said.

“I’m very passionate about helping young people in agriculture.”

If Mim wins the state final in June and becomes Victoria’s Junior Show Ambassador, she would like to be a point of contact for other young people, answering their questions and putting them in touch with the right people in the agriculture industry.

Euroa Agricultural Society vice president Lyndal Dean was one of the judges who assessed Mim during the first stage of the competition at the Euroa Show.

“Aside from being a lovely, lovely young girl, you can see the passion for the industry in her,” Lyndal said.

“As far as being a rural ambassador, I don’t think we could get much better - you could just see the passion in her and that she wants to take Australian agriculture forward, which you don’t see that often with that amount of passion.”

Mother’s Day stall raises $1300 for Euroa Kindergarten

EUROA Kindergarten’s annual Mother’s Day stall returned to Binney Street on Saturday and raised $1300.

The fundraiser was organised by the Euroa Kindergarten committee and the funds will go towards redeveloping kindergarten’s outdoor space.

Homemade goodies baked by Euroa Kindergarten parents were the most popular sale items and sold quickly.

About 10 volunteers

helped at the stall throughout the day, while many other kindergarten families helped by baking goods.

Euroa Kindergarten committee president Stephanie Swift said the Mother’s Day stall was one of the kinder’s more significant fundraising events of the year and it is one the community looks out for.

She said the committee was very happy with the result and grateful for the community’s support.

WINNER: Miriam “Mim” Droonan in March after winning the Goulburn Valley Riverina group final in Berrigan for the VAS Junior Show Ambassador Award. She will compete in the state finals in Geelong next month.

KINDER KIDS: Harry Sexton (4), Mille Sexton (1) and Ruby Santos (4) at the Euroa Kindergarten Mother’s Day stall on Saturday. PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

Euroa Health staff and patients celebrate International Nurses Day

EUROA Health celebrated International Nurses Day 2023 last week with several events before and on the day of Friday, May 12.

“We know our staff are wonderful and we hear it from patients/residents and their families,” Euroa Health director of nursing Paula McPherson said.

“Now more than ever Euroa Health are investing every day into staff wellbeing, because the COVID-19 pandemic saw their wellbeing compromised and burnout rates at their highest.

“Our nursing staff like any other profession need to be protected, respected and valued - they are who we go to for help when we need it most.”

Night duty staff members suggested a “colour festival” to kick off the week’s celebration.

Staff wore bright clothes and crazy wigs, and colourful streamers hung from the wall, much to the delight of residents and patients.

On the day itself, residents of Euroa Health’s aged care facility GraniteHill presented staff with a token of their appreciation - a tea cup and saucer with a succulent planted in the cup.

Staff enjoyed a pajama day, bringing out their best and most colourful winter woolies, flannels and onesies.

Euroa Health is sending a challenge to the community: next time you see a nurse, whether they are shopping at Burton’s, they are your next-door neighbour or you see them at Euroa Health, say thank you.

Each year, International Nurses Day coincides with Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was born into a wealthy family in England and despite her family’s disapproval, she became a nurse.

She is considered the founder of modern nursing and was renowned for her humanity and innovations in the field of nursing.

COLOUR FESTIVAL: Care staff member Ange Downie (left), GraniteHill resident Don Stevens and care staff member Angela Marchant during Euroa Health’s “colour festival” in the leadup to International Nurses Day 2023. INSET: Staff wear crazy wigs.

GOODNESS OF GOD

Education is our focus

In line with the Euroa Health 2021-25 Strategic Plan commitment to education and training, over the last month our staff have been undertaking the following further onsite education.

12 Registered Nurses from our Acute Hospital and GraniteHill attended education on Advanced Life Support and the session was facilitated by Simon Plapp who is an Education Consultant in Intensive Care.

Our Registered Nurses were pleased to undertake additional learning of advanced life support and a large part of the day was spent practicing and running through scenarios to manage patients during a cardiac arrest.

All Staff have attended Fire Evacuation Training held onsite this week over 6 sessions. Euroa Health has made significant investment to upgrading fire panels, equipment and procedures over the last 2 years avoiding the “Euroa Health burnt the toast” false alarms which was a regular occurrence and our staff have welcomed the additional education on fire evacuation procedures.

All Staff have also completed their annual online education packages which covers mandatory topics including Manual Handling Hazard Guide and Diversity & Inclusion. These online units were followed by three practical sessions regarding Donning & Doffing PPE, Manual Handling and Hand Hygiene.

Where does goodness come from; how can you cultivate more of it, in your daily decisions and actions? Some people think goodness is a matter of the head and that right-thinking results in right living. Today every politician gives the impression that education is the panacea for practically every problem in society. Yet education of the head, without the same emphasis on the integrity of the heart, produces only clever fiends. If education alone were the answer, white-collar crimes would decrease. Others think goodness is a matter of the hands; saying goodness means treating people well. But doing good doesn’t make a person good. Murderers on death row may be good to their mothers, but they’re not good individuals. The truth is goodness is not located in the head or the hands; it’s hidden in your heart. Jesus alone was a perfect Good man. “Goodness isn’t merely a matter of what we know or what we do; (Rom.14:17-20) but a matter of what we are and think”. As you consider life ahead of you, what really matters, is not how long you live but how well you live. Sir Francis Bacon once said; “Of all virtues of the mind, goodness is the greatest, being the character of Deity; and without it, man is a busy, mischievous wretched thing.” So, in your desire to be good, draw closer to God. After all, you become like the company you keep. “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.“ (Luke 6:45) There’s a parable about a rich young ruler, He said to Jesus “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17-31)

Then the man proudly declares himself good and obedient to the Ten Commandments, but this wasn’t so. Jesus had compassion and praise for him and said, ‘one thing remained; to go sell his possessions and follow Jesus’. (Matt.7:3)

The young mans face fell, and He sadly turned away and Jesus let him go. He wasn’t able to make that sacrifice for Messiah. ‘The love of money, (not money itself) is the root of evil. Jesus might have allowed him to keep his wealth too, if he’d chosen wisely, as King Solomon once did, asking for wisdom before riches and then_ he was granted both.(2 Chron. 1:11-12)

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are (Gal. 5:22-23) Love, Peace, Patience, Joy, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-control. John the Disciple was very aware of Jesus absolute Goodness and taught that ‘the Lord blesses us not because we’re good but because HE is Good’.

He sees every motive of our inner heart and that’s how He truly understands us. God declared Creation, ‘very good.’; but humanity tragically, chose what was forbidden in His Garden and has ever since. (Gen. 3) Scripture was written to appeal to hearts not heads. Great men and women throughout history have searched it, for their guidance, inspiration and hope; yet today, many leaders oppose what the Bible stands for and this tragic, selfish world reflects this paucity and lack of goodness.

36 Kennedy Street Euroa VIC 3666 T + 61 3 5795 0200

Mail: PO Box 126 Euroa VIC 3666

E reception@euroahealth.com.au

euroahealth.com.au

For urgent care needs when the Doctors is closed, you can call our Urgent Care Centre on 5795 0221

Provided By Euroa Baptist Church (Youtube song; “Goodness of God;” by Bethel Music)

Let

Euroa & District

Book 4 consecutive editions in our quarterly feature & SAVE! CALL 5795 3041 TODAY

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Publishing Schedule

Winter Edition Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Spring Edition Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Summer Edition Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Autumn Edition Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Registered Nurses training day Fire Evacuation Training PPE and Hand Hygiene training

New hydration station at off leash dog park hits the right spot

By BRONWYN STARKEY

BOTH two and four legged users of the Euroa Off Leash Dog Park welcomed a new hydration station this week, funded through the Strathbogie Council Community Grant Scheme 2022/23.

The off leash dog park has been a great success since its opening in 2021 with a great deal of use, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, when it is not uncommon to see as many as a dozen dogs enjoying the spacious area and each other’s company.

It had been long recognised that such a facility was needed in Euroa, with its high dog population and no area that was fully secure and enclosed.

The chosen location at the western end of the Euroa Showgrounds, at the former Euroa Kennel Club site, has been found to be ideal, due to its large area and secure fencing.

An unexpected benefit has been that not only has it been a great success in the socialising of the dogs, but also of their devoted owners, with many new friendships

having been formed, particularly amongst the very many regular users.

Prior to the installation of the new hydration station, water for the dogs was obtained from a trough.

However, this was found to be unsuitable as hot, thirsty dogs would often lie in the water, making it filthy and unfit to drink, and believed to be the cause of several cases of conjunctivitis and diarrhoea.

Also having to take dogs with muddy paws home in vehicles was not always appreciated.

The trough was very difficult to clean out thoroughly and resulted in much wasted water and muddy surrounds.

Now the new hydration station allows clean water to be available from a large drinking bowl which has a hinged design allowing the bowl to be completely emptied and refilled when needed, resulting in significantly less water wastage, and being stainless steel, is easy to clean.

The added bonus of a drinking fountain provides hydration for their owners.

The Friends of the Euroa Off Leash Park are grateful

for the funding provided by Strathbogie Shire through the Council Community Grants Scheme.

They also wish to thank those diligent persons re-

sponsible for the installation of the hydration station, including the efforts of the Strathbogie Depot workers.

Thank you also to the Furphy Foundry in Shepparton

for their quality product and excellent customer service.

Last and not least, sincere thanks to the Euroa Community Action Group, particularly Ange Berry, for aus-

picing the project and for all their support.

New off leash dog park users are always welcome to come along and try out this fantastic community facility.

LOVING IT: Seven-year-old Groodle Bosun, a regular off leash dog park participant, enjoying the clean water provided by the new hydration station.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

Euroa Rotary Club supports Ukraine

By HELEN BROOK

IT is chilly out there but farmers and creators don’t stop.

Come along to Euroa Farmers Market this Saturday from 9am to 1pm in our winter location with all the producers setting up along Kirkland Ave.

It is a great market along the avenue and everything is there.

Hot food, take away food, coffee, milkshakes and beer, plants native and veggie, food fresh and value added.

Honey in lots of different sized pots.

Flowers in different sized bouquets as well as jams, cereals, olive oil, chocolate and fudge all in different sized packaging.

Artwork of all shapes and sizes.

Big paintings, little pots, big earrings and little.

Colourful beanies and scarves in every shade of the rainbow.

Kids’ clothes and scrunchies in different colours.

You can buy soap in big or little sized bars and handmade health and beauty

products in big and little tubs.

Buy one or six apples.

Euroa Girl Guides will be cooking on the community BBQ on Saturday - a great group teaching girls important skills.

The SES and Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) will have a marquee full of information about their latest projects.

It’s all at the Euroa Farmers Market this Saturday.

See you at the market.

For more information about the market call me on 0447 360 059.

ABOUT 70 people attended a Euroa Rotary Club event last week in support of Ukrainian women and children.

The evening aimed to raise awareness of Ukrainian refugees and assist them as they settle in Melbourne.

At the event, Euroa Rotary Club presented a

cheque for $2000 to help Ukrainian refugees.

The event’s guest speaker was Stephan Romaniw, the first vice president of the Ukrainian World Congress and co-chair of the Australian Federation of the Ukrainian Organisations.

Mr Romaniw headed the campaign which has

seen Ukrainian displaced persons arrive in Australia and receive coordinated settlement support.

About 20 members of Alexandra Rotary Club travelled by bus to attend the event in Euroa.

Euroa Rotary Club member Bill Sargood described the event as “terrific”.

–

Violet Town’s memorial gardens are reinvigorated

By IAIN ATKIN

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council have recently given Violet Town’s Southern Aurora Memorial Gardens a small project grant of $1000 for bringing the gardens back from a rather

wild state.

It was used to employ local gardener Leanne Russell Jones, who used her snipping skills to prune the grasses and spray the weeds.

That, plus the indefatigable efforts of Charlie Mead, have brought the whole area

back to what the committee had hoped for and shows the gardens off in the best light to the visitors we are getting in droves to see our national prize winning-murals.

Thanks to the shire for letting us get on top of the gardens and employ a local.

SPEAKING UP FOR UKRAINE: At a Euroa Rotary Club event last week in support of Ukrainian women and children, the guest speaker was Stephan Romaniw, the first vice president of the Ukrainian World Congress and co-chair of the Australian Federation of the Ukrainian Organisations.

GARDEN GOODNESS: The newly improved Southern Aurora Memorial Gardens.

COME ON DOWN: The monthly Euroa Farmers Market will run this Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Never too chilly for Euroa Farmers Market

Mushroom art sprouts up at Sheila Gallery

AN assortment of 13 enthusiastic individuals joined local artists Janet Fogarty and Tess Noonan Egan at a fungi sculpting workshop on Saturday, one of the first events in the region’s Festival of Fungi.

Ms Noonan Egan said the event at Sheila Gallery was just about having some fun and sculpting different types of fungi.

“There’s just so many of them, people can use their imagination and they’ll be real,” she said with a laugh.

She said the Festival of Fungi, which celebrates the mushrooms of the Strathbogie Shire, is a wellestablished event in the region.

“The tours they do in the forest are wonderful,” she said.

“So, we just thought we’d jump on board and have some fun again.”

Sheila Art Gallery will also hold a Fungi Art Exhibition from May 22-28, where anyone can register to exhibit a fungi-inspired artwork.

More Festival of Fungi events will run over the next two months, including a light projection show at North East Hotel on Friday, May 26, and a book launch of Alison Pouliot’s Underground Lovers at Northern Republic on Sunday, May 28.

ARTWORKS SPROUT UP: Mushroom artworks created by workshop participants on Saturday. PHOTO: Janet Fogarty

MODEL MUSHROOMS: Example artworks created by Janet Fogarty and Tess Noonan Egan to inspire workshop participants.

FUNGI CREATORS: Local artists Janet Fogarty (left) and Tess Noonan Egan ahead of their fungi sculpting workshop at Sheila Gallery on Saturday. PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

June

25 Robyn Gleeson with supporting act Jimmy and Jarrod Davidson at the Longwood Community Centre from 12 noon to 5pm. Live band: The Night Owls. $15 per head. Bookings essential contact Jimmy on 0412 723 356 BYO drinks and nibbles – tea & coffee available. Barbecue lunch available for purchase.

26 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave

Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

July

24 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave

Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

August

28 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave

Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

September

25 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave

Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

October

23 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave

Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

Artworks on display at Already Read Bookshop

ARTWORKS by Euroa Primary School students are being exhibited in the window of the Already Read Bookshop to celebrate Education Week.

School art captains Ruby Parish, Will Mann, Zylah Brooks and Laila Adams, along with visual arts teacher and wellbeing leader Deb Dingwall, installed the drawings and sculptures in the display

window last week.

The artworks were inspired by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Ruby said Hundertwasser’s style involved “not making everything perfect, not really straight lines” and the buildings he designed are “very wavy and interesting - not normal, straight cities”.

Zylah said she likes Hundertwasser’s use of collaging.

“I really like how in his artwork he likes collaging, so overlapping a lot of his artwork,” she said.

Will said construction is his favourite of art.

“Putting things together in artI find that pretty interesting,” he said.

He said he put his hand up

to be an art captain because he wanted to “give it a go and see what it would be like”, noting it was a new role at Euroa Primary School.

Already Read Bookshop volunteer Maree O’Farrell said it was the bookshop’s first time displaying artworks by primary school students and they hope to do it again in the future.

FINISHED PRODUCT: The completed window display created by Euroa Primary School students.

ARTY TIMES: Ruby Parish (left) helps her teacher Deb Dingwall setup the display.

FUN TIMES: Zylah Brooks (left) looks inside an artwork, while Laila Adams assesses options for the window display.

CURATORS AT WORK: Euroa Primary School art captains discussing their window display at the Already Read Bookshop.

ART CAPTAINS: In the back row are Euroa Primary School Year 6 school art captains Ruby Parish and Will Mann. In the front row are Euroa Primary School Year 4 school art captains Zylah Brooks and Laila Adams.

PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

ON this week 20 years ago, work began on a Euroa cinema project, resulting in what is now the Euroa Community Cinema.

“Work has commenced on the Euroa Civic Centre cinema project with the installation of acoustic curtains around the hall,” the Gazette printed.

“Strathbogie Shire Director of Corporate and Community Services, Alastair Pirie, and Grants Officer Jodi Bjorksten said last week that they were thrilled with the improvement and noted the difference it has made both to the visual appearance and to the acoustics of the hall.”

Director of the Euroa Little Theatre Steve James was the project manager for the cinema development.

Mr James said the acoustic curtains had greatly improved the aesthetic and sound properties in the hall by softening the “empty barn effect”.

Today, in 2023, Strathbogie Shire Council details the history of the Euroa Community Cinema on its website.

“The Euroa Civic Centre Hall previously acted as a cinema (The Euroa Civic Theatre), until it ceased operation in the early 1980s,” the council’s current website reads.

“Council received State Government funding from the Regional Arts Infrastructure Allocation - Regional Cinemas Program to upgrade the hall...

“After a lot of hard work by community members and Council staff, the Euroa Community Cinema was opened in November 2003.”

Church Services

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Holy Eucharist

Saturday May 20th

Feast of St Dunstan

4.30pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday 21st May

8am St Andrew’s Longwood

9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

Enq: 5704 0330

www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor John O’Ring

Enq: 0421 233 251

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday May 21st, 10am

Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.

Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Services at Kelvin View Hall

Sunday May 21st

10.30am Morning Worship

Everyone welcome

Pastor: Murray Broughton 5795 1950

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Balmattum

Every Sunday 3pm Worship

Enq: Rev. Stephen McDonald 5762 6275

Yea Presbyterian Church, 9am

St Andrew’s Seymour, 11.15am Nagambie inquiries to: Bonnie

Purbrick 5794 2544 or Bill Day 5794 2070

CATHOLIC CHURCH

St John’s, Euroa

Friday 12.30pm Mass

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

St Malachy’s, Nagambie

Monday 10.30am Rosary

Wednesday 12.30pm Mass

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

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month at 9am

St Attracta’s, Violet Town Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am

Mass on the 5th Sunday at 10am

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

St Mary’s, Avenel Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month at11am.

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

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month at 9am

Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048

UNITING CHURCH

St Andrew’s, Euroa

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

Everyone Welcome

Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103

Judi Ward 0437 686 072

St Andrew’s, Strathbogie

Service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am All Welcome

Enq: Joan Wood 5790 5297

St Andrew’s Violet Town

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

All welcome

Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866

EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Old School House, Clifton St Euroa

Every Sunday

Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests.

10am Service

Enq: Aaron 0493 101 663

Longwood Football Netball Club turns 135

By RICK SHINER

THE Longwood Redlegs 135year celebration was held on Saturday.

The day’s proceedings started at 12pm at Redlegs Staduim with past players both football and netball gathering to watch the new Redlegs hit the ground and court against near rival Avenel.

The celebrations where capped off with a two course meal, stories and entertainment from Shane’s party club in the community centre hall.

The crowd attending the day’s play was estimated to be between 500-600 and later that evening the hall was to capacity with in excess of 150 people.

People travelled from as far as Western Australia and Queensland for the event.

Also in attendance was 1985 Redlegs premiership hero and 200-game AFL legend Dean Rice.

The event was enjoyed by all with a lot of old friends catching up and telling tall tales of past glory and great memories.

Past player Andrew Severn was instrumental in helping the club contact players of all eras and promote the event.

ANDREW: Past player and president, and now major club sponsor, Andrew Burke.

LEGEND: 1985 Redlegs premiership hero and 200-game AFL legend Dean Rice.

PASSIONATE PAST PLAYER: Past player Andrew Severn was instrumental in helping the club contact players of all eras and promote the event.

SHE’S EVERYWHERE: Euroa state MP Annabelle Cleeland attended the celebration to show her support.

WINNERS: The winners of best on court Toni Watson (left) and best on ground Dillion Hardy, chosen and presented by past players at the 135-year celebration.

NICK: Past senior coach Nick Brown brought along his boys Ayden and Nate.

PACKED ROOM: More than 150 people packed into the hall to celebrate Longwood FNC’s 135-year birthday occasion.

Mayor Binks celebrates implementation of FES

THE Federal Government has announced funding toward implementing a Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) after calls from Mayor Cr Laura Binks and other mayors and councillors through the City Powers Project.

The recent announcement of the federal budget contained $7.4 million over four years to implement a FES that can help unlock affordable electric vehicles (EV) for Australians.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the news was an exciting step towards increasing Australia’s supply of affordable EVs.

“A FES increases the supply of EVs, and other efficient petrol and diesel vehicles, including affordable models already available in other countries,” she said.

“Because lots of large companies and governments buy cars in bulk and only hang onto their cars for a limited time, a bigger initial supply of EVs will lead to an expanded second-hand market a few years down the track, meaning more

SUCCESS: Mayor Binks is pleased the Federal Government has announced funding toward implementing a Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES), after she joined a call for an FES earlier this year along with other councillors from across Australia.

Australians will be able to get behind the wheel of an EV.”

Head of advocacy at the Climate Council Dr Jennifer Rayner said

Have your say on Avenel’s future growth

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council is calling on the Avenel community to have its say on important matters affecting their future.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said Council was in the process of updating the Issues and Opportunities paper as part of the refresh of the Avenel 2030 Strategy.

“Avenel is rapidly growing, becoming a desirable township offering a rural lifestyle within a couple of hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD,” Cr Binks said.

“As a result, the existing Avenel 2030 strategy requires updating to ensure the document meets the needs of the growing community.”

“The updated strategy will identify and assess future land uses to meet growth and demand for housing, jobs, and services to insure coordinated growth into the future.”

The need to review the document was detailed in the Council Plan and the update is a joint project between the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA), formally known as the Department Environment Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), and Council.

experiencing,” Cr Binks said.

“We want to hear from residents on important matters affecting their future in Avenel including the direction of residential growth while protecting the township’s unique historical character.”

Council will also discuss telecommunication improvements for the area, retaining and protecting native vegetation and neighbourhood character as Avenel grows into the future.

“We want to hear from you - the Avenel community - so that we can ensure the proposed changes meet your expectations,” Cr Binks said. Visit www.share.strathbogie.vic. gov.au where you can complete a short survey about your experiences in Avenel and suggest a name for the refreshed Issues and Opportunities paper.

“There will also be an opportunity to complete a hard copy of the survey in Avenel during a drop-in session at the Avenel Community Hub, 23 Queen Street, Avenel on May 18.”

“Members of our planning team will be present at the session to discuss the Issues and Opportunities paper and why the refresh is taking place.”

Australia needed a strong fuel efficiency standard to deliver cleaner cars that are cheaper to run.

“The new funding in the federal budget is a

great sign of the government’s commitment to delivering one, now we need to crack on with designing it,” Dr Rayner said.

EUROA PROJECT UPDATE

We know the community is eager for an update on how Inland Rail is delivered in Euroa and we are committed to keeping you on track with progress.

Works are required to allow safe clearance for double-stacked freight trains in Euroa. Thank you to everyone who made time to provide feedback on the proposed road underpass to replace Anderson Street bridge in Euroa.

During February we shared the latest information on the flood mitigation and road safety requirements for the proposed underpass solution. Our team was available to listen to your feedback and answer questions during our extended shopfront hours, community focus groups and the Euroa Farmer’s Market. Feedback was captured from more than 400 conversations, with most still preferring the proposed underpass solution with flood and road safety mitigations included in the design.

Want to know more?

We continue to hear visual amenity and enhancing the station precinct is important and the key reason the proposed underpass is the community’s preferred solution in Euroa.

We are working together with the relevant agencies and asset owners to achieve the technical requirements and ensure the proposed underpass can be delivered safely for the community.

The next steps we are now taking is to progress the Euroa Station precinct with the proposed underpass solution to reference design.

The reference design phase offers another opportunity for community feedback on the overall look and feel of the station precinct and surrounding area.

DEECA has appointed Mesh Livable Urban Communities to undertake the work. “While the existing Avenel 2030 is a very good document, the strategy requires updating to better direct the residential development Avenel is currently

Design Stages

“If this time does not suit, we encourage you to contact Council via 1800 065 993 or info@ strathbogie.vic.gov.au to book at appointment with one of our Council officers.”

Feedback closes at 5pm on Tuesday June 6.

ARTC is committed to working with communities and landowners, state and local government as a vital part of our planning and consultation work, and we value your input. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: The heart that loves is always young.

PERSONALS: Birthday greetings go this week to Hana Verge, Henry Boyle, Anna Hart, Keeley Woosnam, Anna Thomson, Anton Nicholson, Elizabeth Tingay, Melissa Johnson, Zachary Vearing, Marie Parr, Merryn Green, Nigel Duncalf, Zara Canobie, Ellen Kemp, Donna McDonald, Neale Halsall and Alexandra Whitford.

Anniversary wishes go to Deb and Jim Berry and happy 56th anniversary to Margaret and John “Tiger” Spencer.

IN MEMORY OF OUR LATE QUEEN: I was pleased to see that Avenel folk planted some trees in Jubilee Park to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th celebrations.

What a nice idea.

I have noticed not many towns, Nagambie included, have any statue or memorial of our late Queen.

Some have photos of her inside clubrooms or a hall, but wouldn’t it be nice if some memorial or landmark could honour her before we forget her marvelous 70 years of sovereignty?

We have a race horse statue, sports people, horse races, major events and stadiums named after people - but what of a Queen who gave nearly her whole life to the Commonwealth of nations?

Do any of our readers have any ideas of how this could be achieved?

A tree or a small group in one of our parks or gardens with a plaque?

A street name?

Maybe GoNagambie or a local group could ask the Strathbogie Shire Council how we could apply for a grant for such as cause and if they would approve such a dedication to Her Majesty in our town or shire?

NAGAMBIE PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS:

Nagambie Primary school held a successful Mother’s Day stall last week - the first for a few years.

As you go past the school you can see significant changes as building works are progressing.

When the school building works are finished what you won’t see will be the significant services upgrade, including major drainage works, a new switchboard, new air-conditioning and lighting in the three Gr 1&2 classrooms.

On the western side of our school the initial brick work for the new accessibility ramp has been laid and piers concreted in for the “wrap around” deck.

Apply now to enrol your child in foundation (prep) for 2024.

June 5 is Friends and Family Day at the school - morning tea from 9-11am will be provided.

COMMUNITY HOUSE NEWS: The Nagambie Lakes Community House will be closed from May 24-26.

On June 2, there will be a farewell to Sally Fyfield at 6pm at Community House. RSVP to 5794 1487.

CHURCH NEWS: ANGLICAN: May 31, 12.30pm, Central Goulburn Mother’s Union at St John’s Nagambie - BYO lunch.

There will be a meeting to discuss and plan September “Morning Melodies” fundraiser.

Christ Church Seymour, St John’s Nagambie and St Paul’s Avenel. Contact Rev R Pennington on 0477 921 111.

CATHOLIC: Church folk are invited to attend the celebration of 160 years at St Patrick’s Wangaratta.

Thanksgiving Mass 11am Saturday, May 20 2023 at St Patrick’s Church Wangaratta RSVP to admin@stpatswangaratta.com.au or 03 5722 1970.

Save this date: Sunday, November 19 is the date for the celebration of St Malachy’s 150th anniversary.

St Malachy’s Nagambie, contact W Keenan on 0459 595 908.

St Mary’s Avenel, contact G Kenworthy on 0405 125 963.

Euroa, contact Fr A Hill on 0439 033 029.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Nagambie St Andrew’s, contact W Day on 0429 933 116.

UNITING: Seymour & Avenel Uniting Church, contact Rev J Payne on 0408 176 754.

NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH COMMUNITY: Nagambie, contact R Close on 0402 286 277.

Mangalore Railway Hotel opens its doors again

By DIANE GRANT

THE first Mangalore Railway Hotel was built at the intersection of the Goulburn Valley Highway and the present Hume Freeway.

It moved to premises at the corner of O’Connor’s Road and Grant Street Mangalore in 1880 during the gold rush days and the advent of the North East railway line, where the main junction stood for many years.

In 1880 the Mangalore Railway Hotel was opened by the O’Connor family and subsequent O’Connor family members had the license up until 1923.

Recently, the new pub owner Andrea Thrower hosted an O’Connor family reunion for over 60 descendants of the original clan who moved to Mangalore.

Many of the O’Connor family live and farm in the Mangalore district still and are thrilled the old hotel has been rejuvenated by Andrea Thrower and her daughters Abbie (15) and Charlotte (17) and supporters from the district.

Its colourful history includes two fires.

In 1925 the hotel was burnt to the ground.

The owners decided to rebuild it on the Hume Highway and it reopened in 1935.

Another fire in 2003 also affected its operations.

It was closed after 2010 until in October 2021, Andrea Thrower, a single mother and businesswoman from Melbourne, accepted the challenge of a new business venture.

She has spent hundreds of hours renovating, restoring, replacing, and adding to the ambience of the old historic build-

District News

LONGWOOD LOOKOUT

By LONGWOOD ACTION GROUP

COME and try yoga in Longwood.

ing’s dining room, lounge, bar and outdoor beer garden.

“My dreams, hopes and wishes are slowly coming true with small steps being undertaken to bring the pub back to life,” Ms Thrower said.

“It has not been cheap, but worthwhile.

“I fell in love with the building and want to have it operating as it once was and I feel that the locals have made us feel like family in the area.

“I don’t want to modernise it.”

Railway, military and hundreds of pieces of memorabilia from bygone eras ranging from the 1880s to now are a main feature of the restored hotel.

The hotel looks like a museum inside and out and the nostalgia it emanates takes one memories back over many decades.

The Albury-Sydney and Shepparton railway trains still pass the pub as they have for well over a century or more.

Mangalore had its own station, service station and post office up until the 1970s.

The Mangalore Pub used to be the spot for truckies to stop and have a meal.

It was a favourite watering hole for many military functions held there by servicemen and women and families.

This was around the time Puckapunyal, Mangalore Ammunition Depot and other camps came into being around the area.

Ms Thrower has kept the atmosphere cosy and welcoming for the locals and visitors who stop by for a quiet drink, a snack or a game of pool.

Ms Thrower said the pub hosted an ANZAC Day event with old-fashioned games for locals.

“I have been very thankful for the support of many locals who are happy to see the ‘local’ open again,” she said.

“I have done most of the refurbishment myself with some tradies’ help, but many locals have contributed assistance in helping me with tasks required to get the pub up and

plication by Friday, July 28.

If you are enrolling the sibling of a student at Longwood Primary School for foundation in 2024, and both children will be attending our school at the same time, your child is prioritised for a place at our school as per the department’s placement policy.

running again.

“Some have even donated items of interest to add flavour to the collections that abound around the walls, ceiling, floor and many spaces in between.”

Old traditional fireplaces provide a cosy atmosphere in the hotel rooms, while wooden barrels, 44-gallon drum decorated fire bins and a pool table provide the venue with a touch of Australiana.

The old Lamson flying fox cash carrier wire still operates across the dining room ceiling as it had done for over 100 years.

Nearly every conceivable old item of pub, household, railway or military memorabilia collected over the past century is on display.

The visitor walks around in awe just trying to take in all the showpieces.

Approval for the kitchen renovations has come through and Andrea hopes in the future to host good old style meals that families can enjoy when all her final plans come to fruition soon.

She has been able to open the bar for drinks and snacks, and has held some private functions for families and groups.

But she is looking forward to when she can host a dining room and pub full of people who enjoy the historic hotel she is endeavouring to preserve to its former glory, but with modern conveniences.

She also hopes to host live music performances in the future.

Meanwhile, a pleasant afternoon or evening for solo patrons, small groups or families can be spent in the hidden treasure known as the Mangalore Railway Hotel.

Please forward any information you would like included to longwoodlookout@gmail. com - inclusions are at the editor’s discretion.

AVENEL ACTIVITIES

By LYNJ JAMES

Last week’s session energised and focused the participants for further classes.

To engage our community and promote wellbeing the Action Group have secured the skills of Ingrid Hansson from Custom Yoga for sessions of yoga over the month of May.

All you need to do is bring along a yoga mat, blanket, water bottle, wear something comfortable and relax and enjoy on behalf of the Longwood Action Group.

The sessions are at no cost for the Longwood community and will be held Tuesday, May 16, 23 and 30 from 6.15-7.15pm at the Longwood Community Centre.

The lessons will be focused on all ages/ stages of fitness.

Individuals can liaise with Ingrid after the completion of the complimentary sessions if they wish to engage her for further lessons at her normal fee.

It’s not necessary but strongly encouraged for RSVPs to be sent to longwoodlookout@ gmail.com or any Longwood Action Group member - or you can just come along.

We hope to see you there.

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

Make sure to submit your enrolment ap-

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

If you are seeking to enrol your child into foundation next year, please contact our school office on 5798 5386 or email longwood.ps@education.vic.gov.au to request an enrolment application form or an enrolment form.

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

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

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

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

Songs, play and morning tea are provided.

We are so looking forward to seeing how much everyone has grown and welcoming our new members.

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

AVENEL has plans for all-round warming winter events in June and July - everyone most welcome.

The Avenel Primary School Fundraiser “Stampede” (18+) from 6pm on Saturday, June 17 is a night of music, entertainment and dinner for $70 per person at the wineshed at Fowles.

Early bird discount tickets still available for the 18+ event.

Phone 57962264 or check the website.

Avenel Golf Club’s Mid-Year Ball (18+) is on Saturday, July 22 at Bank St Avenel.

Tickets are $55 per person and include a two-course meal.

Doors open at 6pm, meals served at 7pm.

Dress code is 1930s formal with a prize for best dressed.

For bookings, contact Rachel Smith on 0409508099.

The Avenel Library, with GVL staff, is open on Wednesdays from 1-3.45pm on Queen St. Thursday’s community shopping bus to Seymour is available to all for $5, with morning pick-up and return drop-off to your door. Shop in Seymour, then enjoy a cuppa together.

Everyone is most welcome - contact Jim Billings on 0433 270 101.

OPEN AGAIN: Mangalore Railway Hotel’s new owner Andrea Thrower in the renovated bar. PHOTOS: Di Grant

Euroa Show and Shine needs help

By RAY READ

THE Australian National Show and Shine, Euroa’s biggest annual event, is urgently seeking new members and a new committee.

This comes after some of the most senior members retired after many years of service, leaving several vacancies needing to be filled.

The Euroa Show and Shine is a not-forprofit organisation whose famous car and bike show on the first Sunday of October has been running for more than 20 years.

Visitors to the event contribute more than $800,000 to the local economy of the Shire of Strathbogie each year.

Part of the financial proceeds from the show are donated to support local sporting clubs and other organisations.

Apart from a love of vehicles of all sorts, there are no qualifications necessary.

This would be ideally suited to anyone from the local area; from younger, even high-school age enthusiasts to senior retirees and local businesses.

Just one meeting per month is all that is needed.

New ideas are welcome.

For further information contact Ian Langlands on 0415 763 978 or Peter Gregson on 0466 318 393.

Shine.

Cricket? Love

CAR LOVER: Show and Shine president Ian Langlands with his 1968 Ford Falcon XT sedan is calling on new members to join Euroa Show and

We are the

Volunteer spotlight: Euroa’s Beth Hutch

BETH Hutch is one of the millions across Australia who take time out of their week to lend a hand.

The 72-year-old Euroa woman found herself with free time after her retirement in 2015 from a career in healthcare that spanned roles in psychiatric nursing, STI prevention and contract tracing.

Ms Hutch took up volunteering and now volunteers at the Euroa Arboretum on Thursday mornings and the Bowerbird Op Shop on Mondays.

“I think being a volunteer can be really satisfying,” she said.

“You learn different things from different people, and do things you probably wouldn’t have done.”

At the Arboretum she plants, pricks and weeds, and she appreciates that the work is “not rigid”.

“It’s not ‘you have to sit here and you’re doing this’,” she said.

“It’s all these people just piddling around but the jobs get done, and it’s a good result.”

She also enjoys the social aspect, including the group morning teas.

“It’s a really nice social gathering - people bring cake and all sorts of things we shouldn’t be eating,” she said.

At the Bowerbird Op Shop on Mondays, she works at the front dealing with the public.

“I really enjoy it because you never know who’s going to come in or what they want,” she said.

“It’s very rarely that you get anybody that’s really grumpy and not happy coming into an op shop.”

Calling for Volunteers:

Nagambie Lakes and Euroa Visitor Information Centres

Do you have a passion for the local area? Would you like to share your knowledge?

Council is calling for volunteers for its Visitor Information Centres. Be the fi rst point of contact for visitors and assist them by answering a range of queries. Give guidance on the region’s attractions, things to see and do, directions around the district, accommodation, conference venues, retailers as well as information about Victoria.

Visit our website or call us for more info and apply now! www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Freecall: 1800 065 993

The current winner of The Premier’s Sustainability Award, The Euroa Arboretum is a stunning 27 Hectare site, lovingly restored over 30 years that provides a natural space for recreation and education, research and development and demonstrates contemporary ecological restoration techniques.

We acknowledge The Taungurung people as the traditional owners of the land we care for and we work together in providing cultural heritage education for the greater community.

We welcome VOLUNTEERS to come and join us in the following areas:

Nursery Grounds

Seed bank Education Marketing and promotion Friends of the Seven Creeks

Please see our website for details of how to volunteer or email our volunteer coordinator at charlotte.langman@euroaarboretum.com.au.

The Probus Club of Euroa

Affiliated with Probus South Pacific Limited

Meets: 4th Monday of the month

At: Euroa Uniting Church Hall 10:00 am

For: Active Retirees Join

Calling for Volunteers: Euroa Community Cinema

Calling all movie buffs!

We are encouraging volunteers to join our Euroa Community Cinema family.

Join us where you will perform a wide range of roles to deliver a vibrant, diverse and entertaining cinema program to the community.

The best bit? Cinema volunteers get in free to watch the movie screening when on duty.

Contact:

President: Fred Jungwirth 0408 443 288

Secretary: Stan Reid 0427 884 075

Visit our website or call us for more info and apply now! www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Freecall: 1800 065 993

FUN AT THE ARB: 18-year-old volunteer Alex Kyle (left) with Euroa Arboretum volunteer and education coordinator Charlotte Langman.

VOLLIE: 72-year-old Euroa woman Beth Hutch pictured at the Euroa Arboretum, where she volunteers on Thursday mornings. PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

We are the

CFA wants you to “give us a hand”

CFA is asking regional Victorians to “give us a hand” in an effort to recruit new volunteers to join its 52,000 communityminded members in protecting lives and property across the state.

The call out is part of a new volunteer recruitment campaign, which aims to encourage selfless Victorians to take up a firefighting or support role with their local CFA brigade.

The Prouds are proud Nagambie volunteers

By DIANE GRANT

NATIONAL Volunteer

Week is celebrated this week all over Australia.

Thousands of volunteers come from all walks of life, every nationality, and many provide cultural and community contributions on a daily basis.

Where would our hostels, hospitals, churches, schools, community houses, local groups, Lions, Apex or Rotary Clubs, Scouts and cubs, or charities or in fact our country or world be without volunteers?

They need to be tr eated with respect and gratitude.

Volunteers are valuable assets to many organisations and should be appreciated, as they save the workplace millions in time, effort and funds.

One Nagambie couple, Doug and Diane Proud, have provided dedicated volunteer service to many local groups for many decades while working full time, raising a family, running a household and looking after an older parent.

Even as a young lad, Nagambie’s Doug Proud was a high achiever and was recognised for his achievements.

In Sunshine in his early years, he attended school and had been a scout since he was 12 in the first Sunshine scout group.

He excelled in his scouting challenges and by the age of 20 was a scout master.

The Queen’s Scout award, the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Baden Powell award were the three highest awards a scout could receive in the 1970s.

Doug received all three.

The Queen’s Scout award was presented to Doug by

the Governor of Victoria Sir Rohan Delacombe at Government House in May 1972.

The Duke of Edinburgh Citizenship award was presented to Doug by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip at Government House in October 1973.

Doug Proud started his volunteering as a scout leader and was in the Nagambie Apex Club until it folded due to age restrictions.

He has been involved in football and cricket club activities, and he was on the board of Nagambie Healthcare for 22 years.

In her early years in Nagambie, Diane Proud held the secretary position on Nagambie Primary School Parents Club and Nagambie Traders Association.

She also volunteered on the Nagambie Historical Society committee and the foundation years of the Nagambie Lakes Community House.

In 2003 she was awarded the Nagambie Football Club award of “best club person” for her outstanding volunteer contributions for helping out whether it be doing the score board, helping out in the canteen or assisting with social events.

Di Proud established, coordinated and led the A4sized Nagambie Community Voice fortnightly bulletin for over ten years and headed a team of volunteers who sorted and delivered it.

It later developed into the newspaper format that is used today.

She has been an enthusiastic Lakeside Larks choir member for over ten years, and a leader in the Breast Cancer Support Group and its “Songs of Hope” fund-

raiser concerts.

Diane’s contributions to the Nagambie Community were acknowledged in 2012 with the presentation of the Strathbogie Shire “Citizen of the Year” award on Australia Day.

The couple are now retired but are still very active with the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal committee, and recently helped the RCH committee conduct an excellent fundraiser dinner and appeal on behalf of the Nagambie community.

They have also been loyal members of the Nagambie RSL.

Doug now winds the cenotaph clock each week and Diane is now on the social committee of the RSL and has returned as a volunteer at the Nagambie Historical Society museum.

Why do folk like Doug and Diane become volunteers?

I think it is because they know that volunteerism is a real asset to the club, group or facility they are with or the community and volunteers make a real difference every day.

It is a two way street; they also feel much rewarded personally by helping others.

Diane and Doug Proud would like to acknowledge the wonderful number of volunteers in their community and how their volunteer efforts of time, energy and generosity all add to Nagambie being such a vibrant community in which they have the pleasure to live in.

Nagambie has over 100 groups manned by volunteers such as Doug and Diane, so I say thank you to all volunteers who make the world a better place.

Whether you’re looking to make the most of your spare time, are new to your community, or just want to be part of a group made up of like-minded people, CFA brigades have flexible volunteering arrangements and diverse roles to suit anyone’s skills and needs.

There are more than 1200 CFA brigades across Victoria, responding to a range of emergency incidents and serving communities every day.

From high angle rescues, structure, grass and scrub fires to hazmat and road crash rescues, no two days are the same.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said CFA is a great place to volunteer, meet new people and learn new skills.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the firefighting and emergency response network across Victoria,” he said.

“We are calling on all community-minded individuals who are looking for a new challenge to consider joining their local brigade and apply their expertise and knowledge to CFA.

“Whether you want to jump on the truck and respond to incidents, or take up a brigade support position, we’ll find a role that suits you and your brigade.

“Brigades are most commonly looking for people from all backgrounds who have the capacity to take up roles as daytime re-

WE WANT YOU

Do you love cars, Old, New, Fast or Slow and motorbikes or anything mechanical, then join us

The Australian National Euroa Show and Shine is holding its AGM and Extra Ordinary on Wednesday 17th May at 6.30pm at the Band Hall, Kirkland Ave, Euroa Our 2022 show was a great success notwithstanding the weather, floods etc, it turned out to be a great day with over 800 cars, and 200 bikes and 30 trucks. Spectators were estimated at around 8000 and the streets were full to the brim.

WITHOUT NEW MEMBERS, THERE MAY NOT BE A 2023 EUROA SHOW AND SHINE. WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AS A LOCAL RESIDENT, BUSINESS OWNER, NEW OR OLD SPONSOR.

For Further Information contact

President: Ian Langlands on 0415 763 978

Vice President: Peter Gregson on 0466 318 393 Email: euroashowandshine@outlook.com

sponders and are particularly interested in hearing from young people who want to make a difference within their community.

“The rewards of being a CFA volunteer are immeasurable and our members make a real difference in their communities.”

If you’re interested in joining or learning more, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ volunteer.

Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest form online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.

NEVILLE: Proud CFA volunteer Neville Mawson.

PROUD: Doug and Diane Proud are proud to be among Nagambie’s volunteers.

AGRICULTURAL NEWS

One stop shop for biosecurity updates

AGRICULTURE Victoria has launched a new monthly biosecurity e-newsletter that will serve as the key hub for all biosecurity updates, featuring a diverse range of biosecurity-related content including new developments in the emergency animal disease (EAD) space.

Victorian Biosecurity Matters will pool together all Agriculture Victoria biosecurity content into one monthly e-newsletter and become a source that farmers, small landholders, animal owners, and veterinarians can rely on in the event of an emergency ani-

mal disease outbreak.

The biosecurity e-newsletter will cover a broad range of topics for anyone with an interest to stay up to date with the most relevant information in relation to Victoria’s agriculture industry.

It will focus on emergency animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, varroa mite, marine pests, pest animals, plant diseases and pests and weeds.

Profiles and success stories from within the industry will be featured to provide readers with valuable

insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist within the world of agriculture, while also giving them an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.

“We are excited to launch this new biosecurity e-newsletter as it serves as a valuable resource for anyone who owns or works with animals,” Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone understands the importance of biosecurity and the role they can play in maintaining a healthy and sustainable agricul-

ture industry.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and by staying informed and following best practices, we can all contribute to protecting our industry, environment and economy from the threat of pests and diseases.”

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just starting out, Victorian Biosecurity Matters has something for everyone.

For more information or to subscribe to the free newsletter, visit: agriculture. vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/victorian-biosecurity-matters.

• Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift

ADF wants fairness in the collection, distribution of levy

AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers (ADF) has welcomed the focus on protecting agriculture and a return to surplus in the 2023 Federal Budget.

ADF president Rick Gladigau said the budget addressed many of the key priorities for dairy farmers’ national policy and advocacy organisation, however, ADF believed there were some areas of concern for dairy farmers.

Mr Gladigau said the extra funding for biosecurity announced in the budget delivered in part on ADF’s submissions to the Senate’s recent biosecurity inquiry. However, he said it was unclear how the biosecurity protection levy would be calculated and how the revenue raised would be collected and allocated.

“We appreciate that biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and all risk creators and beneficiaries need to pay their fair share,” Mr Gladigau

said.

“Based on this premise it is difficult to understand why farmers and importers of low-value cargo are the only people bearing new costs and levies.

“Surely, the importers of high-value cargo must also bear some of these costs.

“It is appropriate that the government funds biosecurity because the economy benefits from strong biosecurity.

“However, biosecurity funding is fairer when everyone who creates a risk also contributes funding.

“We do know that the biosecurity funding builds on the good work Australia has already done protecting the agricultural sector from the threats of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease overseas.”

Mr Gladigau said initiatives to improve access to foreign workers and address the workforce shortage were welcomed, together with

improvements to how the Department of Home Affairs processed visas.

“Other long-overdue initiatives that have been addressed include a review of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme, the development of a climate adaptation plan and a commitment to fund the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) to improve data collection.”

However, ADF notes there are some shortcomings in other areas for dairy farming.

“There is uncertainty around how renewed funding for the Commonwealth Government’s animal welfare strategy will be used, and the government continues to withdraw investment from water supply projects,” Mr Gladigau said.

“These two issues will broadly restrict confidence in the dairy industry.

“Meanwhile, the rise in the

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: ADF president Rick Gladigau said the budget addressed many of the key priorities for dairy farmers’ national policy and advocacy organisation, but there are some concerns.

heavy vehicle tax will certainly be an impost on dairy farmers as freight costs will increase for milk, hay, grain

and everyday needs, and these are likely to be passed on to farmers.”

ADF looks forward to en-

gaging with the government on developing the detail surrounding these budget commitments.

It’s okay to reach out for help

FINANCIAL stress from inflation and high interest rates as well as loneliness due to geographic isolation are some of the major factors being voiced.

It’s akin to the latest national research that shows the decline in mental health of Australian farmers, with depression and anxiety becoming more prevalent following natural disasters such as flooding and failed crops.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report commissioned by Norco (an Australian owned dairy cooperative) in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), which surveyed 1338 farmers in February, found that 33 per cent of Victoria’s farmers reported a

decline in their mental health over the past few years.

“In recent years, close to half (45 per cent) have felt depressed, with more than half (55 per cent) experiencing anxiety,” the report said.

Almost one in 10 (eight per cent) farmers said it was a frequent experience.

NFF vice president, David Jochinke, a grain and livestock farmer in Victoria’s Wimmera region, said the wellbeing report highlights a sense of shame and stigma still felt by many farmers when talking about their mental health and urges governments and industry representatives to step in to overcome barriers providing mental health support.

“We’re also calling on all levels of government to urgently assess the resourcing they provide to farming communities as its clear their unique needs are not being met by existing services,” Mr Jochinke said.

Despite their struggles, the report said that almost twothirds (60 per cent) of Victorian farmers remain optimistic about the future and viability of farming in Australia and believe farming is a rewarding career path for the next generation.

If you or anyone you know needs help call:

We welcome our students with open arms

By FCJ COLLEGE

AT FCJ College we build on our rich history to leap boldly into the future with engaging learning in contemporary learning spaces.

A proud Catholic secondary school with increasing enrolments from years 7-12, we welcome our students with open arms, a warm heart, and a rigorous curriculum, setting them up for success in whatever their chosen field.

In 2022, our VCE results again impressed with our dux receiving an ATAR of 98.55, which cemented our place among the top schools in Northeast Victoria.

But just as impressive are the numbers of our students successfully turning their school-based apprenticeships into fullblown apprenticeships. We’re rightly proud of them all.

Small enough to know everyone’s name, but large enough to offer a broad suite of subjects, FCJ College is proud of our ability to cater for the

needs of all our students.

Whether it be in our flexible learning spaces or our trade training centre, our staff know our students and how they learn and employ their expert skills to open the students’ eyes to a world they may not have known existed.

We have recently completed refurbishments in our woodwork and food technology areas where rooms and facilities have been updated to meet the needs of today’s learners. This follows on from the opening of our $2 million multipurpose hall in 2021.

Enrolments for year 7 2024 are open now. Visit our website to apply to join our thriving learning community.

Encouraging children to learn to read and enjoy books

By FRIENDS OF THE EUROA LIBRARY

WITH the aim of introducing children to books and stories at the earliest age, Friends of the Euroa Library have for many years presented books to every newborn baby in the Shire of Strathbogie.

This year Friends of the Euroa Library have extended that program to include more books to be gifted to those babies on their first birthday.

These books contain an invitation to join story-time at the Euroa Library and a library membership enrolment form.

The books are distributed by the Strathbogie Shire’s Maternal and Infant Welfare Centre and funded by money raised at the Already Read Bookshop.

Recently, Friends of the Euroa Library have taken an even larger step to encourage children to learn to read and enjoy books.

The group has presented the two Euroa primary schools with cheques of $2500 each to assist with their reading programs.

This year Friends of the Euroa Library celebrates 30 years since its inception and 15 years since the group opened the Already Read Bookshop.

The bookshop is fully managed and staffed by volunteer members working in shifts.

LIT UP: Benalla’s FCJ College lit up at night.

A WORTHY CAUSE: Greg Carlson presents a cheque for $2500 to St John’s Primary School principal Therese Stewart on behalf of Friends of Euroa Library. The donation will assist with the school’s reading programs.

All the books sold at the shop are donated. Money raised at the shop is directed back into the com-

munity through supporting the needs of the Euroa Library, literacy programs and author speaker events.

Young Victorians get their move on for an active Education Week

THE State Government is supporting students across the state to stay healthy and active, with the Get Your Move On campaign launched in line with Education Week’s theme Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate.

Minister for Education

Natalie Hutchins on Monday

launched the latest evolution of the Get Your Move On campaign at Altona Secondary College, accompanied by ambassadors Heath Davidson and Moana Hope, while marking the start of Victoria’s annual Education Week.

“Students with happy and healthy minds and bodies

reap more benefits in the classroom, that’s why we’re ensuring more kids have more opportunities to stay active, both at school and at home,” Ms Hutchins said.

Education Week runs from May 14 to May 20 and will this year celebrate students participation in physical activity,

hands-on learning and student voices in education.

Highlighting that just 15 minutes of activity, four times a day can have a lasting and positive impact on student wellbeing and learning engagement, the Get Your Move On initiative promotes a range of ideas to get students moving

at home and at school - inspiring them to explore different activities to find something they love.

During Education Week, students will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of fun, engaging and free activities hosted by a number of community organisations -

from virtual storytimes to footy and coding workshops, opportunities are abound to engage young minds and bodies.

More information on Get Your Move On can be found at vic.gov.au/get-your-move-on, with further details on Education Week available at vic.gov. au/education-week.

More than 150 mums and guests attend Mother’s Day at St John’s

OVER 150 mums, grandmas and special friends attended a Mother’s Day celebration at St John’s Primary School last week that included high tea, liturgy and pampering.

An estimated three quarters of the school’s mums attended, and the invitation to “special friends” meant students who could not have their mums there could instead ask another important person in their life to attend, like a dad or aunt.

The high tea was organised by a group of mums and was catered by Euroa Secondary School year 9 food-tech students.

St John’s Primary principal Therese Stewart said the teenage caterers were “absolutely brilliant”. Their menu included scones, jam, tea, slices and homemade sausage rolls.

Some year 9s also helped to look after younger children who came along, allowing the mums and other guests there to focus on catching up with each other.

A liturgy for Mother’s Day at the Mercy Centre followed the high tea.

The mums and other guests were then invited into the classroom for a pampering afternoon, which was the best attended part of the event.

Each grade offered a different pampering experience for the mums - there was nail-painting, a photo-booth, massages, bead-making and bookmark-making.

The kids then took their mums and guests around to other classrooms for a tour of the school.

“It was a lovely, lovely celebration of our mums,” Ms Stewart said.

MUMS IN THE HOUSE: An estimated three quarters of the school’s mums attended the Mother’s Day celebration at St John’s, as well as grandmas and special friends.

catered morning tea.

We look forward to welcoming you to the community.

HIGH TEA: Year 9 students from Euroa Secondary School

I LOVE MY MUM: An artwork created by St John’s students for Mother’s Day.

Thanking SES volunteers this WOW Day

TODAY (May 17) is Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW), a national day of thanks dedicated to State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers across the country.

Held annually during National Volunteer Week, WOW Day encourages the public to thank and acknowledge SES volunteers, for the invaluable contribution and commitment they make to local communities.

The past three years have been three of the busiest in VICSES’ history, following three consecutive La Nina seasons impacting severe storms and major flooding in the state.

October 2022, saw VICSES volunteers respond to 13,700 Requests for Assistance, in a single month as major flooding impacted the state.

This was VICSES’ busiest calendar month on record.

During the 89 days of the Victorian Flood Campaign, SES volunteers responded to just on 20,000 Requests for Assistance.

This included SES volunteers responding to over 1500 flood rescues.

A major and prolonged emergency event, with some of the worst floods in Victoria’s history affecting northern parts of the state.

As part of our statewide response, approximately 372 emergency warnings were issued.

Over the last 12 months, VICSES volunteers have responded to over 35,000 re-

quests for assistance - generously donating their time in support of their communities.

Whilst SES volunteers are well known for their response during flood and storm emergencies, volunteers also respond to over 1600 “assist police” jobs every year - that’s 4 out 5

jobs on average, every day.

This includes assistance at searches for missing people, searches for evidence at crime scenes as well as scene preservation and assistance with lighting towers and marquees.

In addition, VICSES volunteers respond to on average just over 1,300 road

crash rescues each year and are highly trained to meet national standards and participate in regular capability assessments to ensure they continue to meet these standards.

To help celebrate WOW Day 2023 and to thank our volunteers for all of their hard work, Victorian land-

marks will be “flooded” in orange, including metro locations like the Melbourne Town Hall, AAMI Park and the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre.

If you want to be a part of the action, learn new skills and serve your community, visit ses.vic.gov.au/ volunteer.

N J Todd Funeral Directors

Member AFDA

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

BUCKLEY, John.

Passed away peacefully at G.V. Health, Wednesday, May 5, 2023.

Aged 88 years.

Loved husband of Lorna for 67 years.

Father of Brian (dec), Stephen (dec), Christine (Thomson) and Michael.

Father-in-law of Gillian, Lyn, Tony and Pricila. Grandfather of 11.

Great grandfather of 13 + 1 Fly High

BUCKLEY.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr John Buckley will be held at the

Birthday greetings to Nola Dudley

80 years young on 18th May.

A great community worker.

Well done Nola.

~ Best wishes from Eric and Bonnie Harrison.

Euroa RSL Sub Branch WOOD RAFFLE Winner

Katie Edwards Drawn 25/4/2023

Thanks to everyone for your support

TOYOTA Hilux SR5, 4WD, petrol, tray, 1981, reg (BBO864), excellent farm vehicle, no RWC, $4100. Call Rod 0439 839 228.

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666

A recording of the service will be available from 4pm, please go the N J Todd website and follow the livestream link.

JACK RUSSELL PUPS

We are looking for a lovely family home for these adorable puppies

Vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed

1 male tan/white, 1 female black/white, born February 2023

KIA Serato 2016, auto, one owner, in good condition, reg (1HO3HB), 156,000km, $17,500 ono. Ph 0429 033 285.

2003 Ford Falcon XT BA Fairmont, only 170,000km, RWC, 5 month reg, (IJQ405), $5,500. Ph 0499 992 860. Bright.

HONDA Civic 2009, 40th anniversary, 144,000km, leather seats, alloys, in very good condition, reg (AAG703), $10,500. Ph 0428 871 803.

2008 Prado GXL, auto, 3.00l diesel, 7 seater, very clean and tidy, 349,000km, drives well, serviced regularly, RWC, rego (SIR327), $22,500. pH 0417 561 585.

2000 silver Commodore Executive,

MOTHER’S

DASH, Leone (Doy). Though you are absent, you are always near.

I send my love and say thank you on your special Mother’s Day.

~ Shirley.

$1500, Wangaratta.

Source number: MB124078

Microchip numbers: 991003002269941, 991003002269934

Ph 0474 145 796

AGISTMENT AVAILABLE FOR CATTLE

Ph 0427 810 727

GOLF

STRATHBOGIE GOLF CLUB

STABLEFORD was played on Saturday, May 13 at Strathbogie Golf Club.

It was the second round of the Gary Hewlett Medley.

The course was in perfect condition and perfect weather.

Winner of the day was Aaron Hinss.

He played an absolutely perfect game and was the star of the day with 39 points.

Lineballs were won by John Moore with 35 points and Kerry Hewlett with 31 points.

Nearest the pin winners were Grant Pearce on the 8th, and on the 15th and 17th John Moore.

Ladies Drive and Pitch was won this week by Ria Pearce on the 4th green (sponsored by Helen Hill).

Men’s Drive and Pitch was won by John Moore (sponsored by John Moore).

Straightest drive was won by John Moore (seems like it was his day too).

On Thursday we hosted the Dalhousie vets and had 48 players attend the day

Everyone enjoyed the course and the luncheon.

Thanks to all the volunteers that got the course ready for this event.

The ladies will be hosting the Strathbogie Bowl on Thursday, May 25.

Please get your entries in to Ria Pearce on 0405100859.

Next week we are playing Stableford and last round of the Wally Dunn Trophy.

On duty is Jim McAlister.

EUROA GOLF CLUB

HELEN Gilbert 33 points Div 1 and Bev Jungwirth 35 points Div 2 were the winners In the Ladies Wednesday Stableford event.

Runners up were Sarah Bullen and Michelle Thompson.

Brendan Redfern took out the men’s event with a fine 40 points on Countback over Bill Wright also on 40.

Two weeks in a row Bill has recorded 40 points in the Wednesday competition.

Euroa Ladies Pennant also had a great win.

Saturday saw a semifinal in the Murphy Motors 4 Ball where Dick Farmer and Don Bubeck went to the wire against Chris Burke and Dav Mackrell with Chris and Dav claiming the win on the 18th.

The remaining matches are required to be played this coming weekend.

Saturday saw the qualifying round in the Lewis Family Par event played by both the ladies and the men.

In the Ladies, Rachel Ritchie had her second win in 2 weeks with a plus 1 in Division 1 while Dee McMartin won Division 2 with 1 down.

Annette Smith was runner up in Division 1 finishing square with the card.

Bev Jungwirth and Lorraine Ellis were 2 down. IN the men’s event Gaz Ritchie’s 3 up won the day and completed the double for the Ritchie Family.

It seems that Gaz and Ra-

chel have exchanged drivers and both of them are playing under the handicaps.

Not sure who claimed the bragging rights on the day.

Other than Gaz, only Chris Burke and Paul Robinson finished better than square which was surprising given the perfect autumn weather and how nicely the course was presented on the weekend.

Mick Anderson took out Division two finishing square and only he and Brian Rosenbrock on -1 made it through to the quarter finals from Division 2.

The other quarter finalists are:

Gaz Ritchie v L McMartin

M Anderson v M Mills

P Robinson v L Paul C Burke v B Rosenbrock

These matches are to be played by the 11th of June.

9 players finished 1 down and the last 3 spots were decided on Countbacks.

After golf Saturday, the draw for the 9 holes Castle Creek Match Play Challenge sponsored by Lindsay Park Racing was conducted. The following matches are to be played.

M Eddy v M Hamilton

D Cox v S Bullen

L Ellis v A Smith

J McLean v R Ritchie

D Currie v C Bredden

R Anthony v H Gilbert

G Allen v M Dewis

The Men’s matches to be played by 11th June are.

K Meade v G Ritchie

A Steers v D McIntosh

G Vincent v K Seeber

R Wishart v B Wright

D Baker v G Langlands

D Farmer v S Watson

P Jones v M Lesley

F O’Connor v P McMahon

M Mills v P Mc Carthy

G McMartin v J Miller

O Robinson v C Roper

L Paul v R Johnson

J Moran v W Healey

S Meehan v R Langlands

C Walker v O Rosenbrock

The draw was conducted before all of the members in the clubhouse after golf Saturday, but upon close examination you would think it was a seeded event with most of the matches between players on very similar handicaps.

There will be plenty to play for with considerable pride and bragging rights up for grabs.

Players can choose their match times prior to June 11 not in competition fields and can choose to take on either the front or the back 9s.

Results to the captains or on to the office sheets.

A considerable prize and the honor of being the inaugural Castle Creek Match Play Champion will be keenly contested for.

Also, the Castle Creek teams event is due to kick off over the next few weeks, there are plenty of reasons for the members to be on course.

In other news, the club has been successful in claiming some flood funding which will be used to restore some paths and fencing destroyed last October.

The club committee has reviewed and extended Dav Mackrell’s greenkeeper position and the course contin-

ues to improve. A review also seems likely into the post competition raffle as yet another win in the Seeber/Anthony household has defied the laws of probability.

Wednesday the men are playing a fourball and next Saturday it’s Stableford.

AVENEL GOLF CLUB

FRIDAY night we played Stableford on the back 9.

There was a good number of players and the winner who with his playing partners had to run for his last 4 holes to get his round in was Campbell Smith with a fine 17 points, one point ahead of Mark Hannigan with Lachie O’Brien getting the NTP on the 14th who then 5 putted to wipe the hole but claim the ball anyway.

Saturday was a par round where players could choose their own tee.

By the look of the scores some chose very wisely.

It was good to see the fresh prince of bel AIR himself Ollie Aitken back on the track and having a memorable round.

Alex Smith was also back after a week off and did some building inspections on the 6th, always good to check the structural integrity seen as though he’s having one built at the moment.

Scoota Donovan had a great round on the White tees with a lost ball and +4 on a handicap of 1, but that was good enough for third only with Hudson Black also playing a great round of +4 and beating him in a countback.

Tim Batten got a ball also with +1.

The winner though had a day out, Adam Harrap could do no wrong with a chipping clinic and towering drives, +7 was a great score.

NTP ‘s 5 stayed with the club, 8th Scoota, 14th Bill Eddy, 18th Alex Smith Drive & Pitch 17th Scoota.

The meat Avenel Meats $100 meat tray was claimed by Shane O ‘Brien.

The Mother’s Day raffle was well supported by our members with enough prizes donated to allow for two winners.

They were Pam Pedder and Iris Sidebottom.

Thank you to Marlene for organizing again this year.

NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB

THE May monthly medal had 27 golfers take on the course in what can only be described as near perfect autumn weather, a pleasant change from the previous week’s icy Antarctica winds.

The course gave up shots as was reflected in the results with the day’s winner John James hitting form with an 83-14-69, James showed what he is capable of with some long driving from the tee and clever chipping around the greens.

Beware of the injured golfer as they say Gary Bow arrived with a dickie knee thinking of not playing only to return with a rip snorting 88-18-70 on one leg to finish runner up.

Rounding out the top three was Des Phelan slogging his way to a 87-16-71 finishing ahead of Steve Donnison on

count back 88-17-71.

The nearest the pins were awarded to Mick O’Connel not sure how on the 3rd, Phil Neville going close on the 8th only to miss the birdie, Glen Evan wrapped with winning a ball on the 13th and Ben Cassar blazing away as usual on the 16th.

Next week is the first of two rounds with players competing for the Finnigan Four Ball honor’s the first round is sponsored by Dean Brown Carpet Cleaning tee off will be 9am to 9.30am on office duty is D. Brown and in the bar B. Leviston.

NAGMABIE

GOLF WOMENS

There were nine players for Stableford and the Monthly Medal.

The Monthly Medal winner and thewWinner of A & C Grades was Annette Mills with 35pts.

The B Grade winner was Sue Verge with 33pts.

The 9-hole winner was Jane Bow with 17pts. 18-hole balls down the line went to Annette and Sue.

9-hole balls went to Jane and Bev Brown on a C/B from Irene Keogh on 26pts. N/P with the second shot on the 3rd was Bev and, on the 16th, Annette.

Chicken Run Results from May 11.

There were 26 players for a round of Par on the back 9. Bev Brown was the Winner with+3. The R/U was Noel Marshall +2 on a 3-way C/B.

N/P on the 13th was Noel and on the 16th Dave Love.

PICTURESQUE: A beautiful sunrise over hole 6 at Euroa Golf Course.

Euroa junior football and netball

EJFNC - FOOTBALL AND NETBALL

Under 12 Football EUROA U12’s played Southern Stars Black at Kialla Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Euroa started strongly in the first quarter with Darby Hoare and Blake Trotter combining together to get the ball out of the centre to give the forwards first use of the ball.

Zaki Chambers and Charlie Hamill hit the scoreboard early giving Euroa a handy lead at the first quarter and the strong hard-hitting play continued into the second quarter.

The second half of the game had Euroa’s back half more accountable with Levi Berry,

Tom Macdermid and Aidan Hamill held off the strong come back of the Southern Stars.

Special mention to Will Roob kicking his first goal on debut with the club.

All the boys played well with a great team effort.

Under 12s will be playing at Memorial Oval this Saturday morning.

Go Euroa.

Under 14 Football

ON a beautiful sunny but fresh morning the Euroa team headed to Deakin Reserve to take on Notre Bears Maroon.

A side that had won two games and lost one.

A big shout out to all the Mum’s for Mother’s Day, we hope you all had a great day.

From the first bounce Euroa had come to play.

Ethan Saxon started where he left off from last week, in everything alongside Ben Creevy and Will Davey.

The ball spent most of the time in Euroa’s forward with little reward.

Koby Ross chased down his opponent with a great tackle and was rewarded with a shot on goal.

Minor score, but the team were all playing with heart and spirit.

This was our best quarter for the year so far.

Notre bears Maroon 0.2.2 Euroa 0.1.1

In the second quarter the Bears had the advantage of the wind.

Hard running from Ollie Wilson and Ethan Saxon resulted in our first goal.

GLEESON TO GLEESON: Jayden Gleeson fires a handball towards captain Jacob Gleeson. See coverage page 34.

With the wind starting to blow down Deakin Reserve the Bears started to capitalise on the scoreboard.

Ethan Saxon and Ollie Swain were keeping us in the game.

The bigger bodies were starting to dominate around the ground for the bears.

Half time: Notre Bears Maroon 4.6.30 to Euroa 1.1.7

The third quarter was a real arm wrestle like the first quarter.

Both teams scoring for the quarter.

Euroa got a goal through a great boundary snap from Darby Hoare and later by Koby Ross.

It was end to end football, both teams not giving in.

The Bears scored three goals to Euroa’s two goals.

The backline was under pressure all day - Aaron, Jackson and Ryder were all looking forward to the siren for a much-needed break.

Third quarter: Notre Bears

7.8.50 to Euroa 3.1.19

The final quarter saw a change in the midfield, this paid off with the first score of the quarter.

Koby winning the ruck and Ethan and Ollie Swain getting it forward, Patrick Murphy scored a sneaky goal off the ground.

It was only four goals now and Euroa had a sniff of causing an upset.

The quarter was again re-

ally well contested in great spirit by both teams, but the Notre Bears eventually ran out winners by 34 points.

Final Score: Notre Bears Maroon 8.11.59 defeated Euroa 4.1.25.

Our team would love to wish all their respective Mum’s and Grandmother’s and very Happy Mother’s Day.

Thank you for all you do each and every day.

U11 netball: Euroa White vs Tatura

SHEPPARTON turned on the weather today with a beautiful sunny morning for the weekly netball competition.

The U11 Euroa Whites this week were ably led by Captain Lillian Halsall who also played the first half of the match in centre.

The girls had another tough match up but shot out of the blocks early with a quick couple of goals off centre passes from Lilli, via Millie Sessions, who showed great improvement in her footwork, and on to Chloe Harvey-Breddon in GS, who didn’t hesitate and popped them in with ease.

Skye Cameron, GD, worked hard in defence blocking several attacking attempts by Tatura.

Nevertheless, Tatura pulled ahead and kept up their momentum until the final whistle.

dominance, this time over GVGS 6.

Captain Molly Fowler led the girls in a thorough warmup, under the expert eye of coach Kim Saxon.

The girls were anxious taking to the court, but they needn’t have been, as from the first whistle they sunk a few quick consecutive goals.

Nice teamwork from centre Daisy Cameron, to energetic WA Molly Fowler, and straight into GA Bethan Burton produced a nice goal.

Defense are making it hard for their opponents to get a look in, however a few breaks and GVGS catch up with some nice shooting.

The second quarter shows more fluency between the girls who are learning to find space and are starting to lock in a few set plays.

ROUND three of the Shepparton Netball Association saw Euroa Under 13 Secondary play the Shepparton Saints Opals.

The girls took to the court with great enthusiasm.

A couple of quick goals by Zahara Johns and Grace Hill, the Euroa girls were off to a nice start.

Some lovely mid court passages of play by Willow Hamill and Willow Timperley kept the ball moving well.

At the other end of the court Ellie Robinson and Grace McKellar worked hard in defense, with support from Heidi Taresch who had a great quarter of netball.

The score was 5 goals to 4, Euroa leading at the first break.

Harper Timperley showed great promise in defence, playing GK, and getting her hands on many passes.

Both Harper and Skye were today’s well deserved award winners.

The second and third quarters showed Euroa managing to find some good space and make some great passes to each other down the court, more often than not involving the accurate hands of Ella Torr, but unfortunately conversions weren’t happening for them.

Olivia Kelly took her role as centre with fantastic enthusiasm and brought a great energy around the court.

Another star of the match today was Zoe Holden who fought relentlessly in her defence positions, making several interceptions.

Parents concluded this was the team’s best match the girls had played to date.

The team are a fantastic group of girls who show great respect for each other and their opponents.

They will continue to work hard in training and learn the game of netball under the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guidance of Vicki Halsall. Under 13 netball: Black vs GVGS 6

A SUNNY Saturday morning in Shepparton saw Euroa U13 Black show what a threat they are in this competition with yet another show of

Their centre passes are strong and are resulting in great passages on play, resulting in goals.

Accuracy from Lara Saxon and Bethan is outstanding.

They are a solid and consistent attacking duo, and their hard work pays off with Euroa moving well ahead in the goal count.

Sissy Davey in GD gets her hands on several of the opponents attacking attempts.

She capably sends the ball back down the court to Euroa’s goal, to be converted.

The third quarter comes with a reminder from coach Kim that passes should be strong, direct and from the shoulder.

This in hand with a beautiful baseline drive from GA Bethan, equals more goals for Euroa.

Asha Embling’s sterling defense in the third quarter limits GVGS to only 2 goals, with midcourt assistance from the reliable and hardworking Adelaide Downie as WD.

Grace Eddy in Centre brings space and a great sense of calm to the play.

This allows a series of smooth passes, combined with great timing on runs, and the goals keep coming.

Congratulations girls on a great game, you are a joy to watch.

Final score: Euroa 27 defeated GVGS 15.

Award winners Asha & Lara. Under 13 Secondary Netball

Coach Jason made a couple of changes with Shelby Baker coming into GD, Maisy Wilson into C and Willow Hamill in WA.

The Saints also made a few changes with a very accurate shooter coming into their goals, keeping Ellie and Shelby very busy.

The girls worked tirelessly all over the court but a few little mistakes here and there lead to a few turnovers and the score at halftime was 17 goals to 10, Euroa down by 7.

The girls were really feeling the heat of the afternoon as they took their places on the court.

A couple of injuries forced a few position changes and with the bench empty, all the girls really stepped up. A challenging quarter, the Magpies down by 17 goals. The final quarter saw success for Ellie in the goal ring shooting 8 goals, supported well by Shelby.

Through the mid court Maisy, Heidi and Willow Timperley really found their groove and moved the ball nicely.

The two Grace’s had their work cut out for them with opposition goalers, both girls striving for rebounds and intercepts.

A tough game in hot conditions.

The final score was Saints Opals 36 goals defeat Euroa 19 goals.

Award winners this week: Willow Hamill and Ellie Robinson.

COME ON: Sienna Trotter celebrates as the B grade side kicked away early in the last quarter. See coverage page 33.

WINNERS: Members of Euroa U13 Black were happy after a dominant display on the court last weekend.

Under 15s lose thriller

EJFNC - NETBALL

IT was a glorious day for netball on Saturday when the Euroa U15 team hosted Kyabram in what was a cracker of a contest.

The score remained close throughout the first quarter with Kyabram’s defence very strong.

Ella Hill at goal attack, a tall and very capable netballer, played a marvelous game and got off to an awesome start in the first quarter.

Ella used her body well, holding her space in the goal circle and made the most of her stature when receiving the lob pass.

She did not miss many goals for the entire game and when she did, she was able to get the rebound.

Jade Raleigh also has height on her side and played a graceful and skilled game at goalkeeper.

With her excellent intercepting skills, Jade managed to turn over many balls and helped her team score.

Combining well with Eliza Shelton at goal defence, Euroa’s defence made Kyabram work hard to obtain their two goal lead in the first quarter.

Scarlett Trotter had a run in the centre.

Usually a defender for the team, she used her defensive skills and accurate passing to her advantage and proved herself to be a good option in that position.

In the second quarter, wing attack Marnie Salter had her work cut out for her obtaining the centre pass. Having to fend off two Bomber players, Marnie came out like a lightning bolt, dodging and weaving to get the centre pass time and time again.

Kyabram got a little further in front in the second quarter.

Mothers day shoot huge success

THE annual Mother’s Day competition shoot held at the Euroa Clay Target Club was a great success and all credit must go to club president Laurie Fitzpatrick.

Not only does he sponsor the Bushranger Championship, he also sponsored the monster Mother’s Day raffle with four major prizes beginning with a very valuable portable fridge freezer.

Competitors gave great support turning up in great numbers to enjoy the day’s competition and with the hope of gaining a raffle prize.

Top shots for the day were Castlemaine’s David Honebone who won the Tower Championship, Lachlan O’Brien from Walmer with the only possible in the Bushranger Championship, and Euroa’s own John Foulkes with an outright win in the handicap.

Full results

20t Northeast Zone Tower

D/B Championship

1st A grade & O/A

D.Honebone (Castlemaine)

Ruby Fowler on the wing, and Scarlet Trotter at goal defence, worked relentlessly to try and negate the Bomber’s attack.

The third quarter saw Euroa narrow the margin.

Lilly Asquith and Ella Hill combined well in the goal ring.

Irish Anderson in the centre was feeding the ball well into the goalers, who were converting with accuracy.

At one point, both Ella Hill and Ruby Fowler accidently smashed heads together in full flight.

Time was called and Ruby came off to ice her head.

Ella Hill in true heroic form soldiered on as the egg on her head grew larger.

She has obviously inherited some toughness from her

Mum, Kelly Hill, coach and club champion.

Charlie Pittock and Scarlett Trotter were working overtime and kept the lead to only two goals in favour of Kyabram.

In the final quarter, Kyabram skipped ahead with a few quick goals, and managed to keep this lead until the final whistle.

However, well done to all the Euroa girls.

They all tried hard and worked well as a team.

And whilst unfortunately it was a loss, it was still an entertaining and exciting game to watch.

53

Euroa 49 lost to Kyabram

Best players awarded by coach: 1st Marnie Salter, 2nd Scarlett Trotter, 3rd Ella Hill.

30/30

1st AA grade J.King (Euroa) 29/30

2nd AA A.Rohrlach (Euroa)

21/22

2nd AL.O’Brien (Walmer)

28/29

1st BJ.Foster (Mansfield) 34/36

2nd B S.McKenzie (Mathoura) 33/36

1st C L.Tonks (Euroa)

19/20

2nd C J.Foulkes (Euroa)

18/20

20t Point Score Graded Sweepstake

1st AA grade

L.Fitzgerald (Colbinabbin) 60/60

2nd AA N.Hamm (Echuca)

57/60

1st A A.Rohrlach (Euroa)

59/60

2nd A J.King (Euroa)

55/60

1st B C.Owen (Walmer)59/60

2nd B I.Towers (Euroa)

53/60

1st C L.Tonks (Euroa)

56/60

2nd C J.McGregor (Euroa) 55/60

25t “Bushranger D/B Championship

Sponsored by Fortified Electrics

1st A grade & O/A

L.O’Brien (Walmer) 25/25

1st AA grade

Z.Felmingham (Cosgrove)

35/37

2nd AA S.McKenzie (Mathoura) 34/37

2nd A L.Vella (Bendigo) 32/33

1st B D.Honebone (Castlemaine) 24/25

2nd B C.Owen (Walmer)

23/25

1st C C.Petersen (Alexandra) 24/27

2nd C J.Foulkes (Euroa)

23/27

20t Handicap

1st J.Fourlkes (Euroa)

20/20

2nd L.O’Brien (Walm-

er) 22/23

3rd S.Whelan (Woods Point) 21/23

B/M L.Fitzpatrick (Euroa) 19/21

Mother’s Day Raffle Winners

1st Vanessa Williams

2nd Micky Edwards

3rd Scott Towers

4th Lee Vella

The Euroa Clay Target Club’s June 11 competition program is the three Benalla Gun Club’s Annual Championships.

NORTH East Bushrangers

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

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

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

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

ROUND RESULTS:

U14 Boys 1 40 def by Keilor 2 55

Top Scorers: Keoni Anderson 19, Harris Kain 6, Samuel Oguche 5

U14 Boys 2 51 def   Macedon Rangers 1 50

Top Scorers: William McKenzie 15, Brock Buckland 14, Joseph Milton 14

U14 Girls 1 39 def Nunawading 2 26

Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 15, Minnie Humphry 7, Maisy Moscrop 4

U14 Girls 2 29 def Keilor 4 23

Top Scorers: Kaity Ford 6, Paige Ely 5, Winnie Heffernan 5

U16 Boys 1 76 def Keilor 2 46

Top Scorers: Owain Boyle 16, Connor Breheny 12, Charlie Maher 10

U16 Boys 2 40 def Westgate 2 33

Top Scorers: Sam Kain 10, Harry Pople 8, Aaron Hamill 7

U16 Girls 1 44 def by Kilsyth 1 62

Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 13, Lily-Anne McClure 9, Mekenzie Wood 7

U16 Girls 2 51 def Wyndham 2 25

Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 12, Elliana Gray 10, Ebony Chapman 10

U18 Boys 1 62 def  Waverley 1 49

Top Scorers: Frank Oguche 15, Benjamin Skalic 12, Coen Ainsworth 9

U18 Boys 2 43 def by Keilor 5 52

Top Scorers: Harry Stripeikis 13, James Frazer 12, Bailey Allen 6

U18 Girls 35 def Diamond Valley 1 30

Top Scorers: Elyssa Cole 10, Jess Freeman 9, Felicity Camplin 4

YLM 52 def by Albury Wodonga Bandits 83

Top Scorers: Hugo Cusack 11, Jesse King 9, Isaac Plummer 9

NEBB U14 Boys 1 team mates representing their home associations at the recent U14 State Championships.

GAME IN THE BALANCE: Lily Asquith fires at goal whilst Ella Hill awaits the rebound.

PHOTO: Raelee Jager

BIG SMILES: Lachlan O’Brien accepts his sash.

PHOTO: John King

CHAMPION: Outright winner John Faulks is congratulated by president Laurie Fitzpatrick.

PHOTO: John King

A grade netballers put on another solid performance against Kyabram

SALLY REDFERN

EFNC - NETBALL By

A GRADE

ON a beautiful day at Memorial Oval, Euroa’s A grade netballers got off to a good start, with Sophie Owens and Kellie Davidson transitioning the ball well into the ring to the fastmoving goalers.

Bree Poole and Mia Sudomirski were finding plenty of space and goaling with accuracy and had the Pies up by 7 goals at the first break.

During the second quarter the teamwork in defence by the Pies was giving the Bombers plenty of grief.

Tylah Marchbank was menacing with several important intercepts, which meant Euroa had possession and was rewarded well by the goalers.

Ky Bombers had a better third quarter, applying more pressure and goaling more accurately, but the Maggies were able to maintain their composure and finished with a solid quarter.

Despite it being the last quarter and playing in trying conditions, the Magpies’ defence continued to apply relentless pressure throughout the whole court, making Kyabram work for every ball.

All turnovers were valued, with Euroa moving the ball quickly down the court to score.

A bye next week for Interleague will provide all girls with a rest before coming up against an inform Tatura.

Euroa 59 defeated Kyabram 32

Coaches’ best players were - Tylah Marchbank, Kellie Davidson, Sophie Owen.

B GRADE

MEMORIAL Oval and surrounds were picture perfect on Saturday when the Euroa Magpies did battle with the Kyabram Bombers.

In conditions more conducive to tennis than netball, the Magpies were keen to get back onto the winner’s list after their loss the previous week.

Euroa began the game forcefully, with Cass Payne at goal attack having a day out in the goal ring.

Cass played her best game of the season to date, moving adroitly and goaling beautifully.

The first quarter was a tight and intense affair, with both teams matching scores until the final minutes when Euroa began to slowly draw ahead.

The Magpies did not lose the lead for the remainder of the game.

On the few occasions when it appeared that Kyabram were mounting a challenge, the Magpies simply responded with calmness and stuck tight to their established game plans with success.

Caitlyn Elliott played in centre for the whole four quarters, using her elite fitness levels to finish the game just as strongly as she started it.

Rhi Teichert continued her stellar form this season, playing another dominant game in defence for the Magpies.

It was an impressive game from the Magpies, against a team that are traditionally very strong opponents.

The Interleague Bye next weekend will be a chance to refresh tired bodies and recharge the batteries before the game against Tatura in a fortnights time.

Euroa 49 defeated Kyabram 38

Best players as awarded by the Coach: Cass Payne, Caitlyn Elliott, Rhi Teichert.

UNDER 17

IT was a fast paced first quarter, with the opposition beginning strongly.

Kyabram traditionally field very competitive sides in the GVFNL, and at the end of the first quarter, there was no reason to think that this fact had changed.

The Bombers were very drilled and skilled, and it looked like it was going to be a tough day for the young Magpies.

The second quarter proved to be Euroa’s best for the game.

Accurate ring work saw the Magpies scoring well, and some fantastic team play by Euroa’s defence kept Kyabram’s goals down, briefly narrowing the score margin.

There was plenty of positional movements from Euroa’s coaching staff, with the girls starting to tire toward the end of third and into the fourth quarters.

This gave Kyabram more opportunity to further their lead with very accurate goaling.

The Euroa girls played incredibly hard and displayed great persistence but were simply outmatched by the Bombers in the end.

Final scores - Euroa 24 lost to Kyabram 80

Best on court - Tess Walker, Chloe Salter, Lily Meehan.

DEFENDING CLOSLEY: A grade playing coach Ellie Warnock extends in an attempt to block the Kyabram goal shooter.

DAY OUT: Cass Payne played a stellar role in goals, leading Euroa’s B grade side to victory.

LOOKING INSIDE: Kellie Davidson looks to pass the ball into the goal ring.

PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

Euroa beaten by Bombers outfit

EFNC FOOTBALL - SENIORS

By SCOTT WATSON

WITH another remarkable day of superb weather for this time of the year, the Euroa Magpies’ senior footballers were keen to head into the interleague bye next weekend with another win under their belt.

Kyabram had similar ideas however and were touted as a highly fancied opponent with their win/loss record similar to the Magpies prior to this match.

The Kyabram Bombers began with a real flurry, kicking four opening quarter goals to leave the Magpies reeling by quarter time.

The Pies themselves were unable to register a goal in this quarter despite best efforts from Jacob Gleeson, Andrew Bell and Will Hayes in the midfield.

The welcome inclusions this week of Ben Giobbi and Tristan Davies were unfortunately not sufficient to create meaningful scoreboard pressure on the visiting team.

This opening quarter also saw an injury to ruckman Andrew Smith which curtailed his involvement for the remainder of the match - many fingers are crossed hoping to see him return soon.

Further changes to the side from the previous week saw the inclusion of young defenders Jack Frewen and Darby Wilson, both very capable local lads whose outstanding willingness to put their bodies on the line is as impressive as their skills.

Lachie Hill was giving it everything as a high-upthe-ground leading forward whilst Matthew Ivill was once again proving his worth and then some with a very versatile performance.

Euroa dominated the second quarter, booting six goals to Kyabram’s three as the game began to swing in the favor of the home side.

Coach Scott Rowan was certainly upbeat at half-time with his messaging to the group to have faith in their game plan and execute accordingly.

This messaging came with a caveat of the side always being mindful that this Kyabram outfit were going to continue to be a real challenge.

Unfortunately, this challenge proved beyond the Euroa side on the day, as the second half saw the Bombers kick away for a comfortable six goal victory.

With the week off this week (good luck to all players involved in the interleague football and netball this weekend) the club heads to Tatura for their round 7 clash on May 27.

Bouncing back from this loss will be the only thing on the mind of the players and coaching staff

Euroa 7.9.51 defeated by

Kyabram 13.8.86

Best players: Lachie Hill, Matt Ivill, Ben Giobbi, Jack McKernan, Will Hayes, Jacob Gleeson

Goal kickers: Jett Trotter (2), Andrew Smith (1), Will Hayes (1), Andrew Bell (1), Erish Uthayakumar (1), Lachie Hill (1)

RESERVES

By TONY BRODIE

WITH a bit of trepidation as the Magpies reserve footballers hit the ground, our supporters were nervous at what the outcome would be as in past encounters the Kyabram team always seemed to have our measure.

As the writer requested during his report from last week’s game there was hope that our supporters would come along and give strong support to the reserves team.

This was to be the casethanks to those who arrived in time.

The team were quickly out of the blocks, moving the ball into our forward line where we were able to hit the scoreboard with three goals.

The team had a number of opportunities to build on their score, but they just could not convert - luckily the defensive group and our onballers held the Kyabram Bombers to only three points.

This was a very good position for our team going to the quarter time break: Euroa 3.4.22 to Kyabram 0.3.3

The Magpies Reserves had to take the game up to their Kyabram counterparts and to our side’s credit they were able to match them on the scoreboard during the second quarter going to the half time break with the same lead as the first quarter.

Half time: Euroa 6.5.41 to Kyabram 3.3.21

Many of the Euroa supporters were hoping the side could continue with their strong run and endeavour, but this was not to be the case as the Kyabram team came out in the third quarter full of zest, taking control of the game with good skills and strong run.

To the credit of our boys, they fought back in the latter part of the third quarter with two important goals, after the opposition had hit the scoreboard with five goals of their own.

Third quarter scores: Euroa 8.6.54 Kyabram 8.5.53

This was going to be a big test for our group and with the Kyabram boys being much bigger, our coach Linc McKernan brought his troops close to him at the third quarter break, asking them to continue with the contest and take up the game to their opposition and support one another.

Our reserves team took to the field with a slender lead of only one point, the game was becoming heated with the umpires forced to keep tight reigns on the play.

Our boys were up to the

task, taking up the contest to their opponents which they had done all day.

In a wonderful team effort, all our players contributed in different ways which helped the side to get over the line with three valuable last quarter goals, whilst holding the Kyabram team to seven points.

Final score saw Euroa 11.6.72 defeat Kyabram 8.12.60.

A good win by the group lead by Linc McKernan in defence, Josh Robertson and Craig Bamford through the midfield and Nic Burke and Robbie Wilson up forward.

It was good to see Jack Christie and Jack Tossol working hard to win the ball and support their teammates with the young group lead by Keily Jager, Nic Hill and Heath Downie who all worked hard at the contest with run and commitment at the ball.

Nic Burke was a focal point for the team up forward, giving the side a good target.

Declan Redfern continued his good form kicking the ball well playing across the defensive area moving into the midfield then assisting in the forward structure.

Michael Watson was a strong target up forward and around the ground and will continue to become a better player as his fitness builds.

We were unlucky to have two players off early through injuries with Mitch Penman receiving a knock to the head and Tobias Martin with a leg injury with this restricting the teams run.

Lachie Cook gave good service on his wing, covering much ground and was a target when we were coming out of defence.

Nick McCabe and Brodie Asquith were parts of a strong defensive group supporting Linc McKernan in this area.

This was a great win for the team and should give much confidence to the

group.

It is great to see a previous coach of our club, John Tossol, there at the game.

John has great affinity with our club and players he was involved with here, he

was eagerly supporting his son Jack who is playing with our seconds.

Euroa 11-6-72 defeated Kyabram 8-12-60

Goal Kickers Euroa: Nic

(4), Robbie Wilson

DOWN THE LINE: Nate Trotter exits the football out of Euroa’s defensive half.

COOL AND CALM: Jack Christie composes himself with the football.

ON THE MOVE: Josh Robertson clears the ball out of defence for the Magpies.

PHOTO: Raelee Jager

Burke

(4),

Harrison Lane (1), Josh Robertson (1), Tynan Cummins (1) Best Players: Josh Robertson, Craig Bamford, Heath Downie, Jack Christie, Nic Burke, Jack Tossol

Winter tennis returns, ladies raring to go

THE first round of the winter tennis competition began on a windy wintry day last Monday.

Euroa hosted two matches in the gusty conditions with players nearly blown away at the beginning.

Moglonemby’s Judy Sands and Marlene Hanrahan were in fine form all day for the home side against Mansfield Black.

The pair put on a masterclass of courtcraft, running down balls and bedazzling the visitors with expert placement.

Robyn Johnson and Lyn Johnston needed time to warm up in their opener as Di Bergelin and Rhonda Carpenter raced to 4-0 lead.

At 7-2 up the pair was unable to serve out the set, and the tenacious locals clawed back game after game to reach the tiebreak.

Seizing momentum, the Euroa women won the tiebreaker.

Mansfield Black’s Liza Karras and Jenny Bell enjoyed lengthy baseline rallies and high-quality shot making all day but ultimately couldn’t match their classy opponents.

Winning shots were applauded in the enjoyable contest.

LEADERBOARD

Bogie Physio ..................57

Choices Flooring ...........56

Enrich OT .......................56

Murphy’s Motors ...........55

Burtons ...........................54

Euroa Bus Lines ............54

Rodwells ........................54

Noel O’Meara.................52

The Euroa Gazette ........49

Hunter Rural ..................46

Bell and Carpenter combined with determination in the final set to win it 8-3 for the visitors.

Newcomer Seven Creeks took on the reigning premiers Terip and were right in it from the outset.

Rowena Ellis and Rosie Cameron began brilliantly racing to a 6-0 lead, but seasoned campaigners Cindy Hayes and Frances Lawrence stopped them in their tracks and took the set 8-6.

Kerrie Hewlett and Ruth Nolan overcame Terip’s Phoebe McDermid and Melissa McDowell 8-3.

In an entertaining and lengthy contest, the sets were shared three all, but Terip secured the win 37 games to 35.

Welcome to winter comp Seven Creeks.

Benalla hosted Mansfield Red on their magnificent lawn courts enjoying good tennis mostly in sunshine and Wendy Maxwell took photos.

Benalla won every set 48 games to 20.

Mansfield Blue hosted Euroa’s Chris Ellis, Sue Vaughan, Lyndall Bigland and Julie Harrington who weren’t taking any prisoners in the contest.

Blue’s Michell Pigdon, Belinda Cipa, Clare Beecham,

MOGLONEMBY:

Welcoming the return of winter tennis were (from left) Lyn Johnston, Marlene Hanrahan, Judy Sands and Robyn Johnson.

PHOTOS: Rhonda Carpenter

and Sophie Yencken worked hard but Euroa took every set, 48 games to 19.

Euroa 10 took top spot on the ladder, followed by Benal-

TIPSTER: Travis Mee

TIPSTER: Tony Rogers

2023

Friday, May 19

Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne (AO) (N)

Saturday, May 20

North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans (MRVL)

Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows (MARS)

Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (OS) (T)

Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast SUNS (G) (N)

Essendon vs. Richmond (MCG) (N)

Sunday, May 21

Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles (UTAS)

Carlton vs. Collingwood (MCG)

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION [AFL] ROUND 10

GWS GIANTS vs. St Kilda (GS) (T)

TIPSTER: Tim Bickerton

Melbourne

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Geelong

Brisbane

Richmond

Hawthorn

Collingwood

St Kilda

P. 5795 2332 F. 4400 1555

18 Clifton Street, Euroa VIC 3666 info@bogiephysio.com.au

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 57

TIPSTER: Jacqui Thomson

Port Adelaide

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Geelong

Brisbane

Essendon

Hawthorn

Collingwood

St Kilda

Choices Flooring by Thomsons 5795 1211

80 Binney Street, Euroa

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 56

TIPSTER: Noel O’Meara

Melbourne Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Fremantle

Brisbane

Richmond Hawthorn

Collingwood

GWS

Port Adelaide

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Fremantle

Brisbane

Essendon

Hawthorn

Collingwood St Kilda

Bus Lines

Ph: 5762 6566

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 54

TIPSTER: Glen Burton

Melbourne

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Geelong

Brisbane

Richmond

Hawthorn Collingwood St Kilda

NOEL G. O’MEARA & ASSOCIATES

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

2 Binney Street, Euroa Phone (03) 5795 2783

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 52

TIPSTER: Damien Murphy

Melbourne Sydney Western Bulldogs Geelong Brisbane

Essendon

$1999 kg

Australian Lamb Loin Chops

75 Binney St, Euroa. Ph: 5795 2004

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 48

TIPSTER: Darren Chaitman

Port Adelaide

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Fremantle

Brisbane

Richmond

TIPSTER: Madi

Port Adelaide

Sydney

Western Bulldogs

Geelong

Brisbane

Essendon

Hawthorn

Collingwood

St Kilda

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 56

TIPSTER: Ryan Carpenter

Port Adelaide

Sydney

Adelaide

Geelong

Brisbane

Essendon

Hawthorn

Murphy’s Motors and Tyres

Hawthorn Collingwood St Kilda

Collingwood St Kilda

A

Ph: 5795 2702

Hawthorn Collingwood St Kilda TOTAL: 55

1 Tarcombe Street, Euroa www.murphymotors.repcoservice.net

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa (03) 5795 3041 editor@euroa-gazette.com.au

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 49

5795 2240

31 Binney Street Euroa www.rodwellsre.com.au

Last week: 5

TOTAL: 54

BACK IN BLACK: Mansfield Black members (from left) Jenny Bell, Liza Karras, Rhonda Carpenter and Di Bergelin.

la 10, Moglonemby 9, Terip 7, Seven Creeks 3, Mansfield Black 1, Mansfield Red and Mansfield Blue.

KYABRAM TOO GOOD ON THE DAY FOR THE DAY EUROA

Longwood ‘Back-To’ day a success despite narrow match defeats

KDFNL - LONGWOOD

By IAN SHINER

ON a day made for football, the game between Longwood and Avenel senior teams did not disappoint with a large crowd assembling to the Longwood Recreation Reserve last Saturday. Both sides took time to settle, and Longwood were inaccurate early which would inevitably come back to haunt them later in the game.

Key contests between the Redlegs Formosa brothers and the Swans dynamic duo Maynard and Avola entertained the enthusiastic audience.

There was nothing in the game at half time, Longwood leading the Swans 4.10-34 to 4.7-31.

However, the third quarter is where the game was won and lost.

Avenel had the best of it, kicking seven goals to Longwood’s two, thus propelling them into holding a handy 23 point lead at the final break.

Not to be denied, the Redlegs fought back in the last, kicking six goals and sending the Redleg faithful into overdrive before a late Avenel goal of their own sealed them a narrow seven point victory.

A very strong performance by the Longwood team which can be improved with hard work and disciplined teamwork to ensure more wins in season 2023.

Josh Formosa kicked five goals, whilst Jye and Jordan Formosa with many possessions as each other led the team admirably.

RESERVES

No luck for the Redleg reserve footballers up against a top side but no lack of effort from the team.

Thanks go to Nathan Whitling, Connor Peterson, Harry Shiner and Luke Allison who doubled up from the under 18’s to make the full 22 players available.

Better players included Zayde Macleod and Harry Skinner against a very strong opponent Jack Keane and Tom Goodman.

THIRDS

A terrific game of underage football between the big bodies of the Girgarre thirds, and the Longwood Redlegs.

Promising new player Jacob Sterio with three goals supported by the experienced Bailey Murphy two goals and once again Nathan Whitling, Longwood going down in a narrow defeat.

Coach Mitch Van Deduim was very encouraging to his team with Connor Peterson, Tom Skinner, Jacob Sterio and Otto Shiner among the leading lights.

U14s

The Redleg under 14’s held the lead at half time but were overrun by Murchison Gold in the second half.

A much more promising performance from the team with Jayden Franklin kicking a goal, Cooper Goodall four goals and Billy Wilson two goals named the better players.

NETBALL

The highlight of the day on the netball court was the C graders once again coming out winners.

Well played girls.

A close result in the under 17s and the A graders fighting back from 10 goals down to both have narrow defeats.

No joy in the other games, but all sides gave their best efforts.

The big ‘Back To’ day crowd helped to create a great atmosphere for our sport.

Tallygaroopna at Tally this Saturday gives us all another chance at being on the winners list.

After the game back to the Peppermill to discuss the days play.

BACK-TO: Longwood Football Netball Club past players (from left) Tim Clarke, Neil Smith, Con Kezoy, Dean Fredrickson, Andrew Seven, Greg Flaherty and Vin Kelly enjoyed each others company on the day.

REDLEG-FAITHFUL: Longwood Recreation Reserve saw its biggest crowd in years, creating a marvellous country sport atmosphere.

GAME IN THE BALANCE: Jordan Formosa urges his side at three quarter time for one final effort.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann