Euroa Gazette 201223

Incorporating the Nagambie Times and Violet Town Sentinel

AVENEL - EUROA - LONGWOOD - NAGAMBIE - STRATHBOGIE - VIOLET TOWN Wednesday, December 20. 220 2023 023 2

Phone: (03) 5795 3041

$2.00 (inc.GST)

www.euroagazette.com.au

DISTINGUISHED DOGS

from management and staff at

THE Euroa Rotary Club’s annual dog show was held on Saturday. Pictured are the winners in the “lovely lady” category: Anne Murray (left) and Loti (first place), Greg Carlson and Pippa (second place), and Kirsty Houston and Tessie (third place).

PHOTO: Paul Murray

The Euroa Gazette Next publications will be January 10, 2024

Page 2

Vic councils struggling

Page 3

Vale Audrey McIntosh

Contractor’s vehicle starts 20-acre fire IInland l dR Railil to conduct d iinternall review i after f G Greg gC Carlson’s l ’ ffarm set alight ligh

Sport

Courage personified

ARTC Inland Rail is conducting an internal review after a contractor’s vehicle instigated a fire that spanned about 20 acres of Greg Carlson’s farm near Longwood last week.

It is believed a vehicle exhaust belonging to ARTC contractors McConnell Dowell started the grass and scrub fire on Tuesday last week while workers were raising powerlines to extend the clearance

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

height for double-stacked freight trains.

“An internal review will be conducted to ensure we continue to deliver the project in a safe manner,” an ARTC Inland Rail spokesperson said.

Air support, as well as nine CFA units from Euroa, Locksley, Longwood, Branjee, Molka and Creightons Creek, responded to the fire on Creightons Siding Road at around 12.11pm, according to the CFA. After burning through about 20 acres but causing no harm to livestock or damage to the nearby railway line, the incident was deemed under control at

1.04pm and safe at 2.19pm.

Mr Carlson, a familiar local face who served as a mayor and councillor in the shire during the 90s and early 2000s, said the CFA brigades did well to prevent the fire spreading to the railway easement that intersects with his property because there is “a lot of fuel there” and “that would have caused some serious problems”.

■ Continued page 4

Your Local Real Estate Specialists

Strathb bogie e Real Esta atee Speecia alisst Born and raised in the Strathbogie ranges Colin Broughton knows the area like the back of his hand.

If you are looking to buy or sell a lifestyle or specialised farming property, Colin will help you achieve your Real Estate goals.

As a fifth generation local and farmer his knowledge of the area is second to none.

Colin Broughton 0428 570 780 Kithbrookpark@gmail.com

36.22 ha

STRATHBOGIE | 825 Tames Road “Kanyaka” - Picturesque Country Living with Excellent Water Security ғ Open plan kitchen meals and dining area connected to the outdoor screened room ғ Two four bay steel sheds, original shearing shed and access to 500,000g of rain water ғ Located just 15km from Benalla & 2.5 hours from Melbourne Col Broughton | 0428 570 780 | Kithbrookpark@gmail.com

(03) 5795 2535 | www.nutrienharcourts.com.au | 13 Binney Street, Euroa

Bec Gilliland | 0429 376 652 | Bec.Gilliland@nutrien.com.au

Page 2 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

Strathbogie Shire not alone as local government sector struggles

BY DARREN CHAITMAN

Tensions flare between councillors and council officers across Victoria

dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

STRATHBOGIE Shire is not alone: numerous councils across Victoria are being dismissed and assigned municipal monitors, with tensions between council administrations and councillors often contributing to turmoil inside council chambers.

Phil Shanahan, a local government consultant who has worked with 60 of Victoria’s 79 councils, told The Euroa Gazette the sector appears to be at a low point.

“It’s a pretty hard job being a councillor, so I’m never shocked or surprised that the wheels come off from time to time, but we’ve never had the wheels coming off as regularly as we have,” he said.

“We’ve got four councils dismissed [Whittlesea, Casey, Moira and Strathbogie] … and there’s another three or four with a monitor breathing down their neck.”

Mr Shanahan has had 30 years’ experience as a CEO at Victorian councils, and in a previous term consulted for Strathbogie Shire Council, assisting councillors with the CEO’s appraisal.

Tensions between councillors and council officers – a theme of municipal monitor Peter Stephenson’s final report on Strathbogie Shire Council – have been identified in monitor’s reports that have come out of Horsham, Darebin, Wodonga and South Gippsland councils within the last two years.

According to the State Government, almost 30 councillors across Victoria have resigned since January.

The Euroa Gazette asked one of those 30 councillors, Kristy Hourigan, her view on the problem of tensions between councillors and council staff.

“Councillors definitely have a role because we’re listening, we’re out in the com-

WATCHMAN: Council Watch president Dean Hurlston held a talk at Euroa’s St Paul’s Hall earlier this month, attended by 21 unhappy ratepayers.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

munity, we’re advocating, we’re the everyday people,” she said.

“But there is clearly an issue when questions are raised in certain areas, and maybe the fine line of what the monitor talks about as being ‘operational’.

“Is the financial budget operational? I don’t know.

“But I do think it is the wrong way to go to be persecuting individual councillors.

“A councillor’s only going to get paid $23,000 a year – it’s not worth risking that there’s a possibility you could get fined because you’re asking a question that might be operational, but you don’t know that.”

Ms Hourigan is referring to new legislation announced last month by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne, which will allow the State Government to fine, suspend and disqualify individual councillors who have behaved poorly.

Former mayor Laura Binks said at the time she was “thrilled to hear” of these reforms; the laws would hold councillors accountable for actions such

as the “regular unacceptable behaviour towards each other, the CEO, and the council officers” that had occurred in her term of council.

Ms Horne’s announcement was widely welcomed in the local government sector, but Council Watch – a Victorian ratepayers organisation that monitors councils – condemned the idea.

“We think that the minister is completely out of touch with the experience faced by councillors,” Council Watch president Dean Hurlston told The Euroa Gazette.

“Councillors are constrained ridiculously by the Local Government Act. “The community’s expectation is that councillors can solve problems, and that’s why they obviously come to them.

“But the reality is at least 95 percent of the issues and problems in a council and the decisions are made under delegation under the CEO within the administration itself.”

Mr Hurlston – who held a talk in Euroa earlier this month attended by 21 unhappy ratepayers – believes

the Local Government Act needs to change to redefine the role of a councillor, so councillors can more easily achieve change.

He argues council administrations are out of touch with ratepayers, focusing too much on “woke” causes and not enough on basic services.

But he admits it is counter-productive for councillors to work against council staff in an attempt to make change – councillors must work within the system and need better training to understand their roles clearly, he said.

Mr Shanahan, however, is perplexed by Mr Hurlston’s interpretation of the problems faced by the local government sector.

“We’ve got a group who calls itself Council Watch, but what they are is anticouncil management, or anti-council local government employees – that’s a weird thing,” Mr Shanahan said.

He said the idea that councillors cannot achieve things is not borne out by facts; the problem is not with the Act but with the people getting elected, many of whom are

proving themselves not up to the job.

“Too many of them are behaving poorly and can’t compromise and negotiate, can’t reach sensible decisions,” he said.

“One of the most common reasons for people being stuck in the operational matters on the day-to-day issues is that, that’s sometimes all they can effectively do.

“It’s a lot harder to make... a grand plan, an economic plan, and policies to achieve it.

“It’s easier to just keep arguing about what’s happening on a day-to-day basis.”

Mr Shanahan prefers the term “day-to-day” to “operational”, saying the latter word is not in the Local Government Act – but he said there can be a fuzzy line between day-to-day matters (the realm of the administration) and strategic matters (the realm of the councillors).

As an example, he said a council might have a strategic goal to increase tourism – but if the streets are full of rubbish, that will affect tourism, so the day-to-day business of cleaning up lit-

ter becomes strategic.

Mr Shanahan said the challenge for councillors is to “understand how to pull strategic levers, rather than the day-to-day ones”.

“Some of the folk who’ve been elected over more recent years, their brain’s not wired like that,” he said.

“Sometimes, I’m dealing with people who’ve never been to a meeting – I don’t mean a council meeting, I mean a meeting.

“So, they’ve never participated in community development of any kind.

“That’s happening more and more; it never used to happen.

“You wouldn’t consider putting your hand up for council 40 years ago [unless] you’d involved yourself in some community organisations, and then you may have felt confident enough that you could handle local government.”

Suspended councillor Robin Weatherald agreed councillors can do plenty under the right circumstances.

“My understanding is that council, providing it has agreement amongst itself and has a firm idea of what it’s doing, has very strong power and can do a great deal of things,” he said.

“But we are often bluffed or pushed into [the administration’s] agenda these days.”

Mr Stephenson, who is now Strathbogie Shire Council’s interim administrator, said any suggestion the role of councillors and the administration should be seen in a different light is “just nonsense”.

“Council officers have done a great job under difficult circumstances, and I think community members should appreciate that,” he said.

Minister Horne has declined multiple requests to be interviewed, including for this story.

Agent for:

Present this ad for

20% OFF

JEWELLERY ACCESSORIES GIFTWARE Repairs/Alterations | Jewellery Lessons | Watch Battery Replacements & more

Mi Creations & Gems | 66 Binney St, Euroa, 3666 | 0400 112 808 Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 3

Vale Audrey McIntosh Gazette’s longest-serving contributor remembered for dedication to communityy ggroups p

OBITUARY Audrey McIntosh (February 3, 1931 December 8, 2023)

By DARREN CHAITMAN THE community is remembering Audrey McIntosh, a community stalwart and longtime contributor to The Euroa Gazette, after she passed away at the age of 92 earlier this month.

One of her daughters, Sue Montgomery, has recounted that Audrey was born in Longwood in 1931 to parents Freda and William Critchton, and married William McIntosh in 1951.

She had two sisters, Noreen and Kath, and is survived by three children, Sue, Cheryl and Andrew.

In her early life she lived on a farm near Euroa and worked for many years as an accountant for Smith & Ryan Butchers, before working at Lorraine Walters’ shoe store on Binney Street.

She moved to Euroa when she retired, where she became known for her involvement in many community groups and regular reports for this masthead.

She was a life member of the Euroa Agricultural Society and the Euroa Bowls Club and continued to participate in these groups until her final months.

She was a steadfast attendee of the Euroa Uniting Church, attended a craft group on Wednesdays, prepared suppers for the masonic lodge, and had been involved in the Country Women’s Association, the Euroa Fire Brigade Group’s ladies auxillary and Euroa Red Cross.

Euroa’s Neville Mawson, who worked with Audrey for many years in the ag society, recalled that she had also been part of a mother’s club for the school when he was a school student.

“Audrey has got to be commended because she belonged to so many organisations,” Mr Mawson said.

“And if you go through the Gazettes, many an article printed was written by Audrey.”

Describing her as a very

COMMUNITY STALWART: Audrey McIntosh, a lifelong member of the Euroa Bowls Club, was known for her dedicated participation in many community groups. good friend and a great benefit to the Euroa Show, Mr Mawson said Audrey was first involved in the Miss Showgirl section of the Euroa Show and later worked on the needlework and craft sections in the pavilion.

Euroa Agricultural Society president Andrew Douglas said Audrey was very well-respected in the group and was a “lovely person”, as well as a

“tough woman, don’t get me wrong”.

“She liked things to be done right and was a bit of a stickler at times, but had a heart of gold and would take the time to spend with people to explain things,” he said.

“She’d write a lot of articles in the Gazette – she loved doing that … because that was sort of her thing.”

Euroa Uniting Church secretary Judi Ward recalls that Audrey was “always there in the back pew, every Sunday, with her large print bible”.

“She was very forthright in her beliefs, but she was also willing to encompass new ways of doing things,” she said.

Ms Ward explained that some congregants had left the church due to the Uniting Church’s commitment to welcoming everybody, but Audrey had always been willing to support the direction the church was headed in.

She said Audrey greatly enjoyed hymn singing and would always leave church in time to get home to watch “Songs of Praise” on the ABC. For The Euroa Gazette’s 100th anniversary special edition (published 26 years ago), Audrey shared that she had been writing reports for the paper for 35 years.

She continued to write for the Euroa Bowls Club up until a few months ago, delivering handwritten reports to the Railway Street office every Monday.

Having written reports for 61 years, she was this masthead’s longest-serving writer to continue to contribute to the paper in 2023.

In the late 1970s she was employed by The Euroa Gazette as the reporter for council meetings, where it is rumoured she would do her knitting while writing notes.

“I enjoyed this work immensely and made many friends amongst the councillors and staff,” Audrey wrote in The Euroa Gazette’s 100th anniversary edition.

Over the years she had also reported on CWA meetings and debutante balls.

“Many hours were spent writing the descriptions of all the debutantes’ frocks and those of the ladies attending the balls … all is so different these days,” she recalled.

Ms Montgomery said she would miss her mother, who was her “sounding board”.

Mr Douglas added that wherever Audrey is, she would be keeping busy up there.

“She’ll be involved in lots of groups,” he said.

We hope she will be writing about it for the local paper up there, too.

BLUE WEANER SALE PRELIMINARY NOTICE

THE Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Shepparton aims to offer mental health support quickly, easily and without the need for a GP referral to residents in the Strathbogie Shire, Moira Shire and Greater Shepparton.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the recently established local service in Shepparton will now provide free access to support via telehealth for anyone aged 26 years and over – including people with co-occurring alcohol and other drug concerns.

The local service provided by Wellways Australia in partnership with APMHA Healthcare Ltd and Goulburn Valley Health will scale up in the coming months, offering in-person services and becoming a “front door” to the mental health and wellbeing system for those living nearby.

“Accessible support like this in the Goulburn Valley can make all the difference in helping people address problems quickly and easily before they reach crisis point,” Ms Symes said.

Rainfall

(Euroa Township) IN the week ending 9am Monday, December 18, there was 2.2mm of rain at Euroa (Castle Creek at Telford Bridge), all of which fell on Thursday, December 14.

ìëòĐìëô ªª Ü Pǽ Çú ̽°r

Čëîč ðòôð ìëóñ ìëëij 2°~r££Ü ?Öª ĺ ?º ½rÇ

Off Grid Systems All types supplied locally

Solar Pumps

(03) 5821 0783

MOVED TO SHEPPARTON www.commodoreaustralia.com.au EFTPOS available Euroa Community Preschool free Cinema Location: 1B Bury St, Euroa View program & buy tickets online: www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au Telephone: 1800 065 993 Children under 13yrs must be with an adult

SAVE THE DATE!

Trolls Band Together (G) Wednesday 17th January 11am (Sensory Screening)* & 3pm

Wednesday 10th January, 2024 Commencing 9.00am North East Store Sale Centre

WONKA (PG) Wednesday 24th January 11am (Sensory Screening) & 3pm

Curfew 3.30pm Tuesday Entries Invited - Contact Selling Agents:

Euroa 03 5795 2535

free support for locals

$5 School Holiday Movies

Euroa 03 5736 4300

Mental health service offers

Euroa 03 5795 2240

*House lights stay on, sound levels are turned down and kids can get up and move around.

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 5

Jordan Kipping is Euroa Secondary College’s 2023 dux P i i l congratulates Principal l yyear 12 ggraduates

By LEANNE WINFIELD ON Monday, December 11, Euroa Secondary College students who sat the 2023 VCE exams received their results.

We have a tradition of our dux scoring in the top 10 per cent of the state.

Congratulations to our 2023 dux, Jordan Kipping, who has been a high achieving student this year and throughout their time at school.

Jordan will be studying science at university and is considering which university they will attend.

We are very proud of all our students who completed year 12 and also those who sat exams.

Other high achievers are Milly Watson, Molly Redfern and students in year 11 completing year 12 subjects: Ellie Bott

(scored 47 in Art Making and Exhibiting) and Rachael Buerckner and Angus Mackrell in VET Information Technology.

Their achievements along with the achievements of students in other year levels were celebrated at the presentation yesterday evening held at the school.

We also have many graduating year 12 students who have been highly successful in school based apprenticeships and are continuing on or beginning apprenticeships or traineeships in a number of areas.

Thank you to the local businesses who are supporting our local students.

Congratulations to all of these students for such a successful completion to their secondary schooling.

APPRENTICESHIPS: Students in school-based apprenticeships included, in the top row: Angus Murray (plumbing), Ned Ivill (electrical), Seth Kilroy (baking), Emma Penman (hair). Bottom row: Ruby Smyth (hair), Harrison Douglas (fitter and turner) and Harrison Wall (electrical).

TRAINEESHIPS: Students in school-based traineeships included Alif Chambers (sales), Nathan Groom (track maintenance) and Abby Harrison (real estate).

DUX: Congratulations to our 2023 dux Jordan Kipping, who has been a high achieving student this year and throughout their time at school.

HIGH ACHIEVERS: Milly Watson, Molly Redfern, Rachael Buerckner, Ellie Bott and Angus Mackrell.

Page 6 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Seymour man found that is that the incumbents of the recently dead on Lake Nagambie My record on council deceased council will be forever indelibly A 68-YEAR-OLD Seymour man was found speaks for itself stained for failing to do what they were deceased in a boat on Lake Nagambie on Friday last week.

Police said they will prepare a report for the coroner following the death.

The man was located in a boat near Teddy Bear Island at around 8am.

A police spokesperson said the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Police, ambulance and SES crews attended the scene.

We are online! euroagazette.com.au

Est. 1897

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa VIC 3666 Classifieds: 5723 0101 Ext 1 or classifieds@nemedia.com.au General Advertising: 5795 3041 Ext 3 Editorial: 5795 3041 Ext 2 or editor@euroa-gazette.com.au www.euroagazette.com.au www.nemedia.com.au

Follow us NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: Display ads - 3pm Thursday Classifieds - 3pm Monday Sports results - 10am Monday General news - 12 noon Friday Letters - 10am Monday Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, 3666.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted

by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

YOUR GAZETTE TEAM

Edward Higgins DIRECTOR

Lorraine Millard ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Darren Chaitman JOURNALIST

Dale Mann Daniel Godsmark PHOTOGRAPHER SPORT EDITORIAL

ON SALE AT: Euroa: Euroa Newsagency Violet Town: Violet Town Corner Store Avenel: Avenel Newsagency Benalla: Benalla Newsagency Strathbogie: Strathbogie Store Nagambie: Nagambie Newsagency Longwood: Longwood Newsagency Merton: Mer ton General Store Seymour: Seymour Newsagency Shepparton: Lovell’s Newsagency Wangaratta: Edgar’s Newsagency The Gazette is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Gazette itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

Member

AS a suspended local government councillor, I welcome criticism as it can help me improve my performance in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Your correspondent David (Letters to the editor, 13/12/23), as a learned scholar, should consider participating in the next election.

I have been elected to council representing more than half of Strathbogie Shire in various polls, for example, Mount Wombat Ward, Euroa township wards and Lake Nagambie wards.

My record of service speaks for itself.

Even though some councillors reportedly resigned due to gender bias, and there have been allegations of bullying and code of conduct issues, it should not deter a new council team from serving our community.

With consistent, fair compliance exercised by a new mayor, we can ensure that better-than-average councillors serve our community.

Robin Weatherald, Euroa

Council’s suspension brought an end to a disgraceful mess I GUESS the vast majority of people in this shire will be relieved that the whole convulsive commotion at council is over.

There’s only one sure thing to come out of the whole dysfunctional implosion, and

ultimately charged with the responsibility of doing – that is, work together in the best interests of all in the shire.

Peter Stephenson – the person employed to bring some common sense and decency to the (disgraceful) mess seemed to be doing his best to bring about that aim – but ultimately he was unsuccessful.

The fatalistic die was cast.

We may well not be out of trouble as yet.

The Minister may decide to tack our little warring factions onto Shepparton, Benalla and Mitchell – the agony of it all, the agony.

Ron Horrigan, Euroa

Merry Christmas from your local MP CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and I’m sure like many of you, I can’t wait.

I hope all of you can enjoy the festive season and I hope it is filled with laughter, good company, and some sunny weather.

I was recently overjoyed at the responses from our local Primary School students who participated in my inaugural “What Christmas means to me” drawing competition.

I received hundreds of creative entries that demonstrate the many ways to celebrate Christmas.

Whether it be sun, sand and barbecues, or the more traditional themes of reindeer, snow and Christmas trees – this competition was a fantastic celebration of our wonderfully diverse region.

As we exchange gifts and share meals with loved ones, let us also remember those less

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided.

Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit in with space requirements. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Courier.

fortunate and extend a helping hand to those in need.

I understand that this time of the year is not easy for everyone, especially with times tough at the moment due to increased food prices, soaring rent costs, rising interest rates, and out of control energy bills.

The spirit of Christmas is not just about the presents under the tree but also about spreading kindness and compassion to those around us.

Lastly, I want to encourage everyone travelling on our roads to be careful and ensure you are able to arrive safely at your destination this holiday period.

It’s been a truly incredible year as your local MP, and I look forward to many more in the years to come.

Here’s to a fantastic holiday season and an even better new year.

Merry Christmas.

Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa

Veteran car rally was straight out of a Disney cartoon I OFTEN sit on my porch on a pleasant day watching the world pass by or doing a bit of artwork.

I was pleasantly surprised recently when to my delight, a group of old timers trundled by.

Not elderly gents, but cars from yesteryear.

It was like watching a Disney cartoon.

Without these loving and dedicated restorers, a big part of our history, like the dinosaur, would be lost.

Ted More, Euroa

Email: editor@euroa-gazette.com.au.

Post: Euroa Gazette AP Gardner Building 45 - 47 Railway Street, Euroa, VIC, 3666

Minister’s necessary action leaves future in our hands EDITORIAL AS disappointing as it may be, municipal monitor Peter Stephenson’s report shows Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne has made the right call to suspend our elected Strathbogie Shire councillors for the remaining 11 months of their term.

It may be a hard pill to swallow, but it is a far cry from the five-year period of administration that followed the collapse of Moira Shire Council – a period that would have been devastating had it been ordained for Strathbogie Shire Council.

The decision ended a tumultuous period that saw the appointment of two municipal monitors, the resignations of four councillors, the stepping down of a councillor-elect and in more recent weeks, the refusal of two councillors to allow a new mayor to be elected.

It will not be too long before the community is asked to elect another group of councillors; our attention now turns to how to avoid seeing history repeat itself.

It is clear from two monitor reports that this term of council suffered from having an inexperienced group of councillors; even former mayor Laura Binks and former councillor Reg Dickinson (who disagreed on plenty)

have spoken about the group facing a steep learning curve.

With the exception of Chris Raeburn, none of the initial group of elected councillors had any past experience as councillors, board members or company directors.

While such experience is not a prerequisite, candidates with a strong willingness to grasp the role of a councillor as defined in the Local Government Act is fundamental.

Some in the community have applauded progressive decisions made by council, while many remain vexed by the council’s de-

cision in May to withdraw their support from Australia Day celebrations on January 26, as well as council’s decision last year to declare a climate emergency.

Many want to see council’s focus return to “the basics” – roads, rates and rubbish – while many have also applauded council’s forays into other areas such as supporting public art, which saw the installation of Euroa’s giant magpie in Seven Creeks Park.

Just as the community holds different views on where council’s priorities should lie, it is likely councillors with differing views to

each other will be elected again.

This is why another important quality for candidates will be an ability to build relationships and work together with fellow councillors, even when their views are opposed.

An effective council needs to work together, and the monitor’s report, as well as the circus-like events in the two weeks leading up to the suspension last month, showed this group of councillors did not have or lost that ability.

The monitor’s report has delivered a good measure of clarity after ratepayers were left in the dark for too long regarding the specific nature of the council’s problems.

While not every question has been answered, the damning report includes a healthy number of examples of the council’s governance failures, as well as a strong discussion of issues including councillors failing to understand their roles, focusing too much on their own wards instead of the whole municipality, and failing to put the first monitor’s 10-point plan into action.

The report, published online, is well worth reading.

The minister has done her part; next year, it will be up to community members to put their hands up again, and for ratepayers to consider who can best achieve a functional council providing strong local governance.

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 7

Carwash to offer laundry, dog washing facilities in Euroa F Former E Euroa resident id Fiona McDonald is behind the new facilities

By DARREN CHAITMAN HOT Bubbles Carwash on Clifton Street in Euroa will soon also offer self-serve facilities for laundry and dog washing.

Former Euroa resident Fiona McDonald, who owns the business with her family, said she expects the new facilities to be ready in late February or early March.

She is the owner of other combined laundry and dog wash businesses, including West End Car Wash in Benalla and The Wash Up in Albury-Wodonga.

“It’ll be a great facility for the town,” Ms McDonald said.

“The dog wash is indoors, so in the winter it’ll be great for the animals.

“There’ll be a card facility, there’ll be a change machine.”

She described the busi-

ness as a “laundromat for pets and people”, saying the dog wash is “just a little addon”.

Ms McDonald’s family purchased the property in the 90s and initially used it as a mechanics’ workshop and depot for her bus company McDonald Bus Lines, which was purchased by Dyson Group.

Ms McDonald was involved in netball and sport when she lived in Euroa, including as a netball coach and committee member.

The planning application for the laundry and dog wash facilities was noted at last week’s council meeting as having been determined.

But according to Ms McDonald, the determination was made after what she described as an extended “battle” with council, due to a zoning change which had reclassified the area as

NEW FACILITIES: Hot Bubbles Carwash in Euroa is expected to offer self-serve facilities for laundry and dog washing by early next year.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman “residential”, prohibiting the development of a new retail business.

An initial planning application for the laundromat was submitted in mid-2022.

Performance figures pro-

vided at last week’s council meeting show a high percentage of Strathbogie Shire Council’s planning permits are approved on time.

Council was unavailable to comment by deadline.

WINTONRACEWAY.COM.AU

SCAN ME

WHAT’S ON FOR 2024 Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping year packed with thrilling major motorsport championships and club-level events awaiting you in the upcoming year. We’re also excited to announce a brand new Nissan Datsun Festival, a fusion of speed and style - stay tuned for dates! Visit wintonraceway.com.au to explore the 2024 calendar.

VENUE HIRE Winton Raceway is available for hire 7 days a week for private track hire, car clubs and events, vehicle testing and more. Enquiries: (03) 5760 7100

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has released their Draft Avenel Township Strategy for public feedback, following a community engagement process.

The 67-page document updates council’s existing Avenel strategy in response to the township’s growth.

“Avenel’s role as a rural lifestyle township will be reinforced by supporting housing needs, delivering community services and infrastructure, and activating valued public spaces in the town centre to respond to changing community needs,” the document reads.

“Avenel will continue to attract new residents and families, drawn to town’s rural charm and proximity to nearby regional hubs and Melbourne, while also playing an important role in accommodating residents who seek to age in place.”

The document update, undertaken by consulting firm Mesh Livable Urban Communities at the direction of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), is a joint project between the DTP and council.

Strathbogie Shire Council has also published a fact sheet summarising the draft strategy, including actions to bet-

ter define the town centre and changes to zoning controls.

The fact-sheet explains that the strategy identifies the need to rezone the town centre to the Commercial 1 Zone.

The Commercial 1 Zone is applied in mixed-use commercial centres for retail, office, business, residential, entertainment and community uses.

It allows a wide range of commercial and accommodation activities without a permit, including a supermarket or shop.

The fact-sheet also states that after engaging with the DTP, a proposed measure to implement a minimum lot size of 1000sqm across the established residential area, as defined by the Avenel Township Strategy, has been taken off the table.

According to council, the strategy incorporates feedback from community members to limit development so Avenel can maintain its neighbourhood character.

Council is encouraging the community to visit www. share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to read a copy of the Draft Avenel Township Strategy and provide feedback.

Feedback closes at 5pm on January 27.

WHATS ON JANUARY CALENDAR

THE NATION'S

ACTION TRACK!

Updated council document to guide Avenel’s future

1st - 14th

Track Closed

16th

Private Hire

18th

Private Hire

19th

Test & Tune - BOOK NOW!

20th

Winton Fun Day - BOOK NOW!

21st

Private Hire

25th

Test & Tune - BOOK NOW!

26th

Public Holiday - Track Closed

27th

Trackschool Track Day - BOOK NOW!

28th

Trackschool Track Day - BOOK NOW!

29th

Trackschool Open Pit Lane - BOOK NOW!

30th

Racecar Test Day - BOOK NOW!

Page 8 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

SPECIAL JUDGES AWARD: Euroa Secondary College band Ungraded won the special judges award. Pictured are band members Tyler Kipping, Danny Williams, Sonny Lester, Angus Rowe and Ethan Henson.

BEST ALTERNATIVE POP TRACK: Local youth band YNOT won best alternative pop track.

Pictured are Jack Williams (left), Tyler Kipping, Mae McCall and Jordan Kipping. In front is Zali Greasley.

Strathbogie Shire youth recognised at the 2023 Kool Skool Awards STRATHBOGIE Shire youth earned six nominations and three awards in the Kool Skools 2023 Project Awards.

This year’s program had 34 participants, including the concert band which had members ranging from 9-88 years old.

Local band YNOT successfully won “Best Alternative Pop Track”, while The Viceroys and Ungraded both won

YNOT,, The Viceroys y and Ungraded g rake in p prizes the “Special Judges Award”.

Strathbogie Shire Council was the sole council nominated for a “Best Project Award”.

At the awards ceremony held in Melbourne, YNOT and Ungraded performed live on stage.

“Council extends its gratitude to all participants, supporters, and partners who

contributed to the success of the Kool Skools 2023 Project,” a Strathbogie Shire Council spokesperson said.

“These are exceptional achievements, and we are proud to see local youth represent our shire at a state level.

“This recognition underscores council’s commitment to providing a plat-

form for artistic expression, fostering creativity, and nurturing the next generation of musical talent.”

Strathbogie Shire Council participants received the following nominations: z Best Alternative Rock Track – Falling Sky. z Best Alternative Rock Track – Ungraded.

z Best Rock Track – Simple Day. z Best Rock Track – The Viceroys. z Alternative pop track – YNOT. Euroa Secondary College student Tyler Kipping was thrice awarded, as a band member of YNOT, The Viceroys and Ungraded.

It has been a great year for The Viceroys, who also won Rockfest 2023 in October, a national music competition with over 150 entrants this year.

Strathbogie Shire Council will host the Kool Skools CD launch on Sunday, December 27 from 6pm at the Euroa Community Cinema.

The concert will feature 10 music acts, showcasing different genres.

THOMSON’S HOME FURNISHERS

Make Christmas Betta

Ian, Rosalie and Staff wish to thank their customers for their continued support and wish them a safe and Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR TRADING HOURS Friday 22nd Saturday 23rd Sunday 24th Monday 25th Tuesday 26th Wednesday 27th

7.30 – 4.00 8.30 – 12.00 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 9.00 – 4.00

Thursday 28th 9.00 – 4.00 Friday 29th 9.00 – 4.00 Saturday 30th 8.30 – 12.00 Sunday 31st CLOSED Monday 1st CLOSED From 2nd Jan back to normal trading hours

30 Railway St, Euroa P: (03) 5795 2491 E: trottersm10@iinet.net.au

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 (approx)

Looking for Gift Ideas? Look no further.

Betta Home Living have put together a perfect list of Gifts from home appliances to must have tech. www.betta.com.au

The team at Thomsons wish all our valued customers best wishes for the festive season!

Merry Christmas & a safe, happy and healthy new year!

68-72 Binney St, Euroa 5795 2195 | thomsons@my.betta.com.au

68-72 Binney St, EUROA | 5795 2195 ELECTRICAL | FURNITURE | BEDDING

| JAYCAR STOCKIST | HOMEWARES | BLINDS

Lots of new stock in store.

Open Monday 18 to Friday 22 9-5pm Saturday 23 9-1pm

Ph: 0402 653 913 4/46-50 Binney St, Euroa

Come down the Hallway next to The Hub - our studio is out the back

www.catherinethejeweller.com

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 9

Page 10 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

PEACE AND GOODWILL SOMEDAY. Prophecy must be reliable if we’re to trust it. The Prophets of Old Testament times were 100% accurate; some predictions coming to pass 100’s of years later. They could only achieve this, because they were inspired by our all-knowing God-Creator, who inhabits Time; past, present and future. (30% of Scripture is prophetic; most fulfilled already, so we should wisely heed unfilled predictions in the light of our times. eg Matt.24) Ever since Abraham, were predictions made of the future Messianic King of the Jews, of Davids’ line, coming to save His people.

Scholars claim more than 300 accurate prophecies about Jesus birth (Isaiah 7:14) death and beyond. The tiny hamlet of Bethlehem was predicted as His birthplace (Micah 5:2) and that He’d come out of Egypt (as a refugee), (Hosea 11:1) to grow up in Nazareth, (John 1:46) another inconspicuous village. Many prophecies are so specific that the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling even a handful, let alone all, is staggeringly improbable if not impossible!

NEW YEAR, NEW LIBRARY: Euroa Library will be renovated during its closure from December 22 until January 9.

The last Old Testament prophets Zechariah and Malachai prophesied starkly, during times of Israels’ gross betrayal and disobedience; then came 400 years of Gods’ silence, when HE inspired no prophet, until in Matthew, when rather odd John the Baptist, came out of the wilderness declaring the coming of Messiah. Soon after, Jesus aged 30, arrived at the River Jordan to be baptised and receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit from His Father God thus commencing 3 ½ years ministry on earth. (Luke 3:18-23) Written 700 years earlier, Isaiah 9:6 foretold that “HE will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. The Messiah was described as the ‘suffering servant’ because He’d suffer for the sins of man. His death on a cross was foretold, despite crucifixion not existing until Roman times. Isaiah 52:13-15 to 53:1-12 describes the birth and death of Jesus.

Let’s not forget, be indifferent or dismissive about the real reason for this season. Christmas can be empty and distressing for many people because Jesus isn’t invited. Instead families try to get on or produce something meaningful yet secularl. However, life is hollow without Jesus, the centre of our civilization. Seek Him today because the world we inhabit is unravelling, as foretold, in selfdestruction, gross immorality, division and confusion.

Jesus, loving Way-Maker, died for all in His mercy and grace, so that we could gain life everlasting. (John3:16). If you’re uncertain and never prayed before, call out and ask Him if He’s real, and to reveal Himself! Desperate, contrite souls have often done this and received His life-changing response. Jesus satisfies human ‘hungers’, emptiness and loneliness but our greatest need is forgiveness. Everyone who receives Jesus gains eternal life with Him; everyone who rejects His offer by choice, does not. (John 3:36) No-one gains Heaven by default, without accepting Christ, who’s whose home it is?! An RSVP is required; No thanks! or Yes thank You Lord! May your Christmas be blessed!

Euroa Baptist Church

(youtube songs: “While You Were Sleeping” by Casting Crowns; “Angels From The Realms of Glory” by The Piano Guys; “O’ Holy Night”

by Lauren Dagle)

NAGAMBIE NO MORE: Strathbogie Shire Council will no longer hold meetings at the Regatta Centre in Nagambie (pictured in October this year).

Nagambie council meetings get the can STRATHBOGIE Shire Council will no longer hold meetings at the Regatta Centre in Nagambie next year.

Council had previously alternated between holding monthly meetings in Euroa and Nagambie, but next year will only hold meetings in Euroa.

Interim administrator Peter Stephenson explained the ra-

tionale for the decision at this month’s council meeting.

“The rationale for that is, one, getting the technology right so that people can actually hear what’s going on,” he said.

“And two, when council talks about saving pennies, it costs a few bob to send people down there to set up and run

Agents Choice | property guide

meetings where hardly anyone turns up.

“It was felt that, given the numbers coming, it wasn’t worth continuing at the Regatta Centre at this stage.

“And not just the technology and the lack of people but also building access – I know I struggled up the stairs myself when I attended before.”

Euroa Library to be freshened up while closed EUROA Library will be renovated during its closure from December 22 until January 9.

Leanne Baker of Friends of the Euroa Library said new shelving will be installed and the library will be painted.

“So, get your books, plenty of books to be borrowed, and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone in the new year,” she said.

Ms Baker said there had been some lovely art exhibitions at the library in 2023.

The next artist will be Bill Petiris, who will exhibit “some quirky artwork” in January.

“I’m looking forward to that,” Ms Baker said.

the gazette

WB HUNTER EUROA

STIHL GTA 26 $249 GARDEN PRUNER SAVE

50

$

‫ٹ‬k zç k ‫¨ ٳ ٺ‬X!ÁÈ«0³ªÈ0 ! ÈzÁ«ç nXàXzJ áXÁR 0æ!0nn0zÁ á Á0« ³0!È«XÁç The features of the property include: ‫ ى‬Excellent water security ‫ ى‬Land consists of fertile granite soils to run a small livestock grazing operation ‫ ى‬Five well fenced paddocks with a high proportion of clover & rye suitable for cattle or sheep ‫ ى‬Shearing shed, crush & race as well as four bay machinery shed and double work shop with power and additional woodshed make up the farm improvements

FOR SALE $940,000 - $1,000,000 nƏȇƳ ³ǣɿƺ‫ ي‬36.22 Ha

‫ ى‬Three-bedroom brick veneer home featuring stunning views of Mt Piper

ǕƺȇɎ !ȒȇɎƏƬɎ‫ي‬ Colin Broughton 0428 570 780 Bec Gilliland 0429 376 652

‫ ى‬Located a short drive to the Strathbogie township & 30 minutes to Euroa & Bonnie Doon

¨ȸȒȵƺȸɎɵ nȒƬƏɎǣȒȇ‫ي‬ 825 Tames Road, STRATHBOGIE

199 SAVE STIHL HSA 26 $ 30 SHRUB SHEARS

$

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE

8 EUROA- SHEPPARTON ROAD, EUROA

(03) 5795 3618 www.wbhunter.com.au Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 11

Smooth sailing as council of one holds first meeting

By DARREN CHAITMAN

IInterim t i administrator d i i t t P Peter t St Stephenson ph chairs h i D December b councilil meeting ti g

LAST week, Strathbogie Shire Council held its first meeting since its councillors were suspended and an interim administrator, Peter Stephenson, was appointed.

Introducing himself and his role in opening remarks, Mr Stephenson said he must perform all the duties of a councillor.

“This means we will still have meetings like we’re having tonight, and you’ll be able to contact me directly to raise any concerns – it is my job to represent the interests of the Strathbogie Shire community,” he said.

“I will not be delving into operational issues – it is not my job to do so.”

The latter remark appeared to be a reference to the findings of his report as municipal monitor, in which he described that some suspended councillors failed to clearly understand the difference between their roles and the operational roles of council staff.

Mr Stephenson went on to consider and decide on recommendations prepared by council officers, which replaced the voting process.

In lieu of voting, Mr Stephenson said words to the effect of,

“I move that the recommendation becomes a resolution and is carried”, after considering each item before him.

The meeting ran smoothly, for just over one hour, in stark contrast to the November meeting that lasted almost four hours before being cut short by councillors walking out.

Two suspended councillors, Chris Raeburn and Robin Weatherald, sat in the viewer’s gallery at this month’s meeting.

Wearing a bright yellow polo shirt, shorts and thongs, Mr Raeburn looked the part of a man newly at leisure.

Asked how it felt to attend a council meeting as a private citizen, he said it was “quite relieving” but also described the scene as sad and unusual.

“I watched the debate, but there was only one person discussing it, so it was quite unusual, and sad,” Mr Raeburn said.

Mr Weatherald, on the other hand, walked out of the meeting early and could be seen wearing an expression of disapproval and shaking his head in disappointment.

He later explained he had been “furious” because two

“FURIOUS”: Suspended councillor Robin Weatherald sat in the viewer’s gallery, but walked out early because he was “furious” that council did not answer questions he submitted for public question time. He is pictured standing up to leave, with his friend Tom Maher on his right. questions he submitted for public question time had not been answered.

“For some reason, I was censored out, in my opinion, and I think that’s an intolerable insult,” he said.

A Strathbogie Shire Council spokesperson said Mr Weatherald’s questions had not been answered publicly as the “result of an administrative oversight” and his questions were later answered privately.

COUNCIL OF ONE: “I will not be delving into operational issues – it is not my job to do so,” interim administrator Peter Stephenson said at the December council meeting.

PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

Liquor Manager Specials Jack Daniel 1L

6599

$

VB 30 can block

6999

$

SAVE $9.00

SAVE $15.00

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky 1L

3599

$ Wishing our customers a safe and happy Christmas & New Year.

Famous Grouse Whisky 700ml

SAVE $6.00 Malibu 700ml

4899

$

from the team at

6499

$

SAVE $10.00

SAVE $4.00

Choices Flooring by Thomsons 80 Binney Street, Euroa (03) 5795 1211 8 Station Street, Seymour (03) 5799 1905

ON SALE 20/12/2023 - 09/01/2024

75 Binney Street, Euroa Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

Phone: 5795 2004

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

Page 12 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

Here for You DECEMBER COMMUNITY UPDATE - GOULBURN VALLEY PUBLIC HEALTH UNIT ¢ƞƂƵijƵĎ΄ƖĮĎ΄IĎåƖ͜ Happy Holidays for this December and holiday season!

Happy Holidays for this December As weather warms up, extreme andthe holiday season! heat can lead towarms illnesses as As the weather up,such extreme heat cramps can leadand to illnesses such as heat heat exhaustion heat cramps and exhaustion which can lead to heat life-threatening which canlike lead to life-threatening condition heatstroke. condition like heatstroke.

Understanding Heatstroke Understanding Heatstroke Heatstroke is a medical emergency Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical and requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the core attention. It occurs when the core body temperature rises above 40.5 °C body temperature rises above and the body’s internal systems start 40.5 °C and the body’s internal to shut down. Many organs in the systems start to shut down. Many body suffer damage and the body SVKERW MR XLI FSH] WYǺIV HEQEKI temperature be reduced and the bodymust temperature must quickly. be reduced quickly.

Those Those most most at atrisk riskare areolder olderpeople, people, young children and people with young children and people withaa medical medical condition. condition. This ThisSummer, Summer, protect protect yourself yourself and and your your family family from fromrelated heat related concerns. heat healthhealth concerns.

Survive the the heat heatthis thissummer summerwith Survive with these simple tips: these simple tips: 1. Keep Keep drinking drinking water water at at frequent frequent 1. times and and keep keep aa full fulldrink drinkbottle bottlewith times with you. you.

2. Never leave kids, adults or pets 2. Never leave kids, adults or pets in in cars as the temperature can cars as the temperature can double double in minutes. in minutes.

3. Consider spending time in 3. Consider spending time in cool or cool orair-conditioned buildings air-conditioned buildings 4. Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.

5. Stay out of the sun during the hottest 4. Block out the sun at home during part of the day. daymust by closing curtains blinds.

6.the If you go out, wear a and hat and 5. Stay outand of the sun duringofthe sunscreen take a bottle water hottest part of the day. with you.

If you mustmeals go out, wearoften a hatand and 7.6.Eat smaller more sunscreen and take a bottle of water cold meals such as salads. with you.

8. Don’t forget your pets – a cool bath, a 7. Eat smaller meals more often and wet towel to lie on, a place next to a fan cold meals such as salads. and plenty of fresh water work just as 8. Don’t forget your pets – a cool bath, well for animals. a wet towel to lie on, a place next to a 9.fan Keep to date with weather andup plenty of fresh water work just forecasts – watch the news daily, check as well for animals. the Bureau forecast 9. Keep up of toMeteorology date with weather online and–read thethe current health forecasts watch newsheat daily, alert onthe health.vic.gov.au. check Bureau of Meteorology 10.

Look after those in the forecast online andmost read at therisk current heat your neighbour living alone, heat–health alert on health.vic.gov.au 10. Look afteryoung those children, most at risk in the older people, people heat – your neighbour living alone, with a medical condition and don’t older people, young children, people forget your pets. with a medical condition and don’t your pets.

Ifforget you observe symptoms of heat-

tat΄$* *i * ΄ * t ¯΄ͬ Ď tœ΄ƖĮĎ΄aŜŜņ΄tƞƖͭ COVID-19 IS BACK tÍN$΄Ͳ̆̎΄ijƊ΄ijœāƂĎåƊijœħ΄åāƂŜƊƊ΄ŜƞƂ΄ƂĎħijŜœ͟ ÎĮijāĮ΄őĎåœƊ΄œŜƶ΄ijƊ΄ƖĮĎ΄ƖijőĎ΄ƖŜ΄ĀĎ΄ĎƻƖƂå āåƂĎĦƞʼn͟΄NĦ΄ƼŜƞͽƂĎ΄ƶijƖĮ΄ƊŜőĎŜœĎ΄ƶĮŜͽƊ΄ĎʼnĈĎƂʼnƼ͚ ĈijƊåĀʼnĎĈ΄ŜƂ΄ĮåƊ΄åœ΄ƞœĈĎƂʼnƼijœħ΄őĎĈijāåʼn΄āŜœĈijƖijŜœ ƂĎőĎőĀĎƂ΄ƖŜ΄ƶĎåƂ΄å΄őåƊņ͚΄ƊƖåƼ΄åƖ΄ĮŜőĎ΄ijĦ΄Ɗijāņ͚ ƖĎƊƖ΄ĀĎĦŜƂĎ΄ƵijƊijƖijœħ͚΄ƊƖåƼ΄ƞſ΄ƖŜ΄ĈåƖĎ΄ƶijƖĮ΄ƼŜƞƂ ƵåāāijœåƖijŜœ͚΄őĎĎƖ΄ŜƞƖĈŜŜƂƊ΄ijĦ΄ƼŜƞ΄āåœ΄åœĈ ƂĎőijœĈ΄ƖĮĎő΄åĀŜƞƖ΄ tÍN$΄őĎĈijāijœĎƊ͟΄ ¢ƖåƼ΄ƊåĦĎ΄ĀƼ΄ĦŜʼnʼnŜƶijœħ΄ƖĮĎ΄̋΄ƊijőſʼnĎ΄ƊƖĎſƊ΄Ͳ΄ĦŜƂ őŜƂĎ΄ijœĦŜ΄ƵijƊijƖ ƶƶƶ͟ĀĎƖƖĎƂĮĎåʼnƖĮ͟Ƶijā͟ħŜƵ͟åƞͥāŜƂŜœåƵijƂƞƊͲ āŜƵijĈͲ̆̎ͲƵijāƖŜƂijå

related illness, seek medical help.

If you observe symptoms of heatseek medical Ifrelated you or illness, someone you know ishelp. unwell, If you or someone you know is unwell, call Nurse on call at 1300 60 60 24 for call Nurse on call at 1300 60 60 24 24-hour health advice or see your for 24-hour health advice or doctor. see your doctor.

In case of an emergency, call 000.

In case of an emergency, call 000.

For Formore moreinformation, information,head headtotothe the betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyli betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ ving/heat-stress-and-heat-relatedhealthyli illness ving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-

illness

Gastroenteritis BåƊƖƂŜ΄ijƊ΄ijœāƂĎåƊijœħ΄åāƂŜƊƊ΄ŜƞƂ΄ƂĎħijŜœ͟ BåƊƖƂŜĎœƖĎƂijƖijƊ͚΄ņœŜƶœ΄åƊ΄͢ħåƊƖƂŜ͚͢΄ijƊ΄å΄ħƞƖ ijœĦĎāƖijŜœ΄ʼnĎåĈijœħ΄ƖŜ΄ĈijåƂƂĮĎå΄åœĈ΄ƊŜőĎƖijőĎƊ ƵŜőijƖijœħ͟΄BåƊƖƂŜ΄āåœ΄ĀĎ΄āåƞƊĎĈ΄ĀƼ΄őåœƼ ĈijĦĦĎƂĎœƖ΄ƵijƂƞƊĎƊ͟΄*ƻåőſʼnĎƊ΄ŜĦ΄ƵijƂƞƊĎƊ΄ƖĮåƖ āåƞƊĎ΄ħåƊƖƂŜ΄åƂĎ΄ƂŜƖåƵijƂƞƊ΄åœĈ΄œŜƂŜƵijƂƞƊ͟΄¯ĮĎƂĎ åƂĎ΄őåœƼ΄ŜƖĮĎƂ΄āåƞƊĎƊ΄ŜĦ΄ħåƊƖƂŜ΄ijœāʼnƞĈijœħ ĀåāƖĎƂijå͚΄ƖŜƻijœƊ͚΄ſåƂåƊijƖĎƊ͚΄åœĈ΄ƊŜőĎ΄ŜƖĮĎƂ ĈijƊĎåƊĎƊ͟΄¯Ŝ΄ſƂĎƵĎœƖ΄ijœĦĎāƖijŜœ͚΄ƶåƊĮ΄ĮåœĈƊ΄ƶijƖĮ ƊŜåſ΄åœĈ΄ƶåƖĎƂ΄ͬœŜƖ΄ĮåœĈ΄ƊåœijƖijdžĎƂƊͭ͟΄NƊŜʼnåƖĎ΄ĦŜƂ ̉̍΄ĮŜƞƂƊ΄åĦƖĎƂ΄ƊƼőſƖŜőƊ΄āĎåƊĎ͚΄åœĈ΄āŜœƊƞʼnƖ΄å ĈŜāƖŜƂ΄ijĦ΄ƊƼőſƖŜőƊ΄ſĎƂƊijƊƖ͟ AŜƂ΄őŜƂĎ΄ijœĦŜƂőåƖijŜœ͚΄ĮĎåĈ΄ƖŜ ĀĎƖƖĎƂĮĎåʼnƖĮ͟Ƶijā͟ħŜƵ͟åƞͥĮĎåʼnƖĮͥ āŜœĈijƖijŜœƊåœĈƖƂĎåƖőĎœƖƊͥħåƊƖƂŜĎœƖĎƂijƖijƊ

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 13

Christmas Greetings 2023

St Joseph’s Nagambie End of Year Mass and awards

By DIANE GRANT FOR 16 years the End of Year Mass held by Nagambie’s St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school has been conducted

by Fr Tony Hill who up until November was the Parish Priest of St Malachy’s Catholic Church in Nagambie and priest to the school.

Fr Tony Hill for the last time led the beautiful Mass of music, liturgy, and prayers with faithfulness and reverence for the small country Catholic school on Thursday, December 14 at St Malachy’s 150 year old church.

School principal Maree Findlay thanked Fr Tony Hill for coming each week to celebrate Wednesday mass with the school community which has helped the children grow in strength in

their Christian faith.

Mrs Findlay spoke of the blessings and accomplishments made over the past year and shared challenges and acknowledged her staff, school board, Parents and Friends group, volunteers and school families for their support over the year especially with the fete and concert and the many challenges faced over the year.

She finished her principal’s talk by saying, “I look forward to the challenges and achievements we have in store for the school next year. I look forward to 2024 with enthusiasm and all the exciting learning we will do.”

A small candle was lit in memory of 134 year old school girl Ruby Gribbin who passed away recently and who had attended St Joseph’s

mer Boy’ by the Grade Six graduating student while other students and staff gave readings and prayers with Fr Tony Hill reading the Holy Gospel and talking to the students briefly on his years of attending many school end of year Masses.

Three boys were handed candles by the sole Grade 6 student to wish them luck as school leaders in 2024.

Nagambie’s St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School students at the end of year Mass and awards ceremony with Fr Tony Hill and school staff.

Primary school in her junior years.

Pupils from each class took part in the Mass beginning with the placing of learning symbols relating to the school on a cloth cov-

WB Hunter wish to thank our loyal customers for their support throughout the year and wish all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

This store will be CLOSED the following days: Christmas Day (Mon Dec 25th) Boxing Day (Tue Dec 26th) New Year’s Day (Mon Jan 1st)

ered table; also a Lectionary, Advent wreath, candles, posters, about the Advent season’s message of Hope, Peace and Joy. The school was led in singing “The Little Drum-

SPECIAL AWARDS The St Joseph’s special awards were then presented in front of the school community. Each recipient received a framed certificate in honour of their award.

The Kevin Verge Award was presented by Mrs Findlay on behalf of the Verge family as was the Margaret Perry Award presented on

behalf of her family.

The Ray White Resilience award was given to two students who showed their capabilities all year.

The Mary MacKillop award was presented by the Principal as was the RSL award on behalf of the veterans club.

A new award was donated by the Tahbilk Football Club and this was made to one student followed by the Little Athletics award given to a student for their sportsmanship.

The Seymour Goulburn Lion’s Club Award encouragement award was presented by a member of the Lions club.

At the end of the awards ceremony, two students presented Fr Tony Hill with a plant and gift in appreciation for his many years of faithful service to the school.

The team at Mawsons Bakery Café wish everyone a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you for your support during 2023 and we look forward to another year full of award winning products and great service for all our valued customers.

25 Dec Christmas Day CLOSED 26 Dec Boxing Day 8am-2pm 1 Jan New Years Day CLOSED Open all other days as normal

19 Binney St., Euroa. 57952425

Page 14 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

THOMSON’S HOME FURNISHERS

The Euroa Gym would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Take care TEAM EUROA GYM 0435 738 490

The team at Thomson’s wish all their valued customers a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy new year! We look forward to continuing to service the Euroa Community and surrounds into the new year.

Christmas Greetings 2023

TRADING HOURS: Sat 23rd: Open 9am - 4pm Christmas Eve: Open 9am - 4pm Christmas Day: CLOSED Boxing Day: CLOSED 27th, 28th, 29th Dec: Open 9-5.30 Sat 30th: 9am - 1pm 31st CLOSED Jan 1st CLOSED Jan 2nd Open 9-5.30

68-72 Binney St, Euroa

5795 2195

thomsons@my.betta.com.au

34-36 RAILWAY ST, EUROA VIC 3666

WWW.THEEUROAGYM247.COM.AU

Rodwells Euroa wish all of their valued clients a Merry Christmas and safe and happy New Year.

Our office will close 1pm Friday 22nd Dec & reopen Tuesday 2nd Jan at 9.00 am 31 Binney St, Euroa | Phone: (03) 5795 2240

The Already Read Book Shop Seasons Greetings and thank you to the generous people who have donated their books and to all our customers.

IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Textile artist Melanie Ball is pictured at Pop Up Arts Euroa wearing a Christmas hat she created and holding Christmas cards with photos by Bill Harris. She said “the colour” had been the inspiration for the hat design. “I think people at Christmas time will sometimes be a little bit more over the top than they normally would, so it’s always nice to have at least one Christmas hat for someone who likes to dress up,” she said. Her message for readers this Christmas is to enjoy, hug lots of people and celebrate being alive. Pop Up Arts Euroa features 14 local artists and is open from 10am-2pm every day until Christmas.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

The Already Read Book Shop will be closed on Christmas Day 25th New Years Day 1st 78 Binney St, Euroa

5795 1130

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year We will be closing 5pm Friday 22nd December and re opening 9am Monday 8th January 2024.

THE WIDER LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE EUROA COMMUNITY ARE VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sevens Creek Psychology 10A Sevens Avenue, Euroa Ph 5795 2194 www.sevenscreekpsychology.com.au

:H ZLVK HYHU\RQH D 0HUU\ &KULVWPDV DQG D KDSS\ DQG VXFFHVVIXO 1HZ <HDU 7KDQN \RX WR RXU FOLHQWV DQG IULHQGV IRU \RXU VXSSRUW GXULQJ

)RU WKH KROLGD\ SHULRG RXU RIILFH ZLOO EH FORVHG IURP 'HFHPEHU WK DQG UHWXUQ RQ -DQXDU\ WK

:H ORRN IRUZDUG WR ZRUNLQJ ZLWK \RX LQ 5DLOZD\ 6WUHHW (XURD

DEISDUWQHUV FRP DX

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 15

Tehan, George & Co

Christmas Greetings 2023 MERRY XMAS FROM RED CROSS: Seated in front are Mayette Martin (left), Helen Dewan, Pam Case and Barb Kruse.

Standing behind are Chris Mitchell (left), Annette Cocking, Chris John, Beryl Harris, Bev Asquith, Faye Hall and Marg Grogan.

The Partners and Staff wish you the compliments of the season and advise that both our (XURD 6H\PRXU RIÀFHV ZLOO FORVH Thursday, 21st December 2023 at 5 pm.

The Euroa RIÀFH ZLOO EH UH RSHQLQJ Monday, 8th January 2024 at 9 am.

The Seymour RIÀFH ZLOO EH UH RSHQLQJ Tuesday, 9th January 2024 at 9 am.

Euroa 5795 2101 35 Binney St, Euroa

ON Thursday, December 7, the Euroa Red Cross Team came together to celebrate our Christmas luncheon at St John’s Hall.

Our very own Pam Case and Chris John took charge of the kitchen, treating us to delicious Australian delicacies that left everyone satisfied.

Their culinary skills were matched only by their creative table decorations, allowing the rest of us, including myself and the entire group, to simply sit back, relax, and engage in

enjoyable conversations.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to each one of you who purchased tickets for our Red Cross Callings and generously donated goods, as well as those who supported our Christmas raffles in 2023.

We extend our thanks to Burtons IGA for graciously providing us with space to set up a table and sell tickets.

Special thanks also go to Darren Chaitman and The Euroa Gazette for helping us share our story of dedicated and passionate local volunteers.

To our valued clients, wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday and prosperous New Year; thank you for your loyal support over the last twelve months.

As we approach the new year, we want to extend an invitation to the entire community.

The Euroa Red Cross holds regular meetings on the first Thursday of each month at St John’s Hall, starting at 10am.

We welcome anyone interested in joining our cause to attend these meetings.

For additional information, please feel free to contact Barb Kruse at 0448801369 or Pam Case at 0417104231.

On behalf of the entire Red Cross team, we want to convey our heartfelt Christmas wishes.

Paul, Pam and Staff wish the people of Euroa & District a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Áǝƺ ȒǔˡƬƺ ǣɀ ƬǼȒɀǣȇǕ ‫א׏‬ȵȅ áƺƳȇƺɀƳƏɵ ‫׎א‬Ɏǝ (ƺƬ ƏȇƳ ȸƺȒȵƺȇǣȇǕ ‫׎בِז‬Əȅ ÁɖƺɀƳƏɵ ‫ח‬Ɏǝ hƏȇ

Closing 2pm December 22nd 2023 and reopening 8.30am January 2nd 2024

Our office will close at 3pm on Friday December 22 and re-open at 9am on Monday January 15, 2024.

12(/ * 2¶0($5$ $662&,$7(6 38%/,& $&&2817$176

Merry Christmas

Euroa Red Cross closes the year with Christmas celebration

By MAYETTE MARTIN

We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and every best wish for 2024.

OPENING HOURS

To our valued clients, family, friends and the Euroa community and surrounds.

We greatly appreciate your support for our business throughout 2023 and we look forward to continuing to provide quality plumbing services in the region in the New Year.

Wishing you all the best for 2024.

Derek and Katherine Crosbie, Lachlan and Ryan

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

23rd Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec 26th Dec 27th Dec 28th Dec 29th Dec 30th Dec 31st Dec 1st Jan 2nd Jan

9am -12pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 12pm Closed Closed 9am – 6pm

PLEASE CHECK ALL MEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR PERIOD.

2023 Christmas & New Year Trading Hours

Friday 22 Dec 8:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 23 Dec 8:30am – 6:00pm Sunday 24 Dec 8:30am – 4:00pm (Christmas Eve) Monday 25 Dec CLOSED (Christmas Day) Tuesday 26 Dec 8:30am – 4:00pm (Boxing Day) Wednesday 27 Dec 8:30am – 6:00pm Thursday 28 Dec 8:30am – 6:00pm Friday 29 Dec 8:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 30 Dec 8:30am – 4:00pm Sunday 31 Dec 8:30am – 4:00pm (New Year’s Eve) Monday 1 Jan CLOSED (New Year’s Day) Tuesday 2 Jan 8:30am – 6:00pm

The team at Strathbogie Physiotherapy would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Closing Friday the 22nd December at 5.00pm and re-opening Monday 8th January 2024 at 9.00am P: 5795 2332 | F: 4400 1555 18 Clifton Street, Euroa VIC 3666 | info@bogiephysio.com.au

Glen, Tim and staff would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you for your patronage in 2023 and we look forward to serving you in 2024.

75 Binney Street, Euroa Phone: 5795 2004

Page 16 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Franz Kloft Mechanical Repairs Janine, Franz and Andrew from Kloft Mechanical Repairs would like to thank their clientele for their support over the years and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

s a m t s i r h Merry C

euroagazette.com.au

KƉĞŶ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϮϯƌĚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϵĂŵͲϯƉŵ ůŽƐĞĚ ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ϮϰƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ůŽƐĞĚ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ĂLJ ϮϱƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ůŽƐĞĚ ŽdžŝŶŐ ĂLJ ϮϲƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ KƉĞŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ ϮϳƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϴ͘ϯϬĂŵʹϲƉŵ KƉĞŶ dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ ϮϴƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϴ͘ϯϬĂŵͲϲƉŵ KƉĞŶ &ƌŝĚĂLJ ϮϵƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϴ͘ϯϬĂŵͲϲƉŵ KƉĞŶ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϯϬƚŚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϵĂŵͲϯƉŵ ůŽƐĞĚ EĞǁ zĞĂƌƐ ĂLJ ϭƐƚ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂƐ ƵƐƵĂů ĨƌŽŵ ϮŶĚ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ WůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽŶ ďŽƚŚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϮϯƌĚ Θ ϯϬƚŚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŶŽ DĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ WĂƚŚŽůŽŐLJ ŽŶ ƐŝƚĞ͘

LM

AT T

Farm

B

U

The Euroa Gazette staff wish to thank their advertisers, contributors and readers for their support in 2023. We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

2XU ²QDO HGLWLRQ LV 'HFHPEHU WK

U Game

Euroa

Y

A

M

B

For after-hours assistance you can present to Euroa Health’s Urgent Care Centre via 36 Kennedy St Euroa, or call 5795 0223 to be directed to the triage nurse, who will advise you of further management, and as required call in the on-call GP.

TC HER

FESTIVE

Xo#R=R5ʇ:X rvɘ

Saturday 23rd Dec 8am – 1pm Sunday 24th Dec CLOSED Monday 25th Dec CLOSED Tuesday 26th Dec CLOSED Wednesday 27th 8am – 5pm Thursday 28th 8am – 5pm

Friday 29th 8am – 5pm Saturday 30th 8am – 1pm Sunday 31st Dec CLOSED Monday 1st Jan CLOSED Tuesday 2nd Jan 8am – 5pm

}âÊʇ ¨õú¨ŕīúʇ īĦÀâÊěŅʇĦʨúʇĿāīõÆʇõåóÊʇĦāʇĦâ¨ûóʇŅāīʇÜāěʇŅāīěʇāûÝāåûÝʇğīĘĘāěĦɉʇ

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR The Gazette will be back in stores on January 10th, 2024

18 BINNEY STREET EUROA. PH: 5795 1115

petrostar PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTION

(Merry Christmas and a happy New Year) Goulburn Valley Water’s offices are closed from 4.30pm on Friday December 22 until Tuesday January 2, but our teams are still working to keep your services flowing.

For faults or emergencies, call us on 1800 454 500.

Make every drop count this season)

To all our valued customers, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your support in 2023, we look forward to seeing you in the new year Cam and Jasmin

you need our business for your fuel!

www.petrostar.com.au

David, Kirrily and Staff wish all their valued customers a happy and safe Christmas season.

We will be closing 4pm Friday 22nd December and reopening 8am Tuesday 2nd January.

Note in 2024 we will no longer be opening on Saturday mornings.

Always follow the Permanent Water Saving Rules. They’re designed to help save water every day, for every one.

Handheld hoses can be used at any time if fitted with a trigger nozzle Run your sprinklers between 6pm and 10am to reduce evaporation Use a broom or a blower to clean hard surfaces Use a bucket or hose with trigger nozzle to clean vehicles

If you need fuel for your business,

For all your fuel supplies, auto parts, oils and more.

Every drop counts.

Be Water Wise.

CLOSED FROM 4pm Thursday 21st December RE- OPEN FROM Tuesday 2nd January 8am-5pm Stay tuned for the opening of our new laundromat and pet laundry in 2024!

For enquiries over the period call 0428 952 758

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 17

Go Adventure Nagambie scores tourism gold Adventure Nagambie offers to its customers, but also shine a light onto the hidden gem of Nagambie and the broader Goulburn River and ranges region.

They also wish to highlight some of the key projects that require government support following the floods, that are significantly impacting the local community and tourism industry, including the closure of Kirwan’s Bridge and Old Chinamans Bridge.

Go Adventure Nagambie is the only business in Victoria to win two gold awards in the 2023 finals, and the only gold award winner from the newly Goulburn tourism region, incorporating the Greater Shepparton City Council, Strathbogie Shire Council and Mitchell Shire Council.

As a dual winner of the Victorian Tourism awards, Go Adventure Nagambie is now a dual finalist for the 2023 Australian Tourism awards held in Darwin in March 2024.

Winning dual gold awards in the same year is a rare feat.

In the Australian Tourism awards Go Adventure Nagambie will be competing against internationally renowned business such as the National Museum of Australia representing the ACT, and Sydney Harbour Kayaks representing NSW.

14 De Boos St Euroa T: 03 5795 2300 E: euroa@iinet.net.au

Deliveries available

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes

Total prize value $2,200 approx

2023

LOCALLY owned family business Go Adventure Nagambie has won two gold awards at the 2023 Victorian Tourism awards only 12 months after being devastated by the October 2022 floods.

On Thursday, November 30, the Victorian Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony was held at Crown Palladium.

For 37 years the Victorian Tourism awards have recognised businesses who exceed industry standards and acknowledge those who display excellence together with outstanding innovation, industry professionalism and collaboration.

After being named a finalist in the Tourism Awards in their first awards attempt in 2022, Go Adventure Nagambie, owned and operated by locals Lee and Kymberleigh Rowland, has trumped a field of Victorian business and tourism leaders in the categories of Tourism Retail, Hire & Services and Adventure Tourism.

This achievement is a true feat considering the Go Adventure Nagambie business was negatively impacted by the October 2022 floods, losing three months of their operating season, and the recovery works from this one in a 100 year flood event still continue.

Mr and Mrs Rowland hope that these achievements will not only display the true excellence Go

For Timber, Hardware, Sand, Soil & Mulch

EUROA & DISTRICT Cleeland slams government following rise in compensation claims

MEMBER for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has seized on new data – which shows a sharp increase in the number of Victorian drivers seeking compensation for damage to their vehicles caused by dodgy roads – in her continuing tirade against the Labor government.

Data provided in the Victorian parliament showed compensation claims have risen 414 per cent in three years, from 298 in 2020/21 to 755 the following year and 1532 in 2022/23.

Just four of those claims were assessed as payable over the three year period.

“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and can’t keep our roads in safe condition to drive on,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We know our roads are in

DOUBLE GOLD: Go Adventure Nagambie owners Kymberleigh and Lee Rowland won two gold awards at the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards.

DODGY ROADS: Compensation claims relating to vehicle damage caused by dodgy roads have risen 414 per cent in three years, from 298 in 2020/21 to 755 the following year and 1532 in 2022/23. an appalling condition, yet this tired Labor government is cutting road maintenance funding and falling short of its own road repair targets.”

The data regarding compen-

sation claims was provided to the public last month after Ms Cleeland requested the information from Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne in parliament.

“The Victorian Government is investing an additional $2.8 billion over 10 years into road maintenance and renewal works, including flood recovery,” Ms Horne said in a statement accompanying the data.

“Our maintenance season is well underway with a focus on repairing roads damaged as a result of last year’s unexpected weather events.”

Shadow Minister for Roads, Danny O’Brien, said if the State Government fixed the terrible roads, Victorians wouldn’t be suffering this damage.

“Despite cost blowouts of more than $30 billion on major infrastructure projects under Jacinta Allan, Labor is actually spending less on basic maintenance of our roads,” Mr O’Brien said.

December

31 New Years Eve with Jimmy, Gayle, Alister and Jarrod.

Sunday 31 Dec, 8pm to midnight at Euroa Third Age Club. $20 per head. Bookings essential.

BYO drink and nibbles – tea & coffee available. Contact Jimmy Davidson on 0412 723 356

Register your function in Special Events Diary at a cost of $9.90 per listing which lasts up to 12 months. Call the Gazette on 5795 3041 or email Lorraine at lmillard@nemedia.com.au

petrostar PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTION

32 Railway St, Euroa

Trailer Accessories, Auto Parts, Oils and much more...

32 Binney Street, Euroa | 5795 3777 admin@petrostar.com.au | www.petrostar.com.au

a Call Euro e ic Tyre Serv ok o NOW to b heck c a safety es r of your ty s e and brak

urs: g ho adin r t y a y Holid ursda nd

h a ing T ber 5pm d Clos ecem esday 2n D t s Tu 21 ning e p o re 024 ary 2 Janu

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 3 fabulous prizes

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes

Total prize value $2,200 approx

Total prize value $2,200 approx

Page 18 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

Report calls for $1b increase in local government road funding

LIGHTS OUT AGAIN: During a lightning storm on Wednesday last week, 24,000 AusNet customers went offline.

PHOTO: Julie Harrison, Benalla, Facebook

24,000 Ausnet customers offline in power outage

ANOTHER extended unplanned power outage, which began on Wednesday last week and lasted until Friday for some customers, raised the ire of local residents.

During a lightning storm on Wednesday, 24,000 AusNet customers went offline, with close to 1500 customers impacted across the Euroa, Avenel, Longwood, Ruffy, Strathbogie and Violet Town regions on Thursday, according to Ausnet.

“AusNet had land crews and a helicopter patrolling and inspecting the network for damage during this time,” an Ausnet spokesperson said.

“All AusNet customers had their power restored by Friday morning.”

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the high frequency of blackouts across the region was unacceptable.

“The constant power outages impacting our regional communities cannot continue,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I understand that there is a need for occasional maintenance, however the regular unplanned outages are having a significant impact on the health of our local residents and financial viability of businesses.

“Just this week, I have heard from several constituents who have struggled during these outages, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and business owners.

“This is unfortunately not a

rare occurrence, with power issues being one of the most frequently raised topics by members of the community.”

Ms Cleeland said it was time for the State Government to step in and ensure the region’s unreliable electricity supply was properly managed.

Many Euroa residents on Facebook were not having a bar of it.

“Just cause we live in the bush doesn’t mean we should expect a second rate service – can u imagine the uproar if Melb was out of power this long?” one resident wrote.

“Hot toddlers and baby in a hot house with no fans tonight, and a fridge full of food that’ll have to be chucked tomorrow,” another shared.

ALL NOW AVAILABLE RANGE OF CHRISTMAS STOCK AVAILABLE IDEAL GIFTS FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON. Gingerbread & Shortbread Trees, Mince Tarts, Shortbread Stars, Christmas Cakes

Others dubbed the situation “BS” and “a joke”, with another sarcastically calling it “just bloody awesome”.

AusNet has shared the following tips for power outages: z have battery operated torches and radios in a place easy to access. z Have spare charged battery packs available for mobile phones. z Know how to manually operate electric gates and doors.

Compensation claims can be made via Ausgrid at https:// www.ausgrid.com.au/ContactUs/Make-a-claim-Step-1.

Information on outages in your area can be found at https:// www.outagetracker.com.au/.

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has welcomed a new report which recommends the Federal Government provide Australian councils with an extra $1 billion each year to maintain and upgrade their local roads.

The Grattan Institute’s “Potholes and pitfalls: how to fix local roads” calls on the government to increase untied federal funding to councils through financial assistance grants by $600 million per year, and “Roads to Recovery” funding by $400 million per year.

The recommendation echoes the Australian Local Government Association’s call for financial assistance grants to be restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue and “Roads to Recovery” funding increased to $800 million per year.

The report found federal funding to councils is not keeping up with increases in road construction and maintenance costs.

“Flooding has damaged our roads so badly we must look at repairs that are above and beyond our normal maintenance programs,” a Strathbogie Shire Council spokesperson said.

“We estimate the damage bill could be as high as $50 million – something that is well outside our ability to fund.

“On top of this the October 2022 flood event forced the closure of Kirwans Bridge – a crucial access route to locals and visitors – and the Goulburn River underneath Chinaman’s Bridge is closed because collapse is imminent.”

The report also highlights that many regional, rural and remote councils face additional challenges in maintaining their local roads, based on their large geographic size and relatively small ratepayer base.

Strathbogie Shire has more than 2210km of roads – 1465km unsealed and 748km sealed.

On top of this, there are 521 bridges and culverts to maintain.

“The repairs needed on our road network are significant and we will need funding from the state and federal governments,” the council spokesperson said.

The Federal Government is currently undertaking a review of Australia’s Infrastructure Investment Pipeline, which also includes local government road funding programs.

")" / 1" 1%" 01 /1 ,# ĊĈĊČ

PICNIC RACE MEETING

MERTON AMATEUR TURF CLUB Monday 1st January 2024 Ĵ &5 " /! Ŗ " 12/&+$ )!"/0 "/1,+ 2Ĵ ļ ,,(* ("/0 Ĵ 0%&,+0 ,+ 1%" &")! Ĵ & "+0"! / ļ /" 1 ,,!

Gates open at 11am First race at 1.00pm.

Open 7 days 19 Binney Street, Euroa VIC 3666 03 5795 2425 | Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes Total prize value $2,200 approx

Adults $20 | children under 16 free & ("10 + " -2/ % 0"! ,+)&+" 1 444Ķ ,2+1/6Ķ/ &+$Ķ ,*ű*"/1,+ ń ,*" 1& ("10 3 &) )" 1 1%" $ 1" Ŗ 0% ,+)6Ņ ś 20 4&)) /2+ #/,* 2/, +! +09")!Ķ ,,(&+$ "00"+1& )ķ ,+1 1 1 )&"Ķ

Contact Natalie Burton – 0407 888 121 * &)ĸ !" +Ķ+ 1 )&"Ľ &$-,+!Ķ ,*

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 19

The night Santa was given a police escort O 200 attended Over d d Euroa’s Carols by Candlelight g

By WILLIAM BUCKINGHAM FRIDAY night’s Christmas festivities at Carols by Candlelight had reached such a feverish pitch that, by 8.30pm, the Euroa Police felt the need to drive Santa directly to his spot on centre stage.

Thankfully, he arrived safely.

Well over 200 people shared this hugely successful event.

The weather was perfect with a clear sky and a light breeze, and the Euroa Citizens Band set the tone of the evening with an opening performance of “Silver Bells”.

Master of ceremonies, Gayle Mawson, then formally opened the event and welcomed the wide range of performers: St John’s Primary School, The Strathbogie Singers, Carl Leech and Gary Chowanetz.

Gayle also thanked Euroa Printers for the complimentary booklet of carols, the Euroa Lions Club for the barbecue, and Strathbogie Shire Council for their help in promoting and hosting the event.

The singing began with great aplomb.

Old favourite secular and sacred carols were sung gleefully by all ages and talents.

Highlights of the carols were a solo performance of “Winter Wonderland” by Euroa Secondary student Lillian Kilroy, and the singers from St John’s who, under the careful tutelage of Kathy Allen, gave a beautiful performance of “Mary’s Boy Child”.

Other notable inclusions were a unique rendition, by Carl Leech and Gary Chowanetz of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, together with a more traditional Christmas song in Spanish; along with The Strathbogie Singers, under the expert directorship of Di Mackrell, performed a traditional African-American carol “Amen” with a number of harmonic variations across the six verses.

The evening concluded with “Auld Lang Syne” , and the event was certainly one never to “be forgot”.

Well done Euroa.

MC MAWSON: The night’s master of ceremonies was Gayle Mawson.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

CONDUCTOR: Euroa Citizens Band, led by conductor Chris Day, set the tone of the evening with an opening performance of “Silver Bells”.

MUSICAL MAESTROS: Carl Leech and Gary Chowanetz were among the night’s performers.

CAROL SINGER: Euroa Secondary College student Lillian Killroy performed “Winter Wonderland”.

Police won’t take merry approach on holiday roads LOCAL police are calling on residents to act responsibly when taking to the roads this festive season, with the highrisk Christmas period already underway.

Some 279 lives have already been lost on Victorian roads this year, surpassing the 241 lives cut short in crashes for all of 2022, and with low range drink driving readings (.05 to .069) increasing by four per cent on the typical monthly average, officers are urging residents not to risk driving alcohol-affected during the holiday season.

Popular holiday hotspots across the North East will be targeted as part of police’s ‘Operation Roadwise’, an 18-day initiative which will extend into the New Year period to deter unsafe behaviours on roads across Victoria.

The initiative officially commenced last Friday, and will continue until 11.59pm on January 1.

As part of the operation, motorists are being urged to entirely separate drinking and driving, with the recent increase in low-level drink driving readings believed to suggest drivers are prepared to drink at end-of-year social functions before getting behind the wheel.

‘Low range’ drink driving offending carries a $577 fine and a six month driving ban for those under 26 years old, while those fully licenced and above 26 will be sidelined for three months.

Road policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said those who choose to flout the road rules would be up for a costly Christmas, with penalties in the hundreds of dollars also applicable for those speeding by more than 10kph, failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to obey traffic lights or using a mobile device while driving.

“We’re urging everyone to make road safety a priority during the festive period – the last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma,” he said.

“December is particularly highrisk on our roads – we tend to see an increase in social functions and events that increases the likelihood of impaired driving, as well as increased traffic as people head away to regional areas.

“We will be focused heavily on impaired drivers, so expect to be tested, and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit – the penalties are significant, and we make no apologies for enforcing the rules – it could save someone’s life.

“It’s been a horror year on our roads and we will be doing all we can to stop this needless loss of life.”

Ó(8):=. : p)h= " : Dcuk original wooden ducks All Dcuk characters are individually hand-carved from the roots of bamboo.

Large

$

59 95

Small

$

54 95

Shop here for your chance to win 1 of 4 fabulous prizes YOUNG TALENTS: Local youngsters gave a beautiful performance of “Mary’s Boy Child”.

Total prize value $2,200

Page 20 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Church Services ANGLICAN CHURCH Saturday 23rd December 12.30pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist 9.15am St Paul’s Euroa 3pm Children’s Christmas Activity St Paul’s Holy Eucharist 11.30pm Midnight Mass Euroa Monday 25th December Christmas Day 9.15am Holy Eucharist, St Paul’s Euroa Wednesday 27th December 10am Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa Sunday 31st December New Year’s Eve 9.15am Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa Wednesday 3rd January 10am Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa Sunday 7th January 9.15am Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa Wednesday 10th January 10am Holy Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa Enq: 5704 0330 www.anglicaneuroa.org.au All WelcomeBAPTIST CHURCH 31 Kennedy Street, Euroa Sunday December 17th, 10am Tuesday: 9.30am Prayer, 10.30am Bible Study.

Listen to Vision Radio 88.4 FM CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Services at Kelvin View Hall Sunday December 24th 10.30am Morning Worship Everyone welcome Pastor: Murray Broughton 5795 1950 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Balmattum Every Sunday 3pm Worship 7.45am December 25th Christmas Day Enq: Rev. Stephen McDonald 5762 6275 Yea Presbyterian Church, 9am St Andrew’s Seymour, 11.15am Nagambie inquiries to: Bonnie Purbrick 5794 2544 or Bill Day 5794 2070 CATHOLIC CHURCH St John’s, Euroa Friday 12.30pm Mass Saturday Vigil Mass 6pm St. John’s Church Euroa Sunday Mass 8.30am St Patrick’s Longwood 10.30am St Attracta’s Violet Town CHRISTMAS TIMETABLE Saturday 23rd December 6pm Vigil for the 4th Sunday of Advent at St John’s Euroa Sunday 24th December No morning Masses in Longwood or Violet Town Sunday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 5pm Vigil St Patrick’s Longwood 7pm Vigil St John’s Euroa preceded by Carols from 6.30pm Monday 25h December (Christmas Day) 9am 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 Monday 25th December Christmas Service at 9.30am Everyone Welcome Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103 Judi Ward 0437 686 072 St Andrew’s, Strathbogie No service on 24th or 25th Dec Enq: Joan Wood 5795 1175 St Andrew’s Violet Town Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am No service on 25th Dec All Welcome Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866 EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Old School House, Clifton St Euroa Every Sunday Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests.

10am Service Enquiries: Aaron 0493 101 663

euroagazette.com.au

Mother’s Union celebrates Christmas with lessons and carols at Nagambie THE sounds of traditional Christmas Carols and the reading of Advent Bible Lessons fill the air this time of the year across the world.

They spread the message of goodwill and the spirit and meaning of Christmas.

That took place once again by the Anglican Parish of Central Goulburn Mother’s Union branch members from Nagambie and Seymour and a couple of guests at St John’s Church in Nagambie on Wednesday, December 13.

The small band of faithful folk gathered together for their annual Advent Seven Lessons and Carols service.

The service was led by parish priest Rev Richard Pennington and the lessons were read by members of the congregation.

This annual service gives the members some peace and preparation before the cel-

MOTHER’S UNION CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS: Central Goulburn MU branch members and guests at the Advent Lessons and Carols service on December 13 at St John’s Nagambie.

L-R; Back row. Dawn Elliott. Middle row. Margaret Hurren, Kel Boyle, Maree Boyle, Mary Greenshields Jen Pennington. Front row: Di Grant, Dawn Leece, Marlene Brew, Gladys Burgoyne, Betty Hayward and Rev Richard Pennington. ebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem as written in the Holy Bible and faithfully believed by many Christians for over 2000 years.

The MU members are

all aware that this year has been a very challenging one.

They have met a few times, enjoyed enjoy each other’s company since and hosted a successful Morning Melo-

dies fundraiser for the MU overseas and outreach program and funds for the 2023 Salvocare Christmas appeal.

The parish thanks all who donated funds for the project, and they

were dropped off to the Salvation Army for them to distribute locally.

It has been the same across the world and all 4.3 million MU members have felt a sense of renewal in their own countries since the COVID 19 pandemic hit and has faded somewhat.

The MU branch sent Australian MU Christmas cards to their link branches in Northern Ireland and Frederickton, Canada and received Christmas blessings and messages and photos back from these link branches this year.

The MU members then enjoyed their end of year Christmas lunch at the Nagambie Rowing Club.

The MU invite members of the community to attend a church service at any of our local churches this Christmas to share in and spread the good news that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Christmas at Kelvin Grove celebrated in style FOR many years the owners of the Kelvin Grove over 55s Village in Nagambie have hosted a Christmas party for the residents and guests.

The residents got together and decorated the hall in a Christmas festive theme and the happy annual event was held again in early December in the village hall.

A delicious two course meal was enjoyed by the guests as was the enter-

tainment provided by well known local singer Noel Pearson.

Many danced their favourite steps to the popular music or joined in singing along with the well known songs.

A Christmas raffle was held with funds going towards 2024’s Australia Day games evening and Mother’s Day afternoon tea dance in May. Lucky door prizes

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: Christmas blessings and New Year wishes to everyone.

PERSONALS: December birthday wishes go to Gary Payne, Carol Dickson, Bryce Shepherd, 60th Mick Burns, Maree Langley, Nan O’Brien, Andrea Burns, Hayley Willcocks, Abby Jarvis, Kylie Anne Kettels, Tayla Page, Matthew Bruce, 87th to Eileen Johnson, Ray Lloyd, Luke Jaudzemis, Keenan Shepherd, Michelle Crofts, Faye Hannam, Lyn and Lawrence Jo Melbourne, Ethan Mitchell, Adam Webster, Lyn Reddington, Pat Harvey, Jenny Bannister, Holly White, Lyndel Croxford, Debbie Hansen, Paula Betson, Rodney Brooks and Cheryl Jarvis.

Some January wishes go to Jamie Tranter, Bruce Parris, Keith Fowler, John “Tiger” Spencer, Alicia Green, Emily Meek, Dianne Akers, twins Nicholas and Sally Weaire, Denise Lynch, Jack Vearing, Seamus Traynor, Daryl Green, Jake Wall, Mark Shelton, twins Phil and Doug Neville, Maddison Biggs, Wendy Kells, Anne Tranter, Denise Cooper and Peter Branagan.

Happy anniversary to Brendon and Lisa Miller, Kaye and Frank

went to some happy diners and Happy Birthday wishes were sung to the folk who celebrated their special day that week or coming up soon.

They shared in the cutting of their birthday cake.

Congratulations to all residents who decorated their home or garden in any way to celebrate Christmas.

The lights and decorations look fabulous.

NAGAMBIE NOTES with Di Grant P: 5794 1720 E: stardust2011 @bigpond.com

Hoefs and Jodi and Russell Smith. .

Sympathy goes to the families and friends of young school girl Ruby Gribbin and Val Le Deux who passed away recently.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SCHOOL STUDENTS: Congratulations to all primary and secondary school students on completing another school year and good luck to those going onto high school or starting a new job or career or going onto tertiary study.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN NEWS: Recently Walter Bidois of the shire parks and gardens staff at Nagambie worked very hard to extend the shire’s sprinkler watering system in the centre nature strip to connect a sprinkler that now will water the rose garden regularly.

Thanks to Phil Hageman of

CHRISTMAS IN STYLE: Birthday folk celebrate at the Nagambie Kelvin grove Village Christmas party. Back row: Pat Harvey, John Grant, Bev Snelling. Front. Danielle Wilson, Charley Boyle, Lyn Reddington and Beryl Pallot.

Kelvin Grove Village for watering it by hoses for many months to keep them alive.

I have sent off the photo and scrapbook album of newspaper cuttings of the garden to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

I cheekily invited him to come to Nagambie to see our tribute to Her Majesty next October.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS: December 31. Annual fireworks display. 10pm. 5-10 minutes duration. Visible from vantage points around the Lake.

AUSTRALIA DAY. Friday, January 26. Nagambie Celebrations - 8am start at Nagambie Rowing Club and at Avenel in Jubilee Park.

CHURCH NEWS: ANGLICAN: Christmas Eve, December 24, at 9am Christ Church Seymour - Advent 4 Service, at 11am St John’s Nagambie – Advent 4 Service.

5pm St Paul’s Avenel, and 7pm St John Nagambie.

Monday, Christmas Day, December 25. Combined Churches service – 9am Christ Church Seymour. Rev Richard Pennington 0477 921 111.

CATHOLIC: St Malachy’s Nagambie. Christmas Eve, 6pm, preceded by Carols 5.30pm. POC

W.Keenan. 0459 595 908.

Avenel St Mary’s. Christmas Day. 9.30am. POC G.Kenworthy. 0405 125 963.

UNITING: Christmas Eve. Seymour-Avenel Uniting Church at 7.00pm at Avenel.

Christmas Day, 9.00am, Seymour Combined Churches celebration at Anglican Church, Anzac Ave. Seymour. POC Rev. J. Payne. 0408 176 754.

PRESBYTERIAN: St Andrew’s Nagambie Church. Christmas Eve. Christmas Carol service 11am.

Christmas Day. Combined Seymour-Nagambie Christmas Day Service 9am. B.Georges POC on 0423 886 692 or W.Day. 0429 933 116.

Dec. 31. Combined Nagambie – Seymour Presbyterian Missionary & Communion Service. Seymour Presbyterian church. 10.30am.

Rev. Grant Lawry. Guest missionaries - Lazzlo and Eva Mihalyi. Followed by bring and share barbecue lunch in Goulburn Park.

NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS: Christmas day. December 25. Morning service at River Street park Nagambie.

8am. BYO chair. POC R.Close 0402 286 277

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 21

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023: School Council president Juana McKeachie speaking at the dinner. Behind her are students Molly Redfern and Samy Tatai.

PHOTO: The Occasion Studio, Wangaratta

Euroa Secondary College class of ‘23 celebrates with valedictory dinner

By LEANNE WINFIELD PARTY TIME: Cathy Javier, Rebecca Reid, Lourdes Wood, Euroa’s Mayette Martin and Jessica Carminati.

FAFA raise the roof in Shepparton for Christmas Local Filipino p Australians enjoy j y extravagant g dances,, ukulele jjamming g

By MAYETTE MARTIN ON Saturday, December 9, the Filipino Australian & Friends Association (FAFA) hosted a vibrant Christmas party at 45 Evergreen Way in Shepparton, also known as the Philippine House.

This event was a joyful gathering of FAFA members, their families, and friends.

The day was filled with laughter and cheer, thanks to a lineup of fantastic activities.

We enjoyed special musical performances, an extravagant dance show, lively games, delightful ukulele jamming, thrilling raffles, and a merry time of dancing to festive Christmas music.

Our guests couldn’t help but join in the fun, laughing heartily and eagerly anticipating their prizes.

As is our tradition, everyone contributed by bringing a plate of food to share.

From appetisers to main courses and delectable desserts, there was an abundance of food to satisfy every appetite,

with plenty left over for takeaways.

We were honoured to welcome Mayor Shane Sali and his two young sons to our celebration.

Julie Mercer, a retired Shepparton journalist, was also in attendance, capturing precious moments with her camera.

Multicultural Police Officer Leigh Johnson participated in the games and Tracy Birkett, representing Ethnic Council Shepparton, joined in and bonded with us.

To our dedicated FAFA committees, cherished members, supportive families and friends, esteemed guests, local newspapers, and journalists who played a crucial role in promoting and publishing our FAFA events, we extend our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of FAFA. Without your unwavering support, we wouldn’t have achieved the success we did this year.

As we approach the festive season, we wish you all a joyful Christmas.

Let’s look forward to a fresh and healthy 2024.

GUEST OF HONOUR: Jr Prasad, Jack Torney (Santa Claus) and Marlon Marshall.

Taungurung cultural experience offered for school holidays THIS school holidays, Taungurung Land and Waters Council is inviting young people to a family-friendly version of their wawa biik experience.

The new tour, named wawa Euroa wayilak (young people), is a two-hour hands-on cultural experience at the Euroa Arboretum.

It is suited for young curious minds aged 5-12 years.

A tour is offered in the January school holidays and another in April.

It serves as an introduction to Taungurung culture, specifically regarding the cultural use of plants for food, medicine and tools.

The experience begins with a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony.

To find out more, head to: https:// wawabiik.com.au/cultural-experiences/ wawa-euroa-wayilak/.

BURRA AT BULLER: This photo of a kookaburra, taken by Nicola Beautyman on Mt Buller, Taungurung country, was a winner of Taungurung Land and Waters Council’s newsletter photography competition.

PHOTO: Nicola Beautyman

ON Friday, November 24, Euroa Secondary College celebrated with the VCE Class of 2023 and their families at the GV Hotel in Shepparton.

The evening was hosted by the school captains, Molly Redfern and Samy Tatai, along with assistant principal Matthew Koutroubas and year 12 co-ordinator Maddi McCluskey.

School Council president Juana McKeachie and myself, the principal, spoke about our young people completing their secondary school education and moving into the future to take up exciting opportunities and also to recognize what a wonderful group of young people we always have as students at Euroa.

This year 12 group was definitely a prime example of a cohort of students who worked hard at their study and supported and cared for each other.

Students sat VCE exams in October and November and others completed the final VCAL course, following the introduction of VCE Vocational Major in year 11 this year and year 12 next year.

Congratulations to all students for completion of VCE/VCAL and their achievements.

Surrounded by family, friends and school staff, students received academic and values awards and a completion certificate.

A number of students will be going on to university, some to TAFE and some to apprenticeships or work.

Some students will be choosing to have a gap year to broaden their experience, take a break from study and save for the cost of study.

We wish them all the best for their futures.

At the valedictory dinner, the George Hunter Scholarship was presented by Jan Maree Birch, who is one of the trustees of the scholarship.

The trustees met in November to make the difficult decision to award the scholarship to two of the 16 applicants.

George Hunter appreciated the support that he had been given as a young man and later in life he became a philanthropist and donated generously to the Euroa community.

George Hunter left a significant trust for a scholarship for students at Euroa Secondary College.

His wife Ruth also donated to the foundation in her will.

Depending on the financial situation, the trustees usually choose two applicants for the scholarship of $10,000 each.

The scholarship is provided each year for applications from Euroa Secondary College students who are moving on to further study, an apprenticeship or to work and to help them to be able to achieve their ambitions.

Students from the school have been receiving scholarships from this foundation for over 25 years.

The 2023 successful applicants are Tamara Potter and Lily Skinner, who will use the funds to support their study at university.

At the valedictory dinner, Jan Maree presented Tamara and Lily with their scholarship awards.

Page 22 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

Pitch My Project open for submissions Council’s popular p p initiative asks residents to p pitch p project j ideas

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council’s popular Pitch My Project initiative is once again open for submissions.

The initiative asks residents and local groups to pitch ideas to be funded in the 2024/25 budget.

The projects funded must be council-led and delivered, with no direct allocation of funds given to community groups, clubs, organisations or commercial businesses.

Council has proposed an allocation of $300,000 for Pitch My Project as part of the 2024/25 budget.

Each of the six strategic focus areas within the council plan will be allocated $50,000.

Projects to successfully secure funding last year were: Strathbogie Memorial Hall stage upgrade ($50,000); Longwood Nature Play Space ($50,000); Euroa Branding Project ($50,000); shade sail at the Graytown Community Centre ($15,000); shelters and seating at the Longwood Football and Netball Club ($35,000); PAST PITCHERS: Scott Embling (left) and Shane Thomson are members of the Euroa Memorial Oval and the Euroa Memorial Oval committee of management, who last year received $20,000 through Pitch My Project to put towards septic tank decommissioning decommissioning the existing septic tank system at the oval’s female change rooms. ($20,000).

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman This year, council is also open You’ll first be asked to conBut first, it’s time to pitch When it’s time to vote, counto pitches for infrastructure protact a council officer who will cil will put all eligible projects your ideas. jects.

Head to www.share.strath- advise you about your pitch.

Pitches for infrastructure up- on their engagement platform There will also be an opgrades that demonstrate strong www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov. bogie.vic.gov.au to read the community benefit can be au, or you can head to thier guidelines, find inspiration of portunity to attend an online made through strategic focus survey stations throughout the past successful pitches and get information session on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. pitching. shire. areas five and six.

CARPENTER

cam.burden@gmail.com

AIRCONDITIONING

Cladding Doors/Windows Fencing House Repairs Retaining Walls

MXCVJMET DPN BV t MXCVJMET !HNBJM DPN

t /&8 )0.&4 t &95&/4*0/4 t 6/*5 %&7&-01.&/54 t $0..&3$*"- */%6453*"- 130+&$54 t 508/ 1-"//*/( "11-*$"5*0/4 t -"/% 4637&:*/( t #64)'*3& "44&44.&/54 t 40*- 3&10354 t 4536$563"- &/(*/&&3*/( t &/&3(: 3"5*/(4 t % 3&/%&34 A ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING DESIGN NEEDS.

M 0413 122 391

E ron@studiothreedesign.com.au

CONCRETING

ENGINEERING

P E R LO W M A N O R

If it’s worn, bent, broken or spent you need us!

CONCRETING t 4NBMM UP MBSHF KPCT t 4IFE TMBCT BOE %SJWFXBZT t 'SFF RVPUF Call Andrew 0409 622 817 Euroa & District

Ford McKernan Engineering Pty Ltd Our fully equipped Machine Shop and welding facilities will have your problem fixed in no time. We also stock steel, pipe, RHS, V-belts, pulleys, weld rods, bolts, CNC Plasma/Profile cut and guillotine, fold steel and stock trailer parts and bearings.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL (03) 5795 2290 Fax (03) 5795 2589 Cnr Charles & Frost St, Euroa fordmckeng@sctelco.net.au

t 5POOF &YDBWBUPS t #PC $BU t N3 5JQQFS )PVTF 4IFE 4JUFT r 4JUF $MFBOVQT r 'PVOEBUJPOT %SJWFXBZT r 5SFODIJOH r %SBJOBHF r -BOETDBQJOH 1PTU )PMF "VHFS r 'VMMZ *OTVSFE

Mark - 0428 577 826 1VU EPXO UIF TIPWFM BOE * MM TBWF ZPV UIF USPVCMF

EXCAVATION

'ULYHZD\V +RXVH 6KHG &RQFUHWH 3DGV $QG )RRWLQJV /DQGVFDSLQJ 6XSSOLHV 'UDLQDJH :RUNV 5XUDO $QG 'RPHVWLF <DUG :RUN DQG 0RUH Call for a Quote Rob McCullagh 0428 597 861 canyadigit01@gmail.com

89d04347

Cam - O447 5O9 O29

Renovations Demolitions Decking Flooring Framing Architraves/Skirts Handyman Services

EXCAVATION

Done Shovelling ABN. 61 301 788 101

Stock yards Hay - cut, rake and bale

Earthmoving Driveways and tracks Trenching Dam cleaning and new Rock supply and dams delivery Machinery transport Site cuts

DESIGN & DRAFTING

Luke Wood Qualified Carpenter Locally based Affordable rates Fully Insured

ADCODE/89D07537

Agriculture Rural fencing Equine fencing

THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) on Thursday stocked 2000 trout cod into Seven Creeks at Polly McQuinn’s Weir near Euroa.

The annual trout cod stockings are part of the VFA’s record-breaking fish stocking effort and will help restore wild populations of the threatened native species.

The fish were grown at the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon.

The fish stocking program is funded by the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria plan and the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees.

Funding is also backing an expansion of the VFA’s Snobs Creek and Arcadia hatcheries, enabling more dedicated resources for producing threatened species like trout cod.

Trout cod are related to Murray cod and were once common across many of Victoria’s northern rivers.

Fingerlings are stocked in the hope they will breed among themselves in a few years’ time to establish self-sustaining populations.

“We’re helping to create new breeding populations of trout cod in waterways like Seven Creeks as we know this will make a real difference to the recovery of this endangered native species in the wild,” Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said.

DIRECTORY

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

A G R I C U LT U R E & E A R T H M O V I N G

Seven Creeks restocked with 2000 trout cod

Trades& Services

5795 3041 AGRICULTURAL

STOCKING TIME: VFA CEO Travis Dowling (left) and Snobs Creek fish hatchery’s Steve Vidler.

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 23

Trades& Services

5795 3041

DIRECTORY

classifieds@nemedia.com.au EXCAVATOR & BOBCAT HIRE

Domestic Painting

j/89d05333/3320

5798 5412

One room or a whole house Interior | Exterior No Obligation Quote

▶ Pruning ▶ Hedging ▶ Tree Removals ▶ Stump Removals

Contact Amanda Watkins

0439 953 340

FLYSCREENS & DOORS

PAINTING

SEYMOUR FLYSCREENS & DOORS ,JN 0UUSFZ t Jodie Ottrey

PETRIE

03 5792 1853 0417 012 540 kimautocool@bigpond.com

SINCE 1957

ABN 38 603 859 607

Made to measure - Free Quote

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING P E T- 0 0 2

PAINTING

www.seymourflyscreensanddoors.com.au

GARDEN SUPPLIES

▶ Free Quotes ▶ Fully Insured ▶ Qualified Arborist ▶ Professional Advice

0400 607 719

6HSWLF 7DQNV &OHDQHG %\

+HQU\ 7KH 7KLUG

OWNER TONY DEMASI Lic Plumber & EPA

1300 762 395 Mobile 0418 515 596

Cleaner of: Septic tanks, treatment plants, grease traps, oil interceptors and sludge pits

PLUMBING SERVICES

SHEDS " Build Your Space, Your Way "

ΔύDĬʉĬǒơʡύΔύ Ĭʉʄɡʉʭʡύ Δύ ĬƓǧǶɃơʉ̉ύʡǧơƚʡύ Δύ ɃƚύȽɡʉơ

PEBBLES, PAVERS, STEEL, ROOFING, POTS & CONCRETE PRODUCTS

5795 2300

Phone: 0439827818

14 DeBoos St Euroa euroa@iinet.net.au

WRIGHT OUT TREE & STUMP REMOVAL

****** BRETT PETRIE DESIGN - 0400 607 719 ******

For Timber. Hardware. Sand Soil and Mulch.

Deliveries available

TREE SERVICES

e: sales@dynamicshedsolutions.com.au w: www.dynamicshedsolutions.com.au

All aspects of tree works, maintenance and reports by Qualified Aborists.

Professional Service at a practical price

FREE QUOTE PHONE STEVE

0407 566 357

5798 5412

VETERINARY CLINIC OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK + 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Where pets come first 4 BURY ST. EUROA 03 5795 2888 ACEVET.COM.AU

j/201932006/32-19

HANDYMAN

PLUMBING SERVICES

SHEDS

“Engineered with Excellence” Servicing Euroa & Districts

- Shed Construction - Shed Extensions - Shed Alterations - Shed Sales Phone: 0408735827 Email: admin@mandssheds.com.au Website: www.mandssheds.com.au

HIRE & PUMPS

PLUMBING SERVICES

TRANSPORT SERVICES

J & J Livestock Transport Licensed Plumber and Gas Fitter 50447

Truck & Trailer

- Qualified Plumber and Gas Fitter

For all your Equipment Hire Needs.

PUMPS Sales, Service & Repairs 20-22 Tarcombe Street, Euroa

(03) 5795 3148 Email: savsequipmenthire@gmail.com

- New homes, renovations and extensions - Blocked drains and CCTV drain camera - 24 Hour emergency plumbing

04077 095 095 179

“No job too big or too small”

BUSINESS!

Advertise in your local Trades & Services Directory...

CANINE THERAPY COMPUTER REPAIRS CONCRETING COURIER DOG GROOMING DANCE TEACHER

EARTHMOVING ELECTRICIAN FENCING GARDENER GLASS & GLAZING HANDYMAN … TO LIST A FEW.

EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THE GAZETTE To enquire or book a spot email: lmillard@nemedia.com.au or call Lorraine now on

- Roofing repairs and renewals

Call Derek D k

BUILD YOUR

Contact Jim 0429 325 133

5795 3041

$'&2'(

0407 566 357

TREE SERVICES

MICHAEL O’CONNOR

* Excavator hire * Bobcat hire * Grader * Tipper * Roller Forestry Mulcher

PHONE STEVE

PRINTERS

PAINTING

WRIGHT OUT EXCAVATIONS

Drainage, Log and Rock Grab, site preparations, driveways etc

PAINTER

PAGE 24 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

7KH EHVW ZD\ WR UHDFK WKH 6WUDWKERJLH 6KLUH

BY EMAIL

BY PHONE 5723 0101 FUNERAL DIRECTORS

N J Todd Funeral Directors Member AFDA

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

DEATH NOTICES

FUNERALS

%(55< 7KH IXQHUDO VHUYLFH WR FHOHEUDWH WKH OLIH RI 0DUJDUHW %HUU\ ZLOO EH KHOG DW WKH (XURD %DSWLVW &KXUFK .HQQHG\ 6WUHHW (XURD RQ 7KXUVGD\ 'HFHPEHU FRPPHQFLQJ DW DP 7KLV ZLOO EH IROORZHG E\ DQ LQWHUPHQW DW (XURD /DZQ &HPHWHU\ )DPLO\ DQG IULHQGV DUH UHVSHFWLYHO\ LQYLWHG WR DWWHQG

%(55< 0DUJDUHW 3DVVHG DZD\ SHDFHIXOO\ DW (XURD +RVSLWDO RQ 7XHVGD\ 'HFHPEHU $JHG \HDUV 'HDUO\ ORYHG ZLIH RI WKH ODWH -LP 0XFK ORYHG PRWKHU RI /HRQ 3KLOOLS $QGUHZ 6WXDUW GHF DQG &ROOHHQ :RQGHUIXO JUDQGPRWKHU WR -RVK (PLO\ ,VVDF (OOLRW :LOOLDP DQG 'LDQQD “Forever in our hearts.”

PUBLIC NOTICES

(852$ /,%5$5<

22nd December 2023 — 6th January 2024 inclusive.

BOOK RETURNS CHUTE CLOSED.

%(55< 0DUJDUHW /LIH PHPEHU DQG ORQJ VHUYLQJ R൶FH EHDUHU RI /RQJZRRG 'LVWULFW 5HG &URVV %UDQFK )RQGO\ UHPHPEHUHG DQG GHDUO\ PLVVHG E\ PHPEHUV DQG IULHQGV

McINTOSH, Audrey.

1931-2023 I will miss my creative friend of 43 years.

Especially at my home and when travelling to many of our shared activities.

Her untiring work for the Euroa community will be missed. ~ With my love in remembrance, Valda Martin of Ruffy.

McINTOSH, Audrey Esther.

3/2/1931 – 8/12/2023 Loved mother of Sue and John.

Grandmother of Dave and Nicole, Michael, and Dale and Rod. Great-grandmother of Connor, Jordyn, Hunny, Lizzy and Jett.

Also loved sister of Noreen and Kath.

Always with us.

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666

PUBLIC NOTICES , ZLVK WR DGYLVH DV RI 'HFHPEHU , ZLOO EH VWHSSLQJ GRZQ DV WKH ORFDO FRQWDFW IRU 1 - 7RGG )XQHUDO 6HUYLFHV LQ WKH 6WUDWKERJLH 6KLUH ,W KDV EHHQ D SULYLOHJH WR ZRUN ZLWK 1 - 7RGG DQG VHUYH WKH FRPPXQLW\ LQ WKLV FDSDFLW\ , ZLVK WR VLQFHUHO\ WKDQN \RX DOO IRU \RXU VXSSRUW IULHQGVKLS DQG WUXVW RYHU WKH SDVW WKLUWHHQ \HDUV 7KH VWD൵ RI 1 - 7RGG ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR VHUYLFH WKH 6KLUH RI 6WUDWKERJLH DV WKH\ KDYH VLQFH

3OHDVH IRUZDUG DOO LQTXLULHV WR RXU R൶FH RQ DQG VSHDN ZLWK 'DPLHQ RU -XVWLQ <RXUV IDLWKIXOO\ .HYLQ 0F)DUODQH

9LVLW DQ\ RWKHU *RXOEXUQ 9DOOH\ /LEUDULHV EUDQFK $FFHVV H%RRNV H$XGLRERRNV DQG DOO RQOLQH UHVRXUFHV DW ZZZ JYOLEUDULHV FRP DX :H DSRORJLVH IRU DQ\ LQFRQYHQLHQFH

We would like to wish all our advertisers and readers a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

&ODVVL²HG GHDGOLQH 3pm, Monday, January 8.

McINTOSH, Audrey.

Long serving member of the Ladies Auxiliary (42 years) and beloved friend and supporter of the brigade. ~ Officers, Members, Ladies Auxiliary and Juniors of the Euroa Urban Fire Brigade.

Available from Feb 2024.

100 Anderson Street. $1600 /month, gardening included.

Suit one or two people. → RC aircon in kitchen → Space heater in living room Please contact owner on (03) 9754 2040 or 0409 216 718 for more details.

1st prize: E. Eddy 2nd prize: Emily 3rd prize: Annette Diffey Euroa Red Cross thank everyone for their generous support. We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Coordinator Longwood Primary School Department: Department of Education and Training.

Location: Longwood Primary School.

Classification: Ed Support Level 1 – Range 2.

Begin Date: January 29, 2024.

End Date: January 27, 2025.

Regular/Temporary: Temporary – Fixed term.

Hours: 18 hrs per week – variable as per demand.

Contact Name: Travis Stefanos Phone: 0413 494 953 Please contact Travis Stefanos for specific details regarding this job and a copy of the Key Selection Criteria.

School Website: www.longwoodps.vic.edu.au Apply By: January 19, 2024.

Applications to be forwarded to The Principal, Longwood Primary School, 1-21 Hurley Street, Longwood, Vic 3665 or e-mailed to travis.stefanos@education.vic.gov.au.

AGISTMENT

Winners will be drawn at 11am Sunday, December 24, 2023 near Thomson’s Home Furnishers Your Local Newspaper

EUROA CHAMBER OF BUSINESS & COMMERCE INC.

0D]GD 6HGDQ DXWRPDWLF IXOO VHUYLFH KLVWRU\ <18 UHJLVWHUHG ZLWK 5:& OHDWKHU VHDWV VXQURRI QHZ W\UHV 3K

MARINE

EMPLOYMENT

AGISTMENT-MERRAWEENEY. Approx 60 acres-permanent water and 6 dams.

16-20 head cattle @ $7/HD/WK

$XGUH\ $ ORYHG DQG IDLWKIXO PHPEHU RI (XURD 0HWKRGLVW DQG ODWHU 8QLWLQJ &KXUFK IDPLO\ 0D\ WKH IDPLO\ ¿QG FRPIRUW NQRZLQJ VKH LV DW UHVW LQ *RG¶V NHHSLQJ

EUROA RED CROSS RAFFLE

-D\FR 6WDU&UDIW 9 IW LQ SRS WRS VLQJOH EHGV VKRZHU DQG VHSDUDWH WRLOHW VRODU SRZHU EDWWHULHV ODUJH IULGJH GLHVHO KHDWHU 3K

TO LET

)XUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ SKRQH RU HPDLO JYOEUDULHV#JYOLEUDULHV FRP DX

First edition for 2024 will be Wednesday, January 10.

0F,1726+

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

TWO BEDROOM HOUSE AVAILABLE TO LET

&/26(' )25 5(3$,17,1*

%(55< 0DUJDUHW 7KH 3UHVLGHQW DQG PHPEHUV RI WKH /RQJZRRG 6HQLRU &LWL]HQV VHQG WKHLU FRQGROHQFHV WR 0DUJDUHW¶V IDPLO\ 0DUJDUHW ZDV WKH WUHDVXUHU DQG DFWLYLWLHV FR RUGLQDWRU IRU WKH VHQLRUV IRU PDQ\ \HDUV

FODVVL² HGV#QHPHGLD FRP DX

LEASE-AVAILABLE NOW APPROX 87 ACRES KYABRAM. 2YR MINIMUM. $400/WEEK. SUIT CROPPING. LASERED. WATER AVAILABLE. Call Daniel 0467 465 645

)LEUH *ODVV ERDW WUDLOHU KS <DPDKD YHU\ OLWWOH XVH DOO VDIHW\ JHDU QHZ VHDWV DZQLQJ SDLQW DQG JHO FRDW WRWDOO\ UHIXUELVKHG QHZ WUDQVRP *36 6 R X Q G H U 3K

-$<&2 6WHUOLQJ IW 9 ZLWK VZD\ FRQWURO LPPDFXODWH FRQGLWLRQ VOLGH RXW TXHHQ EHG HQVXLWH ZLWK ZDVKLQJ PDFKLQH ODUJH GLQLQJ DUHD ZLWK OHDWKHU VHDWLQJ IXOO DQQH[ DQG YHUDQGDK QHZ W\UHV DQG D QHZ DZQLQJ ZLWK OHG OLJKWLQJ D IXOO VHUYLFH RQH \HDU DJR DQG ORWV RI H[WUDV 3K

Call us today...

Classifieds

WORK! Phone: (03) 5795 3041

CARAVANS AND CAMPERS

75$9(//(5 $XVWUDOLD 3HQWKRXVH < VHPL R൵ URDG FDUDYDQ YHU\ OLWWOH XVH IXOO DQQH[ VOLGH RXW :HEHU %%4 JDV ERWWOHV VOLGH RXW VWRUDJH ER[ VOLGHV RXW HLWKHU VLGH N: VRODU TXHHQ VL]H EHG SRZHU RSHUDWHG OLIW XS VWRUDJH XQGHU EHG VWRYH DQG RYHQ ODUJH IULGJH IUHH 79 PLFURZDYH UDGLR ZDVKLQJ PDFKLQH DQG FORWKHV GU\HU IXOO ODUJH HQVXLWH DQG DLU FRQGLWLRQHU QHJ 3K

FOR SALE

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 25

SPORT

Mills medal win NAGAMBIE MID-WEEK GOLF

By KARYN THOMPSON WE had eight players for a Stableford round and the Monthly Medal.

The winner of the Monthly Medal, The Seymour Club Voucher, the 18 hole competition and the nine hole competition was Annette Mills with 38pts for 18 holes and 23 pts for nine holes.

18 hole balls down the line went to Annette 38pts and Moz Fowler 35pts.

Nine hole balls down the line went to Annette 23pts and Kylie Carmichael 18pts.

No nearest to the pin winners.

Results Thursday, December 14 Mid week Mixed nine Hole Competition.

We had 19 players for a Par round.

The winner was Kylie Carmichael with plus five.

Nearest to the pin on the 13th was Bev Brown and on the 16th Chris Roberts.

NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB

By DAVID LOVE THE summer teams events continued at the Nagambie Golf Club with the ‘Ray Cassar ‘ memorial ambrose cross country generously sponsored by Ben Cassar was played on a 20 hole composite course where imaginative shot making and quality execution are a must.

The course has seven par threes requiring accurate wedge play and has many holes that wind across multiple fairways to reach the final destination.

The winning pair with a seven under par 67-5.7561.25 were the out-of-position specialist Shaun Bryant and the accurate one David Love, a flying start going five under par after seven holes set up the round, a flat middle section followed but this was then rectified with a fine finish to win by the slimmest of margins - .25 of a shot.

Steve Donnison and Gary Bow took out second place with some stylish golf, Donnison and Bow put together a four under 70-8.50-61.50 with some well crafted shots and great putting.

Going for four straight wins was third placed pair of Shaun Spicer and Jeremy Ezard, a quality title defence with 70-5.50-64.50 but the run is now over.

The seven nearest the pins went to David Love with a smashing strike on the 2nd, Dave Fullager cracking one to the 6th, Graeme Galvin hitting a top notch shot to the 8th, Graeme Keogh with a dazzling approach to take out the 10th, Shaun Spicer was red hot at the 13th, Dean Brown was sensational serving it up at the 18th and Jeremy Ezard with deft touch to walk away with the 46m 20th hole.

Christmas eve golf will be played at Nagambie Golf Club next Sunday; a Par event is on offer with the usual 8am to 8.30am hit off, on office duty is D. Love and in the bar J. Lodding.

EUROA GOLF CLUB

By RICHARD JOHNSON THE Longest Day Golf Challenge Fund raising event for Anti Cancer Council brought out a team of seven players who rose to the challenge and raised a massive $5232 dollars.

The event comprises 72 holes of golf played over a single day.

The team comprised Scott Watson, Scott Meehan, Marcus Steers, Dav Mackrell, Owen Robertson and Gaz Ritchie in his final event at Euroa.

Owen Robertson took out the prize for the best score narrowly over Marcus Steers, but the event isn’t so much about the score, but the mighty fundraising from sponsors and players.

Some of the players handled the challenge better than others with Scott Watson looking to take it to 100 holes while with one round to go Dav Mackrell reported he was fatigued.

Gaz Ritchie was his usual lively self to the end and his personality will be missed around the club.

In regular events 20 men dodged the storms and power outages to take on the Wednesday Stableford

round which was won by Dennis McGregor by a tidy six point margin with 43 points.

Lucas Paul, Ross Wishart and Gaz all had 37 while Plugger and Paddy finished on 36.

The Friday Twilight event is a popular way into the weekend and this week 27 players found very favourable conditions for scoring a countback on 22 points separated Richard Johnson and Paul Jones with Paul Redfern 21, Zac Rawlings 20.

Richard Eddy also had 20 points in his nine hole round which saw him have seven birdie putts without making one drop.

A big score is looming when the putter finds its range.

Saturday, amid lovely early summer conditions, 48 players again brought home good scores none better than Judy McLean’s 43 points, breaking under that 90 barrier to win the ladies event from Deb Cox 41 and Jean Duff 39.

Paddy McCarthy extended his good form from Wednesday to take division one in the Men’s event with 38 points.

Course record holder Paul Robinson, who now has to carry a plus two handicap, again shot a three under par round for 37 points.

Division two ball winners were Denis McGregor 38, Richard Johnson 39, John Gilliland 40, while juniors, Sam Mills and Zac Rawlings each had 41 to be unlucky in the countback that saw Charlie Walker’s 41 points take home the prize.

With some excellent scoring by the juniors, the older guys are hanging on by a hair’s breadth or in Charlie’s case even less.

Member renewals will be going out shortly and gift vouchers and junior memberships are available from the club and would make for great Christmas presents.

Regular events this week and the course is open for green fees players and visitors over the holidays.

CHIP AND RUN: Jean Duge approaches the green with a flawless hit.

RAY CASSAR MEMORIAL WINNERS: Shaun Bryant and David Love proudly secure the memorial shield.

WATCHING CLOSELY: Gail Allen eagerly tracks the golf ball’s flight.

PUTTING FOCUS: Freda Edwards locks onto the challenge, eyes fixed on this tough putt

STAYS THE COURSE: Kae Lummas digs her way out of this tricky shot. PHOTO: Dale Mann

Page 26 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

SPORT

Euroa Lawn is back with a dominant win over Benalla Lawn Green

By CAROLINE KEENAN EUROA TENNIS CLUB MOGLONEMBY recorded its first win since round three after a tight tussle with Benalla Lawn Gold in the last round before the Christmas break at Benalla on Saturday.

Moglonemby just got the better of the home-side by six games - 56-50.

St Paul’s has retained its place at the top of the table after beating Terip Terip by 21 games.

Section one debutante Will Davey won all his sets as did his mixed doubles partner Rosie Cameron.

The final score was Terip Terip 43 to St Paul’s 64.

Gooram goes into the Christmas break on a high after winning its second match on the trot.

Once again Dan Godsmark and Jude Sands were the stars of the show by refusing to surrender a game in their win.

The final score was Strathbogie 38 to Gooram 70.

Longwood Lawn cemented its spot in second place on the ladder after a comfortable win over Benalla Gardens Gold.

Molly Redfern and Brent Moore were standouts by winning all their sets.

The final score was Gardens Gold 51 to Longwood Lawn 68.

And Euroa Lawn is back on the winners’ list after cruising to victory over Benalla Lawn Green.

Declan Weston proved to be a very handy fill-in, the big-serving Weston dropped just four games for the afternoon.

The final score was Benalla Lawn Green 42 to Euroa Lawn 67.

In section two Longwood Lawn forfeited to St Paul’s.

The competition resumes matches on January 20.

Euroa secures historic croquet championship

By DAN GODSMARK IN a thrilling grand final last week, Euroa’s croquet team made history by claiming their maiden premiership against reigning champions Deniliquin Blue.

The Euroa team came out of the blocks and dominated the entire match, winning all four opening singles, with Kevin Milner, Paul Murray, Anne Murray, and Chris Chittick delivering impressive performances.

The scoreboard reflected Euroa’s dominance at 4-28 to Deniliquin 0-19

after the initial singles.

Despite a resilient effort from the James family from Deniliquin in the second block of four singles, where each side won two games, Euroa held their ground.

The pivotal third doubles match sealed the victory for Euroa, shutting the gate on Deniliquin aspirations.

The final scoreline stood at Euroa 8-73 to Deni’s 4-60, marking a historic moment for Euroa’s croquet team.

Euroa Croquet Club likes to encourage new players to join social croquet sessions on Friday evenings at 4:30pm.

SPOILS OF VICTORY: Chris Chittick, Kevin Milner, Paul Murray, and Anne Murray celebrate their triumphant moment.

PERFECT SHOT: Chris Chittick from Euroa and Andy Davis from Deniliquin showcase their croquet skills.

MULLET IN HAND: Anne Murray and Kevin Milner play with a perfect blend of focus and flair.

LAWN BOWLS REPORTS VIOLET TOWN BOWLS CLUB

By LEANNE RUSSELL-JONES HELP is still needed - We are now desperate for volunteers to cover four by two hour slots for the Shepparton Bunnings BBQ on Tuesday December 26 - Boxing Day. If you can definitely help please phone Leanne. Funds go toward our new greens roller which will benefit all bowlers.

The Midweek team travelled to East Shepparton last Tuesday and had a loss, in spite of winning on two rinks, sorry guys.

With a few upsets in other Division five games we remain top of the ladder!.

We’ll start our Club Champion games in the early New Year during the Pennant Christmas recess.

Good luck to all.

All the best to Erin who hasn’t been well.

We had a Xmas/Pizza night on Friday, with informal barefoot bowls.

The pizzas were great, thank you to the Jeffery family.

February 1 is the date for our next

five week Jack Attack comp’.

Cost is only $60 per team and we do have a few spaces still available.

EUROA BOWLS CLUB

By GREG BLATCHFORD THE last round of Midweek Pennant before the Christmas break was held on Tuesday, December 12 and it was a fairly successful day for the club.

Division one turned the tables taking the points against Seymour and moving to fourth on the ladder, Division four prevailed against Dookie to hold top spot, however Division five succumbed to Kyabram and are now sixth with five rounds to play.

The season resumes on the January 16 so bowlers enjoy the break but take the opportunity to have a roll when you can as we prepare for the business end of the season.

Results: Div one v Seymour – 81 to 57 and 16 points.

Ken Sutcliffe, Bill Taylor, David Cerini and Keith Kruse 24-18.

Tony Kingma, Kevin Milner, Charmaine Reid and Jan Watters 27-24.

Andy Houston, Shane Drysdale, Billy

Sargood and Pauline Naylor 30-15.

Div four v Dookie – 64 to 45 and 14 points.

Don Steers, Libby Byrne, Greg Blatchford and Jan Sheargold 30-10.

Barry Hatchman, Richard Noble, Kristeen Boyce and Dot Lomer 19-21.

Perter Naughton, Jim Perry, Mary Steen and Buffy McFarlane 15-14.

Div five v Kyabram – 48 to 63 and 2 points.

James Dunn, Doug Morgan, Marg Goode and Mavis Bruce 13-21.

Brian Diffey, Graeme Goode, Beryl Harris and Beth Alston 18-30.

Neville Harris, Ken Drysdale, Ray Day and Marion McMartin 17-12.

In Weekend Pennant Division four took on East Shepparton under the roof in what turned out to be another close encounter of the bowling kind.

For the third week in a row, we had a three shot result and fortunately we came out on top on this occasion.

In a scenario we have seen before this year, the game was tied 93 a piece after 98 ends with the rinks being skipped by Kev Milner and Peter Naughton (who were also even at 24 all) both having one end to play.

In a tense finish enjoyed by many bowlers and spectators Kev’s rink won by a shot while Peter’s won by two in a result which sees us enter the break in top spot.

Div four v East Shepp – 96 to 93 and 14 points.

Barry Hatchman, Ken Byrne, Libby Byrne and Kerrie Steers 19-29.

Don Steers, Max Griffiths, Ross Withers and Greg Blatchford 22-29.

Perter Naughton, Jim Perry, Lindsay Cocking and Brian Bamford 26-24.

Kev Milner, Richard Noble, Brian Diffey and David Cerini 29-11.

Division 4 resumes on the January 6 with a game at home against Alexandra while Divisions one and six resume on the 20.

Check the noticeboard to see when Social Bowls is being played and for details of Club Championship games.

On December 29 the club is holding an open triples tournament and has 28 teams entered plus a waiting list.

It will be a great day of bowls and the first tournament we have held since last year’s flood.

I am sure all visiting bowlers will be impressed with our clubrooms

and our wonderful grass greens.

Shane Drysdale has been busy putting up shelves in the locker room and building a cupboard to store cleaning equipment and supplies.

This has further enhanced the facilities we now enjoy.

Last week’s who am I (He loves his adventures and gives great advice to eggs) was none other than Barry Hatchman. Jamie Greasley how do you do it?

This week’s puzzler is “what happens to this bowler when you forget to water the vine?”

Jan’s Joke of the Week – If you go into the toilet an Englishman and come out of the toilet an Australian what are you while you are in the toilet? European.

The Friday Night Punter’s club, under the astute guidance of Ken Drysdale, had another successful result.

Sponsor of the week is Mawson’s Bakery located at 19 Binney Street Euroa who offer a large range of hot food with a wide variety of pies, a salad bar filled with fresh produce, Genovese Coffee, milkshakes, a huge variety of cakes and slices, cold drinks, bread/rolls, specialty breads and much more. Eat in or takeaway.

euroagazette.com.au

THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Page 27

SPORT

APPEALING EXCITEMENT: Kale Robinson and Fletcher Paul go up for the important Karramomus wicket.

KEEPING COOL: Kale Robinson, the vigilant wicket-keeper, watches the ball closely.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

BENDING THE BACK: Connor McCombe digs in for the fight.

GET AROUND: Fletcher Paul takes the lead in these celebrations.

ON THE RISE: Archie Wilson hits the crease hard, keeping the pressure on the batsmen

Euroa A Grade tough battle against Karramomus in Haisman Shield EUROA CRICKET CLUB A GRADE

By JACK WILSON EUROA’s A Grade cricket team faced a challenging encounter with Karramomus at Vibert Reserve in Shepparton during round eight of the Haisman Shield.

On the second day of the match, Euroa, resuming at 2-35, struggled in the initial 15 overs as Karramomus confidently navigated the bowlers.

James Lloyd made a breakthrough, claiming his third wicket by trapping the number four batter LBW. Liam Phillips followed suit with a stunning catch and bowled dismissal, securing his second wicket.

Lloyd’s exceptional catch also contributed to his fourth wicket, and Vaughan Kirk added two more before the match concluded.

Despite the efforts, Karramomus emerged victorious by two wickets, setting the stage for Euroa’s next challenge against Waaia on January 6 at the Friendlies.

SCORECARD EUROA - 10 / 188 (59.2 Overs) James Lloyd 46 (42) Liam Phillips 39 (48) KARRAMOMUS - 8 / 192 (69.2 Overs) James Lloyd 4/55 (23 overs)

D GRADE

By JACK WILSON

UNDER 16s

By TIM JACKSON

IN round eight of the D Grade competition, Euroa fought valiantly against Karramomus at Vibert Reserve in Shepparton.

Captain Ben Jones, after losing the toss, saw Euroa sent into bat on a dry pitch.

Openers Zac Clarke and Jake Tunks faced an early setback, but Nick Brodie’s entrance at three led to a remarkable 97-run partnership with Clarke.

Despite Clarke’s wellplayed 38, Euroa lost wickets in quick succession after his dismissal.

Brodie’s outstanding 79 off 70 provided a solid foundation, but Euroa ultimately finished at 149 all out.

Defending the target, Euroa’s bowlers faced a resilient Karramomus batting lineup.

Brodie broke the opening partnership, and wickets followed from Mark Goodall, Levi Berry, and captain Ben Jones.

Although Euroa exhibited great fight, Karramomus secured victory by three wickets.

The team looks forward to their next challenge against Mooroopna on January 13 at the Memorial.

FRIDAY night saw the completion of round six of the Cardamone Real Estate U16’s competition with Euroa playing host to Old Students/Nagambie side in a shortened format 25/25 game after last week was lost due to wet conditions at The Friendlies Oval.

Winning the toss and having no hesitation in batting first, the Euroa lads set to their task with a new opening partnership Tayte Hoefchen and Louis McAlpin both retiring after the allotted 20 balls.

A great bowling performance

by Old Students/Nagambie boys set a total of 97.

Euroa came out slow letting a few runs go, then they sharpened their game and in what turned out to be a close game going down to the last over.

Euroa 7/97 going down to Old Students/Nagambie 5/102.

Archie Wilson 20, Edison Waghorn 14 retired.

Best bowlers Walter Jackson 1/5 off 3 and G. Wilson 1/11 off 3.

We wish everyone has a happy and safe Christmas.

We hope you all return fresh on the January 12 playing Tatura at Frank Howley Oval.

GREAT FOLLOW THROUGH: Archie Wilson powerfully strolls through the bowling crease.

Page 28 - THE EUROA GAZETTE, Wednesday, December 20, 2023

euroagazette.com.au

CROQUET

HISTORIC WIN FOR EUROA

Page 26

DYNAMO: Tamara Smith’s relentless drive and determination has earned her the Most Courageous Award for Hawthorn in the AFLW.

PHOTO: AFL Photos

Tamara Smith’s remarkable journey to AFLW success Strathbogie S hb gi yyoung g ggun earns Most M Courageous C g Award A d at Hawthorn H h

By DAN GODSMARK IN the quiet town of Strathbogie, where football dreams are nurtured alongside close-knit communities, Tamara Smith’s journey from the local Auskick clinic to the AFLW stage is nothing short of inspiring.

The second youngest of eight siblings, Tamara has recently secured her second “Most Courageous Award” with the Hawthorn AFLW team, solidifying her reputation as a hard-hitting force on the football field.

Tamara’s early sporting success traces back to Euroa Primary School, where she excelled in cricket, clinching the Grade 5/6 state championship.

Her natural athleticism and love for physicality led her to football, where she made waves in the under 12s and under 14s categories for football.

In her final year at Euroa junior football netball club, Tamara not only secured third place in the mixed teams’ best and fairest but also contributed to a grand final victory for the local team under 14s team.

As the limitations of junior football set in for girls, Tamara’s parents, Phil and Susan, faced a crucial decision.

Undeterred, they committed to a 90-minute round trip to Mooroopna for training sessions and games, ensuring Tamara’s football

dreams stayed alive.

Her impact on the Mooroopna Cats senior team was immediate, leading them to a grand final victory and earning her the Best on Ground accolade.

Tamara’s talent did not go unnoticed, and she was recruited by the Geelong Cats in the VFLW, refining her skills and preparing for the next level.

Despite being initially overlooked in the AFLW draft, Hawthorn recognised her potential and signed her as a mature-aged recruit in 2022.

In her debut season, Tamara earned the “Most Courageous” award, setting the stage for a remarkable 2023 season.

Averaging a staggering 8.3 tackles per game in 2023, Tamara’s ferocious tackling style earned her acclaim, albeit accompanied by a oneweek suspension for a highprofile tackle.

Her on-field aggression was balanced by an average of 10 disposals per game, showcasing her well-rounded contribution to the team.

As Tamara continues to illuminate the AFLW stage, her journey of resilience and determination shared by fellow Strathbogie Shire locals, including Aurora Smith and Georgia Gall.

The light burns brightly for the girls in the area, proving that with determination, talent, and community backing, success is attainable.

THE FAMILY CLUB: Tamara with her brother-in-law Cameron, sister Kelsey, her niece Marlow, and nephews Phoenix and Vance.