EG190225SamReiher

ALIGN WITH OTHER NATIONS

LAUREN Barker brings in the harvest for Amanda Rofe at her chemical-free garlic farm at Balmattum.

Ms Rofe says regulation of the use of ‘organic’ in food labelling is much needed.

■ Story page 11

Second case of bird flu has region shut down

By ANDY WILSON

KNOWN business connections between two Euroa poultry farms has allowed AgVic to quickly detect a second outbreak of bird u virus on Thursday.

Tracing practices con rmed the presence of H7N8 avian in uenza at a new property belonging to egg producers Kinross Farms.

Victoria’s acting chief veterinary o cer Cameron Bell said the second detection was not unexpected and that AgVic was continually

No movement for poultry, eggs, pet birds

undertaking testing to understand where the disease was present in the region.

Dr Bell said AgVic was ‘on the ground’ and supporting impacted businesses.

“There are known connections between the properties, which was how we identi ed high-priority testing sites early, even before disease was suspected,” Dr Bell said.

“A er we con rmed the rst

property last week, we implemented restricted and control areas immediately to mitigate risks of disease spread.”

The control area spans east of the Goulburn Valley Highway for Strathbogie Shire, and includes Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ru y, Avenel, and Strathbogie.

“If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move birds, products (including eggs and

manure) or equipment into, out of, or within the area without a permit.

“This includes selling or giving away eggs from your poultry – these must not leave your property.”

A housing requirement has been introduced for producers with more than 50 poultry in the restricted area.

The restricted zone is a smaller area than the control area and includes Euroa and extends approximately 5km from the a ected properties in all directions.

■ Continued page 3

PHOTO: Amanda Rofe

Ovarian Cancer

February is National Ovarian Cancer Month! Wear teal (ribbons) to show your support! More than 1200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each

“Committed

to the care of

year in Australia. In 2022 there were 1688 deaths due to Ovarian Cancer in Australia, and this number is projected to go up to a staggering 3071 by 2050.

Ovarian Cancer is often referred to as a silent killer, because there is no screening test available to

ourpatientsandcommunity ”

Clinic Hours

Monday - Friday: 8am – 6pm

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detect the cancer in women and the early symptoms can mask themselves as common, everyday conditions.

The cervical screening program cannot test for ovarian cancer –it only tests for cervical cancer.

If you are concerned about your family history of ovarian or breast cancer, your GP can assess your risk.

The most common symptoms (particularly if they are persistent or unusual for you) include:

 abdominal bloating/ feeling full, appetite loss

 abdominal/pelvic pain

 changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

 appetite loss, feeling full quickly or heartburn

 urinary symptoms such as frequency or urgency

 unexplained fatigue

 unexplained weight loss or weight gain

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with your GP to discuss further. For more information, visit www.ovariancancer.net.au or www.canceraustralia.gov.au/ cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/ ovarian-cancer-awareness

Don’t get bogged down you blokes

LONGWOOD will play host to a powerful men’s mental health evening on Friday, 21 March to support rural men in the local community.

‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ is an event designed to help rural men face unique challenges, such as isolation and dealing with nancial pressures.

The stigma around mental health is also addressed.

The free event is being hosted by Strathbogie Shire Council as part of its commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring men in the community have access to the support and resources they need for their wellbeing and is funded by the Community Recovery Hub, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.

‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ is presented by passionate advocate for rural mental health Mary O’Brien, who uses a nononsense, relatable approach.

Ms O’Brien is known to speak ‘directly to country blokes’ about mental health, helping them recognise the signs of depression, start tough conversations, and seek help when they need it.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the event is an important step in council’s e orts to support rural men and strengthen community resilience, recognising that three in four suicides in Australia are by men, many of whom live in rural areas.

“We know that men o en don’t talk about mental health, but this event is designed to change that,” Cr EwartKennedy said.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we need to ensure our country blokes feel supported.

“(It) is about starting conversations, breaking down stigma, and reminding our rural men that they are not alone.

“It’s an evening of good food, good company, and an important message that could save a life.”

Cr Ewart-Kennedy said the event was an opportunity for gaining valuable insights into recognising the signs of being ‘bogged’ and understanding the steps toward recovery.

She said the presentation was specifically designed to resonate with rural men in a way that feels both relatable and practical.

“Beyond the important message, the event o ers a chance to enjoy a hearty meal while connecting with mates in a relaxed and supportive setting,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

The presentation will be held at the White Hart Hotel, Longwood at 5pm7pm on Friday, 21 March.

It is a free event with dinner provided and drinks at bar prices.

To register, visit http://tiny.cc/j1k9001 or phone 1800 065 993.

Immediate support can be found by phoning either Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Flood takes final toll on historic bridge

ENDORSEMENT from the Nagambie community will see Strathbogie Shire Council take steps with Heritage Victoria to demolish Chinamans Bridge ‘without delay’.

Formal advice was given to council from Heritage Victoria that 32 submissions were received during the public notice period for the application to dismantle the heritage-listed bridge that spans the Goulburn River about a kilometre outside Nagambie.

The public notice period

closed on Tuesday, 28 January 2025.

All 32 submissions supported council’s permit but sought preservation of the land-based abutments.

No formal response is required to the submissions, and there is no additional request for information at this stage, allowing for the demolition to go ahead.

Chinamans Bridge is a heritage-listed timber bridge that sustained extensive damage during the October 2022 oods.

An engineering assessment in January 2023 determined that severe structural damage presented a signi cant safety risk to the community, contractors working in the area, and waterway users.

Strathbogie Shire mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the outcome showed strong support for council’s decision and that both state and federal governments would be lobbied for additional funding for the project.

“We are committed to ensuring that this process moves

forward e ciently while addressing community safety and heritage considerations,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

“We want to reinforce the importance of meeting the funding deadline and the necessity of moving forward with this project as soon as possible.”

The demolition is tied to funding that must be expended by 30 June 2025.

Council is now seeking a meeting with Heritage Victoria to fast-track the permit approval.

90 Binney Street, Euroa

SAFETY TRUMPS HERITAGE: Chinamans Bridge outside Nagambie su ered extensive damage in the 2022 floods to render it unsafe.

EXPERTISE IN RURAL CONNECTION: Given her lengthy career in agriculture, Mary O’Brien hosts an engaging two-hour program with rural blokes. PHOTO: Ange Stirling

New year’s reading resolution struggles

By ANDY WILSON

AUSTRALIANS want to read more in 2025, with around one in two readers and non-readers alike reporting aspirations to do it more o en according to a new report.

New research from Monash University and book industry notfor-pro t initiative Australia Reads aims to help the 49.8 per cent of non-readers, and 54.9 per cent of those who have read in the past year, who want to read more.

Behavioural scientists at Monash’s BehaviourWorks Australia have determined the best ways to overcome the barriers keeping people from reading.

The research identi ed six types of readers by examining the attitudes, motivation, and capability of readers, ranging from people who read voraciously to those who rarely or never read who each face distinct challenges.

Lead researcher Breanna Wright said the decision to pick up a book and read ‘might sound simple’ but was the result of a complex sequence of behaviours.

“Many people lack time or struggle with distractions,” Dr Wright said.

“But strategies such as setting reading goals, keeping books in visible places, and seeking out shorter books can help.

“For people who don’t read frequently but want to read more, engaging with ebooks and audiobooks can make reading easier and create more opportunities to read.

“For those readers, we recommend using platforms and tools like book subscription services and social media or asking librarians or booksellers for personalised recommendations.”

Euroa librarian Cathy Artridge said she was not surprised by the results.

“I guess we try to make the library a place where people, who are a little bit disconnected, can just come in and maybe get reconnected,” Ms Artridge said.

“And we don’t mind if people aren’t here every week, but then we certainly have people who come in multiple times a week.”

On Friday morning, the ‘usual’ gang of pre-schoolers and

younger enjoyed Ms Artridge reading to them at Storytime, a weekly event held at 10am.

Ms Artridge said as people got older and struggled with reading, audiobooks were a well-resourced option.

“The audiobooks I find are good for reluctant readers or readers who don’t have the time.

“You can listen while you’re doing other things, which is what I do.”

The Euroa Library holds physical CDs, but readers can also download eBooks and eAudiobooks online using their membership number through the library’s subscription.

The library also o ers cloudLibrary and BorrowBox, and the Libby app accesses magazines online in audio format.

The Monash University research was based on a survey of

1622 Australians aged over 16 years.

It found only half of respondents regularly participated in reading as a recreational activity, compared with more than 80 per cent who watch movies and TV.

Only 17 per cent of readers said it was the hobby they dedicate the most time to.

Head of Australia Reads Anna Burkey said recreational reading rates are in decline in Australia, with more people nding it hard to nd time to read for recreation.

“Despite the signi cant bene ts that reading brings us personally and as a society, reading rates in Australia lag behind international standards,” she said.

“This new research has valuable insights into how we can support more Australians to read more books more o en and make reading a daily part of their busy lives.”

Second case of bird flu has region shut down

■ From front page

“With Victoria’s experience responding to H7 bird u outbreaks, we know the greatest risk is to larger producers, who have more movement on and o their property,” Dr Bell said.

Kinross Farms managing director Philip Szepe told The Euroa Gazette he was grateful for the local community’s support as well as that from AgVic.

“Our priorities are the health and wellbeing of our people and the welfare and biosecurity of our birds, and I want to thank our team members and all those involved in the response for their e ort over the past week,” Mr Szepe said.

“We have been part of the fabric of Euroa for over 20 years, many of our team members live

in this community, and we are grateful for the way people have come together to support us, and each other.

“Avian In uenza doesn’t a ect eggs or chicken meat and we appreciate our customers’ continued support for our eggs.”

La Trobe University viral immunologist Emma Grant is a specialist in in uenza viruses and said the outbreak at Euroa was a di erent strain to the in uenza viruses seen in Australian poultry farms last year.

“These viruses are also different from the H5N1 viruses circulating in other parts of the world,” Dr Grant said.

“According to Wildlife Health Australia, who survey in uenza viruses in wild bird populations,

A biosecurity message is issued for the communities of Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel, and Strathbogie

 An outbreak of H7N8 avian influenza (bird flu) is confirmed at two poultry properties at Euroa.

 This warning is relevant for all bird owners including poultry producers, bird keepers and pet bird owners.

 The area impacted by restrictions is east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway for Strathbogie Shire.

 The strain is a highly contagious disease that infects chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants and ostriches and many species of wild birds.

 The infected property has been quarantined and movement controls are in place until further notice.

 All poultry owners with more than 50 birds in the restricted area are required to house their birds. This applies to the area between Euroa and Longwood. Do not move birds, eggs, chicken manure or poultry equipment into, within, or out of the control or restricted areas.

 You can find more information about movement controls and quarantine at agriculture. vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

 Birds on infected properties are being destroyed.

these H7 in uenza viruses have not been found circulating in wild birds in Australia.

“Due to the way avian u transmits, the risk to the general public is very low, as avian in uenza viruses nd it very di cult to bind to human cells.”

Dr Bell said backyard poultry owners should not be complacent.

“Whether you have a few chooks in your backyard or have a commercial poultry farm (there) are some things you can do to improve your biosecurity practices and reduce the risk of your birds becoming infected.

“A strong biosecurity system relies on everyone playing their part; immediate noti cation from properties when they notice their poultry are unwell is

crucial to us getting on top of this outbreak,” Dr Bell said.

Community members can report suspect disease, sudden poultry deaths, and ask questions by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Dr Bell’s biosecurity practices for all poultry owners include:

*Restrict contact between pet birds, poultry, and wild birds.

*Prevent wild birds accessing food and water sources for housed birds.

*Keep equipment and yards or aviaries clean.

*Limit visitors to birds.

*Wash hands before and a er handling birds.

*Monitor all birds’ health and report any sudden poultry deaths.

Strong Community Support for Chinamans Bridge Demolition

Strathbogie Shire Council has received confirmation from Heritage Victoria that all 32 submissions during the public notice period supported the permit to demolish Chinamans Bridge, except for the land-based abutments. This strong community endorsement reinforces Council’s efforts to address safety concerns while respecting heritage considerations.

Heritage Victoria has advised that no further response is required, allowing the statutory process to continue without delay.

Council is now seeking a meeting with Heritage Victoria to stress the urgency of permit approval, as project funding must be spent by 30 June 2025. “We want to ensure timely progress while continuing to advocate for the best outcome for our community,” Mayor Claire Ewart Kennedy said. Council will also seek additional State and Federal funding to complete the demolition, pending permit approval.

Nagambie Foreshore Walk Deck Replacement – Works Commencing Soon

Council will begin works to replace the old section of the Nagambie Foreshore Walk deck, located behind the Black Caviar Statue on High Street, starting 4 March 2025. The project is expected to take approximately 12 weeks to complete.

To ensure public safety, temporary fencing will be installed around the work site. The contractor’s amenities and material storage will be set up at the end of Blayney Lane, impacting access to the Blayney Lane Car Park, which will be limited throughout construction. However, the remainder of the Lake Nagambie Walk will remain open for pedestrians, except for the work area. This project is funded through the State Government’s Council Flood Support Funds, with a total cost of $631,974.38 endorsed at the December 2024 Council meeting. The upgraded foreshore walk will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors and locals alike, supporting tourism and encouraging longer and return visits to Nagambie. Thank you for your patience as we deliver this important improvement.

Are You Bogged Mate?

Life in the bush can be tough, and sometimes it’s easy to feel a bit bogged down. That’s why Strathbogie Shire Council is bringing “Are You Bogged Mate?”. This event is all about having real, honest conversations about the challenges country blokes face, in a way that makes sense.

Hosted by Mary O’Brien, a passionate advocate for rural mental health, the evening will be down-to-earth, relatable, and full of practical advice. It’s a chance to catch up with mates, enjoy a free dinner, and grab a drink at bar prices while hearing a talk that just might change the way you think about looking after yourself and those around you.

No lectures, no judgment—just real talk in a comfortable setting. Mark your calendar and bring a mate!

Where: White Hart Hotel, Longwood

When: Friday, 21 March 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ���� Dinner provided | ���� Drinks at bar prices Book now: http://tiny.cc/j1k9001

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg Workshops

With thanks to funding from the Australian Government, Victorian Government and Strathbogie Shire Council, these workshops are designed to help us build a more resilient community. You are invited to participate in free workshops with youth mental health expert Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg: For Parents: Raising Resilient Youth: Practical Strategies for Parents

For Professionals: Assessing Adolescents at Risk: Strategies for Professionals in Education, Welfare, and Health

Raising Resilient Youth: Practical Strategies for Parents

Do you want to help your kids build resilience and thrive through life’s challenges? Join us for free workshops with renowned psychologist Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg!

Nagambie

When: Wednesday 19 February, 7pm

Where: Nagambie Mechanics Institute 286 High St, Nagambie

Euroa

When: Thursday 20 February, 7pm

Where: Euroa Community Cinema, 1B Bury Street, Euroa

Assessing Adolescents at Risk: Strategies for Professionals in Education, Welfare, and Health

When: Thursday 20 February, 9am-3pm

Where: Euroa Memorial Oval, 7 Slee St, Euroa

Who Should Attend: Teachers, social workers, health professionals, and welfare staff Tailored for professionals, this workshop focuses on identifying at-risk adolescents and equipping participants with evidence-based tools to provide effective support and intervention, especially during times of recovery and rebuilding Book at: http://tiny.cc/5nt7001

Provide feedback on the 4pm Council Meeting commencement trial

Council is reviewing the start time of its Ordinary Council Meetings and want to hear from you. As part of a trial, meetings in January, February, and March 2025 will commence at 4:00pm at the Euroa Conference Centre, Bury Street, Euroa.

We are now seeking community feedback on whether this earlier start time should be adopted permanently for meetings from April to December 2025.

To provide feedback visit www.share.strathbogievic.gov.au, call 1800 065 993 or email info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au, by 9am Monday, 24 February 2025.

Careers at Strathbogie

We are looking for talented people to join our team

Manager - Project Delivery

• Full time, permanent opportunity

• SEO Contract

• Applications close 5pm, Monday 24 February 2025

Visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/careers to find out more and apply today.

Ordinary Council Meeting

The February Ordinary Council Meeting will commence at 4pm on Tuesday 18th February, 2025 and staff and the community are invited to attend the Euroa Community Conference Centre or to view the meeting online via the livestream link on the Council website at https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/meetings/

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

Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire

Dry weather brings restrictions into play

AS dry weather continues, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is encouraging its diversions customers who are on unregulated waterways to stay up to date with the latest restrictions on how much water can be taken.

Unregulated waterways are creeks, rivers, and streams that rely on natural stream ows rather than releases from GMW-managed storages.

There are more than 3000 GMW customers who take water from waterways within the basins managed by GMW.

The ows in unregulated waterways are closely monitored and if they drop to a dened ‘trigger’ level, restrictions are implemented to meet essential domestic and stock needs and maintain the

health of the waterway.

GMW diversions groundwater and streams manager Peter Clydesdale said recent dry conditions meant several waterways were now either on or facing restrictions.

“There are restrictions in place for several waterways in our region, and in the coming weeks it is likely restrictions will be introduced for several more,” Mr Clydesdale said.

The rst four stages of applied restrictions limit people to taking a certain percentage of their water entitlement every 10 days.

The h and nal stage only allows people to take water for domestic and stock purposes.

Mr Clydesdale said it was important that diverters remain aware of any potential

changes to restrictions.

“Historically, it is quite common for there to be restrictions during this time of year,” he said.

“However, before 2024, we had a few consecutive wet years, which means some customers are facing restrictions for the rst time in years.

“It is therefore a good time for customers to familiarise themselves with the rules that are in place around restrictions, and get in touch with us if they have any questions.”

Customers are noti ed if restrictions are implemented in their area.

Current restrictions can be found at https://www.gmwater.com.au/rosters-andrestrictions or by phoning 1800 013 357.

3G switchover failing residents

Communications minister responds a er MP Haines raises issue in parliament

COMPLAINTS about poor mobile phone reception following the shutdown of the 3G network have been raised in parliament by Indi MP Helen Haines.

A growing number of residents in the electorate have contacted her o ce about zero to poor reception with the 4G and 5G mobile phones.

Dr Haines raised the matter in parliament recently asking the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland about her awareness of the issues and when the problem will be xed.

“Before the 3G shutdown regional communities in my electorate were told that no one would be worse off but since the final shutdown my constituents have experienced worse connectivity,” Dr Haines told parliament.

“(They’re) completely losing the ability to make calls in some areas and have been told to spend their own money on a ermarket antennas.

“Does the minister recog-

BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au

nise that some people are worse o a er the 3G shutdown and what will the government do to x it.”

Ms Rowland empathised with Dr Haines’ concern and acknowledged that the issue was “very real”.

“On December 17 I convened industry regulators, the mobile carriers, consumer groups to look at the lessons learnt from this 3G switchover,” Ms Rowland responded.

“The government has stressed to the carriers that the bene ts of the 3G switchover really need to be demonstrated.

“While it is a fact of physics that the switchover is completed there needs to be a focus now on consumer welfare.

“The member is right and it is very true that there are multiple complaints from customers, particularly in

regional areas who have seen fortuitous coverage diminish and who have seen their services overall being challenged.

“The question is how can that be improved.”

Ms Rowland said she is monitoring the issue very closely.

“I’ve made it clear to service providers the expectation that the 3G switchover will deliver on these bene ts,” she said.

“The ACMA and ACCC have been highlighted in this, not only of the technical requirements, but also the representations being made to customers about coverage pre and post-switchover.

“Many consumers would know that those coverage maps don’t always match what they actually receive.”

Ms Rowland said Telstra has now established a dedicated helpline on 1800 990 853.

“I have formally requested weekly reports from the carriers so I can continue to monitor this,” she said.

FIX THE PROBLEM: Helen Haines speaks out for constituents who are having trouble with mobile phone connectivity throughout Indi following the 3G shutdown.

Victorian dry forces early sale of calves, weaners

By ANDY WILSON

ABOUT 50 cattle farmers and agents bid their way around the Euroa Saleyards last Wednesday as over 1300 cattle were yarded for the year’s second cattle sale.

Rodwell stock agent Mick Curtis said prices were slightly higher than January’s weaner sale because of the dry seasonal conditions.

“It was probably 10 to 20 cents more (per kilogram) than we expected overall,” Mr Curtis said.

“Prices were a bit better than expected, with northern competition probably being the strength, with a lot of the little cattle going up there (to NSW) and to a few feedlots.”

Elders auctioneer Joe Allan said the sale had been planned to be a week later this year to not clash with other sales in the previous week and said people were surprised at the condition of the cattle given the local conditions.

“It was on par with expectations or a little bit above,” Mr Allan said.

“Given how the country is looking around here, I think everyone is happy with that for the time being.”

Sam Plevey travelled with business partner Michael Purtle from Manilla, north of Tamworth, as part of a three-sale pilgrimage to Victoria to take advantage of the dry conditions to buy up big, but preferred to come slightly later than other NSW buyers.

“Most years we seem to come down here for the weaner sales and yearling sales,” Mr Plevey said.

“It’s something we do.

“A lot of people up in our area of the world come early January and late December for the big weaner sales, but we try and skip that a little bit and come down when the cattle are a little bit more mature, a bit older.

“We nd that we’ve had more luck with that without any sort of weaning issues.”

Mr Plevey said the sale o ered a ‘unique’ range compared to other February sales with sellers choosing to not take their calves through to spring.

“There’s a lot of people down here that are selling their next drop of calves early because of the season.

“The prices are ‘good shopping’ for us because we just don’t see at the moment good quality little cattle in good lines.”

NORTHERN BUYERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL CONDITIONS

a er a successful sale.

“The prices are ‘good shopping’ for us because we just don’t see at the moment good quality little

good

“So, we’ve bought a lot of those today – about three or four hundred.”

Mr Curtis said the day’s prices had been strong.

“There were a few winter calves here, younger calves, well-bred Angus calves, steer calves, and they made $4-plus a kilo, and then most

HEADING NORTH: A pen of Hereford cow-and-calves at Wednesday’s sales.

SOLD: Daniel Fischer holds court with his trademark stock whip handle at the Euroa cattle sale.

PHOTOS: Andy Wilson

of your grown steers, the oldest steers were $3.60 to $3.80 a kilo.

“And the heifer market was a little bit stronger with feeder heifers, the heavier heifers, making up to $3.20 or $3.30, most of them around $3 a kilo.

Mr Allan said he was expecting a

similar number of cattle at the next sale on Wednesday, 5 March.

“The fat market is buoyant and probably heading in the right direction,” he said.

The highest price per head was $1720 for a pen of six Black Baldy steers.

Best sellers on the day were the youngest steers (200-300kg) which had a maximum price of $4.40 for Angus, followed by $4.00 for coloured steers in the same weight range, with $3.90 the highest price for 300-380kg Angus steers.

ON THE BOOKS: Michael Purtle and Sam Levey from NSW check the numbers

cattle in

lines,” Mr Levey said.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dental hygiene starts at home

AS much of our region continues to be le without access to e ective oral health initiatives, we are unfortunately far more

vulnerable to issues with our teeth and gums. While I will continue to keep ghting for better access to public dentists, uoridated water, and education programs for children, there are certainly some things we can do at home to help.

To improve oral health at home, start with the basics - brush twice a day in small circles with a so toothbrush and spit, don’t rinse a er brushing to let the uoride in the toothpaste protect your teeth.

Parents play a big role too in

the dental health of children.

Brushing your children’s teeth for them, especially when they’re young, sets up good habits for life and helps prevent serious dental issues down the track.

Annabelle Cleeland, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health

Rainfall

(Euroa Township)

Rain for the week leading up to yesterday was 1.4mm which fell between 8pm and midnight on Thursday last week.

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In your face: young drivers’ challenge to hear first hand, cool heads

By ANDY WILSON

EUROA’S young drivers have an opportunity to ne-tune their attitude to road safety by attending a confronting presentation on Wednesday, 12 March. The Cool Heads Initiative has been designed to use real life and shocking cases of road accidents to challenge drivers aged 16 to mid-20s about their personal road safety and driving skills.

out Thursday’s

Truck fire holds up Hume Freeway

Quick arrival of CFA through banked up tra ic

By ANDY WILSON

A QUICK response from local CFA units saw a truck re on the southward side of the Hume Freeway north of Euroa contained quickly on Thursday a ernoon.

Cars were banked up for many

kilometres as four re crews attended the scene, with two of the CFA trucks maneuvering around the stationary tra c.

CFA District 23 Commander Scott Connor said a semi-trailer had blown a tyre at about 2:30pm.

Leading Senior Constable Lucas Paul of Euroa police said a range of speakers would talk at the event to highlight the consequences of unsafe driving.

“Guest speakers will include some form Ambulance Victoria, the SES, and persons who have had losses rsthand as well,” LSC Paul said.

“In the last six months, there have been a couple of local fatalities and serious injuries in the area and these things have a huge, huge impact on the town.”

The popular program is used in Shepparton as court-ordered training for driving o enders and was rst brought to Euroa in 2018 by LSC Paul who said it was now due to return for the next cohort of young drivers.

The program is designed to shock young drivers to understand the consequences of unsafe driving.

“It is very confronting; it’s going to be in your face,” LSC Paul said.

“The driver managed to disconnect the trailer before crews from Baddaginnie and Benalla arrived.”

The road was cleared a er 40 minutes.

“The blowout resulted in catching the rear of the truck on fire,” Commander Connor said.

Details: Wednesday, 12 March 7pm-9pm, at Euroa Community Cinema, 1B Bury Street, Euroa Enquires to Leading Senior Constable Lucas Paul on (03) 57952017 or lucas.paul@police.vic.gov. au Free entry, registration at https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/cool-heads-euroatickets-1245430900349

Police investigate dog drowning attempt

By ANDY WILSON

RSPCA o cers and police were called to an incident in Seven Creeks Park on Tuesday, 11 February to confront a man allegedly attempting to drown a small dog.

Witnesses raised the alarm

a er rst seeing the middle-aged man standing in the water up to his chest with a juvenile dog which he allegedly held under water several times.

The incident occurred at the former swimming pool in Seven Creeks River.

The Euroa Gazette has seen

footage of the incident in which the dog is held under water for eight seconds. An adult female dog that appears to be the puppy’s mother is seen distressed and pacing the bank.

Witnesses said police responded quickly with one o cer per-

forming CPR on the dog before rushing it to the local veterinary clinic.

The puppy was unable to recover and died shortly a er.

Spokespersons for both Euroa police and RSPCA Victoria said investigations were continuing.

Edward Higgins

Est. 1897

WEAVING THROUGH: Tra ic on the Hume Freeway remained stationary for over half an hour.

QUICK THINKING: The truck’s driver avoided a catastrophe by immediately disconnecting the truck’s trailer.

MOPPING UP:

crews

Baddaginnie and Benalla were quick to put

truck fire. PHOTOS: Andy Wilson

Honeysuckle to celebrate all the ways to create art

By CHARMAYNE LANE

IT’S on again.

The well-known and muchloved Honeysuckle Art Exhibition, featuring the work of artists living within 100 kilometres of Violet Town, will open at 3pm on Sunday, 2 March.

A record number of local artists will be represented this year through paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures.

The exhibition’s theme for 2025 is ‘Luminous’.

Held in the charming Violet Town Gallery, tucked behind the wonderful Produce Store Café, the exhibition always draws a strong crowd of art lovers, local, and otherwise.

Visitors are welcome to call in for a coffee or some lunch, browse the latest Ian Errey Museum displays next door and take their time to enjoy the exhibition, which boasts some amazing original work.

Take your wallet in case you can’t resist buying something to take home when the exhibition closes.

Signi cant awards have encouraged participating artists to pull out all stops, resulting in an outstanding collection which will be judged by Bridget McDonnell, the owner of the Carlton’s prestigious Bridget McDonnell Gallery.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday, 5 March to Sunday, 16 March from 10am to 2pm

Opening bookings now essential for popular art exhibition

Non-voters given opportunity to explain

MIXED LOCAL

(closed Tuesday, 11 March).

Open to the public , the exhibition will welcome visitors for two weeks from Wednesday, 5 March

photographs, drawings, and sculptures.

until Sunday, 16 March, with the exception of Tuesday March 11. Bookings are essential for the 2 March opening on and can be made

by emailing honeysuckle3669@ gmail.com

Further details are available on the Violet Town Facebook page.

Melba Highway landslip repair works

We’re completing critical landslip repairs on the Melba Highway in Dixons Creek, between Healesville-Kinglake Road and north of Hunts Lane.

Melba Highway will be closed to traffic and detours will be in place from 17 February to late March.

Labour Day long weekend

Melba Highway will open in both directions for the Labour Day long weekend from Friday 7 March until Tuesday 11 March with reduced speed limits.

Please support local businesses which remain open during works and are accessible by travelling via Yarra Glen.

Scan the QR code or find out more at transport.vic.gov.au/melbahighway

CLOSE to 530,000 Victorians who appear to have failed to vote in the October 2024 local council elections will have an opportunity to explain why, when they receive an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ in the coming days.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging people who receive a notice to respond with a detailed explanation, as the VEC is required to issue a fine of $99 if a person fails to respond in writing within 28 days.

“An ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ is not a fine – it’s a chance to explain why you appear not to have voted,” Mr Bluemmel said.

“If you respond to the notice in writing with a valid reason and evidence, you are much more likely to be excused.

“Completing and sending the notice back to us within the 28-day timeframe gives us a chance to consider your explanation and whether you can be excused.”

Voting in local council elections is compulsory in Victoria if you are enrolled to vote.

Voters are encouraged to sign up to receive VEC VoterAlert updates to receive reminders about future state and local council elections at: vec.vic.gov.au/VoterAlert

TALENT AT VIOLET TOWN: The Honeysuckle Art Exhibition runs from March 5-16 and will present work from a record number of local artists this year through paintings,

PHOTO: Charmayne Lane

ON OUR BEST BEHAVIOUR: Some of the finest local pooches enjoyed their day as much as their owners did.

By ANDY WILSON

FAMILY-FRIENDLY events are one thing to look forward to, but the Euroa Farmers Market seems a safe haven for pooches with Saturday morning welcoming at least 40 four-legged guests who had at the end of their leads some quite well-behaved owners.

Not a whine, bark, or single dust-up could be heard all morning.

The dogs behaved as well.

It is like they know each other.

Valentine’s plus one: ‘here for a long time’

By ANDY WILSON

THE Euroa Farmers Mar-

ket took a turn for the romantic on Saturday with local couple Tanysha Jensen and Nick Russell strolling in a er a Valentine’s date the night before at Longwood’s White Hart Hotel, and like all good romances, there was chocolate involved.

The couple introduced this correspondent to their French Bulldog Hazel and both Mark and Tanysha seemed slightly aglow as they described their dinner the night before.

“Nick’s very romantic,” Tanysha said.

Euroa Gazette: Did he buy you owers?

“No.”

Euroa Gazette: Oh, chocolate?

Day stroll through the Euroa markets. “I’m here for a long time,” Nick said.

“No, I bought him chocolate, but he’s still very romantic.”

When quizzed on the apparent imbalance, Nick did not muck about. “I’m not here for a good time, I’m here for a long time,” he said.

“It’s time for the ring on the nger I guess.”

This correspondent may have started something.

GYPSY

IVY

SKITTLES AND ALFIE

BADGER

TILLY

FLO

RUBY

NEW AND CLASSICS: Nursery guru Jo Pacolas has a large clientele across a handful of Victorian Markets and says Euroa customers know to come looking when she’s in town. “It’s a really great atmosphere as well,” Jo said.

hotplate

part of Euroa Rotary Club’s fundraising for Community Learning Euroa.

If the first bunch didn’t work, then getting

a second on the 15th just

The

sun caught this spray of lisianthus, aster, and snapdragon arranged by Amanda from Shepparton’s The Statement Piece.

PHOTOS: Andy Wilson

FROM THE FARM: THREE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE VENDORS GAVE CUSTOMERS A HUGE RANGE OF PRODUCE

Farmers market offers spread of treats

By ANDY WILSON

THE second Euroa Farmers Market for 2025 delivered a good range of 40 stalls and treats on Saturday morning as the town got back into the swing of the new year.

“As long as you’ve got bread and wine, and music and co ee,” is the dictum of the market’s manager Helen Brook on the third Saturday of any month.

“You’ve got to keep it regular for the locals.”

MOST POPULAR: WITH SATURDAY’S MARKET TIPPED TO BE A GARDENER’S FAVOURITE IN THE COOLER WEATHER, OFF THE SHELF FLEW THE NEW ‘DIAMONDS IN THE DARK’ CREPE MYRTLE.

Helen has been managing the markets since 2013 and said Saturday was ‘looking good’.

“It’s a really good spot, close to the caravan park, which is just down there, close enough to the main street - but not that close - so people can come here and get what they need before they go to the supermarket for what they couldn’t nd,” she said.

“So Binney Street is always busy on market day too.”

Helen said the day was also buoyed by Victorians who travel around to country markets across the state.

“Every time they visit a town where there’s a market on, they will stop and will buy something.”

Jo Pacolas could be one of those people, except she travels statewide as a vendor to several markets to sell her range of nursery plants, and said the Euroa market had a ‘really great atmosphere’.

“A lot of customers like to know where I am,” Jo said.

“So that they can come and look to see a di erent variety of plants I have each time.

“And it’s great to meet so

many beautiful people in the country, especially.”

The big seller for Jo on Saturday was the new line of crepe myrtle ‘Diamonds in the Dark’, which she said was popular due to its dark foliage and striking owers.

“They came in only last week, and grow to three metres.

“So they are a bit of a hit.”

Bob Irving and his team from the local Rotary club were in the centre of all the action and soon had queues forming for their tasty breakfast barbecue.

“We’re actually raising money for Community Learning Euroa,” Mr Irving said, wanting quickly to move the subject on before the stampede.

“But what we’re really excited about is applying for a new local radio station,” he said.

“We are waiting for ACMA (Australian Communications

and Media Authority) to give us a frequency and a licence to broadcast.

“We have somewhere to broadcast from but we are now applying for grants to get the money together to actually put the equipment together.

“There’s a team of people, we have even got a station manager who’s experienced.”

Helen Brook agreed that the Rotary club was one that ‘got things done’ and said the markets would not be what they are without the club.

“I’ve got all the Rotarians on board, which is fantastic,” Helen said.

“I say to one of them ‘I need this’ and they’ll pass it on to get someone to do it; they’re fantastic.”

On the matter of the radio license, Helen says it straight: “Because it’s Rotarians behind it, it’ll probably happen.”

BETWEEN THEM.

Stop reviewing and start regulating organics: Littleproud

By ANDY WILSON

COMMON sense legislation is being called for to ll the ‘identi ed’ need to regulate and protect Australia’s organic food industry.

A er a Senate committee handed down its report into the National Organic Standard Bill 2024, Nationals leader David Littleproud called for regulation to ensure organic products were ‘actually organic’.

Mr Littleproud said industry was backing the coalition’s common sense proposal.

“There is a clear and unied recognition across the organics industry that Australia’s regulatory framework is not t for purpose,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The industry doesn’t need another review or inquiry.”

Mr Littleproud said organic products were currently not required to be certi ed or comply with any particular organic standard.

“But (they) can still call themselves organic; the organics industry, as well as consumers, needs and deserves action,” he said.

“It de es logic.”

At present, products in Australia can claim to be organic with only two per cent of the ingredients being certi ed organic, in comparison to exported organic products requiring 95 per cent, and Australia is the only nation in the OECD to not have a regulatory framework for the use of the word.

Balmattum Garlic owner Amanda Rofe said she was concerned about ‘green washing’ in agriculture, which caused uncertainty in consumers.

“It can be truly hard to know what is organic and what is not,” Ms Rofe said.

“People throw those words around without any backing behind it.

TOO MUCH GREEN WASHING, SO WHY BECOME CERTIFIED?

It can be truly hard to know what is organic and what is not. People throw those words around without any backing behind it.

- AMANDA ROFE

“There is a lot of green washing around the place.”

Ms Rofe produces popular ‘chemical free’ garlic and garlic products, a status which she says is an advantage for selling her crop, despite the term having no certi ed recognition in Australia.

She said customers were satis ed with her garlic being chemical free without the need for her entire property to become fully certi ed organic.

“Certi cation is a ve-year process and so I have decided that having it chemical free is enough at this point,” Ms Rofe said.

“I don’t feel I need to be organic - I don’t need to go through that process.

“No one has ever turned their nose up at our garlic because chemical free was not enough for them.”

Ms Rofe was critical of manufacturers who label their products as ‘organic’ for food which was not fully organic, as it diluted the credibility of certified growers.

“If they are not going to pull these people up for not being certi ed but still use the word as a selling point, then what’s the point of going through that whole process?

“I think its di erent in a supermarket because you want a clear line there.

“If you are paying that extra money, then you want to de nitely know it’s organic.”

Mr Littleproud told The Euroa Gazette that a coalition government would introduce a national organic standard.

“This means they would have to be to certi ed, to comply with a particular standard,” he said.

“Importantly this would lead to ‘equivalence’, that is international products must (then) meet the same standard in Australia, not just call themselves organic when they are not.

“The bene t of domestic regulation for import and export markets and to improve consumer con dence in Australian organic produce has been clearly articulated by many submitters of the inquiry,” he said.

Mr Littleproud said the Senate committee’s report failed to adequately acknowledge the current industry support and that the former coalition government had started a pathway to setting an Australian standard for the $2 billion industry, by setting up an industry-led advisory group.

“The need for domestic regulation has already been identi ed and recommended by the Standing Committee on Agriculture’s inquiry.

“The Coalition remains committed to a domestic organic regulatory framework in Australia.

“The industry does not need another department scoping exercise.”

19 March 2025 | Doors open at 6.30pm Supper will be available for a donation. A bar will be available from Boxgrove Wines.

extra money, then you want to definitely know it’s organic,” Ms Rofe said.

BEEF WEEK

BRINGS INTEREST

TO BELLASPUR

Rule-of-thumb steers away from the bull

By ANDY WILSON

A BALMATTUM Angus stud took full advantage of this month’s Beef Week travelling exhibition to show o the ne breeding of their herd’s bloodlines on Tuesday, 4 February.

Bellaspur Angus principal Brenton Sessions said he was looking forward to the stud’s annual bull sale on Thursday, 20 March where he will be o ering 35 registered eighteen-monthold bulls on the family farm he runs with his parents on site, partner, and three children.

The bulls are from leading

sires HF Safe & Sound 019, Landfall New Ground N90, and Absolute New Ground R61.

“We have had pretty good sales very much on trend with the market,” Mr Sessions said.

“The old ‘pen of six’ rule-ofthumb I heard many years ago seems to work.”

Mr Sessions said the traditional ‘rule’ was that a young bull should sell for the same price as a pen of six steers of its progeny.

“I looked at the numbers of that over the last ve years and it correlates spot on,” he said.

“We averaged just shy of it.

“That tells me that our client base is very real world and we have farmers in there that are trying to make a living out of our genetics.”

Mr Sessions said the stud’s open day for Beef Week drew more outsiders than locals.

“The day was very good, about forty people came,” he said.

“The weather was pretty ordinary but as is expected with that, not too many locals ventured out but a lot of people on the Beef Week circuit popped in.

“We had good inquiries from new operations about outsourcing genetics.”

Due to the dry season, Mr Sessions said he had all his cows agisting at present in the western Riverina and at Yea.

He said that although he had chased certain cows for their lineage earlier on when a breeder, he has largely used the last 14 years to build up numbers.

“Breeding mainly for me is that the point of di erence is probably wanting that overall breed conformation and true-totype Angus with a good Angus head,” he said.

“And still have the performance to stand up in the weaner markets.”

By ANDY WILSON

A RECENT farming survey from a vegetable peak body has shown that third of Australia’s vegetable growers are considering leaving the industry.

The AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Survey found almost 50 per cent of growers were financially worse-off than a year ago and almost 40 per cent expected to be financially worse off in another year’s time compared to 28 per cent in the middle of

The survey also found growers were continuing to delay or reduce investing in capital infrastructure improvements, innovation, productivity improvement, and asset maintenance.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said the survey was a ‘worrying sign’ that vegetable growers were still not getting the support they needed.

“Our farmers are clearly struggling,” Mr Littleproud said.

“When supply goes down, prices go up, so 32 per cent of vegetable growers quitting would have huge consequences for families at the supermarket checkout.”

Mr Littleproud said the coalition had been calling for supermarket reform since 2022 and that a coalition government would give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) powers to audit a supermarket at any time.

“The Coalition’s plan will create a Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution (from supermarkets).

“This will be a game-changer for farmers and suppliers because it will change culture and protect those who need it most.”

PHOTO: Somerset Farm

BRENTON’S BELLASPUR BOYS FROM BALMATTUM: Brenton Sessions on his family-run stud farm at Balmattum during Beef Week, pictured with young bulls which will be o ered at his stud’s annual bull sale on Thursday, 20 March. PH

agricultural news

Grain growers to get updated

UNDERSTANDING

how arti cial intelligence is helping to develop farming, advances in spray technology, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farms are some of the key topics at an event for central Victorian grain growers next week.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) Grains Research Update will be held at Bendigo on Tuesday and Wednesday, 25-26 February.

Agronomist and carbon farmer Cam Nicholson will talk about on-farm GHG emissions and what growers need to know.

Canadian Tom Wolf will share North American farming systems of nozzle selection and spray technology.

CSIRO intelligent agricultural systems specialist Jonathan Richetti will explore how AI can help utilise farm data and drive grower pro ts.

For in-person attendees there will be many networking opportunities, including a sundowner on Wednesday evening.

Online participants will have a free livestream of presentations with the opportunity to submit questions during them.

GRDC extension

consultant Pru Cook said the event was a chance for Victorian growers to gain knowledge and experience and to develop networks.

“It builds relationships that mean a grower or adviser can phone up a researcher in the future and have an in-depth chat about an issue they’re experiencing,” Ms Cook said.

“This year’s event includes highly relevant presentations on blackleg fungicide resistance in canola crops, rede ning optimum owering times of wheat, and barley for future climates.”

The event will start at 9am Tuesday and nish at 4pm Wednesday and will be at Ulumbarra Theatre, Gaol Road, Bendigo.

For further information, contact Matt McCarthy at admin@orm. com.au or phone (03) 5441 6176

Cost is $200 per person, $100 for growers.

Saving summer soils: stock off, groundcover on

FARMERS are being reminded to keep an eye on their soils as the late summer dry continues through the region.

Graziers need to consider destocking vulnerable areas of their farm to reduce the chance of dust storms which are capable of stripping the soil of valuable organic material.

AgVic land management extension o cer Clem Sturmfels said holding stock in a paddock to make use of the last of a water source could be ‘all it takes’ to expose the soil to wind erosion.

“The most vulnerable areas are those with lightly textured soils, little groundcover and shelter belts, and topography that exposes them to high wind speeds,” Mr Sturmfels said.

“Wind erosion can start anywhere the soil has been disturbed, such as in gateways, along tracks and around water troughs.

“Once the process of wind erosion starts it can be nearly impossible to stop.”

DE-STOCK TO SAVE SOIL: Farmers are being urged to not compromise soil health by allowing stock to stay too long in paddocks at the end of summer.

Lighter textured soils are those containing a high proportion of sand with little or no clay. Bare soil is also susceptible to oxidation and microbial activity that can release stored carbon and nitrogen.

Mr Sturmfels said wind erosion could be prevented by maintaining as much ground cover as possible and avoiding disturbing the soil.

$26m NLIS grant quite uplifting

A MODERNISED and ‘signi cantly improved’ version of the National Livestock Identi cation System (NLIS) database is to be developed thanks to recent federal funding. Integrity Systems Company (ISC) is the recipient of a $3.9m grant from the Australian government to support existing so ware integrators to transition to an ‘upli ed’ version of the NLIS which will be delivered by 30 June 2026.

The project will ensure Australia has a t-for-purpose and user-friendly livestock traceability platform which will offer exibility and scalability to track all livestock movements.

The NLIS Database Upli Project is supported by a $22.5 million funding grant which was announced by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry in 2023 as part of the ‘Bolstering Australia’s biosecurity system’ package.

The grant will be administered by ISC to help so ware providers with the costs of transitioning to the new system.

ISC CEO Jo Quigley said this latest funding grant will ensure that the traceability needs of Australia’s livestock industry will continue to be met.

“Third-party so ware integrators play a vital role in enabling the industry to meet NLIS requirements e ciently and e ectively,” Ms Quigley said.

“The NLIS Database Upli Project will deliver a more robust and reliable traceability platform, designed to improve data accuracy, simplify processes, and support seamless compliance with livestock traceability regulations.”

ISC will administer the grant funding and distribute funds to eligible applicants.

“Aim for 80 per cent cover in pasture paddocks and 60 per cent cover in crop stubbles.

“Ground cover also helps moderate temperature extremes in soil and retains moisture.”

Good ground cover also allows for soil recovery following the autumn break.

Further information can be found at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or by phoning 136 186.

NOMINATIONS are being called for Australia’s first major soil health award to recognise those who are actively working in soil conservation and improvement.

The 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award was named for the late Governor General and recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others.

Major General Michael Jeffery was Australia’s first soils advocate who lobbied for improvement in Australia’s agricultural landscape.

The award accepts nominations from individuals, groups or organisations who are involved in activities to protect and improve soil health, and include Landcare groups, farmers, farming systems groups, land managers, extension specialists, and educators.

All award nominations will be assessed by an independent Advisory Panel with an understanding and experience in soil health.

The award winner will receive $20,000 in funding to complete an agreed soils project. Nominations close Monday, 31 March 2025 and can be found at https:// landcareaustralia.org.au/soilhealthaward/

Rural blokes, this one’s for you!

"Are You Bogged Mate?" is a down-to-earth mental health presentation designed specifically for country men. Delivered by Mary O’Brien, this event tackles the tough stuff—depression, mental health, and the challenges of rural life—with relatable advice and practical tools to get you back on track.

Learn how to recognise the signs of being "bogged," connect with local resources, and take steps to support yourself and your mates.

This event for men, provides a safe space for honest conversations and meaningful support.

Hosted by Strathbogie Shire Council as part of our commitment to building resilience and well-being in our community.

Don’t miss this powerful and life-changing event. Your mental health matters.

Friday, 21 March 2025

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The White Hart Hotel Longwood

Dinner provided Please

PHOTO: Andy Wilson

Lots of firsts as the ‘ABC’ of Euroa’s show gets ready

By ANDY WILSON

TEAGAN Kubeil is no stranger to ‘firsts’.

As chief cattle steward for Euroa’s Autumn Beef Cattle Show, she thinks a shortened name for the town’s prize cattle event might be a good start one year; but not this year.

“I don’t know, but yeah, the ‘Euroa ABC Show’ might work,” Teagan said.

At the top of her list for this year’s event on the weekend of 1-2 March, however, are things more pressing than a name change, and the 23-year-old stock agent appears to be well on top of things.

In her second year running the event, she is confident she can get entry numbers back up after a drop in cattle last year.

“The numbers last year were definitely down on the previous years,” she said.

“That’s to be expected when there’s a change of management, and obviously people are trying to get a gauge of how it was going to go.

“This year we’re expecting, and I’d be happy with, about 100 to 120 head.”

To draw the crowds and entries, Teagan is promising some new changes.

“There are lots of big things

coming this year, and I was able to get some help from obviously the ag’ show society and some other people.”

The Autumn Beef Cattle Show comes under the umbrella of the Euroa Agricultural Society as a complementary event to the society’s successful October agriculture show every year.

Teagan has arranged for guest speakers, trade stalls, a coffee van, music from Jimmy Davidson, gourmet food from Balmattum butchers, and raffles.

“We’ve also got some vintage and new tractors as well.”

She said she hoped the weekend would be an opportunity for producers to have a distraction away from the farm.

“It is obviously a tough year for farmers this year, there’s not much rain about, so it would be a good event for them to get out and mingle and have a chat. “A lot of the exhibitors will do that too, they’re not there just to show their cattle.”

There will be activities for children, including face painting and an opportunity to enjoy their first contact with animals by visiting the display pens, something Teagen stresses is not just for the kids.

“It’s for the adult novices too, for people that might not be familiar with the agriculture industry; it’s a good time to come and learn and not just show your kids animals for the first time.”

However, Teagan’s eyes are well-focused on the future as she sees the event to evolve each year to become a new ‘first’.

“Often you’ll find competitors are paying more to show cattle than they actually win in prize money, so hopefully it will become a bit of a cattle sale over time,” she said.

Teagen likens the aspiration to the annual Nutrien Classic Campdraft & Sale which is now in its 18th year, having first been an equine competition for riders to ‘cut out’ a steer from a herd on horseback.

“That just started out as a little thing like we’ve got here and then turned into a massive horse sale.

“I think that’s where we’re trying to go, to something bigger.”

This young lady has vision.

The 2025 Euroa Autumn Beef Cattle Show will be held at the Euroa Showgrounds on Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 March.

Entry is free.

EUROA’s CATTLE WOMAN: Teagan Kubeil is now in her second year of running Euroa’s burgeoning Autumn Beef Cattle Show and has a vision for the popular event’s future.

PHOTO: Andy Wilson

Smoke sensor to save wine industry millions

Science breakthrough: not all smoke taints grapes

A SMOKE sensor developed by La Trobe University researchers in conjunction with local vineyards has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars in lost wine production.

The sensor is in the process of being rolled out across the wine industry with monitors now being used to track the impact of bushres that have ravaged the Grampians this summer.

Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) – known as ‘wizards’ –track smoke events like bush res and burn o s around vineyards.

The data can then advise winegrowers whether smoke is likely to taint their grapes and if they need to discard their season’s harvest or use winemaking techniques to remove the taint.

Data taken during trials of the sensor through the 2020 bushres that devastated wine regions across Australia’s east coast found that $100-$150 million worth of grapes were needlessly discarded over unfounded concerns they were tainted by smoke.

Australian agtech provider Goanna Ag has now signed on to commercialise the WISDs over the next two years, during which time the hardware and algorithm will be further validated in real-world re events and the network of WISDs expanded to other wine regions across Australia.

La Trobe University academic Ian Porter led the WISDs research and the risk model over the last 10 years with cooperation from Krystallo Estate and Ros Ritchie Wines at Mans eld as eld sites.

Professor Porter said trials of

Water storage holds in the dry

VICTORIA’S 2023-24 summer rain is holding local water storages strongly, to carry irrigators though this summer’s drier conditions according to a report from local water broker Waterfind.

Allocations for local irriga-

tion remain at 100 per cent of reliability, with Goulburn inward trade with the Murray open and outward trade closed.

Despite the annual rainfall for dam catchment being at zero per cent to February,

storages remain relatively high.

Lake Eildon is at 75 per cent capacity compared to 97 per cent at the same time last year, and Lake Eppalock is at 75 per cent (99 per cent last year).

their sensor in vineyards across south-eastern Australia had found that smoke tainted wine grapes a lot less than viticulturalists believed, which meant vineyards could avoid significant losses of grapes that winegrowers had previously believed were ruined.

“Growers think that all smoke causes smoke taint, but data collected by our team has for the rst time globally linked the amount of fresh smoke needed in vineyards to smoke taint in the bottle,” Prof Porter said.

“This sensor has the potential to save a heap of grapes they would usually throw away, which can be nancially and emotionally devastating for winegrowers, and it’s one of the reasons we developed the WISDs.

“This has been the Holy Grail of research that’s now being solved.”

Krystallo Estate grapes manager Shannon Pennington has been with the wine company for ve years and said some controlled burn-o s behind their estate during the trial were monitored by two of the sensors on the property.

“There was a reading one morning that was up a bit, a slight spike but only for een minutes,” Mr Pennington said.

“I am no expert on tasting the wine but those who are said they couldn’t taste any smoke taint at all.

“It had no e ect.”

The prototype smoke loggers have been developed by La Trobe University researchers and supported with funding from Wine Australia, La Trobe University,

and other partners, including the Victorian and Australian governments and regional wine associations.

A network of 100 prototype loggers was deployed in vineyards in North East Victoria a er the catastrophic bush res in 2020, with the technology re ned in the years that followed.

Operating like the networks that continuously monitor air quality for human health, the data loggers calculate risk ratings for smoke taint drawn from a vast database of smoke, grapes, and wine data collected by La Trobe during more than 70 controlled burns and eight major bush res.

This knowledge links smoke dose to smoke composition, phenol levels in grapes and wine, and their sensory outcomes in wines. It also includes burn conditions, distance from the burn, grapevine variety, and the timing of exposure during the season.

Prof Porter said the ndings also showed that in the majority of cases, winegrowers need not be concerned that smoke from planned controlled burns might taint their grapes.

“The WISD is an amazing breakthrough for Australian growers and wine producers. It provides the sector with an extremely valuable tool to use during any smoke event to determine whether there is a problem or not,” he said.

“Having results in real time greatly reduces stress for growers and winemakers and allows them to market their grapes and produce wine with con dence.”

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Saturday 22nd February, Holy Eucharist

12.30pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday 23rd February,

9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

Enq: 0418 579 168 www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All Welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday February 23rd, 10am

Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.

Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM

Enq: Pastor Rob Archer 0408 513 566

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Services at Kelvin View Hall

Sunday February 23rd

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

Wednesday 8am Mass

Friday 12.30pm Mass

Saturday Vigil Mass

6pm St. John’s Church Euroa

Sunday Mass

8.30am St Patrick’s Longwood

10.30am St Attracta’s Violet Town

Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048

For Baptisms and weddings please contact Fr Tony or the Parish Office

UNITING CHURCH

St Andrew’s, Euroa

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

Everyone Welcome

Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103

Judi Ward 0437 686 072

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

Enq: Joan Wood 5795 1175

St Andrew’s Violet Town

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am All Welcome

Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866

EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Old School House, Clifton St Euroa

Every Sunday Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests.

10am Service

Enquiries: Josh 0402 427 955

By ANDY WILSON

to hunting announcement Duck seasons 2025-27 announced dates draw praise, bird flu concern

THE announcement of Victoria’s 2025 duck hunting season has been both welcomed by hunters and slammed by conservationists.

Minister for outdoor recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced the key dates and times for the 2025 season on Friday with the additional news that the dates would remain xed for the next three years.

This season will also be the rst to use the adaptive harvest management (AHM) to guide the daily bag limit and which is tailored to Victoria’s speci c conditions, habitats, and species.

Victorian Duck Hunters Association (VDHA) welcomed the announcement.

In a statement on Friday, VDHA commended the government’s use of ‘sound’ science in making their announcement.

“VDHA is pleased that the government’s commitment to deliver safe, sustainable, and responsible hunting continues to be delivered as per the sustainable hunting action plan,” the statement said.

“With good seasonal conditions hunters can take to the eld once again with con dence, continuing long held traditions, enhance familial bonds, harvest free range game, and importantly contribute to regional economies.”

The season will open at 8am on

Usual

Wednesday, 19 March and close 30 minutes a er sunset on Sunday, 9 June.

The hunting start time is 8am until 30 minutes a er sunset for the rst ve days, then from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes a er sunset for the remainder of the season.

The daily bag limit will be nine game ducks per day, with seven game duck species allowed to be hunted.

The Blue-winged Shoveler cannot be hunted at any time of year.

In the announcement, Mr Dimopoulos said $11.6 million would be invested to ensure proper compliance and enforcement measures were in place so duck hunting could remain safe and sustainable.

“Duck hunting is a legitimate activity that matters to thousands of Victorians and we’re making sure it can continue sustainably and responsibly – backed by science,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Our wounding reduction action plan will improve animal welfare and is a signi cant step to make sure recreational hunting can continue sustainably in Victoria.”

Field and Game Australia (FGA) also welcomed the announcement and said certainty around the next three seasons’ starting date and length gave hunters and associated industry the surety needed to plan in advance.

In a statement, FGA said the government’s announcement was a return to ‘proper process’.

“This means that only bag limits and minor management measures will be subject to change - just as it should be under a properly functioning regulatory system,” the statement said.

“Hunters have long called for a return to consistency, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making - and this announcement delivers on that expectation.”

Duck conservation stalwart and Coalition Against Duck Shooting (CADS) director Laurie Levy slammed the announcement and said Premier Jacinta Allan will again have the blood of Australia’s native waterbirds on her hands.

Mr Levy said Ms Allan had ignored ‘all the warnings’ that waterbird numbers were already low and that hunting would risk spreading the recently found new and highly pathogenic strain of bird u virus.

“With the imminent threat of the deadly H5N1 bird u, which has already killed hundreds of millions of birds and other wildlife on every other continent, and the H7N8 strain now detected on two poultry farms in northern Victoria, the Premier’s call is totally irresponsible,” Mr Levy said.

“These viruses could be present in native waterbirds on any Victorian wetland and disturbance by shooters would only spread them further a eld.”

Mr Levy said Ms Allan had disregarded the October 2024 Eastern Australian Waterbird Aerial Survey which he said shows a ‘collapse’ of overall waterbird populations.

“The Premier’s decision to allow duck shooting also disregards Labor’s own parliamentary inquiry which recommended a total ban on native bird hunting from 2024,” he said.

“Premier Allan reportedly made a ‘captain’s call’ under threat from two heavyweight union bosses who threatened a mass walkout on all Big Build projects if duck shooting was banned.”

FGA told its members they could not a ord to be complacent.

“This commitment must not be a temporary concession but a lasting precedent for all future governments to follow,” he said.

“The hunting community must remain vigilant and actively engaged to ensure that this process is not reversed, diluted, or manipulated in the years ahead.”

Mr Levy said dead birds will again be displayed outside the Premier’s o ce when the season begins.

PHOTO: Game Management Australia

Euroa Lawn suffers first loss of the season in Division one battle

By CAROLINE KEENAN

THERE were a couple of surprise results in the Goulburn Murray Lawn Tennis Association (GMLTA) and the Benalla and District Tennis Association (BDTA) as the season draws to a close and all eyes turn towards finals.

In Division one of the BDTA, an undermanned Euroa Lawn outfit recorded its first loss for the season when it went down to Benalla Lawn Green.

After putting in a huge week at Country Week, Kevin Bott worked hard to claim two of his three sets and contribute significantly to his side’s tally, but it was not quite enough.

The final score was Benalla Lawn Green 55 to Euroa Lawn 49.

In Division two, Dan Godsmark had a great afternoon to comfortably win his three sets and set up a strong win for Euroa Lawn over Violet Town.

The score was Euroa Lawn 59 to Violet Town 27.

In the penultimate round of the

GMLTA, Euroa White, competing in the GM2 Open section, had a day to forget when it lowered its colours to KPOS Commandos.

The Euroa side, no doubt fatigued after its huge Country Week win, lost 10 out of 11 sets to the secondplaced Commandos.

The score was Euroa White 36 to KPOS Commandos 78.

Euroa Blue has moved into third spot on the ladder after comfortably accounting for Shepparton Lawn Blues.

Matt Teasdale, who is in fantastic touch heading into the finals, conceded just four games for the afternoon.

The final score was Euroa Blue 77 to Shepparton Lawn Blues 45.

In GM3, Euroa Green’s winning streak continues after it made very light work of the visiting Cobram Crickets.

Josh Higgins enjoyed a successful day on the court by winning his three sets and helping set up the devastating win.

Vic Country clinches victory over Euroa in a thrilling finish

LAST Sunday, the Euroa Veterans cricket side made their way to the picturesque Rochester Cricket Ground to take on the Vic Country 10-Year Veterans in the Victoria Country side.

Despite being vastly undermanned, with star player Rick O’Bree representing Victoria in the Barossa Valley Carnival and several regulars unavailable due to family commitments, Euroa fought hard.

To even the playing field, we borrowed four players from teams that had byes last weekend.

Sent into bat by Vic Country, Euroa’s innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Man of the Match, Gary Ablett.

Playing with patience and precision, Ablett retired on 37 runs, a composed innings that included some fine stroke play, featuring a few well-timed boundaries and a six.

Well done, superstar. Dave Gleeson followed up with a solid 28, and nearly every batsman got a start. However, Vic Country’s bowlers maintained tight lines, and their fielding was sharp throughout the innings.

With the borrowed players also contributing valuable runs, Euroa finished their 20 overs at 6/142.

With acting captain Phil Brown unable to bowl due to a back niggle, local legend Roger McKernan opened the attack.

He set the tone early, conceding just seven runs in his first three overs, including a key wicket. From the other end, Brown toiled away brilliantly, bowling two maidens before he held onto two stunning catches.

That appointment at Specsavers has officially been cancelled.

The score was Euroa Green 76 to Cobram Crickets 32.

With wickets falling steadily, the home side found themselves 4 for 72 at the halfway mark.

Keeping hopes alive for a famous victory, Peter Malore stepped up with a breakthrough wicket in his second over, while imports John Thomas and Trevor Saber played pivotal roles in tightening the screws. Saber finished with 1 for 14 from an exceptionally tight spell.

In the end, Vic Country managed to chase down the target, reaching 143 with three overs to spare.

A fantastic contest played in great spirit, with plenty of highlights and memorable performances from both sides.

A big thank you to Rochester Cricket Ground for hosting, and to the players who filled in to ensure a great game.

OPENING UP: Rod Anderson unleashes a powerful backhand return.

FULL REACH: Lachie Robinson lunges to his right as he digs in to return the ball.

SLICING IN: Josh Higgins digs deep with this penetrating shot.

UPPER CUT: Fiona Robertson tries an unconventional shot to finish this point.

MOVING FORWARD: Debbie Seach confidently moves into the net.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ILLEGAL FIRES

REGIONAL Victorians are being asked to be on the lookout for illegally lit res during the continuing bush re season a er a ‘concerning’ rise in o ences over the last ve years.

More than 1100 illegal res were recorded in Victoria since 2019, according to data recently released by CFA and the Crime Statistics Agency

During that time there were 1,010 recorded instances of lighting a re during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and 187 cases of lighting a re on a Total Fire Ban (TFB) day.

The FDP is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when fire restrictions apply due to increased fire risk.

A TFB is declared on days of extreme conditions, prohibiting any res in the open air.

Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing an open-air re to escape during a declared FDP can include nes of up to $23,710, 12 months imprisonment, or both.

The penalties double if the escape occurs on a TFB day.

CFA chief o cer Jason He ernan said the stats were ‘worrying’.

“Lighting a re during the re danger period and on days of total re ban puts lives, homes,

and emergency responders at risk,” Mr He ernan said.

“If you ignore re restrictions, you could be facing serious legal repercussions and more importantly, you could be responsible for devastating losses.

“Victoria is already one of the most re-prone regions in the world, so we certainly don’t need unnecessary challenges created by carelessness or deliberate acts.”

A recent incident in Diamond Creek on Monday, January 20 saw CFA crews arrive to nd smoke issuing from a pile of green tree branches stacked approximately a metre high.

Victoria Police attended the scene and are now pursuing charges against the resident for lighting a re during Nillumbik Shire Council’s FDP.

All Victorian municipalities are currently in the FDP.

Illegal or suspicious re activity should be reported immediately to triple zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MAKE THE CALL: Illegal or suspicious fire activity should be reported immediately to triple zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

CFA exemptions fail to

THE state government has been slammed for failing to support emergency service volunteers, with recent reports indicating that they have allocated $6 million to cover levy exemptions.

The reports, found in a budget update tabled in Parliament, also

refers to the exemptions as coming into play from July 1, 2026.

Nationals member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the amount was insu cient and was initially planned to to come into e ect 12 months earlier.

“The levy exemption had the

opportunity to provide much needed relief to our dedicated volunteers, however it is clear it will fail to address key issues within our emergency services,” Ms Cleeland said.

“With over 55,000 volunteers, this $6 million will fail to provide the

necessary exemptions for our landowners, while also failing to improve core issues within brigades and units such as decreasing volunteer numbers, ageing vehicles, and ine ective facilities.”

Ms Cleeland has long been calling for a reduction in the fire service levy for volunteers and said the government needed to urgently address a ‘failure’ to prioritise frontline services.

“Victorians expect their contributions to strengthen emergency services, not disappear into a black hole of mismanagement.”

The best way to reach the Strathbogie

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classifieds@nemedia.com.au

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GIBSON, Margaret (Gladys). 28/12/1932 – 27/1/2025

Aged 92 years.

Beloved wife of Jim (dec). Mother and mother-in-law of Ian and Sue, Christine, Robyn and Alan, Louise and Les. Grandmother of Vivian, Brendan, Amelia, Thomas, Angeline, Kathleen, Michelle, Shannon, Ebony, Julian, Lynden, Lauren. Great-Nan of her great-grandchildren. Private interment.

As per her wishes, from the farm to the grave.

DASH, Duane Neil.

24/2/1969-12/2/2016

In my heart you will always stay, Loved and remembered every day.

God Bless, Happy Birthday on February 24, 2025. ~ Mum.

Personal Notices

to

MITSUBISHI ASX 2017, 90000km, registered until June 2025 1OJ4NB, $15000. PH 0402 118 361

MAZDA BT50 2013 Freestyle cab/tray, diesel, 4x2, manual, 79,000kms, one owner, regularly serviced, RWC, reg (1BN6TC), $19,000. Enquiries 0427 817 166.

N J Todd Funeral Directors

Member AFDA

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

Damien Feehan Justin Feehan

2022 Volvo XC 60. Registered BVC024 until Jan 2026. Warranty until Jan 2027. Travelled only 48500 Km. Price $45,000. Phone Tony 0409239326 RWC provided.

MAZDA 3 SP25 2009, one owner, 255,000km, RWC, reg (XKA544), immaculately maintained, fullservice history available, very reliable 4cyl 2.5L, auto, $6750. Ph 0409 814 364.

2009 Honda CTX BUSHLANDER. Good condition, Approx 14,000kms, VIN 9C2M35UO8R002382, New fork seals, resent oil change, tires 80 %, Everything works, No further use $2,300 ono PH 0499036050.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, leather seats, services as per logbook. 4 cylinder 2.2lit Diesel, auto, 1WK 1KR,130,000kms, RWC, $26,350.00 ONO. Phone Maxwell K Batey 0419 547 308.

2013 ISUZU MUX LSU 4X4, turbo diesel, good condition, 280,090kms, reg (1II4XI), $26,000 ONO. Ph 0498 118 997.

YAMAHA XJR1300, excellent condition, only 17,600km, regretful sale due to ill health, $6000. Ph 0427 500 800.

1998 Jayco Eagle 12ft folding camper, excellent condition, queen size bed, provisions for 2-3 children comfortably, reg (R91716), $12,000. Ph 0490 780 438.

QUINTREX

BayHunter runabout, 1992, 4.4 metre aluminium V-hull, with canopy and side window panels, trailer and 40HP Mercury engine, life jackets, reg to Sep 25, $12,000 ONO. Ph 0419 870 472.

2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 126,000km, manual, 17" alloy wheels, TRD upgrades,

CHARGING FORWARD: Buffy McFarlane aims to shake up the game with this bold attacking shot.

Euroa and Avenel bowls clubs gearing up for thrilling finals campaigns

EUROA BOWLS CLUB

By GREG BLATCHFORD

AS the home and away rounds come to a close, the club is gearing up for finals with three sides in the mix.

Midweek Division four, Weekend Division four, and Weekend Division six have all secured the double chance – a strong result for the club.

Midweek Division five came close, while Division one sides put in admirable performances against some of the toughest competition.

Weekend Division Results

The Weekend Division one side had a hard-fought draw against Mooroopna, finishing 67-67 with nine points.

In the game, Shane Drysdale, Jeremy Boruch, Charmaine Reid, and John Groat secured a narrow 1615 victory in one rink, while Tony Kingma, Bill Sargood, Sam Barkly, and Keith Kruse dominated their rink with a 26-10 result.

However, other rinks didn’t go in the club’s favour, with Marc Stevens, David Cerini, Kev Milner, and Margaretha Cerini suffering a significant loss, 07-23.

Weekend Division four faced topranked Alexandra and went down by a mere three shots, losing 74-77 but securing four valuable points by winning two rinks.

Division six played strongly to defeat Alexandra 77-42, securing 14 points.

Ladder Positions:

Division one: Sixth with 89 points.

Division four: Second with 159 points (one point ahead of thirdplaced Dookie).

Division six: First with 133 points (ahead of Nagambie on percentage).

Midweek Division Results:

In Midweek Pennant Division one, the side put in a strong showing against Shepp Golf, though they went down 49-57, earning three points.

Division four had a narrow twopoint victory over East Shepp, while Division five was unable to match Violet Town, losing 46-70.

Midweek Ladder Positions:

Division one: Seventh with 72 points.

Division four: Second with 164 points. Division five: Sixth with 104 points.

Upcoming Finals Action:

Midweek Pennant Division four will face Shepp Park at East Shepp, with a 9:45am roll-up for a 10 am start.

Unfortunately, the club won’t be hosting any Midweek finals, but supporters are encouraged to show up and cheer the team on.

In Weekend Pennant finals, Division four plays Alexandra at Nagambie, Division six tackles Nagambie at East Shepp, and the club will host four matches from other divisions.

With resources stretched, the club is confident that its players and volunteers will rise to the challenge.

Rodwell’s Business House Bowls:

In the Rodwell’s Business House bowls competition, the Lions Club currently sits in first place, two points clear of seven other teams.

With just two rounds remaining, competition will heat up on the green this Wednesday night.

Nifty 50 Draws: Lastly, the last two Nifty 50 draws will take place on Friday night.

All members and supporters are invited to join in the fun.

The finals season promises to be an exciting time for the club.

With players giving their best on and off the green, the club looks set

for an action-packed conclusion to the season.

Bowl well, and best of luck to all teams.

AVENEL BOWLS CLUB

By KATE DONOVAN

AS the home and away season concludes, Avenel Bowls Club is gearing up for an exciting finals campaign, with three of its four Pennant teams qualifying for the post-season.

The Midweek Pennant Division three team will face Nagambie at East Shepparton in the first semifinal.

Midweek Pennant Division six will also play Nagambie at East Shepparton in the second semifinal.

The Weekend Pennant Division three team will compete against Shepparton Golf at Tatura Hill Top in the second semi-final.

Midweek Pennant – Division three: Avenel’s Midweek Division three team faced a tough challenge in their final home-and-away round, suffering their first loss of the new year to Numurkah, zero – 38 to 16 – 67.

Despite the loss, Avenel remains focused on next week’s first semifinal against Nagambie.

In a low-scoring contest, Pam Pedder, Grace Kenworthy, Glen Bell, and Dennis McGregor (s) were up six to three after nine ends. However, Numurkah’s strong second half saw them take the lead by the fifteenth end.

Avenel fought back to even the score at 14 all on the second-last end, but Numurkah managed to edge out a win with a 17 – 14 result.

Jenny Furletti, Moiann Papageorgiou, Fay Hateley, and Noel Slater (s) struggled initially, losing the first eight ends as they

adjusted to the pace of the green.

However, they won eight of the next ten ends, but Numurkah held on for a 24 – 11 victory.

James Wall, Kate Donovan, Geoff Hateley, and Spud Furletti (s) won only seven ends, outclassed by the Numurkah side, who claimed a 26 – 13 victory.

Midweek Pennant – Division six: Avenel’s Midweek Division six side produced an inspiring victory at home against ladder-leaders Colbinabbin, securing their spot in the finals.

Avenel won 12 – 43 to Colbinabbin two – 37.

With scores level on the 17th end, Robyn Hyland, Ron Harrison, Nyoli Bell, and Rusty Schwab (s) took control, finishing strong with eight shots over the final four ends to win 25 – 18.

Mark Morse, Marion Gittus, Marg Harrison, and Bill O’Connor (s) were narrowly defeated by one shot, 19 –18, in a thrilling finish, with Colbinabbin emerging victorious.

Weekend Pennant – Division three:

Avenel’s four-game winning streak in Weekend Pennant Division three was brought to an end during a challenging road trip to Eildon.

Avenel lost narrowly by one shot, 74 – 75.

Pam Pedder, Donna Rowley, Josh McDonald, and Jake Wall (s) enjoyed a strong start, leading by eleven shots by the sixth end.

They maintained their dominance throughout the game, winning 30 – 15.

James Wall, Grace Kenworthy, Geoff Hateley, and Spud Furletti (s) bounced back after losing the lead on the 12th end, scoring five shots on the 13th end to regain the lead and win 23 – 16.

In a tight contest, Jenny Furletti, Graham Lewis, Fay Hateley, and

Noel Slater (s) were neck and neck with their opponents, drawing even five times before Eildon sealed a 17 – 14 victory over the final three ends.

However, Howard Geldard, Glen Bell, Brett McDonald, and Dennis McGregor (s) struggled against Eildon, losing 27 – seven after a promising start.

Weekend Pennant – Division seven:

Avenel’s final game of the homeand-away season took place at Murchison, with the home side securing a victory based on overall shots.

The match ended in a two – 34 to Avenel two – 47 scoreline.

Walter Pedder, Marion Gittus, Kate Donovan, and Rusty Schwab (s) had a slow start, losing the first four ends.

However, they won seven consecutive ends mid-game, securing a 24 – 18 victory.

Kyle Pedder, Mark Morse, Nyoli Bell, and Ross Sinclair (s) had a strong start, leading eight to one after six ends.

After a brief rain delay, Murchison won twelve consecutive ends to take the match 29 – 10.

Looking Ahead to Finals:

With three out of four Pennant teams advancing to the finals, Avenel Bowls Club is poised for an exciting finish to the season.

The Midweek Pennant Division three and six teams will play Nagambie in their respective semifinals, while Weekend Pennant Division three faces Shepparton Golf at Tatura Hill Top.

With the finals just around the corner, Avenel’s players are ready to give their best effort in pursuit of a championship.

All members and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer on the teams during the finals series.

Best of luck to everyone involved.

ARMED ATTACK: Peter Naughton releases the bowl with precision and great effect.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

Euroa Junior CFA impresses at Echuca and Bendigo meets

By TYSON THOMPSON

THE Euroa Junior CFA running team has hit the ground running in 2025 with impressive performances at recent competitions in Echuca and Bendigo.

The team has shown excellent dedication and determination, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

On the morning of the first competition in Echuca, the bus departed Euroa just after 6:30am, and the excitement was high among the young athletes.

This event marked the first regional demonstration for the year, and the Euroa team was eager to compete.

Charlee Rieusset kicked off the day with a strong performance in the “hydrant race” on the main track, competing against Kyneton.

Charlee delivered a solid run and hydrant set but narrowly missed out as the fastest loser.

Meanwhile, on the Marshall track, Will Britten, Olivia Thomson, Will Mann (team captain), and Mia Rieusset ran in the under14s 4Y event.

The team finished in the top 10, showcasing their tal-

Euroa’s

Front: Mia Rieusset, Benji Mann, Charlee Rieusset.

ent and teamwork.

Euroa’s athletes continued to impress throughout the day with many recording great times.

The following weekend saw the team head to Bendigo, where several returning members were joined by new faces.

Molly, Maddison, Koby, and Riely were welcomed back to the team, while Benji Mann and Charlotte King made their debut.

Despite the challenging conditions on the main wet track and dry Marshall track, the Euroa team delivered outstanding results.

Coach Teagan Kubeil was

full of praise for both the under-14s and under-17s teams, urging the team to keep up their hard work during training sessions held on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Looking ahead, the Euroa Junior CFA team is gearing up for more competitions, with the next stop in Echuca followed by an event in Melton.

The state championships at Mooroopna on March 22 and 23 will be a key focus for the team as they aim to continue their success.

New members are always welcome to join the squad and be part of this exciting journey.

Alex Burton reigns supreme in Nolan Trophy

EUROA GOLF CLUB

By RICHARD JOHNSON

SOME welcome relief from the extreme summer heat conditions brought big fields to the events sponsored by Trotters Mitre 10 Hardware.

The final stroke round of the Nolan Trophy had a field of 46 men.

The early players got the best of the conditions with strong winds and pesky showers making it tough going later in the day.

Laurie McMartin’s 73-2-Net 71 just pipped Chris Burke on a countback in Division one.

Division two, Paul Jones’s run of good form continued with 89–22–67. Balls down the line went to Ross Wishart and Chris Head 72, John Gilbert and Scotty Meehan 73.

Visitors from Shepparton, Wangaratta and Jubilee also joined the event.

Only six of the 46 players managed to play to their handicaps, and a dozen or so players had a tough day out with scores above Net 80. Alex Burton maintained his good form for the third round to win the Nolan Trophy and add another generation of Burton golfers to the club honour boards.

The final leaderboard showed Alex Burton on 214 ahead of Nicholas Murray 218.

Pete McMahon was on 219, Laurie McMahon 222, Richard Eddy 223, Charlie Watson 224, David Baker 226, Matt Mills 226, Spencer Mildren-Nicel 228 and Keith Seeber 228.

Thirty-four players competed in the second round of the Twilight Keith Seeber event, which saw another junior, Grace Eddy, pick up

the win with 21 points, one point ahead of Robyn Anthony and Dot Rule.

Seven rounds into the Kinross Farms Euroa Hotel Twilight Shootout sees Rae Farmer on top with 20.5 points, followed by Robyn Anthony 20, Robert Lummas 16.5, Brian Rule 16, Jackson Walker 15.5, Sam Mills 14, Dot Rule 14, with Bruce Demmery, Grace Eddy and Michelle Grady sitting in the top 10 playoff spots.

However, nine other players are within 1.5 points of a spot in the top 10.

Wednesday’s hot weather reduced the field to just eight.

Next Saturday is a Stableford round, with the junior series commencing on Saturday, February 24.

EUROA LADIES GOLF

By DEBRA COX

WEDNESDAY was a Stableford round with nine players for 18 holes and four playing nine holes.

The weather was kind, and the course is in top condition with lots of run, it’s a real pleasure to play.

If you are thinking about having a hit now is the time to get out there.

Winner of Division 1/2 was Deb Cox (it’s been a while since I wrote that name) with 37 points.

A rare lucky day for me.

Lorraine Ellis scored a ball down the line with 35 points.

Kae Lummas took out the nine hole comp with 19 points.

Nearest to the Pin on the Eighth: Erica Mercer, 12th: Judy McLean and 18th: Robin Lied.

Drive and Pitch on the fifth: Robin Lied and 15th: Deb Cox.

Saturday February 15 was Pa and the final round of the Summer Cup

with eighteen women playing.

The weather in the afternoon was cool, showery and very windy.

Challenging conditions which no doubt impacted on the scoring with just several women coming in on the plus side.

Most of the field were in the negative range.

The winner was Robyn Anthony with an impressive plus four.

Mandy Edwards, clearly back in form, with a plus three.

Judy McLean with plus one and Michelle Thomson came in square.

Well done to all those ladies.

This has made it tricky to predict the winner of the Summer Cup.

We are indebted to our Captain, Sarah Bullen, who needs to review all three rounds to determine a clear winner which will be announced at Presentation night later this year.

Nearest to the Pin on the: Deb Cox, 12th: Freda Edwards and 18th: Dee McMartin.

Drive and Pitch on the fifth: Robin Lied and 15th: Gail Allen.

Next Wednesday is Par and Saturday will be Stableford.

NAGAMBIE

LADIES GOLF

By KARYN THOMPSON

RESULTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5.

EIGHT players took to the course for a stroke round in rather windy conditions.

The A and B grade winner was Kylie Carmichael, posting a score of 100/26/74.

In C grade, Marg Harrison claimed victory with a score of 128/40/88.

Kylie also secured the nine-hole

competition win with 52/13/39.

Nearest the pin on the eighth hole was Irene Keogh.

Balls down the line for the 18hole competition went to Kylie Carmichael with a net 74 and Irene Keogh with a net 79.

In the nine-hole competition, balls down the line were awarded to Kylie with a net 39 and Bev Brown with a net 40, edging out Irene Keogh on a countback.

Kylie Carmichael also claimed the Seymour Club Voucher.

RESULTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12.

Nine players competed in a Stableford round, where high temperatures made conditions challenging.

Bev Brown was the winner of A and B grades with 36 points, while Marg Harrison took out C grade with 27 points.

Bev also secured victory in the nine-hole competition, the Monthly Medal and the Seymour Club Voucher.

Balls down the line for the 18hole competition went to Bev Brown with 36 points and Kylie Carmichael with 35 points.

In the 9-hole competition, balls down the line were awarded to Bev with 20 points and Kylie with 19 points.

Nearest the pin winners were Annette Mills on the third hole and Bev Brown on the 16th hole.

NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB

By DAVID LOVE

THE fourth round of the Summer Trophy felt like winter had arrived, with the temperature plummeting and a cold south wind blowing for the entire day’s round.

Long-sleeve tops and windproof jackets were required for Friday, February 16.

But our winner on the day was unfazed by the unseasonal weather, as Dan Maguire belted out a neat and tidy 91-22-69 to win on countback.

Maguire has been fairly consistent throughout the summer so far and took full advantage of the tough conditions to take home the spoils.

An unlucky runner-up was Daniel Hall, who played a superb round of golf for most of the day.

Knowing what was needed on the last tee of his round, Hall faltered ever so slightly to go into the countback and finish second with an 8718-69.

Third place was claimed by Tim Baldwin, who has been putting together some solid golf of late. Baldwin carded 83-11-72.

The nearest-the-pin prizes went to Tim Baldwin with a dynamic strike to the third, Graeme Cusack using the wind to his advantage at the long par-three 8th, and Greg Baldwin pulling the correct club with the dramatic crosswind at the 13th.

A big week in golf ensues, with a four-person Ambrose being played this coming Friday, February 21. Hit-off is between 4pm and 5.30pm, and entries can be forwarded to Ronda on 0408 349 505.

On Saturday, as part of the NOW Festival, there will be a hole-in-one competition mid-afternoon by Lake Nagambie.

On Sunday, the Nagambie golfers will be teeing it up for the prestigious Water Boy Cup, a Stableford event sponsored by Lindsay Hall. On office duty is L. Hall, and in the bar is B. Cassar.

ON TARGET: Olivia Thomson finishes strong with a precise spray on the disk.

2025 UNDER 14s / UNDER 17s TEAM: Olivia Thomson, Will Mann, Molly Vanderschoor, Maddison Mace, Charlotte King, Will Britten.

Euroa Lawn Tennis Club shines at Country Week

By MARK BORTHWICK

WITH nearly 100 courts and 1300 players, Country Week is the largest grass court tennis tournament in the world.

The event, equally represented by men and women, travels to different regional centres across Victoria, with this year’s tournament taking place in Swan Hill

as part of its regular rotation between Albury/Wodonga, Yarrawonga, and next year’s host, Shepparton.

While the name “Country Week” suggests a link to rural communities, players come from all over Australia, including many metropolitan areas.

One club that proudly celebrates its rural origins is Euroa.

This year, the Euroa Lawn Tennis Club entered nine teams, one of the highest numbers of teams from any club.

But the real achievement came when all nine teams reached the semi-finals, with two teams making it to the finals.

The “Real Housewives of Euroa” – a team comprising Kelly Hill, Marja Wondergem, Row Ellis, Mai-

zie Walsh, and Sue Vaughan – narrowly lost by just three games.

This was their first Country Week experience, and their performance was nothing short of impressive.

The “Guns of Ned”, featuring Michael Nolan, Rob Lawrence, Keighan Hicks, and Declan Weston, triumphed in Section 10 with a convincing victory, despite hav-

ing only four players.

Looking ahead, 2026 will see the tennis circus move to Shepparton/ Mooroopna, and expectations are high for an even bigger and better event.

Once again, Euroa hopes to feature prominently in the tournament, continuing to make its mark on this prestigious competition.

Euroa A grade demolish Katandra with Shammy’s five-wicket haul

CALM

By JACK WILSON

A GRADE

EUROA continued their game against Katandra on Saturday, with Katandra starting at 5/45.

The team went on the warpath and bowled Katandra out for a mere 100 runs.

The chief destroyer, Shammy, was on absolute fire, taking a sensational five wickets.

Not to be outdone, Linc McKernan and Vaughan Kirk each snagged two wickets.

Ryan Hill chipped in with one wicket, completing the demolition job.

With an air of confidence, Euroa went back into bat and showcased some stylish stroke play to make 5/115 before the game was called. Their next game is the last twodayer for them this season against Karramomus on Saturday at Vibert Reserve in Shepparton, starting at 12:30pm.

SCORECARD: Euroa 163 (J Robertson 63, V Kirk 31) defeeated Katandra 100 (S Dadallege 5-37).

B GRADE

SHAM DAZZLES: Sham Dadallage ran through the batting line-up with figures of 5/37.

EYING OFF: Josh Robertson maintains 100 per cent concentration whilst wicket keeping.

EUROA B grade won the game due to Katandra fielding an ineligible player.

Their next game is the last twodayer for them this season against Karramomus on Saturday at Friendlies, starting at 12:30pm.

E GRADE

EUROA had the bye.

The next game is in Bunbartha against Northerners on Saturday at 12:30pm.

Pink Stumps Day raises $7000 for McGrath Foundation in Euroa

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Tracy Bevan, Ambassador and Director of the McGrath Foundation, and Jane McGrath’s best friend, also made a powerful contribution with a recorded video message, bringing a heartfelt personal touch to the day.

Despite their best efforts, the Euroa team lost to Pine Lodge by 22 runs, but the real winner was the McGrath Foundation, with approximately $7000 raised to support its cause.

Reid expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community and businesses, adding, “We are incredibly grateful for the contributions from local businesses and individuals.

Without their support,

events like this wouldn’t be possible.”

The list of generous sponsors and donors was extensive, including businesses such as The Wine List, Bur-

tons Clothing Store, Godolphin, Lyn Smith Catering, Faithfulls Creek and Co, Fare Enough, Euroa Pharmacy, and many more. Their contributions helped

ensure the success of the event, both in terms of fundraising and community spirit.

The McGrath Foundation’s work in providing essential

breast care services to Australians affected by cancer continues to be a crucial resource, and Euroa’s Pink Stumps Day has become an annual highlight, uniting

the community in the fight against cancer.

As the event concluded, Reid summed up the sentiment of the day: “It’s about bringing the community together, having fun, and supporting a cause that impacts so many of us. The funds raised will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, and we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved today.”

The success of Euroa’s Pink Stumps Day serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the difference that can be made when people come together for a cause. The event is already set to return next year, with hopes of raising even more funds for the McGrath Foundation.

BEFORE THE STORM: With two wickets, Vaughan Kirk led his team to victory.

UNPLAYABLE: Vaughan Kirk played his part, restricting Katandra to 100 runs.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

GUEST SPEAKERS: Pink stumps day was filled with inspiring words from guest speakers, motivating the crowd to support the cause.

PINK ROOM: Euroa’s Pink Stumps Day was a huge hit, with the community coming together to support.

BOWLS CLUBS GEARING UP FOR THRILLING FINALS CAMPAIGNS

Euroa U16 Cricket team’s season ends in close contest

FIRDAY a ernoon saw the nal round of Shepparton U16 home and away cricket games, with the Euroa team being outplayed by a very strong Old Students/ Nagambie out t at Memorial Oval.

A er the rst week of non-play due to the heat rule being enforced, a 20/20 format was put into action.

Old Students/Nagambie won the toss and elected to bat, posting a very competitive score of 7/90 a er their 20 overs.

Best for Euroa were Jack Walters with 2/23, Oliver Wilson with 1/14, Tom White with 1/19, Cooper Goodall with 1/15, and Ethan Saxon with 1/6, in a very even display of line and length bowling.

With a challenging target to chase, Euroa’s batting began with a rocky start, losing two early wickets.

The run rate quickly rose, thanks to excellent elding and line-and-length bowling from a well-drilled Old Students/Nagambie side.

Despite their e orts, the Euroa boys fell short, ending their 20 overs at 8/80.

Best for Euroa were Jack Walters with 23, Tayte Hoefchen with 18, Edison Waghorn with 15, and Oliver Wilson with 12.

The match brought down the curtain on the Euroa lads’ season, just missing out on a spot in the nal four.

A big thank you is extended to the parents who helped out throughout the season and supported their boys in representing Euroa Cricket Club with pride.

Well done to all involved.

SCORECARD: Nagambie 7/90 (J.Walters 2/23) defeated Euroa 8/80 (J.Walters 23, T.Hoefchen 18).

TENNIS CHAMPS

The “Guns of Ned”, featuring Michael Nolan, Rob Lawrence, Keighan Hicks and Declan Weston celebrate their Section 10 Country Week victory.

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TICKLED PINK

Pink Stumps Day raises $7000 for McGrath Foundation in Euroa

EUROA’S community came together in a sea of pink on Saturday, February 1, for the annual Pink Stumps Day fundraiser. held at the Euroa Community Function Centre at Memorial Oval.

The event, which featured an exciting A grade cricket match between Euroa and Pine Lodge, aimed to raise awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation.

The primary goal of Pink Stumps Day is to support the McGrath Foundation’s work in providing free breast care nurses to those a ected by cancer, as well as raising awareness about cancer in the community.

Kate Reid, a key organiser of the event, said it’s all about supporting those a ected by cancer and raising awareness.

“Every year, we see people from all walks of life come together, showing their support for the McGrath Foundation and raising much-needed funds,” she said.

This year’s event was an immense success, with around 100 attendees participating and enjoying a day lled with cricket, fundraising activities, and insightful talks. Alongside the match, a silent

auction, raffles, and various games kept the crowd entertained while also contributing to the fundraiser.

The event featured inspiring guest speakers, including Michelle Parish, a breast care nurse, and Claire Ewart Kennedy, Mayor of Strathbogie Shire, who shared their valuable insights on cancer care.

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