Euroa Gazette 230823

Incorporating the Nagambie Times and Violet Town Sentinel

ARTC challenged over plans to remove Euroa Goods Shed

TOWNERS ON TOP

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has come under fire in the last week after announcing their intention to remove historic buildings in Euroa and Benalla.

On Monday last week, the ARTC announced their intention to remove the 150-year-old Euroa Goods Shed and the Benalla signal box, making near identical statements to The Euroa Gazette and The Benalla Ensign in revealing the news.

“The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has fenced off the Euroa Goods Shed,” the statement provided to The Euroa Gazette read.

“The precaution is necessary for the safety of the community, the rail corridor and our workers.

“It follows the advice of an independent structural engineering report commissioned by ARTC which found the disused shed is unsafe, at risk of collapsing and must be removed.

“ARTC recognises the value of the building to the local community, and we will be working with them to consider future options for the rail precinct.”

The statement made to The Benalla Ensign differed only in that it announced public access had been restricted to the signal box

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

on Nunn Street.

Community groups in both towns, EuroaConnect in Euroa and Better Rail Benalla in Benalla, which in the past have advocated to the ARTC on behalf of their respective communities, were angered by the news.

The Benalla group held a small protest at their railway station on Friday last week, while EuroaConnect members and other Euroa community members have protested by sending letters to ARTC senior executives and Members of Parliament, as well as making their views known on social media.

In letters to ARTC CEO Wayne Johnson and ARTC acting chair Dr Kerry Schott, EuroaConnect president John Simpson requested to see the engineering report referred to by the ARTC, claiming another engineer had told EuroaConnect the shed was structurally sound, and raised the prospect of having a third, independent engineering report done to offer another opinion.

Mr Simpson believes the shed, which was constructed in 1873, is an important piece of Euroa’s heritage and has the potential to be repurposed.

■ Continued page 2

VIOLET Town’s under 18 footballers are heading to the finals next week undefeated and in first place on the ladder. At last week’s game against Nagambie, Charles Thompson got some serious height.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

Council wants Games money spent on local roads, bridges

By DARREN CHAITMAN

STRATHBOGIE Shire

Council has proposed part of the funding previously allocated to the 2026 Commonwealth Games be spent on critical roads and infrastructure projects in small rural and regional shires.

At last week’s ordinary council meeting, councillors endorsed a notice of motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), calling on the MAV to meet with the Victorian government to “urgently request” the proposed funding reallocation.

Delegates representing councils from across Victo-

ria will vote on this motion at the MAV state council meeting in October.

“Strathbogie Shire welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to deliver a comprehensive $2 billion package to regional Victoria and applauds the commitment of $1 billion to social and affordable housing,” reads the council’s written submission to the MAV.

“While council understands and wholeheartedly supports the significant benefits of sport in Strathbogie Shire and throughout Victoria, rural and regional communities need safe roads and bridges to

get people there.”

The submission details the need for significant road repairs across the Strathbogie Shire, as well as the need for funding to restore Kirwans Bridge.

Mayor Laura Binks did not comment on the motion at last week’s council meeting due to her role as chair, but had made comments in a media release published prior to the meeting.

“We estimate the damage bill [from the October 2022 floods] could be as high as $50 million – something that is well outside our ability to fund,” she said.

“The $2 billion savings

from the Commonwealth Games could make a huge difference to the road network right across Victoria.”

All councillors voted to endorse the notice of motion to the MAV, but Cr Robin Weatherald sounded a note of pessimism.

“I support your advocacy [Mayor Binks], you do a lot of good work in this particular area, the challenges you face with the government who don’t have a great deal of money at the moment,” Mr Weatherald said.

“Your hard work I would like to believe will be successful, but I’m not overly optimistic.”

Railway line alignment to force removal of 150-year-old historic building

By DARREN CHAITMAN

ARTC CEO Wayne Johnson, who is due to meet with EuroaConnect next week, spoke to The Euroa Gazette to address the community’s criticisms and clarify details surrounding the goods shed’s impending removal.

Mr Johnson said the engineering report would be made available next week, but in response to the suggestion another engineer’s opinion should be sought, said “we’re not planning on enabling anyone else to do another review of the structure”.

He explained the Inland Rail railway track is planned go through the area where the Euroa Goods Shed is, so the structure will need to be removed regardless of the short-term need to fence it off

“I just want to separate the two items around the safety of the structure and its being impacted by the future work around the inland projects – they’re slightly different items,” he said.

“We’ve brought them together in timing because we felt it’s important to tell everyone right now that it will be impacted in the future.”

The ARTC had alluded to the railway line’s alignment impacting on the shed in an email sent to Euroa community members who

had attended earlier ARTC focus groups; however, the alignment of the railway line had not been mentioned in last week’s statement to this masthead.

Mr Johnson said the ARTC plans to further consult with the Euroa community regarding plans for the railway precinct in October, including options for the Euroa Goods Shed, such as the potential to reuse parts of it.

“There’s plenty of opportunity to talk about what we can do to recognise the history of the structure and the importance of it,” he said.

But he confirmed the consultation process will not seek input on the placement of the railway line, which he said was a requirement of the project.

Mr Simpson has disputed the good sheds needs to be removed to make room for the Inland Rail railway track.

“We have a photograph I’ve shared with Mr Johnson that shows the alignment of the railway lines when there were double broad gage tracks going through Euroa,” he said.

“That photo shows sufficient room for a third track and additional space to the west of the through lines.”

The shed is owned by VicTrack and is managed and maintained by the ARTC under its rail infra-

Strathbogie Shire Council

DECLARATION OF RESULT

structure lease.

“Following the results of engineering reports it commissioned, ARTC has informed us that it has fenced off the goods shed with the intent to remove it in the future,” a VicTrack spokesperson said.

“While we have been involved in ongoing discussions about the goods shed, we were not involved in ARTC’s decision making about the building’s future.”

Mr Simpson has argued the episode is another example of the ARTC’s inability to communicate

An extraordinary vacancy occurred in Seven Creeks Ward on Strathbogie Shire Council following the resignation of Councillor Kristy Hourigan on Wednesday 26 July 2023. A countback of votes was not required as there was only one remaining unsuccessful candidate from the October 2020 general election.

following candidate was declared elected at 11 am on Friday 11 August 2023:

SAYWELL, Shirley

Susan Thompson Election Manager

Victorian Electoral Commission

with communities, claiming the shed is central to EuroaConnect’s concept for how the railway precinct could be developed.

“We saw that the Goods Shed … was a community asset that should be preserved and restored and we used the model that has existed of taking these buildings in various country towns – to name two, Beechworth and Chiltern – and upgrading them, redeveloping them as some form of community centre,” he said.

“In some places they’ve been

done up as art centres, in other places they’ve been done up as function facilities.”

Another community member who would like to see the shed saved is 91-year-old Max Burnside, who began working as a general carrier in Euroa in 1949 and remembers the goods shed as a “hive of activity” in its heyday in the 1950s.

Goods of every kind were carried to Euroa by train and deposited and housed at the Euroa Goods Shed, including groceries for the town’s many grocers, some of which carted the goods from the shed to their stores by horsedrawn carriage, Mr Burnside fondly recalled.

Asked how he would feel if it were demolished, Mr Burnside became philosophical.

“I’d just have to accept it,” he said.

“Progress, to me, is probably a swear word.

“A lot of progress is not really progress, but we’ve got to live with and go along with it.”

He remembers the “glamour” of the days of steam trains like it was yesterday, saying they were “damn good times”.

“I suppose everybody’s lifetime was the best time to be alive, but in my opinion, I’ve seen the best of it,” he said.

REMEMBERING THE SHED’S GLORY DAYS: 91-year-old Max Burnside, who began working as a general carrier in Euroa in 1949, remembers the goods shed as a “hive of activity” in its heyday in the 1950s. He is pictured at the fenced-off site last week.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

IN FAVOUR: Councillors, including Sally Hayes-Burke (left), Robin Weatherald and Chris Raeburn, endorsed a notice of motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), proposing a reallocation of funding from the Commonwealth Games to roads and bridges in small rural and regional shires.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Trio from the UK fill in at Euroa Primary School

Taylor, Chloe and Locky are enjoying life in Euroa as relief teachers y,yjyg

By DARREN CHAITMAN

THREE visitors from the United Kingdom have a temporary home in Euroa as they work at Euroa Primary School as casual relief teachers.

They are Taylor Ward (24) from Scotland, Chloe Auchnie (24) from Scotland, and Loughlin “Locky” Casey (29) from Ireland.

Taylor and Chloe, having met each other through teaching in Scotland, travelled to Australia together in November last year.

Since then, they have spent time teaching in Melbourne and have travelled the east coast from Sydney to Cairns, as well as visiting Tasmania, New Zealand and Fiji.

The friends are staying with a local couple in their home in Euroa.

Taylor is teaching grade six students at Euroa Primary School.

“[There’s] a lot going on at the weekend, like nice little coffee shops to explore, and the park run, the [Vaztrain] gym,” Taylor said about Euroa.

The town also reminds her of her home near Perth in Scotland – “just the whole community, small town living, everyone knows everyone,” she said.

Chloe is teaching grade two students at Euroa Primary School.

She said the students love having someone from a different country as their teacher, and teaching in Euroa is quite different from Melbourne.

“You have these kids that are really passionate about farming, and they want to do that in the future, and it’s really coming across strong in the classroom that they’re so interested in keeping up this lifestyle,” she said.

“The school size is a lot smaller here, which is nice because we’ve got that close relationship with the staff and children from all the classes, where you don’t get that the same in the city.”

Locky, who is teaching all year levels at Euroa Primary School, is back in Euroa for a four-week

stint after spending the previous school term in the town.

He has stayed in the home of Euroa’s Kevin Botts.

“It’s been a really good experience, ‘cause there’s obviously so many Irish people and Scottish people and English people in Melbourne, you tend to stick to your own,” he said.

“So, coming up here is definitely a good way of seeing a bit of proper Aussie culture and meeting some really nice people and learning a lot more than I probably would have learned if I had stuck around Melbourne.”

He has even tried out Australian football, attending training sessions with the senior Euroa Magpies team.

Asked their favourite thing about Euroa, all three travellers had the same answer at first: “the people”.

Taylor added she was also a

big fan of the Euroa parkrun; Joey added he had enjoyed spending time with new friends at the Seven Creeks Hotel and the Vaztrain gym; and Chloe added she had been particularly excited and surprised to find haggis at the local butcher, which she explained is “the most Scottish thing ever”.

Rainfall (Euroa Township)

RAINFALL for Euroa in the week until 9am Monday, August 21 included 7.4mm on August 18 and 1mm on August 19, totalling 8.4mm.

Off Grid Systems

MOVED

Euroa

Location: 1B Bury St, Euroa

View program & buy tickets online: www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Telephone: 1800 065 993

Children

INDIANA JONES

THE DIAL OF DESTINY (Community Choice movie) Sat 26 August, 7:30pm & Sun 27 August, 4pm

Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly instalment of the iconic franchise.

THE NEW BOY Sat 2 Sept, 7:30pm & Sun 3 Sept, 4pm

The New Boy depicts the mesmeric story of a 9-year-old Aboriginal orphan boy who arrives in the dead of night at a remote monastery run by a renegade nun.

Cast: Aswan Reid, Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair, Cate Blanchett.

FOUR NEW FACES: Travellers Loughlin “Locky” Casey (left), Taylor Ward and Chloe Auchnie with Euroa’s newest resident, the magpie.

EUROPEANS IN EUROA: Taylor Ward (left), Chloe Auchnie and Loughlin “Locky” Casey, from the UK, are working at Euroa Primary School as casual relief teachers.

PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

Join us to celebrate the Greening Euroa Standpipe Cup

The #LetsGreenEuroa advocacy campaign is heading to Euroa’s Memorial Oval this weekend for the Round 18 clash of Euroa v Mansfield.

The inaugural Greening Euroa Standpipe Cup will see the winning senior football and A-Grade netball sides presented with the official Standpipe Cup trophy. The initiative is a joint collaboration between Council, Goulburn Valley Water and the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League to promote the #LetsGreenEuroa campaign.

The Greening Euroa Committee is currently seeking $3.8 million in funding to install the pipeline needed to bring the project to fruition.

The event will also feature a water cafe with free water bottles and other goodies to promote the Greening Euroa project. For more information, scan the QR code or visit, https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/ letsgreeneuroa-with-the-standpipe-cup/

Have your say: Draft Governance Rules

Strathbogie Shire Council is seeking input into its Draft Governance Rules. Governance rules are required under section 60 of the Local Government Act 2022.

The Draft Governance Rules underpin the fundamental decision-making processes of Council and are a way in which the overarching governance, and supporting principles of The Act are implemented on a day-to-day basis. We encourage interested members of the community to have their say by: share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

survey station in your town. Submissions close at 5pm, Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Learn more and have your say by scanning the QR code or visiting https://share.strathbogie.vic.gov.

au/draft-governance-rules

Looking for a local club or group?

Did you know one of the features of our website is a community directory. It’s a listing of clubs, community groups and businesses in the Strathbogie community. You can search through local listings, or list your club or business. It’s really simple just head to www.strathbogie. vic.gov.au and click on the ‘find a business, club or group’ button.

Mayor Binks named a finalist in National Climate Awards

national Climate Awards, which recognise the work of local governments paving the is a Climate Ambassador Award (elected recognised as a finalist due to her ongoing media and advocacy efforts in promoting delighted to hear the announcement.

Ambassador Award,” she said.

1800 065 993

“At Strathbogie Shire Council we are committed to a sustainable organisation that leads in climate resilience and mitigation. There is lots we can do, and are doing, to meet our goals within our climate action plan. You can read more about the Mayor’s nomination and the awards by scanning the QR code or visiting https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/ greatnewsthursday-mayor-binks-makesthe-finals-of-national-climate-awards/

$1K quick response grants remain open

Don’t forget our $1000 Quick Response Grants are now open year-round, and approval is by the CEO ensuring they are quick and accessible. The funding pool for Event Grants has also increased from $30,000 annually to $50,000, with event organiser able to apply for up to $5000. For more information head to our website. Bushfire resilience workshops

of webinars to help with fire preparedness. Recent rainfall has supercharged fuel loads and dry conditions will increase fire

You can watch the webinars with family and friends and discuss the information webinars are presented by eminent questions before or during the webinar, and when you register you will also receive links to videos for more info. To register and learn more head to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Work with us

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

Rates & Revenue Coordinator. Full time,

Wednesday 30 August 2023. Maternal & Child Health Nurse.

Time permanent opportunity – up to 22 hours per week. Casual opportunities also available. Applications close

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

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will consider flexible working arrangements.

Tenders now open

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie

Shire Council:

for Detailed Design of Arboretum Link

(including pedestrian bridge over Castle Creek, Euroa) –roads reseal program

Closing 23/08/2023.

Strathbogie Shire works within Procurement Best Practice guidelines.

All questions MUST be directed in writing through the online portal. Tenders can only be lodged online through the Tendersearch portal.

www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Follow us for regular updates

@strathbogieshire

Mayor Binks a finalist in national climate awards

MAYOR Laura Binks has been named a finalist in the Cities Power Partnership’s fifth annual national Climate Awards.

Cities Power Partnership is a “local government climate alliance”, according to their website, and their Climate Awards recognise “outstanding council-led initiatives from around the country”.

Cr Binks, one of three Australian councillors to be listed as a climate ambassador finalist for the awards, has been recognised due to her ongoing media and advocacy efforts in promoting climate action, according to the council.

Mayor Binks said Strathbogie Shire Council is committed to being a sustainable organisation leading in climate resilience and mitigation.

“It was an absolute joy to work with passionate Euroa community groups committed to environmental sustainability and climate action with Euroa winning the Victorian Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Awards and going through to being a

finalist at the National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Awards,” she said.

The winners will be announced at the Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government 2023 on Thursday, September 7 in Melbourne.

Good things are happening at Euroa Hospital

At Euroa Hospital two significant projects are underway thanks to a $350,000 Regional Health Infrastructure Fund Grant announced by Labor Member Jaclyn Symes MP. The grant has seen: - the replacement of the entire hospital roof, part of which was still the original roof as built in 1929.

- Upgrade of the facility’s CCTV system so that the entire site has full coverage through 60 cameras for the safety of our staff, residents and patients.

Euroa Hospital entrance – new roof on the left, old roof on the right

FINALIST: Mayor Laura Binks has been named a finalist in the Cities Power Partnership’s fifth annual national Climate Awards. She is pictured at the magpie sculpture unveilling event earlier this month.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

Cleeland to tour shire to help locals apply for Power Saving Bonus

MEMBER for Euroa

Annabelle Cleeland will be visiting Violet Town, Strathbogie, and Euroa on Thursday, stopping to help locals apply for their $250 Power Saving Bonus.

“Even if you’ve already applied, I encourage you to get down to whatever option is closest for you and join us for a cuppa and a chat,” Ms Cleeland said.

The fourth round of

the Power Saving Bonus is almost over, with applications set to close on August 31.

A full copy of a recent power bill is required to apply.

If you would like assistance applying for the Power Saving Bonus but are unable to attend, Ms Cleeland has invited community members to visit her office at 25 Bridge

Street East, Benalla.

The details for Thursday’s event are as follows.

Violet Town: 9.30am11am on Thursday, August 24 at Violet Town Community House.

Strathbogie: 11.30am1pm on Thursday, August 24 at Strathbogie General Store.

Euroa: 2pm-4pm on Thursday, August 24 at Euroa Band Hall.

Councillors share views on council

By DARREN CHAITMAN

AT last week’s ordinary council meeting, councillors voiced their views on the current state of council as they signed a “statement of intent” that was the culmination of their intensive training with Andrew Douglas of FCW Lawyers.

According to the meeting agenda, this training was undertaken to strengthen the good governance of councillors in response to the appointment of Peter Stephenson as the municipal monitor and the letter received from the Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne on May 15, which outlined the reasons for the monitor’s appointment.

Mr Stephenson’s threemonth term at council ended on the same evening as last week’s meeting, on Tuesday, August 15.

As well as a statement of intent, councillors formally committed to “an actionbased response to the former municipal monitor, Ms Janet Dore’s 10-point plan to ensure that it informs and is embedded in councillor practice” and a “councillors and ELT [executive leadership team] transition plan to re-establish a trusting, respectful and productive working relationship between councillors, the chief executive officer and the executive leadership team”, the agenda stated.

Cr Reg Dickinson was absent from last week’s meeting, so he did not sign the

statement of intent or commit to the two plans.

Mayor Laura Binks later told The Euroa Gazette that both Cr Dickinson and Cr Elect Shirley Saywell will be asked to sign the documents at the next ordinary council meeting they attend.

She said she sent the documents and an accompanying letter to the Minister for Local Government on Friday, August 18.

Speaking on the motion during last week’s council meeting, Cr Sally HayesBurke said she initially had qualms about the training with Andrew Douglas.

“I was really reluctant to support this training with Andrew Douglas in the beginning because I didn’t believe that the way it was initiated was good governance and I was apprehensive about the trainer and that they were the best person for the job,” she said.

“However, I supported the motion because I wanted to work collaboratively with my fellow councillors, because I knew that at the time we really needed to show our commitment to more governance training.

“I hope my fellow councillors got a lot out of this training, as the aim of it was to restore trust between the executive team and councillors.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Murray described the documents that came out of the training as “part of a journey that we are making in terms of our

improvement and… an important step along that journey”.

Cr Chris Raeburn said he did not believe council had “got there” yet.

“This training which we did to draw this commitment by councillors to go forward took a lot of hard work, a lot of soul-searching, a lot of reflection on where we are and how we’ve acted,” he said.

“To be honest, I still don’t believe we’ve got there, but

this is the step, and all you always got to do is put one step in front of the other to try and go forward to try and improve life for us as councillors, and especially life for the officers of this council.

“With due respect to everybody in the room, I believe we as councillors should … be most respectful for the position of mayor and the CEO, and if we don’t do that we’ll never go forward.”

Cr Robin Weatherald made

reference to the three councillor resignations that have taken place during this term of council.

“[I’ve had] more than 30 years’ experience in local government and I take great pride in being part of councils that have had enormous stability – stability that never saw resignations,” he said.

“Council as I know it has always been enormously stable.

“I’ve only recently joined

this group and I’ve had to contain myself enormously to ensuring my one and only goal is to commit to working with the team that we have and ensuring that we present a solid team and approach that can restore the reputation of this council as being sustainable and having a long-term future.”

According to the meeting agenda, collaborative work is being undertaken by Cr Binks to develop a councillorspecific set of KPIs and associated professional development plan.

The agenda also states an additional councillor and executive team forum is being considered for late August/ early September to support and further consolidate the training undertaken with Andrew Douglas to date, consisting of an initial workshop and then monthly debrief sessions facilitated by a former councillor or public servant.

The cost of the training with Andrew Douglas totalled $43,182 (excluding GST), the agenda noted.

This was in addition to other costs associated with the monitor’s appointment, including payment to the monitor himself and costs to cover the VEC countback following the resignation of David Andrews (who cited issues at council as one of the reasons for his resignation).

The full statement of intent, the revised 10-point plan and the ELT transition plan can be found on council’s website.

SIGNING THE STATEMENT: Cr Sally Hayes-Burke (left) signing the statement of intent, as all councillors present at last week’s meeting did. Pictured also are CEO Julie Salomon, acting director people and governance Amanda Tingay and Cr Chris Raeburn.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

of intent” following monitor’s appointment signed, sealed and delivered

ABOUT TOWN: Annabelle Cleeland with Len and Ruth Underwood, pictured last time Ms Cleeland visited Euroa to help locals apply for the PSB.

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 available space. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper. Email editor@euroa-gazette.com.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Save our goods shed in the railway precinct

THE Euroa Community has been notified by the ARTC of their plans to demolish the historic goods shed in the Euroa Railway Precinct.

This has been done without consultation with the community .

This building could play an important part in the Euroa underpass garden and public space redevelopment .

If it is a dangerous structure then let’s fix it rather than brazenly destroy another part of our historical heritage.

I have written to the federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, asking her to please help us stop this short sighted plan.

Dr Malcolm Altson, Euroa

round. Knowing about F.A.S.T. and sharing it with your family and friends can be the first step in saving a life and avoiding ongoing disability. It may be your own life or that of someone you love.

The F.A.S.T message will help you recognise the most common signs of stroke:

• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

• Arms – Can they lift both arms?

• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped us share our information this Stroke Week. Your generosity, time and dedication has a genuine impact and is very much appreciated. We can fight stroke together.

Thank you.

This is particularly important in regional areas.

Victoria’s population is growing, and we don’t produce enough timber to meet the demand.

We use timber from other states – and import hardwood from countries that don’t have the same environmental standards.

The Nationals want Victoria to become a clean green state – to do so we need to expand the timber industry, not shut it down.

Our native timber industry should be praised for its role in helping the environment.

Trees absorb carbon and even timber once cut or made into furniture stores carbon.

We need more of it, not less.

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

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

Shining a light on one of Australia’s biggest killers

I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank the Australian communities who have once again embraced Stroke Week, which ran from August 7 to 13 this year.

It was heartening to see survivors of stroke and their loved ones embrace this year’s theme, Fighting Stroke Together which aimed to bring people together to share knowledge, support and resources to help prevent strokes from occurring and to aid in the recovery process for those who have experienced a stroke.

I encourage the community to keep spreading the F.A.S.T. message all year

Dr Lisa Murphy, CEO, Stroke Foundation

Help the timber industry grow for us all

THE State Government must reverse its decision to axe the timber industry in Victoria.

We use timber to build houses, for furniture, floorboards, staircases and window frames. We use timber to create products like copy paper, cardboard and paper bags, and as people struggle to pay rising energy bills many rely on firewood for heating.

I was at Powelltown Sawmill recently with Cindy McLeish, Member for Eildon, to meet with those directly impacted by this decision.

The business employs up to 40 staff, including some that have always worked in the industry who will struggle to find employment elsewhere.

I met a contractor who has worked with VicForest since 2007 in seed collection and regeneration.

He’s called every hotline seeking assistance but doesn’t qualify under Labor’s package. He used to employ 15 staff, now he’s drawing down his mortgage and struggling to support a young family.

Labor must reverse this short-sighted decision and help the timber industry grow in Victoria.

Gaelle Broad, Member for Northern Victoria

COURTESY OF BURTON’S: Burton’s IGA and Liquor last week presented cheques to the Euroa Men’s Shed, the Euroa Fire Brigade and Euroa Fire Brigade Group. The funds, raised through IGA’s Community Chest Program, will be used by the men’s shed for woodworking equipment and the fire brigades for equipment as needed. Pictured are Glen Burton, Chris Thomson, Stuart Marshall, George Kristen, Tyson Thomson and Tim Burton.

Yiiro Community Garden to launch in September

THE Euroa Community Action Group (ECAG) is inviting the community to the launch of Yiiro Community Garden.

After developing the site for the past 18 months, ECAG are excited to host this community event on 17 September from 11am-1pm at the Yiiro Community Garden on

Bury Street, Euroa.

There will be speakers, live demonstrations, food and more.

It will be a family friendly event, so ECAG is encouraging everyone to bring friends, family and neighbours.

Fans of the town’s new magpie sculpture may also be inter-

ested in checking out the blue wren sculpture by the same artists, Tank and Tobin Sculpture Works, which lives at the Yiiro Community Garden.

Please RSVP for catering purposes here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/yiiro-community-garden-launch-celebration-tickets-700751686157.

ON SALE AT:

Euroa: Euroa Newsagency

Violet Town: Violet Town Corner Store

Avenel: Avenel Newsagency

Benalla: Benalla Newsagency

Strathbogie: Strathbogie Store

Nagambie: Nagambie Newsagency

Longwood: Longwood Newsagency

Merton: Merton General Store

Seymour: Seymour Newsagency

Shepparton: Lovell’s Newsagency

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

Edward Higgins DIRECTOR

Lorraine Millard ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Dale Mann PHOTOGRAPHER

Darren Chaitman JOURNALIST

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

SAVE THE DATE: The Yiiro Community Garden at Bury Street Euroa will launch on September 17.

Students debate Australia Day’s date

ON Sunday, year 11 students from Seymour College debated the topic “Australia Day – should it be on January 26?” at the Avenel Memorial Hall.

The event received funding from Strathbogie Shire Council through a $3300 “community conversations”

grant, which was available for each of the shire’s townships to support community discussions regarding January 26.

It was organised by the

Avenel Australia Day committee, comprising John Hyland and Dick Ranken.

“One of my main impressions was: if Australia’s future will be in the hands of young

men and women like these, then we really are the lucky country,” Mr Ranken said after witnessing the debate.

“The six year 11 students had clearly done their home-

work and did a first class job of arguing the pros and cons of January 26.”

About 40 people attended the event, all of whom applauded the debaters.

As the debate formed part of the students’ year 11 assessment, no winner was declared.

A survey will soon be cir-

culated to households in the 3664 postcode to give residents the opportunity to contribute their views on Avenel’s Australia Day event in the future.

People will also be able to complete the survey online via the Share Strathbogie website.

CELEBRATING: Euroa Health staff celebrated Aged Care Employee Day 2023 earlier this month.

Euroa Health celebrates Aged Care Employee Day 2023

By CATIE HILL

EUROA Health recently celebrated Aged Care Employee Day 2023, themed “thanks for caring”, which is a day to celebrate all employees (known as #teameuroahealth).

This includes care, maintenance, administration, allied health and

cleaning/food services staff.

Euroa Health is one of the largest employers in the Strathbogie Shire, with 164 staff Euroa Health Management certainly recognise that we cannot provide the residents and patients care without all individuals filling these important roles, and

thanked staff for their commitment to Euroa Health.

All employees were invited to celebrate in the sunshine at a sausage sizzle held in the courtyard of GraniteHill cooked by executive chef Peter and cook Nav, which hit the spot.

Pleasingly, staff who were not

on shift dropped in for the barbecue, including those who had just woken up after having being on night shift the night before.

“Since I arrived at GraniteHill seven months ago, I have enjoyed seeing and hearing the great sense of community and friendship between our staff,” aged care

manager Angela Marchant said.

“I also witness the first class respect shown to our patients and residents, and this is reflective of our staff being part of a rural community and being able to easily find common interests that they are able to talk to residents and patients about.”

The magpie’s warble is Australia’s favourite animal sound

EUROA may be Australia’s only town with a giant magpie sculpture, but the rest of Australia has shown its appreciation for the bird as its warble took out number one in ABC’s search for Australia’s favourite animal sound.

The call of the magpie was the poll’s clear winner, attracting 36 per cent of votes.

Dr Dominique Potvin is a behavioural ecologist and senior lecturer in Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“The magpie’s warble is part of almost every soundscape in Australia,” she said.

“Its song has regional dialects, developed through learning from older generations.

“So it’s an ancient song, but it keeps evolving.”

To hear the winning sounds, visit www. abc.net.au/sounds.

MISSION ON EARTH.

Jesus said; ”I was hungry and you gave Me food; thirsty and you gave Me drink, a stranger and you welcomed Me, naked and you clothed Me. I was sick and you visited Me, imprisoned and you visited Me. The righteous will answer Jesus, saying “Lord, when did we see You so and in these ways? And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, ‘as you did it to one of the least of My people, you did it to ME.” (Matt.25:35-40)

Jesus chose twelve men as His original Gospel task force. Twelve disciples who travelled with Him for three years, watched Him minister to crowds, listened to Him teach, while learning about Gods’ heart toward people. Because after Jesus ascended to heaven, they were charged with His Mission of telling the world the Good News, that relationship with God can be restored and Heaven awaits followers of Jesus.

Anyone who receives Jesus as Gods’ Son will be saved. And following Jesus means loving God and people the way He did; the lepers who were social outcasts; the blind and lame who were societal burdens: women and servants who were marginalized; children who were vulnerable and overlooked: the well to-do who were hopelessly self-sufficient; the prodigals, the broke, and the bent; all share the same need_ the total inability to rescue themselves.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); those not committed to Him. (Rom 10:9) Those first disciples underwent massive recalibration; as everything they thought they knew about how to live, was turned upside down. The new kingdom order would be, to put others first, to love when others hate, to pray for those who persecute them, to lead by serving, to give when it cost, to trust in Gods’ provision, no matter how glaring the lack, and to die in order to live, was their sole mission. (and all died for their faith, only Apostle John lived to old age on Patmos Island, where an angel inspired his writing of Gods’ last Word to mankind; the book of Revelation)

Two thousand years later, Jesus Commission (Matt. 28:16-20) remains, only there’s greater urgency, in our foretold days. Followers still build Gods’ Kingdom on Planet Earth; rescuing and leading others to the One who made them, loves them, can heal them and restore them. Spiritual war is waging between evils’ darkness and Gods’ Light. Partakers in Gods’ Victory, must be fearless in self-denial, boldly telling Truth: with tenacious faithfulness in Gods’ unchanging Word, (Psalm 33:4) that spoke Creation into existence.(John 1:1) Deeply grateful for their own Salvation, Christians continue to love and serve those Jesus loves, refusing to give up, obedient even to death, until Jesus return soon, (1 Thess.4:6-7) first to ‘catch them away’, (John 14:2) from the prophesied last great war and Tribulation on earth. (Matt 24, Revelation). Christian values once so foundational in flourishing societies, are incredibly, now treated with outraged hostility world-wide, yet this is also, (2 Tim3:2) as foretold. Seek and you’ll find!!

Provided By

Euroa Baptist Church

(inspiring you-tube songs; “Your Great Name” & “King Of The World” by Natalie Grant; ”The Gospel” by Ryan Stevenson: “Heart Of The Father” by Ryan Ellis: “Pour Your Spirit Out” by Ryan Ellis: “Jesus Is Coming Back” by Jordan Feliz)

Beekeeper Des fascinates Euroa Garden Club

Over 50

By DENISE HOLT

attend meeting

as Anita Kubeil wins annual Daffodil Cup gp

THE August meeting of the Euroa Garden Club was held in the pavilion of the showground.

It was warm and comfortable in this space while the rain intermittently fell outside on a very cold day.

There were more than 50 members and guests in attendance.

President Rosalie Wrest was happy to welcome a new member to the club.

Marilyn Webb, who led a small subcommittee to respond to a call for assistance from the Violet Town Kindergarten and Childcare, reported that the group held four working bees as well as sourcing plants, mulch and underlay.

The centre thanked the garden club (Marilyn Webb, Karen and John Dunn, Christine and Ray John and June and Ian Lewis).

They played a vital part in helping to get the yard upgrade underway, especially with providing their knowledge about all things plants, drainage and how to keep plants alive.

Their generosity extended to planting all their donations, weeding, mulching and trimming existing plants and trees.

President Rosalie led the congratulations from club members who responded with applause.

The guest speaker for this meeting was Des Nicel.

Des who was a professional beekeeper for a number of years spoke about the varieties of bees to be found in this area and the remarkable behaviour and roles of the bees in a hive.

His very interesting presentation was followed by an exten-

sive Q and A session.

Rosalie Wrest thanked Des for such a fascinating talk and presented him with a small gift on behalf of the club.

The August meeting has traditionally the time when the Daffodil Cup is presented.

There were a large number of entries in this competition, which was adjudicated by experienced judge Linda Watkins.

The successful entrant was

Anita Kubeil whose entry was judged to be perfect by Mrs Watkins.

The runner-up was Christine John.

The meeting closed with the usual generous and delicious afternoon tea.

The next meeting will be held in the showground pavilion on September 15.

New members and guests are very welcome.

GARDEN CLUB GOOD TIMES: Afternoon tea at the trading table with Joyce Hollingsworth (left) and June Lewis.

WE HAVE A WINNER: Presentation of the Daffodil Cup. Judge Linda Watkins (left) with winner Anita Kubeil.

BEEKEEPER SETS CROWD ABUZZ: Guest speaker Des Nicel (left) congratulated and thanked by president Rosalie Wrest.

Progress made towards restoration of Kirwans Bridge

Council shares options, identifies promising grant opportunity to restore p,pggppygbridge

By DARREN CHAITMAN

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has made progress towards the rehabilitation of Kirwans Bridge.

The council have shared a report with detailed, costed options for the bridge’s rehabilitation and have submitted an expression of interest (EOI) for a Commonwealth Government Growing Regions Program grant to see the works complete.

The EOI seeks funding for council’s preferred option for the bridge’s rehabilitation, which is estimated to cost close to $7 million.

This option would maintain the existing single lane bridge by undertaking a full renovation, using the bridge’s existing steel girders and replacing the timber decking with concrete deck slab.

At last week’s ordinary council meeting, councillors voted to provide an “in principle” commitment of $700,000 towards the rehabilitation should council receive the grant, as a 10 percent contribution from the applicant is a requirement of the grant program.

It was proposed in the meeting agenda this funding contribution could be

offset from “the final flood insurance payout” for damages to Kirwan’s Bridge, which council is yet to receive from their insurer JLT.

Councillors had only good things to say about the opportunity: Cr Robin Weatherald called the grant program a “once in a lifetime opportunity”, Cr Raeburn said Cr Weatherald was “100 percent correct” and Deputy Mayor Murray called it “an opportunity for significant movement” on the issue of Kirwans Bridge.

Robyn Taylor, a member of the council’s Kirwans Bridge community panel, told The Euroa Gazette she and the panel were “really pleased with the council’s commitment to opening the bridge”.

Ms Taylor is also a member of the Open Kirwans Bridge Committee, a group that has advocated for the bridge’s reopening and has clashed with council in the past. If the council’s EOI for the grant is successful, they will be invited to the second stage of the application process to submit a full application for the grant.

The rehabilitation option chosen for the EOI, to replace the timber decking with concrete, was detailed

along with three other options in a report engineering firm JJ Ryan provided to council in July.

The concrete decking solution was JJ Ryan’s recommended option and was also stated to be council’s preferred option in their EOI application form.

Other options detailed in the JJ Ryan report included

demolishing the bridge to replace it with a like-forlike timber bridge with two lanes and an additional pedestrian and cycling lane (approx. $20 million plus GST); adding new steel girders and new timber decking (approx. $5.5 million plus GST); and demolishing the bridge and constructing a new steel and concrete one

in the same location (approx. $28.9 million plus GST).

The cheaper option, to add new steel girders and new timber decking, would more faithfully preserve the character of the bridge but would only give the bridge a lifespan of approximately 25 years, in contrast to the council’s option of a bridge

with concrete decking, which would give the bridge a lifespan of approximately 50 years.

The report was presented to the council’s Kirwans Bridge community panel in late July.

The panel are set to meet again today, on Wednesday, August 23, to vote on their preferred option.

Satisfaction with council down, but comparable to similar shires

By DARREN CHAITMAN

THE community’s perception of Strathbogie Shire Council’s performance has declined over the last 12 months, though “not to a statistically significant degree”, according to independent researcher JWS Research.

This is a finding of the 2023 annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey (CSS), which is coordinated by the Victorian government but conducted by JWS Research and “primarily funded by participant councils”, as stated in last week’s council meeting agenda.

Based on a survey of 400 residents, council’s overall performance achieved a score of 53, down from 56 in 2022, which is in line with the three-point decline from 58 to 55 in the average score of other small rural councils.

Council’s top performance was in the areas of the appearance of public areas (scoring 74, above the small rural and state average), arts centres and libraries (scoring 71, a four-point increase from 2022) and waste management (scoring 69).

Council’s lowest performing areas were in the maintenance of unsealed roads (scoring 36) and sealed local

roads (scoring 45), which JWS Research found was in line with the average scores of other small rural councils.

However, council’s performance was rated significantly lower than the state average and small rural average in the areas of making decisions in the interest of the community (scoring 47, compared to a small rural average of 52 and state-wide average of 51) and informing the community (scoring 53, compared to a small rural average of 58 and state-wide average of 57).

Analysis by JWS research found the individual service area that has the strongest influence on the overall performance rating is decisions made in the interest of the community.

“Good communication and transparency with residents about decisions council has made in the community’s interest provides the greatest opportunity to drive up overall opinion of council’s performance,” the JWS analysis found.

JWS found in most individual service areas, changes to performance ratings have not been statistically significant, with the notable exceptions of overall council direction (decreased by five points

to a score of 45), community decisions (decreased by four points to a score of 47) and art centres and libraries (increased by four points to a score of 71).

Mayor Laura Binks and CEO Julie Salomon responded to the survey results in a written statement available on the council website as an attachment to last week’s council meeting agenda.

“While the decrease in satisfaction is disappointing, given our record achievement in 2021, we are making significant progress in closing the gap between our performance compared to other small rural shires,” they wrote.

“This year our performance is in line with both the small rural group and the state-wide average for half of the individual service areas evaluated.

“Just three years ago, in 2020, council was a statistically significant six points behind the small rural average and eight points behind the state-wide average.

“We are committed to doing better.

“We want to work with our community to achieve great things.”

Included in the council’s survey response is an ac-

tion plan to address the survey’s findings, with actions planned for continuing to streamline planning processes, improving community decisions, increasing council’s presence in the community, using short “pulse” surveys to gather more advice and continuing council’s “road blitz”.

Speaking about the survey results at last week’s ordinary council meeting, Cr Chris Raeburn and Cr Sally HayesBurke referred to the difficul-

ty of pleasing everyone.

Cr Robin Weatherald struck a different tone, saying he needed “to put [across] a slightly alternative point of view”.

“Bob Hawke … said the punters are always right,” Cr Weatherald said.

“This council would be risking a lot if it doesn’t take up the message that is amplified in this report – there are areas of concern.

“There’s a reluctance in the community to be force-

fed changes in the way this country’s governed.”

Deputy Mayor Murray acknowledged problems found in the report and mentioned it is easy for people to find fault in things, referring to the difficult times the country is facing with a cost-ofliving crisis and high rates.

The full report from JWS research and the council’s full response can be found on council’s website as attachments to last week’s council meeting agenda.

BEFORE THE FLOODS: Kirwans Bridge pictured before the October 2022 flood, after which an engineering report received by council found it is unsafe to open to traffic without extensive structural repairs or strengthening works.

DIFFERENT VIEWS: Responding to the community survey, Cr Robin Weatherald (left) struck a different tone to Cr Chris Raeburn (right), urging council not to “gloss over” the message of the survey.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Pummeroy to to hit the stage hit the stage again for Fiddler again for Fiddler on the Roof on

FORMER Euroa resident Nicky Pummeroy is set to make a return to the stage in Shepparton Theatre Arts Group (STAG)’s production of Fiddler on the Roof as Golde, marking 22 years since her performance as Hodel in the 2001 presentation that earned her a Guild commendation.

Nicky, daughter of David and Christine Blackie, performed with Euroa Little Theatre in a number of productions which include roles such as Jane in Salad Days, Marian Paroo in The Music Man and the Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Nicky is a life member and the current secretary of STAG.

Her talents have been recognized with eight Georgy Awards, a Victorian Music Theatre Guild Judge’s Award, and a nomination for the prestigious Canberra Area Theatre Award.

Her accomplishments include producing the Victorian Drama League Award-nominated Calendar Girls and The Sound of Music.

Nicky’s directorial prowess shined through with the Victorian

Music Guild-nominated fortiethanniversary concert, “40 and Fabulous”.

At the beginning of this year, she achieved great success with the sold-out production of “It Takes Two,” which she produced and codirected.

Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a poor dairyman, as he tries to hold onto his religion, traditions and his five daughters while a difficult future looms ever nearer.

In the process, he learns that life is as shaky as a “fiddler on the roof”.

You can catch Nicky and her follow cast members onstage at Westside Performing Arts Centre in Mooroopna from September 15 to 23.

Have your say on council’s draft governance rules

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council is seeking input into its draft governance rules.

“Overall, the draft governance Rules underpin the fundamental decisionmaking processes of council and are a way in which the overarching governance, and supporting principles of the [Local Government Act 2020] are implemented on a day-to-day basis,” she said. Submit feedback on the draft governance rules by visiting share.strathbogie. vic.gov.au; emailing info@ strathbogie.vic.gov.au; writing to PO Box 177, Euroa, Vic, 3666; or dropping a submission in the survey station in your town.

Submissions close at 5pm Wednesday, September 13.

SHE’S PURE GOLDE: Former Euroa resident Nicky Pummeroy as Fiddler on the Roof character Golde.

Change to 60-day prescriptions has a side effect

By STEVE KELLY

PEOPLE accessing prescription medications are expected to be $180 better off each year depending on the quantity of medicines they receive.

GPs have hailed the 60day medicine dispensing reforms that have come into effect immediately for vulnerable people and for others from September 1. Along with the cost

savings to the consumer, the change will lessen the need for people to make as many trips to GPs and pharmacies.

However, it isn’t all good news for the people who operate pharmacies, with a Pharmacy Guild of Australia survey showing hundreds of pharmacies are reducing opening hours, cutting staff and increasing fees for services as a result.

The nationwide survey of 1000 community

pharmacies, conducted by the Pharmacy Guild, shows almost one in four (23 per cent) have reduced opening hours, more than half (54pc) have increased fees for services, and 250 pharmacy workers have also been made redundant.

Wangaratta-based Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines met with pharmacists from across Indi to listen to their concerns about the change

to 60-day dispensing for some medications.

“They brought a variety of perspectives on how the changes would affect their businesses and their customers,” Dr Haines said.

“It was a constructive discussion about the ways in which policies around pharmacy and medication dispensing generally affect the valuable community work pharmacists do, especially with our elderly

residents.

“I wrote to Health Minister Mark Butler to outline their concerns and made sure they were understood.”

Dr Haines said she was pleased the minister listened to the input of Indi’s pharmacists.

“Their feedback was essential to the development of the $148.2 million Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance (RPTA), a new fund that will

allow pharmacy owners in regional, rural, and remote Australia to transition business arrangements to 60-day prescriptions from September 1,” she said. The change brings Australia into line with other high-income countries like New Zealand, the USA and Canada, where people already have access to multiple months of medication on a single prescription.

Council questioned over Nagambie school crossing supervisors issue

Public questions probe future of the shire’s supervisors as stand-off with state continues qpp

STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has faced a series of tough questions about its continuing stand-off with the Victorian Government over school crossing supervisor funding.

At last week’s ordinary council meeting, Nagambie Primary School principal Rob French, Nagambie Primary School council president Paul Swan and The Euroa Gazette journalist Darren Chaitman asked the council questions regarding the two school crossings in Nagambie.

Nagambie’s two primary schools – Nagambie Primary School and St Joseph’s School – have had their crossing supervisors defunded by the Victorian government following council’s withdrawal from the school crossing supervisor program earlier this year.

Mr French has been supervising the Nagambie Primary School crossing himself since the beginning of term three.

“I’m currently the crossing supervisor and I almost got hit by a car yesterday, so… could you explain how you consider it safe for children to cross without supervision?” he asked at last week’s council meeting.

In response, council CEO Julie Salomon said council is “extremely disappointed” the Victorian Government is not taking responsibility for the Nagambie crossings, that council agrees the safety of children and their carers is paramount, and asked Mr French to join in council’s continuing efforts to advocate to the Department of Transport.

She also made the claim, which council has repeated on several occasions, that the program is the responsibility of the Victorian Government.

The program has been a shared responsibility between local councils and the Department of Transport since it began in the 1970s.

“When council realised the Department of Trans-

port would staff all crossings except Nagambie Primary, what risk assessment and legal advice were used regarding risk to student safety?” Mr French also asked.

Ms Salomon advised council had not completed a risk assessment at the site as the decision on where to place crossings is determined by the Department of Transport, with whom the council is following up regarding when the risk assessment was undertaken.

“Council has sought legal advice and was advised that under the Road Management Act 2004, council’s legislative responsibility is to inspect, maintain and repair the school crossing infrastructure, which includes signage and road markings,” she said.

The Nagambie Primary School council president, Mr Swan, then addressed the council with further questions.

“Before we get a resolution from the Department of Transport, would it be in the interest of child safety that the shire actually picks up the funding until we get a resolution?” he asked.

“At this stage, funding in the interim is one of the options that council is considering, but is yet to make a determination,” Ms Salomon responded.

“There are many options to consider and there are no guarantees until we have had conversations with and clarification from the Department of Transport.”

Before asking his next question, Mr Swan commented “it wouldn’t look good” in the coroner’s court for council or the Victorian government if a child were to be hit at this stage.

“If the shire receives the funding from the Department of Transport, will you reinstate it?” he asked.

“We are currently negotiating with the Department of Transport to test their preparedness to fund the program,” Ms Salomon responded.

“Those conversations are ongoing ... as soon as we have an outcome, we will certainly let the school and the community know.”

Mr Swan implored the council to “please have a heart and a think about child safety”.

Mr Chaitman then inquired about Nagambie’s other primary school, St Joseph’s School, which was recently informed by the Department of Transport that its crossing supervisor is being phased out and will no longer be in place from the beginning of term four.

“To council’s knowledge, will any other schools in the shire have their crossing supervisor removed by the Department of Transport from term four, and given this situation, have there been any discussions at council regarding the possibility of re-entering the school crossing supervision program?” he asked.

“Council is concerned the department’s commitment is not ongoing and have been seeking more information about timeframes and

what this means into the future for all of the schools,” Ms Salomon responded.

The council also faced other difficult questions during the evening’s question time.

Fare Enough café owner Broderick Floyd submitted a question about a recent

incident where council did not inform businesses on Binney Street of a parking closure, which negatively impacted these businesses.

“Why did this happen and what will council do to ensure a similar situation doesn’t happen again?” he asked.

Ms Salomon apologised and acknowledged there had been a lack of communication on this occasion.

“It’s not good enough and despite our absolute commitment to improving our communications, this has let us down on this occasion,” she said.

“We do know we need to improve and have implemented changes to our internal communications approach which we hope will stop this happening again.”

Yet another curly question was submitted by Kate Auty and Charlie Bryden, who alleged that council staff had removed and destroyed five trees they planted on their own nature strip on Railway Street, Euroa.

“I have spoken with the parks and gardens team about your concerns and can confirm one tree was accidentally run over while mowing,” Ms Salomon responded.

“We apologise for this and have asked the team to take more care in the future.

“We have been assured the remaining trees you planted were not impacted by the mowing activities nor removed by any council officer.”

FRENCH QUESTIONS: Nagambie Primary School principal Rob French at last week’s ordinary council meeting, questioning council over the future of crossing supervision at his school.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Church Services

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Saturday 26th August

2pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday 27th August

9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

Wednesday 30th August

10am Eucharist St Paul’s Euroa

Enq: 5704 0330

www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday August 27th, 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 August 27th

10.30am Morning Worship

Everyone welcome

Pastor: Murray Broughton 5795 1950

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Balmattum

Every Sunday 3pm Worship

Enq: Rev. Stephen McDonald 5762 6275

Yea Presbyterian Church, 9am

St Andrew’s Seymour, 11.15am

Nagambie inquiries to: Bonnie Purbrick 5794 2544 or Bill Day 5794 2070

CATHOLIC CHURCH

St John’s, Euroa

Friday 12.30pm Mass

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

St Malachy’s, Nagambie

Monday 10.30am Rosary

Wednesday 12.30pm Mass

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

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th

Sunday of the month at 9am

St Attracta’s, Violet Town

Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 11am

Mass on the 5th Sunday at 10am

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

St Mary’s, Avenel

Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 2nd, 4th and 5th

Sunday of the month at11am.

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

Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion on the 1st, 3rd and 5th

Sunday of the month at 9am

Enquiries: Fr Tony Hill 5795 3048

UNITING CHURCH

St Andrew’s, Euroa

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

Everyone Welcome

Enq: Robyn Burke 5795 3103

Judi Ward 0437 686 072

St Andrew’s, Strathbogie

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

Enq: Joan Wood 5790 5297

St Andrew’s Violet Town

Regular Sunday Service at 9.30am

All welcome

Enq: John Dunn 0419 362 866

EUROA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Old School House, Clifton St Euroa

Every Sunday Meeting at 9.45am for prayer requests.

10am Service

Enquiries: Aaron 0493 101 663

Nagambie rose garden planted for Queen Elizabeth II

Community and council collaborate on memorial garden C i y d il ll b i l g d

By DIANE GRANT

IN June I wrote to the Strathbogie Shire Council’s parks and gardens team to ask if a Memorial Rose Garden could be made planted in Nagambie in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who had served for over 70 years as our Queen and head of the Commonwealth.

In July, I met with the Shire parks supervisor Gavin Sellars, visitor economy and events coordinator Libby Webster, along with Sissy Hoskin of GoNagambie, and a site was chosen for this royal tribute garden.

Mr Sellars organised the digging of a three and a half metre bed in the nature strip to prepare the bed for rose planting.

Two wheelie bins are to be removed from close to the site soon.

I also wrote to some of our local groups like GoNagambie, the RSL, men’s shed, Community House and other organisations about donating a standard rose to be placed in a small memorial garden in the High Street nature reserve near the water tower to commemorate our late Queen Elizabeth II.

I asked various groups that represented various sections of our community.

Since then, 15 donors (which includes some individuals also) have donated a rose for this memorial.

The roses were purchased and the steel stakes for the garden.

The weather was cool on Friday, August 18, when Michael Smith, Mick Burns and I marked

NAGAMBIE NOTES

By DIANE GRANT

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen; it is of no value until given away.

PERSONALS: Birthday greetings go to Russell Hurren, Brett Crofts, twins Evie and Allie Dunstone, Pam Shepherd, Scarlett Emond, John Hilton, Alison Green, Tainie Northausen, Marnie Mapperson, Martin Coll, Sarah Sidebottom, Paul “Doc” Lejins, twins Daryl and Anita Lynch, Brad Friedrich, Lucy White and Melinda Simonis.

Happy 24th anniversary to Jo and Mick Mitchell and best wishes to Steven and Lisa Miller.

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: John and I were able to drive to Queensland to see our first baby great granddaughter and her parents, my son who has been ill and one granddaughter.

Plus some army and air force friends, who I have known for over 50 years, a school friend and her family (for 63 years), and my last remaining aunt who is 91 at Nambucca Heads.

On the way back I caught up with my eldest son and family in Canberra.

This might be the last trip down memory lane for me, as my mobility is becoming worse.

But it was great seeing all the folk who have been an important part of my life.

COMING UP: Avenel Make It, Bake It or Grow It Market, second Sunday of each month.

out the garden bed and placed the pots in their positions for planting.

Around 10.30am, three Nagambie Primary School representatives, Helen Heathcote (senior Australian of the year Australia Day recipient 2023), Brodie Miller (junior citizen of the year and shire-wide Australia Day recipient 2023) and school student Julian AisbettWray planted the primary school’s “All Gold” rose.

Then a small of volunteers came along from the men’s shed, RSL, Community House, senior citizens, and the Anglican church’s mothers union, and within two hours all the donated roses were sorted, planted and staked, and labelled with donor

groups and individual names.

The garden looks good and will look even better with a trailer load of mulch that will be added to it soon.

Thanks to Strathbogie Shire Council staff, Bob Slater for looking after the roses in our village yard.

Special thanks to donors

Julie Cubbins of Bloomin Natives, GoNagambie (Nagambie Lakes tourism and commerce), Nagambie Primary School, Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed, Nagambie Senior Citizens Club, Nagambie Lakes Community House, Nagambie RSL, Anglican Mothers Union, Nagambie Football and Netball Club, Nagambie and District Historical Society, Kelvin Grove Village, theBoyle

August 27: Nagambie Farmers’ Market from 10am-2pm at Tahbilk Winery.

Tuesday, October 31: Halloween party, so you can get your spooky gear ready for this fun, music and games evening.

It is sponsored by the Nagambie Lakes Community House and will be from 6-8pm at the Mechanics Hall. All ages welcome, $5 a child, $10 max for a family.

Get more details from the Community House co-ordinator Anna Close on weekdays at 5794 1487 or email nlchouse32@gmail.com.

CHURCH NEWS: ANGLICAN: Thursday, August 24: Central Goulburn Mothers Union Mary Sumner Day and Wave of Prayer Service St John’s Nagambie, 1.30pm, BYO lunch.

September 14: Anglican Mothers Union annual “Morning Melodies” fundraiser at Christ Church Hall Seymour. Funds will go towards the Mothers Union to tackle gender-based violence, domestic violence and climate change.

The entertainer will be well known local singer Noel Pearson.

There will be a trading table, raffle, lucky door prizes and lots of fun. Bookings will be available soon.

CATHOLIC, ST MALACHY’S - 150 YEARS: St Malachy’s Catholic Church Nagambie is to celebrate its 150th anniversary on November 19 with special guest Bishop, Most Reverend, Shane Mackinlay of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst in Bendigo

family, Cathy Lawrence, Di and John Grant, Nagambie Mechanics Institute and Nagambie Rowing Club, who have taken this royal project on board.

I have ordered a memorial plaque to be made by D.P. Jones Plaques of Kyabram and it will be placed in the garden, and I have requested that a dedication ceremony be held close to the first year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022.

Rev. Richard Pennington will conduct the service and donors, families, and community folk will be invited to attend this momentous community project dedication. The support received and feedback so far has been very positive.

To commemorate this event Rhonda Robinson and Mel Arnold are writing the history of St Malachy’s church and parish and want information, photos and memorabilia. Contact Rhonda on 0400 546 560 or Mel on 0400 610 455.

Services: Nagambie St Malachy’s. Mondays 10.30am & Wednesday noon rosary.

First and third Sundays 9am mass.

Second, fourth and fifth Sundays 11am Word & Communion.

Contact W Keenan on 0459 595 908. Avenel, St Mary’s. Sundays 10.30am rosary.

First and third Sundays, 11am mass second, fourth and fifth Sundays 11am word and communion.

Contact G Kenworthy on 0405 125 963.

Contact Parish priest Fr A Hill Euroa on 0439 033 029.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Nagambie St Andrew’s, 9am service first and third Sunday and Seymour every second and fourth Sunday of the month.

Contact W Day on 0429 933 116.

UNITING: Seymour & Avenel Uniting Church.

During winter combined service at 10am Avenel.

Point of contact Rev J Payne on 0408 176 754.

NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH COMMUNITY: (Uniting Church) second and fourth Sundays, 9.30am, Nagambie Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms. Contact R Close on 0402 286 277.

Nagambie’s Michelton Hotel recognised with award for excellence

MICHELTON Hotel in Nagambie has won Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year in the 2023 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence.

Accommodation Australia president Leanne Harwood congratulated all award winners.

“Melbourne and Victoria have much to celebrate, as the performance of the state’s visitor economy, spend and interstate travel preference, tracks ahead of 2019 levels,” she said.

ROYAL ROSES INCOMING: Some of the volunteers from the Nagambie community who planted the roses donated for the Nagambie Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Rose Garden project. John (left) and Diane Grant, Carol Wallis, John Sharley, Larry King, Mick Burns and Michael Smith.

Euroa Third Age Club shares updates on bus trip, Tai Chi

By JOAN OSBOURNE

THERE will be a club meeting at St Paul’s Hall on Thursday, September 24 at 1.30pm.

Hopefully by then, there may be some news regarding the repairs to the club building.

The September launch will be held at the Euroa Hotel on Thursday, September 14 at 12pm.

The cost will be $17.50 for a two-course meal and all members and seniors are welcome to attend.

Please book your place

by calling Pam Vaughan on 0400 593 773 by Monday, September 11.

Trip to Murchison: the club has organised a bus trip to Murchison on Wednesday, September 13 for a guided tour by the Murchison and District Historical Society.

The club will cover the cost of the bus hire, but the cost for members will be $30 to cover the cost of the tours to the cemetery, Camp 13 where prisoners of war were housed during WWII, plus a PowerPoint presentation sharing an overview of local history.

Upon arrival a light morning tea is provided, but members will need to take or buy their own lunches at the Murchison Hotel or local bakery.

Please contact Pam Vaughan or book a seat on the bus.

Tai Chi is now being held at the One to One Wellness Centre at 121 Binney Street, Euroa at 9.30am Thursday mornings.

The Third Aug Club is still unavailable as no work has commenced on repairing the flood damage caused last October.

Nagambie Seniors celebrate Christmas in July

By DIANE GRANT

FOR over 50 years, the Nagambie Senior Citizens Club has held many social days and activities, conducted trips and excursions, lunches and special functions at various venues and much more.

But one of the most popular functions is their Christmas In July luncheon as was shown on Monday, July 24 when close to 75 seniors gathered and celebrated the mid-year fun afternoon.

Winter is not the best time for senior citizens to brave the cold but on this occasion many did and enjoyed themselves for making the effort.

The Senior Club social committee had done a terrific job in decorating the tables and Jason’s catering provided a delicious two course meal.

Some of the guests dressed up in Christmas attire and Faye Hannam and Carolyn Fox looked resplendent in their Christmas wear.

But the “Fab Four” stole the show on the day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS:

Four seniors Yvonne Dacey, Gloria Atkins, Linley Thomas and Abraham de Visser, dressed up as geriatric entertainers.

They slowly walked into the clubrooms in their nest bedroom hostel attire pushing their wheelie walkers to an Elvis tune, then had the audience laughing to their dancing antics and ridiculous actions to the song “Pretty Woman”.

Their funny skit gained much applause from the appreciative audience.

To round off the pleasant Christmas in July afternoon, the raffle and lucky door prizes were won by happy senior guests. Thanks to the Nagambie Senior Citizens Club for providing some light hearted social fun for many of our elderly folk. Well done.

Christmas in July fans Carolyn Fox and Faye Hannam loved dressing up for the Seniors mid winter Christmas function.

GERIATRIC ENTERTAINMENT: Having a giggle and kick are these four adventurous Nagambie Senior Citizens members Linley Thomas, Abe de Visser, Gloria Atkins and Yvonne Dacey showing off their dance antics to the song “Pretty Woman”.

PHOTOS: Di Grant

August

23 Longwood Seniors Adventure by bus to the Yarra Glen Chocolate Factory. All welcome. Enq: Margaret 0407 529 991.

27 Jimmy and Jarrod’s Country and Rock n Roll Show. Featuring Sandi Dodd with supporting act Jimmy and Jarrod and live band: The Night Owls. Sunday 27 August 12 noon to 5pm at Longwood Community Centre. $15.00 per head, bookings essential. BYO drinks and nibbles – tea & coffee available. BBQ lunch available for purchase. Contact Jimmy on 0412 723 356.

28 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

September

4 Longwood Senior’s monthly two course luncheon held at Longwood Community Centre at $12.30pm - all seniors welcome. Cost per head $16. Enq: Margaret 0407 529 991.

6 RUFFARTZ presents Sass and Secrets. A wickedly funny cabaret featuring awe inspiring magic, mentalism, fabulous singing and physical comedy mayhem! Not to be missed. Ruffy Public Hall. Doors open 7.30pm. Performance commences 8pm. Reservations: Email Kelly: ruffartztickets@ gmail.com or Mob: 0407 017 090. Adults $25, Students/Pensioners $15. BYO Nibbles and drinks. Coffee and cake available at intermission $5.

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

Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting

Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

October

2 Longwood Senior’s monthly two course luncheon held at Longwood Community Centre at $12.30pm - all seniors welcome.

Cost per head $16. Enq: Margaret 0407 529 991.

20-22

Euroa Golf Club are hosting the Power Industry association (PIA) Golf State Championships for 150 golfers. This event was washed out last year. The golf course will be closed to members and green fee players on these days.

23 Euroa Probus Club provides you with the opportunity to join a social club in your local community to meet retirees on a regular basis, listen to interesting speakers and join together in activities. Meetings are held 4th Monday of each month, 10am at Uniting Church Hall, Kirkland Ave Euroa. Enq: Fred 0408 443 288 or Stan 0427 884 075.

28-29

Euroa Agricultural Society Inc will hold the 131st Euroa Agricultural Show.

November

6 Longwood Senior’s monthly two course luncheon held at Longwood Community Centre at $12.30pm - all seniors welcome. Cost per head $16. Enq: Margaret 0407 529 991.

December

4 Longwood Senior’s Christmas Luncheon which is fantastic, held at the Longwood Community Centre. All seniors welcome. Enq: Margaret 0407 529 991.

Violet Town Kinder adventures to Shadforth Reserve

By VIOLET TOWN KINDER AND CHILDCARE

THIS isn’t our first rodeo, so while we may not be awestruck by every footprint, birdsong or animal poo, we have held these spaces together so many times that we’re now able to start digging and probing a little deeper.

Instead of charging madly through the bush from climbing tree to dam, children are stopping themselves and peers (and even educators) to say “Shhhhh...can you hear that?” and “What’s making that sound?”.

They know that stopping to wonder out loud about a leaf, web, a hole, a wonky branch, will likely gather a small crowd and a grown-up to wonder with them.

We don’t always find the answers to the questions, but listening to each other’s ideas is pretty awesome.

Our tree-climbers have grown so much in their selfreliance, physical strength, balance, and risk analysis, and seeing them swell with pride in this, and pass on their newfound wisdom to their younger

peers is something to behold.

Last week at Shadforth Reserve, we quietly and without ceremony observed and celebrated: the wobbly walkers being pulled in trolleys by so many little helping hands; the tiny inquisitive fingers poking squirmy tadpoles in the mud; the trail-blazers cracking branches and calling out warning; weary bodies being carefully placed in the shade as they surrendered to sleep.

We watched careful collaboration and communication as the perfect rocks were picked and launched into water for the desired splashing sounds and heights.

The courage of two tentative tiny hands reaching out for each other on a long walk.

The mysterious golden beetle who keeps finding us every week.

We didn’t break any ground, or conquer any mountains.

There weren’t any dramatic ‘aha’ moments.

Just to be able to be present and participating in these tiny snapshots of our young learners’ lives is a pleasure and a privilege.

DISCOVERING NATURE: Instead of charging madly through the bush from climbing tree to dam, children are stopping themselves and peers (and even educators) to say “Shhhhh...can you hear that?”

MUDDY EXCURSION: Violet Town’s kindergarteners were unfazed by the mud at Shadforth Reserve.

FIRST EVENT IN TOUR: The event attracted Euroa locals as well as people from Benalla, Shepparton, Boho South and Merrijig. The audience was made up of yes, no and undecided voters, according to the office of Dr Haines, and they had many questions for the experts. The session was the first of five to be held in the federal electorate of Indi, with the same speakers set to travel to Wangaratta, Myrtleford,

Beechworth.

COUNTRY KINDERGARTEN: Violet Town Kinder kids at Shadforth Reserve last week.

Violet Town tidings

By KRISTY HARRIS

WHAT a game.

The footy legends who took the ground last Saturday were legendary.

It was a great match, very close for most of the game, and lots of people there to enjoy the action and fun.

There was also a good crowd at The Ellen appreciating live music on Saturday night.

Violet Town’s worst kept secret is now out – Phong’s Pharmacy and the op shop are moving.

They will be sharing premises in the old hardware store in Cowslip St opposite the post office, which will be a great location for both.

As previously mentioned in this column, renovations are underway in the building and no date for the move has been announced.

And no sooner do we announce that there is a vacancy in Cowslip St, a new business has already moved into what was Bloom Hair.

Longwood lookout

By LONGWOOD ACTION GROUP

THE next meeting of the Longwood Action Group will take place Wednesday, October 4 at 7pm at the community centre meeting room.

Anyone is very welcome to attend.

A working bee has nominated for Sunday, September 10 at 10am.

Please bring along the usual tools, trailers, etc that may be of use and a BBQ to follow the morning’s work.

If you haven’t already, get along to Euroa to view the magnificent magpie sculpture created by Longwood’s own Tank and Tobin Sculpture Works.

He sits majestically in the Sevens Creek parklands and is certainly generating plenty of interest and praise from residents and travellers passing through the town.

The Longwood Seniors’ monthly twocourse luncheon will be held on September 4 at 12.30pm at the community centre.

The cost is $16 and all seniors are welcome.

The Longwood Primary School need helpers to sell raffle tickets for the meat tray at the White Hart Hotel on September 22 and November 17.

Proceeds from these raffles go towards

educational programs that benefit all students during the year.

If you can help on any of these dates, please contact Rose or Travis.

The Longwood Primary School transition program for 2024 foundation students will commence on Tuesday, August 29 from 2.30pm-3.15pm and then continue the following Tuesdays – September 5, 12 and 19.

In term four, sessions will be at the same time on October 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Sessions on November 14 and 21 will be half day sessions and November 28 and December 5 will be full day sessions leading up to the state-wide transition day on Tuesday, December 12.

Please forward any information you would like included to longwoodlookout@gmail. com.

Inclusions are at the editor’s discretion.

Activities in Avenel

By LYNJ JAMES

THE “Australia Day - should it be on January 26?” debate, having taken place last Sunday at Avenel Hall, was greatly appreciated, and the distribution of the community survey about the future of Avenel’s Australia Day Event 2024 will take place for all households in the 3664 postcode next week.

Avenel Primary School are looking for donations of high quality toys, books and games to sell at our annual school fete on November 10.

If you’d like to donate any items that are in excellent condition, please bring them into the office ensuring they are clean and ready to sell.

Big sellers include Beanie Boos, Hot Wheels cars, Nerf guns and Barbies.

Expressions of interest are being sought for market stall holders for the Avenel Primary School fete on November 18.

Stall holders must have their own public liability insurance.

Please contact the school office to express interest and for further information.

Thursday’s community bus stop in Seymour is still running, offering morning pick up and drop off at your door at a cost of $5.

Everyone is most welcome.

Contact Jim Billings on 0433 270 101.

Dysons Community Grants open for a variety of groups

THE Dyson Group of Companies has announce the launch of the next round of the Dysons Community Grants.

This program has been established to provide grants in support of the many sporting, welfare and community groups around Victoria and to date about 70 grants have been distributed.

Program manager Grant Deacon said the program aims to support a range of

community-based organisations at grassroots level.

There are two rounds of grants annually, each with $10,000 available (maximum grant $1000).

Eligible organisations include pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit groups, charities, welfare agencies, local societies and emergency services.

“We are constantly inspired by the work these groups do to make their

communities a better place, many with the support of volunteers,” Mr Deacon said.

“We applaud their work and hope our grants make a difference to their groups.

This next round of grants opens on September 1 and closes September 30.

All details, including terms and conditions, guidelines and an online application form, can be found at http://dysongroup.com.au/ about/community-grants.

Violet Town is shire’s first town to complete LEAP

THE Violet Town Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) has now been released following a collaborative process with the Violet Town LEAP steering committee consisting of local community residents, CFA, VicSES, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

Strathbogie Shire Council supported the process.

Mayor Laura Binks said the Violet Town LEAP was the first plan to be prepared under the grant funded project.

“The LEAPing into Resilience project enables people to become more aware of the risks facing their community and identify ways they can be better prepared for emergencies

and able to respond and recover from these events,”

Cr Binks said.

“Council has collaborated with Murrindindi and Mansfield Shire councils to deliver the project thanks to a Federal Government grant.

“The project will eventually result in the production of five LEAPs prepared for each municipality.”

Violet Town LEAP steering committee member Bruce Hunt-Hughes said the plan is a result of many community members coming together and brainstorming what was needed during emergencies.

“A sound plan can help to stay calm, safe, be helpful and know how to ask for help,” he said.

“It does seem likely that extreme weather events will get more frequent and more gnarly.

“Let’s hope for the best and be better prepared for what may come.

“We hope you use this document as a starting point to get in touch or to keep the conversation going.”

The Violet Town LEAP can be found on council’s website at https://www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au/services/emergency-preparedness/local-emergencyaction-plans-leaps/.

A limited number of hard copies are available at the Violet Town Community House, Violet Town Library and the Violet Town Cafe and Corner Store.

BY EMAIL BY PHONE 5723 0101

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, Victoria 3666

DEATH NOTICES

BROUGHTON

(Palmer),

Jane Louise.

10/6/1972 – 20/8/2023

Treasured daughter of Nicholas and Louise.

Loved and loving sister of Adam, Claire and Kate.

Cherished granddaughter of Norman and Lorna Palmer and Charles and Myrl Kemp (all dec).

A link in our family chain has broken and we wonder how we will manage without you in our midst. Greatly missed, love you forever.

Jane, you amazingly never lost your sense of humour, which will always remain inspirational.

~ Until we meet again, Adam, Ben and Abby. Janey, our hearts are broken and we just can’t believe you have left us. I never thought we would not grow old together.

~ We will love you infinity, Claire, Paul, Max and Toby. We will love you always and miss you forever.

~ Kate, Michael, Sophie and Charlotte.

BROUGHTON, Jane Louise

10/6/1972 – 20/8/2023

Loved and loving niece. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.

~ Janine (Nene).

BROUGHTON, Jane.

10/6/1972 – 20/8/2023

Thank you for the love, laughter and happy memories we shared.

~ All our love, Sharlene, Jesse, Ben and Ruby.

BROUGHTON, Jane.

No words can begin to express how much we are missing you. You were such a loving, caring, strong, courageous person, who impacted us in so many ways. Your love for family was everything. We are so lucky to have you as an aunty and a sister-in-law. We are glad that you got to meet Emersyn.

We love you Jane.

~ Craig and Fiona, Brooke and Connor and Tom, Grace and Emersyn.

BROUGHTON, Jane Louise.

Passed away August 20, 2023 at Kithbrook.

May the winds of love blow softly, and whisper in your ear, we love and miss you Jane, and wish that you were here Dearly loved sister-in-law to Glenda, very special aunty to Vivian, Brendan, Rhianna, Isaac, Charlotte and Freddy. Xx.

Forever loved.

Dearly loved daughter-in-law of the late Harry and Loris Broughton of Kithbrook.

DEATH NOTICES

BROUGHTON (Palmer), Jane Louise.

10/6/1972 - 20/8/2023

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family. Devoted and adored wife of Colin. Loved and cherished mum of Lucy, Jack, Hannah and Maggie. Our world will never be the same without your warmth, laughter and love. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to FightMND or MND Victoria.

Our time together was special, So were the memories made, And although you live in Heaven now Those memories never fade. I bow my head in silence, And remember my wife with love, I know that you are up there, Watching from above. You’ll always be remembered, And time may heal my heart, But a piece of me is missing, Since the day we had to part. If Heaven is for angels, Then I know that’s where you’ll be, And I know that you’ll be waiting, When Heaven calls for me. I will miss you forever, you’ll always be in my heart.

~ Love Harry XX.

We have a beautiful mother, One who never really grew old, Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold, Her eyes were bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see, We have a beautiful mother, And that’s the way it will always be. Love you and miss you forever Mum.

~ Always in our hearts, Lucy, Jack, Hannah and Maggie XX.

BROUGHTON, Jane Louise.

A loving sister-in-law to Brian and Shirl. Xx.

BROUGHTON (Palmer), Jane Louise.

Loved and cherished sister-in-law of Helen and Graeme.

Loved Aunty to Claire, Nick, Sarah, Craig and families. She will be sadly missed and always remembered. Go Tigers!

DEATH NOTICES

DEATH NOTICES

Vale BROUGHTON, Jane.

Euroa FNC extend condolences to Col, Lucy, Jack, Hannah and Maggie on the passing of Jane. A wife and mother that will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with Jane’s family and loved ones at this very sad time. May she rest in peace.

Vale PEARSONNEALE, Michelle.

Euroa FNC extend condolences to Chris and his family on the recent passing of his wife Michelle. May she rest in peace.

BURNS, Robert James.

Passed away peacefully at the Euroa Hospital on 13/8/2023 aged 70 years.

Loved and loving husband of Anne – married 44 years.

Loved and adored father and father-in-law of James and Shelley.

Treasured Grandpa of Emma and Luke. Loved brother of Terry. ‘Always in our thoughts, Forever in our hearts’. Private family funeral service and cremation.

N.J. TODD

Member AFDA EUROA 1800 352 425 BENALLA (03) 5762 2461

FUNERALS

BROUGHTON

The memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs Jane Louise Broughton will be held at the N J Todd Funeral Home, ‘Feehan Chapel’, 81 Baddaginnie-Benalla Road on Monday, August 28, 2023 commencing at 2pm.

To livestream funeral, go to the N J Todd website and follow the links.

N.J. TODD

Member AFDA EUROA 1800 352 425 BENALLA (03) 5762 2461

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

N J Todd Funeral Directors

Member AFDA BROUGHTON, Jane.

20/8/2023

Much loved sister-in-law of Nev and Bett, Aunty of Bec, Graeme and Harry, Jess and Tyler.

A gentle nature heart of gold, these treasured memories we will hold. XX.

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

KUEGLER, Gertrude. August 6, 2022. One year ago, we said our goodbyes. We miss you. Always in our hearts.

~ Love Mick and Dave.

FOR SALE

Jack Russell Puppies

Ph. 0400 471 577.

BUCKLEY, John.

Lorna and the family sincerely thank their many friends for their kindness and support on John’s passing.

Delatite Court Village Inc.

2023

Annual General Meeting

To be held on Monday, September 18, 2023. At the Catholic Hall, Binney Street, Euroa. Starting at 8pm.

The Friends of Euroa Library Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 12, at 5.30pm in the Library’s Meeting Room.

SOLD

1993 Subaru Brumby 4WD Ute, (XAY493) Vicroads Reg. due July 30, 2024, 177,500km, $6000 ONO. Ph 0466 887 788.

HOLDEN Colorado, 2014, auto, 124,000km, dual cab, 4x4, (1EF3ZE), bull bar, UHF, tonneau and tub rack, tow bar, RWC, A/T tyres, side steps, good condition in and out, $28,900 inspection welcome. Ph 0482 586 700.

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200c xl 1200r sportster roadster cruiser, 5 spd manual, 7640km, p ristine condition, V IN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leathe r jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500. Ph 0412 874 585.

K&M Automotive 4x4 is the leading Emergency Roadside Assistance provider in Mansfield and surrounding areas. We provide roadside care and towing for RACV, emergency services, vehicle manufacturers and motor car clubs.

We are looking for new RACV contractors to join our team.

The job will be providing emergency roadside assistance after hours and weekends, on behalf of the RACV and another programs. You will be provided with a work service vehicle / tow truck as required, work phone and tools, as well as training.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Euroa Cricket Club prepares for upcoming 2023/24 season with election of president

By JACK WILSON

THE Euroa Cricket Club welcomes Carl Norton as its new president replacing Lucas Paul.

The club thanks Lucas Paul for his many years of dedicated service.

The club will be fielding three senior grades competing in the Cricket Shepparton competition with A grade being co-captained by Scott Hamilton and James Lloyd

who is returning to the club, B grade and D grade who are replacing C grade for the coming season.

Two junior sides Under 14s and Under 16s will also be competing in the Cricket Shepparton competition.

The under 12s are returning plus it’s great to see the veterans padding up again.

Pre-season training will commence with training at the Memorial Oval nets on Sunday, September 3 at 10am.

Indoor nets session will be held at Major League Indoor Sports Shepparton at 5:45pm for a 6pm start on August 28 and September 11.

Further information will be available on the Euroa cricket club Facebook page throughout the season.

We anticipate this coming season to be very successful for all grades involved.

Skills & Experience: but not essential)

To apply, please send your resume to shannon@kmonsite.com.au or (03) 5775 1605.

Round 18 GVL clash in the Standpipe Cup

Goulburn Valley League’s Round 18 clash between Euroa and Mansfield will have a twist with A grade and seniors vying for cup

GOULBURN Valley League’s Round 18 clash between Euroa and Mansfield will have a twist.

The winning A-grade netball and senior football sides will be crowned the inaugural Standpipe Cup champions.

The event is promoting the Greening Euroa project, which will ultimately provide recycled water to Euroa Football Netball Club’s home ground Memorial Oval.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the Memorial Oval was just one of the many green spaces in Euroa that would benefit from the Greening Euroa Project.

“We are currently advocating

to the government for funding to see this incredible project come to fruition,” Cr Binks said.

“The proposed, innovative community-driven project is the first of its kind in Victoria. It’s climate smart, cost efficient and community inspired.”

The Greening Euroa project comes after Goulburn Valley Water installed a purple recycled water standpipe near the Euroa Golf Course.

This type of standpipe provides Class B recycled water, suitable for use during construction works, or for watering sports fields, golf courses and more.

The recycled water standpipe

is designed to reduce pressure on drinking water supplies in Euroa and Mansfield by providing an alternate source of water.

GVW acting managing director Daniel Hughes said GVW was committed to finding sustainable water supply options for its regional towns.

“Our first recycled water standpipe in Euroa that we installed with the Strathbogie Shire Council has been really successful and it’s fantastic to see the community leading the Greening Euroa project,” he said.

The hotly contested clash between Euroa and Mansfield

is the perfect match to present the Standpipe Cup as ovals in both towns may be kept green in the future using recycled water.

Goulburn Valley League chair Jacqui Hudgson said the GVL is pleased to support this project.

“The ability to recycle water to assist with the water supply at Memorial Oval and Mansfield Recreation Reserve will ensure the longevity of these facilities for all community usage,” she said.

For more information on Greening Euroa, visit https:// www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/environment/greening-euroa/.

THE STANDPIPE CUP: Goulburn Valley Water manager operations Steven Nash, Strathbogie Shire Councillor Sally Hayes-Burke, Roma Hayes-Burke, Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks and Frankie Hayes-Burke with the trophies that will be presented to the winning senior football and A-grade netball sides at the Greening Euroa Standpipe Cup during the Round 18 clash of Euroa v Mansfield at Euroa’s Memorial Oval.

GOLF AVENEL GOLF CLUB

By LYN CARRACHER

LAST weekend we held our annual tournament and it was a huge success, thanks mainly to our sponsors, whose contributions made it possible to provide fantastic trophies for the players.

We extend our thanks to JCS Electrical Solutions, Puppa & Gaehl Real Estate Nagambie/Tatura, Tabilk Winery, Avenel Meats, PW Electrical, HTA accounting, Optimum Shear, Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and last but by no means least.

Beer Auto Group Seymour kindly offering a new car for a hole in one on the fifth hole on Sunday.

Saturday was the Pioneer Park 4BBB Par event.

The course is looking the best it has in ages and as a result some great scores were recorded.

The winners of the Pioneer Park trophy were Adam Harrap and Scoota Donovan with a fabulous +10, just one ahead of the ladies pairing of Dee Wright and Maureen King on nine over who collected the winner’s vouchers for the ladies.

There were three pairs on eight over so a countback was required to determine who claimed the runnersup prize and the father/son pairing of Mark and Rayden Hannigan did enough to stay ahead of our guests from Mallacoota Chris CaigerWatson and Craig Groom also Cameron Armstrong and Leon Ellis.

Nearest to the pin on the fifth was unclaimed, the eighth went to Mick Sullivan.

Special thanks to Scoota Donovan for sponsoring 14th and 18th holes, which were won by Ollie Aitken and Dale Smith respectively.

Drive and Pitch on seventh hole was won by Adam Harrap and the winner on the 17th hole was

Mark Hannigan.

Ladies eight hole winner was by Moz Fowler.

Sunday was the men’s 18 holes stroke and the weather came out to match the course.

The winner of the 18 holes

A grade scratch was the clear favourite who showed good form on the course and looks tough to beat in next week’s Victorian Sandgreen Championships. Congratulations to Ed Carracher shooting one over 73 and keeping three shots clear of Scoota Donovan on 76.

A grade handicap winner with 73 nett was Mick Doyle from Mt Macedon in a three way countback from Scoota Donovan and Dylan Jack from Alexandra.

The Jack’s brought their A game yesterday with Corey Jack winning the B grade Scratch on 84.

B grade Handicap winner was Jacob Howard from Beechworth with 72 nett.

C Grade scratch winner was Bernie O’Hare from Nathalia, with 92 off the stick.

Our very own young gun Rayden Hannigan was the C grade handicap winner with a fabulous 68 nett which also won him the Junior Handicap event.

Murchison’s Jim Ewart won the nine holes out with 34.5 net and nine holes in was Al McArthur from Mallacoota with 32.5 net.

Unfortunately, no-one was able to take home the Beer Auto Group Mitsubishi however Corey Jack from Alexandra won nearest to the pint on the fifth.

The eighth was unclaimed, Ray Falla from Ky Parklands won the 14th and John Moore from Strathbogie pocketed the Donovan Building sponsored 18th.

A big shout out to Bill Harmieston for being our scrutineer on the fifth all day. Wonderful effort once again.

Drive and pitch on sev-

RESULTS:

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

enth went to Cameron Armstrong and the Mallacoota boys sponsored the 17th which went to Jacob Howard.

Straightest Drive was won by Tom Nolan from Mallacoota.

The Sand Rake challenge for 2023’s first leg was also run on Sunday between Avenel Golf Club and Mallacoota Golf Club.

Avenel team took a commanding 14 shot lead into the second leg at Mallacoota in November which Hoppy reckons it’s “exactly where they want us”.

But we’ll be looking to go one better again this year.

Huge thanks to everyone who provided magnificent cakes and to the Ladies in the kitchen particularly Marlene, Pam, Rachel and Sam for putting it all together.

The Saturday night BBQ was well attended and the meal was delicious.

The course is looking mint and our volunteers led by Bill Harmeiston, Mark Hannigan and Tim Batten have done an outstanding job and we can’t thank them enough for their continued efforts.

Thanks to Jed and Lyn for running the tournament weekend, it’s a big job and well done.

Saturday is a stableford

event but our numbers will be depleted as we have a strong contingent heading to the Victorian Sandgreen Championships at Talbot.

We wish the fellas good luck.

We look forward to Murchison hosting this event in 2025 but in the meantime, good golfing to everyone.

EUROA GOLF CLUB

By RICHARD JOHNSON

A TOTAL of 33 players entered the Wednesday competition as the course was showing signs of drying out.

The roller has been over the greens and the mower lowered so they are true and fast.

Gail Allen took out the ladies 18 hole event with Net 78.

Gail putted well only to be pipped on count back by Deb Cox and also won the Putting Prize. May Hamilton saluted the judges in the nine hole event in a count back over Lish Boadle. The men found scoring tough but Paddy McCarthy nailed it the best with 34 points and was one ahead of Pete McMahon with Mick Keeley and Dan McGregor going on to score 31. Gary Ritchie took home the two ball money.

Saturday was Pink Ribbon day but again some untimely rain of eight millimeters on Thursday saw the Castle

Creek teams challenge postponed for two weeks.

While no ladies felt the need to splash around in the mud, 16 men were up for the challenge.

The division two players found scoring tough however but the clubs best players took it in their stride.

Paul Robinson with a plus one handicap came in third with 34 points, while Matt Mills and Cam Roper went head to head in the last group of the day with Matt just edging ahead to win with 37 points from his handicap of one with Cam Roper just one shot back on 36.

Cam must have had his wedge accuracy dialed in collecting two nearest the pins.

Players are reminded that the Lindsay Park match play second round is to be completed during August.

Next week is a combined day for men and women taking on the challenge of a Par Event. With good weather in the forecast there will be plenty of golfers keen to get on course.

The team’s event will be back the week after next on September 2 and then will go through to Grand Final week.

NAGAMBIE MID WEEK GOLF

By KARYN THOMPSON

RESULTS from Wednesday August 16.

WE only had nine women for a round of Stableford.

The winner of A, B and C grades was an in form Jane Bow with 37points.

The nine hole competition winner was Moz Fowler with on 20 points.

Nearest to the pin was only achieved on the eighth hole by Irene Keogh.

Balls down the line for 18 holes went to Jane on 37 points.

Balls down the line for nine holes went to Moz on 20 points and Jane 19 on points.

Results from the mixed nine hole competition from

Thursday August 17.

There were 18 players for a round of Stableford.

The winner with a spectacular display of skills and perseverance in difficult winter conditions was a very happy Gary Bow with 18 points on a count back. There were no nearest to the pin winners.

NAGAMBIE GOLF CLUB

By DAVID LOVE

THE Nagambie golf course was in fine condition for Sunday’s stableford event with weather conditions near perfect for the time of year, but it was the course again having a stranglehold on scoring with only one player managing par to handicap.

Rhys Shepherd was our man with the long hitting free swinging excitable young talent blasting 36 points to win the day by three, Shepherd’s patience and execution have improved allowing for more consistent scoring and a fourth win of the year.

Runner up was his good mate Alan Anderson with 33 points, Anderson showing some form and looking at being competitive at some of the big events come spring, third place golfer was Dean Brown striking the ball tee to green with precision only for a cold putter letting him down.

The nearest the pin prizes were hard to get at with only two being achieved they both went to our two top placed golfer’s, Alan ‘Angry’ Anderson fired an absolute corker onto the 13th, while our winner Rhys ‘Lightning’ Shepherd launched a superb iron to scare the hole on the 16th.

Next week’s golf will be played on Saturday August 26 tee off will be 9am to 9.30am on office duty is L. Hall and in the bar T. Baldwin, the change is due to Nagambie hosting the final round of the winter pennant season at 10am on the Sunday.

ELIMINATION FINAL

U14 Boys 2 49 def by Coburg 3 52 Brock Buckland 18, Joseph Milton 13, Michael Moylan 9)

QUALIFYING FINAL

U14 Girls 1 38 def by Bulleen 2 48

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 20, Lily Purss 8, Maisy Moscrop 6)

ELIMINATION FINAL

U14 Girls 2 28 def by Eltham 5 29

(Top Scorers: Maria Hanley 10, Kaity Ford 7, Winnie Heffernan 7)

FINALS WEEK 1 - BYE

U16 Boys 1

QUALIFYING FINAL

U16 Boys 2 40 def by Melton 2 54

(Top Scorers: Seth Graham 10, Sam Kain 6, Josh Vearing 6)

FINAL ROUND OF THE REGULAR SEASON

U16 Girls 1 38 def by Bulleen 1 64

(Top Scorers: Molly Moylan 13, Mekenzie Wood 8, Kiera Freeman 4)

FINALS WEEK 1 - BYE

U16 Girls 2

FINAL ROUND OF THE REGULAR SEASON

U18 Boys 1 70 def Nunawading 1 63

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 19, Frank Oguche 19, Caleb

10)

Wharepapa

Junior Bushies U14 girls teams together before their VJBL finals

PROUD AS PUNCH: Tournament winners (L to R) Mick Doyle (A Grade handicap) Rayden Hannigan (C Grade and Junior Handicap) Ed Carracher (A Grade 18 hole Championship) and Corey Jack (B Grade Scratch).

PHOTO: Lyn Carracher

B grade on their storming way

VTFNC - NETBALL A GRADE

By STEPHAINE HAYES

BOTH teams came out strong with consistent play from both sides.

Scores at the end of the first quarter were Violet Town nine and Rushworth eight. The girls fought hard all quarter in defence to get rebounds back down to the attacking end.

Rushworth fought hard but luckily the towners were able to outscore them.

Scores at half time VT 20 and Rushworth 13.

Kat and Teagan worked well in the ring in the third quarter to get rebounds and use every scoring opportunity, VT 32 and Rushworth 16.

The girls banded together in the fourth quarter to come away with the win.

Final scores: Violet Town 50 defeated Rushworth 20.

Awards

Best player: Jo Wild.

Runners up best: Teagan Kubeil.

B GRADE

CONSISTENT game all round in the B grade.

There were lots turnovers throughout the game taken by Millie and Emma in defence and Kayla in the midcourt.

Great movement by attackers into the ring and by the shooters.

Wishing B Grade all the best with their finals campaign.

Final scores: Violet Town 66 defeated Rushworth 12.

Awards

Best player: Emma Warnock.

Runners up best: Prue Holmes.

C GRADE

VIOLET Town came out eager and ready to get their first win of the season, however Rushworth got a quick jump scoring the first four goals.

Cass and Tilly were making them work for every scoring opportunity.

The girls settled and Maya got her eye in scoring a few goals and moving well in the ring.

Rushworth went into the second quarter with an eight goal lead.

First quarter scores 11 goals to three.

Matilda into centre adding speed through the midcourt, Lauren rebounding missed shots allowed VT to transition the ball to attack and score two fast goals through Karalee.

Rushworth responded quickly, however missed goals from both sides caused the ball to spend a bit of time travelling from one side to the other.

Some intercepts from Karalee, Matilda and Cass gave VT scoring opportunities but unforced errors seen before halftime.

Half time scores VT nine to Rushworth 18.

A few fast goals from VT, breaking a Rushworth cen-

tre pass as a result of added defensive pressure seen VT gain momentum and get within four goals. Unfortunately, the lack of discipline and some silly mistakes seen Rushworth respond with the next four goals.

Third quarter time scores VT 18, Rushworth 23.

An unchanged side seen VT score the first two goals of the quarter.

A great team effort across the court seen VT come back within a goal at the halfway mark of the quarter.

A great intercept and goal from Karalee seen scores level, and Lauren wasn’t missing any rebounds.

A nail-biting finish seen both teams fight for the points and the energy on court matching a grand final contest.

Some vital missed goals from VT and unforced errors from Rushworth seen either team able to get across the line ending in a draw.

Final scores Violet Town and Rushworth 26 goals apiece.

Awards –

Best player: Matilda Kubeil

Runners up best: Kayla Jones

Under 15

Final Scores – Violet Town 24 defeated Rushworth 19

Under 13

At the end of the first quarter VT had scored two goals and Rushworth was on xero.

Abi had some great intercepts.

Bella displayed some strong leads and great cover in WD and there was lots of positive talk and encouragement on the court.

The second quarter saw the ball spending quite a bit of time travelling up and down the court with only one goal scored for the quarter by Rushworth.

Sophie Burden took a lovely intercept in the centre third turning over a centre pass. Abbey and Sophie had some lovely passing in the ring and Maddie Mace took some great intercepts in the centre third.

What a third quarter, Rushworth came out strong and scored the first two goals of the quarter.

Abi and Maddie continue to apply strong defensive pressure.

VT found their feet halfway through the quarter with Sophie scoring three quick goals and Bella getting two intercepts off Rushworth’s centre passes.

Defensive pressure continued to be strong by Abi and Maddie and Sophie and Macey were trying hard to score more goals.

In the end VT were able to come away with a one goal win.

Final Scores Violet Town seven defeated Rushworth six.

Awards

Best player: Sophie Burden.

Runners up best: Maddie Mace.

UNDER 11

WHAT a game.

Very exciting first quarter with Sophie shooting two goals.

Heidi took some great intercepts.

Gypsy was able to enact some set plays when playing WD.

All girls were chasing loose balls and trying their very best to stop and not step once they reached the ball.

Isla took some great incepts in the defensive end turning over the ball multiple times. The girls should be very proud of their efforts this year, coming out every week with huge smiles and always trying their very best.

Final Scores – Rushworth 24 defeated Violet Town three.

Awards Best player: Gypsy Campbell.

Runner up best: Bella Goodson.

ROCK SOLID: Kayla Gracie improves her teams coart positon.

LASER FOCUS: Emma Warnock plays a massive role

PHOTOS: Dale Mann.

Undefeated 18s season secures the KDL minor premiership

VTFNC - FOOTBALL THIRDS FOOTBALL

LAST round of the year Nagambie travelled to Violet Town to take on the undefeated towners who are coming off a massive 245-0 win against Longwood.

The game started off as a tough encounter with the lakers getting the first two goals, after that the towners turned the game around thanks to Sam Leigh and Sam Cox breaking packs and being everywhere.

Oliver Smyth had a role to play all day and exceeded at it.

The second half was all dominated by the towners putting on four goals and keeping Nagambie goal less.

The towners end the year on top of the ladder with an undefeated record and will head to Stanhope and play Nagambie again in a qualifying final.

Final scores: Violet Town 8.10.58 defeated Nagambie 2.3.15.

Best players: Malachi burgess, Jye dunn, Ned hayes, Harry o’meara, James Hansen and Zach Armstrong.

Goals: Sam Cox three, Montell Macfarlane two, Wil Smyth two and Zach Armstrong one.

RESERVES FOOTBALL

VIOLET Town went into this game as a must win. With a fair amount of senior boys who put their hands up to play reserves and help out due to Rushworth not having a senior side.

Three late outs made us have to call on some wise old heads in Lachie Ellis and Tim Ross who has just came out of retirement in the past few weeks.

From the first bounce it was very competitive and hard football with no side giving in.

Gregre Hutton was winning the taps down to Nate Abley and Riley Dowell, thrusting the ball forward giving the towners every chance at goal quater time we went into the huddle seven points down.

Second quarter was hard fort with some decisions not going our way the boys and they were getting frustrated which resulted in us loosing a player from a red card.

With only 17 players on the field for the remanding quarter we fought hard to be four points up at the main break.

Third quarter was very close and both teams persisted on.

Hutton was moved to centre half back

Riley Kego into ruck and leaping Ryan Jennings was being the swing man from back to forward keeping it a even contest.

The Towners went in at three quarter time three points up.

As the coaches embraced on a tough season, the message was to just go out and play hard football.

Neither team were giving up and with only 60 seconds remaining in the game Rushworth kicked a goal to go up by five points.

This is were the fairy tail starts, Kego wins the tap and everyone in the midfield rally together along with Jennings off the half back and push it toward the 50 m arc.

Kodi Dunn who had just gone forward from playing wing all day, received the ball and turned across to the opposite side of the ground and kicks to the perfectly positioned chief Tim Ross.

He takes a strong overhead contested mark. and is 40 metres out and 10 metres in from boundary line in front of the club rooms.

If you ask Tim it was possibly out further.

As Ross goes back to prepare for the kick the siren sounds.

In front of a huge crowd of past players and legends of the club who were gathered for the legends game to follow.

Ross goes back to nail the goal to get the team up by a single point.

With the huge support from the under18s behind goal Ross and players were swarmed by spectators in what was a finals like win

Final score: Violet Town 10:1.61 Rushworth 8.12.60

Best player: Nathan Abley, Riley Dowell, Gregre Hutton

This weekend the club is hosting the three virus six elimination final.

Three sides competing on the day there will be times where helpers are stretched so if you can help out in the canteen throughout the day reach out to the club

Lastly huge thanks from the club for all those that got behind the legends game concept.

Mostly retired players donned the Jumpers for a bit of fun in front of a large crowd.

There was definitely some that took it a bit more seriously than others with Zac Economou taking out the Charlie Parr medal for Best on Ground.

The medal was named in honour of 1923 premiership player, his grandson looks after the bar for the club.

The understanding is that there are some players that will feel like a bus has hit them but the day was a lot of fun and lets do it all again in the future

DREADED MESS: Gregre Hutton rebounds from the backline.

BARKING ORDERS: Players get their last instructions from coach.

THROUGH HEAVY TRAFIIC: Sam Cox finds wiggle room.

SLIP AND SLIDE: Jye Dunn kicks a clean ball to his team mate.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

Euroa A grade off to a strong start and capitalise over Kyabram outfit

EFNC - NETBALL

A GRADE

By DEBBIE HOARE

EUROA got off to a strong start against Kyabram, good drive in the attack by Eliza Hoare and Kellie Davidson into the goal ring gave Mia Sudomirski and Bree Poole plenty of opportunity to score, resulting in a lead of seven at the first break.

Ky Bombers put up a fight early in the second quarter attempting to rattle the Maggies momentum, but maintaining discipline gave Euroa the upper hand and increased their lead by 11 at half time.

The third quarter saw Euroa applying pressure all over the court with every player deflecting or intercepting Kyabram’s attempts to drive forward. Tylah Marchbank with her usual one, two and three efforts to get the ball back in Euroa’s possession and a 19 goal difference going into the last quarter gave them optimism.

The last quarter continued with the physical contest and players were starting to tire, causing a few errors, but the Magpies stood up and came away with a 23 goal win, maintaining top position on the ladder.

Last home and away game

next week against Mansfield and the Magpies would love to see lots of local support before they begin their finals campaign.

Best players Eliza Hoare, Tylah Marchbank and Kellie Davidson.

Final score: Euroa 50 Kyabram 27.

B GRADE By SALLY REDFERN SOME people celebrate their 18th birthday by going out for dinner.

Others might receive cards and presents.

But Millie Watson celebrated her entry into adulthood with a best on court performance at Kyabram on Saturday.

In conditions that made a mockery of phone weather apps, Kyabram was bitterly cold and ransacked by a biting wind for much of the day.

Concrete seating only added to spectator joy.

The game was evenly matched at the beginning until ace defender Kelly Hill took a tumble and hit her head hard on the asphalt.

With Kelly removed from the game, it was left to Millie and debut player Chloe Salter to hold down the defensive end of the court for the Magpies.

And what a marvellous

job they did.

Combining together with ease, and supported strongly by Sienna Trotter on the wing, the three young girls played with determination and conviction against a much taller Bomber attack.

Caitlyn Elliott controlled the centre position with authority, dictating play all over the court, and Abbie Ellis continued her stellar run of good form at wing attack. The Bombers managed to get out to a handy lead, but the Magpies were dogged in their persistence, and had pegged the scores back to 20 goals apiece by half time.

Goalers Molly Redfern, Marnie Burton and Sarah Ternes may have some bumps and bruises over the coming week, special mementoes of the close and physical attention paid by the Kyabram defenders.

All three goalers were accurate with the opportunities they had, and battled valiantly for four quarters.

It was a tough game, with the third quarter the one where Kyabram exerted their dominance on the scoreboard, establishing a lead that was just too great for the Magpies to chase down.

Next week is the last round in the home and away sea-

son when Euroa will meet up with Mansfield at Memorial Oval.

The Magpies will be keen to have one final win before they move over to the annual Ladies’ Day event, confident in the knowledge that another 4 points on the ledger will only further add to the magic of the event.

Awards: Best players Millie Watson, Abbie Ellis and Sienna Trotter.

Final score: Kyabram 45 Euroa 37.

LOOKING TO SCORE: Demi Walker eyes off a shot on goal.

TEAM MACHINE: Sianna Trotter helps relieve the pressure.

EYES WIDE OPEN: Abbie Ellis looks to move the ball down court.

PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

Thirds players battle it out at Kyabram

THIRDS FOOTBALL By SCOTT WALTERS

IT was an early start on a misty Saturday morning as the Euroa U18s headed to Kyabram to take on the fourth placed Bombers.

Numbers were boosted by several under 16s players as their season has concluded and they all contributed well, two Kyabram players also rotated through the black and white.

The Euroa boys brought the effort and intensity as they have done all year to match the higher placed

Choices Flooring .........142

Enrich OT .....................133

Bogie Physio ................130

Noel O’Meara...............129

Euroa Bus Lines ..........128

Murphy’s Motors .........128

Burtons .........................126

The Euroa Gazette ......122

Rodwells ......................120

Hunter Rural ................116

Kyabram and over the course of the game had plenty of time in possession of the ball but were unable to convert possession into scoring opportunities.

Euroa kicked two goals in the second quarter, a strong Brodie Hamill tackle was rewarded with a free kick, he found Jack Walters inside 50 who played on and kicked truly.

The second goal followed after Ned Ivill marked and found a teammate and sent the ball over the goal umpires hat.

The second half gave the oppor-

tunity to mix up the magnets on the board and give players the chance to play in differing positions, the individual development and improvement of the team members over the course of the year has been evident from the sideline and due reward for those that have put in the hard work on the training track each week.

Final Score: Kyabram 19.21.135 defeated Euroa 2.0.12.

Best players: Brodie Hamill, Baxter Fraser, Archie Wilson, Caid Miller, Jack Walters and Tynan Cummins.

SPORT REPORTER: You may know Daniel Godsmark as the owner of the Euroa Gym, directly across the road from The Euroa Gazette. The Gazette is extremely pleased to report Dan has crossed the road and joined us as our new part-time sport reporter, working in the newsroom on Mondays. “It looked like it’s something I could potentially help the community,” Mr Godsmark said. “I feel like I’ve got a fair bit of knowledge about sport and how sport affects the area - how people love it, it becomes a joy for them.”

2023

Friday, August 25

Essendon vs. Collingwood (MCG)

Saturday, August 26

Nth Melbourne vs. Gold Coast (BA)

Hawthorn vs. Fremantle (MCG)

Brisbane vs. St Kilda (G)

Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs (GMHBA)

West Coast vs. Adelaide (OS)

Sunday, August 27

Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AO)

Sydney vs. Melbourne (SCG)

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION [AFL] ROUND 24

Carlton vs. GWS (MRVL)

Last

2 Binney Street, Euroa Phone (03) 5795 2783

TOTAL: 129

TIPSTER: Damien Murphy

Collingwood

1

Ph: 5795 2702

www.murphymotors.repcoservice.net

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 128

VIOLET TOWN UNDER 18’ 18’s CLEAN SWEEP

Still finals bound despite loss

EFNC – SENIOR FOOTBALL

By SCOTT WATSON

THE trip to Kyabram on the weekend was a long one there and an even longer one home as the home side defeated the Magpies by nine goals in a top six encounter two-weeks out from finals.

The very physical encounter resulted in a number of injuries to the Euroa players which will no doubt catch the eye of the match review officer.

Returning to the team for the match was Ben Giobbi, Will Hayes, Nate Trotter and Matthew Ivill.

Three very important inclusions who will no doubt benefit from there return to the field as they head into the last game against Mansfield at home this coming weekend prior to the finals series.

Some excellent play throughout the day from Marcus Varley, Nathan Stewart and Nate Trotter meant the Euroa side certainly had their chances to put the Kyabram team to the sword.

Unfortunately, the ability to stay on top of the contest and

kick repeated goals meant the Kyabram team were able to extend their lead at every break and running out comfortable winners at games end.

With the last round match against Mansfield this weekend the coaching staff and players are keen to get their A-Game sorted as they will use this match to fine tune preparations for finals.

The imminent return of a few more senior players will no doubt boost the capacity of this team with high expectations of some quality team play on the horizon.

Final score: Euroa 7.7.49 defeated by Kyabram 16.7.103.

Best players: Marcus Varley, Nathan Stewart, Nate Trotter, Will Hayes, Andrew Bell

Goal kickers: Jett Trotter (two), Nathan Stewart (two), Andrew Bell (one), Will Hayes (one), Ben Giobbi (one).

RESERVES FOOTBALL

By NICK MCCABE

WITH confidence from their previous encounter against the Kyabram Bombers which resulted in a one point victory to the Magpies, hopes were high for the Round 17

clash that Euroa could once again topple the second placed Bombers.

With key inclusions back into the side through the likes of Harrison Jarvie, Peter Cairns, Keily Jager and Josh Robertson, coach Linc Mckernan had great excitement about the run and carry this team could provide.

The first quarter began at a relentless pace and it was Kyabram who asserted themselves on the contest.

Some ill-discipline from the magpies saw Kyabram take an early four goal lead.

As the quarter grew to the later stages Euroa started to get their game plan running taking some control of the ball.

However remained scoreless for the first quarter.

After a much needed rev up from coach Mckernan, Euroa came out firing in the second quarter.

Lead in the midfield by Peter Cairns and Harrison Jarvie who got the ball moving, forwards Chris Mckay and Robbie Wilson capitalised for the visitors bringing the trailing

margin back to a slender nine points.

However, this second quarter resurgence was soured for the Magpies with midfielder James Ivill gong down with a serious ankle injury.

At half time the game was in the balance, Kyabram holding a 15-point lead.

Although the intent was there in the second half, Euroa couldn’t get going and seemed under pressure at every contest.

Kyabram were notably ferocious at the contest and put plainly seemed to have more desire to win on the day.

All whilst the bombers ran away eventual 64-point winners, Euroa will look to regain momentum in the final game of the season against Mansfield, hopefully bolstered by a number of inclusions before beginning their assault on September.

Final score: Kyabram 15.13.103 defeated Euroa 6.3.39.

Players:

IMMOVABLE FORCE: Andrew Smith remains determined.

STEADING THE SHIP: Declan Redfern spots a target.

BROTHERLY LOVE: Jayden and Max Gleeson wrap up their opponent.

PHOTOS: Raelee Jager

Best

Chris Mckay, Harrison Jarvie, Peter Cairns, Declan Redfern and Jack Tossol.