The Euroa Gazette 260423

Town Sentinel

AVENEL - EUROA - LONGWOOD - NAGAMBIE - STRATHBOGIE - VIOLET TOWN

Fraudster caught

WORK undertaken by Euroa’s Leading Senior Constable Peter Bath instigated the arrest of a man in Melbourne on Tuesday last week believed to be responsible for a card-skimming racket involving more than $30,000 of fraudulent withdrawals from ATMs across the country.

Ld Sen Const Bath had informed Melbourne detectives on Monday that the man would likely make a fraudulent withdrawal from an ATM in Mount Waverley, leading to the man’s arrest at the ATM at 6.30am the next morning.

The 43-year-old Glen Waverley man was allegedly dressed in a wig, glasses and a face mask at the time of his arrest, which has been reported on by news outlets across the country.

Financial Crime Squad detectives charged the man with nine counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and seized clothing disguises, a hired vehicle, 18 cloned bank cards with PIN numbers written on them, additional cloned cards, and skimming equipment including device and card readers.

These events were ultimately set in motion by a phone call received on Monday by Ld Sen Const

BY DARREN CHAITMAN dchaitman@ nemedia.com.au

Bath from a Euroa man who had discovered more than $10,000 missing from his bank account.

Ld Sen Const Bath enquired with the man’s bank and found the missing money appeared to be the result of fraudulent ATM withdrawals.

He noticed the withdrawal times followed a pattern and informed detectives in Melbourne of what he had discovered, who in turn informed the Financial Crime Squad.

They in turn used the information provided by Ld Sen Const Bath to intercept the man the following morning.

Ld Sen Const Bath believed the fraudulent withdrawals were likely connected to a skimming machine Euroa police had found on the Commonwealth Bank ATM in Euroa earlier this year.

He said the skimming machine police found included two parts - a camera facing down onto the keypad to record the PIN numbers of ATM users, as well as a card reading device inside the card slot which extracts details used to clone cards.

■ Continued page 2

AN ELEGANT LADY: Kate Triscott (front) arrives at her 100th birthday party in a 1927 Model A Ford convertible driven by the car’s owner Brenda Smith (behind).

Flood damage noted in new figures, council submission

COINCIDING with Strathbogie Shire Council noting at last week’s ordinary council meeting its submission to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria, new figures from Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) have highlighted the extent of the damage done to personal property in the floods.

Insurers paid over $22.1 million to personal claimants in the Strathbogie Shire and even more to claimants in Campaspe ($207 million), Greater Shepparton ($97.6 million) and Maribyrnong ($37.8 million).

Other heavily affected areas in Victoria included Mornington Peninsula ($17.6 million), Yarra Ranges ($14.9 million), Greater Bendigo ($12.1 million), Mitchell ($11.3 million), Macedon Ranges ($6.8 million) and Murrindindi ($6.6 million).

In Victoria, insurers received a total of 12,900 claims, costing $551 million in damages.

The figures come as Strathbogie Shire Council noted at last week’s ordinary council meeting it had completed a seven-page written submission to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Kristy Hourigan praised the work of Strathbogie Shire Council in completing the submission, calling it “a remarkable achievement” that can “serve as a roadmap for better preparation and prevention of future disasters”.

“The 2022 flood event was an unprecedented challenge for all communities involved,

and it continues to inflict pain and hardship on Strathbogie Shire Council businesses and the residents affected by it,” she said.

The submission discussed the effectiveness of early warning systems, the adequacy of the SES response, implications for future planning decisions, impacts to council’s road network, the timeliness of the response and estimated further costs from the damages.

“More than 40 homes were inundated, about 100 houses were impacted by flood water and 27 community facilities were affected,” the submission reads.

“It is estimated 10,842ha of farmland was devastated and about 80 primary producers accessed flood recovery funding...

“More than 200 roads across our shire need repairs, with many of our roads unable to navigate safely without significant reductions in speed.

“Council received 262 calls to report water over road and trees down during the flood event, with Officers working around the clock responding to calls for help.

“On top of this 136.42 tonnes, or 593 cubic metres, of flood waste was collected at our transfer stations and we expect this number to grow as waste will continue to be accepted until May 2, 2023.”

At the meeting Mayor Laura Binks also encouraged community members and organisations to make their own submissions to the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.

Perfect weather for 180 cyclists on Sunday

PERFECT autumn weather greeted the 180 cyclists who participated in the 12th year of Ride the Ranges on Sunday.

Riders from near and far including Canberra, Albury and Melbourne were very complimentary of the beautiful scenery and the barbecue supplied by the Euroa Rotary Club in the park

Euroa police help uncover card skimming racket

■ From page 1

The Euroa man who reported money missing from his account on Monday had not lost his card or shared his PIN with anyone, leading Ld Sen Const Bath to assume the man’s card was skimmed earlier this year.

Ld Sen Const Bath said being in such a small town, it was “very rare”

the work of Euroa police led to arrests for large scale crimes or arrests that received national news coverage.

“We were Johnny on the spot here, so we were the ones,” Ld Sen Const Bath said.

“It’s nice that we can help the people of Euroa, that’s what we’re here for.

“It was a great result.”

when they finished.

Riders had the choice between three distances, 35km, 85km and 135km, taking in some of the more picturesque areas of the region.

While the longer routes included undulating terrain, with a few challenging steeper climbs and descents, Melbourne rider Rebecca

Van De Garde said she found the 35km ride “nice and flatgood for a beginner”.

Her friend David Song, who in a previous year completed the ride wearing a cow onesie, said he enjoyed the “green paddocks, clear skies [and] nice weather”.

Melbourne-based wife and husband team Suzanne and Simon Gipson rode the

135km ride and stayed in Euroa the night before with a group of friends.

“It was nice of the city fathers to turn on this sort of weather,” Mr Gipson said with a laugh.

“It was a great route and we felt well supported.”

All proceeds from the event will be used to support local projects.

ON THE GO: Ride the Ranges participants captured midroute.

PHOTO: Bill Sargood

MOST POPULAR AWARD GOES TO: Euroa Rotary Club volunteers Sarah Bullen (left), Donald McNeur and Noel O’Meara, whose barbecue received many compliments from hungry participants after their rides.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

THIRTY-FIVERS: Melbourne friends Ben Tom (left), Rebecca Van De Garde, David Song and former Euroa resident Tom Harper after completing the 35km ride.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

UP FROM MELBOURNE: Melbourne friends Pauline Griffiths (left), Anne York and Maree Atkin after completing the 85km ride, with Simon and Suzanne Gipson who rode the 135km route.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

EIGHTY-FIVERS: Riders begin the 85km route at Sunday’s Ride the Ranges.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

JOB WELL DONE: The work of Euroa’s Leading Senior Constable Peter Bath led to the arrest of a man believed to be responsible for a card-skimming racket involving more than $30,000 of fraudulent withdrawals from ATMs across the country.

PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

Memorial for Sir Charles Ryan unveiled in Euroa

A NEW memorial dedicated to soldier and surgeon Sir Charles Ryan (1853-1926) was unveiled at Euroa’s Telegraph Park on Thursday in a ceremony attended by Turkish vice-consul Mr Levent Turkmenoglu, Sir Ryan’s great granddaughter Siobhan Ryan, Friends of Gallipoli president Dr John Basarin and several other notable guests.

The memorial was first suggested by Dr Basarin, who said Sir Ryan was born at Killeen station near Euroa and he was “an important figure for both the Turkish and for Australia”.

“Sir Ryan saw an advertisement which said ‘we’re looking for some surgeons for the Turkish army’, which was fighting against the Russians [in the 1877-78 Russo-Turkish campaign],” the Turkish-Australian historian said.

“He got the job and went to Turkey and fought alongside the Turks for quite a few months against the Russians, and he was the only surgeon looking after 20,000 men at one stage.

“He became well known and he was decorated by the Sultan for his gallantry and hard work.

“But after he came back to Australia, he kept his links with Turkey and he became the first Turkish consulate general in Melbourne.

“So, he should be memorialised and thanks God locals took that up and the RSL and also council supported the project.”

RSL member Jeff Starkey was the ceremony’s MC and Dr Basarin thanked Mr Starkey for his dedication to the project, saying “we wouldn’t be here without Jeff ’s hard work and talent”.

Other attendees included Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Murray, Euroa RSL members, Friends of Gallipoli members, family representatives of those who served at Gallipoli, authors of a book about Sir Ryan for primary school students and Violet Town singer-songwriter Kate Maclurcan.

Ms Maclurcan opened the event with a moving vocal and guitar performance of Eric Bogle’s “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”.

Sir Ryan’s great-granddaughter Siobhan Ryan, who works as a sculptor in Melbourne, said reliving Sir Ryan’s life and learning what he meant to the Turks had been important to her over the past seven years since she met Dr Basarin.

“It’s great to see everyone come together and know more about someone who’s part of that history,” she said.

John Gillam, co-author of a book for primary school students about Sir Ryan named “Turkish Charlie Ryan: Canakkale’s ANZAC Hero”, said the ceremony was “a wonderful thing”.

“This beautiful story that needed to be told has now got a facility here to tell that to the local people and the rest of Australia,” Mr Gillam said. The new memorial plaque, as well as a bollard with text explaining Sir Ryan’s story, is available for public viewing at Telegraph Park.

Rainfall (Euroa Township)

RAINFALL for the week ending April 23 at Euroa (Castle Creek at Telford Bridge) was 4.6mm.

This included 4.2mm on Monday and 0.4mm on Wednesday.

of

PRESIDENT: Euroa RSL president Phil Munt spoke at the event.

THE INITIATOR: Turkish-Australian historian and Friends

Gallipoli president Dr John Basarin first suggested the idea of a memorial for Sir Charles Ryan in Euroa.

DEDICATED: Euroa RSL member Jeff Starkey was the event’s MC and was credited with working hard to bring the project to fruition.

VICE-CONSUL: Turkish vice-consul Levent Turkmenoglu spoke at the event.

GETTING THERE: At the front are Deputy Mayor Paul Murray (left) and Turkish vice-consul (right) Levent Turkmenoglu on their way to the ceremony at Telegraph Park.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

Community Information

Extraordinary Council Meeting

An Extraordinary Meeting of Strathbogie

Shire Council is scheduled be held on Tuesday 2 May 2023, commencing at 6.00pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre, 1B Bury Street, Euroa.

Business:

Draft 2023/24 Strathbogie

Shire Council Budget

- Preparation for Exhibition and Comment

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au and we encourage community members to watch the meeting via this option.

The agenda for this meeting will be available on Council’s website by close of business the Friday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of the Agenda will no longer be available, however, a limited number of iPads with the Agenda uploaded will be on hand for public use at the meeting.

Have your say on public art for Euroa

After calling for expressions of interest from artists, community members can choose their favourite artwork to be displayed in Euroa’s Seven Creeks Park. Visit www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au where you can select your favourite artwork from five options.

To take part in this process, we are asking you to register to vote to ensure a fair and equitable process. Scan the QR code for more information on how to register and place your vote.

Reminder for dog owners

Council is reminding dog owners there is a zero-tolerance policy for dogs being offleash and unrestrained.

All dog owners must ensure their dogs are on a leash when being walked, or they are confined to their property at all times.

Not only are these important responsibilities to ensure safety for all, but they are also a requirement under section 45 of the Domestic Animals Act.

Artists encouraged to apply for ARTBOX

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

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

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

L2P Learner Driver Program

Strathbogie Shire Council and Berry Street

Shepparton are encouraging eligible young drivers to sign up for the VicRoads

L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.

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

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

1800 065 993

Electrical line clearing Council will carry out tree trimming around electric lines in the townships of Avenel and Euroa. The works are scheduled (weather pending) to start on May 1 and be completed by May 31, this year.

Cloth Nappy Reimbursement Program returns

Our Cloth Nappy Reimbursement Program is on again. Until the end of June this year local families can apply for 50 per cent off the purchase price of cloth nappies and accessories.

It’s a wonderful project created to encourage local families to reduce waste produced by disposable nappies. We offer a maximum of $150, or 50 per cent off the purchase price, to Shire residents to purchase cloth and swim nappies, reusable liners for nappies, reusable wipes, wet bags and reusable nursing breast pads.

For more information visit our website at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au or click the QR code.

Share your ideas on activities to support flood recovery

We’re asking our community for ideas on the potential projects and activities that will support our region’s recovery.

Head to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to share your thoughts or scan the QR code. Promote your event, business or community group on our website

Did you know you can promote an upcoming event on our website? Or add your business or group to our community directory?

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

Tenders now advertised

We’re inviting expressions of interest for the following projects:

quotations from Printers to provide printing services across all areas of Council (Contract Number 22/23-77). Quotations will be received until 4pm on Friday, April 28, 2023.

(EOI) from suitably experienced providers for an Online Engagement Hub (Contract Number 22/23-79). EOI submissions received until 4pm on Friday, April 28, 2023.

EOI documents can be viewed online at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au or scan the QR code. Tenders and Expression of Interests can only be lodged online through the Tendersearch portal.

Work with us

We’re looking for talented people to join our team: permanent opportunity – up to 22 hours per week. Casual opportunities also available. $49.09 to $52.75 per hour based on qualifications and experience plus 10.5% superannuation.

Applications close 9am, 1 May 2023.

plus additional hours at events) 12 month fixed term role. Band 3 - $29.51 per hours + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 1 May 2023.

Band 7 - $87,495 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 8 May 2023. For more information and position descriptions visit our website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Follow us for regular updates @strathbogieshire

Mayor will head to Canberra in June

AT last week’s ordinary council meeting, Strathbogie Shire councilors voted unanimously to send Mayor Laura Binks to Canberra in June for the 2023 National Government Assembly (NGA), a four-day forum bringing together federal MPs and local council representatives from across the country.

Councillors deliberated on the decision after Mayor Binks declared a conflict of interest in the matter and left the room, leaving Deputy Mayor Paul Murray to chair the meeting in her absence.

Before councillors voted, Cr Kirsty Hourigan asked council CEO Julie Salomon to elaborate on the benefit

of the mayor attending the Canberra event.

“There is the opportunity to have delegations to meet with ministers and all their advisors,” Ms Salomon said.

“It’s a great opportunity to progress our advocacy campaigns in Canberra in person.”

Ms Salomon also said it was an opportunity to learn what was happening across the sector and network with other local governments.

Mayor Binks later said she intends to secure advocacy meetings with Federal Government representatives to highlight council’s advocacy priorities.

“Council continues to advocate for several

priority areas including equitable digital and telecommunications infrastructure, reliable power supply, the Greening Euroa Project and a Nature Based Play Space,” she said. The April ordinary council meeting agenda detailed the cost of the trip would be sourced from the councillors’ expenses budget allocation and is estimated to be $2883.

This includes $895 for conference registration, $225 to attend the Regional Delegate Forum, $1350 for five nights’ accommodation ($270 per night), $320 for meal expenses (about $21.30 per meal) and $93.70 for hybrid fuel expenses.

KOOKABURRA: A freestanding 3D ferro-cement sculpture, with welded steel armature and mounted on a tree stump, is one of five finalists.

Vote on your favourite artwork for Euroa’s Seven Creeks Park

THE public is being asked to vote for their favourite artwork to be displayed in Euroa’s Seven Creeks Park.

Strathbogie Shire Council’s call for expressions of interest from artists has led to a choice of five artwork options.

Mayor Laura Binks said it was fantastic to see the calibre of expressions received.

“We are calling on you to have your say and select your favourite artwork via our online engagement platform Share Strathbogie,” she said.

On the Share Strathbogie platform, community members can view the five final-

ists’ impressions along with small descriptions of the artworks.

Cr Binks said artists were required to address criteria outlined by council and were inspired by the community’s significant support for bird sculptures.

“But you also told us to mix things up, to surprise you - you wanted us to embrace our region, embrace Taungurung storytelling through art and pay tribute to our history and identity,” she said.

Voting at www.share. strathbogie.vic.gov.au closes at 5pm on Tuesday, May 2.

Strathbogie Shire

THREE SMALL BIRDS: A proposed three birds scattered through the park, which may include a honey eater, galah and a blue wren, is one of five finalists.

MAGPIE: A sculpture of an Australian magpie made from 1.6mm steel is one of five finalists.

METAL PANELS: Two large Corten steel panels (3000mm x 1500mm) coming together at a right angle, featuring cut-out illustrations of native animals from the Taungurung creation story, is one of five finalists.

SQUIRREL GLIDER: A 2.4m tall metal sculpture of a local squirrel glider is one of five finalists.

Violet Town resident Kate Triscott celebrates 100th birthday in style

By DARREN CHAITMAN

VIOLET Town’s Kate Triscott celebrated her 100th birthday in style on Tuesday, April 18, arriving at a celebratory afternoon tea at Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre in a 1927 Model A Ford convertible as her friends, family and the nursing centre staff clapped and cheered.

Wearing a golden tiara, sunglasses and a pink sweater, as well as pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet, Ms Triscott waved regally to the cheering crowd.

“My mum’s a bit of a princess,” her daughter Sandy Garrett explained.

Members of The Vintage Drivers Club allowed Ms Triscott to borrow the car when they heard about her celebration, although they had originally only planned a stop for a barbecue in Violet Town as they drove their vintage cars to Wangaratta.

Ms Triscott surveyed all the cars assembled at Violet Town’s Recreation Reserve and chose the one convertible, before being chauffeured through the town to the celebration by the car’s owner Brenda Smith.

When she arrived at the nursing home, she clambered out of the car with great ease and was ushered inside by the cheering crowd, where she found the facility’s café set up with bone china cups, cake, balloons and flowers.

Ms Triscott, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, gave a speech at the party saying she had realised the value of having family, es-

St Paul’s welcomes new priest

ST Paul’s Anglican Church in Euroa welcomed a new priest, Reverend Andre Du Plooy, in a service of induction and licensing on Saturday.

Rev Du Plooy will be the priest in charge of the parochial district of Euroa and the parochial district of MurchisonRushworth, having most recently served as the priest in charge at the parish of Kilmore, Broadford, Pyalong and Tallarook.

The service on Saturday was led by the Bishop of Wangaratta, Reverend Clarence Bester, and was also attended by representatives of other churches, including Tony Hill from Euroa’s Catholic church, Fred and Bev Jungwirth from the Uniting Church, and Bob and Carol Bruce from the Baptist church.

St Paul’s warden Gabriel Kearle said the welcoming of a new priest was a great thing for their community, which had been served by locum priests since Rev Paul Hobby left Euroa in June last year.

“For us it means having stability, having someone who’s

Reverend Andre

his

here on a regular basis,” Ms Kearle said.

“He’s a lovely man, seems very approachable, and his wife Patty seems delightful.”

Rev Du Plooy moved with

pecially as she got older and had lost two husbands and many of her friends.

The English-born centenarian came to Australia in 1950, and she attributes her long life to her hard physical work as a young member of the Women’s Land Army in Kent during World War II.

For her 100th birthday, Ms Triscott received congratulatory letters from King Charles, Governor General David Hurley, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and member for Indi Helen Haines.

Ms Garrett is compiling the letters in an album form her mum, which will also include all her birthday cards and Facebook birthday messages from

her family in England.

When asked what type of person her mum is, Ms Garrett laughed cheekily.

“Extremely strong-willed, feisty, very independent, doesn’t like to be helped but very social,” she said.

Ms Garrett described the birthday event as “absolutely wonderful” and “a great party”.

Violet Town’s Kirsty Harris, who writes the fortnightly Violet Town column for The Euroa Gazette, also attended the celebration and described it as “very well done”.

She said Ms Triscott is “quite an elegant lady” and “a bit of a dame”.

Her favourite moment of the party was Ms Triscott’s comment, “I’m too fit to be 100!”

THE ROYAL WAVE: Kate Triscott (front) waved regally to a cheering crowd of her friends, family and the nursing centre staff as she arrived at her birthday party in a vintage car driven by Brenda Smith (behind).

CAKE OF THE CENTURY: Kate Triscott cuts her 100th birthday cake with son-in-law Neil Garrett.

PRINCESS: Birthday lady Kate Triscott, her daughter Sandy Garrett and son-in-law Neil Garrett.

WELCOME:

Du Plooy processing into St Paul’s for

induction and licensing ceremony.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

his wife Patty from South Africa in 2016 to serve the St Augustine Anglican Church in Shepparton and he is now completing a PhD in comparative liturgical cosmology.

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Booklet a great idea to seek a memento of art

WHAT a great idea that highly respected local artist Bruce Hargrave has published a booklet containing the best of his work at a very affordable price.

This enables those of us who have always admired Bruce’s work to have a memento of his local landscapes and other depictions, known so well to us all.

It was my privilege to be a personal friend of Bruce’s late wife, Sue Hargrave.

Sue was a fellow committee member and major contributor to the Euroa Friends of the Street Trees group of some 30 years ago - Sue was a tree lover and Bruce is a tree painter and he does it so well, with an obvious love and respect for the subject matter.

To me this is a great opportunity for all who have a love and respect for Euroa and surrounds to obtain a copy of Bruce’s wonderful work of dedication.

grave’s book launch as Thursday, April 20.

The correct time and date is 2.30pm-5pm, Thursday April 27. We apologise for any inconvenience this caused.

Claims about electric vehicles are dubious

BEN Lever’s letter to the Gazette (April 19) claimed the introduction of Fuel Efficiency Standards would help us all save money and the environment contained many assumptions that should be challenged.

Ben’s claim that “Hume/North East residents can save $89 million in fuel costs over the next five years” is certainly debatable.

Ben’s statement does not mention the increasing financial impacts that governments will impose on owners of electric vehicles (EVs).

Government is not about to give up the revenue they receive from the fuel excise taxes on every litre of petrol sold.

With government increasing the withdrawal of coal fired power stations, the supply of reliable electricity supply continues to be reduced.

Prices will go up.

Electricity is no longer the cheap alternative and it will become more expensive, and less reliably available, as we continue to add load and demand on to a diminishing network.

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

Ron Horrigan, Euroa

Follow us

NEWSPAPER DEADLINES:

Display ads - 3pm Thursday

Classifieds - 3pm Monday

Sports results - 10am Monday

General news - 12 noon Friday Letters - 10am Monday

Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 45-47 Railway Street, Euroa, 3666.

Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

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

YOUR GAZETTE TEAM

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

EDITORS

NOTE: IN last week’s Gazette, we mistakenly printed the date of Bruce Har-

Electricity prices are also set to escalate rapidly, making each recharge more expensive.

If we also consider that we do not yet have an environmentally safe way to dispose of used or faulty EV batteries; the risks associated with EVs mysteriously igniting in flames when parked; the high cost of EV ownership; their limited range; their heavy weight which contributes to road damage; their unsuitability for towing or carrying heavy loads; the very high cost of battery components; the risks and challenges that arise when an EV is involved in a crash; and the absence of charging infrastructure, I contend that we are not yet at the point where anyone, especially a farmer or a rural resident could reasonably consider buying an EV based on Ben’s premise that it will save you money.

Local bands rock the Crit

FIVE local bands and musicians provided the soundtrack to the Euroa Town Crit on Saturday in a free concert named “Rocking the Crit”.

The Strathbogie FReeZA event featured Bad Ibis, The Viceroys, Jordan, Shay and Mason rocking out in the lawn below the Euroa skate park.

Bad Ibis bassist and lead singer Alex Russell said the gig was part of his band’s EP launch tour, which has so far included dates at popular Melbourne venues The Worker’s Club and Bar Open.

“We’ve been getting the recognition we’ve been wanting,” the 19-year-old musician said about the band’s recent gigs in Melbourne.

“We thought it was going to be like five people, but there’s been like 50, maybe just under 100 people coming.”

The hard alt-rock band’s set at “Rocking The Crit” included every song on their self-titled EP, one newer song and two covers.

Alt-rock/grunge band The Viceroys also played a loud, energetic set comprising a mix of original songs and covers.

14-year-old guitarist and lead singer Jeremiah Johnston said the gig went “pretty well” and “didn’t go as bad as it could have” considering he has been away for two months and the band had not had their usual opportunity to practice.

The biggest mishap of the event came when one of 15-yearold drummer Tyler Kipping’s drumsticks snapped in half midset, but he did not a miss a beat: he played one-handed until he had a chance to grab a fresh drumstick.

The other three acts at the event, Jordan, Shay and Mason, were playing their first ever solo gigs.

Seventeen year old singer and guitarist Jordan Kipping, who normally plays with her band Why Not, played an original song named “Blame” and several covers including The Beatles’ “Blackbird”.

She said her style of music is hard to classify, describing it as “kind of indie-folk-pop-punk”.

She said she thought the gig

went well and thanked organiser Annette Walton-Guerin, saying it was “really nice for everyone to be able to get together and play music”.

Thirteen year old singer and guitarist Shay Ialuna played an original song named “Truth” and several covers.

She said the gig went “pretty well” and her initial nervousness took a back seat during the performance.

“I was nervous, but once I started doing it I felt less nervous and actually really happy to be there - and with all my friends there cheering and all that made me a whole lot happier,” she said.

Edward Higgins DIRECTOR Darren Chaitman JOURNALIST Lorraine Millard ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Dale Mann PHOTOGRAPHER Nick McCabe SPORT EDITORIAL

Frank York, Sheans Creek

SHAY: Singer and guitarist Shay Ialuna (13).

JORDAN: Singer and guitarist Jordan Kipping (17).

ROCKING THE CRIT: The Viceroys lead singer and guitarist Jeremiah Johnston.

THE VICEROYS: From left are The Viceroys bass-guitarist and back-up singer Grace Whitney (16) and drummer Tyler Kipping (15).

BAD IBIS: From left are Bad Ibis lead singer and guitarist Alex Russell (19) and drummer Peter Bateman (18).

PHOTOS: Annette Walton-Guerin

SPECIAL CATTLE SALE

WEDNESDAY, 3RD MAY 2023

North East Store Sale Centre

WEANERS

DUNOON, BARWITE ...............ROD

45 ANGUS STEERS, 8 MTHS, TEMANIA & JAROBEE BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

45 ANGUS HEIFERS, 8 MTHS, TEMANIA & JAROBEE BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA (NONE RETAINED)

WATSON PARK, TRENTHAM .........NUT

70 ANGUS M/S, 8-9 MTHS, MORANDING PARK

BLD, WEANED, VB, GF

M & S BANDEY, NORTHWOOD .......ROD

60 ANGUS M/S, 7-8 MTHS, BY MOOLABOOLA BLD ANGUS BULLS, VB

L & A COMERFORD, BARWITE .......ROD

30 POLL HEREFORD STEERS, 8 MTHS, ALLENDALE & IRONBARK BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

30 POLL HEREFORD HEIFERS, 8 MTHS, ALLENDALE & IRONBARK BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA (NONE RETAINED)

CASEY FARMS, WILDWOOD .........NUT

60 ANGUS M/S, 8-9 MTHS, BY MARGNI PARK BULLS, VB

MIMOSA GLEN, WHITTLESEA ........NUT

60 ANGUS STEERS, 8-9 MTHS, CONNAMARA BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GF

MORANDING PARK, KILMORE .......NUT

60 ANGUS STEERS, 8-9 MTHS, MORANDING PARK BLD, WEANED, VB, GF

GOORAM SPRINGS, GOORAM ........NUT

50 ANGUS M/S, 7-8 MTHS, MERRIDALE BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GF

W & R PAULUS, BARWITE ..........ROD

45 ANGUS STEERS, 8 MTHS, SCRUBLANDS BLD, WEANED, VB, GA

B COSTELLO, EUROA ..............ROD

40 ANGUS M/S, JULY/AUG DROP, BY BELLASPUR & NEWNHAM BULLS, YARD WEANED MARCH

A & L BURTON “THE MUNRO”, STRATHBOGIE ....................ELD

30 ANGUS M/S, 8-9 MTHS, CONNAMARA BLD, YARD WEANED

N MAHNCKE .....................ELD

30 ANGUS/CHAROLAIS M/S, 9-10MTHS, YARD WEANED

W & D ELLIS, EUROA ..............ROD

30 ANGUS X M/S, 11-12 MTHS, YARD WEANED, VB

ROSELLA PARK, DARRAWEIT ........NUT

25 ANGUS M/S, 7-8 MTHS, TEMANIA BLD, VB, GF/NA

FINLEY PARK, GOORAM ............NUT

20 ANGUS M/S, 8-9 MTHS, RENNYLEA BLD, VB, GF/NA

STECHER AGRICULTURES SERVICES, SEYMOUR ......................NUT

20 ANGUS STEERS, 12 MTHS, BY LAWSON BULLS, WEANED, VB

JPL AG SERVICES, MANSFIELD ......NUT

20 ANGUS HEIFERS, 9 MTHS, BY RIDDELLVUE BULLS, WEANED, GF/NA

M & M COMERFORD, BARWITE ......ROD

7 POLL HEREFORD STEERS, 8 MTHS, ALLENDALE & ROTHERFIELD BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

7 POLL HEREFORD HEIFERS, 8 MTHS, ALLENDALE & ROTHERFIELD BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

3 ANG/POLL HEREFORD X STEERS, 8 MTHS, JAROBEE BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

3 ANG/POLL HEREFORD X HEIFERS, 8 MTHS, JAROBEE BLD, YARD WEANED, VB, GA

GLENFERN, TERIP ................NUT

15 B/B STEERS, 7-8 MTHS, LANDFALL BLD, VB, GF/NA

SALTIRE PASTORAL, GOORAM .......NUT

12 ANGUS M/S, 11-12 MTHS, CONNAMARA BLD, WEANED, VB, GF

JENNICK, RUFFY ..................ELD

7 HEREFORD STEERS, 6-7 MTHS, TARCOMBE BLD, WEANED

3 HEREFORD STEERS, 10-12 MTHS, TARCOMBE BLD, WEANED

A URE, SEYMOUR ..................ELD

6 MURRAY GREY M/S, 10-11 MTHS, BY MUSTICAL MURRAY GREY STUD BULL

G. TAYLOR .......................ELD

5 ANGUS STEERS, 10 MTHS, TEMANIA BLD

STEERS

JOEL MARTIN ....................ELD

9 HEREFORD STEERS, RIS 2 YRS

HEIFERS

BULLAGREEN, STRATHBOGIE ........NUT

40 MURRAY GREY HEIFERS, 14-15 MTHS, WOODBURN BLD, NSM

JPL AG SERVICES, MANSFIELD ......NUT

8 ANGUS HEIFERS, 13 MTHS, BY BANQUET BULLS, WEANED, GF/NA

*CURFEW 3.30PM TUESDAY* COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES APPLY

Total eclipse brings back memories

LAST week’s total solar eclipse in Exmouth, Western Australia brought back memories for some locals of the 1976 total solar eclipse in Victoria, which interrupted the annual Euroa Agricultural Show at the Euroa Showgrounds.

Retired farmer Bernie Walker was running the shearing competition at the show that year and said he remembers “we had to work really hard to get the shearing competition over before it got too dark”.

Mr Walker said attendees at the competition wore welding helmets to watch the eclipse, even though they were told they needed to wear special glasses.

He also wrote about the eclipse in his

book, “A Test for the Best: The History of Golden Shears in Australia 1974-1984”.

“It gradually darkened as a total eclipse of the sun took place from 3.30pm to 5.45pm,” he wrote.

“By 4.30 it was quite dark.

“All the street lights came on, and all the birds became very quiet.

“It was really quite eerie!”

Euroa Gazette advertising sales consultant Lorraine Millard said she remembers “the strange feeling of it being dark in the middle of the day”.

The next total solar eclipse will be on July 22, 2028 and will cover parts of WA, the NT, south-west Queensland and NSW.

By DARREN CHAITMAN

WITH Bill Harris’ four-week “Birds in the Wild” exhibition set to open at Violet Town’s backART Gallery this Friday, April 28, The Euroa Gazette joined the photographer at the Euroa Arboretum last week as he sought out birds to photograph.

Advertisement in 20th October edition of The Gazette. In 1976 coloured TV was still a novelty having only been introduced on 1st March 1975.

The 68-year-old seasoned snapper from Euroa was not optimistic about getting a good shot at the Arboretum, saying it was “probably the worst time of year to be coming here as it’s coming into winter”.

Mr Harris explained getting a great shot of a bird is not a simple matter - it requires research, patience and travel.

Last year he and his wife Rhos, who both are retired, took a three-month caravan trip to Queensland where Mr Harris would often wake up before dawn to set up his camera, then spend the day photographing and the night on his laptop assessing the pictures he took.

“The best analogy I’ve ever heard is it’s like fishing,” he said.

“Those guys get up at silly hours as well - sometimes, you go out, you spend a whole day on the water and you come back with nothing, and other days, you fill the boat with fish.

“And that’s a bit like the game we play - you gotta be patient, you sit often doing nothing for long periods of time, but when the pay-off comes it comes unexpectedly and in a hurry.”

During his Queensland trip last year, that pay-off came over a three-day period in the Far North High Country where he got some great images of riflebirds and bowerbirds, two species which had always eluded him.

It soon became apparent that such a pay-off would not be occurring at the Arboretum during this interview, although Mr Harris did note the Arboretum is an “underutilised treasure” in town and he has had

success there in summer.

Even with all the difficulty involved in taking the right shot, Mr Harris explained finally getting that great picture was not the most satisfying part of his work.

“I love taking the photos, but the most satisfaction I get is when it’s printed properly and people can admire it in a printed format,” he said.

Mr Harris shares his work in this way through exhibitions, which he also finds are a great way to open up conversations about birdlife.

“A large part of the enjoyment is interacting with people about what they’ve had in their life when it comes to birdlife - most people have a story to tell,” he said.

But he said if you had told him five years ago he would exhibit his work at galleries, he would have laughed at you.

He credits Euroa’s Annette Walton-Guerin, owner of Bush Gatherings Gallery in Violet Town, with encouraging him and giving him the confidence to exhibit his photography.

“Bill was coming in watching other peoples’ exhibitions and I’d seen his photography work, and I felt he had these

shots that as a commercial photographer he wasn’t really excited about, they were too arty, but as an art gallery curator, they were really beautiful pieces,” Ms Walton said.

“I’ve got a few hanging in my home and I love what he does, and the way he’s got the patience to sit there and capture the character of his subjects as well.”

Another supporter of Mr Harris’ work is Euora state MP Anabelle Cleeland, who will speak at the opening of his upcoming exhibition.

Ms Cleeland met the photographer at Euroa Farmers’ Market, where she was selling honey before she became the local MP.

“From our days as market stall holders throughout the North East, Bill has been an inspiration to me with his ability to beautifully capture native Australian birds that we are so fortunate to have around us,” Ms Cleeland said.

As Mr Harris packed up his photography gear in the Arboretum carpark after the interview, a kookaburra laughed in the distance.

“That’s a kookaburra - you better know that one,” he said.

Glanvilles Retravision

Extract from front page of The Gazette 27th October headed Euroa Show Gate Taking and Entries Record.

This warning authorised by the Solar Eclipse Committee, Premiers Dept, Melbourne appeared in the 20th October edition in English and nine other languages.

The horse section at the Euroa Show along with all outdoor sections worked hard to be finished before the eclipse.

ENDANGERED: Two Golden Shouldered Parrots from Cape York, which are sadly listed as endangered.

PHOTO: Bill Harris

AT THE ARB: Bird photographer Bill Harris at the Euroa Arboretum. PHOTO: Darren Chaitman

“It’s like fishing”: Bill Harris on photographing birds

Vale: Ronald ‘The Duke’ Press

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY

RONALD Press was well known in the Mac’s Cove community, as well through the various gun and rifle clubs around the North East district including the Euroa Clay Target Club.

A champion shooter in several aspects of the sport, Ron gained notoriety in these areas as a great marksman.

He lived the past 22 years at his much loved home in Mac’s Cove after retiring from the Australian Air Force in 2001.

He had for many years been known as ‘The Duke’ for his likeness to John Wayne - a nickname that remained with him for most of his life.

He had no immediate family but had, some 33 years ago, adopted the Rafton family of Queensland, after having met them through work at the Australian Airforce.

At his funeral last week, Lynne Rafton said: “Ron was one of a kind, he called a spade a spade.

“It was this characteristic that drew us (Garry, Lynne and children) to him 33 years ago when he and Gary worked together in the Airforce.

“Ron was a true friend.”

Ms Rafton described their ‘family’ times with Ron, including four wheel drive trips in his famous “Oaty” - the Toyota.

“We spent a lot of time camping, water skiing, fishing, playing in dart competitions with lots of good fun times in the Airmen’s Mess,” Ms Rafton said.

Lynne said Ron was so happy when he retired to his beloved highlands of Victoria in Mac’s Cove and spent many hours working timber into furniture. For quite a few years Ron also raised much needed money for the Leukaemia Foundation by

‘Shaving for a Cure’.

From 2007 Ron showed interest in all types of shooting with Alexandra, Woods Point Gun Club, Mansfield and Euroa Clay Target clubs.

Ron took out grade wins in double/single barrel with 20, 25,

April

30 Sandi Dodd with supporting act Jimmy and Jarrod Davidson at the Longwood Community Centre from 12.30pm–5pm. Live band: The Night Owls. $15 per head. Bookings essential contact Jimmy on 0412 723 356. BYO drinks and nibbles – tea & coffee available. BBQ lunch available for purchase.

June

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

50, 75 and 100 target point scores.

The East Central District Rifle Association took Ron all over the region to the likes of Violet Town, Woods Point, Gobur, The Merton, Glenrowan, Katandra and Bendigo Ranges up until 2019.

FAMOUS LIKENESS: Ron William Press was nicknamed ‘The Duke’ for his likeness to John Wayne.

Church Services

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Holy Eucharist

Saturday April 29th

5.30pm St Dunstan’s Violet Town

Sunday April 30th

8am St Andrew’s Longwood

9.15am St Paul’s Euroa

11am Christ Church Murchison/St

Paul’s Rushworth combined service

Enq: 5704 0330

www.anglicaneuroa.org.au

All welcome

BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor John O’Ring

Enq: 0421 233 251

31 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Sunday April 30th, 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 April 30th

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 at 11am.

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 duo swims from Perth to Rottnest Island

By DIANE GRANT

IN February, 68-year-old Nagambie resident Don Wilson and his 33-year-old son Steven Wilson completed the 19.7km Perth to Rottnest Island swim.

Don had a melanoma on his left leg in 1988 and his lymph nodes were taken out, which left his leg wiithout feeling from the knee up.

As a therapy, swimming became a real benefit to him as water could take the weight off his injured leg.

Don retired from his job at Puckapunyal army camp and along with renovating his home, he undertook his swimming hobby more seriously.

He has been involved in many open water swims with several groups of swimmers across Victoria, and across the Gozo to Malta open water swim in the Mediterranean Sea and in other faraway places.

“I would like to do the remaining swims around Victoria over the next few years,” Don said.

For 15 years he has swum in the Nagambie On Water (NOW) Festival’s Open Water Park to Pub swim.

But this year the festival was brought forward and he could not compete in it, as he and his son Steven had enrolled in the Perth to Rottnest swim on the same day as the NOW Festival.

After telling friends in December that he and his son Steven had enrolled in the Perth to Rottnest Island swim, they both set out to get serious training for it.

They entered the swim as a two person relay team after training in the lead up over the summer which included seven open water swims around Victoria as part of the Victorian Summer Swim series, including

in Port Philip Bay, Echuca and Geelong.

The accumulated age of Don and Steven is 101 years old, allowing them to compete as a duo in the 100 years plus category.

“Our Rottnest Channel Swim Association’s swim in Western Australia swim began at the Cottesloe Life Saving Club,” said Don.

“We finished at Rottnest Island, 19.7km, nine hours and 35 minutes later with a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

“We were two of the 2500 swimmers who completed the course.

“Our team number was 528, and the team name was ‘The Slackers’.”

Don said conditions were good for most of the day, but in early afternoon the “Freemantle doctor” wind made the condi-

THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK: If you get a chance - take it; if it changes your life - let it.

PERSONALS: Happy 92nd birthday wishes go to Norm Cahill from family and friends. Birthday wishes go to Andrew Winter-Irving, Jenny Clonan, Bruce Boyle, Brian Wright, Traci Stumer, Kayla Shepherd, Sheridan Haines, Emily Page, Colin Hilton, Grace Kenworthy, Robert Kemp, Jordy White, Sharon Allan, Helen Dawson, Mary Plieger and Ashleigh Pedder.

Anniversary wishes go to Paul and Glenys Lejins.

AUTHOR KYLIE LADD TO VISIT LIBRARY: On Thursday, April 27, author Kylie Ladd will visit Nagambie Library from 6.30pm-7.30pm to share her new book “I’ll Leave You With This”. The event is free; the point-of-contact is 1300 374 765.

SENIOR CITIZENS NEWS: April 27, excursion to Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market and shops. May 15, trip to River’s Restaurant and Nursery at Yarrambat.

Movie day is the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Details to Jill on 0419 567 580.

TASTES OF THE GOULBURN FESTIVAL: Enjoy a steam train ride and much, much more.

Promoting our wonderful wine and food regions once again is the Tastes of the Goulburn Festival in Seymour Saturday, April 29. Exhibitors will come from Nagambie Lakes, Strathbogie and Mitchell Shire, Goulburn Valley and Upper Goulburn areas. Visit tastesofthegoulburn.org.au.

tions interesting until he and his son got close to the shelter of Rottnest Island.

“Fortunately for us there were no stingers,” he said.

The father son duo are not finished yet - they have plans

NAGAMBIE NOTES

FUNDRAISER FOR NAGAMBIE HEALTHCARE: Tuesday, May 2, 10am-3pm. Nagambie Healthcare Auxiliary’s annual card and board game day at Nagambie Rowing Club, High St Nagambie.

Cost is $30 and includes morning tea and lunch.

RSVP to 5794 2476 or 0422 367 076.

KELVIN GROVE VILLAGE NEWS: Thanks to all who supported our clearing-garage sale last Saturday.

Coming up next for our village people on Tuesday, May 16 is our village residents Mother’s Day afternoon tea dance with entertainer Noel Pearson.

Friends and family and the senior citizens line dancers are invited to attend at 1.30pm4.30pm, Kelvingrove Village Hall.

T.O.W.N CLUB NEWS: The Take Off Weight Naturally Loss weight club meets at the RSL rooms at 1pm each Wednesday, 340 High St, Nagambie.

You can receive support to lose weight and achieve a healthy goal weight.

Details from Yvonne Dacey on 0412 025 845.

CHURCH NEWS:

ANGLICAN: Sunday, April 30, at 10am is a combined Parish service at St Paul’s Avenel.

Morning tea followed by lunch at Mangalore Hotel.

to return for another year and keep up their swimming prowess.

Congratulations Don and Steven Wilson for having completed this swim event many will never attempt.

Bookings point-of-contact is Peter Foote on 0419 467 319

No Sunday service at Christ Church Seymour or St John’s Nagambie that day. Christ Church normal Seymour services Sunday 9am.

St John’s Nagambie Sunday services 11am. St. Paul’s Avenel on 1st Saturday at 5pm and the 5th Sunday of the month 10am.

Point-of-contact is Rev. R Pennington on 0477 921 111.

CATHOLIC: Nagambie St Malachy’s. Mondays 10.30am and Wednesday noon rosary.

1st and 3rd Sundays 9.00am Mass. 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays 11.00am Word and Communion.

Avenel St Mary’s Sundays 10.30am Rosary.

1st and 3rd Sundays 11am Mass 2nd and 4th and 5th Sundays 11.00am Word and Communion.

Contacts are Nagambie W Keenan on 0459 595 908, Avenel G Kenworthy on 0405 125 963 and Euroa Fr A.Hill at 0439 033 029.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Nagambie St Andrew’s 9am service 1st and 3rd Sunday and Seymour every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.

Contact W Day on 0429 933 116.

UNITING: Seymour & Avenel Uniting Church Sundays 9am at Avenel, 11am at Seymour. Contact Rev. J. Payne on 0408 176 754. NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH COMMUNITY: (Uniting Church) 2nd and 4th Sundays, 9.30am, Nagambie Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms. Contact R Close on 0402 286 277.

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

DYNAMIC DUO: The accumulated age of Don and Steven Wilson is 101 years old, allowing them to compete in the event as a duo in the 100 years plus category.

THE SLACKERS: Father and son Don and Steven Wilson completed the 19.7km Perth to Rottnest Island swim under the team name “The Slackers”.

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Dear Dr Chalmers, Thereʼs a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal governmentʼs advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which donʼt produce any content or employ any journalists).

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldnʼt be controversial.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country. And it wonʼt cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Authorised by A Manuel, 9 Howe Street Balaklava SA 5461

NOW CHILD-FRIENDLY: Gorgeous Australian native animal wall decals and a dedicated activity box have been added to the urgent care centre (UCC) within Euroa Health’s acute hospital, following feedback from the newly formed community advisory committee that the UCC was “not child-friendly”.

Euroa Health makes childfriendly additions to UCC

GORGEOUS Australian native animal wall decals and a dedicated activity box have been added to the urgent care centre (UCC) within Euroa Health’s acute hospital, following feedback from the newly formed community advisory committee that the UCC was “not child-friendly”.

Euroa Health has already received compliments from parents who unfortunately needed medical assistance at the UCC for their young family member at night or on

weekends when their GP was unavailable.

Last year, 181 children attended Euroa Health’s UCC. Staff at Euroa Health said it was good to see feedback from the community advisory committee, which was formed in December 2022, already implemented. The committee comprises volunteers who donate their time to tour and provide their honest opinions on areas and spaces inside the facilities.

Several committee

Euroa Garden Club enjoys gardenhopping bus trip

By DENISE HOLT

THE first Euroa Garden Club meeting with the new executive for 2023 was a bus trip as a celebration of a new year without COVID restrictions.

President Rosalie Wrest welcomed 40 members onto the bus before setting off to Invergordon.

Bus coordinator Christine John had organised a most enjoyable day, which was made more special with absolutely perfect autumn weather.

The first stop was Rodney and Shirley Clarke’s commercial garden in Invergordon.

members had not seen inside the hospital at all when they first joined, while others had been consumers at Euroa Health and were willing to provide feedback based on their own experiences.

Euroa Health CEO Melissa Seymour said she is pleased to hear constructive feedback from the community advisory committee members at each meeting and is committed to an agile response to make changes where appropriate.

Rodney had been the guest speaker at the February meeting and members were keen to follow up his talk with a visit to his garden.

He grows dahlias and chrysanthemums in shade sheds.

Many of the dahlias were still in bloom, so visitors were able to order corms to plant in their own gardens knowing what the blooms will be.

Rodney shared his expertise and answered many questions about success with dahlias.

He has a large variety of

plants, making choices difficult because they are all very beautiful.

The chrysanthemums were just coming into their peak ready for Mothers’ Day and garden club members were tempted to purchase these pretty plants in pots also.

Shirley Clarke had prepared a lovely morning tea with scones, cake and slices.

After leaving the Clarkes’, the bus continued to Benalla where a picnic lunch was enjoyed in the

Benalla Gardens.

After the lunch break, the group moved onto Sophie Arent’s wonderful garden, where the Benalla Garden Club members provided a delicious afternoon tea and participants wandered through a gorgeous garden in lovely sunshine.

The generosity and hospitality of Rodney and Shirley Clarke and Sophie Arent and the Benalla Garden Club was greatly appreciated by all Euroa Garden Club participants.

BEAUTY IN BENALLA: President Rosalie Wrest and Maurice Frater visiting Sophie Arent’s garden in Benalla.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

N J Todd Funeral

Member AFDA

Directors

Servicing Euroa & District since 1937

DEATH NOTICES

LARKINS, Illuka-Jachai Andrew. 29/3/23-6/4/2023.

Darling little son of Ceara and Ryan, Brother of Shayleigh, Ryder and Lincoln, Adored grandson of Lyn and Russell, little nephew of Blade, Denise, Jocelyn, Elizabeth and families.

Great grandson of Bev Adams. Rest peacefully our beautiful angel.

LARKINS, Ricky.

Passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Loving father of Deanne, Troy, Shane, Corey, Liam. Loving son of Gavin and Kathy, brother of Wayne, Kyle, Rennéé, Adam and families. Loving grandson of Bev Adams. “To know him was to love him” No more pain, rest peacefully.

BEREAVEMENT THANKS

DUNNACHIE, Ken.

The Dunnachie Clan send many thanks for all the wonderful tributes, cards and flowers we received on the passing of our loving and much loved Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. We appreciate each and every one of your caring thoughts. The Farm Gate is shut but our memories are many.

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 39 RETIREMENT VILLAGES ACT 1986

Euroa Health Inc. as the registered proprietor of the land comprised in

SOLD

EUROA BOWLS CLUB AGM

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 7pm at the Euroa Golf Club Election of Office Bearers and General Meeting President –Richard Noble SecretaryMarc Stevens

2010 VW Golf Wagon diesel, manual, 156,600km, reg to July 8, 2023 (ZWH478), RWC, tow ball, $6000. Contact Libby 0438 648 123.

2013 Ford Territory, diesel, auto, 2.7lt V6 turbo, RWD, 7 seater, in excellent condition, services regularly, 4 n ew tyres and RWC, 255,000km, reg (1PB4ON), $11,000 ono. Ph 0407 050 406.

Kokoda Xtrail 2013, length 17’8”, tare 2440kg, ball weight 220kg, REG (V73133U),

GAZAL Zodiac pop top caravan 17 ft, registered, tare 1150 atm 1450, very good condition, new awning, Reco 3-way fridge, diesel heater, gas/electric hot water, external shower, 2 water tanks, led lighting throughout, windguard aerial, 1500w invertier, 200w solar panel on roof, 2 batteries, privacy screens and walls, $17,000 ono. Ph 0428 398 360.

SOLD

2000 model Toyota Echo, 4 door and hatch, auto, aircon, power windows and mirrors, 12 months reg (1JR6CL),$1500. Ph 0435 584 746 or 5778 7661.

SUBARU Forester

2021 MY21 2.5iS AWD Wagon Auto, REG (1TF1ZE), 43,000 km, r egistered Feb 2024, black leather interior, sunroof, full service h istory, towbar and tinted windows, $39,950 Call: 0407 000 512.

SOLD

2008 manual Holden Combo Panel Van, excellent condition, reg June 2023 (WZT360), m ileage 52,000km, located in Wangaratta, full history service, price $6000. Ph 0408 261 330.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

REGAL Deluxe pop t op caravan, tandem wheel base, full oven, air conditioner, island double bed, good condition, reg (F21556), $9500. Ph 0407 218 377.

LONGWOOD LOOKOUT

WOW, the heritage water tower has landed with a bang.

There was a mammoth effort last week from members of the Longwood Action Group to have it come to fruition and look so fantastic.

It has been placed on the corner of Maxfield and Down streets and our town centre is certainly looking its very best now.

The Longwood Action Group held a working bee last Sunday with a fabulous attendance of around 20 people.

The group decided on the mulching and tidy up of the streetscape gardens, Boer Memorial and Max Cox paddock tidy ups.

The sculptures at the pub paddock were placed over in the gardens near the water tower and plantings underneath the tower took place as well.

NETBALL VIOLET TOWN NETBALL

A Grade

IN the first quarter VT started strong.

With some good communication in defence with Kolby and Kate.

Jo dominating down the center.

Scores 14 to 8, VT in the lead.

During the second quarter Avenel came out strong.

Changes in defence, Kolby to WD and Steph in GK.

Scores 23 to 24 Avenel’s way, VT 1 down.

In the third quarter Violet Town came back to take the lead again.

Brookes chased down loose balls in WA. Scores 35 to 29, Violet Town’s way.

All players started the same as the third quarter.

Avenel started to come back in the last quarter.

Defence kept the pressure on Avenel’s goalers.

Avenel came back to tie in the last few minutes.

Imy scored the final goal with 10 seconds to spare. Violet Town taking out a win final scores 43 to 42.

Final Scores: Violet Town43 def Avenel - 42

Best on - Teagan Kubeil

2nd Best - Brooke Wooden

B Grade

The B Grade girls came out fighting in the first quarter.

With a new shooting combination of Lilly Armstrong and Kat Jung, the girls finished the first quarter with a 3-goal lead.

From then on, the girls demonstrated exceptional teamwork, where they were able to work together to turn most centre passes and turn overs into goals.

Kayla and Kasey worked hard to keep the ball flowing through the centre for the whole game.

While defence worked hard to get rebounds and move them into the attacking end.

The girls finished strong, defeating Avenel by 10 goals.

Final Scores: Violet Town 42 def Avenel - 32

Best on - Kat Jung

2nd Best - Lilly Armstrong

C Grade VT started strong with some great re-leading and some nice ring work.

Only down by 5 goals at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was

District News

The consensus was that it was the best working bee ever held with plenty of laughs and a BBQ following the hard morning‘s work of course cooked by our legendary BBQ cook Normie Jones.

Thank you to everyone who brought along heavy equipment to make the jobs easier and to everyone for donated mulch, fuel, sprays and plants and the biggest thank you of all to everyone for such a mammoth effort – it was a ripper day.

The Longwood Anzac Day service will be held at 9am at the Boer Memorial and is being organised once again by young local Liza Hearmon.

Liza has requested that if you would like to march down Hurley Street to the Memorial,

also strong with some great shooting by Erin.

Scores at half time Avenel 17, VT 10.

The third quarter was tougher.

We saw a few intercepts and rebounds, but the gap had widened, Avenel now 28 and VT 12.

The fourth quarter was quite hot and saw some silly errors.

Great back up from some players and nice rebounding down the defence end.

Final Scores: Avenel 40 def Violet Town 12

Best on - Erin Dawson

2nd Best - Cass Greatorex

FOOTBALL

VIOLET TOWN FOOTBALL

UNDER 18s

After a comfortable win first up the Young Towners were faced with a bigger challenge in round two, with a trip to Central Park reserve in Shepparton East to Take on Last year’s Runners up Lancaster.

Talleigh McCabe was excellent all Day Down back for the Towners with a best on Ground Performance.

In what was only a ninepoint game at three quarter time the Town kicked the final 5 goals of the match to run out 39-point winners with Montell providing a focal point up forward booting three goals.

Violet Town: 11.11.77

Lancaster: 5.8.38

Best: Talleigh McCabe, Charles Thompson, Sam Leigh, Sam Cox, Max Smyth, Charlie Hall.

Goals: M Macfarlane 3, T Green 2, M Smyth 2, S Cox 2, C Hall 1, J Reed 1.

GOLF

AVENEL GOLF

Friday, April 21 we had a front 9 white tee stableford comp.

The winner was Cain Murray with 17 points on a countback from Mark Hannigan.

Saturday was the first monthly medal of the new season.

Continuing on in his rich vein of form Mark Hannigan saluted with a very nice 92 net 70 including a great birdie on the 13th collecting the medal.

Runner up was Campbell Smith with 88 net 71.

Balls went to Matt Eddy and Alex Smith. NTP on the 5th and 18th stayed with the club but the 14th was Jed Smith.

please meet at the Longwood Primary School at 8.30am for an 8.45am start to the march.

Tea and coffee to follow the service.

If you wish to lay a wreath at the service could you please email the longwood lookout address below, Liza Hearmon or an action group committee member so your name or group can be announced at the service.

Come and try yoga in Longwood!

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

All you need to do is bring along a yoga mat, water bottle, wear something comfort-

able and relax and enjoy on behalf of the Longwood Action Group.

The sessions are at no cost for the Longwood community and will be held Tuesday 9, 16, 23 and 30 of May from 6.15pm–7.15pm at the Longwood Community Centre.

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

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

It‘s not necessary but strongly encouraged, for RSVPs to longwoodlookout@gmail.com or any Longwood Action Group member or just come along.

We hope to see you there!

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

SPORT - SCOREBOARD

The drive and pitch on the 7th was Tim Batten with two great shots in but the new pin placement brought him unstuck and he wasn’t able to convert.

Sunday the men’s pennant team travelled to Mount Macedon to take on Kilmore to try cement a spot in the final before a last round bye.

Mount Macedon golf course is in fantastic condition and they even turned the weather on for us. Unfortunately results didn’t go to plan, Jed Smith won 3 and 1 with a dodgy back, Campbell Smith lost 5 and 4 to a much more experienced opponent and putting on tricky greens making the difference.

Adam Harrap had a solid win 5 and 3 , Mark Hannigan and Tim Batten both lost 3 and 2 with putting proving the difference in these matches also.

The loss means we need results in other matches to go our way or the season is done but we’ve given a good account of ourselves and can be proud either way.

Next Saturday is stableford on the short course and then Sunday we host the last round of pennant starting at 11am.

NAGAMBIE GOLF

A SPIKE in form has Michael Nolan winning the Sunday stroke event and 2nd round of the club champion-

ship and propelled him to a comfortable lead in the A grade net championship, an 83-11-72 was enough for Nolan to hang on to win a count back from Tim Baldwin 82-1072.

Nolan’s round consisted of solid driving from the tee and putting away puts when required a five-shot lead in the A grade with one round to play suggests he is the one to beat.

Third on the day with a gritty 91-18-73 was Phil Hageman, showing no signs of letting up when it comes to the B grade championship Hageman’s vice like grip on B grade is where all the smart money is for him to win his second B grade in three years.

C grade is being controlled by a crafty Greg Whiteman, but a hunting pack has mustered behind to make things a little nervous for a runaway round one leader, Whiteman is four clear of Graeme Keogh, Alby Seenan and Gary Bow as a grandstand finish awaits.

The scratch championship has had a change in leader with Jeremy Ezard advancing ahead of Michael Roberts with one round to play, Ezard will take a 5 shot lead into the final round in an attempt to win his 11th title.

The nearest the pins were hard to get at with only two of four going off, Jeff Mills fi-

nessed his ball onto the 13th and Dean Brown knocking off the 16th, next week will be the 3rd and final round of the 2023 championships, on office duty is D. Brown and in the bar T. Baldwin.

BOWLS

AVENEL BOWLS

CLUB

TWO long time servants of the Avenel Bowls Club were awarded Life Membership at the club’s Closing Day celebrations last Sunday.

Jenny and Spud Furletti together have contributed almost 60 years’ service to the club.

Spud has held many administrative positions in that time including seven years as president, along with roles as vice president, treasurer, tournament director, match committee, bar manager and a massive twenty-seven years as club delegate, a role still holds.

Many of these roles were held concurrently.

In 2015, Spud took over the role of greenkeeper and has worked for many hours almost daily to provide one of the best greens in the Goulburn Valley.

Spud’s devotion to the club has not only been in the administration of the club.

His bowling prowess and individual skills has contributed greatly to the success of

the team and club.

He is held in the highest esteem by all members of the club and across the Goulburn Valley playing area.

Jenny served as President and Vice President of the Ladies Committee when Ladies were Associate members.

She has been an active member of the match committee for seventeen years and delegate for four years.

Seven times Jenny has won the title of Ladies Singles Champion and together Jenny and Spud have won the Mixed Pairs Club Championship three times.

Jenny’s bowling expertise led her to play Skip for many years and her ability to pass on her knowledge to new bowlers has been invaluable in creating the next generation of skilled bowlers.

But the role she is best renowned for is her expertise as catering manager, a role she has held for fifteen years.

Without Jenny’s forward thinking forward thinking and planning Avenel Bowls Club would not have the outstanding reputation for catering that we currently enjoy.

Congratulations and thank you to both Jenny and Spud for your many years of dedication, generosity and hard work that has contributed to the success and growth of the Avenel Bowls Club.

AVENEL B GRADE NETBALL: Alyssa Quigg proved hard to stop in goals.

PHOTO: Dale Mann

Under 14s lose round one thriller in Central Goulburn league

By GRANT DAVEY

AFTER many years in the Seymour District Football League, this year the new Euroa Junior Football Netball Club committee decided change was needed.

The netball teams were moved to the competitive Shepparton Netball Association (SNA) competition, while the football teams aligned

with the stronger Central Goulburn league.

The U10s and U12s now plays Saturday mornings while the U14s and U16s play grading games for the first four rounds on Sundays.

The U14s first game was away against a strong 27 player Mooroopna side.

Coach Saxon asked his 18 players to be competitive and he got that in spades.

Euroa was under extreme pressure in the 1st quarter with Mooroopna dominating possession but couldn’t kick accurately.

Euroa’s single move forward saw Wolfenden score a goal to lead at quarter time by one point.

Euroa then settled into the game with Robertson, Swain, Hoare, Creevey and Saxon all gathering possessions and making

and making Mooroopna work hard.

Euroa won the quarter with Wilson and Walker kicking one goal each, to take a 2-goal lead into half time.

The premiership quarter saw Mooroopna put the foot down scoring 2.6.

But Euroa came back late with two crucial goals from Ethan Saxon late in the quarter with the Cats up by one point at three

quarter time.

Coach Saxon asked his chargers to fight in the last quarter and with no one on the bench it was a big ask.

Euroa fought hard with Holden, Davey, Johns, Van Den Berghe and the Beckman’s all giving it their best but went down by seven points.

The Euroa president said after the game “the team showed the spirit

of the town” while coach Saxon went on to say “we were challenged numerous times and kept responding and never gave in”.

“Solid effort with lots to improve on,” Saxon said.

Euroa 43 defeated by Mooroopna 50

Best: Ethan Saxon, Ollie Swain, Haimi Wolfenden, Darby Hoare, Will Davey

Goals: Saxon 3, Wolfenden 1, Wilson 1, Jackson 1

Criterium cycling lights up streets

By ARTHUR GERMAN

THE eagerly awaited second annual Euroa Town Criteriums were conducted on Saturday April 22 in the streets of the town.

Some 103 riders, ranging in age from 7 to 70 years old entered the very popular Shepparton Cycling Club event.

Thirteen events were scheduled, beginning at 1pm and culminating in a 5.30pm finish when the major events on the calendar, the A grade men ‘s and women ‘s were completed.

It was a real family occasion with parents and their children competing together and it was thoroughly enjoyed, creating a marvellous atmosphere.

Results were as follows:

Under 15 men: 5 starters.

1st - Lachlan Emert, Blackburn CC. 2nd - Levi Brain, Bendigo & district CC. 3rd - Thomas Brain, Bendigo & district CC.

Under 15 Women:3 starters. 1st - Madeleine Douglas, Bendigo & district CC. 2ndBillie Russell, Brunswick CC / Shepparton CC. 3rd - Makayla Tobin, Geelong / Blackburn CC.

Under 13 Boys: 4 starters. 1st - Kaeden Ryan, Blackburn CC.

2nd - Hamish Retchford, Team Mt. Beauty CC 3rdEvan Tobin, Geelong CC.

Under 13 Girls: 2 starters. 1st - Jasmine Gill, Brunswick CC. 2nd - Asha Croftsi , Brunswick CC.

Under 17 Men:4 starters.

1st - Luca Lancaster, Shepparton CC. 2nd - Maxx Nuspan, Bendigo & district CC. 3rd - Bryce Nicholls, Castlemaine CC.

Under 17 Women:4 starters. 1st - Alanah Lake, Blackburn CC. 2nd - Amie Lawton, Brunswick CC. 3rd - Hope Harnettyi, Castlemaine CC.

Men ‘s C Grade: 19 starters. 1st - Jarrod Franklin, Albury/ Wodonga CC. 2ndJustin Deeley, Bendigo & district CC. 3rd - Allan Parish, Shepparton CC.

Women ‘s C Grade: 6 starters. 1st - Claire Goodman, Echuca Moama CC. 2nd - Hannah Gibbons Cobram Barooga CC. 3rd - Julia Wood, Seymour Broadford CC.

Men ‘s B Grade: 31 Starters. 1st - Jake Lay, Seymour

Broadford

CC. Daniel Burrows, Cobram Barooga CC. 3rd - Ian Studley, Mornington CC. Sprint, Simon Lee, Shepparton CC.

Women ‘s B Grade: 9 starters. 1st - Emma Jackson, Castlemaine CC. 2nd - Alison Lee (Bush) Shepparton CC. 3rd - Audrey Pritchard, Blackburn CC.

Sprint: Alanah Lake, Blackburn CC.

Junior Support: 4 starters. 1st - Krystal Gill, Brunswick

CC. 2nd - Paris Hopwood, Mansfield Mt. Buller CC. 3rd - Thea Davis, Shepparton CC. 4th - Chloe Jackson, Castlemaine CC.

Men ‘s A Grade: 14 starters, 1st - Dan Purcell,Footscray

CC. 2nd - Samual Eddy, Bendigo & district CC. 3rd - Lewis Crofts, Sunbury CC. Sprint. No.1. Lewis Crofts. Sprint No. 2. Samual Eddy.

Women ‘s A Grade: 5 starters. 1st - Kirsty Deacon, Carnegie Caulfield CC. 2nd - Lilyth Jones, Bendigo & district

CC. 3rd - Lucy Hall, Bendigo & district. Sprint: Kirsty Deacon. Caulfield Carnegie CC.

The Men ‘s B Grade was particularly interesting, with Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France hero Brett Lancaster having his first start for over seven years. His 14-year-old son Luca,

who is showing great potential, being matched against his father.

The pace was high and unfortunately, he did not finish in the leading bunch, whereas his father showed that at 43 years of age he will have no problem matching it with the best.

Some of Shepparton’s leading riders from the past were spotted in the crowd.

Leigh Egan, a multiple World BMX champion, Steven Fairless, World Masters champion and former Olympian, still looking a picture of fitness, and not forgetting Dick Moore a former Herald Sun Tour rider who had the distinction of winning six stages of the tour in one year, an amazing accomplishment.

All in all, a fairly successful day, with the sun shining brightly, and a wonderful venue in the beautiful township of Euroa.

Thanks go to the Strathbogie Shire for allowing our club to conduct the event in their town.

Special thanks are directed at the McDonalds NGI Group who sponsored the event.

Owing to the success of the races, plans are underway to make it an annual event.

LAST LEG: Binney Street posed a final stretch for many of Saturday’s races.

TIME TO OVERTAKE: Maxx Nuspan Bendigo & District Cycling Club (yellow) looks to overtake Bryce Nicholls Castlemaine Cycling Club.

TIGHTLY BUNCHED: Riders in the B Grade Men’s were forced to navigate through heavy traffic early in the race.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

Seymour deals Euroa first loss of season

EFNC - FOOTBALL SENIORS

By SCOTT WATSON

A BEAUTIFUL bright sunny day greeted everyone at Kings Park Seymour last Saturday

The way in which the entire facility has rebounded from flood impacts late in 2022 is a credit to everyone involved and is much appreciated by those visiting.

There were a few changes to the team which defeated Benalla the previous week with the inclusion of debutante Darby Wilson, who along with Cohen Paul has been playing with the Murray Bushrangers so far in 2023.

Darby looked very much at home in the senior side as he moved from the wing into the backline with great effect.

Ultimately being named in the best for the afternoon.

Returning to the team was key forward Tristan Davies alongside key play-maker and ex-Coach JD Hayes.

Seymour had a number of inclusions themselves and were keen to get their teeth into the match.

The first quarter began in rapid fashion with both sides showing just why they are touted to be top four in 2023.

The foot-passing and general play from both teams resulted in some excellent opportunities for their respective forwards.

Jett Trotter was again at his brilliant best as was the hard-working Jack McKernan. Key forward Tristan Davies led out and provided a key target time and time again.

At quarter time the lead was with Seymour, yet the match was certainly in the balance.

It was the second and third quarters that put paid to the match as Seymour managed to pile on ten goals to five from Euroa.

Both teams were desperate to gain ascendancy in the center of the ground with Captain Jacob Gleeson leading his charges very well in this respect.

Will Hayes was again in everything as was veteran Andrew Bell.

Gus Varley was thrown yet another challenge as he took on the role of shutting down the Seymour midfield dominance.

With a 6-goal deficit at three-quarter time, the messaging from the coaching staff as well as the players themselves was to ensure their efforts and performance in the last quarter was not a mirror of what had been produced in the second and third quarter.

To their credit, the Magpies shook off this below par performance for the last quarter and were able to run out the game well.

Big man Andrew Smith

led the way in this regard as he, along with key defenders Ryan Pendlebury and Matthew Ivill, worked hard to the last siren.

A re-set is required this week as the team look to host a very competitive Shepparton United outfit at Memorial Oval in Euroa.

A 2pm start time and some nice weather predicted means the crowds ought to be good for another wonderful game of country football.

On another note, the club wish to thank the twodozen supporters who spent the early hours of Sunday morning cutting up a huge amount of firewood for the coming winter months.

Club Patron Tony Brodie and club vice president Andrew Hill led the way in this regard, quite a few ton of wood was cut and is ready for sale and delivery.

Contact Tony Brodie if you want some firewood phone 0483 817 248.

Euroa - 12.8.80 defeated by Seymour 18.8.116

Best players: Andrew Smith, Will Hayes, Darby Wilson, Tristan Davies, Andrew Bell

Goal kickers: Jett Trotter (2), Nathan Stewart (2), Tristan Davies (2), Jacob Gleeson (1), Andrew Smith (1), Zac Gleeson (1), Ryan Hill (1), Adam Giobbi (1), JD Hayes (1)

EUROA RESERVES

By TONY BRODIE

As our Euroa reserves team hit the ground, the writer and supporters could see that it was going to be a challenging day for the team.

As mentioned in last week’s report, it was hoped that we would have a number of players coming back

into the side for this week’s game, but this was not to be the case, maybe next week.

The Seymour team were quickly out of the blocks, moving the ball at speed into their forward line.

This was to be the case for most of game as our team struggled to match the opposition during the game as they moved the ball well around the ground with plenty of players showing great capacity to run out quarters strongly.

Our players worked hard during the game but lacking height up forward and in defence made it extremely difficult.

Coach Linc McKernan encouraged the group, which helped in the players showing much endeavour at the contest.

The opposition were just better with their hands and feet making Euroa look slow as they were chasing for most of the afternoon.

Despite this, the commitment of our Euroa team could not be questioned.

The experienced players, Linc McKernan, Craig Bamford and Robbie Wilson worked hard to help and encourage the young group with Mitch Penman and Nick McCabe trying hard in defence.

Declan Redfern, Keily Jager and Josh Robertson worked hard at the contest giving us good ball movement at times.

Euroa 6-5-41 defeated by Seymour 12-20-92

Goal Kickers Euroa: Craig Bamford (2), Harrison Lane (2), Nic Hill (1), Robbie Wilson (1)

Best Players: Keily Jager, Craig Bamford, Declan Redfern, Nick McCabe, Josh Robertson, Caden Robinson.

EUROA THIRDS

The Euroa Under 18 boys headed down the freeway to play arch rivals Seymour for an Anzac Day weekend clash.

The weather was perfect with sunny blue skies and an immaculate playing surface.

Although Euroa was short of players they managed to get a team together with help from Seymour’s bench.

Euroa was first on the scoreboard with a goal, quickly followed with a goal from right in front of the posts for Seymour.

Euroa used their height well in the centre but finished the quarter behind.

Euroa 1.1.7 to Seymour 2.3.15.

Second quarter Euroa seemed to lift

Will Creevey marked at the 50, feigned a kick then took off towards the goals and scored for Euroa.

Will Creevey again made a valiant effort to even things up but at half time Euroa still trailed. Euroa

2.3.15 Seymour 4.6.30.

Although never giving up, by the end of the third quarter the stronger Seymour team had skipped away from our boys.

Credit to the fill-in Seymour boys who were playing hard for Euroa against their own teammates.

Seymour 7.6.48 Euroa 2.

5 .17

Fourth quarter Seymour continued to dominate kicking four goals to Euroa’s one which was kicked by Cohen Paul who was back with

the club due to no Murray Bushranger commitments.

Next week we welcome Shepparton United to Euroa for a home game.

With extra players returning to the lineup, be sure to watch this space.

Euroa 3-6-24 were defeated by Seymour 11-10-76

Goal Kickers Euroa: Will Creevey (1), Cohen Paul (1)

Best Players: Will Creevey, Bailey Allen, Ned Ivill, Caid Miller, Tynan Cummins, Dublin Anderson

TRAFFIC: Keily Jager and Lachie Cooke move the ball out of the congestion.

STRONG GRAB: Harrison Lane takes a strong contestant mark.

STANDOUT PERFORMER: Although his team defeated, Will Hayes continued his scintillating start to the season.

PHOTOS: KICKS and PICS

Under 15 netballers prove too strong for their Seymour rivals

EFNC - NETBALL By SALLY REDFERN

A GRADE SEYMOUR started the game very strongly, applying pressure to every player on the Magpie’s team but the Euroa girls stayed in the game with some nice transitions down the court.

Olivia Morris and Mia Sudomirski worked hard in goals and finished off the nice play.

Euroa started off strongly in the second quarter pulling the lead back to within two goals but a couple of errors were capitalised on by a quick Lions line up.

This only saw the lead extended out by half time for Seymour.

A few changes on the court saw Euroa off to a good start in the third, Sophie Owens and Eliza Hoare moving the ball into Bree Poole with fresh legs on a very warm day.

This initially seemed to be making a difference, but the momentum was not maintained with Seymour’s goalers shooting with pinpoint accuracy, not allowing for many chances to turnover.

The start of the fourth saw Euroa score a few goals in a row with some lovely passages of play.

Tylah Marchbank in defence was able to pick off a few loose passes and the Magpies lifted, outscoring Seymour in the fourth.

However, the reigning premiers were just too strong for Euroa on Saturday, going on to win by 15 comfortable goals.

Seymour 57 Euroa 42

Best players as awarded by the Coach: Sophie Owen, Mia Sudomirski and Olivia Morris.

B GRADE

There were 350 solid reasons why a win was eminently desirable for Euroa when they met Seymour at King’s Park under glorious blue skies on Saturday.

Unfortunately, Seymour did not get the message, and went on to win what was a tightly contested battle.

Celebrating Megan O’Bree’s momentous milestone was uppermost in Magpie minds as they warmed up, the sheer enormity of the number not lost on her teammates and the crowds of spectators who came to pay homage to a legend of the club.

The name “Megga” is one that is spoken of with awe around the Euroa Football Netball Club, her sporting talents unparalleled and more importantly her willingness to give back to her club unstinting.

Megan has been, and continues to be, an excellent role model for all, and the EFNC has been fortunate indeed to have had her around

for 350 games.

Once official duties were completed, and Megan and son Billy had broken through the commemorative banner, play began at a fast and furious pace.

It was a see-sawing first quarter, with both teams displaying strong passages of play, and both teams making errors that were quickly capitalised upon.

It is a little-known sporting fact, and one that may not be found on any search engine, but Seymour have the bounciest goal rings in Australia.

The Magpie goaling trio of Sarah Ternes, Cass Payne and Molly Redfern fought hard for four quarters against the slick Lion’s defence and the temperamental goal rings, rebounding with determination and adding to the scoreboard with regularity.

The Magpie mid-court comprising of Megan O’Bree, Abbie Ellis and youngsters Sienna Trotter and Millie Watson were untiring in their efforts to bring the ball out of defence and into attack in what were punishing conditions.

While the beautiful sunshine was delightful for spectators, it certainly added a degree of difficulty when moving at break-neck speed for sixty minutes.

Euroa’s defensive efforts were impressive again on Saturday, with the dynamic duo of Rhi Teichert and Kelly Hill combining beautifully in a very physical goal ring, using a variety of strategies to try and negate the significant height advantage Seymour had.

Both players were uncompromising in their efforts and would have slept soundly Saturday night.

At the end of four quarters, it was Seymour who held a six-goal lead, won the game and took the four points.

While this was not the result Magpies were hoping for, there were many positives to take from the game, and the narrow loss may possibly add even more incentive for when these two teams next meet.

Seymour 47 Euroa 41

Best players as awarded by the Coach: Rhi Teichert, Sienna Trotter, Megan O’Bree B RESERVE

A beautiful day at Seymour saw Euroa’s B reserve team defeated in a tight contest.

Four quarters of solid netball were played, with both teams impressing at different periods throughout the game.

The Magpie defenders had plenty of action and persisted all game.

Demi Walker, Mary and Laura Frewen and Janneke

Kruger were instrumental in a number of turnovers, just reward for their consistent and determined efforts in the ring.

Hannah Kubeil, Tayla Robinson and Chelsea Sessions provided the necessary link between defence and attack, delivering the ball to Magpie goalers Marnie Burton, Annika Sutherland and Maddi Murray with precision.

The girls look forward to taking on powerhouse Shepparton United next weekend and look forward to exploiting the home ground advantage at Memorial Oval.

Seymour 38 Euroa 29

Best players as awarded by the Coach: Demi Walker, Laura Frewen, Janneke Kruger UNDER 17s

The Euroa v Seymour 17 under netball clash took place at Kings Park last Saturday with the Magpies beginning slowly with a solitary goal for the first quarter to Seymour’s 8.

Tess Walker was not undeterred as her Best on Court status was being earnt right from the first bounce, she defended brilliantly throughout the game, with great discipline.

Tash Reid made an immediate impact in the goals in the second quarter as the

team provided a much more even contest, Euroa scoring 8 goals to Seymour’s 9.

Charlotte Palmer moved into the centre position in the third quarter with Bella Van Der Schoor shifting out to wing attack.

Charlotte never gave up, running all over the court and providing some excellent drive for her team.

Ruby Watson slotted into the Centre to give Charlotte a rest in the last quarter.

Euroa were again very competitive with their Seymour opposition, scoring 7 goals to Seymour’s 9.

The combination of Ruby Watson and Chloe Townsend (wing attack) in this last quarter meant Tash Reid was able to get some good looks at goal opportunities throughout the quarter, in which she duly capitalised.

UNDER 15s

It was a beautiful sunny morning for an early game of netball when the Euroa Magpies travelled to King’s Park in Seymour to do battle with the Lions.

Coach Kelly Hill had loads of energy as she got the girls all pumped and eager for a tough game against their long-time rivals.

The game started goal for goal but a few great intercepts by defenders in the mid court resulted in Euroa

getting the extra goals they needed to end the quarter ahead. Seymour 7 Euroa 12.

The Magpie attack played an excellent game, with outstanding accuracy by the goalers who rarely missed a shot.

It was this pinpoint precision that enabled Euroa to maintain their lead.

Euroa’s defence tried their hardest at all times in the goals but Seymour’s height in the ring was a definite advantage.

The Euroa defence never gave up the fight, applying pressure throughout the entire game.

At half time half time Euroa held a narrow 3-goal lead.

Coach Hill changed defence up a bit in the third quarter, adding three sets of

fresh legs to the court.

Once the players warmed up, they gelled together nicely.

It seemed that Seymour got some fire in their belly halfway through 3rd quarter, catching up quickly, but the Magpies finished with a goal right on the siren to end the penultimate quarter up by 4 goals.

Neither team gave up for the entire game.

Strong passing from the Euroa team was a feature of their game on Saturday

The girls played beautifully together, and their hard work was rewarded with final scores Seymour 26 to Euroa 37.

Best players as awarded by the coach: Ella Hill, Marnie Salter and Lilly Asquith.

WINNERS: Euroa’s under 15 netball team celebrated a strong victory against arch rivals Seymour.

350 OF THE BEST: Euroa stalwart Megan ‘Megga’ O’Bree celebrated her 350th netball match for Euroa in the weekends clash with Seymour.

PHOTOS: EFNC

New scoreboard put to good use with Redlegs reserves winners by 75 points

By IAN SHINER

THE Longwood Football Netball Club played their first home game of the season against Rushworth with mixed results.

The under 14s opened the day with their game against a much bigger and more experienced tiger team.

Although out sized and out played the team never stopped giving their all.

A couple of serious injuries to two of our better players prior to the season’s commencement has left coach Mark Goodall short of players.

A great opportunity for any 10 to 14-year-olds who

would enjoy a game of footy on Saturday mornings is available with the Redlegs.

Please contact the coach.

The reserves ran out big winners against Rushworth 14.12.96 to 3.3.21.

A good team effort with better players in Justin Purdey Dakota Pellegrino Blade Richardson Dillon Hardy

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION

Friday, April 28

St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide (MRVL) (N)

Saturday, April 29

Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle (G)

Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS (SCG)

and Caleb Ilbury.

It was pleasing to see the new electronic scoreboard in action for the first time.

It’s a terrific innovation for Redleg Stadium.

The success story for the day was the breakthrough win of the C grade team. Well played team. All other games both

2023

Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn (MRVL) (T)

Melbourne vs. North Melbourne (MCG) (N)

West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton (OS) (N)

Sunday, April 30

Essendon vs. Geelong Cats (MCG)

Richmond vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MRVL)

Adelaide Crows vs. Collingwood (AO) (T)

senior and junior grades were very competitive but unfortunately no wins this week.

Great to see 15-year-old Larni Shiner making her debut in A grade.

Larni showed she is very capable at this level.

Next week our round three opponents are Undera

at Undera followed by a bye. Our round four opponents on May 13 at Longwood will be neighbors Avenel.

This is the “Back To’’ day where all with Longwood connections will gather to celebrate 135 years of the Longwood Football Club. It’s a day and night not to be missed.

45-47 Railway Street, Euroa (03) 5795 3041 editor@euroa-gazette.com.au

TOTAL: 23 Rnds

Thunderbird Stock Clearance

Poultry Netting Solar Energizers

$325.00 $258.00

Rat and Mouse Smart Trap Kit

Mains Powered Energizers

Euroa Store Only from

Geared reels with 300 mtrs of Thundercord or Thundertape

$140.00 $225.00 from $175.00

8 EUROA- SHEPPARTON ROAD, EUROA (03) 5795 3618 www.wbhunter.com.au

MEGAN O’BREE CELEBRATES 350TH

Swans soar over Towners

By NICK McCABE

FOR round two of the Kyabram and District Football league, the Avenel Swans welcomed Hume rivals Violet Town.

After falling short by two points the week prior, Violet Town ascended to Avenel with the hopes of securing their maiden victory of the 2023 season.

On the other side of the coin, was the well-oiled Avenel Swans machine that came into the clash with red hot form after dismantling a strong Undera team in round one.

Avenel started the game at a blistering tempo, with ruckman Tom Tobin giving his strong on ball brigade first use of the football out of the middle.

This meant the Towners were chasing from the get-go however, around the contest they proved physically capable of winning the ball when it was there to be won.

Although this early physicality did come at a cost for Violet Town, three players being ruled out with injury for the remainder of the match meaning they only had one live rotation to come through the bench.

At quarter time Avenel had compiled eight goals to Violet Towns two, the score card reading 8.5 -53 vs 2.0 -12.

In the second quarter the Swans continued to flex their muscles on the depleted Violet Town, their clean ball use and transition speed from offence to defence on full display to those in attendance.

Notably for Violet Town, Pras Sayakhot was having a standout performance and causing the Avenel coaches a real headache.

The Violet Town defenders although being flooded by Avenel ball worked tirelessly, Tom Mackay leading this charge.

Even still, at half time Avenel had extended its lead to 84 points.

The third quarter was no different from the previous two, Avenel further extending its lead.

Cody Ball and Jack Myers punishing Violet Town each and every time the ball was in their hands.

Dylan Hoysted the beneficiary of this exquisite ball use enjoyed a plentiful day up forward for the Swans in the end concluding the match with nine goals.

With a lead of 125 points at three quarter time Avenel had the game iced, however, were determined to finish off the day with a solid four quarter performance.

Violet Town on the contrary, although beaten for much of the day were looking to finish the match with competitively in a show of faith to supporters who travelled up the highway for the match.

The Towners fulfilled this pledge, but ultimately were out classed by a very strong Avenel team for the day’s entirety, who never relented on their weakened counterparts.

Avenel 29.19 - 193 Defeated

Violet Town 7.4 - 46

Avenel Goal

RUN AND CARRY: James Herring gathers the ball for Violet Town and prepares to evade Avenel’s Cody Ball.

TOUGH AROUND THE CONTEST: Despite being beaten on the scoreboard Brandon Ebert lead a contingent of Violet Town players that asserted phsyical presence around the ball.

FIRST USE: Tom Tobin (Avenel) supplies his midfielders with first use of the football to open the match.

PHOTOS: Dale Mann

kickers: Dylan Hoysted 9, Andrew Dowling

3, Nick Goodwin 3, Corey Avola 2, Nathan Gardiner 2, Shanyn Kearny 2, Tom Tobin 2, Brayon Avola 1, Dale keenan 1, Kyle Maynard 1,

Jesse Nelson 1. Avenel Best Players: Jack Myers, Dylan Hoysted, Shanyn Kearny, Joshua Caraffa, Cody Ball, Adian

McSpeerin. Violet Town Goal Kickers: Ryan Sutherland 3, Tyler Green 2, Sam Leigh 1, Cameron Burden 1.

Violet Town Best Players: Pras Sayakhot, Riley Dowell, Thomas McKay, Harry Sleigh, Sam Leigh, Ryan Sutherland